/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal

>>141977
There's silence for a period of time, perhaps more than a minute after Silver receives the telephone, and then,

"This is Brigadier General Blueford, Executive Officer for the 23rd Infantry Division. To whom am I speaking?"

>>141978
"This is Platoon Sergeant Silver Sword of E Platoon, Sir. I apologize for how long our report has taken to get to you, things have not been very well in Vale."

>>141979
"So I've heard. What in Tartarus is going on over there?"

>>141980
"It is changelings, Sir. Group of Infiltrators managed to get behind our lines yesterday and replace significant portion of 332nd Platoon stationed here in Vale. They planned on sabotaging our communications between Front and Wald in preparation for their assault tonight."

>>141981
"That's concerning to say the least. We've noticed the communications outage most of the day. Coms were restored and then offline again. Then back on again an hour and thirty minutes ago. What is the status now?"

>>141982
"Vale is secured, Sir, our platoon finished clearing last changeling position not too long ago, and if I may Lieutenant Brisbuck and Sergeant Amber Grain should be commended for their inititive and skill in leading our platoon to victory. But we also took number of casualties in process, including Lieutenant Brisbuck who was incapacitated in changeling ambush. Some of our wounded are being driven back to Wald as we speak, but we are running short on medical supplies and are in need of additional munitions."

>>141983
There is a pause after Silver delivers his words.

"Good to hear there are good ponies still in the fight. Sergeant Sword, your platoon was being sent to the front for.... replacements?"

>>141984
"Yes Sir, or at least it was what we were to discover after contacting you with our report. Needless to say, that did not go as planned after we had discovered evidence of changeling infiltration."

>>141985
"How extensive was the infiltration?" He asks

>>141986
"They replaced Captain Forrester and every servicepony in 332nd, and some members of 332nd's Logistics. They also replaced or captured most remaining civilians. We discovered evidence of changeling replacement after inspecting members of our platoon and finding our Radio Operator and one of our machinegunners had also been replaced."

>>141987
"By Celestia. They got far. Must have wanted to cut off the 23rd from the rest of Equestria. It's a good thing ponies like you and Brisbuck were there to stop them. Your first order is to make damn sure that the road is secure. We will be using it for casualty evacuation to surgical hospitals away from the front. Check the rail lines as well for sabotage. It's night time and their planes can't see our trains. We need as much material to flow through as possible.

Evacuate your own wounded. Everypony who can't be helped in Vale. We've been meaning to set up a mobile hospital at Vale or at least at Virtue. We have some beds at Virtue, try to send them there. Expect many ambulances from the Front to pass through. They are attacking all along the front from Coltifornia through Tall Tails, Cascadia, Whitebell and up through the Empire. We will need to send replacements through Old Mecc Trail. And if it comes to it, we will withdraw through Old Mecc Trail. We will send more ponies to help you hold Vale through the night."

>>141988
Sir, Yes Sir. We will get on it immediately."

>>141989
"Oh, and Sergeant Sword? In time, prepare a detailed report of your platoon's actions. I'll have it sent up to the General and recommend every worthy stallion for a medal. There aren't many replacement platoons who can claim to have gotten the better of a Changeling Infiltration unit. Such skill and bravery must be recognized in these times. Especially in these times."

>>141990
"Absolutely Sir. These ponies deserve such distinction. Even those that did not make it..."

>>141991
"Indeed. It sounds like you have accomplished much yourself. Make sure the task of securing the road and rail lines is in capable hooves, then get rest or medical treatment. Help is coming, and we'll surely need rested ponies to respond to the situation on the Front come the morning. The fight continues, but for now, you've done your job and done it well. Vale is ours again."

>>141992
"Yes Sir, thank you Sir! Here is to more victories to come!"

>>141993
"May there be many more to come. Hallelujah and praise Celestia. And the other ones. Anything further, Sergeant Sword?"

>>141994
"I think that settles everything, Sir. I will not hold you up any further."

>>141995
"Well then Sergeant. See to it that the transportation each way out of the town is secured, rail and road. Evacuate your own wounded, and expect to receive much traffic going both ways. Reinforcements are on their way. You and your men are truly among Equestria's finest. Brigadier Blueford, out."

And with that, the phone hangs up.

>>141996
Silver sets the phone down, and lets out a sigh.

"We have lot of work ahead of us. Do you two think you can handle sorting communication between Front and Command? It sounds like Vale is going to become very busy in near future."

>>141997
"That's what we do, Sergeant." Primrose answers

>>141998
Silver nods firmly.

"Then let us get started."

He turns around, and heads out into the cold night.

>>141999
Blue Skies is still best pony

Silver's eyes open, looking outwards through the glass door, past the wooden railed balcony and over to the water of Horseshoe Bay. There are some clouds in the sky, but it's mostly clear. Some time must have passed since sunrise.

Underneath Silver's head are the soft brown feathers of a sleeping griffin.

>>142000
Agreed.

"Mng..."

Silver slowly sits up, feeling disoriented from the dream, or memory, he just experienced. He feels the areas on his body where he had acquired such grievous wounds as he slowly recalls where and when he is.

>>142001
Oh Shit There's a Griffin!

Oh wait... that's supposed to be there. Silver feels much less pain than he recalls, and there's a nice source of warmth underneath him, and from under the covers. It's calm and quiet, save for the breathing of the sleeping Jubilosa.

>>142002
This brings a smile to the unicorn's face. It's been so long since he's woken up from that kind of dream or memory to find someone next to him. He pets Jubilosa softly, deciding to enjoy this nice, peaceful moment, so very different from the War.

>>142003
The griffin is partly curled up, with her feathery chest underneath Silver, her claws extended outward into the bed, her long, leonine tail wrapping around past Silver, and her left wing wrapped over Silver's body. Her head faces towards Silver, her mouth partly open. She isn't silent, but neither does she snore.

>>142004
Silver lays his head back down and spoons the sleeping griffon, wanting to enjoy the bodily warmth just a little longer.

>>142005
Perhaps Silver is able to fall asleep again, if only for a few minutes. But he wakes to find the griffin's golden eyes looking back at him. She extends her left claw out over him.

>>142006
He smiles at his griffon before nuzzling into the warm feathers around her neck. He'll never get tired of this.

"Good morning, Jubilosa. Sleep well?"

>>142007
She smiles, moving her neck about, then pulling her neck in on Silver

"That tickles! Yes, fairly well. Good morning, Silver."

>>142008
"I am glad. You have no idea how grateful I am to have you here."

He wraps his forelegs around her, hugging and holding her close.

>>142009
Jubilosa extends her claws around him. It's a little awkward with the bottom legs and claws underneath their respective bodies, but the two creatures are able to hold each other in the soft bed, claws, legs, and wings over each other. Their bodies press closer, and Silver can feel her full chest against his.

Jubilosa doesn't say anything. She just presses her head, her neck, and the bottom of her beak against Silver's head and muzzle.

>>142010
And there they remain for what seems to be an eternity, silently locked in each other's embrace. Though in reality, it's only a few minutes before Silver looks at his griffon, and breaks the silence.

"Jubilosa? Do you think we can talk?"

>>142011
"Uh.... yes?" She says

>>142012
"I do not mean to ruin mood. It is just that we have been together for some days now, and I have grown to love and care about you in this comparatively short time. I just want to know what you think about or want out of relationship, so I might be better mate to you."

>>142013
Her golden eyes are wide and her mouth concerned, but this slowly eases as Silver nears the end of his statement. Her eyes relax and her smile reforms.

"Well... more wine would be nice." She says, opening her beak slightly for a smile.

>>142014
Silver lets out a small chuckle, and once again nuzzles into her neck feathers.

"Looks like someone is silly one in this relationship."

>>142015
"Hehe."
She hugs him, and pulls him more tightly to her.

"I'm young. I have time before I need to decide what I will do with myself. My being here, you... It's not really what I intended to do with myself. I don't think I could have imagined doing it. But now that I'm here, I don't want to change it. Not yet."

>>142016
He gives her a hug and a squeeze in turn.

"I can understand that. I know I am far from your first or best choice, and I carry no resentment over that. Whatever you do end up deciding to do, I will support you. But until then, I hope you do not mind if I enjoy these moments of us together. Companionship is something I have missed for very long time."

>>142017
Her body feels almost like a feathered cat, albeit a very large one. She tries to return the hug as best she can, with a claw and a wing. The wing is large enough to almost envelope Silver, covering him in warm feathers

"I don't mind it." She closes her eyes. "I don't mind it at all."

>>142018
Silver could almost curl up underneath that warm, feathery blanket. As a matter of fact, he does.

"Thank you..."

>>142019
She smiles, and tries to pull Silver in closer, as well as place her right foreleg under Silver's neck, and she pulls him even closer. She moves back and forth in her hugging motion, silent with her claws and wing wrapped around Silver

>>142020
They stay like this for some time, silent save for the sound of their soft breathing and steady heartbeats. Sadly, however, all good things must eventually come to an end, as the grumble from the unicorn's stomach signals. He looks up at the griffon he's so tightly embraced with.

"How do you feel about getting some breakfast together?"

>>142021
"Sure!" She says

>>142022
He smiles, plants a kiss on her beak, and sits up in the bed. He stretches out his stiff limbs before getting onto the floor.

"Anything in particular you would want to eat? If we do not have it here, we can always go out to eat somewhere."

>>142023
She pulls back a little at the kiss, but then smiles. She takes another moment before sitting up.

"I don't know. Why don't you surprise me again?"

>>142024
"Hmm...I think I can do that."

With that, Silver finally leaves the room for the first time that day to go to the kitchen.

>>142025
Jubilosa gets up after him. With wine and other liquids spilled on the bed sheets, it may be about time for those to be cleaned.

Silver exits the room to see the door to Khoi's room closed, and passed Mala's room where the door is open.

Downstairs, it's much as they left it, with natural light pouring in through the windows on the left and from the bay.

>>142026
"other liquids"

Silver decides it's time to see what they have on hoof to cook with.

>>142027
Frozen fish, a bunch of weird Kirin food stuffs like rice and lemon grass, and way too much alligator meet.

>>142028
I don't suppose there's much in the way of seasonings, is there?

>>142029
If anything, seasonings are more abundant, with items like garlic, oregano, pepper, curry, and weird Zebrican spices

>>142030
Perfect. Although there is lots, and lots, of alligator meat, Silver decides Jubilosa might prefer some variety from last night and decides to make some fried fish.

>>142031
There's no batter if that is desired. The stove is usable for frying, if electric is acceptable.

>>142032
Silver will just have to remember to go to the store for actual groceries, so the group can have proper meals for the new few days. He uses the stove after preparing the fish to pan fry it, and makes sure to use plent of spices such as the garlic and oregano to give it flavor. If on an off chance a lemon is in the kitchen, using one for lemon zest and juice will also go a long way towards flavoring the meal.

>>142033
Lemongrass may also help the meal.

>>142034
Silver thus commenced to fry fish and lemon grass, perhaps after a period to let the fish thaw.

Jubilosa makes coffee, or attempts to

>>142035
Silver talks to Jubilosa while they do this.

"Did you have any interesting dreams last night?"

>>142036
“I think I dreamed of flying a pail with chicks over rolling hills.” She says

>>142037
He chuckles and smiles at the description, an image flashing across his mind.

"Like story of storks delivering foals to parents."

>>142038
"Heh. Not quite. The chicks were those I knew in primary school, and the pail a milk pail. It was a farming area."

>>142039
"Huh. Are you pinning for home?"

>>142040
She is silent for a moment. Then she answers
“Maybe”

>>142041
While he has a moment where the fish doesn't need attention, he goes over to Jubilosa, stands up on his hindlegs and uses his forelegs to give her a big hug.

>>142042
She smiles, and is hugged by the big, fluffy pony.

"I left years ago anyways." she says

>>142043
"I am same way sometimes. Of course, my homeland is nothing like how it was when I left, but sometimes I wish I could see land of my birth."

>>142044
She looks down to the left, while sitting.

"Have you thought of going back?"

>>142045
"Sometimes...but it would be painful to do so, seeing how it has changed underneath Soviet leadership."

>>142046
“And what has changed so terribly?” She asks

>>142047
"There are some things...but what I think is most different is ponies themselves. Stalliongraders are not Severyanans. We had our own culture, history, and traditions for hundreds of years, and in just few years Soviets have warped and twisted it all to revolve around themselves..."

>>142048
"You mean, around the workers, and not around the boyars and clergy?" She asks

>>142049
"Well, yes, but I do not know how many of them still remain."

>>142050
"How many of the old order remain?" She asks

>>142051
"I do not know. Doubtless few remain. They were not exactly friends of Revolution."

>>142052
“They rarely are.” She looks down. “I’ve heard stories of the return of the monarchy in Aquellia, and the restoration of the Republic. I only know so much about your Stalliongrad. But I do know some.”

>>142053
"It is...not quite like what happened in Aquiliea, but there are similarities. Whereas in Aquiliea it was Republicans and Communists against Monarchists, in Severyana it was Republicans and Monarchists against Communists. Both sides of conflict agreed that Severyana needed to be independant, but their ideas on what independant Severyana should be were irreconsilable."

>>142054
"Republicans on the same side as Monarchists?" She shakes her head. "I suppose in ponylands, anything is possible."

>>142055
"I suppose both recognized threat Reds posed to them and country. It also helps we did not have any Discrets."

While the continue talking, Silver returns to cooking the fish.

>>142056
"But what threat did the Reds pose? Rule by majority, and not by those whose parents had land?"

>>142057
"It was, and is, not rule by majority, however. Those in Supreme Soviet would rule, and while there is voting in Stalliongrad, ponies are only allowed to vote for candidate Soviets choose. And while workers may have benefitted from some of their policies, farmers found themselves stripped of their land and livelihood, leading to mass starvation across country."

>>142058
She shrugs
"Not everycreatre can be so fortunate as we were, to have our institutions and liberty."

>>142059
"I suppose so. I am glad it worked for your own nation and people, but for mine..."

>>142060
She has a kind of awkward smile,
"You can return some time I am sure."

>>142061
"Perhaps..."

Silver turns to the fish, deciding to change the subject

"How do they prepare fish in Sicameon?"

>>142062
"Uh... usually cut into fillets. Some times breaded. I don't really know since I didn't really prepare it."

>>142063
"I am just curious. This fish looks like it's coming along nicely."

>>142064
"Oh nice!" She says

Silently, Khoi Lua enters the room, holding a porcelain cup

>>142065
Silver looks at the silent Khoi, and smiles.

"Good morning, Khoi. How are you?"

>>142066
"Okay." She says simply, sitting at the table, with the cup in front of her, and with a blank expression on her face

>>142067
Silver gives Jubilosa a confused look.

>>142068
Jubilosa shrugs

>>142069
Silver looks back at Khoi.

"O...kay. Is everything alright?"

>>142070
She sits up in a chair at the table, and holds up the cup with her cloven hooves, while keeping her eyes on Silver. She takes a sip, and then answers,

“Yes.”

>>142071
"...uh...are you sure? You are acting little weird."

>>142072
“How so?” She asks

>>142073
"You seem to be rather...emotionless, if you do not mind me saying."

>>142074
Khoi tilts her head a little to the right, pulls her right lip up, slightly narrows her right eye, and folds her left ear down, before returning her face to its previous position

"Ponies are very different."

>>142075
Silver turns to Jubilosa again, this time very confused.

>>142076
"Kirin"
Is all Jubilosa has to say