"Seeing SG-1 in action... I can't help but feel that how my team handled things on Ikana was... at best an amateur performance. Granted we didn't do too bad. But still... about a week of training doesn't really make us soldiers. We never wanted this war. But the Tlak'khan forced our hand... hoof. Wow... I STILL fall back on human terms even after having been home for a while.
And at least Mom and Dad aren't mad at me."
-Excerpt from the journal of Sunset Shimmer
Chapter 10
Together we Overcome
Firestar Base
Stargate Initiative Headquarters, Cascade Mountains
Equestria
Twilight looked around the base as she got used to the new, more casual light blue barding Rarity made for her. She had taken some cues from General Landry's less formal uniform to make something similar for the Alicorn. She had to admit, it was a lot more comfortable than her previous outfit. She wasn't fidgeting as much anymore. It still showed her rank on her shoulders, but Twilight didn't feel like she was confined anymore.
With help from the humans, SGI looked less like a cobbled together outpost and more like an actual military facility. The Gateroom got a complete redesign, sectioning off an area for the control room and adding secure blast doors on the off chance the Tlak'khan somehow managed to breach the Magic Shield. The mounted Arc Casters were repositioned for better coverage, and they had started to get into the habit of manning the Casters anytime an unscheduled off world activation occurred.
Looking down at her clipboard, Twilight took stock of the other changes that have taken place since formalizing an alliance with the SGC. Two new EG Teams were being formed, and on request of Princess Ember, one of them would have a dragon. Scientists had managed to get some time with human weapons and have already developed variants of the basic Arc Caster to fill more specialized roles, of which Twilight was going to have a demonstration of within the hour. Also Rarity had reported that she made new variants of their combat gear, specifically designed for adverse environments. And on the diplomatic front, EG-4 was escorted by SG-2 out to the planet Dakara to meet with the Jaffa.
With a smile, Twilight tucked the clipboard under a wing and made for her office. Things certainly felt like they were looking up. After a couple joint missions, the SG Teams made the suggestion of some training exercises, to build up teamwork and team cohesion. The problem was, they had no resources to facilitate the training. After careful consideration, it was decided to actually use a location here on Equus for it. The one place no one wanted to go. The Everfree Forest. Several EG Teams would be taken there, with the exercise overseen by an experienced SG Team, set up in different locations, and it would basically be a race to the ancient Castle. Each team would have a separate colored flare they would throw up upon reaching the objective. While it was a bit of a competition, it was meant to get the members of each team to work together. However if something came up, they could radio another team for help.
After dropping off her clipboard, Twilight made her way down to the Quartermaster's Office. Inside, she found the resident fashionista looking over her most recent work alongside a human. Two other ponies were present, currently modeling the new outfits.
"Knowing that the Stargate can lead to such dreadful planets is certainly helpful. Our basic outfits would be quite inadequate for such worlds," Rarity said before turning towards Twilight. "Oh. You're just in time Darling. Come on over."
Twilight trotted over and mentioned that the fashionable Unicorn had been busy. Placing the glasses she usually wears while designing up onto her head, Rarity acknowledged that fact before motioning over at the two models.
"After talking with the humans, I learned that we could potentially travel to a desert or an arctic world. As you know our basic combat attire is really only suited for environments like we have here around the base or even Ponyville. Forests, plains, general Temperate climates," Rarity said. "So I went about designing specialized gear. For Arctic worlds, I made what my companion here jokingly calls the Snowtrooper outfit. Same Dragonscale vest, colored white, over a heavy parka, with donated fur lining. Hat and goggles finish the look, and we have snowshoes to help keep our teams from sinking in the snow, as we all know hooves aren't suited for those conditions. Although I don't know what my new friend means when he says it makes us look like... eskimos."
She then motioned towards the pony in the tan outfit.
"Anyways... for deserts, we again have the basic vest, colored tan, on top of a loose fitting, breathable light outfit. Again, with a hat to help protect from the sun. On top of the standard issue backpack and utility belt, I've added a water pack enchanted with a cooling spell. This was actually inspired by something my friend described. The pack actually has a tube that's long enough to reach the mouth, and all you have to do is bite down and suck to drink from it. After the war's over I might just try to market this water pack for explorers."
"Looks good Rarity," Twilight said with a satisfied nod. "If anypony can come up with any outfits we need, its you."
After a bit more time to socialize with her friend, Twilight left to go meet up with the scientists out on the range. As she trotted down the hall, she past many people, both human and Equestrian. Firestar Base certainly has gotten to feel more like a town than anything else.
"Ah! Commander! Welcome! We're very excited to show you our latest designs."
Twilight rolled her eyes. While she could relate to the scientists, sometimes even they went over her head. And that took a lot. Granted it was mostly involving some new piece of equipment.
"After going over some of the samples of human weapons, we've developed new models of the Arc Caster. This one here, based on the human Sniper Rifle, has a significant increase in range and power over the base Arc Caster. Unfortunately like the human weapon, it suffers from a dramatic decrease in rate of fire and portability. Also... at best our Spellstones will only provide enough power for four shots."
As the soldier nearby demonstrated the new weapon, Twilight could already see this wasn't a front line weapon. It was meant to be used at range. The extended barrel allowed for accuracy, combined with the scope to allow for actually seeing your target, and the bi-pod helped to stabilize while it was braced on the shoulder, unlike the leg mounted Arc Casters.
The scientist then moved on from the Arc Sniper to what he called the Arc Wave.
"This one is based on the human... Spaz-12 Shotgun. Due to the recoil we had to switch from a leg mount to a harness. The humans seem to enjoy calling it a 'Battle Saddle'. Whatever that means. Now... the harness is actually useful for not only the Arc Wave, but our larger Arc Casters and even the Arc Launcher we'll demonstrate later. Now... the Arc Wave is designed to unleash a short range burst of magic energy. Instead of a bolt, it is basically an uncontrolled magic discharge. While you won't be able to pick off any Tlak'khan at long range, it is useful for clearing out hallways."
The soldier demonstrated the weapon, to which Twilight was surprised that they would actually harness an uncontrolled discharge like this. The scientist mentioned that the Spellstones would only hold enough energy for six to twelve shots, depending on how wide the spread was. He then moved on to another pair of soldiers, one with what amounted to a tube strapped to his side. The other slid a couple large Spellstones into place as they approached.
"While we are unable to replicate the human Stinger Missile, due to the guidance system, we have created a point and shoot Arc Launcher. The humans call it a 'Bazooka'. These larger Spellstones were designed with the Launcher in mind, but we can retrofit our larger Arc Casters, like the mounted ones in the Gateroom, to use these for extended operation. The Launchers, however, deplete even these Spellstones in a single discharge. But the result is still... well... see for yourself."
As the second soldier finished loading the Launcher, she looked back to make sure no one was standing behind the launcher.
"Clear Back!" she called out.
"Fire in the hole!" the Launcher user called out before hitting the trigger.
A burst of magic energy erupted from the rear of the tube before a massive bolt launched from the front. The bolt flew straight and true at the target... and blew it up on impact. Shortly after, a second bolt was launched at another target, which was also obliterated. As the pair reloaded, Twilight made several notes. The Launcher required a two pony team to operate, and would be most useful against stationary or slow moving, armored targets. Also... not a good idea to stand behind a Launcher Team. Like the Sniper, not meant for regular front line use. But would be useful when the time came to hit the Tlak'khan base she had dubbed Blackstone. The actual name they learned for their Sector Headquarters, and the source of the attack on Canterlot, was a Tlak'khan word that sounded a bit like a sneeze to her.
Maybe they had a chance after all now.
Everfree Forest
Equestria
Sunset took one last look at the letter she got in the mail from her parents before slipping it into a pocket and looking out at the imposing view of the Everfree Forest. EG-1 was going to take part in a team building exercise here, along with five other EG Teams. While it was a race to the old Castle, no team was to ignore another team's call for help just to win. Not only that, while Sunset was edgy about being here, she did have two ponies who had been here before. Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood their ground, looking out at the forest as Vinyl Scratch edged back a bit.
"We got this," Sunset reassured the resident DJ.
Colonel Mitchell looked over the makeshift command center they set up in the old Castle Ruins. Using data transmitted from USS Odyssey up in orbit, they were going to be able to track the progress of the EG teams through the forest. Flares were set up in the sturdiest tower, marked with each unit's number, and each team was given a tracer. After a moment he hit his radio.
"Alright, all Echo Gulf Teams report in."
One at a time, the six EG teams reported they were ready. EG-1 was the last to sound off. Based on what he heard from Commander Sparkle, EG-1 had two members who had actually been to the Castle before, giving them a slight edge. The decision was made to start them off in an area they were unfamiliar with to level the playing field. But there was still the factor of having faced the Forest already on several occasions. The psychological effect the Everfree Forest seems to have on the locals would still be less of a factor with EG-1.
Helmet Camera feeds were going live, and Mitchell noticed one particular camera was fuzzy.
"Echo Gulf One lead, check your camera," he said into his radio. After a moment, Sunset's camera shook, and the image cleared up... next to a tree.
"Looks like someone watched Aliens," he said over the radio.
"Yea... but don't expect Fluttershy to sit through it. Had a hard enough time getting her human counterpart to watch Pacific Rim."
"Understood," Mitchell laughed before getting down to business. "Alright. Lets get this show on the road. Everyone's been briefed on the mission objectives. Your team leaders have given you followup briefings, and you've all been given intel that can help you with the mission at hand.
First team to shoot their flare gets bragging rights. Good luck everyone. The exercise begins in three... two... one... now."
With that declaration, the markers on the screen representing the EG teams started to move.
EG-1 picked its way through the forest, watching for the many dangers that lived within. Several times Sunset's head popped up and the fire maned Unicorn looked around. While Manticores and Chimeras were a legit threat, she was more worried about Timberwolves. They were honestly harder to spot since they were basically made of wood. The perfect camouflage in a forest. Vinyl Scratch was lagging behind a bit, but Applejack stayed with her.
"Ok... if we stay on this path... we should reach the Castle," Sunset said after checking a small map.
"If we were dropped closer to Ponyville..." Rainbow Dash trailed off.
"Would give us an unfair advantage as you and Applejack know the paths from that direction," Sunset pointed out.
"Sunset's right," Applejack drawled.
For about an hour, EG-1 proceeded unmolested. Radio chatter was non existent, meaning the other teams weren't having any problems either.
"EG-3 under attack! Manticores!"
"Hang on Spitfire! EG-5 responding!"
"EG-2 here... might need a medic. Trixie got a face full of Poison Joke."
So much for no problems. Although Rainbow Dash and Applejack couldn't help but laugh at Trixie's plight due to their previous run in with the plant.
"Sierra Gulf One, Rainboom here," Rainbow Dash said, trying not to laugh. "Please tell me we got video of Trixie eating Poison Joke? I wanna see it."
"Shut up Rainbow Crash!" something squeaked over the radio, sounding like a chipmunk, causing the rainbow maned Pegasus to lose it and roll on the ground in laughter. "Its not funny!"
"We'll talk later Rainboom. We're dispatching Echo Gulf 7 to handle the medical..." Mitchell started to reply.
"I'll be fine. Just... have them waiting for The Great and Powerful Trixie when we get there. Don't want to hold up the team..."
"Being part of a team also means knowing when you could be a liability and reporting that lieutenant. While I can understand wanting to carry on... your condition may get worse. I admit I don't know anything about this Poison Joke plant... I'd rather not have anyone take any chances with a plant with 'poison' in the name. There are many dangers in the galaxy. Poisonous plants are one of them. We picked the Everfree Forest because of the wide range of elements present."
"Uh... understood sir. Trixie standing down for medical evaluation."
"And lose the third person talk lieutenant."
"Unfortunately that's kinda part of who she is," Applejack spoke up. "Stage magician. Just let Zecora take a look at 'er."
"Zecora is here with EG-7 for medevac."
After getting Rainbow Dash to recover from laughing over Trixie, EG-1 continued deeper into the forest. Several times it sounded like twigs snapped, causing the team to go on alert. It wasn't until they came across a ravine that Sunset Shimmer got her first ever encounter with a Timberwolf. And it wasn't alone.
Just as the wooden predators lunged at the ponies, Sunset cast a quick shield spell, causing them to bounce off.
"Echo Gulf One engaged! Timberwolves!" Sunset reported via radio. "Dash! See if you can bowl them over! AJ, jump and see if you can break their backs! Vinyl, covering fire!"
Rainbow Dash took to the air, got some distance between her and the wolves, and charged at full speed with hooves extended. The Timberwolf didn't know what hit it as a rainbow streak just pulverized it into a million pieces. Applejack ducked under a swipe of a wooden paw and ran for a nearby tree. Jumping off it like a springboard, the Earth Pony borrowed a page from Pinkie Pie's book and brought her hooves together like she was going to bounce like the party pony. She figured that having her full weight come down in a small area would cause damage. Sure enough the Earth Pony slammed through the Timberwolf's back, splitting the offending magical creature in half.
Sunset and Vinyl Scratch were behind a nearby log taking potshots with their Arc Casters. Although not as effective as a Pegasus Banzai Charge or Applejack's reenactment of Super Mario, the magic bolts were burning the wood making up the Timberwolves, causing them to recoil with each hit.
Mitchell watched as EG-1 mopped up the creatures they identified as Timberwolves. No other EG team was close enough to provide support, leaving them alone. Although EG-8 did try to make their way over, only to get stopped by terrain. He looked up as the sound of hooves on stone came to his ears. There, standing nearby was Princess Celestia.
"You should be proud of them your highness," he said as he gestured at the screens. "They're fast learners, and a few seem to work well with a team."
"Old herd instincts Colonel," Celestia replied. "But yes... I am proud of them all. How are they doing?"
"EG-3 was ambushed by local predators, and has received help from another team. EG-2... one member down due to a toxic plant. EG-1 just finished off some local predators themselves and are proceeding on mission. Only casualty so far is Lieutenant... Trixie Lulamoon. Poison Joke exposure. She... faceplanted into a patch. I've already sent EG-7 to treat her."
The majestic Alicorn nodded as she came over to look at the human tech. Her eyes instantly picked out specific screens showing the view from certain individuals.
"Your assessment Colonel?" she asked.
"Still rough around the edges, but... doing pretty good considering your people jumped right into the deep end," Mitchell replied.
"Looks like they have all arrived," Celestia said.
The bridge was out.
Sunset looked over the scene before her as the other EG teams gathered around. Other than the Pegasi members of the teams, they were stranded. EG-7, with Zecora along for the ride, had stayed with EG-2 in case Trixie got worse before getting better. The Zebra had given the showmare a counter agent she brewed upon arrival.
"Rope's been cut," Applejack drawled. "Ah bet they wanted us t' figure out our own means of crossin'."
"Makes sense," Spitfire, leader of EG-3 replied. EG-3 was mostly made of members of the Wonderbolts, and was considered to be SGI's special recon team. "You got any ideas Shimmer?"
Sunset made a neutral sound for a moment before her eyes settled on one particular tree. It looked long enough to reach the other side, and big enough to support their weight. With a nod, she pointed at it.
"We knock this tree down, making sure it falls this way. We can use it as a makeshift bridge," she said.
"And how will we knock it down?" Trixie asked, her voice not quite recovered from the Poison Joke. "We don't have a saw."
"True... but we do have our Arc Casters. And several Unicorns. We just need to guarantee that it will fall where we want it to. So here's the plan. We cast shield spells to guide the tree down this way, and shoot out the base of the trunk. Applejack and the Earth Ponies can make sure it falls a certain way by bucking it when we burn through part of the trunk. Pegasi can handle the shooting. We work together, we'll get across."
"A shield spell won't stop a falling tree," Trixie pointed out.
"One shield alone won't. But several working together? We can do it. We reinforce each other."
With that, the six primary EG teams got to work. EG-7 hung back as they weren't participating in this exercise. Sunset directed the Unicorns into position and called for a shield spell to be ready. Applejack got a few Earth Ponies she felt were the strongest and took them around to the back of the tree. Rainbow Dash and the Pegasi took aim and waited for the signal.
"Fire!" Sunset called out. A barrage of sapphire bolts slammed into the tree trunk, digging deeper into the wood with each volley.
"Buck it!"
The Earth Ponies started kicking the tree, and soon cracking could be heard before the tree started to fall.
"Shields!"
Multiple colored shields sprang to life, each one merging with the ones next to it. The tree came down, struck the row of shields on the left, and... slid off before getting caught on the right hand shields. Just as Sunset had hoped, the tree slid down between the two rows of shields and crashed down right where she wanted it. The various members of the six teams cheered as Sunset jumped up onto the tree. They had a bridge.
"Come on! You wanna live forever?" Sunset asked.
One by one, the EG teams crossed over, entered the old Castle, and went up the designated tower. Picking up the Flare Gun marked EG-1, Sunset lifted it with her magic... and hesitated.
Two minutes later, six different colored flares shot into the sky above the Castle at the same time.