/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal

>>141681
"Well...we should return to others, see how they are doing. It would be really nice to sit down somewhere also..."

He starts holding the wound on his chest again, letting out a small groan of pain and discomfort.

>>141682
It's definitely not the sort of thing that can be left untreated. The private does not say anything.

>>141683
As they slowly trot back, he speaks to the private.

"You are quiet. What is wrong?"

>>141684
"Nothing..." He says

>>141685
"Are you sure? It does not seem like nothing."

>>141675
“Well, until we find one, the rifle is going to have to stay here with the coffin.”

>>141686
He looks down, and then back up

"Uh, I am fine."

Presumably, Silver should arrive at wherever he as walking to

>>141687
Spark's call on the next action

>>141688
Spark helps Miskobag on the stretcher and carries him inside.

>>141688
"Alright..."

Indeed he does. He looks at what the current situation is back by the trucks.

>>141689
Slighted, Makade remains outside

Spark and the doctor are able to place Miskobag on the stretcher, and carry him inside

>>141690
If by "trucks" is meant the two that were shot to hell earlier, they are still there, and still in poor shape.

The one truck in front of the building, nearer the road, is being loaded with wounded ponies.

>>141691
Silver decides to trot over to the truck being loaded, still holding his wound, and ask,

"Need any help?"

>>141691
What can Spark see inside?

>>141692
"Not at the moment. Could have used some help a few minutes ago, but now, we're about to head out."

>>141694
"Sorry about that, soldier. Is there room for one more? I think I may need this wound looked at."

>>141695
"Sure. Just sit on the end there."

>>141696
Silver nods. As he does so, he calls Amber Grain over.

"Sergeant Amber Grain?"

>>141697
Ammber Grain walks over, being right next to the truck, and perhaps about to sit in the passenger seat.

"Yes sire?"

>>141698
"Ah, you are here. After we drop wounded off at Town Hall, I want you to organize our attack on changeling position at grain elevator. You remember my plan for how to deal with them?"

>>141699
"Blow them up from a distance" He says

>>141700
"Precisely. Specifics of attack I leave to your discretion. Once I have this looked at..."

He winces as he pats the wound in his chest lightly.

"...I will join you."

>>141701
"Yes Sir." He says

Silver is able to find an area to sit on the end of the truck. Inside, lying down are Saltlick, who is shivering - at least that is a sign of life - Bricsbuck, Sleetfall - who fell in the final attack - and several other ponies, especially those who had been outside. The truck goes on its way, moving forward, and drives to the Town Hall. The distance is less than a mile, and sure could have been done by cart, if only those were available in size and number.

Amber Grain gets out, as well as another pony in the back along with Silver, and they try to get the wounded out and inside

>>141693
Spark, entering inside, sees a relatively normal reception room, with a two story entrance, hallways to each side, a few potted plants, a reception counter on the left, and a hallway straight forward.

>>141702
Silver gets out as well, and assists in bringing wounded despite his injury and the discomfort it causes.

>>141704
Indeed there is a bit of discomfort, but a stretcher is available, and the ponies are able to take the wounded, one by one, inside the town hall, to lay them out. Firm Heart, looking even more tired than before, looks at the ponies as they are layed out.

>>141705
Silver gives Firm Heart a similarly tired smile during one of the drop offs.

"You should see other guys."

>>141706
There is already an additional wounded pony there

Firm Heart looks down at Silver's wound.
"Again?"

Then he says
"This is just too many casualties, and they are too badly wounded. It's really fortunate that there was a medical clinic in town, and medical supplies here, because otherwise we'd be out of plasma and other supplies."

>>141707
Silver nods.

"Again. And yes, we are quite fortunate."

Silver looks at the additional pony.

"When did he get here?"

>>141708
"A couple ponies brought him in here earlier. Carried him the whole way. Good thing. He's terribly wounded."

>>141709
"Right, I remember now. I am glad he got back here successfully."

Silver continues to help bring wounded in, if any are left. Once that is done, he sits down in the makeshift infirmiry.

>>141710
Silver sits down in the room. Some of the other wounded are laying unconscious. Some are shivering or near convulsions. And some are conscious, able to sit up. Firm Heart goes from pony to pony, mostly starting with plasma and morphine. A pair of ponies, who seem to be among those from the 332nd, help in parts of this process. Silver is not addressed yet.

>>141711
Deciding he can't just sit there and do nothing, Silver goes to Firm Heart.

"I may not have formal training or education, but over course of my career I have learned how to treat many different kinds of combat wounds. If there is anything you need assistance with, I am more than willing and able to help."

>>141712
"Why don't you try giving morphine, and inserting IVs?" He says

>>141713
Silver nods, and starts giving the wounded such treatments. He particularly starts with those shivering or nearing convulsions, as those seem to be the most in need.

>>141714
Silver is able to insert these. It helps that most are barely conscious. One of the female ponies comes down, and helps distribute blankets. The plasma seems to help with the shivering.

Firm Heart:
"We are going to need to send many of these, or maybe most, to Wald."

>>141715
"Yes...we will be short-hooved for some time. We did however recover logistics truck from changelings, so we will be able to send them to Wald swiftly."

He looks at the wounded Brisbuck.

"It also could have been much worse for us..."

>>141716
"I don't know what the Changelings look like"
He injects some substance into an IV
"But I doubt its better."

>>141717
"Mass casualties on Changeling side. I think only three changelings remained alive by time we took wounded here."

>>141718
He stops, and looks over to Silver

"Damn. That is extensive."

After a minute or so, he is able to get to Silver

"Alright, let's take a look at you."

He comes closer, and inspects Silver's wound

"Wow. He got you good, didn't he?"

>>141719
"Point blank with rifle. I think it goes without saying...it is not pleasant to breathe."

>>141720
"I bet. Wow. Okay, let's get you some plasma. We'll need blood too, but we don't have that. Some more morphine, and some tonic."

>>141721
Silver nods.

"Hopefully this is last time I nearly die today."

>>141722
"Hopefully. The sun has set. Time for the night..."

He injects Silver with something, and tries to spread some sort of cream, or something over the wound, which is rather painful

>>141723
He groans in pain.

"One more thing we must do before Vale is secure...then we can free those ponies from cocoons..."

>>141724
"What is that?" He asks

"But whatever you do, get in contact with Command, and with the 23rd, and get some ambulances to get this ponies out of here."

>>141725
Silver nods.

"That I will. First is clearing last changeling holdout. Grain elevator. I do not plan on sending ponies in, rather I will just bring it down around its defenders using mortar and captured AT gun."

>>141726
"Could the grain elevator cut off the road?" He asks

>>141727
"It is near Old Mecc, I believe."

>>141703
I suppose Spark would ask for Miskobag to be taken in for examination.

>>141729
"Oh, you have a patient? What's his name?"

>>141730
"Misko."

>>141731
"Mhmm. Does he have an ID with him?"

>>141732
"We didn't take it with us. He is swelling is getting worse. We are so worried. Can you please help us?"

>>141733
"I see" She looks up. It's a white unicorn mare, with wheat colored mane. "Let me say and... By Celestia, it's a wolf!"

She looks down, and then back, and goes over to the phone
"Uh, one moment please..."

>>141734
"Is there a problem?"

>>141735
"Uh, no..."

The doctor comes forward
"Hello. I did my residency here."

The mare answers,
"Oh, did you?"

"Yes, and could this wolf here see Doctor Miley? I have a rapport with him"

"I've been told that he should see a specialist on Wolf anatomy. Doctor Hill Air is our available specialist."

"Oh, well, yes. Is Dr. Bellows still in charge here."

"Sort of. He's section head."

"I'd like to talk to him"

"Uh, I'll see if he's available..."

>>141736
Spark wonders what will happen next.

>>141737
The mare answers:
"Well... At least you can go see Dr. Hill Air. Bellows will be available in fifteen or so minutes. You can go to Room 345. On the third floor, of course."

The doctor mentions to Spark
"I hope I can use some of my connections to have this done with as few questions as possible, and maybe with as many resources as possible."

>>141738
"Thanks. I'll make it up to you."

>>141739
The ponies are now free to move around the hospital... well, freeish, and may either go to room 345, or elsewhere

>>141740
Might as well see room 345, get Miskobag comfortable, and then explore.

>>141741
The doctor:
"I know where that is! Just go up the stairs right here, and it's down this central hallway"

The ponies go up the stairs, which isn't entirely pleasant. Miskobag has his head up, looking around. Then they go down the hallway, and find rooms 350 and greater.

"Or.. maybe it was on the far hallway."

Then the creatures go over to the far hallway, and nearer the end, find room 345.

"Okay, I think the doctor will be hear shortly. If not, I'll go find him."

It's a relatively mundane room with an examination table, a small steel table over nearby, as well as a couple cabinets, including those above a counter and those under. Miskobag makes his way on top of the examination table, and Waabishki sits down next to him. Hill Air is not there yet, of course.

>>141742
Spark goes over to Miskobag.
"How is it?"

>>141743
Miskobag presses his paws down into the foam underneath
"It's... fluffier than I expected. And it's warm here."

>>141744
"That's good. Be sure to rest now."

>>141745
"I've been trapped in a coffin for hours now. I'll be fine to be up for now." He presses down again.
"But this is much more comfortable"

Waabishki looks worried, sitting and looking up at Miskobag

>>141728
""That may be an issue then..." he says

>>141747
He nods.

"Hence why we are going to remove that issue."

>>141748
Firm heart pulls out this new bullet -- a much harder task that those before, given how deep it penetrates - gives Silver a new tonic, patches up the wound, and lets Silver go.
"It's not really enough, but it is the best I can do for now" He says

>>141749
"You have done more than many could have. Thank you, Firm Heart."

Silver gets up from the table.

>>141750
And Silver is up, ready to go about. In that time, more ponies have arrived, including the other wounded, and the translator private, who is impressed into assisting

>>141751
"Alright. Next time I return, it will be after our successful liberation of Vale."

>>141752
Firm Heart smiles
"I await it eagerly"

>>141753
Silver smiles back, and leaves, heading to join up with Amber Grain and the ponies preparing to attack.

>>141754
Over the clouds that hang in the far west is the last pale orange of twilight. The sky above is already bright and starry, with a dark blue tint, and more stars than can be counted. The waning gibbous moon makes its presence known, looming over a portion of the opposite horizon. Few lights are on in the town. The town hall, the post office, a couple dinners and homes have lights their inhabitants never turned off, but these are not enough to break the darkness of night, and seem to be even less than this same town would have under more normal circumstances. It is below freezing, and what wind blows down the valley is unwelcoming, especially as it brings the sounds of distant thunder.

Silver's platoon - and it is indeed now Silver's platoon - has been reduced in strength by about 19 from its original strength of 47, with heavy losses among both rifleponies and officers. However, the platoon still has all four of its machine guns and the mortar. The truck, no longer being used to transport casualties, is available to pull either of the two anti-tank canons - one off which is already hooked up. The available ponies are assembled in the area of town hall, with faces like Amber Grain, private Cornflake, the Black colt machine gunner of B squad, the cream colored pegasus of B squad, and the pink pegasus corporal of A squad, and even Hazerlred... But not Brisbuck, Saltlick, Sleetfall, or Frost Bark.

They are at the ready

>>141755
Silver turns his face up to Luna's night, feeling the bitter cold of the air around him. He then looks at the gathered ponies.

"Alright Ponies. This is it. One final effort is all that remains. These changelings have caused many casualties among us, and have injured or even killed many good ponies. Now is when it ends. We will go to their final hideout and bring it down on top of them. We will hardly give them chance to cause more pain and suffering. We do this, and Vale will finally be free!"

>>141757
There are cheers, though perhaps not as many as before, when they sought to take the dairy plant

"Kick them out" is one of the remarks heard from the stallions

Even where the enthusiasm is not overflowing, there is no doubt of the looks of hardened determination on their faces reflected in the dim street light outside town hall. Silver's ponies are ready

>>141758
"Forwards!"

Silver heads for the truck, stopping by Amber Grain along the way.

"Excellent work organizing everything."

>>141759
"Thank you" He says

The ponies go southwards through town, with the truck in the lead, until they advanced to not far out from the grain elevator. It's ever so slightly further away from the town, but still within rifle range of the roofs. It's flanked by hills, but these are slightly further away, and none are as obviously tall as the one north of town. Silver can see the rail line, and two trucks in front of the grain elevator. There are three lights on on the grain elevator, as before, which show off corrugated steel, steel silos, and concrete. The buildings are massive by the standards of Vale, at least 40 feet or more in height and also long, though they are narrow in construction. Not much is illuminated besides the lights, and the lights make it harder for the eyes to adjust to the night.

>>141761
Can the bottom of the grain elevator be seen, at least compared to the background?

>>141762
With the aid of the lights, yes

>>141763
Silver nods.

"Alright. Let us get set up. Our mortar and AT gun will be focus of attack, mortar will bombard from above while AT gun takes out bottom section. Our rifles and MGs will watch for changrlings trying to flee from building."

>>141764
"Alright, let's set up the positions. Where do you want the rifleponies and the machine guns, and how many of them are there, if you know?"

>>141764
>>141765
The truck is not particularly silent, and also has headlights that need to be specifically turned off.

The truck backs the anti-tank gun into position, assuming Silver doesn't want it to be horse-drawn into position

>>141765
>>141766
What kinds of formations or features of the landscape besides the river are around that can be used?

>>141767
Like the dairy plant, there is a hill beyond the grain elevator, though this one is a bit lower and lacking the well defined ridge lines. Past the grain elevator the valley is slightly wider, with plowed fields with irrigation berms that define the end of the fields, and trees at points. There is a house or two much further away, but not much in the way of structures outside the town.

>>141768
Is the hill on their end of the grain elevator, or on the other end?

>>141770
I'm not sure what you mean.

The geography from left to right/north to south is,
Hill, railway, grain elevator, roadway, river, empty space (likely a fallow field) hill.

The valley runs east to west, with the town west of the grain elevator, and fields east of it. The grain elevator itself is "longer than it is wide," with the four silos stretched along by the railway.

>>141771
Like, is the hill between the ponies and the grain elevator, or is the grain elevator between the ponies and the hill?

>>141772
The hill is to the side. The grain elevator would occupy a 90 degree intersection between the hill and the ponies.

>>141773
Silver points out the hill.

"It may be advantagous to pull gun to that hill. Vary our angle of approach from our angle of fire."

>>141774
Amber Grain

"Heh. No way in hell we're getting this anti-tank gun up that hill, at least not without a lot of effort from four or five of our colts pulling it. Way too steep and rocky to drive a two and a half town truck. There's a reason the Changelings want this valley so bad, and it's because it's the only place in a hundred miles you can pull a heavy gun, a tank, or a freight truck between the Unicorn ranges."

>>141775
"Hmm. In that case, right here is as good spot to attack from as any."

>>141776
"Makes sense. But what about the machine guns and rifles?"

>>141777
How distant is the hill, exactly?

>>141778
Less than 1000 feet

>>141779
"What would you think, then, of using hill for our rifleponies and MGs?"

>>141782
"That'll cover another angle of attack for sure."

>>141783
"We may also want to keep them spread out. It will help to cover as much ground as possible while avoiding large casualties from explosives."

>>141784
“That too. Do you have an idea what is in there?” He asks

>>141785
"They do not have any cocooned ponies, so we may fire at will with our explosives. I did not see any MGs, only rifles, but they may have had one out of sight."

>>141786
“I see. How do you know this is a Changeling position?”

>>141787
"Hmm...I suppose there is chance, though small chance, this is group of ponies who have gotten caught in middle of this conflict. Earlier, it was reported that group of changelings arrived to reinforce existing changelings, before we attacked Whinnyton church. There is no way to be certain without testing one of them."

>>141788
“Well then, what should we do?” He asks

>>141789
"While it would give away our surprise attack if it really is changelings, I can go up by myself to try to see if I can convince one to come outside."

>>141790
“You can try. But the Changelings would love to take out another officer if they can. It would be very dangerous.”

>>141791
"That it would be, which is why I would not ask any of you to do it in my place."

>>141792
“It would only take a shot or two.” He says. “You are not in great condition.”

>>141793
Silver shakes his head.

"No I am not, but I still would not ask another to do it for me."

>>141794
“Well... your call, sergeant. If you do decide to go, alone, it might be beneficial to remind them of our larger weapons and numerical superiority. Still, they may jump at the opportunity, or even try to replace you.”

>>141795
Silver nods.

"If that happens, you know what to do. I am going in."

Silver turns towards the grain elevator and marches, alone, towards it.

>>141746
“Have you ever been to a city like this before?”

>>141797
Miskobag:
“Like this? No. I’ve been to towns. But not like this.”

>>141805
“Maybe we can have a look around, as long as we keep clear of changelings. An urban adventure might lift our spirits.”

>>141806
“Maybe.” He moves his head around the confines of the small room.
“What is there to see?”

>>141807
“I haven’t been to a city in some time. I’m not sure myself. I’m not even sure what is allowed to be in a city under changeling rule. But I’m sure there’s something fun to do, or everyone would run away.”

>>141808
“If you can find something ‘fun,’ and I can do it, I’ll do it” he says to Spark, weakly smiling

>>141796
>>141813
Silver moves a little closer to the structure, which is dominated by concrete walls and the giant corrugated steel silos. An overly yellow tinted light shines down on a door on the square tower besides the cylinders. There are some windows on the higher levels and a walkway above the silos, but this door is central. The wind continues to carry its dry, freezing air down the valley.

>>141816
Once he's gotten far enough away from the rest of his ponies, Silver calls out over the cold wind.

"If anyone is still in there, please, answer me!"

>>141817
From above, a "clang clang clang." But in front of Silver, the flaking green-painted door opens, and Silver can see a muzzle poking out in part. It looks to be the white or yellow fur - hard to tell in this light - of a pony.

"And who are you?" A gruff voice answers

>>141818
"Silver Sword. Pony. And you? Do you be pony, or changeling?"

>>141819
"Pony. Corporal Burnished Row, armorer of the 332nd supply group. And how do I know you are indeed a pony?"

>>141820
"Have you ever heard of test for changeling replacement? You shine flashlight in eyes, and if it is changeling their true eyes will show behind their disguise. I have used it to detect multiple disguised changelings, including 332nd's commander and pony in charge of telephone office. I am more than willing to submit myself to be tested, if you will allow me to test you in turn."

>>141821
He is silent for a moment
"Sounds like hocus pocus. All I know for damn sure is someone cut the wires on two of our trucks, and there has been plenty of shooting all day."

>>141822
"Indeed there has been, my platoon has been clearing Vale of changelings since this afternoon. Entirety of town has been secured, save for here. I assure you, I have plenty of experience with this."

>>141823
There is more "clang clang clang" over the silence of the alleged pony. He opens his muzzle - slightly tinted blue - to speak

"Your platoon?"

>>141824
Silver nods, and lights up his horn. The blue magic glow casts enough light to show his form clearly in the darkness. He braces himself for an impending shot.

"I am Silver Sword. Platoon Sergeant Silver Sword, E Platoon."

>>141825
Silver does not feel a shot. He does hear what sounds like a gun being grasped.

"And how do we know your group isn't the one destroying our vehicles and replacing our ponies?"

>>141826
This is, at least, not a terrible sign.

"If I was, I would not be here, in this position. I am out in open, with no cover, completely exposed and vulnerable, and from what I hear your friends have bead on me. This is very last situation Changeling Infiltrator would want to be in."

>>141827
"And tell me, Mr. 'Sword,' if that is your name, what do your friends have trained on us? Exploiting trust is how the Changelings operate."

>>141828
"Anti-tank gun, mortar, some MGs, and many rifleponies. We have really, really delivered crushing blow to roaches infesting city, and their corpses litter their previous defensive positions. Despite that, I am here risking my life because there is chance you are not changelings. If you will not come out to me, I would ask you let me come over to you."

>>141829
"Then come over." He answers

>>141830
Silver nods, and trots towards the pony hidden behind the door.

>>141831
The door - which opens inwards - opens slightly more.

Inside the area is almost surprisingly cramped, with steel grates, a steel staircase going up on the left, and what seems to be a sort of augur on the right. Burnished Row, in fuller light, seems to be a bluish grey colored unicorn in full, green, Equestrian uniform. But there is another pony with him, a white pegasus, who keeps a carbine pointed at Silver.

>>141832
Silver remains calm, despite the situation. The fact that they haven't shot him already is a good sign in Silver's book that they might actually be ponies. He address the two ponies.

"Alright. I am going to use my magic to take my flashlight, and give it to Burnished Row so he may test me. Is that okay?"

>>141833
Burnished Row:
"And how am I supposed to test, exactly?"

>>141834
"You take flashlight, and directly shine it into eyes of one you are testing. It will either reflect back normally if it is pony, or reflect back like cat's eyes or let you see true color of changeling's eyes if they are changeling."

>>141835
"If you say so" he says

>>141836
Silver slowly levitates his flashlight to Burnished Row, trying to keep his pegasus friend from shooting him.

>>141837
Burnished row takes it rather quickly, looking at the flashlight, then turning it around. He unscrews the back end, pulls the batteries out, and then places the batteries back in, screwing it back together. Then, he turns it on, and points it at Silver's face, blinding Silver.

"Blue eyes" He takes a moment

>>141838
Silver squints, but manages to keep his eyes open.

"Just like my normal eye color. Alright, now I will do you, with your permission."

>>141839
He lowers the flashlight, and Silver can see he is gritting his teeth
"Alright." And he offers the flashlight back to Silver

>>141840
Silver takes it, and uses it on Burnished Row.

>>141841
He narrows his eyes.

His eyes are a bright yellow-gold, almost honey colored. The irises reflect back, but the whites remain white.

>>141842
Silver lets out an audible sigh of relief. He turns the flashlight off.

"Thank Goddesses we checked...okay, everypony here is pony. We can all relax."

He looks over at the pegasus.

"Would you kindly lower that weapon, so I might tell my platoon to stand down?"

>>141843
The pegasus doesn't seem to want to put the weapon down. At least not at first.

Burnished Row speaks:
"Is it... really so?"

>>141844
Silver nods.

"It would probably still be good idea to check everypony left standing, just to make sure there are no stragglers...but yes, it is finished. Vale is liberated."

>>141845
He breathes out
"Thank Celestia. I was worried there for a while. We didn't now who was who, or what was going on."

>>141846
"We got lucky. We started testing our platoon after discovering they had sabotaged communications and found two of our own had been replaced. We confronted Captain Forrester, who had also been replaced, then fighting started. But seriously, I should give my platoon code phrase and tell them to stand down, we do not want this building coming down around us."

>>141847
"Then do it, and I shall recall mine too" He says

>>141848
Silver turns around, and shouts "KLUTZY" out of the doorframe into the darkness.

>>141849
A lone voice responds
"Draconequis"
Which Silver recognizes as belonging to Amber Grain

>>141850
"Stand down! They are ponies!"

>>141851
There are some sounds of movement, and some shapes seen moving in the darkness, though not much can be seen from Silver's position

>>141852
Silver turns back to Burnished Row.

"Alright, so what is full story with you? What happened during course of last night and today?"

>>141853
"I was part of a section charged with making sure firearms and parts were in working order before final distribution, as well as heavier maintenance of returned non-functioning guns. We were set up in a few ranch houses in the east of the town.

I first noticed yesterday, a couple ponies were acting oddly. The ammunition distribution section... The ponies there, I knew them. Rather friendly. They were oddly off. Then Sergeant Circling Camp didn't seem to remember a shipment we received just earlier the same day. I went back with the Bakery group, who were set up here for dinner. then nightfall came. And things got really weird. A couple of the ponies in my section fell ill and went to sleep early. Then a couple ponies who went deeper into town did not return.... I saw a door left open in a house. I had seen the ponies in there. Some locals who did not leave. The lights were on inside the house and the back door was wide open. I decided to take a couple ponies, and go join the bakery group. We knew the situation was off. We didn't want to go to the captain, so we went to the telephone office instead. That's when we learned that the wires were cut. So we left back to the grain elevator, and fortified ourselves here. We heard gunshots and crashes in the town. We sent out a pair to investigate. We decided we'd drive directly back to Wald to tell command. But the trucks had their ignition wires cut. These trucks had not moved from in front of the grain elevator all day! Then a pony in our group disappeared when he was tasked with flying out over the hill line. So we've remained holed up in here. We were sure the Changelings must know we were here since they probably captured our scouts. They’d come for us sooner or later. We fortified with what weapons we had.

We saw your group enter. It was reassuring that you came from the direction of Virtue, but down the valley and Benson were supposed to be pony controlled as well, so who knows if the Changelings just sent their own reinforcements around through the hills up north. That may have been where they came from anyways. Then we heard more gunshots and battles, and we had no idea if there were other hold outs being destroyed by the changelings or if the changelings themselves were being cleared out. Today, just a couple hours ago, we fixed the ignition on one of the trucks, so a couple volunteers left in it to go back to Wald.”

>>141866
"That falls in line with other stories I have heard. You will be happy to know we discovered locations of your missing ponies. One changeling we managed to capture told us their locations, and we have since verified they told us truth. We could use your help freeing them from their cocoons and bringing them back to safe locations in town hall and courthouse, and I can see about getting help with fixing your trucks."

>>141867
"That's very much a relief." He moves forward, and tries to poke his head out, but ultimately does not.

"Is it over?"

>>141868
"I believe so. It is still good idea to travel in pairs or groups of three or more, but we cleared last pocket of changeling resistance when we assaulted dairy plant."

>>141869
This time, he takes a peak outside.

"I hope so. I'll go tell the others."

>>141870
"I will go back to my Platoon Guide, give him orders on what to do, then I will go and let Command know of what has transpired here."

>>141871
"Yes sir..." He looks back to Silver

"Thank you, Sergeant Sword."

>>141872
Silver looks at him, smiles, then goes back into the cold night air to return to his platoon.

>>141873
Amber Grain is standing there, looking back at Silver Sword

"So?"

>>141874
"They are ponies. They noticed their former platoon mates had started to act weird yesterday, then when changelings started capturing and replacing ponies last night sounds of fighting drove this group to take cover in grain elevator. They have trucks, but changelings cut ignition wires to keep them from escaping and alerting Command. If we can fix them, we will have more trucks and more ponies to help free cocooned ponies."

>>141875
He lowers his rifle to his side
"Good. And good thing we did not fire. I am sending the truck through then, to Wald, if it is not likely to be ambushed."

>>141876
"It is very good thing we did not fire. You should be well commended for giving that advice."

He looks in the direction of Wald.

"I will leave that decision to you, Sergeant. I have to give report to Command on what has transpired here. While I do so, I want you to direct teams to fix 332nd's trucks and recover cocooned ponies. Civilians are located in Whinnyton church and schoolhouse, members of 332nd are in courthouse and dairy plant, and there are others located in basement dwellings of abandoned ranch houses. If any civilians are encountered, instruct our ponies to verify they are ponies, then ask for any assistance with freed ponies if they can give it. I would also recommend setting freed ponies somewhere safe and warm. Town Hall and Courthouse, perhaps, or in front of fireplace."

>>141877
There are a couple lights in the distance, though they belong to a farm house, and not a town or city. Though it is night, Silver can see the outline of fields, the river, the trees by it, and the mountains to either side, all under an empty, star-studded sky.

"Yes sir. We'll get to it right away."

Amber Grain moves off. And from the direction of the town, a truck drives, headlights shining, in the direction of Virtue and Wald.

>>141878
Silver heads for town to get back to Town Hall, but he hopes he can intercept the truck before it passes him.

>>141879
Perhaps if Silver waves it down. Roll

>>141881
Silver waves down the truck before it passes by

>>141882
Alright, what kind of truck is it, who is driving, and what do they have in the bed?

>>141883
Green painted two and a half ton 6x6 general purpose truck, covered hear bed. Equestrian Army.

A pony in the drivers seat, and one in the passenger seat with a carbine. Both ponies look familiar, but Silver isn't sure he ever knew their names. They carry wounded ponies in the bed.

>>141885
"Klutzy."

>>141886
"Oh. Uh. Draganovic." The startled private answers

>>141887
Silver sighs.

"Good enough. That was fast, Amber Grain sure works fast. Have safe trip to Wald, soldiers!"

>>141888
"Yes sir!" He says, saluting. He drives away

>>141889
Silver salutes them back as they leave, then continues on his way to Town Hall.

>>141890
Silver arrives back inside. Some ponies have assembled in the main hall, while the wounded are in the dining area

>>141891
Silver goes up to the switchboard room and knocks.

>>141892
"Yes?" A voice calls back

>>141893
"Klutzy."

>>141894
The beige earth pony on the left - Primrose - looks up at Silver blankly.

The dandelion pegasus on the right - Thistlebrush - however, has an answer
"Draconequis."

>>141895
Silver nods, and enters the room.

"Vale has been cleared of changelings. I could use your help at telephone office to contact Command."

>>141896
Primrose
"Oh, thank Celestia"

Thistlebrush:
"If the wires are fixed, I can find the right signal."

>>141898
Silver nods.

"Follow me. Oh, I also suggest you bundle up, it is cold outside."

>>141899
This is done by Thistlebrush, who has a coat that she puts on. Primrose, however, has only a thin sweater with her. It's not that much below freezing, at least.

The ponies go outside and into the night

>>141900
Silver leads the group to the telephone office.

>>141901
The ponies go on their way down the street, passed on the road by another uniformed soldier. They arrive at the telephone office soon enough.

>>141902
"I appreciate you agreeing to help. I would have no idea how to operate this on my own."

>>141903
Primrose seems to smile, while Thistlebrush has a toothier, more awkward smile - though it may just be the cold.

Primrose:
"No problem."

The ponies arrive in the office, then in the back its telephonic equipment.

>>141904
Silver goes in with them, as it's slightly warmer inside than out.

>>141905
Thus Silver goes inside, with the two mares waiting

>>141906
"Alright. Is there anything I need to do to assist?"

>>141907
"Were you wanting to communicate with Command in Wald?" She asks

>>141908
Silver nods.

>>141909
"Alright..."
Some wires are placed in slots, and she uses a rotary phone.

"Hello? Yes? Can you get me in touch with a higher ranking officer? This is coming from Vale. Vale, Cascadia. Yes. We have a report. To the Command of the 23rd Infantry Division. Yes."

She looks over at Silver, placing the phone partly down.
"Wait a moment. I think they will have someone for you."

>>141976
Silver nods, takes the phone, and waits for someone to respond.