//------------------------------// // Chapter 17: Back to Work // Story: North Woods NightMares // by Starfighter //------------------------------// “Quarter?” PW recognized him.. “Polaris Wind! Welcome to the team, ‘ol boy. I knew you could do it. Enter the briefing room! This is where the Night-Mares – and now you, too – will be informed of the mission ahead. But, before we begin, let us sort out your callsign. You were using ‘North-Wind,’ which is a bit rubbish as it contains a direction. Polaris, what would you like your handle to be?” Quarter asked. “Hmm… 2’s handle is Frosty. I want something associated with that… frost…” She stepped in alongside PW. “You’re already North-Wind. What about Windy?” She offered. “Windy! I like it. Can I use Windy?” PW asked the planning master. “Windy it is. Alright, Frosty… Windy… we are now ready for your briefing.” Announced Quarter, activating a slide projector. “‘Operation Sidewinder.’ A roving band of looters from Klugetown has been striking merchants and caravans moving Equestiran commodities between Appleloosa and Klugetown, in the middle of the desert. As of late they have been attacking further north and this is now a homeland security concern. The risk is that as they move north they’ll reach water and other resources in the Forbidden Jungle. This would allow them to take root and once they get in it is unlikely we would ever be able to flush them out.” “Your mission – like it or not – is to intercept one of their raids against a Royal Guard dummy convoy that you’ll be shadowing. We want to eliminate the threat now before it can get any closer. As for an identity: the top suspect is Desert Enemy Number 1; believed to go by the name Verko.” Quarter said, displaying a picture of a naked mole with a top hat. “This is what the devil looks like. He is a Polymorph creature from Klugetown, often seen wearing a suit and is quite crafty. It is believed he currently makes this operation his primary source of income. Once his band intercepts and robs the convoy, they are believed to transport the goods back to Klugetown and the chap passes himself off as a merchant importing the goods. Unfortunately Klugetown does not have an established customs, making detection of stolen goods very difficult.” “Extreme care must be exercised. Several years ago, six Element Bearers – Twilight Sparkle and company – were captured by Verko during the Storm King War. In light of this fact we have also arranged for Night-Mare 2-5, who is operating in the vicinity of Seaward Shoals, to provide support in this operation.” Quarter paused to advance to the next slide. “The mission is to proceed as follows: we have allocated a parlor-car to be attached  to the end of Westbound train 29 – The Horseshoe – for your journey to Canterlot.” “Poto-mare?” PW said aloud, reading the nametag on the back of the parlor car which was being displayed on the projector. “No, it’s pronounced ‘puh-tow mare.’” Corrected Frosty. “Continuing…” Interjected Quarter. “The train will take you to Canterlot where the parlor car will be transferred to Southern Train 1, the Seaward Limited, which will carry you down through Ponyville and Appleloosa to Arimaspi where you will alight the train. You will then trek southwards out of the equatorial jungles and into the Bone Dry Desert. Polaris, did you tell us that you know Celestial Navigation?” “I did sir, yes.” “Splendid! In that case we shall give you a sextant, timepiece, almanac, and the coordinates of an Oasis in the desert where you will rendezvous with Number 5 and the convoy. I felt no need to provide a photograph, for as you know it is near impossible to confuse a Night-Mare’s identity. The sole known exception is with Queen Chrysalis.” “Once you rendezvous with Number 5 you will make contact with the leading convoy carrying fake copies of magical artifacts that are sure to drive Verko mad. You will need to track and engage him as you see fit. As there is very little cover to be had we expect that you will have the advantage, especially with Windy. But, just to guarantee it, we will spare no expense. The expectation is that you will capture Verko alive so that he might stand trial but we recognize sometimes aggression must be answered with aggression. We are also looking into providing additional air support. Once the threat is neutralized, you can make your way back to Arimaspi where your mission will conclude. Now then, let us proceed to the outfitting room!” Quarter said as he pushed open a pair of doors at the front of the room. He led them into a stark white, windowless room featuring an array of objects.. “Oh, isn’t that cute?” Frosty remarked upon seeing her usual gear-stand, which was previously always alone, in the company of a much smaller gear stand. “Woah this is awesome, we’re being outfitted together!” Remarked PW. The Night-Mare and her supporter began strapping their gear on. In addition to the usual body armor, helmets, kneepads and radios there were also their packs, outfitted with survival, combat, mess, and camping gear. Once they had everything suited up 2 stepped beside PW and leaned down with a smile. “You’re going to like this part, PW.” She promised, anticipating what was to come. “Now then, Polaris! Most call this session the most exciting because this is where we get to give you all your toys. First off; the Celestar D16 high power machine rifle for Frosty.” He announced, as two earth-pony stallions entered the room wheeling a sawhorse propping the weapon towards the Night-Mare.  There was a visible displeasure on their faces, likely their anticipated embarrassment. Not so with PW. He watched with glee as the mega mare reared and picked up the super-rifle that likely outweighed all of him like it was a foal and she began feeling it out for integrity. “She’s back in action!” PW whistled in admiration. She stowed the D16 on her back. “And your standard side arm; the Stallion and West.” Said Quarter, presenting a tray to Frosty.  The behemoth grabbed the pistol and shoved it into a holster on her belt. “We also have three flash bangs and three smoke grenades which we have placed into your bag. And as you’ll be operating in the desert…” Added Quarter, reaching for some additional items, “your sun visor… your cap… and your gaiter.” The Night-Mare slipped on a black gaiter adorned with a skeletal muzzle and teeth and turned to face PW. His ears immediately went flat and he instinctively took a step back on weakened knees.  “That effective?” The giant mare asked. “S-super scary!” Her small companion squeaked. The mare lowered her visor to cover her eyes. “How about now?” “I feel like surrendering already!” PW answered. Quarter cleared his throat. “And one final item for the both of you, actually.” He held up two ear-pieces.  He explained as the pair figured out the items’ use. “A new development from the labs of the Royal Guard. Rather than squawking aloud on your radios, which clues the enemy in, we can now communicate directly and silently to this earpiece which rests in your ear! Also with a cord functioning as a clip attached microphone which will pick up what you say. You can even set it to voice operated exchange, which we refer to as VOX. Then everything you say will transmit without you even needing to key the microphone. Let us demonstrate!” Quarter whispered into a piece. “Windy? Are you receiving me?” “Loud and clear sir!” PW responded. “Excellent. And Miss Frosty?” “Five by.” “Great! We can put those away and present some items to Mr. Wind!” Quarter wheeled in a cart full of trays to the assistant. “You also have three flashbangs and three smoke grenades. Please, use them wisely. Now, some items new to you!” Cheered Quarter, opening up a tray. “Woah!” Cried PW, seeing a sheathed machete being lifted out of the tray. “Your machete. You can clip it onto your saddlebag strap there so it’s out of the way.” Quarter said, going for another tray. “And your very own Stallion and West!” Announced Quarter, holding out a guncase. “Oh my goodness! My own weapon!” “Remember, use it sparingly. Ideally, not at all.” “I shouldn’t have to, not with this Night-Mare around! I’m just touched that I’m worth arming!” The stallion said, equipping his holster. “Relax, Mr. Wind! You are one of us now!” Reassured the craft stallion. “Thanks!” PW called as 2 jabbed his side. “Ow; geeze, Frosty!” He complained. “Well now! I do believe we are ready for deployment!” Said Quarter. “Can I use the bathroom first?” Asked PW. “If you can wait ten minutes, I promise the washroom aboard the Potomare is much nicer than ours.” “Think five Night-Mares, PW.” Whispered Frosty. “Alright! I’ll wait!” He responded. The N.C. laid a hoof on PW. “This is the last we’ll see of each other for a few days, Polaris, so I wanted to let you know that I’m excited to have you on the team and know you’ll do well in taking care of your Night-Mare!” “Yes sir, thank you!” PW responded. "Oh! Can I ask you to take this and drop it off in my P.O. box? Agh!” He cried, digging his plushie out of his bag a little too rough. “Interceptions make for great takedowns!” Squawked the toy. “I… she got it for me. So I can always take her home!” PW said, defending himself. “Yeah, thanks for letting me know you were into foal toys! I would have never guessed otherwise!” Frosty teased. The assistant glanced up at his now sheepish Night-Mare in disgust. “I’ll drop it off for you.” The boss agreed. The combat team was escorted by Quarter down the hallways and elevators to the outside where a pair of Royal Guard soldiers saluted them. “You’re that important?” Whispered PW to the Night-Mare. “I’m an officer, PW.” She reminded him.  The pair were led to an auto-wagon with the same large rear right seat configuration from Crystal Heart City. “Alright you two; we’re off to the train station!” Quarter said.  PW looked out the window at all the saluting Royal Guardsponies as they made their way out of the industrial park. “We will have you alight at the train station before the passengers are released to board, so you won’t need to do your threat assessment.” Quarter informed them as they pulled onto the main road.  The thirty-minute drive gave PW a good look at a large amount of Norfilly. The auto-wagon pulled through a gate and dropped them off on the paved area beside the train.  “Good luck, the both of you!” Quarter called. “Thank you sir!” Responded PW, jumping out of the vehicle. Frosty naturally caught the attention of several station attendants as she approached the train. She strode up the stairs like a machine while PW lumbered up much more slowly. Everything was ready to go in the car, with swing music playing from a phonograph. Polaris found the restroom and Quarter was proven right – it was lavish with brass fixtures, porcelain equipment, and sparkling, clean floors. He next took the opportunity to tour the rest of the car. The Potomare lounge featured padded seating around the sides of the car, a bar (which wasn’t open), desks and tables, cubicles, ice boxes, cupboards, and loveseats near the rear. 2 dropped her equipment in one of the corners and took one of these rear love seats facing forward for herself. PW could hear the wood upholstery underneath creaking as she spread her massive body over the mini-sofa, extending her forelegs over the rests, and stretching her long hind legs out, which caught PW’s gaze without him realizing it. “Windy; the Night-Mare demands snacks. Bring her food!” The reclining mare demanded with a clap of her hooves. “I shall obey, Frosty! Though I’m surprised they didn’t put any courtesy snacks out.” Admitted PW, saluting her. “I ate them.” The mare muttered. He walked to the vestibule and found a key ring on the door latch which he took with him. He discovered the door to their car would lock once it was closed. PW found himself in the midst of many other stallions and mares getting themselves situated for the ride ahead in coach. He continued up two more cars where he found a café car staffed by a unicorn mare about his age. “I take it you’re not open yet?” PW asked. “Not yet. Check back in about 10 or 15?” The mare suggested. “Great, thanks!” PW responded, heading back to the NightMare Lounge and getting to try his key out. “The café is currently closed. But it will open in a few minutes.” Reported PW. “Thanks for trying.” Moped the mare as a lurch was felt. “Looks like the train’s moving. How long has it been since you rode this line?” “Oh, not even a week.” “Isn’t the electrification project awesome?” “The what-project?” She asked. “They electrified the tracks and now the trains are running on electricity instead of fuel and steam!” He practically shouted. “And?” “And? And that means we can go fast!” “Why am I just now finding out you’re a train nerd?” “Probably because I was worried you’d say something about why I shouldn’t be hired when I tried to be?” “Who’s to say I won’t now?” She threatened under narrowed eyes. “Because I’m unquestionably devoted to your success.” Suggested PW, becoming serious. The cream-colored mare turned to look out the window and sighed deeply. “I’m getting hungry.” “I’ll go back and wait…” Replied PW. He returned with a dozen platters from bread doodles to Mareitos to grapes. Frosty snatched the bag of Mareitos, held it over her mouth and popped the bag in such a way that all the chips fell neatly into her mouth and were gone in seconds. She downed all the grapes including the vine in one bite.  “Uh-oh…” PW realized he had not retrieved enough snacks for her. After just 90 seconds PW was again facing a hungry mare. “You gonna get more or sit and become the thirteenth snack?” “I’m a fellow employee, Frosty!” PW said in a challenge.  She crossed her hooves, scrunched her muzzle and looked out the window.  “Frosty, you know I’m your number 1.” He repeated, turning and walking back to the café car. This time PW managed to convince the café attendant to sell him an entire box of Hot Pouches. When asked why he wanted the whole box he simply replied with “I’m traveling with a four-hundred-pound mare with an appetite for meat”. As expected, the mare shot him a look of confusion and concern. PW’s issues, however, continued getting worse. “12 times 5 minutes is 60 minutes.” She said, dumping the box’s contents into the toaster oven.  PW was admiring the scenery and it took him several seconds to register what she had just done.  “What?” He exclaimed, coming around the loveseat and into the closed bar. He looked into the window and found all twelve pouches haphazardly placed inside. “It doesn’t work that way!” Shouted PW, opening the door and pulling out all but two. “You can’t cook more than two at a time! It just doesn’t work that way!” He added. “Oh.” Hummed the mare flatly. “Can I cook one PW at once?” “Sure. But you’d forever lose your loyal assistant who is trying his very best to satisfy his weapons platform he adores more than anything!” PW responded with a nerve. The mare took a deep breath. “Disregard…” She sighed.  PW looked back in a smile but Frosty was looking into the toaster and never saw it. The first meal served in the dining room was dinner, and this is the time they received a knock at the door. “Can I take your meal preferences?” A mare server asked. “Write small on that paper. You’re going to need the space.” PW warned, motioning back to the towering mare approaching them. “Oh! Erm – sure!” The server said, becoming increasingly nervous the closer the lofty mare got. PW spoke first. “As for what I’ll have- a glass of milk, the garden salad, pizza, and the ice-cream bar.” "Thanks. And for you?” The server asked, scribbling his order down. “Do you have an eastern menu?” Frosty asked. “Uh… no? Sorry! Not on this train!” The server responded uncomfortably. “Okay, then. I’ll get the same, but give me two more milks and one of each of your dinners with that.” “Wow. Nice and easy to write but a lot more difficult to carry!” She complained, leaving the car.  A few minutes later, she returned with a cart in and started putting trays on the various tables of the room.  “Enjoy!” She sang, rushing out of the room before any other request could be made. She returned a second time after dinner to collect all the dirty dishware back onto the cart and then wheeled it out of the room.  “Are there beds we can get?” PW asked. “Oh, they’re just foldouts. The sofas along the sides of the train.” The server mare replied, leaving the car. PW walked back to the sofa on the left side near the love seat Frosty was sitting on. He inspected it and found that there was a matrix of metal inside it.  “Guess this folds out?” PW figured, pulling on the cushions.  They started moving somewhat along with some metallic creaking and then all stopped moving.  “Hmm… it’s stuck!” Cried PW, tugging it out with increasing force.  When he released his grip for a break the sofa cushions returned to their normal position. The small stallion made another attempt, even biting the cushions this time, but to not effect. The sofa would not open. PW felt an enormous presence above him.  “You look like you could use some help.” Said a voice above his ears.  He looked up to find Frosty’s head above his, and further back to see she was standing overtop his back. “You mounted me?!” PW exclaimed, feeling hot all of the sudden. “I haven’t mounted you, PW. My legs are still touching the ground and my belly is above, not on, your back. I’m merely standing over you.” The mare explained.  PW felt dizzy and he retreated underneath her to hide his blush, getting smothered by her voluminous tail on the way back out. PW sat directly behind her as she worked her ‘magic’ on the sofa.  “Whoops!” She shouted, pulling the cushions out quickly.  The powerful mare was relying on some resistance to keep her balanced. Unfortunately for her, she overestimated the strength she would need to un-stick the sofa when the train suddenly lurched. She stumbled backward, losing her balance and falling straight rearward. The poor stallion behind her became the stallion under her again. As his forehead made contact with her tail dock he could only think ‘This is how I end!’ as a tidal wave of emotions overtook him.