MasterMustang

Looks like you are on your own in that battle Chysie unless it looks bad, then I'll help. Xp

Just as Col. Striker exists the elevator he approached by a comm officer who just exited the adjacent elevator. He appears to be out of breath. [colour=#FF8C00]"Sir!... I...."[/colour] he pants.

[colour=#006400]"Easy, soldier. What is it?"[/colour]

[colour=#FF8C00]"Sir, we have just recieved startling reports from our covert surveiillance equipment monitering the outlining area of the Changeling Hive. Video surveillance reveals a large unidentified force advancing on their position. Markings upon their armor don't register with any known factions or the GEF, sir!"[/colour] the comm officer says in a slight panic.

The news startles the Ranger. He thought this war would be at least weeks away. Looks like that b******, Lunar Cross, failed to give an accurate time table for us... Striker's eyes harden. [colour=#006400]"So... it begins..."[/colour]

[colour=#FF8C00]"Wha-... sir? Shall we mobilize a response team?"[/colour]

[colour=#006400]"No. We will not intervene at this time. Queen Chrysalis is far more intelligent and clever than most give her credit for. That is why Major Briggs commissioned the use of covert surveillance equipment upon the Hive. I still don't trust her myself but I am confident that she can hold her own however, have the 2 Apache Longbows stationed here on standby and ready for ground support in case this thing begin to turn south for them. We will need the changelings to defeat this threat, for now divert as much pony power as you can to moniter the advancing force and the ensuing battle. I want as much data on them as you can collect from this skirmish, understood?"[/colour] the Colonel orders.

[colour=#FF8C00]"Understood, sir."[/colour] the pegasis replies with a salute and hurries back down to the Command Deck.

This information is troubling but not as much as Free's death. His friend... why did he do it? His appetite disappears at the thought so turns back and enters the elevator, He decends to the command level and makes for his new office next to Applejack's. As he enters he notices how formal and simple it is but its homey. Various partiotic pictures and posters line his office walls, most are REA posters but a few are REA and Ranger pictures of soldiers and armored calvery. There are a few RLF banners for formalities. Behind his desk is a perfect and unscarred REA flag on a silver pole. Free... you did this didn't you?... Striker takes a seat in his office. He begins to reflect upon this situation. How can he lead the RLF when his experience limits him to a most a company of soldiers? Perhaps that's why Applejack retains most of the command. She is a very strong and motivating presence. The soldiers were always motivated by her presence, even Striker at times... he's going to need her help. Maybe at least talk to her. Hopeful she realizes the promotion they were given. The Colonel picks up his phone and contacts the Comm Station above.

[colour=#4B0082]"Comm Station here, what do you need, sir?" [/colour]answers a young mare's voice.

[colour=#006400]"Patch me through on a secure line to Major Gen. Applejack's field comm."[/colour]

[colour=#4B0082]"Right away, sir."[/colour]

Striker awaits as his call pings AJ's communicater. They gave her a nice toy. It can operate as a radio or as a phone. The guys in the labs do slow but good work.

kk ^^

did I miss something?

So, TBB, where do you want Free's funeral? Equina? Canterlot Ruins? Where would you like?

The Colonel places the "Key" down on his night stand. His thoughts shift back to his CO and friend, Free... his last moments with him were not very... appropriate... he regrets not staying by his General's side. Maybe if he was there... he shakes his head trying to resist the urge to take Free's death upon his concious... resist feeling responsible... but it doesn't work out well... guilt washes over him. If only their last meeting was on better terms... if only he didn't succumb to his own weaknesses... maybe... just maybe...

He gets up and gets dressed in his REA Ranger Battledress, pins on his collars and above his ribbons the silver rank crests of Colonel. He loads up his M9 and places it in his holster upon his waist. The stallion trots to his desk, takes one last swig of his brandy, and salutes the old and ragged REA flag that hangs in his room. Just as he opens the door, a guard awaits him. He salutes. [colour=#FF0000]"Sir! You left this in the X-3DC interrigation room, sir!" [/colour]He stallion hands him the nickle plated .44... Striker's face remains emotionless...

[colour=#006400]"Thanks, soldier. Dismissed."[/colour]

[colour=#FF0000]"Sir!"[/colour] he salutes again as he continues on his way. The worn Ranger renters his room and leaves the revolver on his desk and places that cursed bullet next to it... after a dreadful pause, he turns away and leaves, locking his door behind him with his keycard. Col. Striker makes his way back to the busy Command Deck. He stands upon the pedistal that overwatches the whole room. He places on a headset and activates the bases P.A. system. It's time to tell them...

[colour=#006400]"Attention all personel, this is Colonel Striker. I regret to tell you all that General Free Quickhoof is... dead. Out of respect for his memory and your view of him, I will not explain the manner in which he died but know this: our General, our leader... our friend may be dead but his dreams live on. They live on within the steel and concrete of this facility, they live within each bullet in your rifle... and they live within the honor and loyalty you all had for him and our great cause. His death may weigh heavy on our hearts but we are strong, we are vigilant, and we will carry on. We will make Equestria whole again. We will bring peace and justice back to our home, which was taken from us long ago. We will defend our nation from all threats, both foriegn and domestic. However, as of today, I am susepending all low-priority operations, excluding research projects, until further notice for the proper time to grieve and remember the General. His funeral will take place in 3 days. I'm not sure where but I will be there to lead his service and deliever his final honors. You all are welcome to come pay your respects but I'm sure that you already have. Those who have critical duties to perform are excluded from coming unless you can find a replacement. Without further delay... In his memory let us have a moment of silence to honor our fallen comrade and fly our flags everywhere at hald mast. If you will..."[/colour] Ponies all stand and remove their hats and headgear. The whole facility goes silent... only the humming and various other noises that this facility makes passively can be heard. After a few moments Striker speaks again. [colour=#006400] "Thank you. In his absence, Major General Applejack and I will be supervising the RLF, however Applejack will offically be taking Gen. Quickhoof's place as Supreme RLF Commander. I know I don't have to tell you how to treat her. That is all. Carry On."[/colour] Striker removes his headgear and turns off the mic. He leaves quietly even as all eyes are upon him. He heads up the elevator on his way to the messhall... after all of this he is starving...

Hey Val, you might want to hold up on leaving on your next post. Do one more and then I will reply over the P.A. that Free is dead so Twilight can hear it (unless she knows already). Plz? ^^

[colour=#000000]>Twilight Sparkle (RLF Secret Bunker, Striker's Private Quarters)[/colour]

She gave a tired, gentle smile at Star's words, nodding slowly in comprehension. Twilight had assumed he blamed her for something, but hadn't been able to guess what exactly it was. Now, she knew a bit more about his reasoning as well, but somehow it didn't seem to comfort her, but made things worse. [colour=#4B0082]"...no, Striker...your anger was well-placed, despite what you would think. If...if I hadn't been so weak...that thing would never have taken control of me...and none of this would have happened. If I had been stronger...maybe Equestria wouldn't be the wreck it is today. If I had simply...died when I should have, nopony would have had to suffer so much pain. My sins are my own to remember...and as a wise pony once told me, 'demons like us cannot ever truly know peace; thus, we must make that peace for others...or lose everything in doing so.' " [/colour]Opening the door fully, her infiltration suit reappeared upon her coat, covering her violet colors with bleak grays and blacks. Giving a quiet, pained laugh, she shook her head as if denying something. [colour=#4B0082]"You are an honorable stallion, Star Striker. Remember that...I am sure that, whoever it is you lost...I am sure they knew how lucky they were to have known somepony like you. I can never ask your forgiveness, nor anypony else's for that matter...but know simply that, despite it all...I wish that everything could go back to the way it was. Before all of this war, suffering, and...evil."[/colour]

Cutting herself off at the end of it, she swiftly stepped out and shut the door behind her, making her way in the direction of the helipad inside the secret bunker. The only sound that Twilight could hear was the pounding of her own heart, and the rush of blood in her ears. She felt a sudden dampness on her cheeks, and she reached up to wipe her eyes...completely surprised to find tears on her coat. Funny...she thought all her tears had dried up...marvels never seemed to cease, here in Equestria.

After she leaves, Striker sits in silence for a moment. He is curious still why didn't he act out his rage upon her again. Does he really care for her and if so what does this mean for his feelings that he still has for his lost love. This encounter only fuels the confusion withing him. After a few seconds he gets up and quickly moves to his door and opens it. However, before he sticks his head out he looks down to see the bullet that he made for her... he picks it up and places in his pocket. [colour=#006400]"Twi-" [/colour]but nopony was there except a pair of guards making their rounds. They briefly hear him and salute him before continuing on their patrol. He slowly returns to his room and upon closing his door he notices the key shaped tailsman on his bed. The soldier sits upon his bed, picks up the artifact, and looks at it, as if he was searching for something... So many more questions still without answers... he begins to wish that Twilight didn't leave... perhaps those talks of peace were true and in this war to come... he will need allies.

Two more alicorns...holy ****. the future looks bleak.

I'm not scared... Striker still has his transformation to come, and when it does... even the creatures within the deepest dephs of Tartarus will cower before his might...

Star is surprised by Twilight's ignorance about Free's fate... and the strange key upon his bed for AJ raises more questions. He was just about to speak as she makes her way to the door but stops and... she asks what he was hoping she wouldn't ask... he begins to get nervous. He looks at Tender's picture then back to Twilight with sorrowful eyes. His gaze shifts away as he speaks trying to hide his shame. [colour=#006400] "I... I don't know... I wanted to... but at the same time I didn't... in that moment I had mixed feelings about you, Twilight." [/colour]he says but then realizes how he puts it. He turns a very slight shade of red from embarrasement and frustration. [colour=#006400] "I began to remember who you used to be, the proud pupil of Celestia and the honorable Element of Magic who, in my oath, I swore to protect. That... combined with your treason created that conflict within me. Also... I guess you don't entirely deserve my rage... I had a feeling you didn't fire that round that... that killed her..."[/colour]

I'm sorry, Fawful...but I'm afraid a character like the one you are applying is simply incompatible with this RP. Please don't be upset, it is simply to keep the story's (slight) logic.

I can't wait to move this thing forward Val. Please don't make me wait...

You sure you can't play as one of our open Characters? We could definitely use your help. Call it practice with new characters. ^^

Actually I think we are only looking for people to fill some roles we lost, like Cadence and some other that I forget. Regardless, it's Val's call.

Tweeked post for you Scythe when you are ready to post

Also... STOP STOP STOP you forgot a very important thing! You didn't say that Chrysalis was brought away - you cannot let her fly way, then the whole blindfold thing would be in vain. Add that somewhere! Or I can't answer... well I can't answer anyway right now because whiskey.

Oh I so sense hot Twilight/Striker action there.

Wish I had a real whiskey glass with Chrysalis engraved on it right now...

Right, let me edit that.

--Fixed--

Striker somehow feels compelled to hear Twilight out... he is already aware of the threat that expands beyond Equestria's borders and he can sense that she is serious about this. [colour=#006400]"Interesting that you come in such a way just for the sake of diplomacy..." [/colour] He slowly takes out his M9 pistol removes the clip and ejects the chambered round. Setting his weapon on his desk, he sits down and motions Twilight to do the same. [colour=#006400]"You have a lot of nerve coming to see me... and here of all places, in my own sancturary..." [/colour]he says angrily as he takes a swig.

Cool, the more the merrier. ^^

By this time Striker had about half the bottle and had a little buzz. He looks up to see he door opening; usually ponies knock so he dismisses it as a figment of his imagination untill he looks up again... what he sees strikes him with so many emotions it almost overloads his mind. The strongest of these at the current moment is fear, anger, and... well... that. Twilight Sparkle, the grand GEF queen herself stands in his doorway wearing infiltration gear. She must be here to kill him like he tried to do to her. [colour=#006400]"YOU!!!"[/colour] He stands quickly and reaches for his revolver... nothing... he left it in the interrigation room. It's too late for him to draw his M9 now so he stands with his hooves up. [colour=#006400]"You... I see you infiltrated this facility. So, let me guess: you came to assasinate me, right? GEF scum can't even fight with honor..." [/colour]he growls. He slowly reaches into his pocket and tosses her that special .44 round with her name on it... [colour=#006400]"If you are gunna do it then use that..."[/colour]

Sorry... Are you still invisible?

wow this post took me a while... fingers hurt...

Really? SWEET!!! Have fun with it and thanks! ^^

(PS others are still welcomed to try ^^)

Striker eyes become emotionless. Her words of (her) love and her ruling of Equestria (and there frequency of use) begin to make Striker question this newfound alliance already. He doesn't reveal this but his expression changes back to that of usual military demeanor. With his last words he tries to make a point clear to her. [colour=#006400]"Chrysalis... you can't have something that isn't yours to have..."[/colour] he says coldly. [colour=#006400] "I will assist you in these times of war and uncertainty but I am not here to further your political agendas. I am here to perform that oath I took so long ago. I will protect Equestria from ALL threats both foriegn and DOMESTIC. That is my purpose..." [/colour]He helps her up into the aircraft, blindfolds her again (reluctantly), and secures her seatbelts. The spinning blades create quite a gust upon the helipad. Hoping off the aircraft, he looks up to her one final time. [colour=#006400]"Goodbye, Queen Chrysalis... don't disapoint me..." [/colour] Striker turns and walks away as the Black Hawk lifts up and through the maw of the facility, after which it closes. He makes his way to the elevator and decends to the 3rd from the last floor, the Intel Processing and Archives. As he decends her words still ring in his ears. [colour=#006400]"Don't make me regret this, changeling... or I will come for you too..."[/colour]

He arives at the designated floor and proceeds down a long and reinforced tunnel leading to the command center deep withing the adjacent mountains. This part of the facility also has a barracks, a vehicle depot, and the main armory. It also contains the facility's command center and Comms Relay that resides higher up into the mountains which is also connected to a fairly large comm station desguised as a weather monitering station with various antennas and dishes who's actual purpose was stated. Striker arrives withing the command center which consists of a large central room furnished with various computer systems and other advanced information tech. There are several adjacent offices that are designed as the working spaces for the higher ups in the chain of command. Striker finds Major Briggs office and formally enters the room after knocking. [colour=#008080]"Oh, good, Striker, come in."[/colour] says Briggs as he ushers him in. They greet with salutes again and sit across from eachother.

[colour=#006400]"What is it that you wished to discuss with me, sir?"[/colour] the Ranger asks curiously. Briggs face becomes blank as he stands and turns away from his comrade. He takes a deep breath.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyDZscyf8lU

[colour=#008080]"General Free is dead, Striker... he killed himself in a public display today within the city of Equina. That incident with the fugative, Lunar Rush, that you and Free witnessed made the General enter some sort of psychosis... it was too late before we could contact him and administer the proper treatment... his body still resides within the city and we are planning a public military funeral."[/colour]

The words freeze the broken soldier. His eyes widen and his muscles tighten at the news of his CO's... his friend's death. Striker manages to keep his composure as he stands. [colour=#006400] "I see... tis a shame, sir... he... he was a good stallion and a great soldier. His name brought the RLF much honor. He will be missed."[/colour] he says in his usual voice but it is lower with a hint of sorrow. [colour=#006400]"Is that all, sir?"[/colour] he asks polietly desperately wanting to leave to grieve in private.

[colour=#008080]"Captain, within his final entries into his personal logs it is revealed that Commander Applejack and yourself are to lead the RLF in his absence. It states that Applejack will be promoted to Major General upon his death... and you to Colonel... sir." [/colour]With that he salutes Col. Star Striker. [colour=#008080]"This was his final gift to you and Major Gen. Applejack, sir." [/colour]he says softly. Both men are filled with sorrow for their lost comrade.

[colour=#006400]"I will lead his funeral service, Major. He gave me this honor in death so while I still breath I going to repay the favour..." [/colour]he says with pride. [colour=#006400]"... its the least I can do for my old friend."[/colour]

[colour=#008080]"I am honored to hear that, Colonel. Shall I patch word ahead of your trip to Equina, sir?"[/colour]

[colour=#006400]"Not yet, Major. The funeral will be in 3 days and I must make preperations, dismissed."[/colour]

[colour=#008080]"Sir!"[/colour] he salutes.

Striker then wanders aimlessly back to the main elevator and makes his way to the barracks and back to his room. He enters and shuts the door quietly then runs to the trash can and throws up. After a few painful seconds, the soldier walks over to his desk and sits down slowly. Time has appeared to stop for the new Colonel... He reaches into his mini fridge and takes out his special brandy that he was saving for the two when they won the war... that old b****** deserves a drink now. He pours two large whiskey glasses, sets one infront of himself and one on the opposite end of his desk. He lifts his glass as if toasting to somepony across from him.

[colour=#006400]"The alicorn born to those who pledge their lives and sacred honor[/colour]

[colour=#006400]Was smiled upon by the gods and freed from chains and iron collar[/colour]

[colour=#006400]He is held aloft on unity, and by History, revered[/colour]

[colour=#006400]For preserving peace through strength his wings now reach across 200 years...[/colour]

[colour=#006400]... but for each of those and more aplenty[/colour]

[colour=#006400]The Gods have smiled upon the Army[/colour]

[colour=#006400]From the Everfree Forest to the Eastern Groves, by sword, by gun, or by bare hooves.[/colour]

[colour=#006400]So it's been and shall be weighted:[/colour]

[colour=#006400]Though many are born... few are "made."[/colour]

[colour=#006400]Faithful always, let it remain...[/colour]

[colour=#006400]Rangers always lead the way!"[/colour]

It was a poem that his father passed down to him when he retired from the Army Rangers... (Borrowed and tweeked it from a song.^^)

[colour=#006400]"Hooah..."[/colour] Striker takes a large swig and sets his glass down. [colour=#006400] "To you my old friend..." [/colour]He then reaches for the picture on his desk of Tender Care and him during mess one day. He pours another glass and toasts again... [colour=#006400]"For you, hunny..."[/colour]

Free would probably turn in his grave if he was put anywhere Luna. And yeah, I was thinking maybe a remembrance parade or something, where all the factions honour the fallen.

I think it would be great to have a military funeral and have Striker lead a 3 volley salute to Free.

Can't wait to see what mine looks like. OH THE ANTICIPATION!!! ^^

Striker's knows that Chrysalis is right... to an extent. This is making him weaker. If this state of mind he will only bring danger to his comrades but he doesn't know if he can do that. Suddenly, the massive steel door opens. The base's commading office, Major Briggs, enters the room alone with a blank expression about his face. Striker salutes his superior officer, as he does in return. [colour=#008080]"Captain Striker, I'm sorry for interrupting your interrigation but I need to speak with you... in private."[/colour] he says bluntly.

[colour=#006400]"Yes, sir."[/colour] he promptly replies. He glances at Chrysalis and then back to the Major. [colour=#006400] "May I see our guest out first, sir?"[/colour]

Major Briggs noddes. [colour=#008080]"Very well, after you are done report to my office immediately."[/colour]

[colour=#006400]"Sir!"[/colour] Striker says with a salute. He retrieves Chrysalis and escorts all the way back from once they came. After several minutes of various hallways and one giant elevator ride, they arrive at the helipads. The same Black Hawk was refueled and ready to transport Chrysalis back to the city. Before they leave the elevator, the soldier turns to Chrysalis. [colour=#006400]"Your majesty... thank you for your words and more so your ears. I really need to let that out. I don't know if my heart will ever heal... I can't let go. It feels like I would be letting go part of my soul too... regardless, I thank you an I will seek you out if I need further help with this. At least you tried to help this broken soldier. Consider me and my men your allies in the coming war with this Pierrot..." [/colour]He pauses. His eyes become soft again as he looks into hers. [colour=#006400] "...also... I know what you were trying to do back there... if only it was another time and I was another stallion... I'm sorry that I don't feel the same toward you... forgive me. Thank you for all you done, your majesty. Strength and honor be with you, Queen Chrysalis."[/colour] he says kindly to her. They were truely his first kind words he spoke to her ever.