private Crossheart (1x1)

[Randimaxis 8,652]

"Uh hey, Film?"  She trotted over to him.  "I know you're a professional and all, but maybe you would be okay with letting me carry a roll or two?  After all, we're BOTH here to support each other, so I wouldn't mind making your load a bit lighter - heck, I've just got some notepads and pencils!"

 

This wasn't completely true; she was carrying a pencil case of about twelve pencils (plus sharpener), a securely tied old mint tin where she kept her more important ID cards and small papers, her flank pack for her other sundries, two secure water bottles which were specifically chosen for their sturdiness, several notepads, and one of those multi-purpose knife-things she'd heard could be so useful.

 

Of course, there was also the Pepper Spray - no good reporter should ever be without it, her friend Type Cast had told her.  Well, though she'd thought it wholly unnecessary, she'd brought some anyway.  Better to have and not need than to need and not have, right?

 

She gathered a few more things together, checked with Reel, then gave Srosh a smile that said she was more than ready.

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Uh hey, Film?"  She trotted over to him.  "I know you're a professional and all, but maybe you would be okay with letting me carry a roll or two?  After all, we're BOTH here to support each other, so I wouldn't mind making your load a bit lighter - heck, I've just got some notepads and pencils!"

 

This wasn't completely true; she was carrying a pencil case of about twelve pencils (plus sharpener), a securely tied old mint tin where she kept her more important ID cards and small papers, her flank pack for her other sundries, two secure water bottles which were specifically chosen for their sturdiness, several notepads, and one of those multi-purpose knife-things she'd heard could be so useful.

 

Of course, there was also the Pepper Spray - no good reporter should ever be without it, her friend Type Cast had told her.  Well, though she'd thought it wholly unnecessary, she'd brought some anyway.  Better to have and not need than to need and not have, right?

 

She gathered a few more things together, checked with Reel, then gave Srosh a smile that said she was more than ready.

 

Hoofing over a couple of film containers she sat them in her travel bags. With the two ready Srosh escorted them forward out into the sunlight. Adjusting to the sudden light they return into the small alleyway. Rather then returning into the street they follow along down the said alley to the next over. Srosh raises his head expressing a big smile as he looks up to the sky. Just in time a squad of jet ponies fly over head trailing a row of exhaust behind them.

 

"Happy hunting." He says aloud as they continue down the street, the two remaining close to his side incase of new muggers. Past markets, crowds and homes. With watchful eyes and stares, waves and gestures it was a mixed bag of reactions from the citizens. Some waved, some scorned some even tried to hug them strangely. But all a blur of the inner city sites. The true attraction began or more so a drab one as they greeted to the outter limits and shortly out of the limits of the city.

 

The three are now walking along side the highway, traffic was surprisingly light. The war perhaps made it risky? It was thankfully a dry breezy day. Not too hot.

 

Srosh stopped before they continued further and turning around kneeling to them with a serious expression.

 

"Miss Page. Film?" he says to them,

"I want to tell you. And do keep this in mind... We are going to be gone for days. Maybe even weeks. If any harm does come. We never find proper medical care. You may get hurt. And as you were told by our director.. You may even die. I cannot guarantee your safe return but I will do my best. If you want to leave, this is your chance now to return home." He says, giving the final decision to the two ponies. 

 

Film looks to Page, "Hey, I'm going wherever you're going." he simply says to her. Again with simple answers, such an easygoing one he is.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Splash Page looked her massive host right in the eye.

 

"I thank you and appreciate your concern... but that's not how you get the message of your plight out.  That's not finding the truth.  That's a coward's way to face reality, and I'm no coward.  Srosh, I feel like your story NEEDS to be heard - and we're here to see to it that it most certainly IS heard."

 

She gave him a bright smile.  "Besides, nothing worthwhile is ever easy."

 

Not to say she wasn't rattled by his words; there hadn't been ANY mention of difficulties such as these... but then again, it didn't surprise her that she'd been 'mushroomed'; kept in the dark and fed manure.  Still, even with the threat of danger over her head, Page wasn't about to let Head Line get wind that she'd gone home with her tail between her legs.

 

"So, Srosh, Reel... shall we go do something worthwhile?"

 

She did pass a smile to Film Reel; she might not know him well yet, but just his company and his support helped her to breathe a LOT easier.

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Splash Page looked her massive host right in the eye.

 

"I thank you and appreciate your concern... but that's not how you get the message of your plight out.  That's not finding the truth.  That's a coward's way to face reality, and I'm no coward.  Srosh, I feel like your story NEEDS to be heard - and we're here to see to it that it most certainly IS heard."

 

She gave him a bright smile.  "Besides, nothing worthwhile is ever easy."

 

Not to say she wasn't rattled by his words; there hadn't been ANY mention of difficulties such as these... but then again, it didn't surprise her that she'd been 'mushroomed'; kept in the dark and fed manure.  Still, even with the threat of danger over her head, Page wasn't about to let Head Line get wind that she'd gone home with her tail between her legs.

 

"So, Srosh, Reel... shall we go do something worthwhile?"

 

She did pass a smile to Film Reel; she might not know him well yet, but just his company and his support helped her to breathe a LOT easier.

 

"Very well." Srosh smiled and stood. "Then let us put a test in our new endeavor." He said turning around he continued on the way with the two reporters following close behind. 

 

Srosh looked about at the slight grassy plain before them. Taking scent of the air. For these moments he tried to hold a prolonged sense of peace. Strange that he could make out such times of brief tranquil. A small group of birds flying, a small gopher popped its head up looking around the area just near a hill. With a smile on his expression I closed his eyes briefly and let out another exhale. And then... he began to sing. Not exactly Ra-Ra pop quality but nontheless the efforts were notable. The pitch it seemed was ment to be high as they heard the words sung but his moderate pitch was acceptable to sell the soft melody. 

 

The dawwwn, a brand new day!

The suuunnn- beating back the endless night.

A raaayyy of warmth- around me.

At last I see.. the Light! 

 

To daaannce with morning birds,

High treeees swaying,sunlight shining so clear!

SO LET, the clock march on!

I am safe and home, a brand new world is here!

 

Oh won't you take my hand, and fly away?

Where spirits soar, far as eye can see!

As we draw our lines in the blue sky!

Lift our souls, and we are free.

 

Edited September 25, 2016 by IllusivePony

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Page stood quietly nearby, listening to the sweet dulcet tones from the ever-more-surprising Srosh.

 

The pure, unabashed feel of his pure moment of joy washed over her as well.  She closed her eyes, getting a taste of the emotion in each held note.  The voice wasn't one of weariness of marching long roads, but of something more clean... more like his younger years he'd spoken of before.

 

She gave a long, soft sigh and smiled.  Then, after a few seconds, she opened her eyes and looked questioningly over at Film Reel.

 

"For the love of Luna, PLEASE tell me you got that."

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Page stood quietly nearby, listening to the sweet dulcet tones from the ever-more-surprising Srosh.

 

The pure, unabashed feel of his pure moment of joy washed over her as well.  She closed her eyes, getting a taste of the emotion in each held note.  The voice wasn't one of weariness of marching long roads, but of something more clean... more like his younger years he'd spoken of before.

 

She gave a long, soft sigh and smiled.  Then, after a few seconds, she opened her eyes and looked questioningly over at Film Reel.

 

"For the love of Luna, PLEASE tell me you got that."

Turning to face Film Reel he gives her a smug smile waving a small voice recorder. He clicks on the record button, the light on the top of it turns off.

"You dropped this." He said. He hoofed it over to her.

 

"Enjoyed the tune did you?" Srosh said looking over his shoulder to the two companions.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

She took the recorder, mouthing a silent 'thank you' to Reel as she did.

 

"Yes - very much so!  That was lovely, Srosh... and further proof that something of beauty can still be appreciated, no matter the climate!"

 

Speaking of which, Page felt back for one of her water bottles and took a conservative sip.  She could make quite an educated guess as to how precious clean water truly was in a place like this, so she was in no hurry to deplete her supply... though she did offer the bottle to both of her companions.

 

"Figured I'd offer to share, right?  Thirsty?"  She said as she held it out to them.

[FancyHorse 1,209]

She took the recorder, mouthing a silent 'thank you' to Reel as she did.

 

"Yes - very much so!  That was lovely, Srosh... and further proof that something of beauty can still be appreciated, no matter the climate!"

 

Speaking of which, Page felt back for one of her water bottles and took a conservative sip.  She could make quite an educated guess as to how precious clean water truly was in a place like this, so she was in no hurry to deplete her supply... though she did offer the bottle to both of her companions.

 

"Figured I'd offer to share, right?  Thirsty?"  She said as she held it out to them.

 

"No need. I have plenty." Srosh says waving to her to dismiss.

"Nah. I'll be alright." Film replied. 

 

Behind they heard the sound of motors approaching. Looking in their back direction a coloumn of large armored vehicles and various trucks roll by, armed combatants lining along their ranks passing in quick speed. Some waving a shouting. Some honk their horns. Srosh smiles and waves as they pass on. As the convoy goes the last vehicles, a light armored carrier comes to a halt just ahead of them. The gunner, a rather canine looking fellow, waves at them.

 

The three approach to the vehicle.

"Ma hun di dore raweste?" The bipedal canine, presumably a type of diamond dog, spoke in an odd language.

"I don't speak Malteesian." Srosh said.

"Ah, right. Do you need ride?" The gunner spoke in basic Equestrian. 

"It would help a lot." Srosh replied. The gunner then patted the top of the steel beast. Srosh unexpectedly lifted the two ponies and hoisted them onto the top of the vehicle before climbing aboard himself. 

 

The gunner called down to his driver and they continued onward, the breeze flowing heavily against their faces as the armored carrier speeds up to catch with the rest.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Page gave a short squeak when she was picked up, but took the rest in stride and sat where she was placed.  Again, she was pretty impressed with the pure strength of the minotaur; he was quite a powerhouse.

 

She got a good look at the vehicle she was in, trying to make mental notes about small details she could put in her notes later:  the rattle of the mounted gun as they bumped over the terrain, the small hole in the seat cushion that might have been made by a cigarette, the little spot of rust, just beginning to blossom on the underside of the roof, in the far corner.

 

All little details she was wanting to transcribe onto paper... then into words while she was onscreen.  She had only the beginnings of the trip underway, but she was already seeing how she'd fit her observations into her story.

 

She rode along, mostly silent as she ruminated within her own mind for a moment.

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Page gave a short squeak when she was picked up, but took the rest in stride and sat where she was placed.  Again, she was pretty impressed with the pure strength of the minotaur; he was quite a powerhouse.

 

She got a good look at the vehicle she was in, trying to make mental notes about small details she could put in her notes later:  the rattle of the mounted gun as they bumped over the terrain, the small hole in the seat cushion that might have been made by a cigarette, the little spot of rust, just beginning to blossom on the underside of the roof, in the far corner.

 

All little details she was wanting to transcribe onto paper... then into words while she was onscreen.  She had only the beginnings of the trip underway, but she was already seeing how she'd fit her observations into her story.

 

She rode along, mostly silent as she ruminated within her own mind for a moment.

(Reiterating: They are sitting on top of the vehicle, not inside of it. Here's an image refrence: 

http://www.military-today.com/apc/btr_70.jpg))

 

 

Next to her Film held out his camera on his steady stick filming the landscape on their left to the mountainside in the distance. The bumps in the road, the scent of oil in the air with the occasional radio chatter.  

"Just gonna snag some scene shots for later. We can add the audio for the transcript to it later." He says to her once finished with the filming. 

Srosh leans in to the gunner; "What's your objective?" He asked him

The gunner turns in his seat to face him.

"DMP 5! Point just inward from Fari-rain. Near Usto!" He replies, "heading that way?" He asked.

"My first stop." Srosh replied.

"Good luck. A safe trip I hope?" He asked.

"Hopefully. Can't be guarnteed. And these reporters are with me." Srosh replied.

"Ah-" The canine gunner looks over him to the two ponies, "Better listen to big guy! It's not safe for you be out here." He said.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Page nodded vigorously.

 

"I'm no fool - I know who's the guide here - but I have something to fight for too... the truth!"  

 

She had to yell to be heard... but after so many sports events and parades, this was something she had little problem with.

 

"I plan to bring that truth to the masses, and tell them what's happening here - let everypony know what's going on!  In this way, I'm doing my part for the people here, too!  In my case, the pencil is mightier than the sword, you could say!  But that's why you bet I'm gonna listen to him - HE'S the sword, here!"

 

She hoped she was conveying her idealistic attitude... and not coming across as some know-it-all tourist.  

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Page nodded vigorously.

 

"I'm no fool - I know who's the guide here - but I have something to fight for too... the truth!"

 

She had to yell to be heard... but after so many sports events and parades, this was something she had little problem with.

 

"I plan to bring that truth to the masses, and tell them what's happening here - let everypony know what's going on!  In this way, I'm doing my part for the people here, too!  In my case, the pencil is mightier than the sword, you could say!  But that's why you bet I'm gonna listen to him - HE'S the sword, here!"

 

She hoped she was conveying her idealistic attitude... and not coming across as some know-it-all tourist.  

 

 

There was a pause a bit except for the constancy of the engine as their armored carrier rolls into formation with its convoy.

 

The gunner snickers a bit, Srosh turns his head trying to hide his blush and mutual expression. Film could be heard giggling behind her. Their canine companion couldn't help and bursted into laughter along with Srosh. This continues on for several seconds, Page could feel the immense redness of embarrassment on her flushed cheeks. 

The canine rubs his eyes and looks to her.

"Hun mafdarin?... Do.. do you take poetry?" He continues snickering. 

"We.. we don't mean to laugh Miss Page we don't... J-just who speaks in that dramatic fashion?" He asks.

 

"You do kinda do it too much." Film speaks up.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Splash Page sat there for a moment, staring incredulously as they poked fun at her.  She opened her mouth to say something... then, as if someone had flipped a switch, her eyebrows hunkered down and her mouth became a small straight line.

 

Great - the locals apparently have been taking lessons from Head Line.  Just what I needed.

 

She said nothing else; let them have their fun, if that's what they wanted.  She decided to keep her eyes peeled and her mouth firmly shut and NOT get upset which she was failing miserably but she wasn't about to give them the satisfaction of getting the better of her.

 

Besides, these were actual warriors - compared to them, she was nothing but a paper tiger... and she wasn't foolish enough to think otherwise.

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Splash Page sat there for a moment, staring incredulously as they poked fun at her.  She opened her mouth to say something... then, as if someone had flipped a switch, her eyebrows hunkered down and her mouth became a small straight line.

 

Great - the locals apparently have been taking lessons from Head Line.  Just what I needed.

 

She said nothing else; let them have their fun, if that's what they wanted.  She decided to keep her eyes peeled and her mouth firmly shut and NOT get upset which she was failing miserably but she wasn't about to give them the satisfaction of getting the better of her.

 

Besides, these were actual warriors - compared to them, she was nothing but a paper tiger... and she wasn't foolish enough to think otherwise.

 

 

 

There was only a bit of silence as they continued onward. There was this sudden tension in the air that was universally felt. Over in the distance ahead trails of smoke could be seen, closer and closer the environment ahead could be seen was a military check point of sorts. The convoy began to come to a soft roll, the vehicles spreading out to disperse quickly. Film was in a haste and grabbed his camera but as he fiddled to ready a film canister slipped from his bag rolling onto the concrete below. He let out a soft quiet yet sharp swear.

Closer and closer now the carnage unraveled. First just cracks in the asphalt and the large shells littering the streets. 

 

Film noted ahead of them and pointed to a lonesome... Pony? Yeah a pony he was laying there on the ground. Page could feel this sudden realization but with disbelief in it. Making it worse... the pony (or what was him) laid facing forward. His face was open as though scrunched in pain but he seemed frozen. Unmoving. Until they noted the tattered locations of exit wounds on his torso. He didn't even look to have a weapon on him. 

 

She saw the next stallion curled up near damaged vehicle, seeming rested against it before his final moments. Another just across from him laying in an awkward face planted pose, perhaps he was running? Passing a barricade a canine, like their gunner friend, lay slump against it his large support weapon slumped on him. Just ahead as they approached the perimeter of the point a flaming armored vehicle remain in blaze. Its turret badly damaged and tracks completely destroyed... assuming no one survived. 

 

The vehicles came to a halt, the Malteesian forces fanning out in squads, their gunner companion dug in his turret adjusting his helmet and swiviled his large weapon looking along the fence length. Srosh disembarked landing with a heavy thud. Film pause his filming carefully climbing down before continuing. 

 

"Caven Vekiri! Caven Vekiri!" Somepony shouted ahead of them in native tongue. The gunner near them looks to the ground. 

"They said to keep your eyes open! They could be around." He translated.

 

Srosh flipped off the saftey hunched down a bit in a ready stance as he gestured the ponies behind him to follow. 

"Stay with me." he says following in the direction moving between large bits of cover. Barriers and wrecked vehicles. Now near the actual checkpoint the massive concrete wall before them spanned a good 15 feet! Surprisingly little damage was done... All seemed within this part of the wall? 

 

"It was just a platoon size. But where is everyone else?" Srosh whispered audibly... 

 

Film had his camera ready. 

"This a good time to shoot?" He asked her.

Edited October 4, 2016 by IllusivePony

[Randimaxis 8,652]

 

 

Page nodded solemnly to Film, then scanned the horizon line for movement.

 

The carnage here wasn't as bad as some of the other pictures she'd seen of other dead bodies... but then, none of those had ever been anything more than pictures.  This was the genuine article, the real thing.  The flies buzzing around them were real, the smears on the broken concrete were real, and the danger they possibly faced at this moment was very, VERY real.

 

She stayed close to Srosh, keeping a watchful eye on Film as well - she didn't want anything to happen to her, but she also wouldn't want to see either of them get hurt.

 

Unfortunately, she was starting to get a sinking feeling that told her there would be blood before all of it was over.

[FancyHorse 1,209]

 

 

Page nodded solemnly to Film, then scanned the horizon line for movement.

 

The carnage here wasn't as bad as some of the other pictures she'd seen of other dead bodies... but then, none of those had ever been anything more than pictures. This was the genuine article, the real thing. The flies buzzing around them were real, the smears on the broken concrete were real, and the danger they possibly faced at this moment was very, VERY real.

 

She stayed close to Srosh, keeping a watchful eye on Film as well - she didn't want anything to happen to her, but she also wouldn't want to see either of them get hurt.

 

Unfortunately, she was starting to get a sinking feeling that told her there would be blood before all of it was over.

"We will not stay long friends." Srosh said.

"Get what it is you need." He says directly to film. He nodded in reply.

 

It happened rather quick! Suddenly a blaze of sharp crackles filled the air and everyone scrambled. At first Page was unsure what was happening until Film pushed her against one of he concrete barriers next to Srosh. The gunfire ceased for a moment. A loud wailing could be heard. Looking over a desert dog lay on the ground clutching at his abdomen he cried out in pain as he rocked about on the asphalt. Everypony around muttered and spoke loudly to each other.

 

Srosh peaked over the barrier.

 

"No one must've seen the shot. Could've came from through the checkpoint. Fari-Rain is just beyond it." He said.

 

A unicorn ahead of them tossed out a clyinder object hard toward the checkpoint a large plum of smoke emitting from it. The injured dog cried softly as his comrades came to him hoisting him and dragging him behind an armored carrier.

Edited October 5, 2016 by IllusivePony

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Please let him make it, please let him make it, please let him make it...

 

She continued her silent mantra for the fallen dog even as she flattened against the concrete, feeling its' cool, hard and rough surface against her cheek.  Carefully turning around, she scanned the area behind them, imagining all sorts of murderous nightmares charging at them... but actually seeing none.

 

As long as I can keep my fear separated from the facts, I can handle this.

 

"Okay... what now?"  Her voice was a tad shaky, but her knees weren't knocking and her teeth weren't chattering, so she thought she was holding up admirably... until she realized that Film was still shooting.  

 

He's still going, even in all this... he really IS a professional.

 

Her face fell, but she didn't say a word nor shed a tear; instead, right where she was, Page did the only thing she could think of to get her mind away from all her toxic thoughts... against the pillar, she grabbed her pad in a hoof, her pencil in her mouth, and began to write furiously.  Her mind hyperfocused on this very moment, and every tiny nuance and detail became words on the paper.  

 

In other words, she was currently expressing her own special talent... and using it to keep from freaking out.

[FancyHorse 1,209]

 

 

Please let him make it, please let him make it, please let him make it...   She continued her silent mantra for the fallen dog even as she flattened against the concrete, feeling its' cool, hard and rough surface against her cheek.  Carefully turning around, she scanned the area behind them, imagining all sorts of murderous nightmares charging at them... but actually seeing none.   As long as I can keep my fear separated from the facts, I can handle this.   "Okay... what now?"  Her voice was a tad shaky, but her knees weren't knocking and her teeth weren't chattering, so she thought she was holding up admirably... until she realized that Film was still shooting.     He's still going, even in all this... he really IS a professional.   Her face fell, but she didn't say a word nor shed a tear; instead, right where she was, Page did the only thing she could think of to get her mind away from all her toxic thoughts... against the pillar, she grabbed her pad in a hoof, her pencil in her mouth, and began to write furiously.  Her mind hyperfocused on this very moment, and every tiny nuance and detail became words on the paper.     In other words, she was currently expressing her own special talent... and using it to keep from freaking out.

 

 

"BASHA BASHA!!" Their gunner canine pal growled angrily and fired a continuous stream of rounds through the smoke, at best hitting an enemy. At the least he was suppressing them. The armored vehicle manuevered a little bit past the barriers to provide extra armor. Srosh urged the two to follow. Taking off the beaten track the two pulled off to the side away from the main road.

 

"Let us avoid direct fire. Let them do their job." Srosh informed. 

 

As he finished a loud POP was heard in the air. Streaming through the evaporating smoke a missile cleared through. Hitting their former vehicle in the front. Amazingly the gunner was only dazed a little before continuing his barage. Some soldiers peaked their weapons and blindly fired at the checkpoint still at the unseen enemies.

 

Ahead they reached to the checkpoint wall just right handed away from the fighting. Page could feel a bit saftey with the large concrete structure at her side. She was here, they were over there. Until she reiterated she would soon have to be on that side eventually. Srosh and the two ponies looked out as the little battle insued. Not as... heroic as the two equestrian's expected. Just two side taking pot shots. Some smoke, the rocket. Armored carriers and a lot of angry shouting. Just a bunch of harmful noise.

 

Looking next to her Film kept his straight face but his body language spoke different as he shook uncontrollably. Thankfully he held his camera in magic. 

 

"We may be here for awhile." Srosh said. "Unless we can find a safe opening." He added. He kneeled down and continued observing.

Edited October 5, 2016 by IllusivePony

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Splash continued to write furiously, moving automatically when directed to, but never taking her eyes from her pad and the rapid writing she was doing.  Strangely enough, she was doing it the hard way - she was a unicorn, so why was she using her mouth?

 

Regardless, words flew from her like casings from an assault rifle.

 

Srosh had said they would need some kind of safe opening, but didn't seem to have an idea of what they might do.  To be honest, she had no idea either... but it didn't stop her from her writing.  

[FancyHorse 1,209]

@@Randimaxis, 

 

A new noise was heard in the distance. Closer and closer the rumbling came within. Flying past a blazing speed an attack aircraft flew by. After some spacing the craft turned coming behind in from the Malteesian troops. The Malteesians halted their attack and took cover as the aircraft closed in quickly a echoing and immensly audible screeching as its cannons fired into the checkpoint locale. Small explosions emitting tearing the crossing point and any unseen bits behind into shreds but the fire was directed at the Malteesian troops. A friendly craft perhaps?

 

The soldiers cheered happily as it began to turn going for another pass.

 

"Your Equestrian forces showed up in time." Srosh said. Film reared the camera up getting a excellent shot as it passed by showing itself in full view. The Equestrian Emblem proudly displayed on its wings with the callsign HRIMFAXI 1. 

 

Suddenly screaching into the air a missle closes in toward the friendly craft! Obviously from the enemy side. The attack craft veered off and gained speed. But as though it got close suddenly the missle began to move erradically and totally missed shooting upwards and exploding not even touching it. Perhaps some type of jamming device onboard? 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Page took it all in; the shots, the plane, the cheers, the missile... and transcribed every single word into her notepad.

 

By now, she wasn't quite as scared anymore... and she'd also found that her breathing had evened out.  Not only that, but she was alive and still standing.  She stopped writing and looked up, the jagged edge of fear that was once in her eyes had smoothed over into a rolling calm.

 

Best I could ever ask for in this situation, I guess.

 

Though she still felt chagrined over the earlier teasing, she did have enough care to look over at Film.  "You okay?"

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Page took it all in; the shots, the plane, the cheers, the missile... and transcribed every single word into her notepad.

 

By now, she wasn't quite as scared anymore... and she'd also found that her breathing had evened out.  Not only that, but she was alive and still standing.  She stopped writing and looked up, the jagged edge of fear that was once in her eyes had smoothed over into a rolling calm.

 

Best I could ever ask for in this situation, I guess.

 

Though she still felt chagrined over the earlier teasing, she did have enough care to look over at Film.  "You okay?"

 

Film nodded silently pay attention to whats a occuring. Above they could head further aircraft approaching. High in the air a squad of fighter ponies could be seen, jet streams following along as they passed overhead heading eastward past the checkpoint.

 

The forces on the ground pushed up as their amored carriers moved through the checkpoint. Srosh let out a soft grumble as he stood from his kneel and lifted his MG. 

"Stay close." he said and moved forward before stopping near the checkpoint letting the soldiers go first. Peeking in the armored vehicles cruise slowly on the main road leading toward the city just ahead, their turrets swivled to the left firing on the first building they encounter having spotted enemies inside. They seem to making quick work of them having given support from massive airpower. 

 

The three follow along from a distance from the fighters wanting to minimize their exposure to the combat. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Splash simply tried to do what she was told; she kept low, and stayed close as they made their way down the bullet-blasted streets.

 

At this point, she felt useless; she didn't have any weapon but her pencil, and it seemed like a very weak means to defend oneself against machine gun fire.  She had absolutely no training in combat, and wasn't even certain what she was doing here anymore... all she knew was that she'd either make it back with one helluva story, or not at all.

 

She REALLY wished she wasn't so helpless... it'd just be more to tease her about later.

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Splash simply tried to do what she was told; she kept low, and stayed close as they made their way down the bullet-blasted streets.

 

At this point, she felt useless; she didn't have any weapon but her pencil, and it seemed like a very weak means to defend oneself against machine gun fire.  She had absolutely no training in combat, and wasn't even certain what she was doing here anymore... all she knew was that she'd either make it back with one helluva story, or not at all.

 

She REALLY wished she wasn't so helpless... it'd just be more to tease her about later.

 

Now in a minimal bit of saftey the three of them follow along at distance with the armored group ahead of them at a simple pace. They now find themselves on a streetway into the town of Fari-rain. Not their first destination as more so a detour considering the obvious fighting ahead. Approaching a two way intersection, one path leading left the other straight and up a hill two carriers cut left as the third in their group pushes up the hill. It stops and fires sporadically up the hill at the unseen foes of the three's perspective. Srosh motions them down an alley just before the intersection and the two ponies follow quickly. Mid way down they heard footsteps approaching Srosh holds and raises his weapon standing in a protective stance. Turning and facing come two ponies dressed in gray BDU's one seems to be carrying a launcher of sorts.

 

They jump in surprise by the encounter. One shouting in some type of langues, Arabic perhaps. Before anymore reaction Srosh let out a steady stream of fire pelting the couple. It wasn't like in those high end action movies were the goons fly back in spectacular fashion with sparks and bullets gracing all over the place. It was rather subtle. After a spray of about ten rounds in quick succession the ponies just collapse one slamming into a pile of trash the other landing backwards.

 

There was a pause as the uproar settles.

 

A pitiful whimper could be heard as one of the enemy soldiers had survived. He wheters upon the ground letting out gasping wails as he clutched his wound. Srosh urged the reporters forward ignoring the wounded soldier laying helpless on the ground.  

[Randimaxis 8,652]

Splash Page only paused long enough to glance at the soldier.

 

I want to help him... but he tried to KILL us; does that make me kind... or crazy?

 

She stepped a wide berth around the groaning soldier... then stopped.

 

"Wait.  We can't just leave him like that... please."

 

She was hoping that there would be some ethical, moral feeling in this moment, and that the soldier might be spared, captured, taken in as a prisoner and treated for his wounds...

 

She was also aware that it might mean Srosh would feed him a cure-all pill - in the form of a bullet.  Though she wouldn't like it, she kept in mind that this was war, and war made some do terrible things, and make brutal decisions.

 

But either choice was better than simply leaving them here to suffer; she couldn't abide that.  She was already afraid that she'd hear that moaning in her sleep tonight...

 

"Please?"