The Darkness I Call Homeby SGTBRONYChaptersContactChapter 3Into the Den Of LionsExpect NothingContactChapter 2 Contact. U.N Headquarters New York City 0700 Hours Brian flanked Princess Celestia as she walked down the short hallway leading to the assembly room, on her other side was Ken, Mike was bringing up the rear and Ray had the point. Ty and Carter had established overwatch on the primary and secondary of egress respectively, the team looked imposing with lightweight ballistic helmets, plate carriers and Larue PredatAR rifles as primary weapons, their sidearms, Springfield 1911s were slung low on their thighs. After the shock of meeting her, Brian had come to realize that the Princess was kind, intelligent, and shrewd whether it came to politics or idle conversation, more and more he was beginning to feel relieved, Humanity had nothing to worry about. Approaching their destination, Brian heard a strong voice he recognized immediately as the President of the United States, his voice ringing across the room. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the distinguished honor of introducing the Representative from Equestria, Princess Celestia Everfree" As they walked together into the sweeping assembly room, flags from every nation on earth adorned the walls. Not a chair was empty, and television cameras had been crammed into the open space that remained, not a word was spoken as Princess Celestia took the floor. The President bowed and ceded his spot at the podium, Celestia smiled and bowed in kind. Brian tooke up a position behind and to the right of the Princess, Ken, the left, Mike and Ray stayed by the hallway's entrance in case they had to beat a hasty retreat. Celestia cleared her throat and her soft voice filled the air. "Distinguished Representatives of the Human Race, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for inviting me here today, my name is Celestia Everfree, Princess and co-ruler of Equestria. I rule alongside my younger sister Luna, for whose absence I must apologize, I am sure you will not take exception to our security concerns" She paused for a moment, sweeping the room with her calm, even gaze before continuing. "I understand that we are very different from you, and differences can often give rise to resentment, and resentment begets hatred, with that in mind, I come here to offer an alliance that will benefit all involved. Securing a peace between out two races will be a difficult path, however I am confident it will come to pass, and ensure a new age of peace and prosperity for Human and Pony alike. Would you accept?..Would you take this step towards a brighter future with me, my friends?" Brian didn't even realize he was holding his breath as the world waited for an answer. The President stepped up beside Celestia and said for all to hear, "The Government of the United States of America will stand with you Princess" Across the room the British Prime Minister stood, "The British Government would stand with you ma'am", in a flash the Entire U.N Assembly was on it's feet declaring their support for the alliance. Brian had tears in his eyes as he watched the governments of the world united as one for the first time in human history, old hatreds put aside for a brand new future, what it would hold he didn't know but one thing was for damn sure. He couldn't wait to find out. "History was made today as the United Nations signed a treaty en masse with the Government of Equestria, securing peace between Humanity and the alien nation... "....Six months to the day since the signing of the treaty, Unicorn Physicians have been allowed to cross the border, their first stop was Walter Reed Medical Center, and so far over eight hundred combat casualties have been healed by their magical treatment, with more being flown in from Veterans Hospitals all over the country by order of the President....." "......According to WHO officials the first Magical AIDS and Cancer cures were a resounding success, Unicorn Physicians are being flown to Africa to a hero's welcome and will begin curing some of the 90 million affected by the disease....." "Saint Judes Childrens Hospital is clear of patients for the first time in history as a result of a combined WHO-Equestrian initiative..." One Year Later Canterlot, Equestria Stout Shield was thrilled, he had just had his tenth birthday party, and was now racing the streets of Canterlot with his mother and all his school friends, in search of the perfect gift befitting such a grown up colt. "Not too far now darling!" his mother called as he ran towards his favorite toy store, laughing as he dodged a few Human soldiers, his friends in hot pursuit.. Frank Morris had waited for this day for a long time, ever since those abominations had come to Earth, their very existence mocking God.. No matter now, he would be in heaven in just a few moments and they would all burn in hell. A group of their disgusting, unnatural children raced past him, stopping a few yards away outside of a store All the better he thought, pulling out the cell phone they had given him...458-362... Stout and his friends reached the window of the toy shop, their little noses pressed against the glass as they ooh'd and ahh'd at the newest Royal Guard Playset...He turned to see his mother beside him and behind her a light brighter than anything he'd ever se-..... Radio Transcript Marine Security Detachment 1(Expeditionary)/ EQCOM TOC Canterlot AOR Checkpoint 2 5JUNE2015 1752 Hours MSD CHECK 2: (Screaming can be heard in the background) "Six! Checkpoint 2...CORPSMAN UP! Sir we need help!" TOC: "Checkpoint 2, calm down son, identify yourself" MSD CHECK 2: (Screaming continues, cries for help can be heard) "Corporal Lawson Sir, we've had...fucking bomb went off, I need CASEVAC, the whole niner sir!" TOC: "Copy that Corporal, Emergency teams are being scrambled, ETA two mikes how copy?" MSD CHECK 2: "BLAKE! apply direct pressure to that artery, Copy that sir.. End Transcript " A massive explosion rocked Equestria's capitol city of Canterlot today...all signs point to a suicide attack, no group has claimed responsibility as of yet...Preliminary reports put the death to well above one hundred...." In a lavish penthouse a man watched the carnage unfold, taking a final drag off his cigarette as a viscious smile spread across his face "The war has begun" Chapter 3Shut your eyes when it begins…. After meeting and escorting the Princess at the U.N and the subsequent aftermath, the SOG team had shifted into high gear, guarding High Value Individuals and escorting Equestrian VIP’s to and from meetings across the portal. When nine months ago, after what had been dubbed “Black Monday”, and would go down in history as one of the worst attempted terrorist attacks in the history of both worlds. A team of Salafi Jihadists attempted to detonate a suitcase nuke at the border crossing, only to be narrowly thwarted by Royal Guard and Marine units. It had been too close a call, moreover, it highlighted the need for…countermeasures. The U.N had proposed a new unit, composed of the best and brightest personnel from LE, Intelligence, and Military organizations and elite units of the Equestrian Royal Guard to form a cross border Counter- Terrorism, Smuggling and Immigration team unlike anything seen before. With the blessing of the Royal Sisters, the Equestria Task Force was born. When memos started circulating the office asking for volunteers, Brian, and his old team had jumped at the chance. When the bomb went off Brian had been asleep in his room, the ETF’s Director, a former FBI Agent by the name of Jeff Mills, had arranged for a number of stay behinds, Volunteers to take up residence in Canterlot indefinitely. They’d put them up in the lavish Prancing Pony hotel five blocks from the embassy. Near enough to the marketplace to feel the blast, Brian had strapped his gear on, rousted his teammates and ran towards smoke and screams. That had been five hours ago. Brian picked his way through the ruined street with the practiced steps of a man who’d spent his formative years on the battlefield. Covering his face with a well worn black and grey keffiyeh in an effort to lessen the coppery scent he was all too familiar with and the acrid smell of smoke from the still burning fires that permeated the air. The square had been devastated by the blast, carriages lay shattered and strewn across the cobblestone streets, blood- darker now that the blast was a few hours old- stained the walls ,sidewalks. The worst part were the things he recognized, as he walked, the tip of an ear, maybe a patch of burned skin with the ghost of a ponies mark still barely visible mixed in with the debris. A weak cry stopped him in his tracks, he spun, searching for the source, heart rate jacked, knowing any survivor wouldn’t have long. “I heard you! But I can’t see you!” he called Again the cry sounded louder this time, from one of the storefronts to his left, it sounded like a foal… Brian broke a few records getting to the blown out window, he vaulted over the low frame and into a crouch to avoid a fallen beam. “help” His heart broke as he heard the small voice call again, “C’mon sweetheart, keep talking, help me find you! MEDIC!” he called out the window as he stalked forward, scrabbling over the debris that littered the floor of the building. “Help me” Brian spun and there, trapped under a partially fallen wall, was a young colt, couldn’t have been more than eight or nine. Brian rushed to him and began digging at the debris. “Hang on little man, MEDIC!... I’ll get you out of there! Just stay with me!” The little colt coughed, he was shivering violently, eyes staring off into space. Shock had started to set in, the fact that he’d survived this long was a miracle. "Talk to me buddy, what's your name? I'm Brian" "S-Stout Shield, I want my mommy" Tears were welling up in Brian’s eyes as he shoved the last piece of debris out of the way and pulled the colt free. Brian wrapped him in his keffiyeh trying desperately to warm the little guy up. “Stay with me buddy and we’ll find your mom, I promise. MEDIC!” He pulled the bundled up child into his lap , holding him close to his chest, rocking him softly. Shouting from just up the street snapped his focus to the window, “IN HERE! HURRY!” he shouted even though his throat felt raw. “Mommy?” the small voice called from his lap. Brian looked down at the little colt, staring up at him with cobalt blue eyes, his breathing had become shallow and ragged. Brian hugged him close and rocked him softly, ”Hang on buddy, help’s almost here”. Almost as if on cue two Marine Corpsman and a Unicorn Medic crashed through the door at the front of the shop. He didn’t hear them, his whole world was the deathly still colt laying in his lap… “....Sir?” Brian’s head snapped up startling the Corpsman standing over him. “Sir? We can take it from here” the Sailor said gently, offering his hand to help Brian off the blood stained floor “We’ll make sure he gets home”. The other two looked shellshocked, staring at the unmoving bundle in his lap, Brian knew that if he didn’t get up he’d spend the rest of his days in that burned out shop, holding that little guy, wishing with all his heart for a sign of what he so desperately wanted to be true. Nobody ever said life was fair. Ten minutes had passed since Brian had handed over the colts body to the medical team and headed on his way. Outlined in the smoke up ahead was the silhouette of a man..Ken was already waiting for him and turned at the sound of his footsteps, Brian was still in shock and could only offer a small wave as he stepped up beside the older man. “Been helping triage casualties and…” Ken’s voice cracked, faltered and failed. Brian placed a hand on his mentors shoulder, simultaneously checking his own emotions, there would be plenty of time to mourn later. Ken took a deep ragged breath and composed himself, albeit barely. “Blast crater is ten feet across, EOD puts the size of the device at five to twelve pounds, KAUERIT they think, Austrian SEMTEX, packed with ball bearings rubbed in anticoagulant.” his voice cracked again, but he held it together. Brian felt like he’d been punched in the gut, revulsion then rage threatening to overtake him. Anticoagulant shrapnel was sickening, it kept blood from clotting and turned normally minor wounds into fatal injuries, He’d seen it before… Devices like that were advanced, too advanced for many of the groups that openly protested Human- Equestrian cooperation, who the hell did this? His thoughts were interrupted as a group of Royal Guard medics and Marine Corpsman ran past towards a series of hastily erected tents, hauling stretchers loaded with injured from the surrounding buildings. A man strode through the chaos towards the two former Marshals and extended his hand to Ken. “Ken Rooker? I’m Ryan Pace, there’s been a development sir, I’m to escort you two to the CP, my vehicle is just around the corner” Ken shook the man’s outstretched hand, “Lead the way” Brian fell in step beside Ken and the new arrival as they double timed it past the Marines and ETF SRU Operators guarding the perimeter, Brian met Ken’s eye and the look they shared spoke volumes. "We’re gonna kill these motherfuckers” The ride to the Command Post was uneventful, save for the young colts face that wouldn’t leave his thoughts…. Into the Den Of LionsInto The Den of Lions The first thing Brian noticed was the amount of security around the Command Post. Twenty gold clad Royal Guard, armor stamped with the risen sun of Celestia’s personal bodyguard and a number of jet black bat-winged ponies bearing crescent moons, spoke to the presence of the Royal Sisters. The thing that surprised him was the presence of several civilian clothed humans, some carrying Mk18 SBR’s, one carried an Mk48 light machine gun, in short, they were prepared for war. The SUV came to an abrupt halt outside the command tent, Brian, Ken and Pace dismounted and made their way inside, Brian was stunned to see not only the Royal Sisters, both wearing grave expressions, but the President of the United States, seated at a table and flanked by two Secret Service CAT team shooters, the most powerful man on Earth rose as they entered. Brian and Ken snapped to attention and saluted. “Sir!” The President returned their salute, there was sluggishness to his movements and Brian could tell he was exhausted, the man was on edge. President Robert Messner was no slouch, having lead a Marine STA* Platoon in the invasion of Afghanistan, and then Iraq, before taking up politics. He’d developed a reputation as a strong and competent leader. “Gentlemen, I’ve called you here for a debriefing, what can you tell me?” Ken as the senior officer, took the lead, Brian remained silent. When Ken was finished with his report, it was not the President, but Celestia who responded. “Can you tell me why Kenneth? Why would somepony commit this horrific act?” Ken blanched a little at being directly addressed by the Princess but to his credit, recovered quickly. “Highness, I can’t say for sure, there are a number of groups that oppose the treaty, but this? I wish I had an answer beyond that ma’am. I’m just as horrified as you your Majesty” Celestia nodded, a single tear making its way down her cheek, but a steely look in her eye that surprised Brian. The President cleared his throat, “Agent Rooker, would you give us a moment? I’ve some questions for your partner” “Understood, Mr. President, Bri? I’ll be waiting outside.” With that he turned and strode out of the tent without another word. President Messner watched Ken walk out of the tent, then focused his gaze on Brian, “Does he know what you did before? Does anyone?” Brian shook his head, “No sir, I had no reason to tell anyone, OPSEC was always priority” The President fixed Brian with a look, and after a pregnant pause spoke, “Your jacket is impressive Sergeant, reads like a damn Clancy novel. Inducted into the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment at the rank of Corporal, Picked up by the RRC* six months later, Sniper Qual’d soon thereafter, Breacher, SOTIC*, a dozen other specialized schools, a handful of training operations with Delta, DEVGRU and ISA. More than one hundred successful operations in six years, two Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars, a handful of nonofficial commendations. All that sounds right?” Brian nodded, “Yes sir, that’s correct” The President nodded, satisfied,”In that case, I’ve got a job for you. We have a suspect in custody; I want you to coax some information out of him. I don’t have to tell you that this attack and its implications have the potential to undo all we’ve worked so hard to build and preserve. I haven’t seen anything this horrific since Fallujah; a group with this kind of amoral behavior is a threat to both sides of the Rift.” Brian was stunned at the whole exchange, but a deadly smile spread across his face at the President’s offer, the little colt flashing across his mind, “What do you have in mind Sir? “ “Simply put? I want you to put together a playbook, to kill or capture anyone who was involved with or profited from this horrific action, emphasis on kill. We’ve got the blessing of the Equestrian Government to do what needs to be done on their soil if necessary” Brian nodded, “I’ll need a team, most of my SOG unit are heavy hitters, Active Mil and Agency guys would be my second choice. Some of the Royal Guard at the ETF were trained by our SF guys, wouldn’t mind having them for this side of the fence.” Celestia spoke up from her seat “You only need ask Brian, I would have no qualms about placing them under your command, not after the way you and Kenneth watched over my little ponies” “Thanks Princess, but we didn’t do that great of a job” Brian spat bitterly Celestia rose and crossed the gap between them, wrapping a wing around a surprised Brian, “What horror transpired here today was not your fault Brian, I’ve faith that you will find those involved and deal with them appropriately” Brian returned the half hug, “Count on it Princess, we’ll get it done, Mr. President I’ll need Agent Rooker along as well. He’s solid and an outstanding operator” The President nodded, “Whoever and whatever you need, we’ll supply it. OPCON* will rest with the CIA in the loosest sense, with Mr. Pace being your liaison, they have the black fund required for jobs like this but ultimately you’ll be on your own.” “Just the way I like it sir, when do I get a crack at the prisoner?” “Immediately” The President motioned to one of the Secret Service guys, “Dunn? Would you go outside and have Agent Rooker meet us by the vehicle” the agent nodded and double timed it out of the tent. “Let’s move son” Four Hours later… The ride was eventful, Brian brought Ken up to speed on both the Presidents orders and his past, Ken was shocked but ultimately understood, in their world, secrets were key. A few hundred yards off to their left for the majority of the trip sat the great shimmering mirror like construct of the portal, it still inspired awe in all who beheld it, even after a year’s time. The warehouse being used as a holding facility was a squat grey building tucked in the back of the Border Patrol compound. The four vehicle convoy crunched to a stop out front and the men disembarked, Brian and Ken following the President closely. When they approached the door the President shot Brian a look, a grim expression on his face, “Ready for this Sergeant?” Brian smiled a cold smile, “Born ready sir” Expect Nothing2014 1845 Hours Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean Onboard AWACS Call Sign EAGLE EYE Airman First Class James Conlon was bored. The kind of boredom that incites lunatic behavior in otherwise sane men. The twenty two year old had deployed over Afghanistan three times, now here he was, stuck on some gaggle-fuck training op in the middle of nowhere. "Conlon?" The pilot's voice shattered his torpor, causing the young Airman to jump about half a foot spilling his coffee all over the floor. The radar operator across from him, A1C Jessica Martin suppressed a chuckle, mirth shining in her eyes as she flipped him a thumbs up. Goddamnit "Yes Sir?" "Check the calibration on the bubble, I think something wiggled loose, I'm getting static" "Wilco sir" Grumbling to himself, Conlon keyed up the radome diagnostics, the screen looked clear. "Sir scope is clean" The moment the words left his mouth a blur appeared and morphed into a blob of massive size, "Disregard sir. I confirm unknown contact bearing one-seven-five degrees northwest, distance fifty-five miles." "Roger, will relay to the fleet" Now Conlon was all business, "Martin? give me a tally on our air" Martin nodded, a steely look in her eye, "We've got air stacked at five, ten and fifteen thousand feet tasked to intercept the contac- Holy Shit! WHAT IS THAT?!, Right side viewport! Two o' clock!" Conlon jumped at the abject terror in Martin's voice, craning his head to get a better look. "Oh My God..." "....CNN is Bringing you live coverage of the Naval Blockade in the Pacific Ocean, The United Nations has convened an emergency session... They are urging people to remain calm..." "Breaking news from the site of the anomaly, something is happening...a bright flash and a tremendous explosion...Military on high alert...we will keep you updated" "First Contact has been made...Race of Sentient Equines...No I'm not kidding Charlie, Their leaders are asking to meet at the U.N. Get everyone on this, now" "Yes Mr. President" 0600 hours New York City Brian Coates had the kind of hangover that could kill a man, his green eyes were bloodshot and his short brown hair was sticking out at all angles. The wiry Deputy Marshal was hanging half in half out of the shower when his cell phone rang. He groped blindly around the sink where he'd left it, every blast of the bass ridden ring tone sending waves of pain and nausea shooting through him. "Hello?" "Brian?" The volume made him wince, one eye twitching as a fresh wave of pain blew through his head "Jesus Ken, not so loud man" Kenneth Rooker was Brian's team leader and one hell of a guy. After fifteen years in the Marine Corps, Ken had been offered a position with the Marshals Service and readily accepted. After a short tour as an Investigative Deputy, Ken had tried his hand at SOG (Special Operations Group) Selection and passed with flying colors. At thirty eight he still had a long way to go before retirement and relished his position as a SOG team leader. Brian was no slouch in the experience department either. He came from a small town in Wyoming, the son of cattle farmers. At the tender age of seventeen, full of loathing for the small town life and struck with patriotic fervor in the wake of the 9/11 attacks he'd enlisted in the Army, completing jump school at FT. Benning and Ranger school thereafter. He spent the next six years in the Ranger Regiment, deploying several times to such choice locales as Afghanistan and Somalia, He'd made the decision not to reenlist and returned to Wyoming. Bumming around his hometown for a few weeks, he came to the attention of the local Marshals Recruiter. The rest as they say, is history. "Rough night brother?" "Eat me, I don't know how you do it, we drank around the same" "With age comes experience my son, look man you need to shoot some coffee and get down here, the Director wants everyone on deck, something big happend while you were out" That got Brian's attention "Any idea what?" "Not a one, they just told me to get everyone together, how long before you can get here?" Brian's head was pounding, he felt like death, but this was what he lived for "Give me thirty, tops" "Rog' I'll see you then brother" Twenty six minutes and three cups of coffee later Brian pulled into the field office parking lot, it looked more like an office building than the operations center for one of the most elite units in the Governments arsenal. Ken was waiting out front for the first time since they'd known each other, he looked worried. "What's up boss?" Ken shook his head, the worried look never leaving his face "The Director's here" "What?" Brian was shocked, it was like getting a visit from God, it didn't just happen, something was very wrong. "He have any insight?" Ken scoffed" Nah, I asked, but he said it would be better if we had everyone together, lets head inside, everyone's waiting" Brian followed Ken through the double doors and across the main lobby, his mind racing. What could be so important that the Director of the Service made an unannounced visit at six in the morning? His internal monologue fell silent as he and Ken walked into the team room, half the guys were geared up, the other half had obviously been interrupted. Brian caught snatches of conversations as he made his way to the front row of seats, none of it sounded good. At the front of the small stood Brett Wilson, Director, U.S Marshals Service. A man of fifty-five, his grey hair slicked back, he had spent thirty years in Law Enforcement and during that time set the standard for not to be fucked with, the man was a legend. He cleared his throat and the room fell silent. "Now that we're all here we can begin, gentlemen I'm going to get right to the point, and put the speculation to rest, at 0445 hours this morning elements of the Navy's Fifth Fleet made contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence" There was a moment of disbelieving silence, Brian was stunned but overcame it, it was his job to deal with extraordinary situations and this definitely fell under that umbrella. He raised his hand and the Director nodded in his direction. "Hostile sir?" "Negative, communication has been established, they're peaceful" Ken was the next to speak "That's why we're here, isn't it sir?" Director Wilson nodded "Their leaders have requested an audience with the U.N, the President will also be in attendance to make a formal announcement. Your team is going along to back up the security details already in place and safeguard the alien leadership, the media got wind of this before we could clamp down, I don't need to tell you how bad it could get if someone took a shot at them" he let the implications hang. "You're wheels up in fifteen, godspeed gentlemen" Brian was on his feet and heading for the arms room, his mind going a mile a minute Peaceful aliens huh? he thought, Could be worse... he shivered involuntarily as his ex's face popped into his head out of nowhere... Twenty minutes later Brian, Ken and the rest of their six man team were whipping through the air over the city on the skid seats of an OH-6 "Loach", the nimble little helo was used extensively by Law Enforecement and Special Operations communities. Brian silently surveyed the area as they passed over the Verrazano Bridge heading for the U.N building. To his left and right were Raymond Wojinski, a ten year veteran of Navy Special Operations and Carter DeWitt, a recent addition to the team. DeWitt's baby face and goofy smile might've fooled some into thinking he was harmless, in reality he was a deadly marksman and a seven year veteran of Air Force Special Tactics. On the other side of the bird sat Ken, Michael Hosler a former Ranger from Brian's old unit and Tyler Roberts, who had worked his way from civilian to SOG operator in just four years, an unheard of feat. The team stayed silent on the way in, each of them trying in their own way to come to grips with what had transpired. Brian was lost in thought, wondering what the aliens would be like, if their peaceful intentions really were peaceful...and could humanity fight them if it came down to that. He was shaken out of his reverie by the pilot's voice "Thirty second guys" Brian looked at the two men sitting next to him and held up three fingers, they both nodded, he pulled the t-shaped charging handle on his HK 416, letting it slam forward, chambering a round. Directing his gaze to the helipad situated on the roof of the U.N building he saw the figure of a man, waiting for them, the helo's tail dipped as the pilot flared ten feet from the roof, as soon as the skids touched the team was out and moving quickly towards their one man welcoming committee. the man met them halfway holding his hand out to Ken. "Greg Mitchell, State Department" Ken shook the man's outstretched hand "Ken Rooker, Marshals Service" Mitchell pointed at the rest of the team "This everyone?" "Yeah, we're it, where are our Principals?" Mitchell nodded "They're waiting for you downstairs, I'll show you the way, brace yourselves, their appearance may be a bit of a shock" without another word he turned on his heel and headed for the roof access door. Brian caught Ken's eye and raised an eyebrow, Ken shrugged and followed after Mitchell. Brian was more apprehensive than he was willing to let on at the prospect of being in the same room with aliens, another part of him was giddy at the idea, his thoughts were cut short as they approached the fifth floor, Mitchell opened the door and led the team into the lavish hallway beyond. Brian noted the bulletproof windows and reinforced doors as he walked down the hall, Mitchell led them to a door marked "Authorized Personnel Only" and knocked twice "Your Majesties?" Much to Brian's surprise a soft musical female voice replied, in perfect English "Yes? Is that you Gregory?" "Yes ma'am, our security detail has arrived" Mitchell replied Brian looked at a visibly stunned Ken and mouthed "They speak English?!" Ken just looked bewildered. Again the female voice replied "Please show them in" Mitchell turned and addressed the team in a hushed voice "Okay guys,the way they look may be jarring but remember they're harmless, ready?" the team nodded in unison "Alright" he opened the door in one swift motion and Brian was struck with how big the room was, easily the biggest one in the entire building if the blueprints were to be believed. Here we go he thought as he followed Mitchell inside "Highness?" Mitchell called out upon seeing the bedroom was empty "In here Gregory" the soft voice called back, the group hooked around the corner into the living room and Brian's fear evaporated, along with every thought in his head, save for one. Holy shit. Standing by the large bay window looking out over the city and bathed in the orange glow of the sunrise, clad in gold regalia, was a...Horse, but like no horse Brian had ever laid eyes on. About five feet tall at the shoulder and a purer whit than he'd ever seen, it's-Her eyes he corrected were large, but not in an unpleasant way,and colored a deep magenta. She had what looked like wings tucked against her sides and a horn about eight inches in length protruding from her forehead, it was a surreal experience.But the part Brian couldn't reconcile was her mane, it was tricolored: Light blue, green and pink, it billowed as if caught by the wind despite the fact there wasn't a breeze to be found. She smiled a small beatific smile that reached her eyes and radiated peace and love like all was right with the world. She was...Beautiful was the only word Brian could find to describe her, a feeling of comfort washed over him and he found he was smiling like an idiot. The rest of the team wasn't faring much better. Mitchell smiled a knowing smile "Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Princess Celestia, Diarch of the Sovereign Nation of Equestria"
ContactChapter 2 Contact. U.N Headquarters New York City 0700 Hours Brian flanked Princess Celestia as she walked down the short hallway leading to the assembly room, on her other side was Ken, Mike was bringing up the rear and Ray had the point. Ty and Carter had established overwatch on the primary and secondary of egress respectively, the team looked imposing with lightweight ballistic helmets, plate carriers and Larue PredatAR rifles as primary weapons, their sidearms, Springfield 1911s were slung low on their thighs. After the shock of meeting her, Brian had come to realize that the Princess was kind, intelligent, and shrewd whether it came to politics or idle conversation, more and more he was beginning to feel relieved, Humanity had nothing to worry about. Approaching their destination, Brian heard a strong voice he recognized immediately as the President of the United States, his voice ringing across the room. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the distinguished honor of introducing the Representative from Equestria, Princess Celestia Everfree" As they walked together into the sweeping assembly room, flags from every nation on earth adorned the walls. Not a chair was empty, and television cameras had been crammed into the open space that remained, not a word was spoken as Princess Celestia took the floor. The President bowed and ceded his spot at the podium, Celestia smiled and bowed in kind. Brian tooke up a position behind and to the right of the Princess, Ken, the left, Mike and Ray stayed by the hallway's entrance in case they had to beat a hasty retreat. Celestia cleared her throat and her soft voice filled the air. "Distinguished Representatives of the Human Race, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for inviting me here today, my name is Celestia Everfree, Princess and co-ruler of Equestria. I rule alongside my younger sister Luna, for whose absence I must apologize, I am sure you will not take exception to our security concerns" She paused for a moment, sweeping the room with her calm, even gaze before continuing. "I understand that we are very different from you, and differences can often give rise to resentment, and resentment begets hatred, with that in mind, I come here to offer an alliance that will benefit all involved. Securing a peace between out two races will be a difficult path, however I am confident it will come to pass, and ensure a new age of peace and prosperity for Human and Pony alike. Would you accept?..Would you take this step towards a brighter future with me, my friends?" Brian didn't even realize he was holding his breath as the world waited for an answer. The President stepped up beside Celestia and said for all to hear, "The Government of the United States of America will stand with you Princess" Across the room the British Prime Minister stood, "The British Government would stand with you ma'am", in a flash the Entire U.N Assembly was on it's feet declaring their support for the alliance. Brian had tears in his eyes as he watched the governments of the world united as one for the first time in human history, old hatreds put aside for a brand new future, what it would hold he didn't know but one thing was for damn sure. He couldn't wait to find out. "History was made today as the United Nations signed a treaty en masse with the Government of Equestria, securing peace between Humanity and the alien nation... "....Six months to the day since the signing of the treaty, Unicorn Physicians have been allowed to cross the border, their first stop was Walter Reed Medical Center, and so far over eight hundred combat casualties have been healed by their magical treatment, with more being flown in from Veterans Hospitals all over the country by order of the President....." "......According to WHO officials the first Magical AIDS and Cancer cures were a resounding success, Unicorn Physicians are being flown to Africa to a hero's welcome and will begin curing some of the 90 million affected by the disease....." "Saint Judes Childrens Hospital is clear of patients for the first time in history as a result of a combined WHO-Equestrian initiative..." One Year Later Canterlot, Equestria Stout Shield was thrilled, he had just had his tenth birthday party, and was now racing the streets of Canterlot with his mother and all his school friends, in search of the perfect gift befitting such a grown up colt. "Not too far now darling!" his mother called as he ran towards his favorite toy store, laughing as he dodged a few Human soldiers, his friends in hot pursuit.. Frank Morris had waited for this day for a long time, ever since those abominations had come to Earth, their very existence mocking God.. No matter now, he would be in heaven in just a few moments and they would all burn in hell. A group of their disgusting, unnatural children raced past him, stopping a few yards away outside of a store All the better he thought, pulling out the cell phone they had given him...458-362... Stout and his friends reached the window of the toy shop, their little noses pressed against the glass as they ooh'd and ahh'd at the newest Royal Guard Playset...He turned to see his mother beside him and behind her a light brighter than anything he'd ever se-..... Radio Transcript Marine Security Detachment 1(Expeditionary)/ EQCOM TOC Canterlot AOR Checkpoint 2 5JUNE2015 1752 Hours MSD CHECK 2: (Screaming can be heard in the background) "Six! Checkpoint 2...CORPSMAN UP! Sir we need help!" TOC: "Checkpoint 2, calm down son, identify yourself" MSD CHECK 2: (Screaming continues, cries for help can be heard) "Corporal Lawson Sir, we've had...fucking bomb went off, I need CASEVAC, the whole niner sir!" TOC: "Copy that Corporal, Emergency teams are being scrambled, ETA two mikes how copy?" MSD CHECK 2: "BLAKE! apply direct pressure to that artery, Copy that sir.. End Transcript " A massive explosion rocked Equestria's capitol city of Canterlot today...all signs point to a suicide attack, no group has claimed responsibility as of yet...Preliminary reports put the death to well above one hundred...." In a lavish penthouse a man watched the carnage unfold, taking a final drag off his cigarette as a viscious smile spread across his face "The war has begun"
Chapter 3Shut your eyes when it begins…. After meeting and escorting the Princess at the U.N and the subsequent aftermath, the SOG team had shifted into high gear, guarding High Value Individuals and escorting Equestrian VIP’s to and from meetings across the portal. When nine months ago, after what had been dubbed “Black Monday”, and would go down in history as one of the worst attempted terrorist attacks in the history of both worlds. A team of Salafi Jihadists attempted to detonate a suitcase nuke at the border crossing, only to be narrowly thwarted by Royal Guard and Marine units. It had been too close a call, moreover, it highlighted the need for…countermeasures. The U.N had proposed a new unit, composed of the best and brightest personnel from LE, Intelligence, and Military organizations and elite units of the Equestrian Royal Guard to form a cross border Counter- Terrorism, Smuggling and Immigration team unlike anything seen before. With the blessing of the Royal Sisters, the Equestria Task Force was born. When memos started circulating the office asking for volunteers, Brian, and his old team had jumped at the chance. When the bomb went off Brian had been asleep in his room, the ETF’s Director, a former FBI Agent by the name of Jeff Mills, had arranged for a number of stay behinds, Volunteers to take up residence in Canterlot indefinitely. They’d put them up in the lavish Prancing Pony hotel five blocks from the embassy. Near enough to the marketplace to feel the blast, Brian had strapped his gear on, rousted his teammates and ran towards smoke and screams. That had been five hours ago. Brian picked his way through the ruined street with the practiced steps of a man who’d spent his formative years on the battlefield. Covering his face with a well worn black and grey keffiyeh in an effort to lessen the coppery scent he was all too familiar with and the acrid smell of smoke from the still burning fires that permeated the air. The square had been devastated by the blast, carriages lay shattered and strewn across the cobblestone streets, blood- darker now that the blast was a few hours old- stained the walls ,sidewalks. The worst part were the things he recognized, as he walked, the tip of an ear, maybe a patch of burned skin with the ghost of a ponies mark still barely visible mixed in with the debris. A weak cry stopped him in his tracks, he spun, searching for the source, heart rate jacked, knowing any survivor wouldn’t have long. “I heard you! But I can’t see you!” he called Again the cry sounded louder this time, from one of the storefronts to his left, it sounded like a foal… Brian broke a few records getting to the blown out window, he vaulted over the low frame and into a crouch to avoid a fallen beam. “help” His heart broke as he heard the small voice call again, “C’mon sweetheart, keep talking, help me find you! MEDIC!” he called out the window as he stalked forward, scrabbling over the debris that littered the floor of the building. “Help me” Brian spun and there, trapped under a partially fallen wall, was a young colt, couldn’t have been more than eight or nine. Brian rushed to him and began digging at the debris. “Hang on little man, MEDIC!... I’ll get you out of there! Just stay with me!” The little colt coughed, he was shivering violently, eyes staring off into space. Shock had started to set in, the fact that he’d survived this long was a miracle. "Talk to me buddy, what's your name? I'm Brian" "S-Stout Shield, I want my mommy" Tears were welling up in Brian’s eyes as he shoved the last piece of debris out of the way and pulled the colt free. Brian wrapped him in his keffiyeh trying desperately to warm the little guy up. “Stay with me buddy and we’ll find your mom, I promise. MEDIC!” He pulled the bundled up child into his lap , holding him close to his chest, rocking him softly. Shouting from just up the street snapped his focus to the window, “IN HERE! HURRY!” he shouted even though his throat felt raw. “Mommy?” the small voice called from his lap. Brian looked down at the little colt, staring up at him with cobalt blue eyes, his breathing had become shallow and ragged. Brian hugged him close and rocked him softly, ”Hang on buddy, help’s almost here”. Almost as if on cue two Marine Corpsman and a Unicorn Medic crashed through the door at the front of the shop. He didn’t hear them, his whole world was the deathly still colt laying in his lap… “....Sir?” Brian’s head snapped up startling the Corpsman standing over him. “Sir? We can take it from here” the Sailor said gently, offering his hand to help Brian off the blood stained floor “We’ll make sure he gets home”. The other two looked shellshocked, staring at the unmoving bundle in his lap, Brian knew that if he didn’t get up he’d spend the rest of his days in that burned out shop, holding that little guy, wishing with all his heart for a sign of what he so desperately wanted to be true. Nobody ever said life was fair. Ten minutes had passed since Brian had handed over the colts body to the medical team and headed on his way. Outlined in the smoke up ahead was the silhouette of a man..Ken was already waiting for him and turned at the sound of his footsteps, Brian was still in shock and could only offer a small wave as he stepped up beside the older man. “Been helping triage casualties and…” Ken’s voice cracked, faltered and failed. Brian placed a hand on his mentors shoulder, simultaneously checking his own emotions, there would be plenty of time to mourn later. Ken took a deep ragged breath and composed himself, albeit barely. “Blast crater is ten feet across, EOD puts the size of the device at five to twelve pounds, KAUERIT they think, Austrian SEMTEX, packed with ball bearings rubbed in anticoagulant.” his voice cracked again, but he held it together. Brian felt like he’d been punched in the gut, revulsion then rage threatening to overtake him. Anticoagulant shrapnel was sickening, it kept blood from clotting and turned normally minor wounds into fatal injuries, He’d seen it before… Devices like that were advanced, too advanced for many of the groups that openly protested Human- Equestrian cooperation, who the hell did this? His thoughts were interrupted as a group of Royal Guard medics and Marine Corpsman ran past towards a series of hastily erected tents, hauling stretchers loaded with injured from the surrounding buildings. A man strode through the chaos towards the two former Marshals and extended his hand to Ken. “Ken Rooker? I’m Ryan Pace, there’s been a development sir, I’m to escort you two to the CP, my vehicle is just around the corner” Ken shook the man’s outstretched hand, “Lead the way” Brian fell in step beside Ken and the new arrival as they double timed it past the Marines and ETF SRU Operators guarding the perimeter, Brian met Ken’s eye and the look they shared spoke volumes. "We’re gonna kill these motherfuckers” The ride to the Command Post was uneventful, save for the young colts face that wouldn’t leave his thoughts….
Into the Den Of LionsInto The Den of Lions The first thing Brian noticed was the amount of security around the Command Post. Twenty gold clad Royal Guard, armor stamped with the risen sun of Celestia’s personal bodyguard and a number of jet black bat-winged ponies bearing crescent moons, spoke to the presence of the Royal Sisters. The thing that surprised him was the presence of several civilian clothed humans, some carrying Mk18 SBR’s, one carried an Mk48 light machine gun, in short, they were prepared for war. The SUV came to an abrupt halt outside the command tent, Brian, Ken and Pace dismounted and made their way inside, Brian was stunned to see not only the Royal Sisters, both wearing grave expressions, but the President of the United States, seated at a table and flanked by two Secret Service CAT team shooters, the most powerful man on Earth rose as they entered. Brian and Ken snapped to attention and saluted. “Sir!” The President returned their salute, there was sluggishness to his movements and Brian could tell he was exhausted, the man was on edge. President Robert Messner was no slouch, having lead a Marine STA* Platoon in the invasion of Afghanistan, and then Iraq, before taking up politics. He’d developed a reputation as a strong and competent leader. “Gentlemen, I’ve called you here for a debriefing, what can you tell me?” Ken as the senior officer, took the lead, Brian remained silent. When Ken was finished with his report, it was not the President, but Celestia who responded. “Can you tell me why Kenneth? Why would somepony commit this horrific act?” Ken blanched a little at being directly addressed by the Princess but to his credit, recovered quickly. “Highness, I can’t say for sure, there are a number of groups that oppose the treaty, but this? I wish I had an answer beyond that ma’am. I’m just as horrified as you your Majesty” Celestia nodded, a single tear making its way down her cheek, but a steely look in her eye that surprised Brian. The President cleared his throat, “Agent Rooker, would you give us a moment? I’ve some questions for your partner” “Understood, Mr. President, Bri? I’ll be waiting outside.” With that he turned and strode out of the tent without another word. President Messner watched Ken walk out of the tent, then focused his gaze on Brian, “Does he know what you did before? Does anyone?” Brian shook his head, “No sir, I had no reason to tell anyone, OPSEC was always priority” The President fixed Brian with a look, and after a pregnant pause spoke, “Your jacket is impressive Sergeant, reads like a damn Clancy novel. Inducted into the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment at the rank of Corporal, Picked up by the RRC* six months later, Sniper Qual’d soon thereafter, Breacher, SOTIC*, a dozen other specialized schools, a handful of training operations with Delta, DEVGRU and ISA. More than one hundred successful operations in six years, two Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars, a handful of nonofficial commendations. All that sounds right?” Brian nodded, “Yes sir, that’s correct” The President nodded, satisfied,”In that case, I’ve got a job for you. We have a suspect in custody; I want you to coax some information out of him. I don’t have to tell you that this attack and its implications have the potential to undo all we’ve worked so hard to build and preserve. I haven’t seen anything this horrific since Fallujah; a group with this kind of amoral behavior is a threat to both sides of the Rift.” Brian was stunned at the whole exchange, but a deadly smile spread across his face at the President’s offer, the little colt flashing across his mind, “What do you have in mind Sir? “ “Simply put? I want you to put together a playbook, to kill or capture anyone who was involved with or profited from this horrific action, emphasis on kill. We’ve got the blessing of the Equestrian Government to do what needs to be done on their soil if necessary” Brian nodded, “I’ll need a team, most of my SOG unit are heavy hitters, Active Mil and Agency guys would be my second choice. Some of the Royal Guard at the ETF were trained by our SF guys, wouldn’t mind having them for this side of the fence.” Celestia spoke up from her seat “You only need ask Brian, I would have no qualms about placing them under your command, not after the way you and Kenneth watched over my little ponies” “Thanks Princess, but we didn’t do that great of a job” Brian spat bitterly Celestia rose and crossed the gap between them, wrapping a wing around a surprised Brian, “What horror transpired here today was not your fault Brian, I’ve faith that you will find those involved and deal with them appropriately” Brian returned the half hug, “Count on it Princess, we’ll get it done, Mr. President I’ll need Agent Rooker along as well. He’s solid and an outstanding operator” The President nodded, “Whoever and whatever you need, we’ll supply it. OPCON* will rest with the CIA in the loosest sense, with Mr. Pace being your liaison, they have the black fund required for jobs like this but ultimately you’ll be on your own.” “Just the way I like it sir, when do I get a crack at the prisoner?” “Immediately” The President motioned to one of the Secret Service guys, “Dunn? Would you go outside and have Agent Rooker meet us by the vehicle” the agent nodded and double timed it out of the tent. “Let’s move son” Four Hours later… The ride was eventful, Brian brought Ken up to speed on both the Presidents orders and his past, Ken was shocked but ultimately understood, in their world, secrets were key. A few hundred yards off to their left for the majority of the trip sat the great shimmering mirror like construct of the portal, it still inspired awe in all who beheld it, even after a year’s time. The warehouse being used as a holding facility was a squat grey building tucked in the back of the Border Patrol compound. The four vehicle convoy crunched to a stop out front and the men disembarked, Brian and Ken following the President closely. When they approached the door the President shot Brian a look, a grim expression on his face, “Ready for this Sergeant?” Brian smiled a cold smile, “Born ready sir”
Expect Nothing2014 1845 Hours Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean Onboard AWACS Call Sign EAGLE EYE Airman First Class James Conlon was bored. The kind of boredom that incites lunatic behavior in otherwise sane men. The twenty two year old had deployed over Afghanistan three times, now here he was, stuck on some gaggle-fuck training op in the middle of nowhere. "Conlon?" The pilot's voice shattered his torpor, causing the young Airman to jump about half a foot spilling his coffee all over the floor. The radar operator across from him, A1C Jessica Martin suppressed a chuckle, mirth shining in her eyes as she flipped him a thumbs up. Goddamnit "Yes Sir?" "Check the calibration on the bubble, I think something wiggled loose, I'm getting static" "Wilco sir" Grumbling to himself, Conlon keyed up the radome diagnostics, the screen looked clear. "Sir scope is clean" The moment the words left his mouth a blur appeared and morphed into a blob of massive size, "Disregard sir. I confirm unknown contact bearing one-seven-five degrees northwest, distance fifty-five miles." "Roger, will relay to the fleet" Now Conlon was all business, "Martin? give me a tally on our air" Martin nodded, a steely look in her eye, "We've got air stacked at five, ten and fifteen thousand feet tasked to intercept the contac- Holy Shit! WHAT IS THAT?!, Right side viewport! Two o' clock!" Conlon jumped at the abject terror in Martin's voice, craning his head to get a better look. "Oh My God..." "....CNN is Bringing you live coverage of the Naval Blockade in the Pacific Ocean, The United Nations has convened an emergency session... They are urging people to remain calm..." "Breaking news from the site of the anomaly, something is happening...a bright flash and a tremendous explosion...Military on high alert...we will keep you updated" "First Contact has been made...Race of Sentient Equines...No I'm not kidding Charlie, Their leaders are asking to meet at the U.N. Get everyone on this, now" "Yes Mr. President" 0600 hours New York City Brian Coates had the kind of hangover that could kill a man, his green eyes were bloodshot and his short brown hair was sticking out at all angles. The wiry Deputy Marshal was hanging half in half out of the shower when his cell phone rang. He groped blindly around the sink where he'd left it, every blast of the bass ridden ring tone sending waves of pain and nausea shooting through him. "Hello?" "Brian?" The volume made him wince, one eye twitching as a fresh wave of pain blew through his head "Jesus Ken, not so loud man" Kenneth Rooker was Brian's team leader and one hell of a guy. After fifteen years in the Marine Corps, Ken had been offered a position with the Marshals Service and readily accepted. After a short tour as an Investigative Deputy, Ken had tried his hand at SOG (Special Operations Group) Selection and passed with flying colors. At thirty eight he still had a long way to go before retirement and relished his position as a SOG team leader. Brian was no slouch in the experience department either. He came from a small town in Wyoming, the son of cattle farmers. At the tender age of seventeen, full of loathing for the small town life and struck with patriotic fervor in the wake of the 9/11 attacks he'd enlisted in the Army, completing jump school at FT. Benning and Ranger school thereafter. He spent the next six years in the Ranger Regiment, deploying several times to such choice locales as Afghanistan and Somalia, He'd made the decision not to reenlist and returned to Wyoming. Bumming around his hometown for a few weeks, he came to the attention of the local Marshals Recruiter. The rest as they say, is history. "Rough night brother?" "Eat me, I don't know how you do it, we drank around the same" "With age comes experience my son, look man you need to shoot some coffee and get down here, the Director wants everyone on deck, something big happend while you were out" That got Brian's attention "Any idea what?" "Not a one, they just told me to get everyone together, how long before you can get here?" Brian's head was pounding, he felt like death, but this was what he lived for "Give me thirty, tops" "Rog' I'll see you then brother" Twenty six minutes and three cups of coffee later Brian pulled into the field office parking lot, it looked more like an office building than the operations center for one of the most elite units in the Governments arsenal. Ken was waiting out front for the first time since they'd known each other, he looked worried. "What's up boss?" Ken shook his head, the worried look never leaving his face "The Director's here" "What?" Brian was shocked, it was like getting a visit from God, it didn't just happen, something was very wrong. "He have any insight?" Ken scoffed" Nah, I asked, but he said it would be better if we had everyone together, lets head inside, everyone's waiting" Brian followed Ken through the double doors and across the main lobby, his mind racing. What could be so important that the Director of the Service made an unannounced visit at six in the morning? His internal monologue fell silent as he and Ken walked into the team room, half the guys were geared up, the other half had obviously been interrupted. Brian caught snatches of conversations as he made his way to the front row of seats, none of it sounded good. At the front of the small stood Brett Wilson, Director, U.S Marshals Service. A man of fifty-five, his grey hair slicked back, he had spent thirty years in Law Enforcement and during that time set the standard for not to be fucked with, the man was a legend. He cleared his throat and the room fell silent. "Now that we're all here we can begin, gentlemen I'm going to get right to the point, and put the speculation to rest, at 0445 hours this morning elements of the Navy's Fifth Fleet made contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence" There was a moment of disbelieving silence, Brian was stunned but overcame it, it was his job to deal with extraordinary situations and this definitely fell under that umbrella. He raised his hand and the Director nodded in his direction. "Hostile sir?" "Negative, communication has been established, they're peaceful" Ken was the next to speak "That's why we're here, isn't it sir?" Director Wilson nodded "Their leaders have requested an audience with the U.N, the President will also be in attendance to make a formal announcement. Your team is going along to back up the security details already in place and safeguard the alien leadership, the media got wind of this before we could clamp down, I don't need to tell you how bad it could get if someone took a shot at them" he let the implications hang. "You're wheels up in fifteen, godspeed gentlemen" Brian was on his feet and heading for the arms room, his mind going a mile a minute Peaceful aliens huh? he thought, Could be worse... he shivered involuntarily as his ex's face popped into his head out of nowhere... Twenty minutes later Brian, Ken and the rest of their six man team were whipping through the air over the city on the skid seats of an OH-6 "Loach", the nimble little helo was used extensively by Law Enforecement and Special Operations communities. Brian silently surveyed the area as they passed over the Verrazano Bridge heading for the U.N building. To his left and right were Raymond Wojinski, a ten year veteran of Navy Special Operations and Carter DeWitt, a recent addition to the team. DeWitt's baby face and goofy smile might've fooled some into thinking he was harmless, in reality he was a deadly marksman and a seven year veteran of Air Force Special Tactics. On the other side of the bird sat Ken, Michael Hosler a former Ranger from Brian's old unit and Tyler Roberts, who had worked his way from civilian to SOG operator in just four years, an unheard of feat. The team stayed silent on the way in, each of them trying in their own way to come to grips with what had transpired. Brian was lost in thought, wondering what the aliens would be like, if their peaceful intentions really were peaceful...and could humanity fight them if it came down to that. He was shaken out of his reverie by the pilot's voice "Thirty second guys" Brian looked at the two men sitting next to him and held up three fingers, they both nodded, he pulled the t-shaped charging handle on his HK 416, letting it slam forward, chambering a round. Directing his gaze to the helipad situated on the roof of the U.N building he saw the figure of a man, waiting for them, the helo's tail dipped as the pilot flared ten feet from the roof, as soon as the skids touched the team was out and moving quickly towards their one man welcoming committee. the man met them halfway holding his hand out to Ken. "Greg Mitchell, State Department" Ken shook the man's outstretched hand "Ken Rooker, Marshals Service" Mitchell pointed at the rest of the team "This everyone?" "Yeah, we're it, where are our Principals?" Mitchell nodded "They're waiting for you downstairs, I'll show you the way, brace yourselves, their appearance may be a bit of a shock" without another word he turned on his heel and headed for the roof access door. Brian caught Ken's eye and raised an eyebrow, Ken shrugged and followed after Mitchell. Brian was more apprehensive than he was willing to let on at the prospect of being in the same room with aliens, another part of him was giddy at the idea, his thoughts were cut short as they approached the fifth floor, Mitchell opened the door and led the team into the lavish hallway beyond. Brian noted the bulletproof windows and reinforced doors as he walked down the hall, Mitchell led them to a door marked "Authorized Personnel Only" and knocked twice "Your Majesties?" Much to Brian's surprise a soft musical female voice replied, in perfect English "Yes? Is that you Gregory?" "Yes ma'am, our security detail has arrived" Mitchell replied Brian looked at a visibly stunned Ken and mouthed "They speak English?!" Ken just looked bewildered. Again the female voice replied "Please show them in" Mitchell turned and addressed the team in a hushed voice "Okay guys,the way they look may be jarring but remember they're harmless, ready?" the team nodded in unison "Alright" he opened the door in one swift motion and Brian was struck with how big the room was, easily the biggest one in the entire building if the blueprints were to be believed. Here we go he thought as he followed Mitchell inside "Highness?" Mitchell called out upon seeing the bedroom was empty "In here Gregory" the soft voice called back, the group hooked around the corner into the living room and Brian's fear evaporated, along with every thought in his head, save for one. Holy shit. Standing by the large bay window looking out over the city and bathed in the orange glow of the sunrise, clad in gold regalia, was a...Horse, but like no horse Brian had ever laid eyes on. About five feet tall at the shoulder and a purer whit than he'd ever seen, it's-Her eyes he corrected were large, but not in an unpleasant way,and colored a deep magenta. She had what looked like wings tucked against her sides and a horn about eight inches in length protruding from her forehead, it was a surreal experience.But the part Brian couldn't reconcile was her mane, it was tricolored: Light blue, green and pink, it billowed as if caught by the wind despite the fact there wasn't a breeze to be found. She smiled a small beatific smile that reached her eyes and radiated peace and love like all was right with the world. She was...Beautiful was the only word Brian could find to describe her, a feeling of comfort washed over him and he found he was smiling like an idiot. The rest of the team wasn't faring much better. Mitchell smiled a knowing smile "Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Princess Celestia, Diarch of the Sovereign Nation of Equestria"
