Chapters "Space. The final front--" the voice was cut off by a gruff, and deep Scottish accent.
"Shut the fuck up, Monroe!" The Admiral yelled. Ensign Monroe finally closed his mouth and turned to face the ship's navigation computer. The Bridge was filled with the sounds of computers and the small-talk of the ensigns. The Admiral got up from his his chair and stared out into the emptiness of space.
"Marco! Give me the ship's vitals." He said to the ship's AI.
"Here you are, Admiral Braddock." The AI replied as he brought up a holographic scan of the ships vitals.
"Why do you need this, Admiral?" The AI asked, curiously.
"Curiosity killed the cat, Marco. Remember that now."
"But I am required to know. Isn't that right?" The AI inquired. Braddock sighed and then he was going to tell the curious AI, but was cut off as a voice called to him.
"Dad! A slipspace rupture has just occurred! Oh fuck! It's the Covenant!" The Admiral's son yelled throughout the Bridge. Panicked voices and murmurs were heard all around the bridge. Alarms blared and and operators rushed to their stations. Marines and ODST's readied for a Covenant boarding party to burst through the door. Marines gathered in important places, ready to protect them from Covenant forces.
"Campbell! Get me my daughter!" Braddock yelled. She nodded and turn on the PA system.
"Captain Melissa Braddock, please report to the Bridge!" She said into the PA system. After five minutes, the ODST captain burst into the bridge, standing attention to her father.
"What is it, da- I mean sir?" She questioned.
"We are prepping for an emergency slipspace jump. We need your men to prepare, my dear daughter." He said to his daughter. As she saluted and left, he waved over his son so he can speak to him.
"What is it? Need some technological help?" His egghead son questioned.
"Yes and no. Ready the FTL drives. Angus," he paused.
"Command the MAC guns. Be ready for the order." Angus grinned and saluted.
"Aye, da- I mean. Sir." He replied, telling the other operators to ready up. Braddock then told the operators to prepare to fire.
"Five."
Angus held his hand up.
"Four."
The group tensed, bracing for the ship to fire before them.
"Three."
They looked at each other nervously.
"Two."
They then calmed down, ready to unleash Hell.
"One! Forward all power to MAC guns! Leave some for the FTL drives!" Braddock then had a smirk on his face.
"Unleash Hell on those fuckers!" Braddock shouted. The MAC guns fired high powered rounds at the Covenant ship. The first two shots pierced the shields, hitting the ship. Then more came to destroy the giant Covenant ship. As they did their last round, they added high velocity missiles to lighten up the show. After the blast from the missiles, the ship had been blown to Kingdom Come.
"Alright! Emergency slipspace jump! Commence it now!" The Admiral yelled, before the all to familiar blue worm hole appeared in front of the ship, but then a malfunction came, then shit really hit the fan.
"Unknown gravitational pull! It's gonna propel us from slipspace!" Ensign Campbell yelled.
"God dammit!"! Braddock yelled, anger present in his voice. 'Boy, does karma really love to fuck with me.' He thought angrily. The gravitational pull then occurred, plunging the frigate into an uncharted system. As they scanned the system for a planet to make an 'emergency' landing.
"Admiral, there is a very Earth-like planet by that sun over there. That's all I could get on it right now. Take the 'Neptune' to it so I could scan it better." He informed the Admiral, who nodded in conformation. The AI sported a smile. "Thank you, sir." He thanked as he dissolved out of existence. The Admiral told Ensign Monroe to set a course to the planet. 'I hope it's not an Innie planet.' He hoped as they made their way to the planet.
*meanwhile, on the Earth like planet.*
Twilight rubbed her eyes for the seventh time now, unable to sleep. She wished that somepony would answer this question that plagued her since her years as a filly: Are we alone in the universe? She's asked that many times but just got shrugs, 'maybes', or no answer. She stared up into Luna's beautiful night, looking at every star. She swore she saw one moving at a turtles pace. She rubbed her eyes with her hands and looked again. 'Maybe I'm just tired.' She thought as she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
*meanwhile, back in the past star system*
The Zealot sat in his chair, looking at the field reports the 'Solar Radiance' brought in before being destroyed by the humans. He then caught a glimpse at the UNSC's frigate name: 'Neptune's Fury'. The name he just seen really bothered him. That tiny frigate destroyed the 'Solar Radiance'. He grunted in anger, slamming his fist into his armrest. 'I will kill you and your crew, Admiral Braddock.' He thought as a plan popped in his head.
"Thur! Trace where the human ship, 'Neptune's Fury' which star system it jumped to!" He roared.
"Yes, Field Marshall Mor'hen." The navigations officer obeyed.
"Okay it's tracking now. It may take a few day cycles, but it will give an accurate reading." Thur told his commanding officer.
"Good. And now we play the waiting game." Mor'hen said grimly, as a plan was formulating in his brilliant mind. He continued on his train of thought, before he decided to report to the Prophets. 'Yes, they must know that the humans blew up their scout class carrier.
*back to the 'Neptune's Fury'*
They approached the planet, looking at its big oceans, meaning that life was present on this planet. Marco told the helmsman to circle around the planet once so he could get a holographic copy to use as a globe. Then a notification popped up on the computer the AI was based in.
"Admiral, you may want to take a look at this." Marco told Braddock.
"What is that? Why does it look... Human?" Braddock asked right as an image of some sort of humanoid equine.
"It's called a pony, sir-"
"A pony's a small horse." Braddock told him as if he didn't know.
"I know what a pony is. But this is its species name! Though they do have fur, they have feet, also manes and tails, sir." Marco explained. After looking at it once more, a question popped up.
"What era are they in?" He asked.
"Looks like the humans 21st century. 2013 to be exact." The AI even sounded baffled at his own words, but quickly regained his composure. After circling once, the ship started to turn towards orbit.
"Helmsman! Why are we going into orbit?!" Braddock yelled at the pilot.
"Some kind of gravitational pull! Like back in slipspace! It's pulling us to the planet!" The helmsman shouted back. The planet was getting closer and closer. The captain ordered the crew to strap in, so they won't fly and break the window.
"Helm! Activate forward thrusters! Slow us down a bit!" Braddock commanded.
"Aye, captain!" He yelled back. As they entered the atmosphere, the could see cities and towns and even a structure built into a mountain! As the flew by, they spotted a forrest to land in.
"I'm gonna land in that forrest, sir!"
"Good! It will cushion our crash landing." Braddock replied. They braced for impact, awaiting to be violently shaken or rolling about. The impact came hard. The 'Neptune' crashed hard into the soil, with the trees cushioning the crash. Violent shakes threatened to roll the ship around to intensify the crash. The ship slowly halted, finally stopping the frigate. Ensigns and operators toke off their safety belts and started to assess the damage.
"How badly damaged are we?" Braddock asked.
"Not critically, no. The engines are damaged, however. We have the equipment to fix it, plus the Pelicans are perfectly intact along with the other vehicles. The repairs should be done in nine months." The AI told the Admiral.
"Nine months?" He said.
"Correct, sir." Marco said. Braddock put a hand on his fore head.
"Aye, then." He finally grew to accept it: they were stranded here for nine months.
"I'm gonna go for some coffee." Braddock announced as he left for the cafeteria.
*in Canterlot castle*
Princess Celestia and Luna watched as the object hurled from orbit, to crashing in the Everfree Forrest. The machine had words on its side, in perfect Equestrian: 'Neptune's Fury'. 'So, these creatures speak Equestrian.' Celestia thought as images of how they looked in her mind. She was broken out her thoughts as Luna said something to her.
"Sister, shall we send a detachment of Royal Guards to the crash site?" Luna asked her sister.
"Yes. If they are sentient, we shall meet them face to face." Celestia said as the sisters rounded up a squad of Royal Guards. 'Time to meet these otherworldly people face to face.' She thought as they boarded a large helicopter to the sight.
It was around 3 a.m., the night was cold, even colder as the wind struck the fur on the princess's arms during the helicopter ride. All nearby Royal Guards made their way to the Everfree Forest to investigate the fallen ship. The woodland creatures were scared off by the helicopters as they landed outside the dangerous forest. The guards stepped got out of the helicopters, standing attention as the Captain of the Royal Guard stepped out of the helicopter contqining the princesses.
"At ease, men. Squad Alpha, set up a perimeter, make sure no civvies get on site. Bravo, scope out that... Machine in the forest." Captain Armor ordered as the Guards got to their duties.
"If Twilight and her friends arrive, let them on site." The solar princess ordered the Captain.
"Yes your highness."
"Good." She replied. As the guards were about to return to their posts, a car pulled up and four figures stepped out, along with two pegusai.
*Twenty minutes ago, in Ponyville.*
Twilight hung up her phone as she told her last friend to meet at the library. The first to arrive was Rarity and Pinkie Pie. Next was Applejack, then Fluttershy, then lastly, Rainbow Dash. As the six friends were gathered, Dash was the first to break the silence.
"Why are we her... Oh yeah." Rainbow asked, then remembering why.
"We are going to investigate the crash in the Everfree." Twilight announced, striking some faces of fear and concern.
"Why? The Royal Guard have already began the expedition int that Luna-damned forest." Rarity replied, certainly in no mood to trek in that cursed forest.
"That's true. Ah reckon we let th' Guards do the investigatin'." Applejack agreed with Rarity.
"Aw, come on! Don't you have a of adventure, AJ?" Dash complained, clearly wanting to see the object that crashed in the Everfree.
"Yeah! My Pinkie Sense went off when it came into orbit, meaning LOTS of new faces around!" Pinkie Pie stated, clearly wanting to meet the other worldly people.
"Wait, there's being on that ship? Like, aliens?" Twilight asked, totally excited to see them. 'Finally, truth that we aren't alone in the universe!' She thought happily.
"Why do you want to meet them? So you can fuck 'em?" Rainbow joked, causing some snickers from the group. Twilight flipped a middle finger to her, only making her laugh harder.
"You're so fucking immature, Dash!" Twilight yelled, almost on the brink of strangling Dash.
"Aw come on, Twi! I was just joking!" She finally said, wiping a tear from her eye. After calming down, Twilight went to Pinkie and whispered her something.
"Nope! Not a chance in Hell, Twilight!" Pinkie snapped.
"Come on! You're the one of our group who has their drivers!" Twilight desperately said, trying to convince her. "You do wanna meet them, don't you?" She asked, when she nodded her head.
"Fine." She finally said, agreeing to take them to the outside of the forest.
"Any objections?" Twilight asked the group. No hands were raised. "Good. Lets go!" Twilight squeaked, over-enthusiastic. The group of six made their way to Sugercube Corner, where a blue four door car sat. Twilight old Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash to fly to the outside of the forest. As the car came to life, they quickly made their way to the forest to see the crash site.
*Current time*
The car's headlights were turned off, then the six friends made their way to the checkpoint.
"Hold up! This is.. Oh! You're the Element bearers, are you?" The Guard asked, recognizing the six friends.
"Yeah, why? We're allowed to come see?" Twilight asked, in which he nodded.
"Yeah, the Princesses gave the order."
"Alright, thanks." She thanked him. As they walked to the to the site, they took notice to the multiple squads of Guards that guarded the site, armed to the teeth with high-caliber weapons. As they continued the walk, they spotted the Solar Princess raising the sun. Then they turned their gaze to the giant construct of metal in front of them. Letters on the side read in bold text that said 'Neptune's Fury ' that adorned the side of the ship. They then stared at what looked like guns on the side as well, meaning it was military. It's dull grey-steel color was faded, and full of scratches due to the crash.
"Princess," Twilight began, "are you sure they aren't hostile?" She asked, a tinge of fear in her voice.
"They crashed here in the Everfree, and they didn't fire their weapons as they crashed, so no I don't think they are. I know it has weapons on it, but they can't be THAT hostile..." Celestia voice trailed off.
"But if they do attack us, they have the fury of the Royal Guard to deal with." Celestia assured the six friends. The hanger door opened with a loud hiss, then a loud booming noise as the damaged door opened. As soon as it was half way open, a squadron of black armoured and silver visored jumped out, carrying a ramp on the way down. Then once the ramp was secured, a tall being walked down the ramp. He had no mane, but a Snow White beard was visible, meaning he was of elderly age. Medals adorned the left of his chest, making the drab grey uniform more stylish. He had small eyes but his eye colour was a bright blue, well one of them. His left eye was white due a scar running up the left side of his furless face. By his side stood a short soldier, with a happy face painted on its visor, with a quote on its chest that said 'I watch you die, with a smile on my face.' And on top of the quote, a name was visible. 'Braddock' was the soldier's name.
"Hello. My name is Admiral Angus Braddock Senior. And we come in peace." The elder spoke. Princess Celestia held her hand out to the alien being.
"I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria." As soon as she said 'Princess', the Admiral and his soldiers did a respectful bow. The soldier with the happy face visored-helmet, took of its helmet. Her face was round, scars adorned her face. A small but womanish haircut adorned her head. Her skin was a pale white, making her look like a ghost.
"This is my daughter, Melissa Braddock." He introduced his daughter, as she extended a hand to shake.
"It's an honour to meet you, your highness." She said in a deep accent like her father. Then a male came running out, after introductions were made.
"Aw come on! Did I miss introductions?" He said in the same accent of the two Braddocks.
"This is Angus Junior. He is a downright genius with technology." He said as he shook hands with the Solar Princess.
"Charmed to meet you, Princess Celestia." He said, thrilled to meet royalty. 'So far, so good.' Admiral Braddock thought, as everything was going according to plan.
"Shall we head to Canterlot to talk and meet each other somer more?" Princess Celestia offered. He nodded, than his daughter commanded her squad to prep a dropship to follow the helicopter back to the palace.
*In the past system...*
Mor'hen, exhausted with talking to the Prophet, went to his quarters to rest. He still couldn't wait to find the 'Neptune's Fury' so he could kill the humans aboard for destroying the 'Solar Radiance'. He dreamed of killing the commander of the ship by stomping on his head, the feeling of gore on his foot ached as he waited for a accurate reading on the humans. 'They will feel my fury.' He thought as he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
The helicopter ride didn't take long as expected now that the sun was up. Small talk was heard throughout the chopper. Luna waved to get the Admiral's attention.
"I think we've never been introduced yet. I'm Princess Luna." She said as she extended a hand.
"Well met, Princess." He said as they shook. Canterlot was now in direct eye sight as the magnificent structure was examined by Braddock, totally mesmerized at the architecture, and the fact that it's built INTO a mountain made it a sight to travel the whole fucking universe to see its unique design.
"Where is thy sister's student?" Luna asked Celestia.
"In that dropship there, along with her friends." Celestia answered, getting an understanding nod. As a helipad was visible, the helicopter and dropship landed and both the machine's inhabitants exited. The ODST's 'Oooohhhed' and 'Ahhhhed' at the sight of Canterlot Castle. Admiral Braddock and his daughter chuckled at her squads reactions. Shining Armor smirked at the 'Highly Trained' soldiers that went soft for a moment to examine the palace. As they reached the throne room, Captain Armor walked over to Admiral Braddock to ask him something.
"Admiral, a word please?" He asked.
"What is it, Captain Armor?" Braddock asked.
"I have a challenge for your daughter and her squad."
"I'm listening..." He said, intrigued by the stallions challenge.
"Her squad vs. my best men. Five on five. I'm also included." He said, smirking.
"You're on, lad." He said, accepting the challenge.
"Melissa, come here for a moment."
"What is it?"
"Captain Armor want to challenge your squad to a fistfight. Five on five." He explained, in which she smirked.
"Does he know who the fuck he's dealing with here? Melissa fuckin' Braddock and her merry squad o' killers." She boasted, loud enough for the entire room to hear.
"Alright. Try and pick the four best men of yer squad, my dear daughter." He said as she picked the four best soldiers.
"Ok. Markov! Rodriguez! MacLean! And Ming! We have a little scuffle wit' th' Captain of the Guard's best men! Why don't we show th' bastards that we are superior!" She told her best men, all of which cheered.
"Alright then. Stronghold! Blaze! Shield! And Quick Draw! Lets show the 'Elite' ODST's how the best of the best fist fight! Lets kick their asses and show 'em who is the elite here!" He said, inspiring the soldiers.
"Let it begin. Viper Team vs. Bravo Team!" Admiral Braddock announced.
"GO!"
The ODST's picked their targets, Ming, Quick Draw. Rodriguez, Shield. Markov, Stronghold. MacLean, Blaze. And finally, Captain Braddock vs. Captain Armor. The fight began as Rodriguez landed a hard punch on Shield's face. After recovering from the blow, he lunged Rodriguez, punching him multiple times in the face. Shield then kicked him in the gut, only to be countered and tossed onto the ground like an old toy. After punching the Guard in the face, he was knocked out, cold. He decided to help Ming with Quick Draw. Ming punched her in the face, making a sick crunch noise as she brought it down on her muzzle. Blood was seeping out of her nostrils, staining her fur around her muzzle. Quick Draw then kneed Ming in her stomach, only to be punched by Rodriguez. The powerful blow knocked her out but she also knocked out Ming. He tried to help Melissa, but was punched, hard, REALLY fucking HARD in the face, knocking him out cold, not even putting up resistance. Markov was pummelling Stronghold, by kicking and punching and face-smashing. When he picked up Stronghold, he smashed his face into his, successfully knocking him out. But the smash knocked him out of the game. MacLean performed a Roundhouse kick, hitting Blaze across the face as he tumbled onto the floor. The two fought and rolled on the ground, landing punches on each toyed, before MacLean punched Blaze in the stomach, stunning him. He slugged him in the stomach again, blood and spit flying out of his mouth. MacLean cupped his fist in his left hand, before sucker punching him in the face, knocking him out. Now it was two against one. MacLean and Braddock were side by side, ready to beat the shit out of the captain.
"Scared now, Armor? We jus' beat th' shit outta yer so-called 'best men'. You don't stand a fuckin' chance." She growled.
"Bring it on, YOU BITCH!" He yelled, clearly wanting to be beaten by a woman. This would seem like some sick mans fantasy, getting beaten up by a woman. MacLean punched him in the face as a crack was heard as he assumed that he broke his nose. The audience around the three, making a ring around them. All were cheering for Captain Armor, hoping he would win. Braddock brought her fists on to his face, landing punches on his muzzle. MacLean was kicking him in the gut; until Shining Armor kicked the ODST hard in the face, knocking him out cold.
The two soldiers got up and readied up their fighting stance, waiting for a blow. Armor charged at Braddock, eyes full of rage. 'I'm NOT losing against this psycho bitch!' He thought angrily. Braddock dodged the attack and lunged onto his back, punching his head.
"I'm going tear yer horn out an' mount it on m' wall!" She yelled, followed by demented laughter. That sent shivers down his spine. She then performed the piece d' resistance: she brought her fist down, HARD, onto his face, knocking him out. Everyone had shocked expressions on their faces. The Captain of the Guard, Shining Armor, has just lost a fistfight. Melissa cracked her knuckles, after what seemed like hours, it only happened in forty minutes. The Princesses were impressed with the ODST's capabilities.
"That is why no one, I mean NO ONE, fucks wit' th' Braddock family!" She stated proudly. Her father looked at her with proud eyes.
"Now that's one Hell of an introduction."