Equestrian Rage

Core Values

The sun shone through the stained glass of the Equestrian throne room, guardsponies standing with their ceremonial spears at the pillars as Princess Celestia sat in the day court, while it was a fairly eventful day it. Nothing had happened that she hadn't seen before he her several thousand years of life. Once again the Griffon Empire's ruler had passed and like the several before it had thrust the nation into turmoil as the sons and daughters struggled to take the power their father Emperor Swiftwing, though his eldest daughter Keenclaw was favored to win. She could already anticipate whomever did win would dispute their borders with Equestria just like their father had. So Celestia had several detachments of the Air Force and Royal Guard sent to bolster her troops there to send a clear message as to new ruler.

Other than that, there was little that really required the eternal ruler's attention so she smiled and readied herself to announce that the court would be closed so that she could go and enjoy herself before she would lower the sun and her sister would take over with the Night Court. However, some familiar green smoke flew in through the window and materialized as scroll adorned with the mark of her faithful student. Smiling she took it into her magic and unrolled it, reading the letter silently before she gave a surprised gasp and called to one of the guards.

"Captain Silverwing, have somepony awaken my sister. Tell her something requires our immediate attention!"

"Yes, your majesty!" He saluted before pointing a hoof to the closest guard, "You heard the Princess, make haste!"

With that the white pegasus took off for the night wing of the palace. Several minutes had passed before the double doors opened, Princess Luna walking in with two of her personal guards trailing behind her, "Sister, what troubles you so that you tear me from mine bed?"

"I'm sorry Luna, but please just read and you'll understand." Luna took the letter into her magic and hovered it over to her, her curiousity peaked she started to read it aloud.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

First I would like to apologize for waiting to write you this letter, I was unsure how to tell you and have you take it seriously. Several days ago my friends and I came across a strange tomb, before being able to explore it out came four creatures that claim themselves to be 'humans'. I have given them room at the local Royal Guard garrison and the reports from the commander there they have proven to be the most respectable of guests. A few have even taken jobs in Ponyville and one even spends his free time volunteering at Cheerilee's class, though their leader has been insisting on meeting with you and Princess Luna as soon as possible.

Your Faithful Student..."

Luna's voice trailing off as she looked at the several pages that followed with confusion and looked to her sister. "Surely she jests."

"Now Luna, Twilight has always been honest and faithful, I think we at least owe her a visit to confirm the claims of this letter, don't you?" Celestia asked in a calm and patient tone.

----

James sat in an the unused store room turned barracks on his cot, they had been at the garrison for a week and still no word on when these two 'alicorns' would see them. Each of the four Marines had been tasked with something, Szwast was suppose to find a way to locate the remaining Arks as well as the Super Ark that housed the master control for said Arks. 'Rusky' was tasked with acquiring provisions, mostly food and medical supplies since they had found that Ponyville didn't have the means to produce ammunition. The LT basically spent his whole time making sure that the Pony's commander, mayor and resident princess knew that they were still waiting to hear from their rulers, and then there was Jame's job. He was suppose to run a hearts and minds campaign, it was vague enough that so long as he was with ponies his fellow Sergeant and the LT left him alone.

He gave a small stretch, and then slid on his pair of Bates combat boots and bloused them. He had promised the local teacher, Cheerilee, that he would go over human society with her class this afternoon. Though he did have to explain that it might be a little too broad a topic to take the time allotted to him. He instead was able to convince the magenta mare to allow him to talk about as he phrased it 'a look in what it means to be a Marine', though he wouldn't tell her what it was saying that he wanted it to be a surprise for her as well as the children. He already had the lecture written down and for the most part memorized it did leave him little else to do.

He looked over the set of service and dress uniforms that he had been stowed in the Ark for the four Marines, no doubt for if they met civilization and needed to petition the leaders for aid. Though he doubted any of the Eden or Atlas Project leads would have even considered that said civilization would be comprised of talking colorful ponies. He'd resolved to ware his Service Alphas for the talk, it'd give an air of authority that cammies just couldn't. He had already spent a good four hours tending to his uniform, removing IPs, shining his shoes and checking the alignment of his shooting badges and ribbons.

With nothing better to do he inspected it one more time then started to change into the uniform, picked up his garrison cover and slid it on as he stepped outside and made his way to the main gate with a small duffle bag in his hand. He quickly checked out with the guard on duty, being informed that the Lt. had left word to be back at 1800. With that he made his way through town towards the school house. It was recess when he had finally came to the quaint building, he smiled and greeted the three young fillies that came to say hello first.

"Mr. Waters! Miss Cheerilee says that you have a super special surprise lesson for us today, maybe you'll show us some super awesome moves?"

"Haha, well Scootaloo I think I'm a little overdressed for a MCMAP lesson, besides after recess you'll find out so just go enjoy yourselves." He said before stepping inside, not waiting for Applebloom or Sweetie Belle to try their own guesses on subject of the lecture, though he was fairly certain no one would guess. He made his way to the doorway and knocked on the side to get the magenta mare's attention.

"Oh Sgt. Waters, I wasn't expecting you to be here so soon, come in!" Cheerilee gave her usual warm smile and watched as the man stepped in. "I've set aside the afternoon like you asked, I even informed some of their parents whom have expressed interest in sitting in on your lesson."

"It sounds like I'll have quite the audience for this lecture then, I hope they won't leave disappointed. I was wondering if it would be alright if I asked the children to write their thoughts and responses on my lecture, maybe give them tomorrow off if they do?"

"I think they'd definitely do it with that kind of incentive, though you shouldn't make too many words as I'd hate to have them up all night writing."

He nodded, the few exchanging a small talk as he set up a re-purposed monitor from the Ark on a small stand, followed by two speakers on each side, after everything was ready as he stood and watched the class fill up as the school bell rang, the colts and fillies making their way inside. Just as Cheerilee had warned him he saw several stallions and mares come inside, he even noticed that Applejack and Rarity come in. Though he had thought that they had seemed a little too young to have a school aged child. A hushed murmur filled the small classroom as Cheerilee introduced him.

"Alright Children, this afternoon Sgt. Waters has agreed to teach us something about humans. Also he has a very special present for you at the end. With that, let us begin."

Well, here goes nothing James thought to himself as he stepped out and looked at all the eyes now trained on his every move. "Thank you Miss Cheerilee, not only for that wonderful introduction but also the chance to speak in front of all of you today. Now I've been asked to cover in this afternoon, some of my fellow man had spent their lives studying. An impossible task I assure you, while I'm sure you'll all leave with many more questions than answers, I hope that you'll at least leave with an appreciation for not how we are different from you, but the same."

"Before I begin, are there any questions that you want answered right away before I start on the topic I have chosen?" James asked to have a hoof shoot up in the back, belonging to a mint covered unicorn whom was watching him with an unnerving amazement and wonder. "Um, yes ma'am?"

"If humanity lived here long before ponies, why is it that so little evidence of their existance is left?"

James gave a nervous smile before he cleared his throat, "I see you want to address the elephant in the room first, miss?"

"Lyra Heartstrings"

"You see, in 2004 an asteroid that we had named Apophis was discovered in space. The astronomy community had found that it was to impact the Earth in 2029 by their estimates. The governments of that time started a project to bury their best and brightest in 'tombs' that were named Arks. They would rebuild humanity after the extinction that Apophis' impact would have brought to our race. With the force of the impact, food would be too scarce, governments would have collapsed and the world would have fallen into chaos. While I can't tell you how man fell, I'm afraid that our considerable arsenals would have had enough power to wipe man from the face of the planet."

After the question was answered he looked around and not seeing any more hooves raised he took a deep breath and decided to begin in his actual lesson, he took out his dufflebag. Reaching inside he produced a flag folded into a triangle and held it to his chest. Walking to one of the front desks and carefully placed it on her desk and quietly asked the young filly to pass it around after she was done looking it over before he started his talks with the kids with a booming voice that always caught class's attention.

"GOOD AFTERNOON, My name is Sgt. Waters and I will be leading this period of instruction on... What is a United States Marine? While that is a simple answer I think you all are actually wondering what it means to be a United States Marine. But as General William Thorson said 'Only two types of people understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion.' So if you can't understand Marines then why bother talking, because I hope that you can at least appreciate what it means when I tell you that I am a United States Marine."

"That flag that is currently being pass around the class," James paused as he fought his emotions for control of his voice, "that flag was given to me when I was eight years old in recognition of my father's faithful service to our country, he covered a grenade with his body absorbing the explosion and saved the lives of his fellow Marines. From what those with him when he died, he acted without hesitation. I never understood why he could be so willing to sacrifice himself so readily until I had earned the title of Marine myself. I learned that my father's sacrifice wasn't special or unique, in death as in life he upheld the legacy of core values that characterized the United States Marine Corps: Honor, Courage and Commitment."

"Honor: This is the driving force behind everything that we do, it is what upholds ourselves to the highest standards. It requires the highest level of ethical and moral behavior, a Marine never lies, cheats or steals. It requires an uncompromising code of personal integrity, accountability for one's actions and to hold others accountable for theirs. For our honor is not ours, our honor is the Corps's and we can never do anything to tarnish or sully that honor."

James once again felt a lump in his throat start to build, he looked out to all the faces, the eyes watching his every move as their ears clung to his every word, the flag had already made it's way to the adults in the back. Applejack and Rarity being the last.

"Courage: simply stated, it is honor in action. It is the mental, moral and physical strength that allows us to overcome any obstacle, great and small. To do what is required of us when our lives are in danger and to willingly endure hardships and sacrifice so others do not have to. It is also the will to listen to our conscience and do what is right, regardless of the consequences of doing so."

"Commitment: a spirit of determination and dedication, an unwavering resolve to Corps and Country, commitment is the combination of honor and courage, as well as determination and dedication to excellence. Commitment has bred trust not only between Marines but the country that they serve."

"These three values make up the bedrock of the character of each Marine, with it we have faithfully served and defended the Constitution of our country. Today I see that your 'Royal Guards' hold themselves to the same values, and I'm happy to call them brothers. So I ask you children, what values are the bedrock of your character? Tonight think on this and write down what they are, tomorrow after they have been turned in I've been told Miss Cheerilee is giving you the whole day off. Now before I do have one last surprise, following is a movie called "Taking Chance" and hopefully this along with my words can give you a pretty good 'second-hand opinion', thank you."

With that he started the movie, quickly making his way towards the back and retrieved his father's flag. He carefully packed it away in his bag and then took a spot in the back next to the white unicorn. Though after the introduction scene Rarity had leaned to him and asked in a hushed tone.

"Darling, are you sure this is appropriate for children, the subject matter is a little disheartening."

"There are few movies about us that are, but I think it should help show what I said in my speech."

"I understand, I take it this movie is similar as to what happened with your father?"

James simply nodded.

----

Celestia and Luna looked to one another as the carriage landed outside the Ponyville library. Both had made it inside where they found Twilight at her desk, nose in a pile of books of Equestian Mythology, going over what little information they had on humans. Celestia smiled and cleared her throat, quickly getting the young alicorn's attention.

"Princess Celstia, Princess Luna. It's such a surprise to see you so soon after sending my letter." She said, quickly rushing over to welcome two.

"Well I must say, when someone claims a mythical race has shown up, I would hardly want to waste any time meeting them ourselves."

"Yes, these 'mytical human warriors', we can hardly wait." Luna deadpanned, meeting a stern look from her sister.

"Now Luna, we agreed we wouldn't dismiss these claims outright." Celestia looked to Twilight and gave a reassuring smile, "Now Twilight where are these new friends of yours?"

"Well they're at the Royal Guard Garrison here in Ponyville, Pinky was going to throw them a special party tonight."

"Oh, why's that?" Celestia asked.

"It seems tonight, it's a holiday that celebrates the founding of their 'corps'."