Chapters Escaping Extinction
James Waters walked down a long corridor, though he understood why he was chosen for the "Eden Project" he never really dreamed that he'd be one of the Ark personnel that would be acting as the ones to bring humanity back from extinction. Sure while he would soon die, his two A.I.s that he had written would look after and take care of those in their stasis, in a sense his legacy would live on in them. They would be bringing them back into an Eden he could never even dream of. They would go out into a world that would be basically untouched by humanity, 99942 Apophis was wiping the ledger clean after all. Though the thought if humanity really did deserve a second chance had crept into his mind from time to time, he quickly banished such thoughts.
He was about to reach his desk at 1134 mission control, two big panes of glass separating the room from the Ark itself, he found a man maybe in his early 50s with short salt and pepper hair in his seat. He looked at him confused as the man turned and saw him, he gave a big toothy grin.
"Say goodbye boys, one of our own gets to go off into the great unknown."
The whole room stood and applauded as they looked to James, whom just stood there numb. He opened to say something but two guards grabbed his arm and lead him down a long corridor and then to the Ark and the other Ark Personnel that would be joining him. All either respected scientists, military personnel that would lead the group, or other specialists like himself. All lead into the metal compartment as the speakers came to life.
"Apophis impact in 24 hours" An older feminine voice rang out.
"Roger Atlas control, this is 1-1-3-4, check for green." The man in Jame's seat replied.
"1-1-3-4, all systems green, Ark launch protocol initiated. Cryogenic preparation commencing, initiate Nanotrite injection."
Every one of them held out their hand as two IVs connected with a robotic hand, cycling out their crimson blood and replacing it with a cold orange liquid. With that the Ark Support Technicians lead them into their pods and watched as the doors closed and trapped them all in. With that they all turned and exited the Ark and the blast doors closed behind and locked.
"Check, cryogenic life support systems online. Subterranean Launch Injectors ready, 97% nominal"
Several minutes went by in complete silence, in both the Ark and Mission Control.
"All Arks secure, initiate burial sequence."
"1-1-3-4, check, targets confirmed, diagnostic audits complete, and Ark personnel entering status. This is 1-1-3-4 signing off."
"Understood 1-1-3-4, go for burial"
With that the tech at 1134 mission control started to launch of the last Ark, taking off his headset he stood and looked to the screen, the ground shaking violently as the Ark buried deep into the Earth's crust. After several hours suddenly everything was silent as the signal from their Ark gave conformation of successful launch.
Mission Control now coming deep into life as they made the last minute adjustments and set up the support systems for the Ark, launching several pods after it the the remaining time till impact. When everything was finished several small charges were set along the walls of the tunnel and detonated, collapsing it and entombing their seed of humanity. With that they looked to the clock, counting down impact. The Intercom now came to life after they sent word to Atlas Control that the final preparations for the Eden Project were complete.
"This is Atlas Control signing off, may we live to see another..." -static cutting the transmission off-
Soon a thunderous roar cut through the silence, the ground shaking and before long a wall of dirt struck and swallowed the whole installation as the shock-wave from where 99942 Apophis had struck, humanity's last scream on this side of the world cut short before it even started.
==========================
| Several Thousand Years Later |
==========================
"Twilight!"
Rainbow Dash's excited voice could be heard just barely over the frantic on the front door of her home. Groaning to herself and muttering a few words about her studies being interrupted the young alicorn made her way to the door, her sour expression hoping to silence the gitty pegasus.
"I told you already, I'm studying today Rainbow so I don't have time for one of your flying..."
Before Twilight could finish Rainbow zoomed past her in a blur of pastel, zipping from bookshelf to bookshelf stuffing random books into a saddlebag while talking a mile a minute.
"ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshTwilightIwasoutpracticingsomemovestoshowtheWonderboltsnearthemountainwellanywaysIkindatriggeredanavalancheIwasdodgingfallingrockslikenootheryoushouldhaveseenhowawesomeIwasanywaysaftereverythingsettleddownInoticedthattherewasadoorwithweirdpatternsonitandmadeoutofthisreallyhardandweirdstuffIt'sgottobealosttemplelikeintheDaringDobooksyoualwaysletmeborrow. I'm gonna have my very own Daring Do adventure, isn't that AWESOME!?"
Twilight sat there for a moment trying to figure out what Rainbow Dash had just said before shaking her head to get some sense back. "Slow down Rainbow," waiting for the the excited mare to comply. "Now breath and tell me what happened."
Taking a deep breath Rainbow Dash took a few moments to slow down. "Ok, so I was practicing moves to impress the Wonderbolts near the mountain. Anyways, I kiiiinda caused an avalanche...."
"WHAT!?"
"Relax Twi, that's not what was important. You see it showed this weird door with these markings on it I couldn't read. I FOUND A HIDDEN TEMPLE TWILIGHT! Now hurry up we've got our own Daring Do adventure to go on!"
Twilight gasped and a huge smile as she took Rainbow Dash's saddlebag into her magic, her horn glowing as she levitated the books that Rainbow Dash put in, out and replaced them with others from various bookshelves and then lead her outside.
"Well then, I guess we shouldn't waste any more time and get the others."
----
Alarms blared inside the Ark as red lights flashed and suddenly the dormant machines came to life, an electric hum singing out under the rhythmic sirens. James felt consciousness take hold as a screen inside his tomb lit up, his body still not able to move as the cryogenic stasis slowly loosened it's grip on him. An artificial feminine voice started to ring out inside the Ark.
"External disturbance detected. Cryogenic chambers compromised, chambers 2, 5, 7 and 12 online. Initiating emergency nanotrite activation, in 3, 2, 1."
James seized as a shock went through his entire body. His body now moving as he felt air invade his lungs for what felt the first time ever and his heart starting to beat in a frantic rhythm. After that he heard the voice start to speak again as the locks gave way with a hiss and he and the three other survivors fell onto the floor.
"Release cryogenic chamber seals, internal Ark temperature nominal. Rebooting internal data systems, all bio-augmentation systems fully deployed." -Suddenly his vision flashed and several bars ran across his vision, he looked to another survivor and a white line grew out from him and suddenly his name and a few statics about him started to appear from under the line. James panicked and tried to crawl backwards only to be against the back wall of his chamber.- "Nanotrites online, current position: unknown, remote location beacon: offline, running full diagnostic test."
Afterwards it looked like one of the fellow survivors had finally adjusted to the ordeal and moved to help the others up as he spoke. "Alright people, my name is First Lieutenant Nicholas Raine, US Marine Corps Force Recon, lets get the introductions out of the way and suit up. We don't know what's outside and I'd rather not stay in this tin can more than we have to."
"Sergeant Adam Szwast, US Marine Corps Scout Sniper" A relatively thin man in his mid twenties with auburn hair said as he started to inspect his gear.
"Corporal Olga Mayakovsky , US Marine Corps" The young woman said through a tick Russian accent. She quickly followed the two Marine's example and started to get ready.
James cleared his throat as he buttoned up his camo blouse and, putting more focus on getting on the flak and boonie cover as he spoke. "James Waters, NSA computer analyst and A.I. expert, also Sergeant; Marine Corps Reserve" After he slid on the combat vest over his flak he noticed that everyone was looking at him with some confusion. He let out a deep breath as he knew what they were all thinking. "What?"
"Three and a half Marines and a whole spook? What is it that they expected us to accomplish?" the Sergeant inquired.
"COMPUTER. ANALYST," James corrected before answering "I'd assume we're suppose to be the ones to evaluate and see if the world can support human life again, then I'll have to override the two central A.I.s at the Super Ark that are obviously malfunctioning and launch the remaining pods so we can start rebuilding. Why else have four personnel with..."
"Internal systems diagnostics: complete, external atmosphere analysis: complete, external seals: released, depressurizing room." The artificial voice interrupted loudly, everyone looking to the door.
"Alright people, showtime." Lt. Raine stated as he picked up his weapon and headed towards the door.
----
"Twilight darling, while I know that you and Rainbow Dash are excited about this little, um, adventure . Why did you insists on dragging all of us along with you two?"
"Oh Rarity, I don't mind. Besides, what if they got in trouble?" Fluttershy pointed out, giving a weak smile as she trotted next to the white unicorn.
"Now Ah'm sure that Rainbow and Twi here can handle themselves, though Ah don't mind lending a hoof."
"BESIDES, THINK OF ALL THE TREASURE WE'LL FIND, RIGHT RIGHT?" Pinkie asked as she pressed her face into Twilight's personal space with a manic grin.
Twilight smiled a little uncomfortably before she side stepped the pink earth pony and quickened her pace. "Thank you girls, now maybe we should hurry and catch up to Rainbow Dash?"
A few moments later they found Rainbow Dash hovering as she looked back at them, hooves crossed and an annoyed look on her face, "Can you guys BE any slower?"
"RAINBOW!" Twilight shot daggers at the pegasus. Whom promptly quieted down and landed and walked with the rest of the group, an awkward silence filling the air. Though they were close to where Rainbow Dash had found whatever it was that she found, and soon when they came to a cave with several large rocks strewn out in front of it. As they moved towards it, some more willingly than others, they saw a peculiar sight. The metallic door and exposed wall looked nothing like any of the ruins that Twilight had seen in her books.
Suddenly a strange sounding mare's voice rang out, "Releasing external chamber seals, safe egress is now possible."
"What!?" Twilight cried out as the doors started to hiss loudly, Applejack quickly grabbing her and pulling her into a hiding spot behind a particularly large boulder as they saw four shadows form as the doors to this tomb. Twilight cautiously peered from behind her hiding place, getting a quick look at the strange biped creatures before she quickly ducked back out of their view. Her mind going a mile a minute as she tried to figure out what they were and why their dress did little to reassure the young princess. Suddenly one of them spoke, each of the six mare's faces now wore a shocked expression.
"First things first, We'll need to set up camp," The one in the front turned to the other three, maybe their leader? "Sergeant Waters, these 'nanotrytes' they'll allow us to stay in contact with each other, correct?"
"Similar to a radio yes, just think that you are talking to whom you want to reach and they'll do the rest."
"Ok, so we should split up and find food. It looks like there's a forest nearby, I'm thinking it's our best bet to find food."
Fluttershy gave a small "eep" before being silence by the other two, she frantically tapped on Twilight's shoulder.
"I know Fluttershy, but we don't know anything about them, what if they're not friendly?"
"But they're going into the Everfree Forest, it sounds like they don't even know how dangerous it is."
"We don't know what they'll do to us if we stop them."
Fluttershy looked to her friend, quickly deciding to push aside any fears she had and called out "Wait!"
The four bipeds jumped in shock and looked to turned to the boulders that the six mares were hiding behind. They quickly recovered and now were pointed their strange black tubes towards them. Their leader inched a little closer and called out to them. "US Marines, identify yourselves!"
"Luetenant, There's a chance that we're in a region that doesn't speak..."
"Twi...Twilight Sparkle" The young feminine voice interrupted James before he could finish, he simply stopped talking and stood ready in case it twas a trap to catch the four off guard. They still knew nothing of this world and his gut was telling him that something wasn't right about this girl besides her odd name.
"Miss Sparkle, you're not alone," Lt. Raine observed as the four fanned out and started to circle the cover that was separating the two groups as he continued. "Now we don't mean you harm but you and whoever is with you needs to come out from hiding, SLOWLY. "
Twilight looked to her friends and, they all nodded nervously. "OK, we're coming out," she informed the men as the six mares nervously came out from their hiding spots. While their coloration and facial expressions did throw the men off, two quickly stepped through the group and looked behind the rock with a sense of purpose that reminded the mares a little too closely like the royal guards.
"No one's there L.T." Szwast reported before as the four started bunch up and look around, Twilight looking at them confused. "I think someone's playing a sick joke on us."
"But I'm not, it's just us six!" Twilight quickly blurted out in fear.
Szwast was caught off guard as he fell back, quickly being helped up by James as the others stood there dumbfounded. Szwast calling out what everyone was thinking, "it...it's talking!?"
"Um, yes and we're, um, ponies?" Twilight nervously corrected, feigning a smile.
James looked to the others then to the six mares and shook his head, kneeling down he removed his boonie cover and decided to ask the more important question on his mind other than why ponies could talk, "Humanity, does it still exist?"
Twilight was taken aback by the question, she looked nervously to her friends, whom only nodded, looked back at the biped and swallowed hard, "I'm sorry, but as far as anypony has known, Humanity never existed in the first place. They're only myths that are told to foals as bedtime stories."
The human's expressions suprised them, he didn't seem bothered by the news. He simply looked like he was considering his next question before he started to speak, "I see, well then," he paused and looked up to the sky then back to Twilight, "would it be too much trouble to ask for shelter tonight? We do have some questions and also we can offer some goods and services as payment."
Lt. Raine cleared his throat and looked to the NSA 'analyst' "What are you doing?"
"I'm bartering with the locals" James said as he turned to the man then looked back to the ponies. "We are the legacy of a 'mythical race' according to Miss..."
"Oh! how rude of me, I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle" Twilight quickly blurted out, her cheeks red with embarrassment that she hadn't yet introduced herself. Though it quickly died down as her friends quickly took it upon themselves to introduced themselves before looking to the four humans to introduce themselves.
"I'm Sergeant Waters, That's Lt. Raine, Sergeant Szwast and Corporal... er"
Olga gave an audible groan as she said her name, "Mayakovsky."
"Right, Rusky" James said jokingly and looked to the Mares, now knowing that the ponies had a Monarchy and it may be easy to get aid in activating the other Arks. There was little question after meeting the six ponies that the planet could support human life. "So, your majesty, I know it's a lot to ask but could we by chance meet with your parents, the King and Queen?"
Twilight giggled and looked to the confused man, "Sorry, but I think you want to talk to my teacher, Princess Celestia and her sister Luna, they rule Equestria."
"I see, well that is interesting," James looked to see that the afternoon was fading and he didn't know how far to their host's home, "But maybe we can discuss more while we accompany you home?"
Twilight nodded and they made their way to Ponyville, the sun starting to set as Luna's sky and moon started to fill the evening sky. Twilight looked to the humans whom walked in silence, what could they be thinking of and how would she tell the other Princesses about the return of this mythical race?
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'."
Less Than Human
The three princesses made their way towards the Ponyville guard post, while the town was usually quite tonight the post was anything. They could hear cheers and shouts coming from within, though if the expressions of the guards on duty whom would steal an occasional glance towards the room housing the humans, whatever was going inside was quite fun. When they had entered the main gates, quickly silencing any guards that dare alert those inside the room who had arrived. As they neared the room that kept their bipedal guests they could hear cheering and laughter followed a voice muffled by the walls. Reaching the door Twilight went to open it but was stopped by Celestia's wing, letting the door open a small bit they listened to the strange creatures as each took turns standing offering a toast, they would then down a shot and refill it. Judging by the fact that only one of the six bottles of the only strong liquor available in Ponyville was empty they had just started.
"To Archibald Henderson, Grand old Man of the Marine Corps!" Toasted Lt Raine.
"To Carlos Hathcock, Father of Marine Corps Sniping!" Toasted Sgt Szwast.
"To Dan Daily, Who showed us how to live forever!" Toasted Cpl Mayakovsky.
With that they finished another bottle, Waters simply stood and handed each one of the last four bottles of the crude whiskey. With that he undid the cork of his bottle and lifted it, the three others doing the same, "To every Marine whom wore this uniform, all whom gave some of themselves, and to those that gave all. Who's legacy of military virtue we honor tonight, though you are gone, as long as there is air in our lungs you are not forgotten."
With that he started to down the bottle, the other three doing the same but at that moment the doors swung open. Quickly pulling the bottle from his lips he dropped it and yelled 'attention on deck' as the others did the same. James felt the warm fuzz as his mind slowed and quieted before clarity came flooding back. He simply shook his head as he saw the same disappointed looks from the other four.
"I suppose that means that we'll have to drink now only for the taste." James joked, the others giving small uneasy laughs.
"If only we had some high quality bourbon," Nick said.
"I've always preferred the 25 dollar ones myself," said James
"Vodka, any type really," Said Olga.
With that they all burst into laughter, then the door opened and three alicorn mares stepped inside.
Immediately all four shot up in attention and all four shouted, "Good Evening Ladies!"
-----
Twilight stood stunned after she opened the door, the humans just stood there straight as she, Princess Luna and Celestia all came into the small room. Giving a warm smile to the bipeds she broke the tense silence that now filled the room after Twilight had made their presence known to the four.
"Well I must say, I was not expecting such a welcome from you after all the alcohol that you consumed. Please sit before one of you gets light headed." Celstia offered as she and Luna observed the humans.
Exchanging a few glances they all sat as Lt. Raine approached the three, "Princesses Celestia, Luna and Twilight Sparkle, first let me say..."
"So you're Lieutenant Raine" Celestia said in an amused voice, the three simply chuckled as they watched Lt. Raine only smile and laugh softly.
"I'd trust that all you've heard of me is pleasant, Princess."
"Other than you are eager to speak with us, we have heard little about you actually" stated Luna.
"Yes, though there are several legends of your kind. Though few are flattering," mused Celestia as she looked to the other three before turning back Lt. Rain, "So why ask for our help in restoring your people?"
"We need to," James interrupted before Lt. Raine could say anything, "greatness has been trust upon us. While you two hold all life in your hooves, but we are charged with the hopes and dreams of a dead race. We aren't you or your sister, Princess, we are not use to having such responsibility. Even if we somehow managed to resurrect mankind, what then? We would need to have land to house everyone and start rebuilding, regardless we either need your aid or one of your neighbors."
Luna studied the human that spoke, he definitely stuck her as one that had thought his words through carefully.
"Besides, you're asking the wrong questions Princess. You've implied that we somehow need to prove that humanity deserves this second chance. That's not the real question, it's weather or not you're willing to be known as the one that wouldn't give us a second chance"
Luna's eyes went wide as she looked to Celestia, whom looked back to her before giving a small nod.
"That is quite bold..." Celestia waited for the man to offer his name.
"Sergeant James Waters, ma'am"
Luna gave an uneasy took to the human as Celestia studied him, Twilight just watched dumbfounded before she gave a nervous laugh and came between the sisters and the Marine, "Um Princess, since they've been here they've honored our laws and have actually offered insight in many fields and also have shown me that they can..."
The warning sirens started to blare outside, the sounds of hooves running and shouting outside. Soon a small contingent of guards barged in, surrounding the four Marines with weapons drawn. Quickly the four backed together as the guards shouted to get down onto the ground, while others insisted for the three princesses to get to a "safer location." The four exchanged glances before Lt. Raine responded, "Negative."
"Guards what is the meaning of..." Luna nearly screamed before a shrill shriek interrupted her.
Before any could react a rather deformed looking human had shot through the door, moving agilely above and through the ground, vaulting over the alabaster alicorn and launching itself at the equally stunned humans. The bald, yellow skinned creature knocking James violently to the ground as blood sprayed everywhere. As the shock wore off, the two enlisted Marines quickly ripped the thrashing creature off their comrade, upon seeing the blade now lodged into Jame's chest Szwast quickly grabbed the head of the creature whom had started to wail as it was held down. His gave a quick jerk of his arms and with a resounding crack the creature went limp and silent.
With that Adam looked to the ponies and shouted, "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, GET A FUCKING MEDIC!"
The guards didn't move till Princess Celestia ordered them to do as the man said. James coughed and gargled blood as he started to panic, his breath labored and pained as his chest. Quickly the three humans held down and tried to aid their friend as the guards formed a protective wall of pony and armor between the princesses and humans. When the cry of pain from James caused Twilight to teleport in front of the guards, Szwast and Lt. Raine were holding down the wounded man as Olga tried her best to put pressure on the wound, the man was shaking and shivering. His labored breath was shallow and his skin almost looked as white as Rarity's fur. By the time that they had the wound wrapped they noticed that, his chest wasn't moving anymore. While he hadn't lost much blood, the shock from being stabbed so close to his heart and then said knife removed had been too much for his strained heart. With that she started to preform CPR for several agonizing minutes as Twilight only watched threw teared eyes.
With no response to her efforts, Olga simply closed the Marines eyes for him and stood. The guard that had left before returned with a mare in a slightly different set of armor than the other guards. Looking to her she spoke with a calm that Twilight couldn't understand, "You're too late Doc."
"How....can you be so calm, he's dead!" Twilight nearly cried out,
Olga snarled and turned to face the young princess, her voice trembling but still dripping venom "and who's fault is that? You took us in, he was under your protection, he trusted you ."
Thump
Everyone looked to Jame's body as his chest heaved into the air, and a gasp came from his mouth as he turned over and coughed and got up onto his hands and knees. Taking his hand to his face he took a moment before he staggered to his feet, "Owe."
Raine and the other two just looked to him, "You were dead!" stated Raine.
"Nanotrytes, they.... oh god my chest, they repair damage and given enough time inbetween buildup, they can discharge a shock like a defibrillator, FUCK!" He clenched his chest and pawed at the bandaged wound before he stood back up.
"So you seem to have cheated death, though your connection with your attacker is still in question." Celstia stated, making her way through her guards with Luna following behind, "We'll need to investigate this connection, I trust you understand."
James simply looked to the body of his attacker and gave a small nod, "he's obviously from an Ark, it looks like someone decided to play with his genetics. His body's deformed in several places, I doubt much of the man that went into the chamber was left when he attacked us." He walked over and knelt down, pulling at the rag covering the torso he saw two things that peaked his curiosity. One was a pair of dog-tag, the name was not one he recognized on the roster of volunteers from his tablet, the other was a very distinct brand over his heart, shifting to allow his hosts to see he looked to them and asked, "this symbol mean anything to you?"
Both sisters looked at it and gave a small nod, "I think it's best we have that discussion somewhere safer. Rest, tomorrow morning you leave for Canterlot."
"Princess, with all due respect, this incident also causes us to question if we should trust you. Your ponies have hindered our mission of awaking the others since discovering us. And now one of our own has suffered what would normally have been a mortal wound, you can understand that we'd be hesitant to go anywhere with you right now," Lt. Raine stated rather coldly.
Giving a sigh of defeat she looked to the officer, "that symbol is one of House Windscar from the Griffon Empire."
-----
It was early morning, the silhouettes of four Marines and six mares outlined the train platform as the sun started it steady climb of the morning sky. Each of them had their weapons of choice and a small pack on their backs. Each also carried a black garment bag as they quietly boarded the nearly empty train. What passengers were in the couch seats were asleep so they missed the strange passengers boarding as they shuffled into a private car towards the back. Quickly the humans stowed their bags and soon James and Adam were helping the train staff load the ludicrous amount of luggage brought by a certain marshmallow colored mare.
"SERE, Scout Sniper School, Jump School and now I'm reduced to bellhop" Complained Adam
"Best not anger our betters, they won't give us a tip if you don't shut up and smile now boy," retorted James in the most racially insensitive Uncle Tom voice he could muster, causing both to smile and chuckle to themselves.
The Elements just looked to the two in confusion as Lt. Raine just shook his head, "shut up and get that loaded ASAP!" he shouted to the two whom were now laughing more than working.
Adam quickly got back to working in silence as James turned, giving the lieutenant mocking bows as he kept talking in the voice, "Oh yes massa, right away massa, I be a good worker massa, no need to beat me massa." This only caused the officer to roll his eyes and sneer as he headed to the car. Shortly everything was packed and James walked up and gave a deep bow, dialing back the voice he said. "Ladies, your luggage is stored, please allow me to escort you to your car.
Rarity simply covered his mouth with her hoof as she stifled a giggle and responded, "well, it's nice to see you know how to treat a lady when she travels." With that she trotted past James as the other five quickly shuffling past her, each giving awkward thanks to James, Applejack and Rainbow showing mild annoyance and telling him to stop 'indulging her'.
-----
Soon everyone was inside and the train started to take off. James and Adam sitting a ways apart as they six mares all sat together, Pinkie sticking her head out and letting the wind whip through her unruly mane. Lt. Raine was sitting at the opposite side of the car with Olga sitting in the middle across from the mares. After some time of silence James started to hum a tune to himself. He started to tear apart his rifle, pulling a cloth and cleaning kit from the buttsock and started to methodically clean the rifle. At this point he'd cleaned it at least a hundred times since he had woken up, despite only firing ten rounds to zero the rifle the morning following him awaking. Rainbow Dash looked to him as he removed the bolt and was running a brush against it before wiping it down with a rag.
"Whatcha' doin' James?" Asked the rainbow maned mare.
"Weapon maintenance, it's a strange kind of meditation for me I guess."
"Darling, do know that we don't mind helping with whatever is troubling your mind," Rarity said with an assuring tone.
"I don't want to talk about it," James stated rather coldly, sitting up as his eyes meeting theirs.
"Well if you don't want to talk about it-"
"Fluttershy! He's obviously troubled by something, the best thing right now is to talk to a sympathetic ear," Rarity chided.
"It...it's just that well if he's not ready to talk, we shouldn't be forcing him Rarity.."
James pinched the bridge of his nose before standing and walking towards the back of the car, opening it, "excuse me, I need some air."
Raine looked to the mares before he sat up and looked to them, "don't worry, he'll be fine, just enjoy the ride." With that he stood and followed James, seeing him leaning against one of the low rails and looking out at nothing.
"Sergeant, you want to talk about it?"
James just kept looking outside, "no sir, I do not."
Raine just looked to him and leaned against the side of the car, "you leave someone behind?"
"Three deployments and three dear John letters, I stopped getting attached long before Apophis, sir."
"Then what has got you out here?"
"Those tags I pulled were from one of the troops that were suppose to protect the Super Ark, I know who was in charge of it's security and if he's alive then it's a mistake we'll need to correct sir, sir."
"what's the name of this mistake, Sergeant?"
"General Martin Cross" James spat out the name in a disgust.
Diplomatic Incident
The train rolled into Canterlot, the four Marines quietly picked up their gear and made their way towards the exit though soon everyone in the room was surrounded by a lavender aura as the four turned to Twilight who's horn was glowing as she had a few tears sliding down her cheeks, "I'm sorry." The young princess said then a flash the four humans found themselves surround by guards whom had their weapons at the ready, an older white unicorn stallion with a grey mane was standing before them. His fur and hooves looked to be in immaculate condition as he cleared his throat and looked to the four humans whom had already raised their weapons and had them pointed at a guard each.
"Good afternoon er mare.."
"Lady and gentlemen." James corrected, still holding his weapon ready as he maintained the staring contest with the guard whom had his spear ready to lunge into his chest.
"Right, good afternoon lady and gentlemen , I do apologize for the way this looks. My name is Duke Cobalt and in keeping with the wishes of the royal diarchs you will be treated as ambassadors for... well whatever the name of your nation is. But we must inform you that weapons are not allowed on palace grounds other than in the possession of the royal guards. So if you would please turn over any and all weapons we can start with a more civil matter of teaching you the ways of the royal court before your meeting with the royal sisters."
"Thoughts?" Lt. Raine asked in a hush tone between the other three, the guards had started to show signs of their discipline faltering as the stand off progressed.
"Code of conduct would allow us to surrender ourselves considering the circumstances, but I don't like giving up my rifle," whispered Szwast.
"I think we have little choice," replied Mayakovsky.
"I have an idea, mind if I try a play sir?" James asked, maintaining his staring contest with his guard.
"What do have in mind?"
"Hand over the rifles to Szwast, who will go with them to the armory, we'll try to keep side arms or our knives at least."
"Worth a shot," answered the Lt.
James nodded and spoke up, "If we are expected to turn over all weapons then that is little difference to us than being taken as a prisoner of war, we'll turn over our rifles under the condition that one of our own will accompany them to your armory to oversee and insure that you do not try to sabotage them or copy their design, also we will be keeping our side arms and any blades to show to us that we in fact 'guests' and not prisoners."
"If your 'side arms' function the same as your 'rifles' then that is unacceptable, though I do suppose we can allow you to keep your blades, which one of you will be accompanying your weapons to our armory?"
"I will," answered Szwast as the others handed over their weapons to him and he then slung all of the rifles over his right shoulder before cradling the three other empty pistols in his right arm and quickly followed an escort of four guards, two of whom looked ready to attack at the wrong move.
After the sniper had left the room the other guards relaxed a bit, after a shooing motion from the Duke they exited, living only himself, the six mares and the three remaining humans. The Duke smiled and turned to the six friends, "your majesty, I do ask that you and your friends exit as well."
"Why should we!" Rainbow cried in objection before being dragged by her tail by Twilight's aura.
"It's the way the court works, don't worry we'll see them after they make their case at the Sun and Lunar Court later today" Twilight said as she and the rest gave their goodbyes and exited soon after.
With that the three humans started to explore the room and adjoining bathroom as the Duke simply watched them, James looked to the pony in question and quickly placed his garment bag on one of the four beds and unzipped it, before he turned to the stallion, "What exactly do you know about us, sir?"
"That you call yourselves humans and that you are to be treated as diplomats by the court. Though if you really are humans then there's only the legends of you being a disharmonious race with a strange magic that is unlike anything that is used by any ponies, not even the most imaginative of unicorn's magic."
"If advanced enough, technology and magic are indistinguishable," observed the liuetenant as he removed most of his gear and placed it on a chair.
"We don't use magic of any kind, it's all just really sophisticated and complex tools," explained James, whom had now taken off all his gear and was only in his cammies.
"I see, so what you used to freeze yourselves in those tombs that Princess Twilight Sparkle wasn't magic. That may be of interest of the royals in Canterlot, a lot of ponies may be looking to take advantage of such technology," Cobalt observed, "Though it is a given, you are hoping to get land and protection from the Princesses while your people rebuild, yes?"
Lt. Raine only nodded as he and James took a seat, Olga appeared to be taking advantage of the bathroom from the sound of running water coming from the closed bathroom doors. Cobalt took a seat at a small table in the room, the two men joining him and looked to the Stallion.
"Now if you are looking for land, you'll need support from the royal council and the Princesses themselves. The council runs the day to day operations of our nation, they are comprised of six families, the descendants of those that founded Equestria. Now since you're asking to have land turned over to your sovereign control, if four of the houses object to it then we cannot turn over that land. Now the houses are House Platinum, Clever, Hurricane, Pansy, Cookie and Pudding, named after the founder whom they are descendants from. Now your appearance in the court today will get you support from the Royal Sisters and should you convince them we can start courting the various houses. Now some of the heads of the houses will be in court so do try to make a good impression."
Lt. Raine looked to the Sergeant and nodded, "so which house do you belong to?"
"I'm actually the head of House Platinum, I'm also acting as your advocate in the court since outside dignitaries need a member of the royal families to represent them," Cobalt answered.
James and the Lt. looked to each other in mild shock before turning back to him, "if you hold so much power in your country, why risk your station to help a race that according to your legends are a threat to the peace and security that you enjoy now?"
Cobalt smiled looked to the two, "because, if you were like the legends then I doubt we'd be having this conversation right now. Tell me gentlemen, what manner of human are you?"
James simply smiled and shook his head, "'People sleep soundly in their beds, because rough men stand ready to commit violence on their behalf' George Orwell said that, I think that describes us perfectly. We are those whom had signed away our lives to protect and fight for our nation as well as the ideals that she stood for. At our core we value honor, courage and commitment above all else, we gladly endure the horrors of war so that our people will never have to."
"And what of your nation? Is it also so militaristic?"
Lt. Raine shook his head, "our nation was a democratic republic, it's power was split into three parts, Congress, the President and the Supreme Court. The President and Congress were elected by the people, were as the members of the Supreme Court were appointed and approved by the President and Congress, in theory the only power that the government had was what was given to it by the people."
"Why not just give power to your immortal equivalent of the Alicorn Princesses?"
"We don't have immortals," answered James.
"Interesting," mused Cobalt, "so what is the name of the country you represent?"
"Our country name is, well was the United States of America," the Lieutenant answered and gave a heavy sigh.
"Though the Ark project had citizens of several NATO nations, aaaaand other nations so I doubt naming it that would be wise," James interrupted.
Lt. Raine nodded and looked to the stallion, "I guess we can call it the Republic of Man till a better name is decided on."
The sound of the shower soon ended and a few minutes later while the three men were talking, Cpl Mayakovsky stepped out in her Dress Blue uniform, she talked with the stallion while the other two queued up to wash up and change into the ceremonial uniform.
Within the hour the four had made their way down into a foyer of the castle outside the large doors of the Court of the Royal Sisters. Each uniform looked well pressed and clean, with thanks to the help from a certain white fashionista. James and Olga paced and watched the small crowd of petitioners that gave worried looks to the three, they had noticed that a small group of gryphons with insignias much different from the one that was branded on that mutant that attacked them in Ponyville was brazen across a piece of armor across their chest. Unlike the ponies that looked at them with curiosity and in some cases fear they looked to them with hatred and disgust.
Before they could ask the Duke why the gryphons were there, the large doors were opened and a lone guard stepped out and announced for the Duke and the humans to enter. Quickly James and Olga took their place behind the Lieutenant and he gave the soft commands they drew their three swords and quickly made the ceremonial march inside only to have a harsh feminine voice yell in protest.
"What treachery is this Celestia?!"
----
Helga Keenclaw, rightful empress of the Gryphon Empire, stood before Princesses Celestia and Luna asking them to right the tretery of her brother Domi Windscar, he and his accursed beasts. There she was, standing over his beaten form when they had crashed through the windows, defiling the ancient proving grounds with their presence. They moved and attacked like nothing she had ever seen before, they looked like small fur-less minotaurs. She told the two rulers of this and had even called for them to make good on their treaty with her father and help her regain what was rightfully hers.
Luna looked to the proud young gryphon and then to her sister she spoke in a hushed tone to her sister, "Tia, we already know that some member of house Windscar do have those humans that have been deformed, I could have the Night Guard in the Gryphon Empire by the morn."
"The Night Guard are not assassins Lulu, we would need proof and even then it could spark a war with the Gryphons," Celestia whispered back.
"The humans won't like their people being in control of that gryphon."
Celestia cleared her throat and looked to the gryphon heiress, "we would need proof before we could help, but there are those that could help you while we investigate your claims, Valiant Shield, please get the humans."
One of the guards gave a quick salute and went to open the door to then three of the humans walked through the door in with a militaristic show, Celestia had to admit she was impressed how they had convinced Duke Cobalt to let them keep their swords. Though miss Keenclaw was less impressed.
"What treachery is this Celestia?!" The young gryphon yelled with righteous indignation, "these beasts are allied with my brother, worse yet they twist their own kind into abominations!"
James found himself unable to keep the rage of this creature's accusations, soon military baring gave way to pure rage as he broke away from the formation, as the young gryphon female kept hurling accusations and insults towards him and the other two, the royal guards quickly moved to try and intercept the human but before they could get close his hand had already gotten a firm grip on the gryphons claw and before they could move he had flipped the 'rightful empress' of the Gryphon Empire onto her bad and held his blade ready to pierce her throat.
"You insult my honor and impune my character again and I will personally send your race back into myth where they belong."
The gryphon female quickly quieted and looked to the human and gave a small nod that she understood though before the situation could deteriorate further James was encased in a blue aura and slammed into a nearby column and Luna looked to the guards, "take him to the dungeons, escort the other humans and Lady Keenclaw to my personal chambers to speak them, in private ."