X-PONY/X-COM: The Extraterrestrial Combat Unit

The begining

Introduction

It is 1999 and Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) have started appearing with disturbing regularity in the night skies. Reports of violent pony, griffin, dragon, buffalo and zebra abductions and horrific experimentation struck terror into the hearts of millions. The mass public hysteria has only served to expose Magica's impotence against a vastly superior technology.
Many countries initially attempted to deal independently with the aliens. In August 1998, Griffin island established an anti-alien combat force; the Razor Talons. Equipped with Griffin-made fighter aircraft, the Razor Talons certainly looked like a powerful force. However, after 5 months of expensive operations they had yet to intercept their first UFO. The lesson was clear: this was a worldwide problem which could not be dealt with by individual countries.
On December 11, 1998, representatives from the worlds most economically powerful countries gathered secretly in Treetop City. After much debate, the decision was made to establish a covert independent body to combat, investigate and defeat the alien threat. This organization would be equipped with the world's finest pilots, soldiers, scientists and engineers, working together as one multi-national force. This organization was named the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit.

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Prelude

1947

Equestria Army Pegasi Corps personnel from the 509th Bomb Group report the crash of a "flying disk" in the desert near
Appeloosa, Buffalo territory. Some reports claim that there were two objects, and that one actually housed three alien beings: two dead and one alive. Before the end of the day, Equestria Army Pegasi Corps officials retract the story, claiming that the object that crashed was actually a weather balloon. The existence of alien beings is categorically denied. All of the "weather balloon" debris and other physical evidence of the "Appeloosa Incident" are quickly whisked away to Wright Airfield in North montains.

1997

Reports of the UFO activity increase thoughout the world. At first, the sighting are relatively rare, and serious scientists write off the reports as hype surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Appeloosa incident. However, as reports continue to increase, the legitimate press joins the tabloids in plashing "We Are Not Alone" headlines across the front page of major metropolitan newspapers all over the world.

1998

Documented cases of pony abductions by UFOs become commonplace in areas of sparse population in countries throughout the world. World governments step up their military readiness, and there is a general news blackout in most of the affected countries. Scientists try to make contact with the aliens, but there is no substantial response.
Many countries begin to contemplate a direct military strike against the aliens. Griffin island, taking the lead with it's stereotypical blind bravery and courage, forms the 'Razor Talons' , an anti-alien combat force. After five months of operation, using the best equipment available, the group is unable to intercept even a single UFO. Due to lack of funding, Griffin island is forced to disband the Razor Talons in November of 1998.
On December 11, 1998, the United Nations Security Council holds a clandestine summit in Treetop City, Evergreen forest. After much debate, it is unanimously decided that a covert, multinational force should be formed to investigate, combat, and (hopefully) defeat the aliens. Assembling the best pilots, soldiers, engineers, and scientists from all the funding nations, the Treetop City council establishes X-COM - the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit.