PHX Cave Command Building, Equestria, Equis, 6:00 PM

"I said Corporal, what the hell are those things!?" asked Blackweb, confused by the new arrivals. "Um, sir, these are the indigenous life forms I told Falconbane about." said Jed, pointing to the ponies. "Oh, well in that case, Falcon is over in the next room over. Something about 'trying out a new design' for a fast attack craft." said Blackweb, pointing to a large steel door leading to a garage-like room. "Now, please go, I have battle plans to make. Besides, those two ponies with purple on them remind me too much of the Vanu."

"Yes sir." said Jed, " Come on you six, Falcon is this way." And led the six ponies to the steel door. " I honestly have no idea why everyone has a problem with these Vanu? I mean, technology is pretty good if you ask me." said Twilight. "Don't you dare say that around me, or any NC! Or TR for that matter." said Jed, now with a face of pure aggression, "You have no idea of how many of my fellow soldiers have never returned from a Spec. Ops against the Vanu. And I know what they do with them. They strap you to a leather chair, plug weird wires into your head and basically take away free will, they take away everything that was you. And make you into their soldier for war. I have even had to kill a friend from the academy who was converted."

"I...I don't know what to say." said Twilight. "Don't say anything. You are lucky I am one of the soldiers that have not been in this god-forsaken war for far too long. Others would have shot you on the spot for that." said Jed. "Especially Blackweb, he actually was able to break free of the wiring and founded Phoenix Battalion to make sure that those evils practiced by the VS are stopped. Now stand back, let me do my retina scan."

Jed then stepped up to a small box-like thing sticking out of the wall, with a circle in the middle. He then push his head against the box and let it scan his right eye. "Scan complete." said the box in a pixelated tone, "Welcome Corporal Jedediah Smith, you may proceed."

And as the door opened, Jed was greeted with the sight of Falconbane, three Engineers, and five Technicians working on a small craft. "Lieutenant Falconbane sir!" said Jed as he did a salute. "At ease Corporal." said Falconbane through his grease smeared face. "So, these are the indigenous life forms that healed you?"

"Yes sir, these are the 'Elements of Harmony', six ponies that wield powerful gems that are used in this planet's defense." said Jed, pointed at the ponies. Falconbane then stepped away from the craft to meet the six ponies. "Why hello there, I am Lieutenant Falconbane of Phoenix Battalion, may I ask who you six are?"

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After introductions were made and news was shared the group turned to see Jed fast asleep on one of the wings of the craft. "Hold on, I got this." said Falconbane, grabbing a power drill from a nearby bench and leaned in close to Jed. "We are coooommmiinngg for you Jed....." said Falconbane in a creepy voice, he then turned on the drill to create a high-pitched noise near Jed's ear.

"Ahhhh!" screamed Jed as he came out of the dream. With sweat coming off his brow. " Wakey wakey, Jedddd." said Falconbane in the voice, shaking the power drill in front of Jed's face. "You little shit!" said Jed. "Oh come on now, it was all in good fun." said Falconbane, putting the drill back. "Yeah, yeah. So I assume that you've made introductions with the ponies." said Jed, hopping off of the wing. "Why of course." said Falcon, "It seems you weren't wrong about this group, they are pretty important."

"Great, now that you have met the ponies I've had to walk with for five days, eating nothing but cupcakes and drinking cider, honestly I have never heard of both, but I do not care for them both." said Jed, "Maybe you could tell us what this is?"

"Oh, why of course! Considering that Galaxy's are way too big for the dense forests of this planet, I thought it would be nice to create a fast attack craft, capable of swooping in and out of combat with ease. I call it, the Valkyrie." said Falconbane, showing off the Valkyrie like that girl from Wheel of Fortune. (Don't blame me if my mother likes to use the TV smacked right in the middle of the house to watch it.)

"Impressive, and you say this will help against the Terrans, which brings up my next question, how did the rest of the battalion come back, I thought you were all mowed down?" asked Jed. "Well you are half right about that, and man does it hurt to take about twenty or so chaingun bullets to the chest. You see, a squad was actually sent to go raid the TR base for supplies and nanites for use and tanks, so after they found out that we'd been killed, they went and set up in this here cave and rebirthed all of us." said Falconbane, setting down on a crate of nanites.

"Okay, two questions, one, can you get this purple alicorn here an Engineer who specializes in tanks? And did Delta squad get rebirthed?" asked Jed, he himself setting down on the wing of the Valkyrie. "Well I'm afraid to tell you Jed, is that Delta squad, well, kinda didn't use nanites." said Falconbane, "You see, they were purist about being the original bodies of themselves, that is why you were not greeted kindly by them at first. So that kinda makes you Delta squad lead, I have already made you a list of recruits."

""I will get to training them once I have settled down sir." said Jed. "Good, your new quarters are down the hall. I hope that they are to your liking." said Falconbane, "Now, I have got to finish up with my project, for the sooner it is completed, the sooner our victory is secured."

"Yes sir!" said Jed, "Come on you six, I want to see my new kicks."

As the group left Falconbane to his work and made their way to the Squad lead quarters, which had a nicer look than the regular barracks that regular soldiers got with being recruited. "Wow, this really an upgrade." said Jed, admiring the scenery.

"Wow, it looks just like Canterlot in here!" said Applejack, eyes wide at the sight. "And here... is my room." said Jed, opening a door to a room labeled: 'Delta Squad Leader'. And when Jed and the group got in, it was a single area room, excluding the door leading to the bathroom. It had a single window above a bed in the middle overlooking the cave outside, with a single radio.

"Wohoo! Cannonball!" said Pinkie, jumping straight from the floor to the bed in a cannonball position, landing smack-dab in the middle of it, spraying covers everywhere. "Well, that is a new job to add to the list." said Jed, sitting down on the bed to rest.

"Hey, what does this do....If you don't mind, I mean if you don't want to. asked Fluttershy.

"Oh that? That is a radio, allows us to communicate, and do this." said Jed, turning the dials of the radios to a certain tune. Suddenly, the room began to fill with the rock music of the New Conglomerate National Anthem. And soon, everypony had their hooves over their ears, trying to block it out, and the only people/ponies not covering their ears were Jed, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack, who were rocking out to the song.

And after about twenty seconds of the song, Twilight was able to regain her thoughts and used her magic to turn it off. "What kind of music was that?" asked Twilight, still holding her ears for comfort. "What do you mean what was that? That, was the National Anthem of the NC." said Jed. "Yeah, what he said, and why did you turn it off?" asked Rainbow Dash, bummed that she couldn't listen to some new music.

"Because, it was hurting our ears." said Twilight, finally uncovering her ears. "And you say this is your National Anthem?"

"Why yes," says Jed, "Our culture is based on rock music originating on Earth, we find it invigorating and inspirational."

"Well ah' find it very nice." said Applejack, "I could definitely hoe-down to music like that."

"Exactly, and now I have found my room, I guess it's time to do what I was ordered...... Which I forgot." said Jed. "Oh, you were supposed to meet the recruits for your squad, and train them to this 'Delta Squad' Standard. And after that you are supposed to meet the officers and squad leads in a meeting." said Twilight, holding up a scroll that appeared out of nowhere.

"You made a check list of my orders, and where is this meeting? I never heard of it. Also, Where did that paper come from?" asked Jed, scratching his head out of confusion. "Well, I over heard Blackweb talking about it, and I am very organized, and by seeing the state your people are in, I thought it would be helpful to organize a bit." said Twilight, cracking an innocent smile.

"Well thank you Twilight, now I guess it's time to send those recruits back to boot camp." said Jed. "Oh, your going to need this!" said Pinkie, pulling out a hat that somewhat looked like a cowboy hat, but was flat on the rim , and had the color of green on it.

"Wh... where did you get that from?" asked Jed. "Oh silly, I grabbed one of the hats I have stored around Ponyville in case of a hat emergency!" said Pinkie. "I...... I don't want to ask. So, I guess it's time to see about this meeting." said Jed, "Though, I think it would be best if you six stay here. And Twilight?"

"Yes Jed?" asked Twilight. "Here," said Jed, passing a flat, nickel-plated pad to her, "It's a datapad, it filled up with all the information on tanks since their creation."

"T..thank you Jed, this will definitely develop Equestrian technology beyond anything we could imagine!" said Twilight, her eyes sparkling at the sight of it.

"Well, I guess I'll be off now. See you after the meeting." said Jed, waving goodbye to the ponies as he exited out of the room.

PHX Cave Command Meeting Room, Equestria, Equis, 6:37 PM

As Jed walked into the Meeting Room, he was greeted with the sight of nearly officer of PHX; Blackweb, Pirbi, SnowSheltie, WillTheThe, Falconbane, and many others.

And amongst them were the squad leader, each given their own seat, designated by platoon and squad. And as the door opened, all eyes were upon Jed, and after a brief silence, the first one to speak up. "Ah, Corporal, we were expecting you, oh and the officers and me would like to speak with you after this meeting." said Blakweb, pointing to the chair titled: Delta Squad Lead, First Platoon.

"Yes sir." said Jed, soon setting down on the chair.

"Now," said Blackweb, pointing to a map that digitized onto the back wall. "We have reached a point of great importance, it seems that Terrans have been increasing their patrols around the forest, rarely ever leaving the forest. Our Intelligence Officer have reported numerous accounts of open frequency transmissions, reporting for all 'equines of the breed of unicorns to give themselves up to them, and for every unicorn to not surrender would equal two shells into ever major city of Equestria'. And it has been fulfilled, we have seen them construct giant artillery emplacements on clearings inside the forest and fire them into the nearest cities. Which we have heard them call, Canterlot, Cloudsdale, and Appleloosa. Any suggestion, comments, and questions before we continue?"

"Um, yes sir, I have some intel I would like to share." said Jed, standing from his seat. "Sit Corporal, now, what is this intel?" asked Blackweb. "You see sir, I was able to interrogate Jack Simmons when he and a small group of Terrans were captured by a group of about five thousand Equestrian guards. And I was able to find out that they are using unicorns to overcharge their nanites, giving them a light-purple glow that doubles their efficiency." said Jed, "And I believe that they are holding them in the center of the forest, reason for the high amount of Terrans in the center. Though it may be the fact that they are holding this worlds most important leaders in there."

Jed then relaxed back into his chair, glad to share his knowledge. "Wait, hold up for a second. You are saying that equines captured the Jack Simmons; the man who led the charge against the Vanu in the push on Esamir and was able to stop our advance against Indar Excavation Site with a single squad?" asked Pirbi. "Why yes, yes I am, and I was able to also put a bullet into his head." said Jed.

"Well, I must say fine work Corporal, another reason to speak with you after this meeting." said Blackweb, "Now, enlightened by this new information, I think I have a new way to work around this problem. Tell me, what is total amount of Vanguards can we pull with anti -infantry shells?" The room was then silent for a whole minute, each person hoping for someone else to break the silence. It was then a total of five minutes until finally, SnowSheltie spoke up. "Sir, I was just running number on the stockpile, and we have a total of four hundred fifty-six Vanguards able to be fitted with anti-infantry shot. We also have a total of six hundred twenty-eight Vanguards able for conversion to Anti Armor."

"Well, that surely makes a great difference. Now, I was thinking, if we could get a couple squad's worth of Vanguards and Skyguards onto the ridges of Canterlot, we could be able to rain down shellfire upon the Terrans patrolling on the outskirts, thus creating a distraction whilst the main army pushes in to secure a foothold." said Blackweb, pushing a bunch of buttons, showed a group of Vanguards firing on the Terrans whilst on top of Canterlot. Then the pictured showed a group of Vanguards grouped with infantry, "The Anti-Tank Vanguards will be the first line, followed by the HEAT and HE Vanguards following behind, then followed by the infantry. And Jed, I have a special operation I want you and your squad to perform."

"What is it sir?" asked Jed. "Considering there are numerous ponies and the two leaders of a country trapped by the Terrans, I want you guys to use Falcon's Valkyries to do a blitz on the Terrans guarding them, you are then to call in Sheltie's squad, who will be flying Galaxies to come and pick up the ponies. Sheltie's squad will then be covered by Rusted Valor's personal squad of expert pilots. The ships are then to go back base and unload the ponies under guarded protection." said Blackweb, "And if the fighting has not already ended, you will be cleared to fight on the battle with us."

"Yes sir." said SnowSheltie, Jed, and Rusted simultaneously. "Alright, I believe we are set, dismissed." said Blackweb, motioning for the squad leads to leave. "Officers and Jed are to stay behind to discuss important things."

And after the other Squad Leaders had cleared out of the room, Blackweb gestured Jed towards him. "May I ask sir, but why is it that you wanted me to stay?" asked Jed. "Well that is a good question, you see, you have served in this battalion for decades upon decades, and the officers and myself have seen you do some incredible feats; Interrogating Jack Simmons himself being one of many. And we feel it is time for you to make your way up in this battalion, that is why we have unanimously have decided to make you an honorary Sergeant in Phoenix Battalion." said Blackweb.

"W..why thank you sir. This is a real honor! I will not let you down!" said Jed, doing a salute. "At ease, Sergeant," said Blackweb, smirking, "Now, I suggest that you grab some rest, you have some recruits to train in the morning."

"Yes sir, but before I go, I have one question." said Jed. "And it being?" asked Blackweb. "Will me being promoted involve a pay raise?" asked Jed.

"You know, I don't know, I assume that after we liberate Auraxis that the companies sponsoring the NC will dish out pay depending on rank." said Blackweb. "Alright, I guess I'll be off, have a good one." said Jed as he walked out of the door.

Delta Squad Leader Bedroom, Equestria, Equis, 7:05

As the time passed by from when Jed left the room, the ponies soon became tired and soon started to doze off. And by the time the door opened to reveal Jed in his crisp, new uniform, only Pinkie and Twilight were awake. "Jed, where have you been?" asked Twilight, "And what are you wearing?"

"Okay, I guess it's time to let you guys know." said Jed. "Know what?" asked Twilight again. "I got promoted!" said Jed with enthusiasm.

"Wow, great job! I actually have a brother in the guard who is Captain. And we actually went to a couple of his after parties. They served some...interesting foods." said Twilight, somewhat worrisome about that last sentence.

"Like what kind of foods?" asked Jed. "They served this kind food they found while on tour in the Griffon Kingdom, a 'corndog' they called it." said Twilight.

"Wait, they have corndogs here?" asked Jed. "Why, have you heard of them?" ask Twilight. "Why yes, they were a snack food popular amongst sports fans and people in one of the old countries of Earth, 'Merika' I think they called it." said Jed, "Which brings up the question, aren't equines herbivores?"

"Why yes we are, but we replaced meat with soy and vegetables." said Twilight, "Honestly, I don't like them."

"Oh, can I ask the next question? I think the audience is getting tired of corndogs." said Pinkie Pie, waving off into the distance. "The audience?" asked Jed. "Oh forget it, she's just being Pinkie Pie." said Twilight. "So, what did you want to ask?"

"Well, I was wanting to ask Jed here where he got his spiffing new uniform from." said Pinkie. "Well, after I got promoted, I went down to the Battalion's tailor to get a standard issue combat suit for Sergeants. I also went down to the Watering hole for a drink; a story for another time." said Jed.

"Well I guess it's time to go to bed." said Twilight. "Yeah, I guess you are right. I guess I'll be seein' ya guys in the morning." said Jed as he hoped onto his bed. And after a few minutes of staring at the ceiling and scanning the holonet, Jed finally dozed off to sleep.

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Jed's Dream World, 0:00 AP

After Jed dozed off to sleep, he soon found himself staring at Auraxis and Equis, side by side, burning in an unending fire. And the screams and cries of millions entered the depths of his mind, making him fall to the ground in a fetal position, the planets both soon turning blood red. But after a few minutes, the screaming just.... stopped... and Jed gathered the strength to stand up and began to run from the planets. But there was no escaping them, and the planets soon enveloped Jed, swallowing up him like a venus fly trap. Jed then opened his eyes to find himself in the familiar sight of Canterlot, except something was different, and it only took him a millisecond to realize what was around him: a burning Canterlot. With bodies, skulls, and pools of blood surrounding him. But before he could comprehend the sight in front of him, a shadow soon took shape in a soon surrounding fog of smoke, it soon making it's way into Jed's lungs, making him fall to his knees.

"Who's t..there?" said Jed weakly. "Oh, do you not remember, we only met a few days ago." said the voice in a tone sleek as silver, but as authoritarian as a dictator. "Y..you." said Jed, trying his best to speak through his clogged lungs. "Ah, finally, a bit of remembrance breaks through that thick skull." It said. And as it stepped out of the fog, it took the shape of none other than Jack Simmons.

" Wh..what happened?" asked Jed. "Oh, I forgot, you NC aren't good at memory, for you see, remember when I said that we had agents inside the NC, well, one of our agents found out what you guys were planning and called in a raid, and boy was it a thrill. Our infiltrators sabotaged your rebirthers and slit the throats of your officers while the main group destroyed everyone there." said Jack with a smirk.

"What about the inhabitants?" asked Jed, "They were innocent."

"No, no they weren't. You see, many of the Pegasus and Unicorns who were able to get a hold of your weapons fought for a good seven days. But.... well I will just show you myself." said Jack, who flashed his hand to reveal Celestia, pinned to the wall of Canterlot Castle by a spear. Her blood etched onto the wall in the letters 'Surrender, or Else'. "B..but why?" asked Jed. "The best way to destroy the enemy: demoralize them." said Jack. "And I got just the best trophies for my Prowler from this." Suddenly, a TR Prowler appeared, adorned with the heads of the.... Mane Six. Each pony head having a difference in them. The Unicorns had their horns cut off of them, Rainbow Dash's head was shaved, Fluttershy was missing an eye, but the most gruesome was Twilight's, who had her tongue cut out and had no eyes whatsoever.

"No...No, this can't be real! You can't be real!" screamed Jed, and threw his fist into Jack's face, turning him to dust. "You are right Mr. Smith, this is but a dream." said a gentle voice, motherly, but elegant. "Who is there?" asked Jed, looking to who the owner of the voice. "It is I, Princess Luna, we met when you tried to kill Twilight." said Luna. "Ohhh, you saw that huh?" asked Jed, blushing. "Do not be embarrassed. I once tried to kill my sister over under appreciation." said Luna. "Wow, sibling rivalry much? Anyway, what are you doing here? I thought that you are held captive by the TR." said Jed.

"You see, as Princess of the Night, it is my duty to go into the dreams of my subject and all living creatures." said Luna, "That is when I stumbled into your dream."

"Well, greetings aside, what is going on in the camp?" asked Jed. "Where do I begin, they strap up these tubes to our horns and force us at gunpoint to feed our magic to their 'nanites' they call them every morning, midday, and afternoon." said Luna, "And the only thing they have to offer us to eat are these 'Protein Packs' which taste horrible."

"I see, well you will not have to worry much longer, but promise to tell no one. You see, we are planning a mission to evacuate every pony in the compound and bring you guys to safety. So be prepared for rescue." said Jed.

"Your support is most welcome Jed, I will inform my sister when the guards are not looking, and as a sign of my personal gratitude, I will make sure you have no more bad dreams for all eternity." said Luna, whose horn soon lit up upon Jed's head "Now I must leave you now there are others across Equestria who need my help."

"Alright, I guess I will see you tomorrow." said Jed. "I bid thee farewell." said Luna, who then disappeared into a blue mist.

And true to her word, Jed had wonderful dreams for the rest of his life.

Author's Note

Alright, after a period of writers block, I am finally able post this chapter. (Even though I had to finish this on a laptop.) I hope you guys are ready for a Full Metal Jacket style 1/2 chapter next time. (The other half containing the battle and how PHX makes it back to Auraxis. I said too much! Now, stare into the metal tube, *click* Wh..where am I, who am I?

*Error, Error, NCPony.exe. has stopped working. Solution: follow NCPony and spread the news. And/or kill him and hope that he regenerates.

*Edit: scratch that, I want to add a couple of more chapters involving battle across Equestria.