Pony Alert 1

Chapter 8: Allied Equestria 4: Everypony got a part to play

Location: Crystal Germaneigh, The Crystal Capital, Allied Equestria's combat headquarters.

"Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake." The two mares joined in laughter and a big hug.

"Is this really what we're supposed to do right now? I thought we had a war to prepare for!"

"Relax Blackbeak, that's how they greet each other. Trust me they've been doing it since i was a young colt." Shining armor replied with a smile.

"Relax, we need to do all but relax! There's a army on our borders and you tell me to relax!"

"Yes I do. Because it's things like these we fight for. Love and friendship. Things Celestia don't understand or cares for. Without it then what's left to fight for? This is what makes us different from them. They are driven by hatred and hunger for power. We must unite as friends to even have a chance of winning this war."

"I kinda agree with Shining. We gain strength from those we love." Rainbow Blaze added.

"Yes we'll see what friendship does when the Solar Empire burns our homes."

Twilight walked forward to the griffon. "Mr Blackbeak I once thought like you. I thought I was stronger alone, but I've never been so wrong in my entire life. Friendship is Magic. With friendship we can achieve anything."

"Well how about you use your magic and win this war for us?"

"Twilight is the smartest and most powerful unicorn there is. If somepony can make a difference it's her." Shining Armor gave her sister a hug.

"Mr Armor and Mr Rainbow I must ask where where you during the first war?"

"I was a colt in magic kindergarden in Canterlot."

"And I had just begun the flight school back in Cloudsdale. Why are you asking?"

"I was in the first war." Blackbeak walked over to a window and stared out. "I still remember the horror like it was yesterday. Every single one of my friends died beside me. One by one. Stuck in the muddy trenches under constant fire. I was one of the first they sent to the front. And I was there during four years. Death and disease became a part of my normal day. They said it was a miracle I survived. It was a wonder that I didn't went insane. For it they made me general. They called me a hero. That war broke all of Equestria. And now it returns in the form of an old ally. The Northcolt Empire fought with us as allies against the Crystal ponies. And now i'm standing here in the country i once swore to my generals to destroy, facing my old allies... It's strange really how things can change so quickly."

"And what's your point with all this?" Rainbow Blaze asked.

"My point is that both you and Shining Armor are inexperienced strategists and new to war. You where not even a military less than a week ago Mr Rainbow. And now we face the biggest treat ever known to us. How are we supposed to win this." With a sigh the griffin continued. "I can't help to wonder what would have happened if the Northcolt Empire never would have fallen in the first place. What if all this could have been avoided. Somehow, someway. "

Cadence walks over to the griffon. I'ts best to not think of what could have been and stay focused on the coming times. We may have been enemies once but now we are allies and friends. And we are in this together. And we both know that the last war was a horrible disaster between our peoples that shall never, ever be repeated. But we must remember that most where forced into the slaughter by the ones in charge. Remember Hearth's Warming Eve the first year of the war. When we ignored our commanders and joined together in love and laughter in the middle of the war. We may look different but on the inside we are all the same." Cadance held her hoof on the griffins chest over his hearth.

"You are right princess. It's just that I have seen the Intel our spies brought us. It scares my feathers of me. Just compare theirs weapons to ours. You crystal ponies haven't constructed a single rifle since the last war. We griffons haven't made much weapons either. Our armies consists of twenty year old weaponry and rusted armor and what are we facing. We are facing the fires of Tartarus itself."

"We are not alone. You don't know these ponies but trust me I do. Shining Armor is Luna's best general and Twilight is the smartest unicorn in all of Equestria. As for her friends you have already seen that they are a huge asset. They are a very special and talented group of ponies."

Twilight joined the conversation. "And remember Mr Blackbeak we have friendship. The most powerful of all magics. Nothing, not even Celestia's fires can destroy it."

The door of the room opens and in comes five mares and a dragon. Rainbow Dash has a bandage around her wings. Twilight joins them in a great group hug. After the hug the six mares turns to face the other generals. They are all standing around a cyber map of Equestria. At the walls of the room are several computers running different programs.

"How's the wing Dashie?" Rainbow Blaze walks towards his daughter.

"It's okay I guess, the medic says i will fly in a week again. I can't believe I crashed in the middle of our race. Stupid wings always fails me when I needs them the most."

"Well then maybe you shouldn't fly when half o' your wing is burnt of sugarcube. Applejack answered with a smile.

"I agree with Applejack, darling you could have been badly hurt." Rarity looks at her Pegasus friend with worried eyes.

"Pfft, then maybe dad shouldn't challenge me on a raze when my wings are burnt. You probably knew I was going to crash in advance so that's why you challenged me!"

"Ms Rainbow, this is hardly the time for you to make jokes. What you did was unacceptable, you could have compromised the whole mission. And as for you Ms Pie!.." The black griffin and his beak where up in Pinkies face.

"I love Pie, you got any?" The pink mare only smiled back at the griffin.

"Stealing from our military supplies. If you two where under my command I would have had you both court martialed and absolutely not promoted!"

"You doubting my judgment as a general Mr Blackbeak?" Rainbow Blaze walks towards the griffin and stares into his big eyes.

"No I don't, but I suspect that your personal feelings where involved in the matter."

"I made her my captain because she is the best flier we have and also the only Pegasi in all of Equestria that can perform a sonic rainboom! I think that alone is a good enough reason."

"Still you choose a captain that acts on her own, and defies orders."

Rainbow Dash flies up in the face of the big griffin. "You got a grudge against me or my dad!? Huh? If so maybe we should..."

"Everyone calm down." Cadance walks between Rainbow Dash and Blackbeak. "There is no point in petty fights. We are all in this together."

"He insulted my dad! Nopony or griffin..."

"It's okay Dashie, I can understand his doubt. Rainbow Blaze turns to face Blackbeak. "But trust me my griffin friend, when I say that Dashie is perfect for the job I mean it."

Shining Armor give his two subordinates a serious look."Is everyone done with arguing so we can get on with the briefing? Good." Shining Armor activated the map with a glow from his horn. "As we all know time is of the essence so i'll get to the point." He turns towards Twilight and her friends. "Cadance and I have been discussing and we have concluded that each one of you have something you can do to aid us. Rainbow Dash you already got your assignment from Mr Rainbow and therefore you'll be taking your orders from him."

"I wont let anypony down."

"As for you other five I have very important tasks for you as well. Pinkie Pie, you have already proven yourself as a excellent infiltrator, and how silly as it may sound your pinkie sense is an invaluable asset in those situations. That's why you will be one of our top spies. It will be your job to gather Intel on the enemy and sabotage enemy bases. You will join our spy team."

"Ooh, I have a spy outfit on me." The pink mare takes out a black jumpsuit and a pair of night vision goggles of her tail hair. She equips them in a second. "This will be fun so fun."

"Twily, you and Rarity will use your knowledge and magic in our labs and help our scientists develop new weapons to help us win this war. You will also be the one personally in charge over all our scientists and research projects."

"Wait a moment now Darling. I know nothing about science or weapons. Are you sure that I will be of any use down in the labs?"

"You maybe don't know anything about science Rarity, but you are one hell of a fashionista. And that will be extremely useful for the designs of new armors and weapons. Don't worry, together with Twilight I know you'll make a perfect team." Shining armor turns to Fluttershy. "We are currently in great need of medics. We all know how much you care about the well being of others, also you are an expert on the healing of woodland animals. Therefore I would ask of you to use that knowledge and help those ponies who get hurt in the war. We won't send you to the front unless you don't want to."

"I'm honored that you would want my help, and I will do all i can to save those who need it wherever they may be. I must be brave."

"As for you Applejack, I want you to be a part of our commando task force. Your job will be to cripple the Solar Empire through small operations and clever tactics. You and Pinkie Pie will work together as much as possible under my own command. Rainbow Dash and her attack clouds will cover you with air support whenever they are able to."

"Um, excuse me Shining Armor but I would love if I was to help ponies together with my friends. So can I be a part of that team. Um if it's okay?"

"Yes, of course Fluttershy. You will keep the task force patched up and make sure everypony get's through the missions. None of you need to do this but you shall know that both Cadance and I are so proud of you. Your service towards the allied nations of Equestria shall not be forgotten."

"Wait, Shining Armor what's my job? I mean everypony got a task except me..." Spike looks up to the stallion disappointed. Twilight walks over to him.

"Who do you think will be my personal assistant?"

"Really?"

"Of course, who else." Twilight hugs the dragon.

Shining Armor looks happily at his sister."As we all have our tasks now it's time to go through the current situation. Mr Rainbow what's the report on Cloudsdale? Are there any more Pegasi coming to aid us?"

"Sadly more and more are beginning to support Celestia. Ponies are afraid of her, and the CLF uses that fear to gain supporters and execute operations in the shadows. Our reports shows that more than half of Cloudsdale supports the CLF. How many of those ponies that actually are a part of the organisation is currently unknown but we fear that the number is very high. Also the streets of Cloudsdale are beginning to become a battleground of themselves. Many anti Celestian splinter groups have started to assault innocent civilians because they suspected them of being CLF operatives. The only good news I have is that many Pegasi have joined the Cloudsdale army."

"Does this mean that we are getting more Pegasi to help us?" Both Shining Armor and Cadance looked hopeful for once. Blackbeak still had the same cold look.

"I'm sorry but no. The council sends their greatest apologies and says that all other Cloudsdale military except the Hurricane Attack Clouds must remain in Cloudsdale because of the threats made by the CLF and also because of the great chances that a civil war will erupt."

All hope went out of Shining Armors eyes. "Okay, I see. Well send them our thanks and sympathy anyways."

"I will sir. I'm sorry Shining Armor. I wish they had sent more but the situation in Cloudsdale is looking very bad..."

"It's okay Blaze. You did all you could have done." Shining Armor turns to face the black griffin. "How is the situation in the Griffon Kingdom Blackbeak?"

"Better than rest of Equestria. The president tells me that all of our available Talon Medium tanks will soon be transferred to my command here in Crystal Germaneigh. Also we are gaining more recruits at our military camps each day."

"Will you send any fliers to aid us?"

"Although we griffons can soar the skies as our Pegasi friends are there very few who can do this with skill. We may have wings but we are not in the same league as a skilled Pegasi. Once upon time we griffons where the champions of the sky but that where long ago, in the age of lost harmony. My government chose to invest in rockets and heavy armor instead of training assault fliers. I doubt that it was a good idea, but that's how our army is today and now there is not much we can do about it."

"I guess we'll have to be satisfied with those fifty clouds then. Luckily we got a sonic rainboom on our hooves then."

Cadance stands next to Shining Armor. " Earlier this morning I got a message from princess Luna's secretary. It was short, all it told us where that we should tune in on LNN this afternoon." Cadance walks towards a large TV screen on the wall. With a spark from her horn the screen starts. A orange unicorn with a short white mane appears. Everyone else in the room turned to look at the TV.

"Welcome back to Lunar News Network. I am your host Peach Cream and today I got three very interesting guests with me in the studio. Everypony please welcome Princess Luna's very own agents, The Shadowbolts!" In comes three Pegasi. But they where no normal Pegasi. Instead of feather wings they had bat wings made of leather. They whore purple uniforms that covered their whole bodies except for the ears and the mouth. The head and hoofs of the uniforms where black. Yellow lightning bolts separated the black and purple. On their eyes they had yellow goggles.

"OMIGOSH, OMIGOSH, OMIGOSH. That is so awesome, The Shadowbolts. On TV! That's Shadowdust their captain. Her mane looks like the night itself." Rainbow Dash pointed at a black mare with a mane that looked like flowing purple shadows. "Oh, oh and that's Moonshine. He's the only pony that can fly better when he is drunk than sober." Now she pointed at a stallion with a light blue coat. His mane was grey with purple streaks. "And over there is Starfall. When she flies it looks like she is a falling star." Now she pointed at a light grey mare with a half white and half black mane.

The unicorn on the TV continued. "Welcome Shadowbolts. It's such an honor to have you here today. As great it is to have such grand guests in the studio today I must ask of you what many of our viewers are right now asking themselves, why are you here? Aren't you busy on government duties? Especially with the coming war and all that."

"Well it was Luna who ordered us to make this appearance in the first place. But we do understand if ponies got a lot of questions to ask us, that is in fact the reason we are here tonight."

"To answer the viewers questions?"

"Well yes, sort of. As everypony knows it has been worried in rest of Equestria the past months. We all understand the fear ponies feel against the Solar Empire. We are here tonight by the order of her royal majesty Luna to put some of your fears to rest."

"So you mean that we got nothing to fear, when armies are marching towards our neighbors and friends?"

"No, there is a war coming. Of that there is no doubt. But what most ponies don't know is what we are facing. Many believe that we are facing a giant nation of monsters. That is not the truth, many solar ponies are normal ponies like you and me.Sadly there are also many who believes Celestia to be some sort goddess and they would gladly sacrifice them self's in her name. Celestia rules her country through fear and violence and lies. Her laws makes you join the army or you'll not be able to make a living. That's how her forces can be so many in numbers.

"So you say that Celestia are the one behind all of this? You say that many of the solar ponies don't want this war?"

" Sort of, she and her closest generals rules the country with an iron hoof. Also a big part of Celestia's army are war prisoners she has taken from annexed countries. So remember this everypony, not all of the solar ponies are monsters."

"But what about the situation in Cloudsdale? There ponies are gathering under Celestia's banner. Does these ponies also believes Celestia to be some sort of goddess?"

"There is a very unstable situation up in the clouds that is unfolding very quickly, and we are aware of this. But what you see here is the same thing, fear. The CLF scares the Pegasi of Cloudsdale and they uses this fear to create a civil war. Ponies that are afraid are easier to control. A scared pony is easier to fool."

"Many of our viewers have expressed their opinions about Luna's choice to not aid the Crystal Ponies and I must say that even I was very surprised by this decision. Do you have any reason for not helping our friends?"

"I can't comment on that. But what I can say, is that ponies got nothing to fear. Luna got everything under control. That was all."

The three bat ponies exits the studio as quick as they came. The unicorn in the studio looks very confused. "Well everypony..."

"Bzzzt" Cadance turns of the TV again.

"And that was useful to us how? We already knew that about Celestia's army." Rainbow Blaze looks at the black screen with doubt.

"At least Luna is confident in her own victory, but I agree with you Mr Rainbow this was just a waste of our time and..."

"It was a message." Cadance interrupts the griffin. "Luna ensures us that she is ready for the Solar Empire."

"Then why doesn't she send any soldiers!?" Blackbeak looks very annoyed.

"I have no idea. But I trust her and I hope that it is a part of her plans to stop Celestia."

"I for one think this was a terrible waste of our time! General Armor, what's our..."

Blackbeak get's interrupted by a soldier entering the room. "General Armor! Our spies just received these pictures!" The crystal soldier shows up several pictures of a solar military base up in the mountains.

"Buck! Don't tell me that's the hidden pass between Crystal Alliance and the Griffon Empire!"

"It is."

"That is the only path between our lands that has remained undamaged by the last war. And it's also where our reinforcements will be arriving in a day from the griffons. Dammit! Blackbeak we must warn them. If they get caught in the pass...."

"There is no time! We must clear the pass before the convoy arrives! Mr Rainbow what do we have in that area to work with?"

"Not much, and time is against us. But we could fly in an Mobile Construction Stable and a small team with one of my transport clouds."

"It looks like you just got your first mission. Shining Armor turns to Applejack and Fluttershy. I need you two to accompany the MCS together with a small team and make sure that we clear out the pass. Set up a small base and wipe out the enemy base. Applejack I will give you orders directly from here, but it will be up to you to clear the pass. Fluttershy you must make sure that our casualties stays at a minimum. You think you can handle it?"

"Yee-ha partner, wad'ya waiting for."

"Yes I will help anypony who might get hurt. Just don't let them shoot at me, um if it's okay?"

"Don't worry sugarcube i'l keep ya safe."

"Heey, what about me and Pinkie Pie. We can also help!" Rainbow Dash flies up to Shining Armor.

"I would love to have you there as well but you are needed back here. Blaze needs your help with the planning of our Attack Clouds and as for you Pinkie, It's time for you to meet up with our other spies." He turns to Applejack. "Meet me back here in an hour. You should go down to the armory and get some weapons and armor. Trust me you'll need it." He then turns to Fluttershy. "You should go down to the hospital. Make sure you get enough supplies for the whole mission. Tell them i sent you. Go past the armory as well. You'll need a helmet."

"Oh my goodness."

"You all got your orders. Dismissed."

When the other leaves the room two unicorns and a dragon remains with the generals. Cadance activates one of the computers. Shining armor gives a nod to both Rainbow Blaze and Blackbeak. They leaves the room as well.

"Twilight, what you are about to see is our greatest invention yet." On the computer screen appears some sort of machine. It looks like a box with an opening in the middle. A large cord goes from the opening into the side of the box. "Cadance?"

"This is the Cronosphere spell generator. It's supposed to be an mass-teleportation device able to teleport our vehicles across giant distances in seconds. The original plan was to Crono-shift a small team into Helios City and capture Celestia in her own palace. Sadly we've had great complications with the function and the effects of the spell. Especially when it comes to the shifting of larger materials. Also it has some unpleasant side effects..."

"A mass teleporter!" Twilight shone with enthusiasm. "Brilliant Cadance, how did you get the idea of this, and how where you able to convert a simple teleportation spell into mass teleportation across giant distances?"

"Well that's the strangest thing of them all, we got the blueprints in a letter from somepony unknown. At first I thought it was Luna who had sent it but I found a note together with the blueprints."

"A note? Did it reveal anything about the sender or the machine itself?"

"No all it said was that we must use the machine that have doomed Equestria to save it. It was signed by somepony named the Dr. Didn't reveal much, but we followed the instructions and constructed the Cronosphere mark one. The function of the machine itself is highly unstable. I believe that the Dr's original design had another purpose than teleportation but that's just a wild guess. Your number one priority will be to improve and complete the works of the Cronosphere."

Twilight clapped her hooves in delight. "When can I get started? Do I get my own lab..."

"Calm down Twily."Shining armor laid his hoof over Twilight's neck. "There will be plenty of time for you to get to know your own personal lab in the basement of the Crystal Palace. As the head scientist in charge you'll need the best lab we have. And of course all of the other scientists will be under your command."

"All of the others... Shiny we have only one scientist down in the labs. One. And he is probably the most unpleasant pony I've ever met." Cadance turned to Twilight. "He will most likely complain on everything about you if you are lucky that is. I can fire him if you find him too rude or annoying. That goes for all three of you, if he hinders your work in any way just tell me and i'll have him transferred or fired." Cadance smiled at the two unicorns and the dragon.

"Really, who is this pleasant pony then?" Twilight asked.

"Dr Josef Mengelmare, a extremely rude but brilliant Scientist. He's got the idea that I have betrayed our country and made us the griffons pets. He hates everything, especially griffons and of course me. The only thing stronger than his hatred for me is his love for Crystal Germaneigh. He will probably ask for your permission to develop bio-weapons or something even worse after he's done insulting you. Whatever you do don't allow it. I will not allow our soldiers to use such horrible weapons. I have fought for years of the disarmament of such weapons and he seeks to restore Crystal Germaneigh to it's so called former glory.

"Of course Cadance, you can count on us. We will do all we can to create um, ethical but effective weapons."'

"You have my word as an lady that we will do our best."

"Yea, we'll build giant weapons that will burn the solar ponies back to Tartarus. Hehe, the irony they call themselves solar ponies and then we burn them hahaha." Everypony gave Spike a serious gaze.

"SPIKE!! What in the hay didn't you understand with ethical?"

"What? There is nothing wrong with fire. I breathe fire for ponies sake!"

"Spikey Wikey, we can't burn our enemies that's no way for a gentlecolt or a lady to behave. Also it's dangerous for those soldiers using it, they can be caught in it as well." Rarity gave the young dragon her warmest smile.

"I think it's best we keep Spike and Mengelmare apart from each other. He would probably get the idea of mutating you into a giant monster or something." Cadance walked towards the doors of the room. "Now let's go to the labs my little ponies."