Your Human And You: Feet First Into Hell

As it turned out, there were only two prisoners that Nightmare had captured, and both were fully cooperative, much to the ODSTs' convenience. The one with the scarf had pointed them in the direction of Canterlot, and within two hours, the pair of prisoners were assisting with the tram's operations and swore to never speak a word of this to anyone, so long as they lived.

As they went along the tracks, Maelstrom stayed at the control panel in case the one with the scarf, named Doctor, decided to go back on his word. Every time Maelstrom checked in on him, Doctor simply smiled at him. Dismissing the captive, Maelstrom switched on his comms in the confines of his helmet.

"Alright, equipment check. What's everyone got?"

"Icepick, checking in. I've got three mags for my DMR, four for my SMG, and two for my Magnum."

"Sputnik, checking in. Counting eight mags for both SMG and Magnum, and three Frag grenades."

"Black Eye, checking in. Twelve extra rounds for my Shotgun, one Frag grenade, and two mags for my SMG and Magnum."

"Melt, checking in. I'm in the aft cart with Blind and Cowbell. We're checking over what we've got left for now. Stand by."

Several seconds of radio silence went by before Melt spoke again.

"Counting two Plasma Rifles, two Plasma Pistols, one Carbine, and six Plasma grenades."

"Blind, checking in. Count a total of twenty magazines for my Sniper Rifle, and four mags for my Magnum."

"Cowbell, checking in. I grabbed everything I could before we jumped, sir. Counting twenty canisters of C-7 foaming explosives, four extra rocket tubes, six mags for my SMG, eight Frag grenades, and one extra case of ammo for our M7s and Magnums, at least thirty each. Oh, and we've got two First-Aid kits."

"Christ, Cowbell, we're trying to be stealthy here! How the Hell are we going to sneak any of that into a capital city?" Maelstrom replied.

"Well, it's not like they're that big, sir. We can each carry something. I'll take the C-7 and rockets, but someone's carrying the grenades," the heavy offered.

"No telling how long we'll be suck here, sir," Sputnik spoke. "We'll need all the ammo we can get. I'll take the extra mags."

"I'll carry the First-Aid kits," Icepick spoke.

"And I'm taking the grenades," Maelstrom finished. "I want everyone ready to go in ten mikes. Sputnik, I need you to run those grenades up to me. I need to watch for when we start to close in on our destination."

"Yes, sir."

With that, the ODSTs began to prepare their equipment for a stealth run in broad daylight.

\\\//////

Luna walked through the halls of Canterlot Castle, eying each and every window, column, and portrait that she walked by. A large number of them involved some historical event, usually involving Celestia, or some other significant individual that she hasn't been able to read of yet. A great number of them, she noticed, were mainly unicorns, with golden name plates underneath them. Few showed portraits of similar figures accepting awards or prizes from Celestia or another face from the further end of the rows of pictures.

Lost in her thoughts, Luna failed to notice her sister walking towards her with several files held aloft in her magical grip. The Princess of the Night almost tripped over her own hooves as she finally saw Celestia next to her.

"Sorry, Luna," Celestia spoke as she leaned her head closer, "I didn't mean to startle you. Are you alright?"

Luna breathed deeply as she thought of what to answer with. In the end, the truth won out.

"We have concern for our know of these faces, and their roles from times long passed. We worry that thine subjects shall question our return, and test our knowledge to prove our loyalties."

Celestia came up to Luna's side and wrapped a wing around her as they nuzzled.

"Don't worry about it, Luna. You can greet the public when you think you're ready. And when you do, I'll stand by you, one-hundred percent. The only thing, I assure you, that's worth worrying about are the nobles. Just take your time. I'm here for you."

Luna slipped her wing up against Celestia's barrel, trying to reach her back in her weakened form.

"We thank thee eternally, dearest sister."

Celestia held Luna close and then looked around the immediate hallways. Her horn lit up before they were both teleported into a dark room with only two doors. Luna looked around frantically, surprised by the sudden change of environment.

"What hath transpired!?" Luna asked.

"Relax, sister," Celestia said in a calm tone.

Luna broke contact with her sister as she looked around the room. The ceiling was nowhere near as tall as the halls they were in, though still tall enough to fit one of those "trains" from earlier, and were made of thick grey bricks. The entire room was grey, only with two things standing out, being the two entrances to the room. One looked like a simple door, made of glass panes, and the opposite one looked like it was the entrance to a fort with massive bars of metal and chains barricading it.

"Where have we gone, sister?" Luna asked, perplexed.

"We're in the entrance to the Equestrian Reclamation Force. Beyond this room, we have hundreds of ponies, Griffons, Minotaurs, Deer, Zebras, you name it, working around the clock to study alien technology."

Luna froze. Did her sister believe her now? Did they find the Human's ship?

Or did her sister know all along, and was waiting to tell her?

"Recently, we've secured two locations of possible Reclamation, and are looking for any relics. One of them, was a ship that crashed the night you returned."

Luna turned to see Celestia smiling at her.

"Dost thou believe us, now?"

"About the ship, absolutely. But the part about Humans, no. There's no possible way for Humans to have anything to do with this thing. According to our field reports," she said while holding up a folder, "this technology is using metals anyone on this planet can't make yet, and won't for at least a few decades. Another thing is, it doesn't run on any magic. The calculations behind the amount of power needed to lift it into the air under its own power are beyond anything either of us could do magically. Not to mention several other scans they've done that suggest-"

"Sister!" Luna interrupted. "We understand. Thou shalt not believe our words lest we show proof."

Celestia walked over to Luna as she spoke.

"Luna, I didn't mean to insult you. I'm just saying that you were still under Nightmare's influence then, and you were likely being tricked."

The Lunar Princess looked up to her sister as she closed the gap to nuzzle once again.

"We still know where the truth lay, sister. We hath seen them again. We art sure of this."

Celestia sighed as she backed away from her sister's embrace and turned towards the glass door.

"Alright. I won't try to push this now, but I'm certain that after some time spent here, you'll forget about that."

"Pertaining to our prior discussion, pray tell, what purpose doth this room serve?"

"It's an advanced teleportation tracking grid. If anyone, or thing, tries to teleport either in or out of the facility, a sensory spell is activated and redirects the exit-point of the teleport and erects a barrier around it, in here. Right now, only you and I are capable of leaving or entering the facility. This area also serves as the main staging area for launching Recovery or Reclamation operations. As I said before, two operations are already in progress."

Celestia beckoned her sister to follow as she neared the glass doors. Once both Princesses were close, a part of the stones became transparent, and revealed a grey-furred, white-maned security officer.

"Ah, good morning, your Highnesses," he said with a small bow. "Here to finish the process?" he asked, giving Celestia a knowing look.

"We are, yes."

The stallion shot off a quick salute before pulling a lever. The glass doors hissed and slid open, revealing a white, smooth hallway.

"Come, we have much to discuss," Celestia said as she began to walk down the hallway.

Luna looked back at the security checkpoint as the doors slid to a close.

"Sister, why hath that Guard addressed us in such a manner?"

"It's one of the established rules in this facility, sister. I've told them to address me as they would any of their colleagues so that when I come through, they don't jeopardize any experiments by trying to bow or stumble over greeting me. It's also one of the reasons I've thought about going through with this."

"With what?" Luna asked.

"Luna, I don't want to admit how painfully long it'll be until you're welcomed back into the courts. Tartarus, today, nobles were screaming their heads off, trying to warn me that Nightmare Moon was seen walking the halls of the Castle."

Luna cringed at that.

"So, I thought that since you need time until the nobles are more accepting of your presence, and since I don't want any more secrets to be kept between us, that I'd hoof over this department, to you."

Luna nearly stopped then and there.

"Thou wish for Us to operate this facility?"

"Not on your own, no. There are already several officers in place that monitor all of our major operations and research divisions, but I think it's important that these discoveries are kept from the rest of the world until everypony, and everyone, are ready for them. Ah, here we are."

They stopped before a flat, smooth wall with a small, round indent in the center. Celestia pressed her horseshoe into the groove and twisted it to the right around sixty degrees before pulling back as the wall began to click. After a loud clunk, the wall split apart to reveal an elevator. Both of the alicorns stepped inside as the doors closed once again and began to take them down to the labs.

"It's not just for the security or the time needed to accept you either, Lulu," Celestia started again. "I want you to try conversing with these ponies and become social. One of the biggest reasons for... you know who taking over, was because I didn't want to expose you to those filthy political figures that only wanted our power. I was so afraid of what would happen if you faced them, that I never let you meet anypony. It was because of the isolation I put you in that-"

Celestia stopped talking as she felt her sister's hooves reach around her shoulders for a hug.

"Sister, I beg of thee, do not blame thyself for Our misdirection. Thou had only good intentions, yet We did not see it that way."

The two simply held each other in silence as the elevator continued to descend. After a few minutes of silence, they broke apart and Celestia continued.

"Regardless, I wanted to give you this so that you could actually interact with ponies that are caught up with current events, and learn about the world through something other than books. It'll help you adjust your vocabulary and prepare you for when your court is back in session."

"We thank thee greatly, sister."

After another minute of silence, the doors slid open once more and revealed a massive open space. The entire facility was practically exposed at once to the entrance way, and was similar to a coliseum. Hundreds of ponies in white coats were moving about, going from indescribable thing to indescribable thing. The noises of talking faded away to Luna as she gazed upon several large walls that were blocking off the rest of the facility from view.

"Here we have the main research department, also known as 'Science Mountain'," Celestia explained as she extended her wings.

"Art thou sure of the safety here to fly?"

"Everything's sealed off in individual crystal chambers, so flying between stations doesn't effect any of the experiments. They're also one-way visual crystals, so feel free to look inside."

Luna nodded and began to flap her wings. Slowly but surely, she got into the air and waited until her sister began to glide downwards and followed. Below, she could see several chambers where pegasi were testing some kind of harness that was locked to their wings. Unicorns and scientists were experimenting with several books that were kept at a distance from the herds of researchers. Some stations had just rows of ponies and deer simply sitting and attending to large, white things that they vigorously kicked away at.

"Here, they test out several artifacts that we've found over the centuries and document what effects they have and how to apply their magics to what we have today. Sometimes it leads to a breakthrough that's good for all of Equestria, such as gas-free lamps and communication without the need for magic or training. I remember showing you one of the train ride to Canterlot."

Luna remembered back to when she had seen the "radio" and nodded. She looked ahead and saw that they were getting close to one of the large barriers between Science Mountain and another wing of the facility.

"Ahead is the entrance to the military sciences division, otherwise known as 'Dead Field'," Celestia explained.

"Why 'Dead Field'?" Luna asked.

"Because they said, 'there's no room for Green-Grass'. It's a term the Guard uses for new recruits."

"Have We seen the products of this facility recently?"

"I'm afraid not," Celestia said with a frown. "The advancements we've made here are beyond expensive, and haven't been announced. The research teams concluded that if we were to introduce these technologies now, it'd spark several conflicts that aren't able to progress because they lack what we have here, like the Minos Isles being bombarded by Righteous Wing Rebels. If either side had the equipment we have here, either the Minotaurs will wipe out the military bases ashore the Griffon islands, and kill thousands, or the Rebels will likely use enhanced shields to break through the Minotaur artillery line and destroy hundreds of square acres of valuable farmland."

"So thou hast been keeping secrets from our world to avoid escalating conflict," Luna stated.

"Believe me, I don't want to keep these secrets. I just wish we didn't need to."

"Need?"

Celestia took on a regretful look before she began to flap her wings to slow down. Luna did the same as they began to close in on the massive doors that lead to the Dead Field. When they landed, they were approached by two pegasi in strange armor, similar to that of Maelstrom, she noticed. One of them waved a hoof by her form as Luna felt a slight tingle from it. After a few seconds of this, they nodded and gave a quick salute before standing still once more.

"Security scans to ensure nothing undesired gets in or out," Celestia explained.

Luna didn't have time to elaborate as a loud groan rung from the massive door before them. Slowly, a section of the massive barrier opened up to around a tenth of the entrance's width, which was still large enough for at lest five others standing side-to-side. The two Princesses made their way through the entrance as the white surfaces and open space were replaced with dark-grey cement and hallways laid with steel doors. As the door closed behind them, Celestia strode forward and spoke.

"Welcome to Dead Field. In here, we build and maintain weapons that ensure the peace and stability of Equis."

\\\//////

Maelstrom watched with baited breath as the tram slowed down into the station that connected to the white and gold city. The entirety of the mountain-stationed capital was seemingly glowing with sheer beauty, reminding him all too much of the paradise once known as Arcadia. Images of his old home and family flashed in his eyes again as he tried to shake away his emotions. He kept his gaze on the scarf-wearing Doctor as the tram began to get into the range of the golden gates. Entire rows of guards were lined up in gold-colored armor, watching the transport. Maelstrom ducked into the compartment in the Control Car and listened to the world around him.

A few seconds later, he felt the tram come to a stop as metal contacted metal, and a voice spoke outside the door.

"Reason for bringing this in?" a gruff voice asked.

"Oh, just needed to leave it someplace safe while my companion and I get some rest. Lots of traveling and such, you know," he heard Doctor reply.

"Alright, let's just see those forms, then."

Everything went quiet as Maelstrom waited for whoever was out there stayed quiet.

"Well, everything's in order. Enjoy your time in Canterlot," the voice stated.

"Of course."

More clangs against the metal sounded out before Maelstrom felt the tram shift again, crawling along the tracks.

"Maelstrom to Nightmare, any visual?" he spoke into the comms.

"Both occupants have gotten off, and we're being dragged into the docks," Melt responded. "ETA, five mikes until we're inside."

"Get ready, Nightmare. Non-lethal when they start sweeping, keep quiet, and keep radio-silent."

Green lights flashed across his HUD as Maelstrom gripped his Magnum tighter.

Minutes turned to hours as the ODSTs waited for the tram to stop moving once again, and held their breath unknowingly as it hissed to a stop. The wait became unbearable as they continued to wait for any more voices saying they were going to sweep the tram. Maelstrom cautiously reached for the door to the outside and carefully cracked open the door. He swept his Magnum across the field of vision and found that the tram was deposited into a dark warehouse. Slits of windows provided barely any noticeable light, and not a sound came from outside.

Maelstrom flashed the team-status on his HUD to signal his teammates, and waited for them to check. Seconds later, green flashed against his face once again, and the ODSTs began to slowly exit the tram.

Maelstrom touched down onto the gravel as he looked around to see dozens of unattended trams made of wood and steel, a few of which were colored pink or purple for some reason. Behind him, the rest of Nightmare swept the immediate area, listening for any signs of patrols or guards. When nothing happened, Maelstrom raised his hand and motioned for them to move forward.

\\\//////

Steel Wool sighed as he wet the rag in his magical grip and began to scrub it against the Guard Post that stood between the train depot and the loading station into Canterlot. Inside the booth, a Royal Guard was sleeping with the morning's paper covering his snoring muzzle. Wool noticed it was flipped to the sports section, and was angered by the fact that the Maresville Wolverines were beaten 27-6 by the Cloudsdale Thunderclaps. He lost almost 300 bits in a bet, and wasn't looking forward to admitting defeat in Hooves-Down, his favorite sports bar.

He began to run the rag against the booth and began to glare at it, scrubbing harder to try and sate his anger.

"Stupid... my daughter could have made that throw," he grumbled to himself.

Behind him, seven figures in black armor eyed him cautiously as they stuck to the shadows of the loading area, keeping their weapons trained on him as they looked for a way forward.

\\\//////

Luna watched as the military ponies were going through various exorcizes and drills, wearing strange armors and carrying odd weapons. Some had blades that ran across their wings, while others were equipped with iron boots that glowed. A few ponies in white coats had said their greetings to both Princesses as they passed through the halls, examining every aspect available as Celestia lead them.

"Where is our destination, sister?" Luna asked.

"We're going to the Overseer Office, where you can monitor everything in the facility and make any announcements you wish."

After a few more minutes of walking, they arrived at another elevator and rode it up. When they exited, they found themselves in the center of a large, circular room that looked over the entire expanse of the entire underground facility, including Science Mountain, Dead Field, and another part she didn't see yet. All the walls were made of crystal, and between them and the rest of the large room, were desks with long rods that ended in black spheres. One desk that pointed to the main entrance, she could tell by the large tube heading upwards, and had several lights and buttons that were all different ranges of colors. Celestia approached the console and pressed a hoof against the large, blue button.

\\\//////

"Alright, test in 3-"

The sound of the intercom broadcasting stopped Strange from testing the strange devices that Reclamation had found in the alien ship. Him and his colleagues looked to the speaker and waited for what was to be said.

"Attention everypony," Princess Celestia's voice rung through static, "as of today, I hereby resign my dominance over the Reclamation Foundation."

All the scientists began to look between each other, gauging the possibilities of what they would do if they all lost their jobs at once.

"In my place," she continued, "I want to introduce the newest head of the facility. My beloved sister, Princess Luna. I expect you all to treat her with the same respect that you showed me, and help her feel welcomed in not only this facility, but welcomed back to Equestria."