Author's Note

For refinance if no one got it yet this how ponies look.

Building the future. Zeon corporation.

Captain Johnson's Office

"Zeon Corp? Building Equestria's future?" said Jay as looked from the paper to Twilight.

"Well it was Luna's idea. She thought naming the company that the crown started to make the new technology after you former nation was a good way to honor your contribution to Equestria." said Twilight

"It's more then honoring us it honors all of our comrades, back in our world." He reaches in to his pocket and pulled out some beads on string. "Though I let Priest say her prayers to the stars and all I am myself a Buddhist. I like to think that this is a sign that good and brave souls of our dead comrades will be reborn into this world we are making." He had some tears in his eyes. "Next time you speak with her tell her I thank her. Not as a Zeon Captain, not as yours, but as a old soldier wanting a better world."

Twilight blushed at amount of honest sentiment and pure emotion that was hardly ever shown. "I will and thank you for having the trust in me to show your feelings like this."

"Just know I'll deny it in public. I have to keep my reputation. Otherwise all the runts like Flash will not respect me." said Jay drying his eyes. "Back to business Pierre has been up to his old games over the last month. Which means he has been in a very large number of mares beds... And given he has been staying in the same place for so long I'm worried he is going to get in trouble..."

"Thankfully to Rarity and Pinkie I have kept track of his um... extracurricular activity. So far he has been with the same five mares on a regular base but still flirts with others. So far it's not a problem but he did get right hook from one mare's mare friend, it is the only complaint on him. He is on throne duty today with May, so her and Dash will talk to him." said Twilight

"At least he is keeping it low key then. He has some bad habits. But I never cracked down on him or any one for that kind of thing. As long as they did there job it was no big deal. But now.... I actually have to keep a eye on the few that are left... Princess I'll tell you a important secret about being a leader."said Jay scratching his head.

"Oh what's that?" asked Twilight

"It sucks." said Jay with a smile making Twilight laugh.

==============================
Ponyville

Flash was miserable on his day off. He regretted his choice, yes he was closer to Twilight, but now... He had to earn respect with his new unit, just to get off desk duty. On top that they had him studying to test a new armor giant weapon for them. He sighed As he looked at the book. The manual was not that thick, but he had to memorize it before he would get training in one of the current suits. "Why is this so complex!" he shouted.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had been passing by and laughed. "That's cause your a idiot." said Scoots

"I agree Fritz lent us his book to read and promised to teach us to pilot his Zaku. All of us Cutie Mark Crusaders passed it. It's really easy." said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah I mean if you can't get that you must have been dropped on your head more then I have crashed." said Scootaloo.

"Yeah right like you fillies know this stuff." said Flash.

They Smiled and started walking by while Scootaloo said "For long range shots you have to correct for terrain, wind speed and the rounds drop rate." Leaving Flash's jaw hanging down. He had read that a hour ago but she new it by heart.

Sweetie Belle waved and said "It was really easy for us to learn."

Flash just groaned "Please don't let the captain hear about this...."

=========================
CMC club house a hour later.

Fritz had just finished setting up a test simulator. He got permission to build it and test it in the CMC Club house. He asked to build it there cause it was secluded and no one would look for a training simulator on a farm. Also he had promised to teach his herd how to pilot a suit.

His fist problem came from materials and power. Both would be a issue for the mobile suits he was going to help build. He solved this in the library looking up power sources in Equestria as well as available materials. His marefriends made that hard to do but he got them distracted. By having them study for a piloting test. He had to admit when they passed easily he was starting to believe in the whole power of love thing.

"Ok final checks." He said as he started it up. He had to get a lot of magical help in the computer set up. He used the simulator as a test bed for the new cockpits adding in some extra comforts for pilots. Like better padding, stronger safety restraints, and a locking storage rack behind the seat for cargo.

He set the simulator up with his old mission data. Everything from when he first deployed to his last battle. "Given I'm the rookie of the force, how far they get and there record compared to mine will be a good gauge for new pilots." He thought out loud

"Dose that mean it's finished?" asked Apple Bloom with a smile. Her and Babs had helped with assembly.
"Yeah you two can go while we wait for Sweetie and Scoots." said Fritz.

"Yeah!" Shouted the two mares. Fritz chuckled.

===========================================
Three hours and four CMC turns in the simulator later at Sugar Cube Corner

"Buck it Fritz, what was that difficulty set at? I barely past most the missions and that last one was insane." said Babs.

"I know that's some crazy test you set up." added Sweetie.

"Actually the missions and scoring is based on my personal combat record. You where being graded against my record and skill and I'm the lowest rank in the unit with the exception of Flash." said Fritz.

"Wait all those where the battles you fought in?"asked Scoots

"Yes and I set my performance as the base line for a B rating." said Fritz

The girls gasped. Scootaloo had done best with a over all B-, Babs had a solid C, both Apple Bloom and And Sweetie Belle had D+ rating. Knowing that Fritz had set that his past experiences in those same battles is Standard for B made it hurt less, but still barely passing.

"Hey look at this way you passed high enough that you can get civilian suits when there available. It's not like I was teaching you girls to fight in them the fact that with only reading a book you girls did that well speaks volumes about you natural aptitude." said Fritz

"Yeah your right." said Apple Bloom

The put their hands together and shouted "Cutie Mark Crusaders!"

"Come on girls quite down you shakes are melting. Besides I was talking with gang last night on what kind of suits would be good for civilians. Brain storming ideas. They said I should ask you girls. So?" said Fritz before taking a bite out of his cupcake.

"I want fast one for racing or maybe a flying suit like the Captain has." said Scoots her wings buzzing

"A simple one I could use to help my sister with her deliveries maybe?" said Sweets

"Maybe some to help with building. We all know you are planing one for farming." said AB with a giggle.

"Well your family can benefit from it. Cut down the time hard jobs takes, and you can get more of them done. Work smarter not harder." said Fritz.

======================================
Canterlot under the city old mines royal secret research lab.

The munitions research was going good. Gunpowder was non-issue same for the casing and rounds. The explosive warheads took some time and a few close calls. Enough that many believe that Priest's prayers where actually protecting them. The major problem was replacing the fuel for the Gouf's flight engines. It took many tries to to get the potent mix of available chemicals.

Priest shook her head. "The chemicals needed to fuel flight engines don't over heat as quickly as tradition fuel but has to warm up before it can be used. We can't use it in space, we need a fuel that can be uses in subzero temperatures. As well as under water. We need a better mix or to find a large oil deposit somewhere to make more jet fuel, this could be a problem."

"If I may may?" Priest looked at the pony in a lab coat. "We can use magic engines to get into orbit why not convert that technology to our needs."

"Because you ponies are to dependent on magic. Yes it has advantages. But relying on anything that completely is a handy cap. Many times in the war we would get out of our mobile suits and handle things with stealth and hand to hand. " explained Priest.

"That is... unheard of. Why change what works?" asked one lab pony

"Because that's the edict of the holy sisters with forming this company. To do new things. You are the brightest minds in Equestria. Now is the time to think of new things, new idea's, to change your world." said Priest. Trying to inspire them...

Her response was just nervous glances and worried murmurs...

"My dear Priest, you asking to much of them. They are only ponies after all. Vary few can think outside the herd mind. That's why Luna and Twilight had to fight to get a few technical advancements they did pushed through. Most ponies are afraid of change. You need to find ones that are maverick thinkers." said Discord who had come to hang out with his new friend as she worked.

"Yes I agree I'll tell the princess we have the weapon research done but the fuel problems need a more out of the box thinker, somepony that is more creative and inventive." said Priest.

"Oh no, let me do that you have to set up production lines to start making more ammo for you and your friends." said Discord

Priest smiled as Discord magically changed in to a mail man uniform. "Thank you Lord Discord. And good luck with the prank your planing." Discord smiled at her words. He snapped a salute and vanished in a flash of cotton candy balloons.

Many of the lab ponies whispered among them selves. Priest cleared her throat. "Now let us focus on mass production of the ammunition. My unit is on edge with out it there primary weapons. So we need to start train loads of supplies out to them soon."

"Yes ma'am." They said as they shifted focus to the new task.

====================================
CMC club house

Captain Johnson looked over the test system giving it a run him self as Flash, Fritz and the CMC watched.

He brought up the last mission on the simulator and went to work. They where amazed at the things he made the Zaku Cannon do in the simulation was amazing. The machine moved like it was his own body. The simulation reached its end. The score came out at a ss rating. Leaving the viewers speechless.

"Good work Fritz it matches with the real thing and has balanced rating system like the in suit simulators. Few more upgrades and we can send it of to be replicated. But that's just adding more data and suit records. But that can wait. Flash your turn. Start on first mission and we can see how you match up to Fritz." said Captain Johnson

Flash was not feeling confident. He saw why Captain Johnson was there leader not just cause of rank but his skill in combat. "It can't be that hard to do if these fillies can do it." Said Flash with false bravado as he got in the seat.

The starting mission booted up witch was basic control orientation. Then came the first combat mission the magic put in to the chair triggered making Flash feel weightless as the whole thing in side rotated to face the ground. The image of human pops up. "Ok rookies we need to take out the Feddy fleet watch for fighters and stay out of there crosshairs."

The human disappeared from the screen he saw a large door open and the suit in front of him lunch out it his followed a moment latter.

He was shocked at the sight space clear as day a planet to his right a Sun far away and ships hundreds of them trading fire in complex battle lines a warning flashed in the suit he started to look around and move then a gold light filled the screen and the a exposition field his ears and gravity returned the words 'YOU ARE DEAD' flashing in his face. And inside he realized what just happened. He just failed a test four fillies with out cutie marks passed.

Then the simulator opened and he saw that stupid grin on his Captain's face. "That's a new record for shortest time to fail congrats Flash you got a F- you are now the worst score in the training. So what you learn from that?"

Flash groaned. "Don't get awestruck on duty." he muttered.

"Very good Flash now for dieing so fast you get a special punishment. five hundred laps from the castle to Sweet Apple Acers gate and back, on foot." Said Captain Johnson with a smile

Flash facepalmed as the girls giggled at him.

"Fritz tonight copy everyone's combat data and load it up in the simulator tomorrow morning. Till then you have leave to do as you like for the rest of the day. As a reward for a job well done." said the Captain.

Fritz smiled as he snapped a salute.

====================================
Twilight's castle harmony chamber. Hours later.

"My word, are these print outs correct?" asked Rarity.

"Yes ma'am." Said Jay from is spot by the wall. "The CMC not only survived all the simulations but did so with a qualifying score. On top of that the one trained guard that has so far tried it failed his first run. And after being punished for his stupidity he made two more attempts but was not able to complete the minimum required missions much less every single one that is available. Which the CMC have. As it stands they would make better pilots then our guard friend out back doing wing ups with May on his back."

Rainbow chuckled at the mental picture.

Applejack sighed and asked "So what you plan to do now?"

Twilight spoke up. "Next Flash is going to be running it again once a day until he meets the minimum requirements to pass. Given he will be testing the first suits Equestria builds."

Captain Johnson interrupts her "Don't hold your breath."

Twilight shoots him a nasty look, which he shrugs off, before she continues. "Each of us as well as my court mages, Trixie and Sunset, will take turns practicing in it as well. This is cause given the Harmony guard uses these suits, we as the council of harmony will be required to make appearances in our own if we have to go on a diplomatic mission or military event."

"Awesome!"

"Wow!"

"Oh my!"

"Really?"

"Gosh."

"Yes!"

"Rocking"

Came the mixed response from the seven other mares in the room.

"Each of you will receive customized Zakus once production starts. They will have one cqb weapon and one range weapon. This is cause your suits are more, and pardon the phrase, show ponies then work horses. As newer models become available you will have the option to trade up latter. Most the customization will be cosmetic. But some internal differences will be there. You will be getting what back home would have been called Zaku-2-F which had a over all better performance in a variety of climates." explained Captain Johnson.

"Thank you. Most of Equestria's mobile suit force will be using a J type Zaku two, a Zaku cannon or the Zaku one sniper. But that is more for the brass in Canterlot to deal with. What we are gathered here to do is approve or disapprove the civilian mobile suit designs that Fritz submitted." said Twilight.

The captain then walks around handing out stacks of paper to each of them.

"The first is the Zaku tractor. Based on the Zaku two and one tanks which started out as in field fix if a Zaku lost its legs and no spare parts where available. This latter became a common on bases in the form of construction and recover versions. Those where often called Zaku Cranes. The Zaku tractor will have two shoulder pads with no spikes or shield. It will have a second seat for a tool operator, who will control a trailer towed behind the suit. This allows the pilot to focus on where they are going and or controlling the arms and hands." said Jay.

"Looks a little complex for a farmer to learn." Said A.J.

"That's why its a two pony suit. Dividing the work allows for it to be simpler to use." said Jay

"I like it." said Pinkie "Those big hands could help harvest and crack rocks on my Mom and Dad's rock farm."

"All opposed?"asked Twilight

Applejack raised her hoof. Not one for changing her ways of doing things.

"Sorry A.J. looks like you are out voted." said Dash.

"Next we have the Zaku crane. Basically the same as the tractor only with digging tool on one arm and pincer and welding tool on the other with a crane boom on back pack. All of which can be swapped for other tools as needed." said Twilight.

"Well that will make building taller building easier. Ah won't try and stop it." Said A.J.

Twilight smiled. "All opposed?" nopony raised their hand.

"Ok on to the next one the sports model. This is a Zaku with the same leg type as the Dom has. It's mainly built on the concept of having a mobile suit races or derbies. It has a stream lined body round shoulders larger back thrusters and stabilizers like my Gouf flight type has. The kid first wanted to do a civilian flight suit, but I told him no. Flat out. So he opted to suggest suit racing sound like a nice idea." said Jay

"I like that idea. It be so cool to watch them race." said Dash.

Twilight smiled. "All opposed?" She asked. Again no hands raised, Twilight nodded for Jay to continue.

"OK last one. This is called the Zaku recreation model. The chest is larger over all to seat five and it has thicker legs to handle added weight. The skirt also has storage compartments for cargo. It has no jump boosters but has a detachable storage backpack. Wow he certainly went all out on the comforts. Heated seats, air conditioning, cup holders, fold out tray tables, on board music system, video recording and play back, plus gaming system compatibility plug ports. Fritz went all out on this one." said Jay

"It's like some one put a minivan in a mobile suit" said Sunset as she looked at the design.

"All opposed." asked Twilight

Jay raised his hand with a frown. But he didn't get a vote in this so he was ignored.

"Then approved." Said Twilight. "I'll have Spike send copies along to Luna and Celestia."

"I wonder if I can get heated seats in my Zaku?" asked Rarity

"I want those racing legs on mine." said Dash.

Jay facepalmed. "I knew this was coming..." He muttered to himself.

================================
Canterlot Castle

Celestia and her sister Luna along with Blueblood sat in the throne room going over the approved mobile Suits.

"I must say the public ones are much more comfortable then the military ones." Said Blueblood

"Tis the idea, they are meant to make our little ponies lives easier." said Luna

"Yes but we will have to issue tests and permits to all that wish to operate one of these machines. Both military and civilian." said Celestia

"Yes I agree. For public safety of course." Said Blueblood

"You just want to charge them a fee for the test and classes." said Luna.

Blue Blood pouted and looked away.

"We will but Zeon Corp. Will be in charge of setting the prices of the suits themselves. They are also going to be producing the suits for our military. So we will only charge for the lessons and a small test fee." said Celestia

"Fine a small boost to nations income revenue is better then none. I'll inform the house of nobles." Said Blueblood. He bowed and took his leave.

Blueblood walked towards the house of nobles which wile not actually in session was always where most the nobles gather to talk business. Weather it was was personal or national varies quite often.

As he entered he was as always met with mixed greetings of ponies that welcomed him or the under the breath comments of those who didn't. The house of nobles is mostly all the old bloodlines of the three tribes that became the ruling party before Celestia and Luna appeared. They plus fresher blood of new noble lines that had popped up over the year's serve as the court advisers and administrators to the princesses. There power outside of that and votes was limited to there businesses. That said many owned some very big companies.

Blueblood took a seat and said out load so all can hear. "Who got ownership of the new corporation in charge of building our new toys?"

The room went quite nopony spoke. Then Fancy Pants leader of the Nobles most often against Blueblood cracked up laughing.

"What's so funny?" Asked Blueblood.

Fancy regains his composure. "The princesses gave the court of harmony the ownership of the company. Given there guards are going to be first to use the machines. We don't have a say in anything that happens with it. Luna and Celestia found the company and listed Twilight's court members as the owning share holders. They should be receiving notice in a few minutes. In short they cut the house of nobles out of the profit from all new technology."

"WHAT!!!!!"Shouted Blue Blood in a fit of rage. He had plans in mind for this new company he thought worst his aunts would give it to one of the rival houses in league with Fancy Pants. But that they give it to a bunch of peasants from a third rate farming village. It never crossed his mind. He then promptly fainted.

"Ha ha. He fainted from the news! You all owe me thirty bits. I was right." said the guard that stood by the door. Everypony that did take the bet glares at the pony. As Fancy chuckles.

===============================================
Zeon crop. Lab Canterlot. Next Day...

"Why are you so against magic as the answer?" asked one of the scientist

"Because your race is to dependent. What if one of the non magic nation find a way to cancel out your magic, or a material that negates or is immune to it? It's just a matter of time. If not a natural occuring substance then a artificial one. Look at the goo the changelings make to hold prisoners. It negates one's ability to cast magic yes?" The ponies listening to Priest nodded.

"We imagine if they made armor of it in theory they would be protected from magic attacks. And weapons made from it might be able to break magic shields. So if we run in to a foe that has similar or superior to this would undermine Equestria's entire defense plan as well so chaos and panic if effected the civilian population." said Priest

The gathered scientist most of which are unicorns seemed to have a look of pure fear. Then a geologist spoke up. "If it's rocks that don't have to do with magic I know some." Everypony and Priest looked at her Maud Pie, Pinkie's big sister, she had been asked to join cause she was Equestria's top expert in rocks.

Priest handed her a folder. "Any that have these properties or can be combined to have them?"

Maud looked at the data she was given. She then gave a slight smile. "Dragon crystal. It's a rare gem that is greasy black. No value to any race even dragons that eat gems. It's called Dragon Crystal cause well ever wounder what happens to the gems a Dragon eats?" All the ponies looked sick.

"That explains the color." said Priest

"Yeah. But more so the gems have no magic properties but when melted and combined with Mithril they have a chemical reactions matching what you need for the reactors. And the same gem when melted can be as a catalyst. The problem is getting dragon's to trade them." said Maud

"No it's the easy part we just need the remains of gems the dragons eat. I'm sure the dragons in Equestria would be willing to help especially if it means they only have to eat gems. If young Spike is any indication." said Priest.