Dropped Into Equestria

The first ponies to approach me were some colts with comic books. "WOW!" they said in unison, "How did you get it so real looking?"

"What are you talking about?" I asked, continuing on my way.

"Your My Big Human; Technology is Courage costume. You look just like Sergeant Strength." said a colt with a british accent.

"Nope, not my name, rank, and possibly not even my branch. I am Corporal Jonathan Smith, United States Interplanetary Marine Corps. Eh, I'm a promotion away from sergeant." I stated.

"What are you talking about?" said another.

"Look kid, take a look at my dog-tags; it's there in black and white." I reached under my shirt and grabbed my dog-tags, handing them to one of the colts.

"Smith, Joanithon D AB+, 543 77 8473, USIMC L, No Religious Pref. What does all this mean?" tried the colt with the accent.

"First three rows are my name and blood type, fourth is my social security number, fifth is my branch and EXO/gas mask size, last is any religious preference for medical reasons. I'll take those." I said, reaching down and taking back my tags. "Now, what are you talking about?"

"Don't ya know about MBH TIC. They're talking about turning it into a CARTOON! How did you even get onto your hindlegs." I then realized that my helmet was closed, making them think that I was a pony. I quickly opened it up and heard their gasps. "So, so ,so you're?" they said.

"Actually a human." I finished.

"And that's actually?" they said.

"Real military hardware." I again finished.

"THAT'S AWESOME!" they cried out.

They quickly stated their names, Pipsqueak, Featherweight, and Rumble before following me, begging for me to show off my equipment. I stopped and leaned against a building to answer their questions, in a hope to get them to leave me alone.

"Can you really jump over a building with that skeleton on?" Rumble asked.

"If it's a small building." I said.

"Can you break your arm and still continue fighting?" Pipsqueak, well, squeaked.

"Yeah. Actually happened to me once. But that's not a story to tell to some kids, how old are you?" I asked. They were all 12. "Yeah, definitely not for you."

"What, how are we not old enough! We read the comic book all the time! Look!" Featherweight shoved the book in my face. It looked like a standard comic, the action looking like that of the original Transformers cartoon.

"Yeah, that's definitely not what combat looks like in real-life. Boys," I leaned down and said "I'm not gonna lie to ya; war is a hell that you can only know if you've experienced it, and being someone that has experienced it, I can tell you that people who have experienced it never want anyone else to experience it. Really, long story short, an explosion threw me off a building and I fell 6 stories, and broke my arm. Now, if you'll excuse me, I just want some alone time. Maybe I'll see you all later, see ya when I see ya." I said, closing my helmet and walking off.

In the distance, I saw a train station. Lucky for me, a train was in station. Unluckily for me, I didn't have any money. "Dammit." I muttered, leaning against a building. A shadow passed overhead. I paid no mind to it, until I nearly impaled myself on a spear. "Well.... you're blunt. Unlike your spear. However, as it seems to be made of gold, and I'm wear body armor rated to take bladed weapons below that of a chainsaw and calibers below .50, it would only make me piss me off."

"By order of Princess Celestia, you are to come with us creature. If you resist, we will take you by force." said a stallion in gold armor.

"Really, is that so?" I grabbed the end of the spear and bent it downward. "Take me to your leader, fuck-face." I stated, in a tone that suggested that I could easily be encouraged going in the other direction.

They escorted me to a golden chariot, pulled by pesasi in gold armor. We all got in and the pegasi took off. A city on a mountain was in the distance with a gigantic tower near the cliff, which I barely noticed in town. I muttered "I didn't question it in TESIX; Conquest, I won't question it in a world of magical fucking ponies."

We eventually landed near the tower, and I was escorted by the guards, I guess. They tied my hands together, though it wouldn't do much good if push came to shove. We were stopped by a stallion in steel armor, aka, actual armor, "By order of the Princesses, you are going to be put down creature." The guards turned their spears on me, while I just scowled.

I cleared my throat and said, stern and clear "There is a reason you tie a persons hands BEHIND their back." Then, they heard the snap of me breaking my bonds. Then I punched the pony who ordered my death in the chest. He was sent flying ten feet, landing on the marble floor and sliding several more. I grabbed the end of a spear an twirled around, smacking all those surrounding me in the head, knocking out a few and disorienting the others. However, they were disoriented enough for me to run without obstacle. I grabbed the pony in steel armor by the collar and lifted him into the air. "And that is why you don't piss off a United States Interplanetary Marine. Now, where are these Princesses who ordered my death, as I would very much like to repay the favor."

"Those guards are so gullible, nopony in the guard wears steel-" he struggled out.

"Well they should; gold looks pretty but in an actual war, your enemies will be wiping the blood off it by battle end. But, no matter continue."

"The Princesses don't want you dead, hahaha, they haven't ordered an execution in centuries. It's the gang families that want you dead, so they can have your magic for study."

"This is so cliche.... but why are you telling me this?" I asked, rolling my eyes at the obvious answer.

"Because you aren't leavING HERE ALIIIIIIIIVE!" he screamed, as I threw him out a nearby window as soon as he said 'aren't'.

"Huh, so tired of that fucking cliche." I muttered. I looked towards the unconscious guards. "Hmm, maybe I can explain to them it was a gangster hitman, though an Agent 47 he was not."

"THERE IS NO NEED, CREATURE!" my eardrums nearly burst at that. I looked to the side and saw a midnight blue unicorn with wings. She mouthed more words, but I was only able to hear a ringing comparable to standing next to an artillery gun as it fired without ear protection. I was pretty sure my ears were bleeding, too. The look on her face seemed to change to that of concern. I took off my helmet and pointed to my ears. Eventually the ringing subsided and I could hear once more. "Oh, I'm so sorry creature. Even after nearly five years, I still can't forget old habits. I'm sorry, I am Princess Luna, princess of the night. And you are?"

"Well, you know what they say 'Old habits die hard.'. I'm Corporal John Smith, United States Interplanetary Marine Corps Fast Response Orbital Deployment Unit." I said, coldly. "Sorry but I'm tired of being called 'Creature'."

"I suppose anypony would. I suppose you're a member of your military I'm here to escort you to the wedding." If I had a drink in my mouth, I would have done a spit take.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait, what!" I stuttered.

"Oh, not your wedding. The wedding of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry." she explained. "Please follow me."

I did so, picking up my helmet, and following her. And eventually we came to a gigantic set of doors. "Hold on, let's make myself... presentable. It's a royal wedding and I'm already sticking out like a sore thumb. Let me loose the military gear, take off the EXO, helmet, bulletproof vest, and rifle, stash it somewhere and come back for it later."

"No need cre- John. I can teleport it to your room, where you will stay until tomorrow morning but we can talk of our plans after." I took off my gear, leaving only my holster, pistol, and IWMD on my person. I heard a POP and when I looked towards the pile, it was gone.

Luna and I opened the door, finding multiple pews full of ponies. Nearly all heads turned to us as we made our way to a seat. I sat down in front of an orange pegasus mare. A colt hoped up and peered at me. I whispered "Corporal John Smith, United States Interplanetary Marine Corps."

The ceremony went well, Twilight and Flash looked like a cute couple. All attendees greeted the newly-weds and anyone who asked my name I always responded the same thing "Corporal John Smith, United States Interplanetary Marine Corps." While on the way to the reception, I went to Luna and asked for a favor. When I reached her, I asked "Excuse me, Luna. Could you teleport me my EXO? I'm having trouble walking, spending a few months in low-gravity, usually in an EXO, you tend to lose the ability to walk right."

She responded "Of course." After a pop, my EXO landed right next to me.

"Thanks." I said, sitting down to put on my EXO. It brought me back to boot camp, being fitted for one. I muttered "Strength input; 100%. Strength output; 750%." I slipped my hands into the gloves and when I wiggled them around, my left ring finger didn't move. I sighed and muttered "Yep, still missing. At least the bastard got what he deserved." I stood up and my gaze was met by the most striking orange mare in a 'country style' dress and a stetson.

"Howdy, I'm Applejack and you are?" she asked.

With my usual response, I said "Corporal John Smith, United States Interplanetary Marine Corps. It's a.. nice to met you. I guess we're supposed to follow."

"Ah guess so." she said. She motioned for me to follow and I did. "Is that what you call formal wear?" she asked, a smirk on her face.

"Nah, I wasn't exactly expecting to come to a royal wedding today. This is more suited for combat than a wedding. Or any formal event, for that matter." I muttered.

"What are ya, anyway?" she asked.

"I'm a human. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, got good grades, went to college, got my Master's Degree in English, and joined the Interplanetary Marine Corps. Coincidentally, I was the only one in my squad who went to college, which earned me the nickname 'College Boy'." I elaborated.

"Any family?" she continued.

"Mom and Dad are getting to their late-fifties, have a younger brother and sister; all of us are in the military, just different branches. Brother is in the Navy, Sister is in the Air Force."

"You can fly? I don't see any wings on ya."

"We can, just with the help of machines. Just like this Exoskeleton on my back. Normally, I could only jump a few feet in the air but with this on," I preformed a 'Boost Jump' before landing and rolling. "I can do that."

"WOW!" was all she said in response.

"Impressive, right! Say, you don't exactly sound like someone who'd be invited to a royal wedding. How'd you get an invite?" I asked

"How'd I get an invite?! How'd you get an invite!" she said, pointing out the hole in my logic.

"I say mine, you say yours. Deal?" she nodded and I counted down from three "Dropped from 3000ft in a metal pod into a farm, I'm the only one of my kind in this world. Most likely the leader would like to talk to me in a lull during the reception."

"Friend of the bride.... It's simple, but I like yours better." she giggled.

We reached the garden, where the reception was being held. A large white pony, who I assumed was whatever their version of a priest was, motioned for me to come to her. "Good evening, Corporal John Smith of the United States Interplanetary Marine Corps. I am Princess Celestia, Princess of the Sun and ruler of Equestria. Your arrival did not go unnoticed."

"Really, a large, burning pod dropped from low orbit was noticed; wouldn't have guessed." I muttered.

"I guess I have an idea of your sense of humor." she also muttered.

I laughed, and patted her on the shoulder "You don't know the half of it. Anyway, please continue."

"Yes, I suppose so. Do you have any idea how you got here?" she asked.

"As I said, I was in a giant metal pod, hurtling towards the ground at terminal velocity so I don't know what happened. Last thing I remember is anti-aircraft hit our drop-pod." I explained.

"'Our'? There are others like you?" she asked.

"Sure, but I hope you like corpses, 'cause that's what they are." I snapped. "Whole squad, dead; I'm the sole survivor. I've been with them my whole military career, physically fought beside them, verbally fought with them, pranked them, partied with them, one was even going to be my best man! Now they're all fucking dead! Sorry if I seem a little touchy right now, but I believe it's understandable to anyone, ANYONE, who's served in the military." My outburst was more whisper yelling, but it was loud enough to be heard by those close by.

"Excuse us, what is going on here?" asked a pink alicorn mare, as Luna had called those like her, and white stallion approached us.

"Only a friendly conversation, Captain. How are you enjoying the party?" asked Celestia, skirting the issue.

"Very much. I'm glad she found a good stallion." said the stallion, introduced as Shining Armor, a single tear rolling down his face.

"Huh, I know that look 'cause I wore it on my face. You the bride's big brother?" I asked.

"Yes actually. Do you have a younger sister?" he asked.

"One. Heh, I guess I did inherit my granddad's ability to talk to anyone, anywhere, for at least 30 minutes. And that's a minimum." I reminisced.

"We never did get your name." he hinted.

"Corporal John Smith, United States Interplanetary Marine Corps Fast Response Orbital Deployment Unit. That's a special unit, by the way." I elaborated.

"So you're in the guard. How long does your leader have you stand around?" he asked, out of the blue.

"'Stand around'? Definitely not. My dad's in the National Guard, but they usually just help out with natural disasters." I stated.

"Well than, what do you do?" he asked, confused.

A voice in my ear pipped up, "Sir, I believe visual assistance may be required." A hologram emerged from my IWMD and began loading a video. I held it up for all present to see.

*Operation Rising Sun

Incheon, South Korea

June 1, 2035

9:27a.m

From Perspective of; Pvt. Jonathan Smith (currently Corporal)

ID# 408151623

Misfit Squad

2nd Platoon

35th Battalion

United States Interplanetary Marine Corps FRODU*

The picture started blurry, but it cleared up and I recognized the Clinton's staging station. "Hey College Boy. This your first drop?" I recognized the voice as someone I had recently given the bird to. PFC White appeared on screen, walking towards our drop-pod.

"Yeah. Any tips, tricks, suggestions? This gonna be a plane cabin pressurizing, but ten times worse." I asked, still learning the ropes and about to experience combat for the first time.

Shining muttered, "Yeah, this definitely looks like guardwork."

I muttered back, "It gets substantially more different than standing around."

"My advice; Don't shit yourself, try not to pass out, or have a panic attack, you and everyone else in the pod will have a good time. It's just like the... what's it called. AH! Tower of Terror at Disneyland. Only with anti-aircraft fire." He laughed at his own joke and climbed in.

"Don't worry," reassured Sgt. Washington, passing me on his to our pod, "North Koreans haven't had time to set up anti-aircraft, and the last report from South Korean Armed Forces, they haven't taken anyplace to get anti-aircraft guns. Now... move your ass Smith."

Washington was the last one in, and he added "Civilians are being evacuated as we speak, estimated to take 2 hours barring unforeseen circumstances. After that, OKAS will be prepped and ready. We cannot let North Korea take Incheon." He strapped himself in and muttered "Gotta love loop-holes."

Then came the drop. As I remembered it, it was a little shaky but overall a good ride. White was right, it was exactly like the Tower of Terror. We crashed into a skyscraper and got out. "Another successful landing!" said White.

"Can it White! We need to move, our objective is north-east. Let's move!" ordered Washington. We came across some gondolas stretched across the building, which would give our grappling hook enough range to swing us to our objective.

I volunteered to go first and made across the first and second gondolas without problem. The third, however, became a problem when a North Korean gunship flew by, spotted us, and fired a missile at us.

The concussive blast made the gondola rocked back and forth against the building, which knocked me over the edge. As I remember it, my mind unhelpfully began singing Freefalling and I Believe I Can Fly at the same time. Thinking quickly, I activated my grappling hook and after an agonizingly slow second, the hook wrapped around the fence of the gondola. Then, I heard a loud crack before a large pain surged through my arm. As I would later find out, my arm had been broken. I, promptly, screamed in absolute pain and agony.

Somehow, I heard White yell "HOLD ON JOHN!"

I managed to respond, "I DON'T HAVE MUCH OF A CHOICE! I THINK THE MECHANISM IS STUCK, OR SOMETHING!"

"I believe that has proven your point, Mister Smith." said Celestia.

"How did you survive? What happened?!" My presentation had gathered a small crowd, and these were questions I heard being asked.

I simply walked to the balcony, hands behind back, and looked over the party that was unfolding. Only Celestia, Luna, Shining, Cadance, Applejack, and a pegasus mare with a rainbow mane followed. "To be, or not to be, that is the question—

Whether 'tis Nobler in the mind to suffer

The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune,

Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,

And by opposing, end them? To die, to sleep—

No more; and by a sleep, to say we end

The Heart-ache, and the thousand Natural shocks

That Flesh is heir to? 'Tis a consummation

Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep,

To sleep, perchance to Dream; Aye, there's the rub,

For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause. There's the respect

That makes Calamity of so long life:

For who would bear the Whips and Scorns of time,

The Oppressor's wrong, the proud man's Contumely,

The pangs of despised Love, the Law’s delay,

The insolence of Office, and the Spurns

That patient merit of the unworthy takes,

When he himself might his Quietus make

With a bare Bodkin? Who would these Fardels bear,

To grunt and sweat under a weary life,

But that the dread of something after death,

The undiscovered Country, from whose bourn

No Traveler returns, Puzzles the will,

And makes us rather bear those ills we have,

Than fly to others that we know not of.

Thus Conscience does make Cowards of us all,

And thus the Native hue of Resolution

Is sicklied o'er, with the pale cast of Thought,

And enterprises of great pitch and moment,

With this regard their Currents turn awry,

And lose the name of Action. Soft you now,

The fair Ophelia. Nymph, in all thy Orisons

Be thou all my sins remembered."

"What?" Applejack summed up everybody's thoughts to my rant.

"It means; I don't know. I blacked out from the pain of having my arm broken after a three story drop, plus nearly all the kinetic energy I accumulated turning to potential energy in an instant also gave me a some pretty bad whip-lash. To put it in layman's terms, my arm snapped like a twig and I was out like a light." I lied through my teeth, and Applejack looked at me with a dirty look "When I awoke, I was in a field hospital and after I healed, I was sent back to the front-lines, where I lost my ring finger to.... less than reputable means."

"How?" asked Celestia, everyone else in stunned silence.

"In battle I was captured, and taken to a mercenary camp. What you don't know, is that it is illegal in international law for a country to hire a mercenary army to fight a war for you. The leader, as it turns out, was part of a PMC that tried to hire me just before I went to boot camp. To say the least, he was less than pleased with my decision. I managed to fight him off until reinforcements arrived. Let's leave it at that."

They mumbled 'Alright,' and the small crowd dispersed. "You will stay at Twilight's castle until you can find your own residence, and Ms. Applejack has offered to hire you at her farm. You will leave tomorrow morning. I hope to see you again." stated Celestia, still shaken from my sudden quoting of Shakespeare.

Luna came to me afterwords, and asked "You dispatched the hitstallion who tried to have my sister's guards kill you quite quickly. Where did you learn to fight?"

"The quickness came from my EXO, which increases my strength tenfold, and my style came from boot camp, where I trained in the MCMAP, and partially from a lull in deployment, where I learned the basics of Sambo." She looked at me in confusion and just mumbled her good-bye.

I sat alone in silence for the rest of the party. Eventually Celestia sent for a someone to escort me to my room, and after taking off my gear, I laid down in bed and went to sleep.