A United Land

Chapters

Open Sesame
The Fastest Wild Horse
War
Battle of Khalkin Gol
Evacuation at Dungkirk and Canterlot Seige
Prance, Germane, and 1000 Kilogram Bombs
Violence and Variations
A New Hope
Cyborg, Cylon, Biomech, What's the Difference?
Battlestar Dominus
Battlestar Pegasus
Resurrection Ship
New Caprica and, um, Stuff
Kara's Coordinates
Earth
The End of the Chase
Stupid Bloody Parents
Helios Squadron
Blue Berets and Rainbow Tails
Ragnar Anchorage

Open Sesame

"The real trouble with reality is that there's no background music."

-Unknown

Lightspeed's groaned as his body began the process of waking up. Today was a big day, and nothing was going to get in the way.

If he would just wake up.

He opened his right eye, revealing an emerald green eye. It darted around for a moment, before closing again. Leaving the warm comfort of the bed, the Pegasus colt sat up, revealing a white coat with a black mane and tail, forelegs, and muzzle. His wings were white like his body, but the leading edge and tips were black like his mane and hooves.

Going off in a trot to the bathroom, Lightspeed began his normal morning routine.

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Lightning dust looked up to see a drowsy Lightspeed caring saddlebags coming down the stairs.

"Hurry up you little bastard, were late half the time because of you." She snarled at him.

"You stopped caring for me after what happened at the Wonderbolts academy, you prat."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

"Nothing, nothing."

He shoved a hooful of cereal in his mouth, then left the house for the new elementary school that kept on being postponed because of budget cuts. As he passed an alleyway, a tin garbage can toppled over. Curiosity getting the best of him. He went in to investigate.

Under a box, two blue eyes looked back at him.

"Hello, what's your name?"

"..."

"Come on, there's no need to be shy. It's just you and me."

"Um...Ace Nova..."

"Isn't that a filly name?"

"Don't ask."

Ace had stepped into the light, revealing a gleaming silver coat with a generic blue mane and tail.

"Come on, Nova. I'll bring you to school and pass you off as my brother or something."

"Can you, um, not call me Nova?"

"Sure thing, Nova."

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The morning classes had gone surprisingly smoothly, and the two pegasi colts stood at the edge of the playground watching everyone mess around on the slides and monkey bars. Lightspeed was the first to notice a pair of shadows covering them. Poking Ace, the two turned to face the new threat.

"May I help you?"

"Yeah, go jump off a motherf**king bridge, blank flanks." A 14 year old Diamond Tiara sneered.

"Yeah, what she said!" Silver Spoon added.

Lightspeed gave them a deadpan look.

A shout was quickly heard, and Ace expected one of the lunch aids to be running at him. What he saw nearly gave him a heart attack. Barreling at them was a black alicorn with an indigo mane, fangs, and dragon eyes. Her fangs were bared, and eyes glowing an angry white. Lightspeed took the chance to take ace and "Back away slowly now. It will all be fine, trust me..."

Diamond and Silver, seeing an alicorn barreling at them, immediately went running off to hopefully escape the wrath of Nyx.

"You kids okay?" She asked after arriving at the scene.

Ace only nodded, and none of them would look at her.

"So, what's you name?"

"I'm Lightspeed, and he's Ace Nova..."

"Nice to meet you guys. If you need any help, come to me. Also, try to avoid those cunts, they'll be trying to look for revenge."

With that said, she flapped her wings back to the k-12 schoolhouse.

"You trust her?"

"In time, though probably not."

The Fastest Wild Horse

"Everybody looks brave holding a machine gun."

-Unknown

"And now please welcome Ace Nova, age...oh Celestia, am I reading his correctly? Truly unbelievable! He's only 9 years old! Everyone give it up to his contraption, the FB-3-8 Clydesdale!"

A big round of hoof stomping later, a white vehicle zoomed out of the artificial fog to this tune.

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"Here we go, buddy!"

Ace Nova was strapped firmly to his seat, his plane barreling at over 400 hoofmeters per hour. As soon as he passed through the clouds, he noticed the four alicorns sitting at the top box of the bleaches. It added a lot of pressure on his part, but he carried on. He began his solo of rolls, dives, loops, and a certain maneuver that he was sure even Rainbow Dash wasn't capable of; a cobra. He gunned the throttle, then stood the plane in it's tail. The crowd oohed and aahed as he brought the "standing" plane right in front of them, and noted to his satisfaction that all four diarchs had their jaws slack. He nosed the plane back down, throttled to Wartime Emergency Power, climbed to 100 hoofmeters, did a barrel roll, then disappeared back through the artificial smoke.

After he left, Spitfire watched the place his machine left, and muttered under her breath, "I ain't ever seen a foal fly like that."

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After returning his plane at the hangar, he went back to the area to watch the other contestants. He happily watched as none of the planes had any advances he had, like cut out control surfaces, retractable gear, or an inline engine. The closest one that actually had any form of leverage against him was a high wing monoplane that, quoting Spitfire's words, was "Slower than molasses going uphill in the Crystal Empire."

Princess Celestia had announced him as the winner and awarded him the sack of bits and a tour throughout Equestria. Luna, who worked more to the military side of things, formed the Royal Equestrian Air Force on the spot and ordered a squadrons worth of the FB-3. The Flim and Flam brothers offered him a contract as he was leaving; he would design new airframes, while they would work on the engines, and they would split the profits three ways. Saying he was the happiest foal on Anima would be the understatement of the week.

Ace managed to design a rapid fire version of the griffin fire stick with exploding rounds. Four of 20mm exploding rounds were put in the wings with enough ammunition to last for 45 second, while a monster 37 mm ap cannon was put in the spinner, and conserved ammo by jamming periodically. In the nose, a pair of standard machine guns were fitted to fire through the three propeller blades using tracer bullets to allow the pilots a marker to adjust the firing angle. The rounds all met at 150 hoofmeters in front of the plane, allowing maximum destructive power.

In less than a week, the first Clydesdales began rolling off the production line, and the REAF swelled with new recruits all eager to fly the legendary machine that practically raided the newspapers. A slow trainer had been quickly conceived to train the new group, and gave neighboring nations another reason to not attack Equestria. But in Ace's view, he was just happy that he moved from "school nerd" to "most popular colt ever." The first day he came back was be best for him, watching Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon try to make him look back.

"Oh look, it's the teacher's pet!"

Diamond Tiara only accomplished to get some new enemies and a couple glares.

"Hey, is there any lunch aides nearby?" Ace asked Diamond Tiara nonchalantly.

"Um...no?"

"Thank you. You're a bastard."

He turned away and held his head high.

War

"If your attack is going well, you have walked into an ambush."

-Unknown

Years passed. Ace managed to cope with the loss of Lightspeed, but he didn't stop hoping. The FB-8 had gone through many changes, including a remodeled nose, and bulges stuck up from the once clean lines, and crews called it "The Bulge." The once pleasant handling characteristics were ruined from the heavier armor. It was time for a completely new airframe. But what engine to power it? The Flim and Flam brothers had been cranking out a succession of gasoline engines, but they proved insufficient.

It happened to be a beautiful summer afternoon when the answer hit him in the head.

Literally.

Sitting in his favorite spot in the Ponyville junkyard, a busted radiator fan fell off the top of the junk mound and clonked him in the back of his head. When he came to....

"Ideeeeeaaaaa!"

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Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle

You have been cordially invited to the revealing of the newest line of aircraft....

Twilight sighed. Every time it was a "new aircraft" it had only been a revised Clydesdale. She jammed her tiara on her head, and made her way the Ponyville airdrome. She sat down next to Celestia and Luna, and waited.

Celestia leaned over and whispered into her ear, "Do you think he's ever going to come out-"

Whoosh.....

"You owe me money, Celly!"

"You placed bets?"

"If it was a new design or not, yes." Celestia answered with a grin.

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Ace looked out the round, single piece canopy. He had spotted a glint somewhere to the east and he was making sure it wasn't anything. Not seeing anything, he shrugged and continued his routine....

Suddenly, the air exploded with what looked like eagle heads, pegasi wings, lion paws, and spears.

"Dear Celestia....."

He quickly snap rolled, and got out of the griffin cloud only to see the ground rushing up at him. Looking around, he quickly realized that this was a surprise attack. Sliding behind a griffin, he fired his 20 mm cannon. In a burst of red, the hybrid began to tumble to his doom.

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"Spike, get your ass over here!" Bright Eyes yelled over the bombs exploding. Or tried to. The noise was so loud Luna's Canterlot voice would be deafened. Hugging the ground, he went over to the baby dragon and yanked him to the bomb shelter. Those training runs with Rock Steady had really paid off.

The two quickly activated the Crystal Armor, and in a flash of light, Spike was once again a towering fully grown dragon.

It was not a good day for the attackers above Ponyville.

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Nyx zoomed over the massive formation of Griffins, brandishing a sword. Shining Armor had been privately tutoring her, and she had even gained the upper hand on him in certain occasions. She rolled over and dove on the leader, slicing his head clean off. She turned back to the main formation and randomly swung the sword around randomly. There was so many Griffins that most of the swings landed on one.

Celestia, Luna, and Twilight Sparkle soon appeared and promptly began to shoot lasers everywhere. The Royal Guards and the 14 Clydesdales stationed in Ponyville all joined into the fray, while more waves of bombers began to come in. The sky was soon filled with spears, multicolored lasers, and gunfire.

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Ponyville was not the only town attacked that day. Throughout Equestria, Griffins descended on unsuspecting cities, destroying their aircraft and bombing civilians. Las Pegasus and Manehattan were the worst hit, with a massive airbase and the only naval base on Equestrian soil.

The Crystal Empire was also hit badly, but not by Griffins. Before the attack, the Changelings found out about the plot and offered their assistance in attacking the Crystal Empire. This took off a lot of pressure on the Griffins, and gave a better chance of victory. The Changelings had grown strong since their Canterlot Siege, and Chrysalis had been on the lookout for revenge since. It was harder to attack the Empire, with no vehicles to destroy, but they still swept through the Empire with great efficiency. At day's end, half the territories once controlled by Shining Armor and Cadence fell to changeling hooves.

The situation was incredibly grim for Celestia and Luna. They were outnumbered, outgunned, etc. With the new Spiteful jet, they managed to level the odds slightly, but they were still at a tactically inferior position.

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Screech.

Ace Nova climbed out of the metal plane and looked around. The sun was setting slowly, and it would be beautiful if there wasn't for the columns of smoke rising from around Ponyville and the rest of Equestria.

Nyx and the other alicorns landed near him with a thump.

"So this is how it ends."

Ace sighed."Nyx, I know that all of us are pretty shocked at this."

The black alicorn nodded.

"But that does not mean that we won't fight back."

It was pretty obvious that he meant to put more force into the sentence, but he was just too tired.

"Here, this will help you."

Nyx's horn glowed blue for a moment, then subsided.

"Thanks"

"So what now?"

"I'm enlisting."

"But you can't! You're the only frickin inventor in Equestria that has any leverage those griffin bastards! Do you re-"

A silver hoof forced her mouth closed. "I am well aware of the risks, Nyx, but I can't just sit here and let the Griffins do what they want. You saw me with your own eyes. I will live, okay?"

"Pinkie Promise?"

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

The taller mare gave the colt a hug.

"Be careful."

Battle of Khalkin Gol

"It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed."

-Unknown

Khalkin Gol was a rather small mountain pass that had no significance before the war. It was the only pass that connected to the Griffin Kingdom in the Eastern Mountains, and the closest to the newly gained foothold in Equestria. It was therefore vital that it be cut off.

"The fastest way to get an army to surrender was to stem it's food supply." Was Shining Armor's verdict.

The Plan was to take the land behind the bases and the pass, then relentlessly pound the bases. The Clydesdales would get in low and strafe the bunkers, while the faster Spitefuls would provide air cover. After Griffin resistance was subdued, Pegasi legions would come out of their hiding place and take the trenches. There would be barely enough aircraft to participate in the raid, most of them smouldering wrecks being cannibalised for their parts to fix any salvageable planes.

Everything was set for a go. Then Prince Blueblood petitioned with most of the Canterlot Elite that a squadron of Spitefuls be stationed above Canterlot. Namely, the homes to keep away the Griffins. At this point, Blueblood asked Ace to help them with the petition. He got famous for saying to him, "Sometimes, I wish I was a bird so I could fly over some ponies and crap on their heads."

For a couple weeks, the operation was postponed due to high winds in the area. This allowed the factories to churn out more Clydesdales and Spitefuls, adding more units to the attack.

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"Blue Four to Tower, requesting permission to take off from runway 3L, over." Ace sat in his bright red jet. After the attack, he decided that he wanted the Griffins to strike fear in the heart of his enemies.

"Blue Four, permission granted to take off from Runway 3L, and Godspeed Ace."

Opening the throttles, the plane began to drift down the grey tarmac.

"V1, rotate."

The sharp nose pointed upward, and the wheels left the ground. Climbing to 22 Angels, he enjoyed the view of clouds and the big blue yonder. This was the thing about flying combat; pilots rarely had any chance to take in the beautiful sky. Falling in formation with the battle group, they headed towards the target zone.

"Tower to battle group 7, there are some recon balloon launching in your area."

"Don't worry, we work with balloons all the time."

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"Battle Group 7 to Battle Group 3, requesting position on radar."

"Battle Group 3 to Battle Group 7, you've got radar to find us."

Ace huffed and thought for awhile.

"Battle Group 7 to Battle Group 3, we're changing frequency."

"Which one you're changing to?"

"You've got 720; you can find us!"

"BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-"

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"Hey, down there!"

"What?"

"The griffin."

"Ah."

"You thinking what I'm thinking?"

"We hightail it when we can?"

"OR we could follow it back to its base. Come on, just loads of Griffins helpless there. It'll be a turkey shoot!"

"So now we're shooting turkeys now?"

"Come one, pwitty pwease with a cherry on top?"

"Okay, fine, five minutes."

The Griffin took a winding path through the mountains, until they reached a forward airbase. Griffins were taking off and landing, and it was a bustle of activity. Battle Group 7 was made up of 17 Spitefuls. The airbase had several hundred spear armed Griffins. What they pilots didn't know was that the base ground defense only consisted of a single slow rate 8 mm Buckers machine gun.

One after another, led by Ace's plane "Peanuts," they swooped down like the angels of death. The Griffins, caught off guard, had no time to react. One after another, they were gunned down.

"Got five!"

"Five? Pfft. That's nothing. I got 12 in one pass!"

"Um...aren't you guys just a bit sad for those Griff-"

"No way! They did this to us, we're giving them a taste of their poison! We also get a 50 bit kill bounty."

"Isn't it 'medicine,' not 'poison'?"

"Poison kills, and they kill our comrades, neighbors, friends and family. This is what they get."

"If you say so..."

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Khalkin Gol

Battle Group 3

"LEEROY JENKINS!"

A single Clydesdale began charging the Buckers AAA installations. The pilot fired a rocket and destroyed most of the units. The rocket exploded.

"Celestiadammit Jenkins, follow your motherbucking orders!"

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"Battle Group 3 reporting sir, all resistance along the route has been destroyed."

"Well, that escalated quickly."

"So, you are the ones that killed my freinds."

"Huh?"

"You will pay for it!"

"Your family tree must be a cactus because everyone's a prick."

"I HATE YOU!"

"Someday, you will choke on the crap that comes out of your mouth."

"GRAAAAAAAHHHHH!"

"How did he get on our frequency anyway?"

"Beats me."

"PIIIIIIINKIE PIIIIIIIEEE!"

The pink mare suddenly appeared with her candy helicopter flying in formation with the Spitefuls.

"Someone called?"

"Can you go give the annoying Griffin a party?"

"Gasp! This is only my second Griffin party! I need to get my party cannon! Does he like cake? I hope he really likes cake! ~"

Ace tuned her out. "So, we going home?"

"Sir?"

"Yes?"

"How did she do that?"

"Even the Princesses don't know that. You want me to figure out? The last pony to try ended up in a full body cast on a wheelchair for half a year. If you want to try, be my guest." He snapped.

"Okay, okay, I get it sir." The rookie muttered. "I was just curious."

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"And I conclusion, I award Ace Nova a squadron of his own."

Ace had been the brainchild of the attack, and he had found out where the bomber base was en route to the Ponyville Airdrome. Only lack of fuel forced them to move on. Both sides were finally even, though the fight was long from over. The celebration was planned to be small, and the medals would be awarded by Twilight Sparkle. Reaper, Sniper, Leadership First Class were just a few named.

"You may rise."

"I wish I could, but it appears I have been slacking off on my neck exercises."

"Oh, eeh...."

"Yeah."

"Um..."

"Well, this is embarrassing."

Evacuation at Dungkirk and Canterlot Seige

"Any ship can be a minesweeper... once."

- Anonymous

Dungkirk was a small bay near the Equestrian/Crystal Empire border. The Changelings made a final push at the Crystal ponies, and they were forced to the area. All Equestrian and Imperial transports were diverted here to take the guards to Equestrian soil.

Ace sat loftily with his 12 pony squadron over the scene.

"Griffins, 7 high!" It was his wingpony, Lofty.

"Wait what?" Lyon, part of his diamond formation

"Confirmed!" Sylver, Lyon's wingpony.

"Evasive maneuvers, remember what I taught you!"

The 3 diamond formations broke apart and turned into the Griffins to throw them off. All too late, Ace realized it was a trap. Machine gun fire made him look back, a double winged plane chasing him.

A Griffin fighter? How come I wasn't informed? Thought spun through his head as he dodged and weaved.

Slowly, he began to drift lower and lower. Seeing he was at wave top level, he used the galleons stationed in the harbor as cover. Balancing the plane in it's wingtip, he flew between the masts of a schooner, then pulled up over a frigate, snap rolling at the top. The biplane, not being able to handle the g stress, fell to pieces.

"Got one!"

"Nice shot!"

"Look at them burn!"

"Ahhhhhhh!"

Holding the aircraft off, the soldiers began to load onto the ships. Things would have been fine. Would have, if the changelings didn't come. Nearly finishing off the Griffins, reinforcements arrived and soon, the 12 Spitefuls found themselves overwhelmed by sheer numbers. The ground units did what they could to help, but it was only minimal.

"Come on, where's that Jenkins guy when we need him?"

"His squad is supposed to be on patrol duty-"

"Hello!"

"Aaaahhhhh....oh, it's just you."

"Yeah, I had to break your order to save you butts."

"Hey....."

The Clydesdales barreled in to the rescue, guns blazing with tracer rounds. The transports below set sail for Equestria, and the Griffins and Changelings, realizing it wasn't worth losing any more soldiers, quickly retreated.

"Jenkins?" Ace panted."

"Yes sir!"

"Welcome to Helios-"

"Eeeeeeeeyes!"

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"Goldenfeather, your majesty, we must clobber the ponies from the air!"

The Griffin emperor sighed on his throne, and sank into it deeply.

"Look chief, we would be wrecked in the skies, Dungkirk being a prime example. The only way we can win this war is through the ground, with our metal behemoths. The Equestrians have nothing to-"

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"-counter these machines!" Ace was off in a rant. "Even the highest caliber guns on our planes won't be able to penetrate that armor! We have spears and swords; they have machine pistols!"

Nyx sat across his desk in deep thought. "Ace, calm down. We can make it through this! If you can make something that is specifically designed to carry heavy bombs and high explosive rockets."

Seeing that something was lighting up in his eyes, she continued. "Start on the Clydesdale. Fast enough to not get hit, slow enough to actually be accurate. Mabey you can do something like this?"

Ace didn't answer. He was too busy drafting the attack aircraft to hear what Nyx had to say.

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"Even now, those ponies could be dreaming up of something to counter our only superiority." Griffin Major Adamant said to his formation. "The army chief has ordered a massive push into Canterlot here-"

He pointed his stick to the south, near the railroad ledge.

"-here-"

The north over the mountain.

"-and here."

The west, though the trade route.

"We will be starting the push up the mountain in the north, as the spearhead of the attack. Any questions?"

An awkward silence.

"Good. We move out at 0700 hours."

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Ace looked at the beautiful sunrise from a hilltop over Ponyville. Behind him was the prototype he painstakingly built throughout the night, in front, the reds, oranges, and purples painted against the sky.

"So. This is how it ends." He sighed. "I didn't even get to see the world and it becomes planet Gryphus."

He patted the wing of the machine.

"Well, if I go down, I'm going to go down with a bang! Whattaya say, Javelin? Ooh, a good name!"

Suddenly, two mares popped up from behind a bush. Ace yelled in surprise, and backpedalled into the Javelin.

Diamond Tiara was the first to speak. "Hey Ace!"

Ace was still recovering from his near heart attack experience. Silver Spoon, taking the silence as the go ahead to keep talking, said "We wanted to apologize for the immense torture that we gave you in your elementary years."

Finally finding his voice, Ace snapped, "Is it because I'm being shipped out?" He huffed. "I'm not forgiving you just yet."

The two young mares looked genuinely hurt. "No, Ace." Diamond sniffed. "It's because WE are nurses in the guard now, and we're being shipped to Prance."

"Really? I'm being sent to Prance to escort the bombers the Griffin Empire. No, I can't tell you anything more than that." He sighed. Defensive flying was not his strong point.

The two mares saluted to him. "Godspeed, Ace."

"You too."

He turned to push the plane to the airdrome.

"Um, a little help please?"

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Stormstride flew as fast as he could. It was fast, being Equestria's fastest messenger pony, but not as fast as a certain mare known as Rainbow Dash.

Finding his target, he rolled over and dove down.

"Sargent Stormstride reporting for duty, sir!"

Ace turned and gave a quizzical look. "The Royal Guard? What are you doing here?"

"The Griffin machines have been found amassing near routes into Canterlot." He paused for a moment. "The Princesses need your opinion."

"Hmm.....I'm no tanker, but I would suggest we evacuate the whole city. We can't fight that. Then, we blow up the structures in which the city sits on, and we take down three whole tank battalions. This will be important when we counterattack."

The short Pegasus nodded, saluted, then flew in the direction of Canterlot.

Ace didn't see this. He was running through the airdrome screaming, "Rise and shine, shitheads! We got a Griffin attack inbound!"

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"So, the our job is to protect the Clydesdales armed with 500 kilos and whatever Javelins the factories managed to build so far. It would be suspicious if there wasn't any opposition."

The small group exchanged looks and grins. All of them had lost a family member, no matter how distant, except for Ace Nova.

To the tune of Imperial March, both sides of the inevitable conflict began to take action. Black smoke rising from the smokestacks of the tanks, flame from the back of the Spitefuls.

The Griffins opened the attack with a light bombing with their biplanes by having the pilots taking bombs loaded IN the cockpits. The Spiteful squadron stationed in Canterlot intercepted them as they began their drop.

Thus, the Griffins learned that having high explosives was not the best thing to have in their cockpits when flying though angry pony planes and flak.

Clydesdales dove on the tanks, and generally made their lives miserable. But still they pushed on. Ace and his squadron soon arrived on the scene, to be quickly jumped on.

"Evasive maneuvers!"

With a biplane on his tail, he pulled up, waited for it to stall out, then swooped in to the kill. Pulling out, another got on him. At the same time, a biplane went for a head on. Rolling away from the trap, the two Griffin vehicles collided in a spectacular explosion.

Three kills in the opening moments of the air battle. Not bad.

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"Art thou sure about this, dear sister?" Luna was always one for doubt.

The older alicorn nodded. "Just take the Elements and teleport to Ponyville. I have a couple of...errands to do."

The night alicorn nodded, and disappeared in a flash of light, blue box in tow.

"Thank you." Celestia nodded at the castle. Slowly going around the building, she set up explosives, then teleported to Ponyville. In Ace's mark, she would press the Big Red Button. Her sadness and hopelessness of not being able to do anything was countered by the fact that her ponies could finally be more independent, and all of the Canterlot citizens were safe and sound in neighboring towns.

In a flash of light, she to teleported to Ponyville.

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"Princess?" Ace bit at his hoof in anticipation.

After a pause, "Hello?"

"Mark."

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"And tonight, we celebrate victory!" Adamant yelled above the cheering of the mass of Griffins in Canterlot Square. Suddenly an explosion ripped across the air. The shockwave tossed some tanks away to the side, while the entire city began shake.

"Uh oh."

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"Yee haw!" The Mane Six and the Princesses looked at the massive city go sliding down the mountainside. After a pause, a mushroom cloud rose where the city disappeared. Each had mixed feelings (I'm sure you can guess each).

Omega squadron flew overhead in a single line, and one after another, did a barrel roll.

"So, what now?"

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Ace set his trusty jet down on the ground, and taxied over to his hanger. Calling a circle, he told them future plans.

"Boys, we did great today. But this is only half the fight. The Flim and Flam brothers made a massive four engined plane that carries high explosives. The pegasi will escort it from Equestria to Germane, where they allowed us to station midair refueling aircraft. This is also where we come in to relieve the pegasi. We escort to the cities, bomb the crap out of them, then bring them back to Germane. We go back to Prance, and other pegasi will escort them back to Equestria soil. We will be flying a three engined variant of the Spiteful, the C-4. Home defense will fly the two engined version, C-2. We will be turning in these aircraft to the factories to be converted, or you can get a new one if you turn it in to the reserves. Any questions?"

"Can't the bombers be in Germane?"

"They only allow refueling aircraft."

"Anyone want a new aircraft?"

None did.

"Good. All of you get a 2 week leave. Enjoy your family when you can."

Prance, Germane, and 1000 Kilogram Bombs

"Try to stay in the middle of the air. Do not go near the edges of it. The edges of the air can be recognized by the appearance of ground, buildings, sea, trees and interstellar space. It is much more difficult to fly there."

- Basic flight rules

Carpet bombing, known to the Equestrians as "Strategic Bombing From 5000 Hoofmeters", "Area Bombing" by the Crystal Ponies, and "On No Not Again" by the Griffin and Changeling populace in the latter parts of the war. The Spiteful C-4 was purposely designed to have incredibly long range, more than the bombers to be able to escort, dogfight, and make it back to the base.

But like always, military plans rarely go to plan.

"Rainbow, you can't leave the bombers unprotec-oh, dear...." the Rainbow in question had gone chasing after a formation of four biplanes that make a pass in the bombers. It was a diversionary attack to draw away the escort, and for the most part, it was working. The Rainbow Tail Spitefuls had been the main escort force, leaving the 12 Omega Spitefuls to cover 500 bombers.

"Orders, sir?"

"Split up to get on the entire form. Keep the lead safe, it's the only bomber with a bombsight."

Several weeks of bombing raids had shown that bombers were incredibly vulnerable. Flim and Flam had kept on adding guns, until there were quadruple guns on the "chin", the ball turret, tail, top, and a pair of double waist guns. A pair of single guns for the bombardier was put in the nose.

Early on, the ponies put the bombers on a pedestal; they were like indestructible flying super fortresses that would shoot their way in and shoot their way out. Fighters would strafe airfields to divert fighters away from the bombers.

"Rainbow, I said get you flank back here right now! Buck! Now they're coming! Get them!"

Like mentioned by Nyx, Spitefuls were ill suited to do ground attack. They were simply too fast. Frustrated pilots would only have several seconds of firing time before they would overshoot their target.

"I goth this ace! I'm the fastest Pegasus in Equestria!"

As time wore on, the strategists (ponies who compile their opinions into impressively thick mania folders to get the generals to just simply agree with them) suggested the addition of more and heavier guns.

"Celestiadammit! Those fighter hotshots, chasing after the loudest bark!"

The First Bomber Wing, the first (obviously) and the most experienced included some of the most famous bombers of the war. Baltimare Belle, LuLu, Super Wabbit, Molasses Overcast, we're just a few preserved in war museums and some still flying today.

"This is Wocket Ship going down!"

Most of them, at least.

"Fine, fine, were coming!"

The magical 25th mission was the last one, and so far, only Double Trouble was the one who made it. It was therefore very important that the fighters protect the bombers with more missions under their belt.

"Hey, the Prench are here!"

Equestria sold Germane and Prench a couple Clydesdales in hopes of getting them to join the war.

"Yes, this is their 7th suicide mission."

Of course, without proper instructors, they had issues trying to make the same number of landings as takeoffs.

"Hey, vhat about ze Germane? Vy do zou never care avbout uz?"

The Germane also make a three engined heavy night fighter, using a miniature version the Equestians had for home defense. It came with a lot of bugs when Ace was asked to test it, though it was incredibly advanced.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Problem: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.

Solution: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

Problem: Test flight OK, except autoland very rough.

Solution: Autoland not installed on this aircraft.

Problem: #2 Propeller seeping prop fluid.

Solution: #2 Propeller seepage normal. #1 and #3 propellers lack normal seepage.

Problem: The autopilot doesn't.

Solution: IT DOES NOW.

Problem: Something loose in cockpit.

Solution: Something tightened in cockpit.

Problem: Evidence of hydraulic leak on right main landing gear.

Solution: Evidence removed.

Problem: Number three engine missing.

Solution: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

Problem: DME volume unbelievably loud.

Solution: Volume set to more believable level.

Problem: Dead bugs on windshield.

Solution: Live bugs on order.

Problem: Autopilot in altitude hold mode produces a 200 fpm descent.

Solution: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

Problem: IFF inoperative.

Solution: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.

Problem: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.

Solution: That's what they're there for.

----------------------------------------------------------

"There retreating! Back in formation!"

The Griffins were slowly being pushed back by sheer numbers. It was also that they attacked Saddle Arabia, their largest oil exporter, and the more and more unlubricated war machine was slowly grinding to a halt.

Solution? Make decoys.

A wooden airfield was meticulously constructed, with wooden gas tanks, wooden planes, wooden hangers, and several wooden hangers. Fed up with their antics, Ace went and dropped a perfectly crafted wooden bomb.

"We survived this time, guys. I'll be buying you all a drink when we get back."

The changelings had received plenty of Griffin technology, with the deal that Hive attack Equestria if the Griffin Empire lost the war.

"First Bomber Wing to Rainbow Tails and Flying Clowns, we thank you for the escort. See you in the next milk run."

Violence and Variations

"The best tank terrain is that without anti-tank weapons."

-Russian military doctrine.

Screeeeeech-BOOM

Ace looked over the side of the Spiteful. Under the cloud cover, a massive invasion of the Griffin mainland was under way. Months of planning and espionage had managed to make the invasion successful.

Ratatatatatatatatatatatatata

For the most part, the resistance had been minimal because several weeks of convincing Goldenfeather had taken it's toll. Equestria had dropped a griffin rebel in the griffin high command to mess things up. Thinking that the invasion would take place on the other side of the country, all the units had been moved away.

The fact that only two Griffin biplanes had strafed the boats showed this very clearly.

It was a bittersweet victory; most of the invasion force had been destroyed before they even got on the beaches. Equestia didn't have much of a navy, but the ponies had the biggest merchant force on the planet. In even the planning stage, all the ships were recalled. A new Spiteful, with four down boosters to take off vertically off of the massive Galleons.

------------------------------------------------------

"Lone Wulf to tower, requesting takeoff from the Vesta."

"Tower to Lone Wulf, permission granted."

The vertical takeoff nozzles opened, and four jets of flame shot out from under the plane. The plane rose from the galleon, and began to fly off into the distance.

*cackle cackle*

Ace turned back to the sound to see what happened.

"Oopsies......"

---------------------------------------------------------

Just few hours ago, the beaches were literally a bloodbath. Stallions were littered across the sand, almost like they were having peaceful sleep. For the first time, Ace understood why Celestia was against war.

Ah, the joys of having an immortal ruler.

"Ace, the ATC called us back. Our job here is done." Sylver's voice came over the radio.

Ignoring the what she said, Ace just looked over the Spiteful at the beaches.

"Ace!"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm coming."

They turned back to the waiting galleons, this time with metal blast plates for landing pads.

-------------------------------------------------------------

"So you're saying that these here are not P.O.W. camps, but death camps?"

After landing, the Princesses had called him for some urgent meeting.

"Yes sir, they are all for killing." A light gray stallion said.

"Any proof?"

"My body." The thin, three-quarter starved pony said. "Saw everything with my own eyes."

"Ace, is there any way to bomb the train stations?" Celestia's gentle voice spoke out.

"I'm afraid, Princess, that to be able to bomb the camps means a one way trip for the fighter escort and the limit of the bombers range. Even if we move all the aircraft to the front lines, the fighters will not be able to return." All of the sudden, youngest squadron leader of Equestria looked very old.

"But ponies are dying at this very moment! You can't just let them!" Luna was on the border of a yell and a Canterlot Voice.

"SO YOU WANT THE ENTIRE FIRST BOMBER WING AND TWO ELITE FIGHTER ESCORT SQUADRONS TO JUST BE ANNIHILATED?" He yelled back.

"THEN HOW CAN THE RECON SPITEFULS MAKE THE TRIP?" Princess Celestia rarely used her Canterlot Voice, but when she did, it was LOUD.

Ace told a deep breath. "The recon Spits had very smooth paint that only comes in pink, most of their systems and complete armament removed, super sized fuel tanks, and three auxiliary/drop tanks. They fly in the morning and have barely anything to worry about. No, us fighters are not going to go in without weapons.

"But I do have a proposal to make. The Griffins have massive airships that can allow the dropping of troops. If we outfit several bombers with doors that can be opened in midair, we can drop soldiers in the camps and liberate them. Of course, there will be no fighter escort, and I do not think silk parachutes are the most popular wear when descending through large quantities of flak."

"And, we could have some of the bombers carry fighters in the bomb bays, only to drop the fighters and hightail when fighters appear. It could work, but I'm still thinking that it isn't worth-"

"It's more ponies for the war effort."Twilight interjected. "It would benefit Equestria greatly if we could rescue more of the ponies."

"Look at his health here." Ace pointed at the stallion. "Ponies like this would not be able to fight in battle very well, don't you think? If we bring them back, it will deprive resources necessary to the war effort. If we let the Griffins do what they are doing, they are putting energy into not fighting us. That means we win the war faster and we can worry about this later. Got it?"

The ponies in the room nodded glumly.

"But what of the changelings? War with them is inevitable, so what do we do? Their navy far overpowers ours." Celestia looked worked up.

"Simple. We build our own, and for now, we convert any ship capable of carrying aircraft. The Saddle Arabians are really angry, they'll take care of the Griffins."

"Do really have to use the Saddle Arabian's anger?"

"This is war. We have no choice."

"Very well. We will have an iornclad task force in two months, omega will be assigned to the the Fifth Reconnaissance Task Force for the time being."

"Which ship?"

"Ships, you mean. A third of you will be on the Jack Snipe, a brig, another third on the Riptide, also a brig, and the last third will be on the Citadel, a Frigate. Good enough?"

"What's the escort?"

"Several schooners."

"..."

-------------------------------------------------------

Ace leaned against the railing of the Citadel. "So, the Changelings attacked Vanhoover?"

"With only one of their heavy battlecruisers."

"Buck." Ace turned and looked at the four jets on the deck. "Strap one tallcolt onto each one!" He yelled to the mechanics. They saluted and kept of working on the jets.

"Kay, here's the plan. We go in, dive on the cruiser, drop the bombs, then get the hell out. You got that?"

"I'll go tell the rest of the squad then. Anything else?"

"Tell them to gather around. I have some news to give."

A New Hope

When a prang (crash) seems inevitable, endeavor to strike the softest, cheapest object in the vicinity as slow and gently as possible."

- Advice given to RAF pilots during WWII

"There she is!"

"It's hard to imagine something so calm did all of this." Vanhoover burned in the night, little fires burning brightly.

"Well, we should get ready to attack then." The mismatched Spitefuls fell into a single file line. Flak from the ship opened up, and several searchlights began to swing around wildly.

"Steady, steady..."

One after another, the Spitefuls rolled over and began to dive on the target. Flak batteries began to fire more recklessly, and the main guns pointed as high as they could to desperately bring down the attackers.

Unfortunately for the cruiser, Omega Squad wasn't known for their courage for nothing. 12 tallcolt bombs fell on the cruiser, spinning past the sound barrier. The forward turrents were the first to blow up, then the main superstructure, then the rear turrents.

The Spitefuls, using the speed gained, made a getaway back to their motherships, leaving the massive cruiser to her fate.

"I thought I heard the old man say,

Leave her Jonny, leave her.

Oh leave her Jonny, leave her.

For the journey is long,

And the winds don't blow.

And it's time to leave her Jonny"

Even if the Changelings did attack Equestria without notice, it wasn't enough to condemn them to death. They were sailors, the pilots were sailors (for a week, at least). Flying over the ocean, a light suddenly appeared out of the fog. A merchant ship, it appeared. It was not of Equestrian design, with a massive funnel belching smoke.

"Do we attack sir?"

"No, we need a 500 pounder to do that-aww, come on, why do you never listen to me?"

Four Spitefuls turned to strafe the ship. A big mushroom cloud burst from the ship, and it split in half.

"See? I told you that we could bring it down!"

"Did I give you permission to speak freely?"

"Sorry, sir!"

'That ship was carrying munitions' he thought. 'Interesting.'

"Sir, changelings in our tail!"

"Flip around, use the STVT jets, and full thrust reverses!"

With the introduction of the "ship jets", the handling of the Spiteful became more of a helicopter. The earlier Spiteful models were relegated to embarrassing roles it was ill suited for, like dive bombing, high altitude bombing (which it took weeks to figure out where the bombs landed), torpedo bombing, and a target tug for AA training.

It only took two seconds for Ace to realize this could be used to Equestria's advantage.

"Steady....steady.....fire!"

There was no counter to the tactic except pray to the maker. Unless you ram the Spiteful, of course.

*thunk*

Ace looked out the window, a whole portion of his left wing gone.

"Sir, run while you can!"

"No, I'm staying with you!"

*thunk*

"Okay, fine, I'll go!"

Ace pushed the stick forward, and the little jet fell away from the battle. Spitefuls were an interesting combination of maneuverability, speed, climb rate, a stable gun platform, and armored like a tank. With one of the thrusters gone, the Spiteful would not be able to land on any ship.

"Blue Four, requesting to ditch in the pool?"

"Roger that, precession to ditch granted."

"Dump fuel....cut engines...pray to the maker..."

*Splish!*

"Well, that went better than expected. Riptide, you got boat out to find me?"

"Roger, what are your coordinates?"

"37.8 degrees north, 46.3 degrees east."

"They're coming right now."

The pegasus rested his head on the dashboard. "Farewell, baby. I won't forget you."

He quickly opened the canopy, then hopped out onto the wing.

"Here, I'm over here!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

"So therefore, the Princesses cordially invite you to Twilight's castle for dinner."

After Ace had been fished out of the water, the small fleet was directed to Manehattan. As soon as they had their gangplanks on soil, the whole of Omega Squadron was whisked away back to the Ponyville airdrome.

"Thank you, commander. Tell their majesties we will be along shortly." The unicorn guard saluted, then trotted off in the direction of the castle.

"Okay, I want to lay down a few ground rules. No brawling, alcohol-"

"No alcohol?!"

"Yes. No alcohol, and be polite."

"But I need alcohol!"

"It's only for one night, dammit! You will go without alcohol, and if I find that you smuggled some in, your getting the boot."

Ace held up a dirty, smelly boot.

"This boot, in fact."

-------------------------------------------------------------------

"Wow...." Lyon looked up at the massive chandeliers and mosaics in complete awe. "Those Princesses really have it off lucky..."

"So, you want to be a princess?"

"A prince, you idiot. A boy can't be a princess."

"Shut up you two. You want us to get bucked off to-why, hello, your majesties!"

"Welcome, brave warriors of the sky. I know Ace already, but may I have the rest of your names?"

"Duyal"

"Lyon"

"Sylver"

"Right Fight"

"Jetstream"

"Cloud Runner"

"Skytrain"

"Hurricane"

"Seafire"

"Green Eagle"

"Phantom Phlyer"

"Pleased to meet you all." The solar diarch nodded to the pilots. "You can go in now, I'll be along in a moment. Ace, stay for a moment please."

A bit of shuffling of hooves later, the alicorn and Pegasus were alone. The legendary alicorn, the same one that never showed any faults, the one that kept the entire nation alive, visible sagged.

"The Griffins handed their entire military to the changelings." She sighed. "The Saddle Arabians have forced their surrender, but changelings have everything."

"Well, just have hope. I'm working on something nopony knows about. I can't even tell you."

Celestia smiled. "Thank you." She whispered hoarsely.

"Well let's get this dinner squared away, shall we?"

Cyborg, Cylon, Biomech, What's the Difference?

"Do not touch anything unnecessarily. Beware of pretty girls in dance halls and parks who may be spies, as well as bicycles, revolvers, uniforms, arms, dead horses, and men lying on roads -- they are not there accidentally."

-Soviet infantry manual, issued in the 1930's

Ace sat over the plans of the secret project. Giant flying metal ships, with designs like the Griffins. Catamaran flat tops to carry Spitefuls. Light escort destroyers to buck with the enemy's brains.

Yes, it was all to plan.

Rainbow came in. "Ace, I'm your new commander."

"Buck me."

"Listen to me. We're gonna have to work together to be able to live through this."

"I don't want to work with you."

"Why?"

"You're a self centered, ego inflated, glory grabbing asshole that has no concern for the main cause."

Rainbow looked at him in pure shock, then anger. Taking out a gun, she cocked it and pointed it at Ace.

"Go ahead. It'll only be your own loss in the future."

*bang!*

-----------------------------------------------------

Ace slowly awakened.

Looking around the room, he realized this was no hospital. Before he could register what was going in, Nyx walked in.

"Ace, thank Celestia you're awake. I was up all last night worrying about you."

"Speaking of last night, that shot was fatal. Why am I not dead? Oh, and why is music in my voice?"

Nyx ripped off the covers. Ace inspected his body. He was completely white, black pads under his hooves. Looking into a mirror, he had white eyes with a red dot in the middle. Two white metal plates on each eye acted to give him expressions, which helped a lot due to the fact he didn't have any mouth.

Strangely enough, his hair had color, which he didn't complain. Oh his flanks were grates that seemed to be sucking, then expelling air.

"Dr. Hooves?"

"Yup!"

"Boosters in my hind hooves and ion cannons in my fore hooves?"

"Yup!"

"Why is my life always so bucked up?"

"Well, you are a homeless colt who makes machines that can do the impossible."

"Point taken and noted."

"Yeah, you better make a note if that."

"Sure." Ace took a notepad, wrote something down, and showed it to Nyx:

'Of that.'

"You can be very literal minded, you know that?"

----------------------------------------------------

Ace, after thanking the doctor, had decided to experiment with the general populace. He was sure that he had gone on a downhill streak, especially judging from the expressions he was receiving. Or maybe it was because he had forgiven Dash.

His career destroyed, he was sure that he was not really going to do shit. So, after a talk with Nyx, he decided to just fly off into the sunset, and to Tartarus of where he ended up.

Flying higher and higher, he soon found himself in outer space. To Tartarus with that too.

----------------------------------------------------

William Adama eyed Saul Tigh carefully. "A DRADIS contact?"

"Yeah." The old Colonel nodded. "A robot...winged horse."

"A Pegasus?"

"Yessir."

"From the planet below?"

"Yessir."

"Launch two vipers, escort it into the landing bays. If it tries anything, shoot it down."

"Yessir."

--------------------------------------------------

Ace had check all his systems before he left; there was an additional 4 guns in his wings, and another two that sprouted out in pods from his back.

Loading up as much ammo as the holds would allow, he was increasingly worried that he was being watched by somepony...or something.

As he passed the curve of the planet at Mach 25, he suddenly noticed a small fleet of ships were also in orbit. Rushing forward, he began to get nearer and nearer to the mismatched group. The largest ship, with a striking resemblance to an alligator, suddenly shot out two jets from what appeared to be areas to land.

'An ingenious idea, actually.' Ace thought. The two white jets, showing themselves to have red stripes, escorted him to the massive ship, landing in the right pod. Getting on an elevator to the hanger, he noticed that the pilots were bipedal beings.

'Well. Here goes nothing.'

--------------------------------------------------

Diplomacy had always been Celestia's strong point. Until things went extraterrestrial. She had nearly had a heart attack when Colonial One had landed on one of her gardens; she thought that her beautiful flowers had been crushed under the landing pads of the government ship.

But, after a little time, the situations of the two parties had been sorted out, and how Equestria should handle the visitors was soon put on the table.

"Princess." Adama spoke up. "If we nuke those...changelings and give you the plans of Valkyrie and Mercury class Battlestars, will you help us?"

Ace looked at Celestia pleadingly. "Princess, this is the extinction of an entire sapient species here! What happened to 'for those who need help, Equestria will open it's arms?' We're the Land of Friendship and Harmony, remember?"

"Fine! Alright, just nuke Crissy to next Sunday and give us the plans, we'll help you!"

Everyone was taken back by the sudden outburst, and at that, Ace quickly pushed the humans back onto Colonial One.

"Ciao, hasta lavista, zai ziang, bye bye!"

Then he went back to the meeting room.

"Princess."

The alicorn acknowledged him with a nod, but kept on tapping the table in deep thought.

"Why?" She finally asked. "Why are you so willing to help them?"

"It's my duty as an Equestrian citizen."

"The enemy were fighting can decimate whole cities in one go!"

"So can the humans were fighting with."

"Still, think about the ponies that will die because of this!"

Ace gave the alicorn a hard look. Or tried to, at least. "You don't know how many are suffering out in trenches now. What difference will it make? We take out some permanent enemies, and we take our first steps into the stars." It was hard to detect emotion from his "mismatched" voice, but Celestia was pretty sure he was angry.

The backdrop of his eyes turned black, and the gun pods sprouted from his back.

"You still can say no. But I will leave with the humans. That is all, your highness." He practically spat.

Celestia looked at his retreating figure. "You're a sneaky one, aren't you?" She whispered.

Battlestar Dominus

"A nuclear war can ruin your whole day"

- Unknown

The speed the ships were built was amazing. In a single month, Equestria produced a whole armada of atmospheric capable battlestars. The Battlestar Red Nova and Battlestar Equinox, both Valkyrie Class, were the first two starships Equestria would make, followed by Battlestar Dominus (Ace's ship) and Battlestar Illustrious.

The second two were a strange sort, being that their main hulls were Cygnus Class Gunstars, but they had Mercury Class Double Deck Landing Pods (Trademark) shortened and directly integrated into the hull.

Slightly longer than the Valks, they had sixty Shooting Stars (Spitefuls with tylium ore engines), twenty Raptors, and fifteen Scimitars. Gunstars were fully fledged battleships, and therefore the two battlestars were the opposite of the Colonial tradition of carriers; Battlestars were built in the philosophy of a carrier with heavy armor and big guns, allowing a larger fighter compliment with the price of speed and "punch."

The Cygnus Battlestars were battleships with added facilities for planes. Larger than the Valkyrie and more of an anti ship punch, the two Valkyries needed Berserker class flak frigates in order to provide protection against anti-ship missiles and aircraft. Though, the Valkyries had nearly double the aircraft compliment.

So that's why for every Cygnus, a Valk was built.

Surprisingly, the Crystal Empire also built a Battlestar. The only galactica type from Anima, called the Cupid, it had pink war paint, as opposed to Equestria's blue highlights and the Colonial's red.

Oh, and the Equestrians also introduced the invention of actually putting windows on the warships so that the crew could actually see where they were going; Galactica was much like a submarine, without any windows, and depended on DRADIS to see where she was going.

That didn't work so well when the Cylons jammed DRADIS.

The last if the humans were put in the middle, Galactica and Cupid on each side of the civilians, and the Equestrian Cygnusses, Valkyries, and Berserkers around the fleet in a protective formation. Before the Cylons found the Colonials, the extended fleet jumped away from Anima.

Now, several months later, Ace was beginning to wonder why the Cylons hadn't attacked them. It was almost as if there was something out there pulling them away....

Full Warship List by date commissioned:

Colonial

(Galactica Type) Battlestar Galactica (Caprica)

(Mercury Class) Battlestar Pegasus (No Representation)

Crystal Empire

(Galactica Type) Battlestar Cupid (Crystal City)

Equestian

(Valkyrie Class) Battlestar Red Nova (Co-Represents Canterlot)

(Valkyrie Class) Battlestar Equinox (Co-Represents Canterlot)

(Cygnus Class) Battlestar Dominus (Co-Represents Ponyville)

(Cygnus Class) Battlestar Illustrious (Co-Represents Ponyville)

(Berzerker Class) Deathly Fog (Hollow Shades)

(Mercury Class) Battlestar Pegasus 2 (Cloudsdale)

(Valkyrie Class) Battlestar Cerberus (Tartarus)

(Cygnus Class) Battlestar Intrepid (Manehattan)

(Valkyrie Class) Battlestar Firebird (Las Pegasus)

(Nova Class) Battlestar Ally (Vanhoover)

(Poseidon Valkyrie Subclass) Battlestar Vodka (Stalliongrad)

(Concordia Stealthstar Class) Battlestar Hammerhead (The Sea Ponies)

(Caprica class Light Battlestar) Battlestar Kobol (Foal Mountain)

(Feneris Class) Battlestar Blackwidow (the Bat Ponies)

(Colombia Class) Battlestar Silverwings (the Griffins)

(Phoenix Class) Battlestar Invincible (the Dragons)

(Orion superlight class) Battlestar Osiris (Saddle Arabia)

(Berserker Class) Triton (Neigh Orleans)

(Berserker Class) Europa (Seaddle)

(Berserker Class) Adamant (Fillydelphia)

(Berserker Class) Viligant(Detrot)

(Berserker Class) Athens (Baltimare)

(Berserker Class) Green Mist (Zebrica)

(Berserker Class) Hardcore Spirit (Appleloosa)

(Berserker Class) Spearhead (Maneapolis)

(Berserker Class) Eagle Claw (the Griffins)

(Alicorn Mercury Subclass) Battlestar Invictus Sol (Celestia)

(Alicorn Mercury Subclass) Battlestar Lunar Lion (Luna)

(Alicorn Mercury Subclass) Battlestar Harmonic Victory (Twilight Sparkle)

(Alicorn Mercury Subclass) Battlestar Vigilant Guard (Nyx)

(Berserker Class) Solstice (Solar Temple)

(Berserker Class) Medusa (the currently extinct changelings)

Battlestar Pegasus

"The enemy invariably attacks on two occasions:

a. When they’re ready.

b. When you’re not."

-Murphy's Lawbook of War

Adama looked over at the DRADIS screen. An unidentified craft always threw wrenches in his plans.

Unwilling to investigate on the matter using an entire ship, he had sent out a pair of Vipers to check on what was going on. The last thing he needed was the ponies to second guess their decision and bail.

"Sir, it's the Pegasus!"

The relief was unbearable. An unknown cylon ship had been part of the stalking fleet, and that was the last thing he needed to make things worse.

"Escort her to the fleet, I want the admiral to meet our new friends."

----------------------------------------------------------

Ace and the ship commanders had gathered in Galactica's left flight pod. Without any explanation, Adama gathered everyone, as if he was expecting someone.

"Ace, I would like you to meet Admiral Cain, my commanding officer."

"I want to know how he managed to survive the nuking."

Admiral Cain walked in, but it was a woman.

"Oops..."

The two humans saluted each other.

"Ma'am, in case you're wondering how we got so many battlestars, we found some allies."

"You always were a straightforward one, commander." She turned her attention to the ponies behind Adama. "And who may you be?"

"Commander Ace at your service."

"Ace...?"

"Our names may be slightly strange to your tongue, ma'am. As yours are to ours."

She nodded. "Good to see that we're not alone."

"Anyways, ma'am," Adama spoke up. "How did you find us?"

She began to tell the story of how Pegasus blind jumped from Scorpia Shipyards, then tailed a randomly jumping fleet of Basestars that kept on going to planets with natural resources, leading to the discovery of the fleet.

"You seem strangely calm to meet a bunch of 'mutant' creatures."

"Actually, creatures like you are actually considered sacred on the Colonies. We have never come across you, but to hurt you would be a crime." Adama interjected.

"That explains why you named a whole ship after my species."

----------------------------------------------------------

In a couple short hours, the military ships had all been resupplied, but the civilian ships had been left alone. When Adama asked Cain why she hadn't, she waved him off, saying "The war is more important than a couple of common people."

She also transferred Kara "Starbuck" Thrace and Lee Adama to Pegasus, against her promise. Starbuck, ever so defiant, flew a recon mission unknown to both the Cylons and Colonials.

Helo and Galen, who heard about a Cylon number six on Pegasus being raped, quickly rushed to the Galactica CIC to see Alastair Thorne cornering Sharon "Boomer" Valerii.

Galen grabbed Thorne, and chucked him into a bulkhead, killing him. The two were arrested and charged for murder. Adama launched all his older Viper MK2s against the Pegasus's MK7s.

Ace, hearing about the events, quickly ordered all the Equestrian ships point their guns at the Pegasus, but to hold fire. The tense standoff went for awhile, as the Vipers play chicken, trying to get each other to crash.

Spitefuls soon joined the fray, causing more confusion. "Cain, stand down, or we will use force!"

Pegasus turned to Galactica and her allies, weapons primed.

Galactica and company armed their own weapons, also ready to fire at moments notice.

(Fade out)

Resurrection Ship

"Teamwork is essential; it gives the enemy other people to shoot at."

-Murphy's Lawbook of War

Starbuck was nearing the fleet. Getting close, she noticed the Pegasus and Galactica were in a deadly faceoff.

"Recon one to fleet, what in the Lord of Kobol's name is going on?"

A pause. "Uh, nothing that should concern you!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I got recon on the ship, though."

"Good. Cleared to land on Galactica."

-------------------------------------------------

Starbuck and Adama looked over the photos. "Well, no comment. But we need to destroy it. Those are Cylon humans, and my theory is that those are to download the conscious after an agent 'dies.'"

Ace's voice came over the radio. "Cain, I can give you one chance to stand down!"

"Never!"

Adama looked over the statistics. "Starbuck, we need Lee to go and take out the engines so it doesn't jump away."

"Fine, we can keep on playing this game! I'm a frickin computer anyway!"

"To frak with that!"

"The stealth viper?"

"Yeah."

"It's buck, you idiot, buck!"

"Should we stop them, sir?"

"No, it's frak! You're the idiot!"

"Nah, let them go for awhile. Everyone in the fleet can hear them, it's comic relief."

"Nuh-uh!"

"Yuh-uh!"

"Nuh-uh!"

----------------------------------------------------

After sorting our Ace and Cain's collective shit, the fleet signed a truce to take down the now dubbed "resurrection ship."

Dominus, Illustrious, Galactica, and Pegasus would take down the escort while the Vipers and Shooting Stars would strafe the glass ship.

Lee Adama rushed into the engine section, shot a missile in, and rushed out. Cylon Raiders damaged his oxygen tanks, and he soon had to bail out.

A rescue Raptor saved him though, clearing a path for the fighters to begin the assault.

Ace looked up at the DRADIS screen, clearly stressed. This would mark the Equestrian's first offensive attack.

The four battlestars charged at the Basestars, Dominus and Illustrious on one, Pegasus and Galactica on another. Circling the Cylon ships, they were completely defenseless, with their Raider complement gone, trying to take down the Vipers and Shooting Stars.

The baseships destroyed, the massive guns began to target the remaining Raiders. One after another, they were shot down, signaling the end of the attack.

Ace looked over at the rest of the CIC crew.

"No point in staying, eh?"

One after another, the massive Battlestars jumped back to the fleet.

---------------------------------------------

Cain, Adama, and Ace sat together at one table on Colonial One.

"That went better than expected, I was anticipating heavy casualties." Ace muttered.

"This is why you're not fit to command a battlestar." Cain muttered.

"Here we frakking go again..."

Cain got up and left for her cabin on Pegasus. Undressing for a shower, a number six suddenly barged in and fired a bullet into Cain's head. Cain fell backwards, dead.

The number six known as Gina Ivierne smiled. "Karma's a bitch, motherfrakker."

----------------------------------------------

"...and in conclusion, the fleet would have been safer with her than without."

Starbuck's speech, while heartfelt, brought a couple raised eyebrows. Especially the civilian captains, who had received the most beatings from the ordeal.

Adama gave her a funny look. "Very well then. This concludes the funeral of Admiral Helena Cain, commander of the battlestar group 62."

"Kara, you know I love you like a father. Is it alright if I ask you why you said the things you did?"

"Cain's ideas would have brought the destruction of the Cylons quicker. Simple as that." The hot-shot pilot turned and left the Commander to muse over her words.

Turning his attention to the multiple ships outside, he muttered. "They're all gonna be gone. No debate."

New Caprica and, um, Stuff

"Try to look unimportant; the enemy may be low on ammo and not want to waste a bullet on you."

-Muprhy's Lawbook of War

Ace flew in formation with a recon raptor. He had gained a very small FTL engine with tylium ore tank, and a battle information screen made of glass came around his right "eye." The Colonial upgrades on his body had been incredibly effective. Flying escort for the raptor, it was his job to keep them alive.

His forward hoof cannons had been tweaked to the force of a capital ship, and the four light machine guns in the wings were replaced with two sawn off cannons used on Cylon Raiders.

None of that prepared him for the discovery of a planet with the possibility of life. He hadn't been equipped with scanners, and he had no way to tell the raptor crew that his DRADIS detected something.

Hidden in an electromagnetic nebula, the Cylons wouldn't be able to find the planet.

Perfect for a hiding place.

The pair jumped back to a Galactica to report.

----------------------------------------------

The fleet, stationed over the planet now christened New Caprica, left all the civilians and Equestrian Battlestars to land on the surface. Setting up civilization, they began to move everything onto the planet.

Suddenly, two Basestars jumped into orbit. Galactica, Pegasus, and the fleet jumped away, leaving the planet defenseless. But the Cylons want to negotiate. Allowing an unconditional surrender, the humans on the planet began to accept Cylon rule. Ace managed to convince the commanders of Red Nova, Equinox, Illustrious, and Cupid to jump directly from the surface to the main fleet, with any of the ponies that were willing to come and anybody that opposed to stay on the planet, before the Cylons confiscated the launch keys.

Over a year, the Cylons became more and more corrupt, while Adama planned a storming of New Caprica.

Pegasus, Red Nova, Equinox and Cupid stayed back to defend the fleet, while Dominus, Illustrious, and Galactica jumped in, with the Cygnus Battlestars drawing the now four Basestars away. Adama jumped into the atmosphere, launched Blue Squadron and a Raptor that had keys, then jumped back into orbit. The civilians began to fight the Cylons with smuggled weapons, with vipers destroying any centurion stemming the reboarding.

The Basestars, realizing the plan, jumped back to pummel Galactica. Right side structurally failing and FTL system offline, the massive ship could only take it. Dominus and Illustrious came back to try to ward them off, but several more Basestars jumped into orbit. Taking out the unprepared Equestrian Battlestars on the ground, they turned their attention to Dominus and Illustrious.

Suddenly, Pegasus jumped into orbit and destroyed several in one salvo. She left all her aircraft compliment back with the fleet, and Lee Adama, now the commander of Pegasus, disobeyed his father's orders to save him. Galactica recovered her Vipers, then jumped away,

FTL back online.

Dominus and Illustrious also jumped away, expecting Pegasus to follow. But she was taking too much damage without her aircraft compliment. Abandoning ship in Raptors and Scrimitars, the Pegasus was set on automatic to take down a few more Basestars, pointed at one, then she rammed it. The entire alligator head was destroyed, flight pods slightly forced out a bit. Then the fuel lines ruptured, blowing out the flight pods to both sides, and the eight sublight engines were sent in all directions, away from the center hulk of the main hull. The right flight pod slammed into another Basestar, taking her out of the equation.

-------------------------------------------

"Most of our fleet is destroyed. We don't have the capability to rebuild our aircraft. We don't have contact with Anima. Great. Just bucking great."

The remaining commanders (and recently promoted Admiral William Adama) sat together around a table on Colonial One, drinking whiskey.

"Welcome to the club." Lee muttered.

"That's not the point! Our insurance only covers accidents, not 'destruction by any outside sources!' We can't pay for losses like this!"

Adama did a spit take. "Wait, this is what this is all about?"

Discord suddenly popped in. "Why hello, Ace. Yes it's true, insurance doesn't cover that, but Celestia has several flak frigates in patrol. She's sending a couple for your cause."

"Discord, go back to whatever puddle of industrial waste you came out of!" Lee yelled.

"How'd buck did you know my name?"

"You respond to that."

Ace got up and left the room, then FTL jumped back onto Galactica. He was being drawn to a certain tune.

Entering a room he met Galen Tyrol, Tory Foster, Samuel Anders, and Saul Tigh.

"Hey." He muttered. "Interesting group we've got here."

"We're all Cylon."

"That's not possible. Only cylon humans are possible. You're not even a model."

"We're the final five, apparently. The ones who gave the Cylons life."

Saul spoke up. "I'm an officer in the Colonial Fleet, and that will not change." He turned and left.

Galen looked at Ace. "In the ancient texts of Kobol, Ponies, the peacekeepers, Griffins, the warmongers, Changelings, the spies, Zebras, the medics, Minotuars, the blacksmiths, and other mythical creatures lived in harmony. When they destroyed Kobol, each civilization went their own way. The animals all left for a star system far off, but the star had died when they got there. Using their magic, they tamed the forces of nature, as in the tides, jet streams, disease, weather, and the celestial bodies.

"The humans went the other way to thirteen colonies. Aeroeon, Aquaria, Canceron, Caprica, Gemenon, Leonis, Libris, Picon, Sagittaron, Scorpia, Tauron, Virgon, and the holy planet of Earth.

"Save a small population of Pegasi, that went to Earth. But when Earth made their own Cylons and they destroyed Earth, four men and a single silver stallion tried to journey a several thousand year sublight voyage to warn the main twelve. But that didn't work out, the Cylon war had already began."

"How do you know all of this?"

"It's all in the sacred texts. But let me finish my story. With the promise of life to the Cylons, we negotiated the end of the war. But a Cavil was unhappy. He was technically the ruler of the Cylons. Planting each of us on one of the colonies, he wanted us to suffer during the attack, save you, Ace. He wiped your memories, gave you a new name, turned you back into a foal, and put you on Anima."

"That's why I built those aircraft with no knowledge of aircraft whatsoever...and that's why I never got my cutie mark..."

Suddenly, general alarm klaxons sounded. Everyone rushed back to their stations, intending to continue their life as if nothing happened.

Ace and Samuel rushed to the hangars, and both launched out. Chasing a raider, Ace and Samuel readied their weapons, until the Raider suddenly turned around. Scanning the two Cylons, both of their right eyes flashed red in an "Identification Freidly or Foe."

The raider, deeming them to be friendly, called off the entire attack.

-----------------------------------------

Cavil looked over at a number eight. "Remove their consciousness."

"No."

The Cylons split into a larger, Cavil controlled faction and a smaller, free faction. The larger destroyed several of the free Basestars, save a single one that blind jumped, right into the fleet. Welcoming them, they built an alliance.

Sharon's kidnapped daughter, a hybrid, had been decidedly exploited by the Cavil Cylons. After the battle of the Resurrection hub, where Cylons and Colonials worked together with the heavy raiders towing the colonial ships to make sure they weren't detected, destroyed the central Resurrection space station, Adama made a decision to assault the Colony and bring back the girl. Discord offered his support, Ace decided he was joining, and Galactica was readied up for a volunteer only mission.

Kara's Coordinates

"To be alone, to have your life in your own hands, to use your skills, single-handed, against the enemy. It was like the lists of the Middle Ages, only the sphere in modern warfare where a man saw his adversary and faced him in mortal combat, the only sphere where there was chivalry and honor. If you won, it was your own bravery and skill; if you lost, it was because you had met a better man."

-Cecil A. Lewis

Discord sat in the front section of the Galactica with the rest of the Marines, ready for the assault. Discord was in his general outfit, armed with a machine gun. Several "red stripe" centurions went with them, to fool the defenses.

"This is the Admiral. Just so there are no misunderstandings later. Galactica's seen a lot of history. Been through a lot of battles. This will be her last. If we don't fail her, she will bring us home. And if we don't, it doesn't matter anyway. Action stations!"

*eerk! eerk! eerk!*

"Start the clock."

"Start the clock!"

"Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Mark!"

*heerrkszzkt!*

Jumping right in front of the guns of the massive space station, Galactica revived a pounding from the guns, but Ace, using his Cylon installed wireless command signal, shut them off.

Galactica and the ships all received FTL upgrades from the Cylons. A combination of Colonial accuracy and Cylon Red Line tech, the range and accuracy of both the Rebel Basestar and the Colonial FTL improved drastically. Ace, temporarily Galactica's hybrid, could signal any Cylon go stand down and do his bidding.

"They'll be launching raiders any minute."

"Launch all Vipers and Shooting Stars! And Ace!"

Vipers, Shooting Stars, and a distinct Biomech sped out, ready to defend the battered Battlestar.

Raptors made a direct jump from the flight pods to several miles away, the team that would take a second assault team, including Sharon Valerii.

"All ahead, flank speed! Three, two, one, hit it!"

"All hands, brace for impact."

Discord felt that he wasn't going to make it that day, and told Ace to go whisper "The task is complete" in Derpys ear, if he died.People and ponies all were slammed into the ground. The ship rocked and rolled, trying to find the easiest way through the wall. The ship suddenly stopped, and the marines along with Discord and the Red Stripe Centurions lept down onto the ground after the doors opened.

"Here they come! Let's get em'!"

Ace fired everything he had at anything Cylon that came across his path. Constantly changing directions, he understood why Viper pilots were literally bred to fly. He was Equestria's finest fighter pilot, but he would have been only counted as a nugget by the colonials. The big guns finally began to fire, taking down plenty of Raiders, but several were destroyed by Cylon missiles.

The raptors finally made it to the roof of the colony, and cut holes in it to allow the assault team in. Any small bit of a disturbance got a bullet. The red stripe 008 centurions fought with the older 005 Cylon war era models, punching, kicking, shoving, and shooting.

*boom!*

"Cylons just blew a hole on deck 21! Frakking centurions are pouring in!"

Ace went head in with a raider. His screen was broken, his wings were filled with bullet holes and multiple scorch marks adorned his body. But he didn't care. Ramming the Raider, it split apart, but he was fine. His compact and strong body took the shock.

As the assault team slowly went further in, a number eight suddenly came around the corner with the girl.

"Hold up!"

"Here she is."

"Doesn't change anything you did though!"

"No. We all make choices. Today, I made my biggest. I think it's my last."

"We need to get out of here!"

"Your raptors are destroyed, you cannot go back that way."

"Yeah, that's not the plan."

"Can you not tell her the plan?"

Sharon locked and loaded her gun. Then she shot the number eight.

"I repeat, we need marines on deck twenty one to repel the attackers!"

Discord popped right in. "Chill out, bro! I got this!"

He teleported in front of the centurions with a shotgun. Cocking it, he said. "I hope you heard my last wish, Ace."

Ace was in a rolling fight with a raider. "Come on, come on!" Suddenly hearing the report of needing support in deck 21, he put in coordinates and jumped in. It was already too late to save Discord, and Cavil's centurions already shot several of the retreating marines. It didn't take a genius to figure out that they were losing.

In the CIC, Cavil realized he was in enemy territory a bit too late. Holding a gun to the girl, he said "Just give me the girl and no one gets hurt." He began to inch away.

"Cavil, we're not gonna let you get away with this."

"She is the key to the survival of my people."

"She is also the key to the survival of humanity."

Everyone had a gun pointed at him.

"They're pulling back!"

"It's a trick!"

The Cylon humans opened fire, but Cavil turned tail to try and run off with the girl. Ace suddenly leapt in, and fired a burst into Cavil. He fell dead.

Lt. Edmundson and Lt. Mccall flew a recon mission earlier. With debris hitting the raptor, the atmosphere was destroyed and the pilots suffocated.

Another rock hit the raptor, and Mccall's hand hit the launch for the nuclear tipped warheads below the aircraft. They impacted the Colony, and the explosion rocked it from it's low orbit over a black hole.

Galactica began to shake uncontrollably. "Starbuck, jump the ship!"

Kara ran to the FTL computer. "I don't know the rendezvous point!"

"Doesn't matter! Just jump us out of her now!"

She suddenly remembered a song she used to play on the piano when she was little. The Cylon song, it was. Pressing in the numbers, Kara thought of the song and the numbers she assigned to them.

1123.6536.5221

She placed the key in the socket, then turned it.

"Jump, dammit, jump!"

*heerrkszzkt!*

*ba-boom...*

The ship shook and buckled, throwing off Vipers, Shooting Stars, and Landrams. Everyone on board, even Ace, were thrown onto the floor. After a while, the ship finally settled down, and the six sublight engines started up again. Amazingly, the ship was in one piece.

Kara was still holding the key. Moving away, she looked at the others. People and ponies were picking themselves up.

"Damage report!"

"We're losing air. She has red lines through her lateral structures. She's broken her back, she'll never jump again."

Ace nudged Kara's leg. She looked down at him. He didn't seem to be faring off better than the ship. "Where have you brought us, Kara?"

She just looked at everybody.

Earth

"We ain't making no goddamn cornflakes here."

-Col. Charlie Beckwith, founder of Delta Force

12 Hours Later, over a Confirmed-to-be-Extinct-Earth

Ace walked into the CIC of the Galactica. "Admiral, a third Battlestar Pegasus is joining us, and I heard you bought some Shooting Stars because the Mercury Class could make more fighters. I happen to own the company, so could you please fill out this survey?"

"Sure thing, Ace." Adama took out a pen and put on some glasses, then took the clipboard from Ace's hoof.

Thank you for purchasing an Ace Flyer military aircraft. In order to protect your new investment, please take a few moments to fill out the warranty registration card below. Answering the survey questions is not required, but the information will help us to develop new products that best meet your needs and desires.

[_] Mr. [_] Mrs. [_] Ms. [_] Miss [_] Lt. [_] Gen. [_] Comrade [_] Classified [_] Other

First Name: Initial:

Last Name:

Password: (max 8. char)

Code name:

Latitude/Longitude/Altitude: / /

Which model aircraft did you purchase?

[_] FB-3 Clydesdale

[_] Spiteful

[_] Javelin

[_] Shooting Star

[_] Classified

Date of purchase (Year/Month/Day): / /
Serial Number:
Please check where this product was purchased:

[_] Received as gift/aid package

[_] Catalog showroom

[_] Independent arms broker

[_] Mail order

[_] Discount store

[_] Government surplus

[_] Classified

Please check how you became aware of the Ace Flyer product you have just purchased:

[_] Heard loud noise, looked around

[_] Store display

[_] Espionage

[_] Recommended by friend/relative/ally

[_] Political lobbying by manufacturer

[_] Was attacked by one

Please check the three (3) factors that most influenced your decision

to purchase this Ace Flyer product:

[_] Style/appearance

[_] Speed/maneuverability

[_] Price/value

[_] Comfort/convenience

[_] Kickback/bribe

[_] Recommended by salesperson

[_] Ace Flyer reputation

[_] Advanced Weapons Systems

[_] Backroom politics

[_] Negative experience opposing one in combat

Please check the location(s) where this product will be used:

[_] Space

[_] Anima

[_] Space

[_] Aircraft carrier

[_] Space

[_] Kobol

[_] Space

[_] Ionian Nebula (not Space)

[_] Space

[_] New Caprica

[_] Space

[_] Twelve Colonies of Man

[_] Space

[_] Earth

[_] Space

[_] Classified

Please check the products that you currently own or intend to purchase in the near future:

[_] Color TV

[_] VCR

[_] Inter Galaxy Ballistic Missile (IGBM)

[_] Killer Moon Sized Space Station

[_] CD Player

[_] Plane-to-Plane Missiles

[_] Plane-to-Cylon Missiles

[_] Home Computer

[_] Nuclear Weapon

How would you describe yourself or your organization? (Check all that apply)

[_] Dark Magic Tyrant

[_] Crazed

[_] Neutral

[_] Democratic

[_] Dictatorship

[_] Corrupt

[_] Primitive/Tribal

How did you pay for your Ace Flyer product?

[_] Deficit spending

[_] Cash

[_] Raiding the ruins of the Twelve Colonies

[_] Tylium Ore revenues

[_] Personal check

[_] Credit card

[_] Ransom money

[_] Traveler's check

Your occupation:

[_] Homemaker

[_] Sales/marketing

[_] Revolutionary

[_] Clerical

[_] Mercenary

[_] Viper Nugget

[_] Middle management

[_] Eccentric billionaire

[_] Defense Minister/General

[_] Retired

[_] Battlestar Commander

To help us understand our customers' lifestyles, please indicate the interests and activities in which you and your spouse enjoy participating on a regular basis:

[_] Golf

[_] Boating/sailing

[_] Sabotage

[_] Running/jogging

[_] Propaganda/disinformation

[_] Destabilization/overthrow

[_] Default on loans

[_] Gardening

[_] Crafts

[_] Black market / smuggling

[_] Collectibles / collections

[_] Watching sports on TV

[_] Wines

[_] Interrogation/torture

[_] Household pets

[_] Failing to crush Cylon rebellions

[_] Espionage/reconnaissance

[_] Buying Toasters

[_] Destroying Cylon Colonies

[_] Mutually Assured Destruction

Thank you for taking the time to fill out this questionnaire. Your answers will be used in market studies that will help McDonnell Douglas serve you better in the future - as well as allowing you to receive mailings and special offers from other companies, governments, extremist groups, and mysterious consortia. As a bonus for responding to this survey, you will be registered to win a brand new F-117A in our Desert Thunder Sweepstakes!

Comments or suggestions about our fighter planes? Please write to:

ACE FLYER CORPORATION

Marketing Department

Military Aerospace Division

Adams handed the clipboard back to Ace. "Thanks, Admiral."

He nodded at him.

----------------------------------------------

Rainbow and Scootaloo flew in formation, making their way to the Dominus. Commander Hot Head needed them to make their presence known. Landing in the right flight pod, they followed signs to the CIC.

The two snapped a salute at the Biomech as he came in. "Wow, you guys took forever to get here."

"Wait, you knew?"

"Rebel Cylons improved a lot of crap on the ships and my body. You guys stuck out like a sore thumb. But anyways, good to see you, Rainbow. If you hadn't shot me, I wouldn't be alive right now. Or the humans."

"Huh?"

"So who's this mare?"

"Sargent Scootaloo, 31St detachment of the Rainbow Tails."

"You were the dreamer, weren't you?"

"Yes, sir, the one that want to be like Lieutenant."

"Demotion?"

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "For shooting someone without good reason."

"I'm transferring you guys to Dominus."

"Sir, several unknown DRADIS contacts!"

"There's your cue, ladies."

----------------------------------------------

The two mares came back after an hour, obviously pissed.

"The nerve!"

"Tell me."

"That asshole Leiter! He didn't even detect us, and he doesn't even have FTL capabilities! And yet he thinks the Eastern Alliance is superior! They have 300 meter flak frigates!"

Ace sat their and let the two mares rant to their hearts content, picking up vital information through the yelling.

After a while, he told them to stop. "Are they a direct danger to the fleet?"

"Yes."

Ace thought for a moment. "Action stations!"

----------------------------------------------

The Dominus left the fleet to take on the small destroyers on her own. All guns armed but the flight pods closed and no aircraft launching, Ace decided to even the odds for the poor bastards.

Charging in from "above," the Eastern Alliance ships were completely taken by surprise, because they were looking down at Earth, wanting to colonize the planet. Several destroyers were annihilated in the opening moments, and more were crushed under the superior weapons. When they finally realized what happened, their guns couldn't really do much to the armor. In several short moments, Dominus' kill streak nearly doubled.

Leaving Leiter's ship and forcing him into the flight pod (that's how small his ship was). He was thrown in the CIC to talk with Ace.

"Just who the hell do you think you are to challenge the might of the Eastern Alliance?"

"I destroyed your fleet of obsolete skiffs. Actually, this is one of the weaker ships."

"Huh?"

"The Mercury Class is 1789 meters long. She would be considered a Heavy Battlecruiser, because the Nova Class is 2100 meters."

"That's impossible, the largest ship we have is slightly larger than this!"

Ace brought him to a window. The fleet slowly came into view. He looked at Leiter's saucer eyes and pot mouth.

"Those are the largest ships I've ever seen..." He said, referring to Galactica, Pegasus, the rebel basestar, and Cupid. "What happened to red?"

"Big battle that took a lot from her. Do you have FTL capabilities?"

"Lightspeed is impossible!"

"Yes, it is, but our drives fold space, creating a temporary wormhole. It takes on the appearance of faster than light."

Leiter looked ready to faint. "Look, buddy, I'll let you go if you pinkie promise not to force rule on other civilizations. Kay?"

"....I...um....Pinkie Promise...."

---------------------------------------------

Pinkie Pie looked up at the sky. "You better keep it, scumbag!"

The End of the Chase

"Diplomacy - the art of saying `Nice doggie' 'til you can find a stick."

- Wynn Catlin

Ace and Adama looked over the stellar maps. "We're not that far from Anima. Now that we shifted the crew and whatnot onto the other Battlestars and the Basestar, we should be ok."

Adama nodded. "I'm not leaving. I was with Galactica since she was commissioned. I'm not leaving her now."

"Rainbow Dash would die from your loyalty."

Ace hooked up and spun up the drives. The other ships jumped away to Anima, and Galactica followed. The ship still shook, but she was fine. Ace was quite amazed, and it brought more respect to the human's abilities.

The Galactica was now commissioned as a museum. Technically Equestrian property now, Adama was retired, and the it was decided that the humans live in peace with the ponies. It was an amazing thing, and a homecoming that no one lived long enough to remember what happened before all of this.

Dominus and Illustrious both set down in the Ponyville Bomer Airdrome, and the Canterlot Battlestars landed in the gardens. The civilian ships were handed to the Equestrian Government.

Adama and Ace made a farewell shake, before one turned to go to Hoofington to be with his son, Lee Adama.

The other turned to get to the Fighter Airdrome across town.

"Ace!" It was Nyx and her Crystal Empire gang.

"Only you guys? I'm surprise you even remembered me.

Bright Eyes sighed. "We heard most of the Equestrian ships were destroyed, and we feared the worst. But you're alive. Thank Celestia for that."

Ace just looked at him, sadness ran deep in it.

"You got me the films?" Roller Reel asked.

Ace nodded. "Look, my body can't take anything anymore. I'm being 'decommissioned.' Don't worry, I'll live."

Nyx sighed, then hugged the Biomech. "It's alright. It'll all happen to us. But, I have a plan that you're gonna love. You'll be in the action without being there."

Ace smiled. His next great adventure was being loaded up. And maybe, just maybe, he might get to find Lightspeed. He looked at the setting sun. For the second time in his life, he had a glimmer of hope.

Stupid Bloody Parents

"If at first you don't succeed, call in an airstrike."

-Unknown

"This is the commander.

"Moments ago, this ship received word of a Cylon attack on our home world is under way. We do not know the size, or the strength, or the disposition of the enemy forces. All evidence points to a massive assault. A fifty megaton bomb detonated over Caprica City thirty minutes ago. How, why, doesn't really matter. What does matter is that as of this moment, we are at war."

-------------------------------------------------

Lightspeed groaned as he got up to look at the time.

"Hmmm...1:28...meh."

He rolled over getting ready to go back to sleep, when the door creaked open.

"Bwother?" It was Super Sonic, the adopted baby brother that Lightspeed resented because Lightning dust gave him her entire devotion, while she treated her biological son like, well, crap. "Can I snuggle with you?

"No. Go to your mother."

"But I want you..."

"NO!"

"WAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"

In a flash, Lightning Dust was comforting the baby. When he finally fell asleep, she put him back on his bed and went back to see that Lightspeed had packed a couple belongings and was halfway out the door.

"Where do you think your going?!" She snarled.

"To a place where some ponies actually love me, you oversized cunt!"

"You are staying right here mister!

"For someone who hates me, they really want me to be close."

With that said, he turned and galloped into the fog bank that had settled in (dear readers, don't fret, he will return in book two) leaving Lighting Dust with her thoughts.

Wha....? Wait...no....oh Lightspeed, I'm so sorry. I-*sniff* I don't know what I was thinking...*sniff*

"WAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"

--------------------------------------------

The next day...

"Hey, has any of you seen Lightspeed?" Ace Nova was getting increasingly worried at where his new friend could be. It didn't seem like his character to suddenly go running into the night. He saw Lightning dust coming toward the school, and remembered that she was his mother. Her yellow eyes were bloodshot, as if she had been crying for the entire night.

"Um ma'am, do you know what happened to Lightspeed?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, he went running into the night and I don't think he will return."

The narrator stands corrected.

"But why?"

"Cuz I'm a TERRIBLE MOTHER-ER-ER-ER-ER! WAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"

"Eh...."

"Look kid, I know you're also sad about this, but let's just all try to forget this, okay?"

'Talk about a mood swing.' He nodded. This was going to be a really rough month.

----------------------------------------

Ace stood in front of a big metal building. Slowly, the doors slid open to reveal a machine nopony has ever seen before. Sitting in the hanger was a streamlined machine with a propeller with two sets of wings, the first one near the front that was bigger by slot compared to the smaller pair at the very back. A tail about the same size as one of the small wings was set up vertically. It had two main tires at the front, and a smaller one at the back, making the machine go nose up slightly. Painted on the side was small lettering in Aerial font, "Smokepole".

"Good to see you again, my dear plane. It's been such a long time since my last visit."

The plane sat there silently.

"I found a show for mechanical flying machines. We are going to so kick butt!"

He held a piece of paper in front of the red prop spinner.

"It's tomorrow at the field across town. I signed us up already, and we're going to make a grand entrance. Maybe I'll impress the Wonderbolts too! Anyway, I'll let you rest for now. Big day tomorrow!"

Ace waltzed out of the hanger, stopping only to close the door and activate the usual enchantments before heading back towards the alley. He generally took seemingly useless pieces of metal, slowly building onto it until it was a plane. He sold the previous one to a pair of unicorns in exchange for a couple of protective enchantments. His life had been pretty bad so far, but the exhibit tomorrow could change all of that. He said a small prayer before snuggling into the pile of newspapers that he called home.

Helios Squadron

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons."

- Gen. Douglas MacArthur

"Spike, remember the 'File A' and 'File B' thing?"

"You mean from the Crystal Empire recruits?" The dragonling chuckled. "How could I? That was the funniest day of my life!"

"You want to do it again? I need some recruits for my squadron."

"Buck yeah!"

---------------------------------------------------------

ATTENTION

The AIR FORCE RECRUITING OFFICE is on the 2nd floor. Please do not knock on the first floor businesses and ask for directions. Apparently, you looking for an opportunity to save their lazy flanks irritates them. We look forward to meeting you.

A huge line had stretched from the building as soon as word got around that Ace was recruiting. Not a few mares had come and tried to court him, only to be chuck out of the second story window. Ace had thought through everything, and installed a hidden catapult in the office.

He only wished it had a quicker reload.

"Can we jump out of the plane, shoot the Griffins, then fall back in?"

Ace sighed and put a hoof to his face.

"Am I too good for you?"

"Oh, no, I've seen ponies like you before. I just had to pay admission."

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Yes sir, I would like to join the Air Force."

"You came to the right place."

"I want to fly one of those ruddy bombers."

This time, it was Spike who answered. "Then go to the Griffin Kingdom, Featherweight!"

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Spike?"

"Yeah Ace?"

"Was it this bad in the Crystal Empire?"

The dragonling thought for a moment. "We got a few more recruits than you did.....Maybe you can get the pilots from your Battle Group from Khalkin Gol?"

"Now why didn't I think of that?"

Blue Berets and Rainbow Tails

"Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about it."

-Unknown

"Ace?"

Ace turned around from his desk. "Yeah, Rainbow Dash?"

"Um, can you tell me how to start a squadron?"

He sighed. "You don't just start a squadron. But since you're my friend, I'll try to help."

"Thanks" the cyan Pegasus thanked. "Have you noticed that the squadrons are all male? Well, I want to make an all mare squad."

"You're gonna have to talk to the Princesses for that."

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Anything?"

"Eeyup!"

"Thanks good! What's the name?"

"Blue Berets in the ground, Rainbow Tails in the sky! You wanna hear the song? It goes like this:

Fighting soldiers from the sky,

Fearless mares, who jump and die.

Mares who mean just what they say,

The brave mares of the blue beret.

Golden wings, upon their chest,

These are mares, Equestria's best.

One hundred mares, will test today,

But only three, win the blue beret.

Trained to live, off nature's land,

Trained in combat, hand to hand.

Mares who fight, by night and day,

The brave mares of the blue beret.

Golden wings, upon their chest,

These are mares, Equestria's best.

One hundred mares, will test today,

But only three, win the blue beret.

So, whatttya think?"

"You didn't have to sing all of that.....we all get point....."

"We?"

"The readers."

"You are just as random as Pinke Pie at times."

Ragnar Anchorage

"Always remember to pillage BEFORE you burn."

- Unknown

Galactica lay silently in the upper atmosphere of gas giant Ragnar. She had radioed to all surviving ships to jump to the area, and after waiting for a week, several straggles, including Colonial One, Colonial Movers, Monarch, and the Greenhouse Ship had appeared.

As part of her scheduled decommissioning, she had destroyed her own ammunition. She was also running low on tylium ore, the material that powered her FTL engines.

But, the Cylons, being stubborn little mules they are, had placed two basestars over the planet to stop the ships from breaking out. Due to the electromagnetic distortion of the FTL jump computers, the ships would have to go above the atmosphere. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Galactica would have to hold off the Basestars.

The flight pods retracted for the jump. The entire ship was tense; this would be her first jump in over two decades. In the CIC, the FTL coordinates were entered and the engines powered up.

"Here goes nothing..."

The 4700 foot ship disappeared in a flash of light, then reappeared below the Basestars several miles away. The main batteries immediately traversed to face the two ninja-star-like menaces. Vipers launched out of their tubes, while their Cylon counterparts, the Raider where shoved out of small hangers leaving them to maneuver their way to the last known Battlestar.

Flak batteries opened up, stopping any missiles from reaching the ship. After several minutes of intense battle, Galactica recalled all fighters, and the ship retracted her pods. The ship disappeared in a flash of light, appearing in the midst of the fleet.

For the next couple of days, the fleet make 236 jumps successfully, with a 33 minute countdown for every Cylon attack. On the 237 jump, the Olympic Carrier, a luxury liner that had 1000 people on board failed to appear along with the cylon attacks.

Getting suspicious, Adama ordered the countdown to continue as the Carrier closed in. Scanners detecting nuclear warheads, President Roslin ordered for the ship to be destroyed.

Later, she wrote the name in a piece of paper and left it in her desk on Colonial One.