The Universal Union: Invasion of Equestria

by plskilmeTails

Rating: mature
Tags: Sad, Crossover, Tragedy, Dark, Alternate Universe, Human
Length: 13476

The Universal Union invades Equestria.

The Universal Union, or the "Combine" are a technologically advanced, well, Union that travels universe to universe via technology far beyond Equestria's capabilities. Equestria gets to view its first alien encounter. These "aliens"? Are heartless soldiers, armed to the teeth with one thought in all their minds: To serve the Union.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-06-18 01:14:10 UTC

The Beginning

Equestria

Ponyville, a town of peace, kindness, friendship, and the main hub for transport and trading throughout the entirety of Equestria...

One warm and sunny morning, filled with the chirping of birds and the sound of ponies walking by, to and fro, Twilight Sparkle had decided to go to a local coffee shop. Once there, she walked to the front desk, looking over the choices she had. But sighing, she said "I'll just have some tea, please.". She paid the mare, then waited patiently for her tea. While she waited, she looked around the brown building. The building had a golden chandelier, with candles lit upon it. Some candles had been on candle sticks spread around the building. Once she heard the mare return, Twilight said "Thanks.", she then used her magic to levitate the tea over to an empty table. A butter yellow mare had entered the coffee shop. Twilight quickly identified the pony to be Fluttershy. When she entered, the doors bell made a little jingle,

Fluttershy looked around, noticing Twilight. She walked over to Twilight's table, and sat down on the other side of it.

Fluttershy asked Twilight, "Have you seen Angel Bunny? I'm not sure where he went. Last night he was in my cottage, but now I'm not sure where Angel is anymore..."

Twilight thought for a bit before responding, but then said, "No, sorry Fluttershy. But I'll help you look later on tonight, I've got some work to do after I'm done here, sorry. Want me to get you some tea as well?"

Fluttershy answered "Sure, Twilight, that'd be nice." with a happy look on her butter yellow face.

"No problem, Fluttershy." Twilight said with a nice smile.

Twilight approached the front desk, and waited in the short line of ponies that seemed to never be getting shorter. Once Twilight was the next pony at the counter, she asked for another tea.

The orange mare said, "Thirsty, huh?" with a warm smile, that could put you to bed in seconds.

Twilight smiled back, and said "No, not anymore, I'm just getting another for my friend."

The mare nodded kindly, the smile remained on her face, she then moved around the small kitchen in the building, bringing over tea.

Twilight placed down a few bits, then picked up the tea and brought it back over to Fluttershy. Fluttershy added some pure white sugar, and cream to her tea, and then stirred the tea slowly.

"Thanks, Twilight. I'm glad I found you here on such a nice morning." said Fluttershy.

"You're welcome. I figured I'd best come out of the castle today, since it is such a nice day, and the castle feels very empty, not very cozy either. I'm happy I found you here as well though!"

The two mares continued to converse with each other, until Fluttershy finished her tea, then said "I've got to go back to my cottage, it's about time to feed my animals. Come over later when you come to help find Angel Bunny, if I'm not inside I'll probably be in the area."

Twilight responded with "Okay, I'll see you later then, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy left the building with her tea, and then began walking in the direction of her cottage.

The Combine Overworld

Earth was liberated in seven hours, probably one of the planets that held out the longest against the Universal Union, but the Union always seems to prevail when at war against another planet, most likely because of the large technology gap between them. The Universal Union had begun conscription for their elite military force known as the "Overwatch", as they had done for the planet before. Converting all of the living specimen on the previous planet into weapons of war, and destruction, as well as making everything on it benefit them, and them only.

Their methods were questionable. In fact, they WERE questioned, by many planets already. Humanity putting up the most of a fight, as they were the most advanced out of all the previous universes. Some of the universes before hadn't even invented archery!

Dropships had been loaded with soldiers - mostly basic infantry, but the occasional soldier was armed with an SPAS-12, in dark orange and black. Most of the soldiers were armed with MP7s, or Overwatch Standard Issue Pulse Rifles, and a flare gun with two flares. The units held a kitbag, with basic medical supplies, with an included few doses of medi-gel. The units had five to ten hand grenades, with one to two flash bangs or smoke grenades. Every unit held a radio, and their armor would be practically impossible to put a fight against without a firearm, or explosive.

APC's and Strider's were all loaded onto one of the dropship's as well, preparing for the invasion that approached swiftly...

Equestria

The Union initiated their teleport, as a black portal-like hole in the sky was created, which had then filled with a view of the Combine Overworld had exploded into the sky of Equestria. Shockwave's were sent as the portal had become active, these shockwaves were felt all across Equestria. Cities all around had been filled with fear, from the distant sounds of battle. If it can even be CALLED battle, with only one side fighting.

Sounds blaired from the portal, as dropships had begun to fill the sky, with alarms blaring from the Universal Unions side of the portal.

A voice was heard on the other side "Attention, ground units, autonomous judgment is now in effect. Sentencing is now discretionary. Code: AMPUTATE, ZERO, CONFIRM."

Windows shattered, lights went out, and dust was tossed all over the area, followed by confusion, and distraught.

Panic was created throughout the town, screams were heard throughout the town...

The Fall

The dropship's landed in seconds, releasing the soldiers and strider's into the Everfree Forest.. The strider's began with their warp cannons, firing violently into the town.

The soldiers formed lines of troops in the Everfree forest. They set up a command center, preparing for an unstoppable invasion on the town.

A unit in white armor, with a red visor walked into the command center, earning salutes from the basic infantry. The Elite unit returned the salute.

"All units in local sector, defend this zone. Bravo squadron, inspect outer sector. Clear out all biotics.

"Copy that.", was heard over the radio multiple times from the varying squadrons of soldiers.

Thirty minutes later

The combine began an assault on the town, punching holes in most buildings.

Mayor Mare had been writing on pages, filling out paper work, approving or denying requests. So on, so forth.

Mayor Mare heard the sounds of battle from outside her office, as she peeked through the window, she quickly backed away in fear. She yelled for her assistant, Raven. "Raven!", but Raven had most likely already left. She heard something that sounded as though it was warping.

A hole had blown through the building, and she screamed in fear, as she realized she was missing her front right leg, hoof, bone, flesh, fur and all. Blood began pooling around her, as she screamed in fear before going out cold.

Twilight ran out of the coffee shop, leaving her coffee. Blue specks of light flashed by, striking ponies all around her. Some screamed for help, others fainted from the hellish chaos that was the invasion.

Twilight made a break for her castle, dodging gunfire from all directions.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a large blue light coming her way, and she quickly pulled up a shield using her magic. The blast immediately destroyed her shield, yet she survived due to the blast being absorbed.

Twilight looked around her dizzily, and slowly made her way up onto her hooves.

Once up, she re-recognized everything that was happening around her. Her ears were ringing, and she felt as though everything happening was in slow motion.

Twilight collapsed, her heart beat remained steady.

Five minutes later

Twilight slowly arose from her fall, and the noise had seemed to halt, fire and smoke filled the streets. She took advantage of the smoke, and ran for her castle just as infantry emerged from the smoke behind her.

Twilight arrived at her castle, yelling to Spike. "Spike! Come here, fast!" Her loyal assistant quickly ran down, asking Twilight

"What happened? I heard all the noise, and I didn't want to go out to find out what it was."

Twilight responded "I don't know, but we need Celestia's help. Now!"

Spike began scribbling onto a letter,

"Dear Princess Celestia,

Ponyville has been attacked by unknown creatures with heavily advanced equipment,.

We need help, as soon as possible!

From, Twilight Sparkle."

Spike then quickly sent the letter, using his flame.

The Town would seem calm if you were blind, because everything was so quiet outside,

The rest of the elements, with the exception of Fluttershy, made their way to Twilight's crystal castle.

Once they arrived, Twilight had a look of relief on her face.

She stated "Some other civilization invaded Ponyville, and I don't know what to do! I already got news to Celestia, but I don't know if we'll be able to defend against these things."

Rarity said "They're quite brutish, and I fear for my little sister! Sweetie Belle's still at school, maybe we should start there?"

All of the others had agreed, and so they quickly begun planning for their rescue mission...

At the Ponyville School

A dropship landed, and soldiers quickly made their way to the building. They crowded the sides of the doors, one yelling "ECHO, ONE. Breach on my signal!"

"Copy that.", said ECHO ONE.

"Three, two, one. Breach!"

The soldiers breached the building.

They shot Cheerilee as they breached in, making her body drop cold.

The foals screamed, and panicked. The soldiers shot a few of the foals, causing the others to stop, and listen.

The foals were rallied up, and put against a long wall in the school house.

One soldier simply said, "If you're willing to work. Move to the other side of the building."

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo quickly exchanged nods, then moved over to the other wall in the building, as followed by a few others.

The few that didn't move were Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Snips, Snails, and Archer.

The soldiers raised their weapons at the few that didn't move. The gunfire made the other foals turn around, as the ones who were unwilling got mowed, and killed in seconds by the pulse weaponry that the Overwatch units possessed.

The group of foals willing to work had been expressionless, in shock, and fear. Unable to respond, too scared to move.

The foals were given uniforms, and forced into an APC for storage until the town was fully, "liberated".

Outside of Twilight's Castle

Overwatch prepared to invade the building. They had a strider fire one warp blast into the building, then they aimed in their weaponry, and moved in through the front door of the castle.

They aimed their weaponry at the ponies, and dragon.

The ponies stood in shock, before being forcefully shoved to the closest wall.

The ponies were questioned on subjects, such as the planet, governmental system, whether or not they had a currency, and so on so forth.

Canterlot Castle

Celestia prepared her carriage in fear of what happened to Ponyville, and so she gathered her best guards, and in her terms "armed them to the teeth", such as a bow, quiver, one catapult in separated parts for creation in combat, swords, and rags for bandaging wounds.

One hour later...

Celestia began explaining her reason for rallying her best troops with such equipment.. "I received a letter from the Elements of Harmony. From what the letter states - we've been attacked, and Ponyville is in extreme danger already...

I fear for Equestria's stability, as Ponyville is our main transport, and trading hub..."

Ponies had gasped at her words, believing them to be untrue, thinking that maybe the letter was fake, a joke?

Celestia continued, "The letter was far from a joke, my little ponies. But we will liberate Ponyville once again!"

Her carriage, and soldiers began moving towards Ponyville, preparing for war.

Celestia thought to herself, "It has been a thousand years since Equestria faced its previous war... I am unsure of how prepared we are, but I must keep strong and do what's right for my ponies."

They looked over a hill side, viewing the town with horror in their eyes, the fire from the town reflected in their eyes.

One hour later...

The Universal Union had already made Ponyville use their own currency, "credits", and wear a blue uniform, with a civil identification number on a white box on the suit. The suits had bar codes on them as well. The ponies were now given rations, most foods were illegal to possess. The foals were forced to work in factories, managing heavy metal, creating weaponry, or incinerating bodies, or incinerating illegal goods.

The Combines rule had already invaded much of Equestria, renaming their cities to just be "City", with a number following close behind.

Once Celestia arrived, the didn't expect what she saw. Blue metal and black barricades had expanded all along the perimeter, with large walls, destroying a large sum of the Everfree Forest as the walls had thumped down, moving outwards, flattening the land.

Celestia said, "Lieutenant Freeflyer, get the catapult set up, and then prepare to fire on the walls."

"Yes, your highness", responded the lieutenant.

After setting up the catapult, they fired it at the wall, not even denting it. Once the Overwatch were alerted of the disturbance, a strider creeped over the wall, and then walked out, firing a warp blast at the catapult, instantly disintegrating the ponies managing it. The pegasi guards flew up, attempting to stab at the strider, only for their swords to bounce off of the metal. The unicorns tried magic - yet, their magic didn't work on the strider.

The strider was easily winning the fight on the equine guards.

Once there were a few left, the strider ceased fire, and multiple Overwatch soldiers ran out, yelling "Surrender or be executed!",

Celestia was forced to declare, "We surrender, the bloodshed put upon my little ponies will not go forgotten..."

The guards were in shock, but followed along her words.

Thirty minutes later, in Canterlot...

The guards in Canterlot were executed one by one, which Celestia hadn't expected, when she brought it up to a soldier, she stated "I demand you stop at once.", but the soldier denied her order. The new order system seemed unfair to her, she was only above law figures, and military figures could simply do what they wanted. Equestria had been invaded, and all ponies now had blue jumpsuits, most were jobless.

The Universal Union cut off the goods going to each city, capturing citizens leaving their previous city. The combine had took cities one by one, always surprising the ponies in these cities. The Universal Union used rush tactics, rushing the cities in numbers, with power that would never be matched for thousands of years.

Fillydelphia fell in an hour, after the rush destroyed all their defenses - and they couldn't receive any more reinforcements because of Ponyville being invaded.

Noponies Land - "Our Town"

The residents of the small village had heard the distant gunfire and artillery.

The ponies remained in the village, minus Starlight Glimmer.

The ponies left their homes as they heard the sound of chopping in the air... A black helicopter flew over head, wires strung down, as Overwatch slid down from the cords.

The soldiers ran up to the village, and had begun inspecting it.

The ponies hid in their homes, fearing what may come of them...

Forty Minutes Later...

The resident's were rallied up into the middle section of the village, as they were loaded into two separate APC's, they were then driven off to another city.

Dodge Junction

Dodge Junction was quiet, ponies prepared for the worst. They boarded up their windows and doors.

Two dropship's flew overhead, all carrying soldiers.

The soldiers didn't expect any more resistance, and easily took all the ponies from the town, and bringing them to Ponyville.

Appleloosa

The Overwatch completely abolished the town, shooting artillery over towards it, and the town was reduced to ruins in a few mere minutes.

Manehattan

The cities economy crumbled, the city was in fear, shock, and every pony in it was separated from eachother.

Overwatch had begun a ground assault, sweeping the ground level of the city. Ponies ran in all different directions, only to be caught by another force.

The combine refrained from using artillery because cities were the best for them to use.

Dropship's flew in, dropping soldiers onto rooftops to sweep the buildings from the bottom to the top.

Manehattan was declared to be under the Universal Unions rule soon after the battle had begun.

Ponyville

Several Days Later

The Civil Workers Union Project on Earth expanded out to Equestria, allowing ponies to buy Universal Union Approved products, such as light alcohol, some food types, or other drinks. Most of the bad things in these foods, and drinks were removed, and left slight resemblance to their original forms.

Other civilizations around the planet feared the Universal Union once they heard of the invasion.

They prepared to defend their countries...

The Rest, and the Conscription Program

The Griffon Kingdom had been peaceful that night, griffons had made their way to their homes, and then slept through the night...

But they didn't expect to hear whistles of artillery overhead.

The Overwatch forces began using plasma artillery to strike the Griffon Kingdom, three squads of infantry swept through the territory.

Alpha Squad

Alpha Squad approached the griffin kingdom, and walked into the town. The squad opened fire on griffons who had prepared to fight.

The Overwatch were surrounded, eliminating most of the griffons - but the sheer numbers caused issues for them.

"Reloading!", yelled Golf Two, as he replaced another mag into his pulse rifle.

"Calling in a hunter, copy?", radioed in their squad leader.

Their command center had responded, "Copy that. Hunter on the way with times four infantry."

"Copy that.", replied the squadron lead.

After a few more minutes of fighting, the hunter ran into the town, jumping on top of one of the soldiers, then piercing the chest of the griffon with a loud snap and piercing sound.

The griffon screamed out in pain, and fear. He continued to cry for help as the hunter caved in his entire rib cage, shattering the bone into his organs.

The griffon had ceased moving after a few more moments, leading the hunter to begin firing on the griffons all around.

The Griffin Kingdom had been appalled that Princess Celestia remained in control of Equestria - but when they found themselves under her rule, they figured she caused the war and hell upon the Griffin Kingdom. Unrest grew unfathomably great in the Griffin Kingdom, leaving the Overwatch no choice but to amputate all who remained in the area, leaving the countries land destroyed, and turned to ashes and rubble.

A dispatch echoed throughout the region, "Attention all ground protection teams, autonomous judgment is now in effect. Sentencing is now discretionary. Code: amputate, zero, confirm."

Explosions had already begun striking the area, as infantry started to drag out all the griffons they could find, executing them repeatedly until the griffon population was no more.

The Overwatch Forces turned the area into a reinforcement sector - positioning a large sum of their soldiers in the area to deal with outsiders, such as rebels who escaped borders of their sector.

Twilight Sparkle was glad to hear that the Union administered a new book to all local libraries - but after reading it, she was already bored again. The book was propaganda, much like the rest.

The Union had most likely begun to brain wash most into trusting them, after so long they've gotten used to the way of life they had no choice in obtaining.

Militarism and production, science and tactical knowledge. The Union was truly, a hellish yet amazing force.

Ponies finally begun to realize what the Overwatch Transhuman Arm was - a species that was made into practically dead, walking soldiers, all alike with the same goals. Service, honor, duty.

Twilight had realized that their goal was to unite the universe, by force.

She shook her head, trying to forget the propaganda's strength.

"No, they're evil. Can't be that good if they're doing all this..", she thought.

Twilight decided to rest up a little longer.

Nextdoor of Twilights Apartment

Applejack had heard banging on her door, and so she approached the door, opening it.

The units gave her a form, that was about her conscription. She had asked, "Conscription? Whatdya mean conscription? I don't think ah understand what'cher tryin' to get across."

The units told her, "You're being conscripted into the Unions military. You will go to the Nexus at 0900 tomorrow."

The units left her doorstep, leaving her confused, and in fear.

She went to Twilight's apartment, and knocked. "Twilight?"

Twilight opened the door, seeing Applejack, she welcomed her in. "Come on in, Applejack."

Applejack said "Thanks, Twi." in return.

"How've you been?", Twilight inquired.

"I dunno, Twi.  Granny Smith was.. Y'know, Big Mac was taken away, and Apple Blooms in some Celestia-forsaken factory..."

Twilight cringed at this, unsure if what she said was the correct thing to ask.

"Bu' Twi, I've got some letter sayin' I've been eh.. Conscripted or somethin'.

Twilight blinked, unsure of what was going on.

"Conscripted? I.. I'm not sure how to take that. Equestria hasn't had conscription, well, ever really."

"What's it mean, Twi?"

"You're.. You're being forcefully pulled into their military, I suppose...", said Twilight.

Applejack remained quiet, before leaving Twilight's apartment.

The Ruins of Canterlot Castle / The Citadel

Princess Celestia was informed of the conscript program - and she wasn't exactly happy about it.

Overwatch units gathered into a large hall, where a lot of ponies were being conscripted.

Ponies were forced in line, and then when brought to the front, carried off to the back rooms, returning out with a kevlar vest, an MP7, a basic uniform, and combat boots. The ponies looked fearful, as they were separated from their friends and family.

Ponyville

Armored trucks had drove into the town, and ponies were lined in one by one. One of these ponies, was Applejack.

Applejack looked around at the other ponies who stared down at the empty space in the trucks back.

Applejack frowned and sighed, hoping for somepony to talk to.

She looked relieved when somepony sparked up conversation, happy conversation or not.

"Where are we going?", one of the ponies asked.

"I don't know, probably the big tower?" Responded a blue stallion.

Two hours later...

The Ruins of The Griffin Kingdom

The conscripts arrived at a small camp, with a tall, bluish-black metal barrier all around it.

The trucks drove in, and the ponies were pulled out one by one, and assigned bunk beds in a large building.

Applejack was told by one of the soldiers "B2. Get going."

Applejack nodded, "Thank ya." and trotted off.

"Ponies had been less talkative here than they were on their way.", thought Applejack, with a worried expression on her orange face.

She arrived at her bunk, and put her stetson into a small locker next to it, re-closing the locker after. She slipped on her uniform, putting on her helmet afterwards, then followed by her kevlar vest.

One hour later...

"All conscripts are to report to the main field for training...", was heard over a broadcast.

Applejack watched ponies begin walking towards the compounds main field, and then she shortly after joined them.

She walked over to a pegasus, asking "Hey, ma' name's Applejack, what's yer name?"

The red pegasus pony looked over, saying "Uh. Oh, hi. I'm Red Blitz."

"Nice ta' meetcha' here, Red!", said Applejack with a kind look on her face.

The two ponies arrived at the main field, and entered a large line of ponies, who were straightly organized now.

"Today, you'll be making your way through a field that's being peppered by artillery. If you survive, you've been accepted into the Universal Unions Conscript Division.", declared an Overwatch soldier, who was in white armor, with one big red eye on his helmet.

The ponies looked shocked, in disbelief, and truly scared. This is the point where fear was obvious, nopony could truly expect what was coming.

About thirty minutes later...

The ponies turned conscript began a large charge onto the field, to make it to the finish of the battle...

They didn't expect artillery to come raining down in seconds, explosive shells landed left and right, behind and ahead. Applejack found her way to Red Blitz, who was already in a panic. A pony crashed into Applejack, tossing both of them onto their sides as artillery struck right next to the other pony. Screams emitted from the crater, causing Applejack to look in - only to see blood pooling around the screaming pony, who was missing two of his legs, half his face, and a huge gaping hole formed in his side.

Applejack felt like she was going to throw up, but she continued to Red Blitz, quickly getting his attention- "Red, didn't think you'd be in such a panic. Figured yo-".

Applejack was cut off as artillery slammed down in front of them, incapacitating them both.

Red Blitz was killed instantly by shrapnel, but Applejack only contained one large chunk of shrapnel in her side.

Applejack remained unconscious during a large chunk of the strikes. When she awoke, all she could hear was screaming, explosions, and the wind...

The moment she stood up, she felt a large pain in her side, as she looked back, she cringed at the metal in her side, as she tried pulling it out, the screamed, and tears formed in her eyes, but she bit them away.

She looked over at Red Blitz, limping over to his motionless corpse, shaking it with tears in her eyes...

She slowly began her move towards the finish, which seemed to be getting further and further away as she thought she got closer and closer...

Conscription Program, Part Two

Applejack jumped down into a trench as she continued forward with her fellow conscripts. She felt tired, and alone. She feared what could become of her.

She found another dead conscript in the trench. She went over, and began looking through his kit bag, pulling out a pair of tweezers.

She eyed the shrapnel, then twisted around, and then used her mouth to tear out the shrapnel with the tweezers.

She screamed from the pain, but breathed out heavily, before feeling a lot less pain. She lightly smiled, in a less happy fashion, but more of a smile you'd have after drinking water after a few days of dehydration.

Her smile quickly faded - as she remembered her current situation.

She began climbing out of the trench, quickly trotting in the direction of the artillery cannons.

The closer she got, the more artillery struck, and the more accurate it was getting...

Conscripts were falling left and right, screams came from all around.

The artillery wasn't the last of it though...

The ponies had no idea what to expect when they heard the slight rumble of something in the distance.

The cause of the sounds being emitted had just eclipsed the hill, with fellow conscripts in the tanks - yet clearly not ponies.

The tanks drove right in the direction of the ponies, machine guns on the front of the tanks began firing, pelting any pony who was standing.

Applejack quickly dove for the trenches, hiding as more and more bodies collapsed around her.

In the moments the tanks were there she felt true fear. She felt like she was being hunted by the tanks.

The tanks had passed by her trench. She sighed in exhaust - she hadn't even realized she was holding her breath from the fear.

She ran straight from the trench, making a dash for the finish, which she then jumped, and crossed the line.

The conscripts who survived, were loaded into an APC. She was exhausted. She had no idea what to expect next from the Universal Unions trials.

One week later...

Applejack was put through hell the previous week. Non-stop training, and non-stop physical work. She was only allowed to stop for sleep, and eating.

The food they received was no better than before she was a conscript, but she still ate it. "Could be worse", she thought.

Applejack was called up to the main hall for briefing. "Their first mission, maybe?"

Once she arrived, she viewed the room.

She counted at least thirty other conscripts in the room. The room was dark, with metallic panels every where. Some spots weren't metallic, but made of marble. The building was clearly converted from a civilian building to a militarized building.

The unit that ordered the briefing had stated "The nation known as Saddle Arabia has declared war on us. They fear us. We're the first in the invasion. Expect heavy amounts of enemies. They've got artillery, even anti-air, they're equipped with rifles. You must destroy their first line of defenses."

The conscripts saluted, then left for their assigned vehicles.

Applejack was placed in a C-47, with a large bag that had a clip on it.

Applejack had a look of fear in her eyes, as did every pony else in the C-47.

An hour later, the sounds of anti-air cannons were heard in the distance.

A plane flying next to them was struck, and torn in half by the flak, and the view of the plane quickly gaining a dive was made.

Ponies watched in hellish fear, wondering if anypony even escaped the wreckage. But nothing was seen coming out but bodies from the inner chunk, which then continued to plummet from the sky, without any parachute holding them upright, or slowing them down.

Ponies were looking left to right, unsure about the chances of survival at this rate.

A red light appeared, and the ponies all stood up, white light flashing all around from the flak cannons.

The C-47 next to theirs had been struck by flak, their left-wings propeller had fire coating it, which then caused it to explode, their fuel lit on fire in seconds. The windows displayed fire, the screams were loud yet unheard.

The plane had a quick turn, and then steered straight for the ground.

Applejack stared at the vision in horror, trembling in fear.

The ponies were all afraid, Applejack could tell.

The plane decreased in height quickly, at speeds unknown.

"If we get any lower, we're not gonna need any frigging parachutes!", yelled a pony from the plane.

The Cockpit

"We gotta get some altitude! They can't jump at this speed!"

Flak then struck the plane, killing the pilot instantly.

"Oh shit! Oh no!", exclaimed the co-pilot, who quickly made the red light green.

Back to the Mid-section

"Lets go, jump, jump!"

The ponies all jumped one by one, as the flak struck all around.

Applejack was next, and she quickly jumped out without any second thoughts. The planes seemed like a big coffin at this point.

Applejack landed in a tall brush field, with a few other ponies landing next to her.

She quickly trotted over to one, finding him dead on the ground, missing half his head, and without a large chunk of his legs.

Applejack stared in disgust - feeling as though she was going to vomit, but she looked away, with a tear in her eye.

She looked to the forest, noticing a large cannon, firing up towards the planes. She decided that attacking the cannon would be suicide to try capturing.

She regrouped with a few others, who then made their way to the thick brush.

They continued walking through the thick brush for what seemed like days.

The Day

Day arrived, and the ponies awoke,

One named Light Hoof asked her "You separated from your group too?"

"Yep.", she replied.

"Damn, I figured it was just me..", continued Light Hoof.

"I don't exactly think any of us are in the same group.."

"Yeah.. Seems that way, doesn't it?", Light Hoof said.

An Hour Later

The group found a small farm house, that was on fire. They recognized the burning wreck inside of it. They also noticed a body hanging from a tree by their parachute..

"Welp, take whatcha can.", said a greenish pony.

Applejack didn't go near the body - thinking that looting it would be wrong. She instead moved her attention towards the farm house.

Applejack inspected the inside of the plane, finding no bodies - because the bodies were all spread around the area.

She stared out at the graveyard of bodies...

Whistles flew overhead...

"Incoming artillery! Taaake cooover!", yelled the green pony, as artillery struck them, killing them instantly.

"Find a fucking fox hole!", yelled a red pony

"Light Hoof! Where are ya?!", yelled Applejack

"Over here, in the trench!", responded Light Hoof, which Applejack then dived into the trench with him.

Applejack could only stare out in fear, at the scrambling ponies, who's numbers were reduced from twenty, to ten, just from the barrage.

Light Hoof noticed a blue pony ahead of them, his eyes widened, he then yelled out "Sherbet!"

The blue pony was crawling, with a blood trail behind him. The pony had no legs at all. The pony mumbled... "I gotta get up...", with a pained expression on his face.

"I gotta get up..", he repeated

"I need my helmet...", he said as he reached for his helmet.

He couldn't grab it, but continued crawling behind it.

Light Hoof dashed up, saying "Stay here!", to Applejack.

"I gotta get up.."

"Shit... C'mon Sherbet, c'mon pal."

"I gotta get my helmet..."

"Forget it Sherbet, c'mon.", said Light Hoof

"I gotta get up...", he kept repeating.

"I gotta get to a foxhole..", began Sherbet.

"INCOMIIING!", was yelled from far off.

Artillery began striking left and right at random.

Light Hoof continued to drag Sherbet to the foxhole with Applejack in it.

Artillery then struck behind, then on top of Light Hoof and Sherbet.

Tree's collapsed, left and right, exploding all over the forest.

Applejack stood up, looking over at the two, slowly walking over, one step at a time.

She began mumbling "M.."

"M-M..."

"Meeediiic!", she yelled.

...

Night

Ponies left their fox holes, but that was the next mistake.

Artillery began striking again, and Applejack had been outside of hers.

"C'mon!" was yelled, as she crawled towards a fox hole, with two ponies in it.

"C'mon, stay down, hurry!", Applejack nearly stood up, but she remained down, crawling towards the fox hole.

Artillery then hit their foxhole, killing them both and ceasing the yells for her to hurry.

She watched in horror, but then turned her crawl leftwards, making a crawl for another foxhole.

A pony dragged her into the fox hole, and then a shell landed in the fox hole with them.. But the shell didn't detonate. It wasn't set to detonate.

The two stared in fear, eyeing the shell, worried that any second now - it'll all be over.

The ponies relaxed as everything got quiet - and this time? Ponies ceased to leave their fox holes...

The Next Night

The conscripts remained where they were, taking out any forces that recaptured the area...

Dropship's flew over head, carrying striders, and Overwatch soldiers.

The anti-air cannons did nothing to the dropship's, and the moment the dropship's landed, soldiers flooded the land, eliminating any of the opposing forces.

Hours later...

A dropship landed, and regathered the conscripts. They were brought back, thinking this was the last battle they had to ever be in...

But the moment they returned to base, they were rearmed, fed, and given another parachute. Conscripts were ordered back into the C-47s, and then they found themselves, back in the skies of Saddle Arabia.

They had found that the area they were previously dropped off in was cleared out.

Applejack stared down at the floor of the C-47,

it seemed as though the first drop was repeated - except this time, their anti-air had been much stronger in the city.

In the first three minutes, five of the planes were struck by flak, and begun a dive towards the capital.

The plane Applejack had been hit by one of the plummeting planes - half the wing came clean off, and the tail of the other plane smashed their second propeller.

The propeller lit on fire, and the pilots quickly turned the lights on, the red light wasn't even on - but then the light turned green.

Applejack and only about half of the others made it out, before the fire overtook the plane.

This time... She could hear the screams. The last one out had his parachute on fire, and the fire spread to him from down the cords.

Applejack had watched as the rest of the ponies she had been with were struck and killed by gunfire, or anti-air.

Their bodies limply dropping to the ground, with or without their parachute.

Applejack landed on a rooftop, another pony did as well, but artillery struck the roof, as the ponies looked at each other, the artillery blew the floor from under the pony, leaving Applejack to watch as he fell to his death, far below on the streets.

She found a doorway, quickly running down, and entering a room.

She closed her eyes, slowing her breathing pattern. She felt fear like never before.

She was scarred, she would never forget the hell she'd been through - the horrors she's seen.

The death.

The screams.

They were all stuck in her mind - unable to be removed, cleansed...

Applejack remained in the building for the remainder of the battle.

Hours later, she heard dropship's flying over head, landing with strider's and soldiers...

The Overwatch soldiers had an easy time picking off the last few remaining.

One hundred conscripts entered.

Only seven left.

Most of the ponies died before they even touched the ground.

Most didn't even get a shot off.

But Applejack was relieved of her duty.

The Civil Workers Union

The Universal Union placed the Civil Workers Union in long ago so ponies could own stores, and earn credits, as well as stand out as loyalists.

Ponyville

One evening, Twilight Sparkle had been walking around Ponyville. She went into a building, which was titled "Cafe Baltic".

She expected the smell of coffee, and warm tea - but instead was greeted with practically no smell at all.

Twilight walked to the front desk, greeting a pony in a cream white uniform, with blue pants. Unlike citizen uniforms, Civil Workers wore bright clothes so they could be noticed separately.

"Hello."

"What can I get you?", inquired the pony.

"Hmm...", Twilight thought for a couple of moments.

"I'll have some noodles, and a can of water.", said Twilight after placing credits on the counter.

"Find a seat, I'll bring it over to you."

Twilight nodded, finding her way to a table nearby.

Twilight inspected the building, looking left and right. The building had red carpeting, with wooden tables, and the walls were painted red.

She relaxed, with a sigh. Feeling safer than she's felt before, in the warm building.

A couple of moments later, the pony from before walked over to Twilight's table, where she then placed the noodles and can of water on the table.

"Thanks.", said Twilight.

"My pleasure.", responded the pony.

Twilight began eating her food hastily. Food like this isn't cheap, and isn't handed out during rations.

Twilight began thinking over what's happened lately, with Applejack's conscription, and all that.

She frowned at the thought, and removed it from her mind, continuing at her food.

Twilight had started thinking about whether or not she wanted to become a member of the Civil Workers Union.

Once she finished her food, she got up, and made her way to her apartment.

She began writing a letter,

"I, Twilight Sparkle, would like to join the Civil Workers Union."

She looked over the letter, then folded it.

Twilight walked out onto the street, handing the paper to the nearest unit.

All she needed to do now was wait.

One Week Later...

Twilight Sparkle heard a dispatch echoing through the streets - it had said, "Twilight Sparkle, you are to report to the Nexus. Failure to

co-operate will confirm amputation."

She quickly left her apartment, and began her journey to the Nexus.

Once she arrived - she was escorted into the structure..

An Hour Later

Twilight had passed the test she'd been given.

She was given a Civil Workers Union uniform, and she had put it on.

Twilight continued on her way to her apartment.

Once she arrived, she sighed. She could buy shipments of food now, but she'd have to sell some of it to be able to remake the credits spent on the shipment.

Months Later...

In Canterlot, Celestia had been in the citadel. She noticed a file on her terminal, inside it was dedicated towards the final plans for Equestria.

The file had claimed that once ponies were all loyal to the Union, they'd be promised the honor of invading another universes planet, by converting all of these ponies into Overwatch soldiers.

Her eyes went wide, as she realized what was truly happening.

The Civil Workers Union was created to make ponies more loyal.

The Universal Union was successful at their plans. Their programs ran smoothly.

Celestia wasn't sure how to take what was supposedly the Universal Unions plans in the end.

Ponyville

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were in a weapons factory, they were making barrels for the weaponry.

Rainbow Dash had been sneaking around, still on the search for the two.

She looked both ends of the alley, before flying up, and viewing into the window.

She had sighed, after finally finding the two.

She tried opening the window, and then when the window hadn't even budged - she flew back to the ground, grabbing a brick.

She flew back up, and then tossed the brick at the window.

The window was smashed into many shards, earning a shriek from Sweetie Belle, and they both viewed the open window.

Rainbow Dash flew in, grabbing the two, then quickly flying back through the window.

"Rainbow!", said Apple Bloom, and a tired Sweetie Belle had fallen asleep.

"Didn't think I'd leave you here, didya?", said Rainbow Dash.

"Where's Scootaloo, Rainbow?"

"I already got her, bringin' you all to Zecora's hut."

This earned a smile from Apple Bloom.

The three had gone over the same spot that Rainbow Dash got Scootaloo out of, and then quickly got Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to Zecora's hut.

"Stay here for now. Zecora should help.", said Rainbow Dash before flying off back to the town.

"Attention ground units. Anti-citizen reported in this community. Code: lock, cauterize, stabilize."

Rainbow Dash quickly made for her apartment, so she wouldn't get caught outside by the combine.

Rainbow Dash exhaled a breath, from the excitement of that day.

The sounds of Metropolice units filled the streets, as anyone outside was brought in and interrogated.

Rainbow Dash watched from inside her apartment.

"Get down!", yelled a unit outside.

The pony got on the ground.

"Wa-wait, I can expl-", before the Metropolice unit began beating the pony unconscious.

Rainbow Dash cringed at the scene, worrying that she caused the death of someone, because they were at the wrong place, at the wrong time.

She lied down on her bed, and expected a unit to breach her door, and bring her in the Nexus for interrogation.

But it never happened.

...

...

Rainbow Dash fell asleep.

She woke up, and looked out the window, fire filled the streets. Ponies were being lined up against the walls-

Rainbow Dash bolted up from her bed, looking back out to see nothing but the usual, empty streets. Ponies walking outside.

"Just.. a dream..", she said to herself, sighing.

She stood up, and then walked to her fridge - pulling out a ration pack.

Rainbow Dash opened the ration, and took out the food.

Once she finished eating, she made her way to the slums of the sector - sneaking down into a bar that had stairs going down, into the ground, that then turned to the right with a door at the end.

Rainbow Dash opened the door, earning a few looks from some ponies in the room.

"Hey.", she said.

"Welcome.", said a pony with an eye patch.

She viewed the eye patch, wondering how the pony lost his eye.

"I got wounded by artillery.", said the pony.

Rainbow Dash jerked up, realizing she was staring at the eye patch.

"Sorry for staring...", she said.

"No need to say sorry, most do the same.", said the stallion, with a smile on his face.

"What is this place?", asked Rainbow Dash

"You a loyalist?"

"Uh. No, not really.. At least, I don't think I count as one now.", said Rainbow Dash.

"Good. We're rebels, this is our base, for now at least. Fuckers sweep the damn town like hawks.", said the pony.

"Huh. Well, I suppose I'm willing to join. What's the catch?", inquired Rainbow.

"Catch? There is no catch. You just outta prove you're willing to join the cause.", said the stallion.

"I'd guess that's the catch, then...", said Rainbow Dash, earning a eye-roll from the stallion.

"Well, I helped three fillies get out of a factory, and outta the sector to some pony else who could help them.", said Rainbow Dash.

"Good, that'll do, then...", said the stallion.

"Regroup here, next Tuesday. I've got a plan for it.", said the stallion.

"Hey, before I go - what's your name?", asked Rainbow Dash.

"It's not important. I'll tell you once we know we haven't been reported.", said the pony.

"Oookay. I'll take that as "Ask again later."", which earned a sigh from the stallion.

Rainbow Dash made her way out of the bar, with a smirk on her muzzle.

She walked off, making her way to her apartment, thinking over what just happened. Her luck seemed to be getting better, and better.

...

Tuesday

Rainbow Dash remembered she needed to go to the bar for something, and so she made her way through the slums to the bar once again.

Once there, she opened the door, and eyed up the place.

The stallion walked out from a dark corner,

"Good, you're here... We could use some pegasi for our rebellion."

"Well you got the best one in all of Equestria!", said Rainbow Dash.

The stallion smirked, "Better than the Wonderbolts?"

"Weeell, I should've been in the Wonderbolts by now.. But the chances got cut.."

"Hmm. Well, today we'll be taking out a convoy the Combine scheduled. We'll go out over the walls, then we'll go to the road going towards Canterlot, set up camp, then set some explosives on the bridge. We'll then detonate the charges when the APCs are over it, and then raid the supplies."

"Sounds perfect.", said a grey pony.

Twenty Minutes Later

The ponies made their way to the wall.

Rainbow Dash helped carry up a few, as the rest climbed up together.

Once they found themselves outside of the border, they trotted to a forest where they prepared their camp.

"All set here.", said Rainbow Dash.

"Get two of the explosives, then sneak over. Press the green button on them, then tape them up onto the middle support.", said the stallion.

"Got it.", as she flew off, and planted the bombs.

Once finished, she flew back. The other ponies planted more charges along the bridge.

"We're ready to do this, then."

An Hour Passes

"I'm getting bored...", said Rainbow Dash

"Get used to it.", said the stallion, watching the hill.

Two APCs eclipsed the hill, making their way quickly down to the bridge.

Once they were on top of the bridge, the stallion said "Hit it!", and the grey pony pushed down a button on a device.

The bridge exploded, and the APCs were destroyed with it, the one in the back attempted to stop, but failed to, and then plummeted down the pit. Both the APCs had exploded with the bridge, making them easy to loot the equipment out of.

"Awww, yeah!", said Rainbow Dash.

"Perfect! That was amazing!", said the grey pony.

"Quick, get the loot, and we'll hide it all here. We'll bury it in a hole, then come back next week for it.", said their leader.

The ponies rushed off, quickly gathering what they could from the APCs.

They heard a helicopter in the distance.

"Quick, to the tree line. Now!", said their leader.

The ponies quickly made their way to the tree line once again.

The helicopter flew over head, then flew by, the APCs must have sent out a distress signal of some sort.

The helicopter went back in the direction it came, giving the ponies a final chance to get more.

The ponies finally retrieved medical equipment, weaponry, ammo, ordinance, and radios.

They viewed all of their loot, with a look on their face that could only say 'We win, fuck you Combine.' if you saw it.

The ponies hid the gear in a hole, before lightly burying it.

They then returned to the town, quickly making off in their own direction.

"Same place. This Thursday." said their leader, who in turn received nods from Rainbow Dash, and the others.

The Beginning of Rebellion

1:32 PM, Ponyville Train Station

Applejack stood up from a bench, and walked over to a fence, viewing into the lines of ponies entering.

She sighed, and entered the line in hopes that it would quicken itself up a bit.

A few moments later, she had finally arrived in town. She viewed to her right, as more ponies were being conscripted. She quickly looked away, in an attempt to forget what she'd been through. She found herself at her old apartment block, walking inside.

Twilight's Apartment

Knock, knock

Knocks had been sounded on the door, and so Twilight stood up saying "Hello?".

"It's me, Twi."

Twilight quickly opened the door, saying "Applejack!", and then let her inside of the small apartment.

A few moments of silence passed, before Twilight asked, "What was it like?"

Applejack sighed, responding with "Hell. I saw ponies die in front of me, to my sides. Everywhere. First day of training, we had to run towards some metal cannons firing at us, and some sort of metal vehicle with a huge weapon on the front. Most of us got killed there. But the actual tasks? We got into planes, made it over our targets, most of the planes were shot down with everyone in them, but the lucky few got out before their plane got shredded."

Twilight looked with disbelief, unsure of what to say next.

Applejack sighed, and said "I'd best get goin' to my apartment."

Twilight nodded, opening her door and watching Applejack leave the room.

Twilight looked with a concerned face, but then returned to her couch, lying down.

...

Applejack's Apartment

Applejack stared at the roof of her apartment, unable to forget what she had to experience.

She found herself unable to sleep, before standing up with a sigh, and walking out of her apartment.

Applejack made her way down the stair well, watching multiple ponies walk by her up the stairs as night approached.

It was one hour until curfew, so Applejack made use of her time, walking out of the building and down the street.

Once there, she looked around the area.

Ponyville had changed quite a lot since she was last here.

She glanced around, looking up at roof tops, in the alleys.

Applejack slowly back to her apartment block, and then walked up the stairs to her apartment.

Rainbow Dash's Apartment

"Well, got another meeting today.", she thought.

Rainbow Dash opened a ration, eating some of the contents.

She then put it away, and begun walking onto the street.

She slipped through the streets, moving closer and closer to the slums.

Rainbow Dash eyed her left, then her right, before walking in and running towards the bar.

She peeked over the stairs, seeing no pony there she quickly made way into the bar.

She could hear thumps from above the bars roof, up on the streets. Metropolice were sweeping the slums.

She looked for the others, finding them in the back room, she quickly said to them

"They're sweeping.", earning a few worried looks from the others.

"Shit, they changed their schedule? Why? Do they know?"

"I don't know! Maybe it's just one patrol."

"No, it sounded like a lot of them were up there.", said Rainbow Dash

"Fuck.. I don't think we have enough time to get outta here...", said their leader - White Crescent.

A few clicks sounded from the front door of the bar, as a breach was placed.

"Set, check...", said a Metropolice unit at the door.

"Inject!", yelled another as the breach blew the door off its hinges.

"Shhhh...", said White Crescent, using magic to wield an MP7, as he raised it over the counter.

He began firing.

"Get outta here, I'll keep them busy.", said Crescent, as the others quickly made their way for a window.

Protection team alert, evidence of anticivil activity in this community. Code: assemble, plan, contain., was dispatched from their Nexus, and units began flooding out.

The Metropolice had flipped a table, using it as cover against Crescent.

The units then stood up, returning fire upon the pony.

A bullet struck a unit, emitting a bio signal.

Individual, you are charged with socio-endangerment level one. Protection units prosecution code: duty, sword, midnight.

Crescent ignored the sirens, continuing his firing.

Once he had to reload, the remaining unit jumped up from cover, and fired at him.

He screamed as he felt multiple bullets pierce his flesh, tearing it apart.

He collapsed, blood drooling out of his body.

The others managed to escape the bar, but not before their existence was radioed in by the Metropolice units.

"All units in local sector, BOL foooor.. Times one green earth pony, aaand times one cyan pegasi."

"Copy that.", responded a unit.

"Lockdown all local buildings."

"Copy. Lockdown procedure is now beginning."

"Attention ground units. Anticitizen reported in this community. Code: lock, cauterize, stabilize", declared the dispatch system.

Ponies began making their way to their apartments. Minus the two rebels, of course.

The two found an abandoned shop, and quickly barricaded the door.

"Where'd Crescent go?", asked Rainbow

"I.. I don't know. Maybe he made it the other way out?"

"I don't think so. But maybe you're right."

Sirens sounded, and units filled the streets. The first major rebel attack specifically on the town began.

Rebellion. One word described all the chaos that began to fill the streets.

Gunfire from both sides. Hidden rebels, were no longer hidden among the combatants on either side.

Ponies fought ponies who served the Union as Metropolice.

Both sides suffered losses that would strike hard at the productive hearts of Ponyville.

Yells, screams, explosions and gunfire.

You were either on one side or the other. There was no neutral...

Rebellion

One afternoon, the Combine had clearly been worried about something - and Twilight Sparkle wants to find out what.

She began trotting towards the Nexus, and then got onto a bench. She acted casual, as if she wasn't listening into their conversion.

"Bravo, we've lost a major position. Unit reinforcements are currently cut off. Resources are limited. Our choices are currently, execute the remaining populace of this planet, and retreat... Or we can maintain our position, and use citizens as Overwatch from now on. Production is limited."

"Copy that, Golf."

The unit then began chattering into his radio, which was attached to the right of his chest's armor.

"All units, maintain state."

Multiple units had responded back, with a "Copy that", or a "Roger."

The units began to patrol down the street, which led Twilight to stand up.

She pondered 'Interesting, but what's that mean? What major position? Where, even?'

Twilight heard a couple of blasts emitting from an alley, which she had jumped at.

She quickly looked around her - seeing nobody but other ponies, she quickly made a dash for the alley. Once there, she viewed around the corner and saw Rainbow Dash, and a few others running off.

They had killed two units, and took a lot of their equipment.

Twilight ran over, and viewed their equipment, before quickly picking up an H&K 9mm Match, and looking at it.

She thought, 'I think I understand how to use this... I've seen it enough times...'

She flicked a part, which had turned off safety. She wasn't sure what to call it, but thought in her mind

'I think I have to do this to make it work.'

She then looked it over, before hearing some one behind her.

"You, citizen!"

She jumped at the noise, looking back she saw a Metropolice Unit, who had just noticed the bodies.

He quickly said "Drop your weapon! Now!"

She looked back, and imitated dropping the pistol.

The unit began walking over to the pistol, and looked at Twilight before reaching down for it.

She gulped in fear - she grabbed the pistol back into her magic, and then aimed it at the unit before firing as it was aimed. She jumped at the noise, her ears slightly rung as she then dropped it and closed her eyes in shock.

"You are charged with anti-civil activity level one. Protection unit prosecution code: duty, sword, operate...", echoed throughout the small town.

After hearing this, Twilight ran off into the slums.

Radio Communications Channel

"Overwatch.", said a Metropolice Unit into his radio.

"Apply", responded a semi-robotic sounded, female-like voice.

"Eight-eight-nine-three-two-five, Union 02"

"Control is, 100% at current location. No sign of the reported 647E.

"Ready weapon. Sweep industrial sector."

"Copy."

"Possible 404 here...", said the unit before viewing a purple pony who just simply looked back, before running off.

"647E is evading! Requesting reinforcements on my 10-20."

"Reinforcements inbound to your location."

Twilight Sparkle

Twilight kept running, as she heard another dispatch...

"Attention protection team, status evasion in progress in this community. Respond, isolate, inquire."

Her eyes widened just slightly more, as she kept running onwards.

She heard units entering the area. She was surrounded.

Once she was surrounded by a total of five units, she heard gunfire from the shadows.

One of the units screamed "Shit!", as the next yelled

"11-99, officer needs assist-", before he was killed by the group.

"Attention, community. Unrest procedure code is now in effect. Inoculate, shield, pacify. Code: pressure, sword, sterilize."

Another dispatch echoed throughout the streets.

Unrest had begun to fill the streets, gunfire began to cover all the other sound in the area.

"Twilight!", said Rainbow Dash with shock on her face.

"Rainbow, I didn't expect you to be here.", Twilight said back.

"I think we've got bigger thinks to worry about, Twilight.", said Rainbow Dash with a look of uncertainty on her face.

"Seems so. Maybe we can get out of the town?", Twilight asked.

"I know a way, but it won't work out if we're getting as many out as possible. The front gate could be destroyed possibly. I don't know how, but it outta be possible.", said Rainbow Dash in response.

"Maybe..."

A helicopter flew overhead, and the group looked straight up. The aircraft began firing at the ponies on the ground.

The helicopter flew off after it's attack on the town.

"Attention all ground protection teams, autonomous judgment is now in effect. Sentencing is now discretionary. Code: amputate, zero, confirm.", this was the point where loyalists weren't even safe.

Large strikes of artillery had begun being fired at the town, as ponies died left and right.

Hours later, most of the combine forces left the town.

The artillery stopped, and the ponies seemed safe.

In the end, they had infiltrated the Nexus. The Nexus contained weaponry, and vehicles. A single tank used by conscripts, and three Armored Personnel Carriers.

Ponies had loaded up, putting on at least some armor.

They had found the main door broken in the combines flee.

The ponies all rallied up, preparing for a strike on the citadel. They discovered files that had contained information that should've been burnt before the combine fled - but they were never burned anyway.

Inside, it pointed out the reaches of the artillery. The artillery could go all over - but the only place it couldn't reach was Canterlot. The reason for this, was so if rebel forces got hold of the cannons, they couldn't use them on Canterlot unless they moved them a ways over, but by then the Combine would know what happened to the barrage.

The rebels found a very bland file, that designated the construction points of the citadel. No pony could understand why it was here, but perhaps they didn't expect a smaller area to be able to resist this easily?

Using this information, the ponies gathered up into the tank, and their assigned APC's. Once they figured out how they were used, they drove out of the just wide enough, busted gate.

They stuck to the right, off of the road, and found the rail road. They began following it up into Canterlot.

Five Hours Later

The rebels have found their way to the city. The border seemed relatively open, and after observations they discovered that if an APC drives up, the large doors will open. Using this, they returned to the road, and drove up to the door, earning a few strange looks, but their suspicion seemed to leave once the gate opened for the three groups.

Once inside, they had to remain quiet and couldn't have any way for them to be seen.

They followed the road through the large city, which led them to the citadel. There was a massive pit around the Citadel, but they decided to observe the pit below for any ways in.

A pegasus quickly slipped from their APC, and looked down, and flew towards a large edge that trailed around. Once on it, the mare looked over and saw an opening, but it'd require a run up and a jump, or just a quick fly over. She grinned at her discovery, and viewed up above the pit. Once it was clear, she quickly return into the APC, exhaling.

She said to the group, "Okay.. I see a way in? But we'd have to jump, or fly across. It's really risky..."

Twilight said "I'll radio it to the others.", looking over her radio as she still struggled with it. Once she found the correct button, she said into it...

"We've got a way in - but be ready to jump."

The ponies looked out, and once it was clear, they dived down to the small cliff edge, in hopes they wouldn't be found in the area, they quickly made it to the area the pegasus described to them.

"I don't think...", said an Earth Pony, who stared at the pit. But then he quickly shook his head, and made a run for it, landing on a platform which then lifted him up into the small entry way described.

He seemed like he had seen a ghost, but of course who wouldn't be scared in that situation?

About thirty minutes later, all but one of the ponies made it across.

The final pony had jumped, only for a bullet to land in her head, which she then hit the platform, limply falling into the pit below.

The ponies cringed and quickly backed into the entrance. They began running their way up, sneaking by or fighting their way past groups of units...

Once at a ton of pods moving down lines, a pony quickly ran in front of one as it closed, and she practically got forced into the pod.

She yelled, "What?! I don't like this!", and the pod stopped every while.

The ponies noticed why - a large plasma beam was in place, firing into the pods as they rolled by.

A pegasus quickly flew over, in an attempt to pull it open, but she couldn't manage it. Her wing was hit by the pod in an instant, and the pegasus had to quickly grab the pod. She hung off of it, saying "I.. Can't get it open... Maybe there's a way on the back of the pod!", as she let go of the pod, and dropped down before quickly regaining flight and grabbing onto the back of the pod. She was distracted, and just noticed the pony screaming. They were in the beams placement. She joined the scream as a plasma beam shot down into them, killing them instantly. Their screams seemed to echo throughout the citadel endlessly...

"I.. Can't believe I just... Watched that...", said Twilight Sparkle, moving a hoof step closer, before they were found by a group of Overwatch.

"Citadel has been breached! Anti-citizens in the citadel!", and the ponies quickly got to the other side of the room, and so Twilight realized the pods on the other side had been going elsewhere.

Twilight yelled "Into this sides pods, they'll bring us elsewhere!"

"Are you MAD?!", declared a pony, as the others quickly climbed into the pods with no where else to go.

"I... I guess this'll have to do.", said the pony who entered a pod, only for a bullet to strike the top of the railing, blowing it off and the pod plummeted down the abyss that the citadel contained down below.

The other ponies couldn't tell what was going on due to their lack of ability to move their head in the pod. But they could only imagine what happened as they heard the screams.

The ponies had managed to get to a point in the citadel using the pods, where they found white Overwatch units at the door.

The ponies were practically arrested - and brought into a large room that Celestia seemed to own, along side Luna.

Once there, Celestia said "Soldiers, could we have some privacy?"

Which the soldiers then left the room, and once the door had closed, Celestia locked the door, and picked up a device that opened the groups pods, which they then climbed out of.

"Go up the next elevator using this.", Celestia said, giving Twilight the device.

"But.. Princess, what about you?" asked Twilight.

"Don't worry about me - I trust you fully with this task, Twilight. I know you can do it.", responded Celestia, earning a sheepish look from Twilight.

"Thank you, Princess.", said Twilight as the bunch got onto the elevator.

The ponies made it to the core, viewing the amazing, pulsing ball in the center of something.

The ponies left the room by opening the window, and then walking out the ponies decided on a way to destroy what they saw.

Twilight looked to her right, and said "That bluish-black... Thing. What's the secondary trigger do?"

"I don't know, to be honest.", responded the pony.

"Well, try it on the shield-like parts maybe?", suggested Twilight

"It's worth a shot.", said the pony, who quickly pressed the trigger.

A pulse of energy fired from the weapon, and blew open the shielding, and Overwatch were heard below, gunfire echoing.

"Princess!" yelled Twilight, who stared back.

The crew of ponies began firing all the energy balls they could - which resulted in a large explosion from the center.

A large portal seemed to open in the center, and a dropship flew through, only to be exploded by what had been happening.

A large tower on the other end of the citadel exploded, and began falling towards the ponies.

"Run! Maybe we still have so-", and it seemed as though time froze, as the chaos around them echoed... And a blue suited man appeared, walking out of nowhere, touching Rainbow Dash, then Applejack, and Twilight. They all vanished. The remaining ponies viewed around, one saying

"Twilight?!", before the citadel exploded.

Everything seemed to explode. Ponies in the distance could view as the citadel detonated. The combine had been stranded, and all that could be done was the extermination of either the ponies, or the combine...

The war continued - the gunfire continued to echo, blood was spilt, until one side arose as victorious...

"Comforting" Words

The Universal Union allowed Princess Celestia to remain in control (just barely, atleast) as Administrator Celesia. She was used as a comfort-figure, since if they employed someone, or something unknown to the ponies, they may resist. Local towns were forced to be abandoned, but Ponyville was left as an industrial sector, though...

One morning, Twilight Sparkle viewed out her window, observing the now smoky skies of Ponyville. It was time for rations, so she stood up, viewing her apartment. "Ugh... I'm starting to miss the castle, now. I got too used to the space it had. But now, I've got next to no space here."

Twilight walked out onto the street, and made her way through the road, on her way to the ration distribution center. She figured she could grab a book from a Union Approved shop. She went in, and greeted the store owner. "Hello!"

The mare responded back, "Greetings! Here for another book, Twilight?"

"Of course!", Twilight responded - looking through the hundreds of books of propaganda, which, there were truly only around twenty books in total, just re printed out.

Twilight bit her lip as she looked through the books, only to realize there were in fact, none she hasn't read...

Twilight asked the shop owner "Are there any other books? I've read all of these, already."

The mare responded, "Sadly? No. The Union doesn't exactly give us a lot of literature."

Twilight sighed, before walking out onto the roads once again. She began walking towards the train station - which now contained a ration distribution.

Once she arrived, she got in line with a few other ponies, some she recognized. She didn't plan on talking, because if she were to yell to her friends, the newly established Metropolice Force would beat her for breaking the Levels of Offense. She cringed at the thought, but then quickly went out with it.

She realized she was next in line, and so she lid her Civil Identification Card into a slot, and a ration then slid out of the machine.

She grabbed it, holding it close, before walking off to a bench where her friends were currently.

Once she took her seat, she opened her ration, eyeing up the ration, which contained a solid, white bar.

She bit into it. It was very crumbly, and had literally no taste. The Civil Workers sold foods with some flavor, but it gets expensive. Only sixty credits per ration. Twilight then said "Hey." to her friends. Pinkie Pie wasn't very talkative anymore, because the Levels of Offense had very strict laws, and every time she spoke, the Union beat her for yelling, or her public entertaining capabilities. Twilight eyed her sadly, missing the bubbly Pinkie Pie. Applejack patted Pinkie Pie on the back, sighing, because Granny Smith was executed due to old age - which was seen as unfit in the Universal Union.

A dispatch roared over head... "Citizen notice, priority identification check in progress. Please, assemble in your designated inspection positions."

Ponies could be heard being moved towards their inspection positions.

Another dispatch was heard, striking fear among the crowd... "Citizen notice. Failure to co-operate will result in permanent off-world relocation."

A few ponies on the street began to rebel, then around ten joined in.

Overwatch flooded from the crystal castle, which was made into a Nexus.

The ponies began running at Metropolice, only for them to be beat down, those who continued to resist had been executed, blood poured from their wounds.

The last few alive, were carried off screaming, in fear of what 'Off-world relocation' really entailed to be...

The ground shook, as a large portal opened above Canterlot, and a large tower shaped object begun sliding through the portal. The new citadel completely tore half of Canterlot's castle off, and then the tower dug into the ground, before alarms sounded, as more, and more soldiers, gunships, dropship's striders, and unidentifiable objects had made their way into the tower. Ponies stood in awe, others in fear, others fainted.

But nobody could tell the fear that should've truly bestowed upon the land of Equestria that day...

After the inspection, everypony was sent in their own direction.

One week later...

Rainbow Dash had been forcefully relocated to Ponyville, she couldn't fly legally now. If she did, she could have her wings completely removed. She took her ration, before looking down at the road as she walked in a general direction. The area she walked towards was the industrial district. The entire area wasn't exactly dedicated to industrialism, but a large portion was. She arrived at a factory that Scootaloo had to work in. She expected easy passage, but the door was locked. She went over to a Metropolice Unit, then asked, "Sir, uh... Could you bring this to an orange filly, purple mane? Wings? Can't miss her."

The Metropolice Unit took the food from her, then slammed it onto the ground, and said "Wall, right now.."

Rainbow Dash fearfully moved to the wall, before thinking "Y'know what? I can take this guy, he doesn't look so tough."

She spun around, and punched the Unit in the face with her hoof.

The unit pressed a button on his radio, yelling "11-99, officer needs assistance, at grid-", but he was cut off by Rainbow Dash knocking out the unit.

A dispatch announced soon after, "Attention please. Unidentified person of interest, confirm your civil status with local protection team immediately."

She ran into an alley, before flying up onto a roof. She viewed all around her, preparing to escape the sector. She quickly ran across the roof, before opening a glass pane on the building Scootaloo was in. She dived down, viewing the area around her, before flying up above silently, and then when she noticed the building was empty besides a few young fillies and colts working, creating Celestia-knows what.

She poked Scootaloo, before saying "We've gotta go, squirt."

Scootaloo viewed behind her, with tears in her eyes, and saying "Rainbow!"

Rainbow Dash pulled her closer into a hug. She heard units outside, placing a charge on the door. Rainbow Dash quickly held onto Scootaloo, and then flew back out the window.

Scootaloo asked her, "Do you know where Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are?"

Rainbow Dash said back "I'm not sure, squirt, but I'll look out for 'em. For now I'm dropping you off outside Zecora's hut, I think I know a place we can sneak out."

Rainbow Dash swiftly went next to the barriers, before flying over them, exhaling in fear.

Scootaloo said nothing, but had the look of fear in her eyes the whole time.

Rainbow Dash quickly flew her around to the Everfree Forest - or what's left of it, atleast, and then found Zecora's hut. She dropped Scootaloo off infront of it, and said "Tell Zecora what's happened, squirt. I've gotta get back to the town."

Scootaloo said "Wait!", causing Rainbow Dash to stop and look back.

Scootaloo continued, "When'll you be back, Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash began "I..."

Scootaloo had a fearful look on her face, so Rainbow Dash had decided to say "I'll be back soon."

Scootaloo smiled, but not a genuine smile. More of a smile of safety, and the smile you have when realizing you're not in harms way.

Three hours later...

Rainbow Dash had arrived at Twilight's apartment, knocking on the door a few times.

Twilight got up from her bed, and then opened the door. She was glad to see a familiar face.

"Rainbow Dash! Come on in."

Rainbow Dash walked in, "Hey Twilight."

Twilight recognized the unsure look on her face, and asked "What's on your mind?"

Rainbow Dash responded with "I don't know. I wanted to ask if you knew where Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle were by any chance."

Twilight looked at her strangely, "I'm not sure, actually..."

Factory A-34

Sweetie Belle cringed as she tried using her magic to lift a bar of metal, to move it over to the next stack, but her magic flashed a few times, before she collapsed.

Apple Bloom asked "Ar'you okay, Sweetie?"

Sweetie Belle nodded, clearly hungry and tired.

Apple Bloom said with hope, "Maybe they'll let us all out in a few weeks y'know? Jus' gotta push on through, Sweetie Belle."

Sweetie Belle said back, "I don't think I can..."

Apple Bloom quickly picked her up back onto her hooves as a Unit walked in, inspecting the room.

"Back to work. Next time you're caught not working is execution. You work until you're old enough to enter citizenship, or you die trying.", the Unit said.

Canterlot

Celestia had seemed angry, after the citadel had practically abolished her castle. Yet, the citadel had tunneling that perfectly lined up with hall ways in the castle - allowing passage through some areas. The doors remained locked at all times, but she was amazed when Units escorted her up to the top floor of the Citadel. She could view out as far as the eye can see. She heard nothing, not even wind. She felt no heat from the outer air. She was trapped in a room, where she was to read letters sent up, and answer them. If she answered against the Universal Unions cause, she'd most likely be executed, and swiftly replaced by somepony else, somepony more willing.

The Fall and Rise, of Earth

Rebellion filled the streets as Gordon assaulted the Citadel. The rebels assisted Gordon on his way to the Citadel, with Eli freed from Nova Prospekt, the rebels had enough morale gained that they could fight on, and on, without fear of death.

Gordon Freeman had already made his way to the top of the Citadel, and the battles were at their peak. Both sides suffered unaccountable losses. The planet's main hub being under such struggle caused the fall of other cities. Every city was heavy in battle.

The Combine made one fatal mistake after the Seven Hour War. They didn't prepare for rebellion at all. Their weaponry, terminals, locks were all easy to access with a few good rebels.

The Combines final fight was nearing the end. Soon, they'd be cut off from the Union. They would fall, leaving the ashes and remnants of Earth to pick at the remains, in hopes to reestablish society and replenish their old way of daily life, before the Seven Hour War.

"Warning: Core reprogramming detected.", was heard being blared by the Citadel loudly.

Humanity fought like no other species. Humans never surrendered, they fought until they achieved victory.

They never truly gave in. Whether a political figure demanded it, or another nation fought them. Would they surrender at that?

No, they wouldn't surrender at all.

So why now? Why would they give in now?

Strider's fired blindly, as their final fight was drawing closer and closer outwards to an end.

The city shook, as the citadel's top sector was completely annihilated.

The Union was cut off from Earth.

Equestria could no longer receive more reinforcements.

A black hole seemed to be forming at the top of the Citadel, as "Warning.. Bypass detected..."

"Alert.. Alert.. Alert..", had echoed repeatedly, as the Citadel came nearer and nearer to its final moments.

Gunfire continued on, and on. Explosions continued.

Nobody would stop, the battle had raged on for hours too long already.

The Combine struggled to fight against the will power that humanity had established.

The citadel was at its end, as the Combine continued fighting, dying for the cause that was carried universe to universe. Bright, white lights seemed to fly through the hole, as it began to glow bright before exploding.

The pure black devilish looking portal seemed to explode shut, as the middle and bottom of the Citadel then exploded, sending red debris, flying all around the city, and even out of the city, destroying everything in its way, smoke filled the area, the blue sky was now coated coal black.

Explosions echoed, debris collapsed all over the city after being shot outwards from the explosion of the Citadel, nothing could've survived the hellish collapse of the Citadel.