Shadowman

Both Celestia and Luna knew this day would come. After the Republic had become the Empire, they feared that a takeover of Equestria was imminent. Equestria was rich with resources, that's what attracted outsiders in the first place. They had assembled an army, but they knew it would pale in comparison of what the Empire would send. They had little over 20,000 ponies at best, and all were armed with black market blasters and what was left of the abandoned Clone garrison. Not enough to hold the Empire for long. More than anything, the princesses wanted Equestria to be left alone and peaceful. However, their fears were confirmed when reports of Star Destroyers in orbit came from the Ponyville Observatory. The Empire... had arrived.

Canterlot Castle, War Room, 12:05 AM SCT (Standard Canterlot Time)

There was a heavy silence and a very strong tension between the small group of assembled generals and commanding officers of the 1st Army of Equestria, and Supreme Marshalls Celestia and Luna knew that repelling the Empire would not be easy.

"Send half of the army to Ponyville. If we can hold them there, we can send the other half to finish them off," said Celestia.

"I advise against it," replied earth pony Maj. Gen. Silver Hoof. "We can do more damage if all our forces are concentrated together."

"Then perhaps we should send the entire army to..." but Celestia was cut off.

"Send the ENTIRE ARMY? Are you mad?!?! The capital would be practically defenseless, if the army failed at Ponyville, then Imperial troops are free to march into the capital! They will outnumber us 10 to 1! WE MUST HOLD CANTERLOT!" said Silver Hoof, banging a hoof on the symbol of Canterlot on the map table in the center of the room.

There were mumbles of agreement among the officers.

"But we can't let the enemy take Ponyville either. If they do, they'll have a foothold against our troops at the capital. If we beat back the first wave, they'll just regroup at Ponyville and send a stronger second wave," said earth pony Gen. Gold Star.

"I agree with Gen. Gold Star. We can't let them have a foothold. I think we could send 5,000 ponies to back Ponyville. My guess is that the Empire will target Ponyville first, then, once it's gotten it, march straight for Canterlot. To be honest, I don't think we stand much of a chance," said pegasus Capt. Razorwing.

"Steady, Razorwing," said Capt. Shining Armor. "Your Highness, I recommend Razorwing's plan. 5,000 ponies can buy us some time to prepare city defenses, and at least we can give them something they might trip on."

"But will they trip? The Empire's technology is far more advanced and we've barely had time to..." began Silver Hoof.

"Enough," said Celestia firmly. "Razorwing, Shining, take your ponies to Ponyville. Hold it for as long as you can. Gold Star, Silver Hoof, and Blazing Victory's and all other forces will defend Canterlot. Meeting Adjourned."

As the generals and other officers filed out of the room, Luna turned to Celestia and said, "Tia, can we hold the Empire? They have a far more powerful in terms of weapons and numbers. We are fighting a war that is already lost!"

"Lulu, have faith in our stallions and in me. We must try our hardest to protect those who are innocent, if not our country or even ourselves. I know everyone is scared, especially you. But when we must rise up against our foes, I am counting on you to be strong and vigilant in the face of danger. I... I have made my arrangements in case things go awry during battle. Don't worry, the others will help you, too. As long as you fight, and try, you will do the right thing," said Celestia.

Luna nodded and sniffled.

"Remember the Clones? Remember Commander Zulu and Zulu Company? Be like them. Fight until the end, be brave, but not rash. Be with your men on the front lines, know when to push forward and fall back. If you're who I think you are, you'll be ok. Just never let them get to you. You may lose me, and if that happens... know that I'll always be with you," said Celestia.

Luna looked at Celestia with moist eyes and tried to respond, but she couldn't. Instead, she flung her forehooves around Celestia and hugged her tightly. Celestia hugged back, and Luna let a few tears fall from her eyes.

Next Day, 6:30 AM SCT, Ponyville

Ponyville was empty. No civilians were in sight, and few remained. Most had fled to Canterlot, thinking they would be safe behind the capital's walls. But the few who were there, were armed and ready to fight alongside the soldiers, to defend their homes and businesses from the Empire. Some soldiers thought it was a touching and brave act, but others were just glad for the help, however sparse it was.

Shining and Razorwing, along with the other 4, 998 other ponies behind them, were waiting for the Imperial soldiers. All the ponies clutched their blasters tightly, knowing that the battle ahead might be their last.

Shining turned to the troops (and so did Razorwing) and he began an improvised speech, "Today, my friends, Stallions, mares... your courage, strength, and wisdom will be your allies. I know the odds are against us, but that didn't stop us when the droids came. Equestria has been invaded once, and, with support, we were able to drive the enemy back. It took cooperation, strength, bravery, and many other things you demonstrated to the Republic. I know that the Republic is gone, I know that we are alone, but know this: we still have each other. Today, many lives will be lost, and many more may be injured. But if you think the Empire can strip you of all friends and all you stand for, you're wrong. They have only one thing that they can't take: your loyalty. You have sworn allegiance to Equestria and the Princesses, and as  long as you remain loyal, the Empire can do nothing to you. I may die, Razorwing may die, but if you do, you and your actions will be remembered forever by those who see to live another day. It doesn't matter if you're scared or not scared. The Empire will still come, and even if  you don't want to fight, you'll have to. Unless you want to die hiding in a corner, sobbing and holding a blaster, the death of a coward. But you are not cowards, not one of you. Even if you don't shoot a single soldier, as long as you are brave, face the enemy head on, and give your life for the innocent or others, you are a hero. Today, is the day of heroes. The Hero's Dawn!" Shining then turned towards the sun, pointed at it, and said, "Even now, Celestia still rises the sun, even in the face of total invasion! Fight for her! Fight FOR ALL that sunrise stands for. We are unique in the universe, there is only one Equestria, only one you! Only one Celestia! Only one Luna! If you don't fight for them, fight for your country, and if not that, your friends, and if not for your friends, then fight for yourself. And if even not for yourself, fight because it's your duty. Because you owe it to your friends to me and Razorwing, to...!" Shining was cut off because a sentinel cried:

"They're here, sir!"

30 minutes earlier...

Many grey uniformed officers were busy on the bridge of the Avenger, and General Maximillian Veers was preparing for the ground assault of Equestria. Why the Empire needed such a planet was beyond his reasoning, but he had orders to take it. First march to a small town  in the southern continent called "Ponyville", capture it, and march straight for the capital, "Canterlot". It seemed easy enough, and he didn't expect much resistance, according to probes sent to the planet, the military was weak, consisting of only 20,000 soldiers, armed with outdated blasters and Clone relics. It just seemed like a simple come in and conquer, like Hoth. He then exited the bridge,went down to the hangar, and boarded an AT-AT. The two pilots were standing at attention and saluted when Veers walked into the cabin. Veers then said, "Lord Vader, I have been notified that all troops are ready to depart, including ten special Storm Commando units. May we proceed to the planet's surface?"

Suddenly, in the middle of the control panel of the walker, a blue hologram of Darth Vader appeared. In a electric and somewhat wavering voice, Vader said, "You may, General. Do not fail me, the Emperor has plans with the planet. It has high amount of resources that are very valuable to the Empire. Negotiations failed and know it is up to your and your men to secure the southern continent."

"It will be done, my lord," replied Veers confidently. "Avenger, we are ready to commence ground assault. Begin Phase 1."

The Avenger moved out of orbit and began moving towards Ponyville. In five minutes it had reached the designated land zone and soon thousands of white Stormtroopers poured out, a cascade of white armor and blasters. Next came the Speeder Bikes, row upon row of 74-Z's lined up, all manned by confident Storm Commandos in white armor, 20 bikes in total. the other 20 Commandos were to be dropped from a shuttle at a designated area Then, came the walkers. 2 AT-ST's and then eight AT-AT's, one of them holding Veer. Once the entire force had been unloaded and organized, it slowly moved towards Ponyville. "Quasar Squadron, standby for launch," said Veer into his com microphone. "Standing by," replied a TIE pilot.

"Launch... now," said Veer.

"Launching now, sir," replied the TIE pilot.

And, just as the cruiser was ascending, a squadron of TIE Fighters and TIE Bombers flew out, screeching over the ground force and flying towards Ponyville.

6:45 AM SCT, Ponyville

Shining immediately became silent and all troops were tense.

"Swift Wing, report," said Razorwing.

"About..." said the sentinel, Swift Wing, raising a pair of electrobinoculars to his eyes. "A star Destroyer, ranks of about 6,000 Stormtroopers,  10 walkers, and two dozen speeder bikes... Wait, there's something else coming as well. TIE Fighters!"

"TAKE COVER!" yelled the Captains.