Exiled soldiers

"So, what do you guys like to eat," Josh asked, as the five had indeed found an actual restaurant on the ship. It had been three hours since Twilight, Spike, and Elegance had first worn their Spartan armor, and the three of them, Josh, and Ken were wearing their Spartan fatigues, which was to say the undersuit and the pants.

"Well, ponies can eat both meat and plants," Elegance said, "but they prefer plants, dragons can eat those as well as gem stones, while changelings, well-"

"Don't worry, Elegance," Ken said. "When Halsey selected us to be the ones to help train you, she told us about your unique diet. We do find a little strange, yeah, but, in all honesty, you can't really help it. How you evolved."

Elegance smiled a little. "Thanks, guys. Now, if you'll hold on," she said before she burst into emerald flames, which caused the two male Spartans to jump back.

"Holy-" Josh said in shock. "Didn't know about that."

When the flames died down, a Spartan high, blonde woman with shoulder length hair, piercing blue eyes, full, red lips, a small, attractive nose, and, for a Spartan, a sizable chest stood in Elegance's place, but still wore Elegance's outfit. "So, boys," Elegance said in a voice that seemed to fit with the voice, a hint of a Scandinavian accent, but not much, "how do I look?" She, Twilight, and Spike chuckled as the two looked at Elegance, speechless. "Given the amount of lust I'm getting off you two, I'd say pretty damn good."

Twilight lit her horn, and lifted Josh and Ken's mouths up, and said, "Come on, guys. I'm a little hungry myself."

"R-right," Ken said as he and Josh followed their three new team mates into their destination.

Upon entering, the three new members of Fire team Lone saw a room with booths on both sides connected to the wall, with about five rows of ten tables, each table having six seats, in the middle. Half of the tables were occupied, with an average of three Spartans at each table, meaning if you added the amount at each table and divided by the amount of those tables, you'd get three, eating their own food, and each turned to look at Fire team Lone as they walked in, but the looks of the male Spartans soon focused on Elegance. Ken and Josh rolled their eyes as the five made it to where you would order the food.

"Hey, Josh," Ken said. "Your in luck. Asian food."

"Really," Josh said, looking at the board that had the various foods, and he saw that is was all Asian food. But better was that today seemed to be an old Earth day, as they were selling Josh's favorite food. "Fuck yes, they got Tso," he said.

"Huh," Twilight said.

"General Tso's Chicken," Ken elaborated. "Josh'a favorite food. Though I'm still a little surprised any company would as to have their restaurant on a war ship."

"Ken, look at who owns it," Josh said, pointing to a small sign. "'A division of Chaos industries.' We both know their CEO loves the unexpected, and a restaurant on a warship fits in with that."

"What's he called," Twilight asked.

"I don't know," Ken said. "I think it's Daniel Issacs Smith something, I don't remember his full name."

"Would it happen to start with a 'C'," Spike asked.

"Yeah, I think so," Ken said.

"It's Charles Oberon Robert Dick, I'm not kidding," Josh said. "I met the guy once. A family friend since about three or so years ago. Likes to go by Dis, sometimes, and the few times he plays any kind of game, his username is 'King of Chaos."

"Sounds like someone we know," Twilight said. "Doesn't it, Spike?"

"Yeah, sounds like him, alright."

"Who," Ken asked as they got into line, Josh at the front of the group.

"Let's just say someone who loved to cause all kinds of panic," Elegance, still in her disguise, said. "Didn't harm anyone, though."

"Josh, is that you," a new, albeit familiar to the three new Spartans, said from behind the counter.

"Hey, Dis," Josh said "What are you doing here?"

A man in very. . . odd clothing walked, or, rather, vaulted over the counter, and came to the side of the group. He had on a brown and white, no dirt, shirt on with a half red, half blue tie on with green and black pants. He had gray hair, and yellow irises. "Oh, you know, just checking to see how the store's doing," the man replied before his sight settled on Twilight. "Twilight?"

"Wait a minute," Ken said. "Twilight, you know him?"

"'Know me'? Of course she knows me," Dis said. "After all, she was one of the ones who put me into stone."

Twilight sighed as she face palmed. "Discord, what are you doing here?"

"Just what I said," Discord said. "Did you really expect me just to stay on Equis when I was free? I decided to visit Earth, and when I saw their technology tier, I decided, 'Hey, why not join in the chaos known as business'? I opened Chaos industries two years and nine months ago, and even with none of my chaos magic in place, it succeeded quite well, and when Infinity came by Earth in March of last year, I decided to expand onto the ship, and here we are."

"I am lost as hell right now," Josh said.

"I think he basically said he's someone from the recruit's home," a Marine in front of Josh said. "Don't get me wrong, I'm confused too, but that's what I was able to understand."

"He essentially said," Twilight said, face still in palm, "that after my former friends and I reformed him, he decided to go to Earth, which is around the time he met you, Josh, and used his own magic to make this form for him, and raise enough money for his business, probably a fake history of his life, too, and has been hopping between Equis and Earth the last three years."

"Smart as ever, Twily," Discord said.

"Okay, this is interesting and all," Josh said, "but can we discuss this over food?"

Both Ken and Discord chuckled. "Sure," Discord said. "Shen, we need an order of General Tso, now!"

"I'll take a beef and broccoli, hold the broccoli," Ken said.

"You heard him, Shen," Discord said. "What about you three?"

"Ummm, I guess I'll take the same as Ken," Spike said.

"Same," Elegance, still in disguise, said.

"I guess I'll take a vegetarian form of what Josh is having," Twilight said.

"You heard them, Shen," Discord said. "Three BaBs, hold the second B, One Tso, one Vegetarian Tso."

"On it, sir," Shen, a man in his early thirties with slick, black hair, said. With that, the, admittedly, strange group of six sat down at a nearby table.

"So, Twilight," Discord said. "How are things going? I didn't expect to run into you here on Infinity."

"I was banished, Discord."

"Ah, yes, Fluttershy sent me a letter about that two days ago," Discord said.  "You'll be happy to know, I assume, that they're all having issues with you being gone. Rainbow no longer has someone to help her study, which she needs, seeing as how the test for the Wonderbolts is coming up, Rarity no longer gets as many gems as before without Spike helping her, which has put a bit of a cut in her profits. Fluttershy, bless her heart, has become an emotional wreck because of you being banished, not that I blame you three for it. Applejack's farm is going under in profits. Seems they relied on your financial skills quite a bit, Spike. Really, the only one I'd say isn't affected majorly would be Pinkie, but she's hard for even me to read, so I couldn't say with one hundred percent accuracy."

"They deserve it," Twilight said. "If they were my friends, they would have tried to defend me."

"Wait a minute," Josh said. "You got banished for what, exactly?"

"Defending Elegance from another pony, who was somehow able to convince everypony else we attacked him first."

"Well, I honestly have no idea about that, Twilight," Discord said. "But believe me, if I hadn't been held up at a board meeting, I would have been there supporting you. I know you don't like to call me a friend, but even I know you wouldn't just attack."

"Thanks, Discord," Twilight said.

"My pleasure," Discord said with a smile. "So, I see you three became Spartans like Josh and Ken. I imagine to help them with a particular problem?"

"You know you could just find out," Spike said.

"Yes, but that's no fun," Discord said. "So, Josh, how have things been going here? I just arrived today."

At Josh's confused expression, Twilight said, "He's able to teleport anywhere."

"Ah," Josh said. "Well, hectic, I guess you could say. There's some kind of psychotic A.I. who wants to rule the entire galaxy, the Covenant Remnant's practically dead, and then there's Twilight and the others."

"That makes sense," Discord said. "So, Twily, Elegance, Spike, what have you been up to since coming aboard. Aside from the obvious."

"Just sitting around and getting training," Elegance replied.

"Well, I do hope you guys get a sixth member," Discord said.

"Why," Ken asked. "We aren't even planning on that."

"Because that board meeting I was at was for a sponsored, six v six tournament of Breakout, and I was hoping Fire team Lone would be involved. If you guys do, I'll be happy to sponsor you."

"If we get a sixth member, which I doubt we will," Josh said as a server arrived with their food, "we'll let you know, Dis."

"I do like that nick name better then 'Dissy'," Discord said. "So, Twilight, if I may ask, how are those Forerunners doing?"

"They're doing good, actually," Twilight said. "Why?"

"Because, believe it or not, I am actually one of their experiments. How else did you think I have my power?"

"Magic," Twilight, Elegance, and Spike replied.

"Wrong," Discord said. "You see, every bit of 'magic'," he said, putting air quotes around magic, "is the core of the planet leaking energy. Not even Celestia and Luna, or, rather, Celestia and Nightmare Moon know that."

"Looks like we called it," Elegance said. "The Elements did wear off."

"Remind me to send a thank you for banishing us to Celestia with the next letter to my parents," Twilight said.

"That reminds me, Twilight," Discord said, pulling a scroll out of his shirt pocket. "From your parents. They gave it to Celestia to give to me to give to you, for when you'd be able to talk to them next."

"Thanks," Twilight said, taking the scroll in her magic. She the grabbed a fork in her hand, and took a piece of chicken from the bowl it was in, and her tongue was assaulted with a spicy flavor that had hints of sweetness. "I see what you mean, Josh," she said. "This is better than anything I had back in Equestria."

"My personal recipe," Discord said. "It does use a few Equestrian ingredients, but most of it's from Earth or her Colonies."

"I didn't know you could cook," Twilight said.

"Exactly," Discord said. "It's unexpected, so I would be able to, which means it was expected, so they would expect me to be able to cook, so I act like I can't."

"Dis, stop, please," Josh said, taking a bite of his General Tso. "You were confusing enough before today."

"No promises," Discord said. "So, Ken, have you finally gotten the guts to ask you know who out?"

"No he has not," Josh said, getting a punch in the arm from Ken. "Given you're from Twilight's planet, you know any who could help him?"

"I don't need help, Josh," Ken said.

"Yes you do," Josh retorted. "You yourself said you had feelings for her when you in the same squad a few years ago, and last I checked, she is single."

Discord chuckled. "As it so happens, I do, but I won't do anything because it's a little too soon after Twilight's banishment to ask that pony for help. Which reminds me," he said, pulling out a data pad. "Twilight I used my. . . skills to outfit this data pad with top of the line communication gear, and I gave your parents one, too, and showed them how to use it, so that you aren't stuck with those boring old letters, and so they can meet Josh and Ken."

"Why," Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Because. . ., well, I don't know, but I think it best if you have it, that way, once your fully informed as to the whole A.I. incident, and it hits Equis, you'll be able to tell Lasky, ad you can high tail it there to take care of the threat." He shrugged. "Honestly, I would prefer you do it to help your family, but if you don't, then that's just one more thing humanity will need to eventually fight, and probably lose."

"So, if I can ask a question," Elegance said, using her fork to pick up a piece of beef from the bowl in front of her and bring it to her mouth, "what's going on with the hives?"

"Ah, such beautiful chaos, that," Discord said. "And I didn't even cause it. Most of them started rioting, oh, when was it," he said, taking out a stop watch and looking at it, "tomorrow in both Ponyville and Canterlot."

"I'm guessing he can time travel, too,"  Josh said. "Explains a lot."

"Yep," Ken agreed as he took a bite at his food.

"Rarely," Discord said. "Takes a lot of energy, even for me."

"What do you guys mean," Spike asked.

"Just that he always seemed to be able to predict the future," Josh said. "But one thing I'm curious about, Dis: How is it you can plan on having a breakout tournament, or still have a successful business, when there's practically a revolt of A.I.s?"

"Because I planned for it," Discord said. "I used the vast amount of money I made to help buy a few dumb grade A.I.s, about two for each major department, which allows for us to have the power of an A.I. without needing to worry about the seven year issue, and they also get a break about every month or so with the second one, which gives them time to do what they want, and delete any non-important information. Helps that I make it to where each department has a mandatory day to do everything they can that doesn't need an A.I. that's needed, so that neither needs to do anything more than what's needed that day."

"That. . . sounds like a smart move," Twilight said. "Who are you, and what have you done with Discord?"

"Oh, Twilight, I'm the same Discord you know. I just changed my skin, is all," he said. "Besides, I prefer applying my genuius to business, anyway, as that is one of the most chaotic jobs I know of." A watch on his left wrist then started beeping. "Oh, I forgot, I had tea with Fluttershy scheduled for today. Josh once your done, tell Shen I had to go home. He's one of the few humans who knows my secret. Well, few compared to the total. He'll get it." He turned to face Twilight and the others, a smile on his face. "I'll see ya soon, Twily," he said before he snapped his fingers, and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Well, he definitely got a little more interesting," Josh said. "So, Twilight, if your willing, care to share a few more details about your exile?"

The lavender unicorn sighed. "Why not," she said, taking another bite of her food. "Well, you know why I got banished. Elegance was charged with assault, too, and where I come from, it was the first one in so many years, so a harsh example had to be made. Spike decided to come with us, and a spell that was put on us will make it to where if we step hoof, claw, foot, whatever, we die a slow and painful death.  Knowing Celestia, it's probabaly fast acting, but extremely painful, close to Canterlot, the capitol, especially."

"Damn," Ken said. "And I thought the damned life sentence was brutal in some cases."

"It may as well be a life sentence for us," Spike said. "We were replaced by one of Twilight's friends from a variation of Equestria, long story, and the only way we can talk with our family is if they contact us first."

"Which means I should probably reply in letter first," Twilight said. "Might as well read it now before I forget it," she said. With that, she opened the letter, and began to read aloud.

Twilight

Whatever it is that your doing, we're glad that you're at least doing it with friends. And sorry about not sending this through dragon flame, but we figured Discord would have been able to get it to you as soon as possible. And yes, he gave us the same thing he gave you, assuming he gave you anything, that is. How's Spike doing? We ask because we just came across a book about dragon physiology. We can send it via dragon flame, if you want. A lot's happened here since you guys left, but we guess the largest thing would be that Nightmare Moon's back, and not trying to cause eternal night

-"Damn it," Twilight said quickly-

and the fact she and Celestia are in a relationship. Yeah, both the others and the Nobles tried to get Princess Celestia and bring Princess Luna back, but, we guess with a long speech from one or both of them, Nightmare and Celestia are still together, and on the throne. Which reminds your mother, have you guys found anypony yet? If you want to answer, that is."

Nightlight and Twilight Velvet

"Is it wrong I'm currently thinking your parents still seem a little interested in you, Twi," Josh asked.

"It makes sense, I guess," Twilight replied. "They are my parents, after all."

"So, going to reply," Ken asked.

"Yeah," Twilight said. "That is, once we get settled into the new room."

"Makes sense," Josh replied before Roland's avatar appeared on the table.

"Afternoon, Spartans," he said. "Am I interrupting anything?"

"Not much, Roland," Ken said. "What's going on?"

"Nothing much," the A.I. replied. "Captain Lasky just wanted me to inform you guys that a sixth member's been added to the team."

"Why," Elegance asked.

"Logistics," Ken said. "A team of five is impossible to easily balance in any war games. War zone has twelve per team, slayer has four, as do most other games, and big team has six to eight. Five doesn't divide any of those evenly, which is why most teams are four, as it goes into most, and can be split in six v six, while some are three or six. Five just doesn't go into any of those."

"Precisely," Roland said. "She's already in the team room, and I would suggest you hurry. She's a little mad about being transferred."

"We'll keep that in mind," Josh said, getting up. "Hey, Shen, Dis says he went back!"

"Got it!"

"I'd ask," Roland said, "but I was watching to see how well Spartan Twilight and the others were doing, and saw the whole thing." He turned to face Twilight. "You have some interesting friends, Spartan."

"Yeah, we know," Spike said, having already eaten his food. "So, do we get to know who the newer addition is?"

"Sorry, Captain Lasky wants it to be a surprise. I'll see you later." With that, he vanished, and Ken sighed.

"Well, may as well get moving," he said, getting up, followed by the others. "Whoever it is," he said once they left the restaurant, "it has to be from a team of four, or a lone wolf head hunter, or there's gonna be a lot of team restructuring."

"Oh, yeah," Josh said "So, think it's Carly?"

"I doubt it," Ken replied. "That is, if we're thinking of the one from Ivy. Remember, they're a team of six."

"Oh yeah," the other Spartan said. "AJ?"

"From Fire team Mountain? I doubt it."

"I guess we'll have to wait, then," Josh said. "For your sake, I hope it isn't her."

"With my luck, it probably is," Ken said before his face took on a look of horror. "Oh shit. If it is her, she's gonna see the pictures."

Josh patted his team mate on the shoulder. "Told ya you shouldn't have put them on the wall, dude."

"I know," Ken said before sighing. "Get the tranq ready."

"Already got it under my pillow," Josh said. "You're probably gonna need it."

"That's why I said to get it ready, dumbass."

"Yeah, yeah," Josh said.

"So, how often does this happen," Twilight asked. "Another Spartan being removed form one team and put in another, I mean."

"When it's just one Spartan being transferred," Josh said. "Rare as hell."

"Yeah, the last time it happened,"  Ken said, "I was transferred here from Crimson, and Josh from Taurus."

"No, I'd say Tanaka from Domino to Osiris is the most recent," Josh said.

"Yeah, I guess you have a point."

For a few more minutes, it was just the team making their way to the elevator to take them to the deck that had their quarters. When they were at the door, Ken said, "Time to find out who the new member is."

"Yep," Josh said, pressing the button to open the door.

"Of course," Ken muttered, as the other Spartan was seen. "Just my goddamned luck."

On the other side of the door was Sarah Palmer.