Lieutenant Quick Strike

Rebirth Island, Opasnyy Coast, Province of Belka, United Terran Empire

Lieutenant of the Royal Equestrian Navy, Prisoner, Test Subject for Project Earth Shatterer

All around him, his fellow prisoners watched in confusion.

Moments ago, multiple Human soldiers flooded the room and locked the doors, with most of them pointing their weapons at the door.

Quick Strike knew better, from what he gathered from the guards were that this facility holds some of the most dangerous creatures in the planet. Some were described as "God-tier" by some of the guards and they believed not even the Princesses in their full might could do anything to them.

He questioned on why the scientists would create such a thing.

They told him the majority of the subjects were "accidents" and the biggest problem was they couldn't kill the most dangerous ones.

"All personnel, be advised, Subjects 106, 682, 096, 166, 049, and 666-J have escaped confinement. Please proceed to the designated safe areas as practiced. Operatives are on site to recontain the subjects."

The ponies watched as some of the Humans were visibly panicking.

"106, 682, and 096 huh? Say your prayers ladies and gentleman, we ain't gonna survive if either one of them gets here." One of the soldiers said as he took out a t-shaped necklace and kissed it.

"I promised my ma I'd see her the next time I'm on leave." Said the soldier next to him said.

"Hey, don't get gloomy alright? Just do as you're trained. Operatives are on site to contain the subjects." Yelled a female soldier.

"All personnel be advised, Subjects 343 and 999 have been released to assist." said the intercom.

"343? You mean the guy who's like God?" Said a soldier.

"Heh, I wouldn't be surprised if he IS God." said another while analyzing his gun.

"Strike? You know what's going on?" said a voice behind the Pegasus.

He turned around to find Captain Vigilant looking at him.

"Sort of."

"Well, care to explain?" said the aged Captain.

Quick Strike told him everything he learned from the guards with some of the other ponies listening.

"They could be lying." said the Captain.

"I don't know sir, I've seen some of the subjects out there and those were only the safe ones."

Emperor Maximilian Vorenus

Imperial Palace, Agatha, Province of Etrusca, United Terran Empire

Emperor of the United Terran Empire

Vorenus walked down the hallway of his palace, escorted by a pair of Imperial Guards and his assistant Louisa.

Wearing only his boxer briefs and a bathrobe, he cursed whatever deity out there for allowing this to happen when he was sleeping. His wife wasn't pleased either, but she understood the seriousness of the situation. He doesn't usually wake up at six in the morning unless something serious happened.

"We all know what happens during DEFCON 1. I want all Commanders and Governors notified. Mobilize all units and put them on standby. Do not let word get out of what's happening. If anyone asks, everyone notified must say they're mobilizing in case for any retaliatory strikes during Christian Spencer's and Sharaf Rizieq's executions. And that includes Emperor Red Talon." He said.

"Yes sir. Should we delay the executions my lord?" asked Louisa.

Vorenus thought for a second. "No, let the executions proceed as planned."

"Very good sir." Louisa responded as she walked away to carry out her orders."

Vorenus' mind was in panic. The last thing he wanted was to have even one of the more dangerous subjects escape to wreak havoc. Steiner proposed dropping them in Equestria, but he denied them as they will attack the Human slaves too and still find a way back to the Empire.

"Ah, there you are Max."

Vorenus was shaken from his thoughts and saw an old man in a suit and a lab coat, using a cane while walking alongside another old man in a black suit.

"Greetings Doctor Alexsei Brulov, Field Marshal Viktor Brusilov. What brings you here so early in the morning? I must apologize for not being dressed properly, but something came to my attention and I didn't have time to put on some proper attire." Vorenus said.

The 82 year-old Belkan Doctor with a mustache and a goatee smiled. "Bah, it's nothing my child. I've seen you worse when you were just a wee little boy."

Doctor Brulov was the Vorenus family doctor his entire life, and was even there when Maximilian Vorenus VII was born. Many in the Empire were shocked that the 23 year-old crowned prince and his 22-year-old wife were having a second child so soon, a year after giving birth to a daughter.

They were condemned by some nobles, but Doctor Brulov and others proudly stood by and shielded the children from any threats and insults. The Vorenus family wasn't very well liked by the nobility after all.

His grandfather, Emperor Joseph Ricardo Vorenus, was known to be very harsh to his own children, and gave them harsh punishments.

Despite being born into the Royal family, the children would be forced to clean after him like mere "commoners". Sweep the floors, make his bed, clean his room, do his laundry, etc. One wrong move, and he would literally beat them senseless. Anybody who defended the children, even his own commanders, would be banned from ever stepping foot into the palace.

Children from other noble families were of no exception. Viktor Brusilov once defended Max's father from a beating and was banned from the palace. It was only when Emperor J.R. Vorenus was bedridden because of cancer did Max's father, Lucius Nathaniel Vorenus, assumed control and allowed Brusilov back into the palace.

The 78 year-old former Field Marshal of Belkan origin with a handlebar mustache was elated to see the Emperor in such a poor state. Not even being a war hero was enough to change his mind.

Emperor J.R. Vorenus asked for forgiveness from his children and those around him, but they all only spat on him.

Lucius Vorenus even remembered when his father beat his children, Max and his older sister Jennifer, for being too loud when they were playing with their dog. Max in particular, tried to defend his sister and the Emperor proceeded to punch the child on the face. It was only when his father and some commanders barged in and shielded the children. Max was hospitalized for a while and the children were kept away from the Emperor in all costs.

The only reason why nobody attempted to remove the Emperor was because of the overwhelming support from the nobility and the rich and powerful.

Before he died, his children had him put on a wheelchair and shown statues of him torn down by the orders of the Royal Family. He weeped when he saw his children tearing his legacy apart and the citizens of the Empire rejoiced at seeing the statues toppled.

He was not even allowed to see a picture of his long deceased wife before he took his final breath, alone, with nobody to weep for him.

They gave him a simple tombstone on the family plot, that much they gave him. But nobody gave him flowers or even muttered a prayer whenever someone passed by.

Max's grandfather didn't give him and his sister the love and affection that grandparents usually gave, but Doctor Brulov filled in that hole and cherished them as if he was his own grandchildren, which he never had due to an accident.

Field Marshal Brusilov was like the other grandfather who was always away but always came back bearing gifts. The mastermind behind the Brusilov Offensive where Imperial forces retook the city of Algonquin which resulted in 750,000 Imperial casualties and 1,150,000 Britannican casualties, he deprived the Britannicans of one of their largest ports and encircled one of their fleets. This resulted in the surrender of the Royal Britannican Navy 4th Fleet, and the 4th and 7th Royal Armies. Brusilov returned to Agatha and presented to Max the a bullet-ridden Britannican flag taken from Algonquin's City Hall. Today, it hangs along with other captured battle flags in his own personal museum.

Because of his grandfather's folly, Max's father and himself worked tirelessly to undo the damage he has done. His father was able to finish off the Britannicans, but Max was left to wipe out the widespread Insurrection. He hasn't seen Brusilov for years.

"I was not expecting you to be here Viktor." Vorenus said.

"Well, I was here to see the execution, but I might as well see the man I saw that used to be a scrawny little boy. Look at you now! An Emperor! Your parents and your sister would've been so proud of you." Brusilov responded.

"It's good to see you too." Vorenus said as he walked up and hugged the both of them. "Unfortunately, I must take my leave. Perhaps we could catch up some time?"

"That would be delightful." said Brusilov cheerily.

"Then, adieu."

He walked pass them to carry on his duties.

"And don't forget Max! You have an appointment with me tomorrow!" shouted Doctor Brulov.

"Yeah yeah old man. As long as you don't stick anything up my ass!" Vorenus shouted back.

"You've got nothing to worry about you big baby!"

Deputy Director Antonio Beria

Beria Estate, Agatha, United Terran Empire

Deputy Director of the Terran Intelligence Bureau

"I know that dammit. The fuck are we going to do?"

The Deputy Director sat on his couch while General Russell continued to pace in front of him.

"Obviously, this is something that is out of our hands. For now, we need to play along and wait when the time's right." said Beria.

Russell stopped his pacing and looked at Beria.

"It's your Insurrectionist friends isn't it? Bet you they have something to do with this." Russell said as he pointed at him.

"I'm not the head so possibly. All I know is they had an operative in Rebirth Island but wasn't heard since. Imbeciles thought sending someone will achieve something."

They were silent as they pondered their next move.

"So we just stay put? Graves isn't going to be happy." said Russell.

"Well that idiot is going to get himself and the remnants of their armed forces killed. The 4th Fleet is sailing towards the Poisui Islands. Gotta get used to it Chris, us and the 4th Infantry Division are all what's going to be left. We may not live long, but at least we'll bring down the damn Emperor and the Titans with us."

Dr. Heinrich Steiner

Rebirth Island, Opasnyy Coast, Province of Belka, United Terran Empire

Head of the Imperial Scientific Branch

"What assets are available Jefferson?"

Steiner stood in his office in front of Commander Jefferson. A containment breach of this level has never occurred in Rebirth Island's history since 1981 when Dr. Stanford Pines was the Head of the Imperial Scientific Branch before his disappearance when Subject 682 escaped and helped 106 and 096 escape.

"Currently, Commodore Kenneth Vaccaro and the 3rd Destroyer Squadron are on standby and the 14th Squadron "Firefoxes" with F-16 Foxhounds and the 18th Squadron "Freedom Fighters" with F-15 Strike Eagles from Rio Feroz Air Force Base are on their way. The Emperor has been notified and all combat missions throughout the entire military have been cancelled until we've secured the subjects." said the Commander.

"Rio Feroz? The hell are they doing here?" asked Steiner.

"They were sent to Velikaya Gora Air Force Base for Exercise Pitch Black. Velikaya's also scrambling their fighters."

Steiner crossed his arms across his chest as he sighed.

"Something's not right. Each of their cells have so many security measures that not even Celestia could get through. They can't be opened without my fingerprints, my blood, my passcode, and approval from the O5 Council."

Jefferson stood there with a blank stare.

"You've got something in mind?" asked Steiner.

"Yes actually. For each cell, every two years, we have the technicians check the security systems. Now hear me out, what if at least one of the technicians hacked into the system? The technicians aren't allowed to leave the island even during a containment breach. They should all be in the designated safe areas. If our saboteur is among them, we can catch them. Otherwise, he or she will take the confusion as an opportunity to escape with the non-essential personnel."

"What if the systems malfunctioned?"

"At the exact same time? And these subjects in particular? I find it unlikely."

"Hmmmm, but why these subjects in particular?"

"Well sir, if I was a saboteur, I'd release 106, 682, and 096 to cause mayhem, 049 so he could go to the morgues and create a zombie outbreak, 166 to hamper recontaiment efforts, and 666-J to sneak among the evacuees and hamper efforts further. It would draw the attention of security long enough for me to hide amongst the evacuees and then escape once I reach the mainland. That is, of course, if security doesn't get suspicious. However, our saboteur didn't think far enough. Whoever he or she is, should've released the subjects at separate times to avoid any suspicions."

"And you're sure about this?"

"Well sir, unless you're the one who released them, then they're the only ones who had access to them. Not even the security system's operators could check the system themselves."

"Hmmm, call it in. I want all technicians identified and accounted for. Alert the security to halt evacuations until we identify the saboteur."

Jefferson nodded and took out a radio as he began to walk out the door.

"And Jefferson?"

He looked back at Steiner.

"Call it in. Deploy Epsilon 11 and tell the scientists for Earth Shatterer to cancel today's testings."

"Don't forget to shut down the Generator."

"I'll call the Governor. You just do what you have to do. Fucking breach HAD to happen when I ordered it to be turned on didn't it?"

Lieutenant Quick Strike

Rebirth Island, Opasnyy Coast, Province of Belka, United Terran Empire

Lieutenant of the Royal Equestrian Navy, Prisoner, Test Subject for Project Earth Shatterer

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the ponies found themselves bored. The loudspeaker has gone quiet and the guards were engaging in small talk.

"Thought something exciting was going to happen."

Quick Strike turned to a small group of ponies who were talking to each other.

"You know, do you think we could use our magic to overpower the guards?" A grey unicorn said.

"Maybe, but there's no way we could escape this place, especially when they have those abominations around." A green Earth Pony responded as the others muttered in agreement.

"Come on, you really think a bunch of Humans could beat us?" The unicorn said.

"Uh, yeah? That's why we're here in the first place dumbfuck."

"Whatever coward. I'm going back to sleep. Wake me up when you grow a pair." said the unicorn as he broke away from the group and laid down on the floor to sleep.

Princess Luna Galaxia

Dreamscape

Lunar Princess of Equestria

Luna hummed to herself as she passed the many doors leading to the dreams of her fellow ponies. Soon, she would have to lower the moon.

Her black dress flowed as if wind was blowing at her.

For a while, she tried to use the dreamscape to locate the ponies rebelling against their rule but the Everfree Forest seemed to grow thick shrubbery on their doors, blocking her from entering their dreams. Not just them, she couldn't enter the dreams of the soldiers stationed in the Everfree either.

She couldn't count the many times she's cursed to the skies for having the inability to enter a Human's dream. The Princess theorized it's because their lack of ability to use even the simplest of magic while other species can.

Lately, she tried to use the dreamscape to locate the missing ponies that ventured to unexplored territories. Strangely, she would find these doors she suspected were from the missing ponies, but they're either locked in chains, meaning the individual was awake, or they just disappear for no reason which confused her.

Tonight, there were hardly any nightmares so she decided to peer into some of her friend's dreams out of boredom. She blushed when she found Twilight's dream to be very, well, erotic. Luna didn't know the nerdy librarian/Princess was into some fetishes.

She perked up when she felt a surge of magic, and teleported to a new set of doors.

"They came back." She said but sighed when she saw all of the doors locked with chains.

Luna walked among the doors, hoping one of them would be unlocked to no avail.

Suddenly, she heard the sounds of chains moving and turned around. On one of the doors, the chains disappeared.

They must've fallen asleep, this is my chance. She thought before she walked towards the door.

Lieutenant Quick Strike

Rebirth Island, Opasnyy Coast, Province of Belka, United Terran Empire

Lieutenant of the Royal Equestrian Navy, Prisoner, Test Subject for Project Earth Shatterer

Quick Strike nudged the sleeping unicorn, trying to get him to wake up.

"Hey, wake up. I don't think we're suppose to be sleeping."

All he received in return was the sound of the stallion snoring.

"Oh for Celestia's sake, get up!" He said as he slapped the unicorn.

Princess Luna Galaxia

Dreamscape

Lunar Princess of Equestria

"This is it." Luna said.

She opened the door slowly, but an unseen force all of a sudden slammed the door shut.

"No dammit! I was so close!" The Luna Princess said as she bashed on the door.

The alicorn then noticed something about the door.

The chains didn't appear, that means the pony's only half-awake.

Her hand lit up as she placed it on the door.

The only time a sleep spell works in the dreamscape is if the pony's half-asleep. Come on, let me in!

Lieutenant Quick Strike

Rebirth Island, Opasnyy Coast, Province of Belka, United Terran Empire

Lieutenant of the Royal Equestrian Navy, Prisoner, Test Subject for Project Earth Shatterer

"Ugh, wha, go away." The unicorn said as Quick Strike picked him up.

"Come on, get up."

The moment Quick Strike helped him up, the unicorn's eyes shut once again followed by him snoring and falling to the ground.

"Geez, I don't think this guy even slept." Quick Strike heared a pony nearby said.

"Control, this is Oxen 1, I have a Nightmare Situation here."

Quick Strike looked up to the railings to see a soldier talking into a radio while looking down at the sleeping unicorn.

"Copy that Control." The dark-skinned soldier said before taking aim with his gun.

Before any of the ponies could react, the soldier shot the unicorn on the head.

The room was dead silent before the ponies roared in protest at the soldier.

"Hey!" A soldier near the door yelled before firing into the air to make them shut up.

"We didn't order any of ya'll to sleep. Stay awake or you'll end up like that piece of shit."

The ponies were silent before the Humans turned back to their conversations.

Princess Luna Galaxia

Dreamscape

Lunar Princess of Equestria

Sleep, I just want to talk.

Her left hand stayed on the door while her right hand moved to open the door.

She hissed when she felt the doorknob was very hot.

No. She thought as flames appeared on the door.

"No no no!" She yelled.

Luna did what she could. She fired some water and ice spells to dissipate the flames to no avail.

Finally, she gave up as she watched the fire burn the door to ashes.

Tears dripped from her eyes.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

Lieutenant Lee "Wizard" Stanford

Real Name: Data Not Available

Legionnaire Lieutenant

Everfree Forest, Equestria

"Fucking guard duty, boring as hell." Wizard said.

Unfortunately for Wizard and his squad, they were selected to guard the tunnel entrance to the motor pool today.

"Hey can't be that bad. At least we're outside instead of being stuck in the tunnels." said Shark.

The squad was huddled and trying to pass the time by having conversations while the Rebels either kept watch or were doing whatever to pass the time.

"I'd rather be fucking sleeping. Instead, I'm stuck with ya'll doing jack shit. Fuck me man, at least we could listen to music while guarding the prisoners." said Rainbow.

Bear lifted his head after checking his gun and smiled when he saw an individual walking up towards them.

"Well if it isn't my fellow cellmate." The big guy said.

The newcomer walked to Bear and they fistbumped.

"What are you doing here Spade?"

Amos "Spade" De Caro was just like any other Legionnaire, but wore a beanie and black fingerless gloves. He was only carrying his holstered pistol and a box full of bottle.

"Thought you fellas just want some drinks. I tell ya, being stuck in guard duty is almost as bad as being stuck in a jail cell." Spade said as he passed around bottles of beer.

"Were you and Bear locked up together?" Cosmo asked.

"Years ago, yeah. In Algonquin. Spade here got in trouble after trying to fight a McReary in their turf and I got in trouble for beating up a Pavano who got handsy with my wife during a party." Bear said.

"Ooooh, this I gotta here." Kahlo said as she drank from her bottle.

"Ok first, I gotta start from the beginning. So my family, we used to work for the Faustin Crime Family, more specifically, we were put under the direct command of his Lieutenant Dimitri Rascalov. One day, Mikhail Faustin, the big honcho, brought in this guy, ex-military to work as a hitman for him. Oh wait, I think it was because he killed Vlad, the fucking imbecile. Bah, whatever.

Guy kills notable people, and Faustin's power increases. Then, it all comes tumbling down when Rasacalov told the hitman Faustin was making enemies with the wrong people, so he sent him to kill Faustin. With Faustin dead, Rascalov takes control.

You see, my dad along with myself and many senior members didn't like Rascalov. Rumor has it he was just a puppet with the puppeteer working in the shadows so we all left the family. Don't know what's Rascalov's beef with that hitman and his family, probably just tying lose ends, but Rascalov played with his food too much and ended up getting wasted by the hitman.

After we left, we became hired guns for the mafia families, eventually working for the Pavanos, whom Spade's family works for." Bear said as Spade smiled before taking a sip.

"Got to meet some pretty big honchos from the Ancelotti and the Gambetti Families. We worked our way up, and we struck it rich. One day, I went with my wife to party at Maisonette 9. Only went to piss for a few minutes before I came back to find this Pavano schmuck touching my wife. Of course, I beat that fucker up and was arrested. My dad had to clear things with Mary Valvona, the head, and we reached an understanding. Ended up meeting Spade in jail for it.

With how the war with Insurrectionists were heating up and both of our fighting skills, some top dogs were impressed and they hired us as Legionnaires, promising us to be paid well and our families protected by the government. I took it, and I ended up being attached by the 7th Motostrelki before it was absorbed into the 4th Infantry Division. I think that was the only time I ever got arrested." Bear said as he took a swing with his beer.

"Second time for me. Got into another bar fight about a year ago with a member of The Lost. My ass got beaten because I got ganged up." said Spade. "How about you guys, any run ins with the law?"

"Eh, possession of illegal drugs because my dumbass brother hid a box of cocaine in the trunk of my car. I got cleared soon though." said Rainbow.

"DUI for me." answered Shark.

"Got caught street racing. My dad was pissed." said Cosmo.

"Nah." "Nada." "Got nothing." said Kahlo, Priest, and Komodo.

"Wizard?" Bear asked.

"Got caught making counterfeit money with my sister and a relative..." Wizard answered.

"Wow really?" Kahlo said.

"...when we were 13."

The group was silent as the processed the information.

"What the fuck?" Rainbow said as he broke the silence.

"Don't ask how we got into that situation. Then I also got caught trespassing before, and I was also charged with Indecent Exposure one time."

"Damn man, you wild." Komodo said.

"I got drunk at a party back after I graduated from college and I wounded up naked in an alley. Don't know how the fuck I ended up there, but some cops on patrol found me and handcuffed me."

"Wow, I think you topped everyone pal." chuckled Spade.

Colonel Darren "Warlord" Winslow

Rebel HQ, Everfree Forest, Equestria

Legionnaire Colonel

"Sir, it's gonna take some time before we establish any connections. For now, we need to stay put and wait for instructions."

Winslow looked down at a seated Legionnaire codename "Neptune" working on a radio on a table.

"Very well. Alert me once connection has been established." He said.

"Yes sir."

Winslow turned to Batista and Widow who were looking at a map of the Everfree on a table.

"We need to set up traps, create hunting grounds in case the ponies get any bright ideas." Widow said.

"What I'm worried about it their heavy armor. Do the Rebels have any weapons that can deal with their heavy armor?" Batista said.

Winslow walked up to the table.

"We've got plenty of R-23 SMAWs and R-7Vs to deal with their lighter armor. We'll keep the Kornets, Javelins, and the Vampirs in reserve. Use them only if we absolutely need to."

Winslow looked around as if he was looking for something.

"Where's Shaw?"

"He left to meet one of his contacts in Canterlot. He'll probably be back soon."

Winslow hummed as he tapped on the table.

"Alert me when he comes back. I'd like to learn more about his contacts."

The Afrikan Colonel left the room and walked down the tunnel to his room. It wasn't a long walk, only a few doors down. He passed by several Legionnaires and Rebels with the pony Rebels keeping their distance from him and the Legionnaires.

They were told of their reputation and their hatred for ponies. The ponies were afraid that one wrong move, even the smallest mistakes, will give a Legionnaire an excuse to beat them up.

Once he walked into his bedroom, he locked it, wanting for some peace and quiet. His room wasn't much. A single bed, a desk with two stacks of books, some maps, and documents.

However, he made his way to a large chest sitting in the corner of his room. Remembering the code he was given by Director Azarov, he input the code to a keypad on the chest.

The chest beeped twice after imputing the correct code.

Inside, there were six cylindrical containers. Winslow lifted opened the lid of one of them. Inside, there was a smaller cylindrical object with a red button on top.

"Lets hope we won't have to use them." He sighed before closing them once again.

Admiral Gregory du Casse

UTN Devastator, Port of Algonquin, Province of Britannica, United Terran Empire

Commander of the 1st Imperial Fleet

"And you are sure?"

Admiral du Casse stared at the Captain who told informed him of the situation. The Titan-class Aircraft Carrier and the rest of the 1st Fleet have only been here for one day.

"Yes sir. Orders come from Central Command sir."

*Sigh* "Fine, recall all personnel and have all units on high alert. Scramble all fighters."

"Yes sir!" The Captain said as he scrambled off to issue the orders.

Du Casse turned around to look at the Algonquin skyline from the viewport of the bridge.

"Fuck me man. I could've at least been born during peacetime." He muttered to himself.

Major General Oscar de la Cruz

De la Cruz Villa, Cielo Oasis, Province of Hispanica, United Terran Empire

Commander of the 6th Imperial Armored Division

"Lo siento cariño, pero necesito irme. Es una emergencia." De la Cruz said as he walked down the steps of his villa in his uniform with his wife and daughter next to him.

"Lo sé, pero acabas de regresar del deber. Abril necesita a su padre." His wife said sadly.

They finally reached the bottom of the stairs where soldiers and a convoy waited for him. The General hugged his wife and kissed her.

"No te preocupes Es solo una precaución. Si no ocurre nada, debería estar de vuelta mañana." He said as his wife cried.

De la Cruz kneeled down to his six-year old daughter who was holding a stuffed rabbit doll.

"¿Puedes ser fuerte mientras estoy fuera?" He asked her.

"¿Prometes volver?" She asked in return.

The General smiled before he hugged her and kissed her forehead.

"Siempre mi angelito." He said before standing up and walking to a waiting Nomad.

Lieutenant General Xavier "Mad Max" Maxwell

Mengerikan Jungle, Sibuk Island, Province of Oceania, United Terran Empire

Commander of the 3rd Imperial Marine Division

General Maxwell looked at the beaten and bleeding Insurrectionists who were kneeling down with their hands behind their heads. Behind them, Imperial Marines had their guns aimed at them. Next to him, an Oceanian Colonel walked with him with a worried look on his face, especially after telling him the situation.

"This is indeed a predicament, but I would hate to let those damn Rebels get away." Maxwell said.

In his own opinion, General Maxwell felt he and his Division should not be here to exterminate the Rebels. He believes another Division, especially led by an Oceanian who is more familiar to the terrain than him, should've been sent in instead. Day 1 and he already almost lost an entire platoon. However, they were able to kill nearly 75 Rebels and captured 16 of them who were then tortured for information.

"So what now sir?" The Colonel asked.

"Hmmm, we follow protocol. All missions will be canceled for today and we head back to Fort Lembah Naga, but first..." The General motioned to the prisoners.

The Colonel understood and nodded before walking up to the Marines.

General Maxwell lit a cigarette as he turned away from the impending carnage, not bothered by the sounds of gunfire and screams behind him.

There was one last Rebel who continued to scream and begged for mercy.

Maxwell took out the cigarette and inspected it.

"My parents would be horrified at the piles of bodies I left behind..."

There was the sound of someone taking out a knife before the screams were turned into the sounds of a woman gurgling on her own blood.

He then put the cigarette back into his mouth.

"...good thing they're dead."

Commodore Kenneth Vaccaro

UTN Dagger of Hispanica, Opasnyy Coast, Province of Belka, United Terran Empire

Commander of the 3rd Destroyer Squadron

From the bridge of the Furious-class Destroyer, Commodore Vaccaro looked at the ferry in front of his ship through the binoculars. The 3rd Destroyer Squadron consists of 2 Furious-class Destroyers, 2 Fearless-class Destroyers, and 2 Vindication-class Destroyers. They were famous for ambushing Insurrectionists patrols, convoys, and even taking down a Freedom-class Aircraft Carrier as it retreated to the Poisui Islands, their last stronghold. As a result, the 3rd Destroyer Squadron gained the nickname, "The Bandit Six". Last Vaccaro heard, there was a pretty big bounty for the sinking of any of his ships.

"Order that ferry to stop and have the San Lorenzo board it for inspection. Have the Rapture and the Maelstrom return from patrol. ." Vaccaro ordered.

"Yes sir." said the radio operator.

"And alert the Eviscerator and the Thunder Child, tell them to block any more ferries from leaving Rebirth. Nobody gets out without Steiner's permission."

Princess Celestia Galaxia

War Room, Royal Canterlot Palace, Upper Canterlot, Equestria

Celestial Princess of Equestria

The Celestial Princess rubbed her head as she sat herself down in the war room. As usual, she wore her white dress.

To her right sat Princess Luna who wore a black dress and was tapping her fingers on the table nervously.

On her left sat Princess Twilight Sparkle who wore a purple dress and seemed to haven't gotten much sleep.

Next to Twilight was a chair reserved for Princess Cadence who was in the Crystal Empire.

Across from the princesses sat the heads of the five branches of the military including the Director of the Royal Intelligence Agency.

From left to right sat Director Jackpot Star of the RIA, a Red Unicorn with a brown mane and was wearing a black suit with a red tie, General Emerald Victory of the Royal Equestrian Army, an Emerald Earth Pony with a dark blue mane and wore a green officer's uniform, General Brisk Storm of the Royal Equestrian Marines, a Brown Earth Pony with a white mane wearing a green officer's uniform, Admiral Wild Strikes of the Royal Equestrian Navy, a Blue Unicorn with a red mane wearing a white officer's uniform, General Thunder White of the Royal Equestrian Air Force, a White Pegasus with a cyan mane wearing a blue officer's uniform, and finally, General Shining Armor of the Royal Equestrian Guards who's wearing a black officer's uniform.

They all shifted nervously as Celestia turned her attention to them.

"I need an explanation on what happened and why." Celestia said. "Before, I was told the Rebels would crumble after the capture of Viktor Pavlov and yet, they embarrassed not just the military, but the entire nation as well. I've received calls from Queen Chrysalis, mocking me and Thorax is currently questioning if his Rebels are better off without our support. In a single day, an entire town was destroyed, an entire garrison wiped out, the 1st Infantry Regiment rendered combat ineffective, an entire base in a state of repair with the air strip inoperable, multiple aircraft destroyed on the ground, multiple ground vehicles destroyed, a Brigadier General hospitalized, and hundreds of displaced civilians. Thorax is currently pondering if he should continue his alliance with us. He believes we're not strong enough to support his rebellion."

"Well your majesty," said General Victory, "From what we've gathered, we believe someone else has taken command of the Rebels. After years of hit-and-run attacks, we don't believe Deckard Shaw and Nicholas Walker would change their fighting style. During the attack of Ponyville, a large Rebel force staged assaults on our bases in the Everfree. At the same time, two forces attacked Ponyville, one launched an assault from the Everfree and getting the attention of the garrison, while the other came in from Sweet Apple Acres to assault Princess Twilight's Castle.

If it were not for her majesty's quick thinking, they certainly would've been either killed or captured. Not long after their escape, we lost contact with the garrison. Canterlot Air Force Base sent two Comets to investigate in which we also lost contact."

"It was simple," said General Storm. "The closest unit to Ponyville would be the 1st Infantry Regiment. Keep them distracted while another force is sent to kill or capture the Princess and the Elements. They knew the importance of the bases in the Everfree, but as General Victory said, this doesn't seem to be coming from Shaw's or Walker's playbook. We never imagined they would ever stage an assault of this scale-"

"And it caught us completely be surprise." said Twilight.

"Exactly. And to make matters worse, nobody who saw the Rebels assaulting Ponyville made it out."

"Actually General Storm," said Twilight. "We did witness one of their weapons in use which destroyed my personal Harpy."

She received all of their undivided attention, including Director Jackpot Star who was taking notes.

"When we tried to evacuate via Harpy, we witness some kind of rocket fly into the air, before plunging into the helicopter."

"Interesting, what you describe sounds like the Griffins' Skystrike anti-tank missile. It's the only anti-tank missile that behaves that way. Your majesty, I suggest we have a talk with Emperor Red Talon." said General White.

"I received word from our ambassador that the Emperor left the capital aboard his personal aircraft to an unknown destination a few days ago. Curiously, it was around the same time as the incident at the Unexplored Regions." said Princess Celestia.

"Incident? You mean the disappearance of the Equestrian Thunder?" asked Admiral Strikes.

"Actually, after the disappearance. Several days ago, during the search for the missing battleship, Lieutenants Keen Eye and Sky Blitz of the Manehatten Royal Guard Garrison spotted what appears to be a battleship escorted by 6 smaller warships. Their designs were unfamiliar and never before seen. The most interesting part was they spotted only Humans on the ship. Shortly afterwards, they were spotted and were chased by aircraft coming from an unknown origin. Lieutenant Sky Blitz stated that they were only saved by the arrival of the Griffins who shielded them from the unknowns." said Director Star.

"Maybe this is why the Emperor is missing, but to where he went is unknown." said Twilight.

"Indeed. While they could not draw the warships and aircraft themselves, we would need to ask the Griffins for the description of the aircraft, they were able to draw the flag on the ships."

"May I see it?" Celestia asked.

"Of course." The Director got up to hand over a paper with a drawing on it.

The drawing showed a black flag with a golden double-headed eagle on the center. Clutched in the right talon was a golden trident and on the other, a scroll. There were two banners arranged into a half circle above, and below the eagle.

On the top banner, it said "Ista Est in Mare."

The bottom banner said "Viva Imperii."

"The Sea is Ours. Long Live the Empire." Celestia said.

"You recognize the language your majesty?" Admiral White asked.

"An ancient language of unknown origin. My father taught me some of it, but he said the rest of the language was lost in time. It was past down among us alicorns in hopes one of us would decipher the language and discover its origins. Princess Cadence's real name is from this language. The flag itself seems familiar, but from where?"

"So the language may have come from the Unexplored Regions, but from Humans? That seems pretty far fetched." said General Victory.

"Not necessarily, some researches including myself have noticed many Human names such as Anthony and Julius came from this language. They believe this language was of Human origin but were pushed aside from the scientific community who believe it was an ancient alicorn language." said Twilight.

"May I see it?" asked Luna.

"Of course." Celestia passed the paper to Luna who studied it.

At first, it didn't seem much to her, it seemed like an ordinary flag.

Something about it seemed familiar. She tried to search her memories.

Suddenly, memories flooded her mind.

Princess Luna Galaxia

Moon

51 Years Ago

Banished Lunar Princess of Equestria

Luna remembered, Nightmare Moon went to slumber the moment she was banished, leaving Luna all alone on the moon. She cried for days, begging Nightmare Moon to wake up just so she has someone to talk to.

Hundreds of years went by, she's explored to moon and constructed a castle out of the rocks of the moon. She studied a huge continent, the biggest on the planet, sitting in the Unexplored Regions. Luna noted that she will have to try and visit it once she comes back.

One day, she saw from the top of a mountain, some kind of ship with two individuals in white suits walking around.

Luna flew towards them, happy to finally see somepony else besides her who could help her out.

She landed near them, in which, the two individuals stepped back in shock.

"Greetings!" She said.

The two individuals wore some kind of weird white suit with a black visor preventing her from seeing their faces.

Wordlessly, the two individuals slowly hobbled back to their ship.

"Wait, where are you going?"

She walked alongside one of them as it climbed into the craft.

"Please, it's me. Princess Luna. I need your help!" She yelled.

The figure looked at her before shutting the door.

Luna flew up the door and banged on it.

"Please, I promise I won't hurt you. I just want your help!"

For two hours, she received no response. She paced around the craft, waiting for the individuals to come out.

Suddenly, she saw flames coming from the bottom of the craft.

The craft started to lift up into space.

Realizing they were leaving, Luna flew alongside the craft and continued to yell at it.

"Please! Please help me! Please don't leave me! I don't want to be alone anymore!"

She didn't make it far before she hit an invisible barrier.

Luna held her head in pain and watched as the craft continued to fly towards Earth.

Tears streamed from her eyes as she realized she was once again, alone.

Just like the first days she was here, she cried. She felt abandoned, hopeless, and angry at Nightmare Moon for putting her here in the first place.

After she got over the incident, she studied the items the mysterious individuals left behind.

They graciously left behind a telescope which Luna used to look at Earth at greater detail.

Near the telescope was a plaque that she read over and over again.

In Memory of those who could not make it, but paved the way to the new frontier.

Theodore C. Freeman
Charles A. Bassett II
Elliot M. See Jr.
Virgil I. Grissom
Roger B. Chaffee
Edward H. White II
Vladimir M. Komarov
Edward G. Givens Jr.
Clifton C. Williams Jr.
Yuri A. Gagarin
Pavel I. Belyayev
Georgiy T. Dobrovolsky
Viktor I. Patsayev
Vladislav N. Volkov

However, the one item that intrigued her was the flag left behind. It was a black, red, and golden flag with a golden double-headed eagle in the middle.

The flag was unfamiliar to her, but considering the avian depicted on the flag, she assumed it was of Griffin origin.

Present Day

Luna started shaking at the memories that overwhelmed her.

Celestia noticed her shaking and moved to comfort her when Luna slumped over on her chair.

"Oh my... Luna!" Celestia grabbed Luna and shook her to wake her up.

When she didn't respond, Celestia conjured a spell and the two disappeared, leaving the rest of the occupants of the war room in bewilderment.

Dr. Heinrich Steiner

Rebirth Island, Opasnyy Coast, Province of Belka, United Terran Empire

Head of the Imperial Scientific Branch

Steiner looked at the feed coming from the security cameras of the base. Security teams have locked down the morgue, and Subject 343 is having a conversation with Subject 049. Subject 166-J was caught by security when he tried to hide himself among the personnel, Subject 682 is wondering the halls looking for Humans to kill, and 166, 096, and 106 are nowhere to be found.

"I apologize, but it's simply an urge I cannot resist." said 049.

"And I've already told you they'll supply you with patients to cure. All you had to do was stay in your cell. The only thing you will accomplish is mayhem, chaos, and even more death. I've warned you, it's a slippery slope. You may find merciful subjects like me, but in an event of an outbreak, you will die. 682 and 106 would love to get their hands on you and nobody wants that." 343 responded crossing his arms against his chest.

"I...I see. However, I can't seem to remember my way back to my cell."

"Allow me." 343 snapped his finger and 049 disappeared. Steiner checked the feed at 049's cell and saw him rubbing his hands in glee at the sight of a dead body laying on the table.

"All personnel, I need an update on the escaped subjects." Steiner said on the coms.

"049 has been recontained. Security Team Amazon found 166 in the library...checking some books. Apparently she just wanted some books to read. 666-J was discovered by Security Team Castle and is in custody." said Jefferson.

"Very good."

"This is Fox 1, we found Agent Cortes in Sector 7. Looks like 106 got to him first. We spotted 096 in the cafeteria in Sector 6. Slaughtered some D class. Best if 343 deals with him."

"Copy that. I'll notify 343."

"Sir! We spotted 682 in Sector 1!" said a female voice.

"Where is he heading?"

"Um, to you sir."

*BANG*

Steiner jumped and turned towards the door to the room. It had a small but noticeable dent on it.

Wordlessly, Steiner took out his pistol and aimed it at the door.

*BANG*

"Seems like 682 is getting impatient."

*BANG*

"Come at me you lizard fuck! I may fucking die, but I letting you have the pleasure of killing me!" Steiner yelled as he started sweating nervously.

"He he, ha ha ha ha ha!"

Steiner heard a deep laughter coming from behind the reinforced door.

"This is Security Team Dingo. 999 has incapacitated 682. Moving to recontain him."

He let out a breath of relief and turned around. His eyes laid on the fat old man sitting on a chair in front of the monitors munching away on a box of chocolate mooncakes.

"How are you so calm?" Steiner asked.

The man shrugged. "Sir, I've been working here longer than you have. Even during the last outbreak and when Doctor Pines was the head of ISB. When you've seen two major outbreaks along with several minor ones and the multiple D class Personnel riots, you just don't give a shit anymore."

"So why are you still here then?"

"Eh, it pays well and I get free food."

"Ah, you'd get along very well with Air Marshal Kuhn then."

Steiner turned back to the screens. Security Team Dingo was surrounding a laughing 682 awaiting equipment to arrive to transport him and Epsilon 11 was cautiously checking the halls looking for 106.

"Hey! Drop the weapon!"

Steiner watched as Epsilon 11 encountered a blonde haired, female D-class personnel holding a pistol down the hall in front of a closed door.

"I said drop it!"

The D-class stood frozen, staring at them. That is, until the door behind her opened up and several D-class walked in with a variety of weapons.

He could see the shock on their faces when they saw what awaited them.

Without hesitation, Epsilon 11 fired their assault rifles into the group. They couldn't react fast enough as the bullets teared into them.

"All security teams, this is Fox 1, be advised, watch for D-class personnel. They may have weapons on them. Any D-class personnel not in their quarters are to be terminated immediately."

"Acknowledged. I want Security Teams Typhoon, Crow, Bronco, Canine, and Boa to search their quarters and I want a roll call for all D-class Personnel." Steiner said.

Steiner glanced at a screen showing 343 standing outside of the cafeteria at Sector 6. He stared at the door before quietly walking in.

He held his breath, waiting for 343 to come out.

After a few minutes, 343 came out and gave the security camera a thumbs up.

"This is Fox 1, we have encountered resistance in Sector 7. D-class Personnel have barricaded themselves in the armory."

"Copy that Fox 1. Security Team Thunder are on the way."

Steiner decided to check on the feed of 106's cell and was disappointed to see it still empty.

"Security Team Dynamo, where's the bait?"

"We've just arrived sir."

Right on cue, Steiner watched as a security team walked into the camera's vision, dragging an unconscious D-class personnel, a brown haired male, and restraining him on the table in the middle of the room with machinery covering the lower half of the body.

"Alright Dynamo, lets get the fuck out of here before the old man shows up."

The team walked out. With 106 being the only Subject still unaccounted for, Steiner continued to watch the feed.

After several minutes, the bait began to stir.

"Is anyone out there? Hello? Please let me go! Let me go! I just want to leave! Please!"

He heard the sounds of machinery along with the sounds of panicked breathing.

Steiner was completely emotionless, as a matter in fact, he was intrigued as he heard the sounds of the man's femur break followed by his screams and sobs.

It was a perfect opportunity for him. This is his first time seeing Subject 106 being lured. He's only heard of it once and that happened years before he joined the ISB after escaping Britannican custody. Steiner was dragged aboard a sinking ship and he would be damned if he would be forced to work for a bunch of fanatical fools any longer.

The head of the ISB smiled when he saw a dark figure slowly emerge from the ground. However, his smile disappeared when the feed cut off.

"Tis a shame. Oh well, at least that's over with."

"Control, this is Security Team Anubis, um, we have a situation in Sector 3."

"Go ahead."

"Sir, we found the body of stuffed inside a closet. Oceanian male, black hair, black mustache, stripped of clothing aside from undergarments, and it looks like he had his throat slit."

"Sector 3 huh? Security Team Voodoo, what's the roll call for the personnel originating from Sector 3?"

"This is Voodoo 1. We have one missing personnel from Sector 3. Jotham Sinabutar who's a janitor."

"And the technicians? Security Team Avalanche, are we missing any technicians?"

"Yes sir. One Abram Saing. He was last sighted in Sector 3 according to the other techs."

"Hmmm. Dagger of Hispanica, do you read?"

"This is Dagger of Hispanica. We read you loud and clear Doctor Steiner."

"We have a missing technician named Abram Saing. He may be hiding among the evacuees in the ferries under the name Jotham Sinabutar, a janitor from Rebirth. I want him alive."

"Copy that. We'll make sure he isn't too injured."

Emperor Maximilian Vorenus

Imperial Palace, Agatha, Province of Etrusca, United Terran Empire

Emperor of the United Terran Empire

Vorenus, now dressed in his uniform, sat on his desk while the news on the tv was full of speculations on why the military and the police were put on high alert throughout the Empire.

Louisa stood next to him, hands behind her back.

"So what do you think of the outbreak?" Louisa asked still staring at the television.

"A series of unfortunate events. I'm just glad that's over. A lot of commanders voiced their frustrations for delaying several operations. Oh well, at least the executions will serve as an excuse for the populace." Vorenus said.

He grunted as he stood up and stretched. The sounds of bones popping made Louisa flinch a little.

"Oh, forgot you're uncomfortable hearing that. Sorry bout that." Vorenus said as he noticed her discomfort. "Now, I believe we have an execution to watch."

Louisa nodded. "Yes sir, I'll make sure the convoy is ready."

She walked out the room swiftly.

Vorenus walked out and stopped in front of the door. He glanced to the Imperial Guard standing in attention next to it.

"Still haven't asked her out yet Nathaniel?"

"Um, no sir." Nathaniel responded.

"Why is that?"

"Well, you see sir. I...well-"

"You chickened out didn't you?"

"Yes sir."

There was silence as the two stared at each other.

"God you're hopeless."

Emperor Maximilian Vorenus VII

Witold Pilecki Square, Agatha, Province of Etrusca, United Terran Empire

Emperor of the United Terran Empire

Vorenus stood on the wooden platform along with Louisa, several Imperial Guards, and the executioner who wore an Imperial Army dress uniform but wore a balaclava to hide his identity.

Crowds of people stood in front of the platform, many waving the Imperial flag. They came from all over the Empire with different backgrounds, skin color, religion, etc.

It was times like these, that made the Emperor smile at a united Humanity.

A path was carved by the riot police who created a wall to keep anyone from intruding.

Not far from here, a statue stood showing a man in rags, charging an unknown enemy while holding a pole with the Imperial flag on it. Witold Pelicki, an unsung hero, a Resistance Fighter who fought the Saxons and willingly surrendered himself to be sent to their concentration camps where he worked to start another resistance movement. Eventually, Imperial Spec Ops teams raided the concentration camp and released all of the inmates. It was there when the public finally found out the experimentations the Saxon Government conducted on the inmates which resulted in the rise of more resistance groups. Pelicki was hailed a hero to many and lived his life as a celebrity until he passed away peacefully in his sleep in 1983. He was honored with a square in the Imperial capital and a statue of him was erected.

Some youths attempted to climb the statue to get a better look before being dragged down by police. More people watched from the windows and the roofs of surrounding buildings.

Wind started picking up and Vorenus made sure his officer's cap didn't fly away before putting his hands behind his back to keep his cloak from getting on anyone's faces.

He then heard jeering and looked towards the path.

Imperial Guards escorted two men in orange jumpsuits as people yelled at them.

Vorenus stared at them with a disappointing look on his face as they were led up the platforms.

One of them was a Britannican male with brown hair while the other was an Oceanian male with a goatee and glasses.

Christian Spencer was the head of the Knights of Britannica, a white supremacist group eliminated by the Legionnaires in the Enigma Forest. Spencer was a former Imperial Army Commander who defected and refused to fight under any body who isn't white and Christian. He was seething when he found out Ezekiel Okoye, an Afrikan and a Muslim, was promoted to Field Marshal.

The other was Sharaf Rizieq, the head of the Islamic Defenders Front. They staged terrorist attacks in Oceania with the goal to create a caliphate in Oceania and challenge the Empire. Rizieq himself stated he would not stop until the green flag of Islam was flying above the Imperial Palace. Before, he was a cleric who criticized Governor Purnama a lot.

His group didn't get the support they wanted when literally the majority of the people they ended up killing was their own fellow Muslims.

Both of them sported bruises on their faces.

"I trust your trip here was enjoyable?" Vorenus asked.

"Fucking Jew." Spencer said before spitting the floor in front of Vorenus.

"For the record, I'm not Jewish. But hey, if that's what you believe then fine. I ain't dying today anyway." Vorenus said.

He looked to Rizieq who sneered at the Emperor.

"And you?"

"Allah will strike you down infidel. You and all of the infidels. All of those...traitors too." He said as he spotted some of the onlookers wearing hijabs were jeering at him.

"Hmmm, well that doesn't sound like my God. Tell you what, you ever meet your god who acts like what you believe in, then tell him I said piss off."

Vorenus backed away as the two were led to the noose waiting for them.

One Guard was about to put a bag over Spencer's head when Vorenus stopped him.

"No masks. I want them to see us united before they pass."

The Guards nodded in agreement before putting the noose around their necks.

"Any last words?" Vorenus asked.

The crowd started getting louder as they demanded them to die.

"I-" Rizieq said before Vorenus interrupted him.

"Never mind, I don't want to hear it." He said as he nodded to the executioner.

"Wait!" Rizieq yelled before the executioner pulled the lever.

The trap door under the both of them opened, and Vorenus watched as the noose snapped their necks.

Behind him, the crowd cheered at the sight of the two men who ordered the deaths of thousands upon thousands of innocent people put to death themselves.

Spike

Escape Tunnel, Lower Canterlot, Equestria

Assistant to Princess Twilight Sparkle

Spike grunted as he carried a tired Sweetie Belle over his back.

"Come on. We're very close. We should be under the City Hall right now." Panted Spike.

Behind him, Scootaloo and Applebloom walked behind me, noticeably tired.

Finally, the came upon a ladder that leads up.

"Wait here. I'm going to check it out." He said as he put down Sweetie Belle.

The CMC were too tired to respond as he climbed up.

When he reached the top, he pushed the cement slab which kept him from going further.

Unfortunately for him, he was too tired and only moved the slab a little bit.

He breathed heavily as he waited for his strength to return.

"I knew I should've taken Shining's offer to train me." He said.

Above, he heard the cement slab move.

The dragon covered his eyes as light blinded him.

All he could hear were voices.

"By Celestia. It's Princess Twilight's assistant. Quick! Call the Guards!"

Author's Note

Ach my back is hurting after reading this. I should've finish this last week, but I just didn't have the energy to do it.

Next chapter will be covering our dear Emperor's past. A flashback chapter.

To be honest with you, I didn't want to make this chapter. I really wanted to do the flashback chapter where I could introduce more characters, a few already existing in our world, explain some shit, etc.

On another note, I'm super excited on the new Gravity Falls Graphic Novel. I mean, I have the money, but that's FAFSA money. Damn, I really need a job.

One more thing for anyone who may get wrong ideas. I am a Seventh-Day Adventist Indonesian. I'm not white nor do I intend to bash anyone's religion. I have a lot of friends who are gay, Muslims, white, black, jewish, chinese, etc.

Also, Christian Spencer and Sharaf Rizieq are just me taking jabs at Richard Spencer and Muhammad Rizieq Shihab because fuck the both of them. The Islamic Defenders Front are a real group btw, but they're a political party in Indonesia unfortunately, not a terrorist group. My country's fucked up right now. The military should really kill extremists instead of handing them to the corrupt judges.

5-10 years for terrorism yeah no fuck you. Executions for all terrorists. Only 3 have been executed in our history when it should be thousands.

My last cipher blog should leave hints on Wizard's identity. You can either decipher it and figure it out yourself if you're impatient or you can just wait for the next chapter.