Chapters Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. It has been months since me and Rider set out from planet Reach. We have come face to face with the alien threat that is the Covenant numerous times before today, but the difference is that now they are attacking our new home. They have found Reach and every Spartan team was called home to defend it, but we were not going back. Most will call us traitors, but some will see us as the smart ones. Reach was bound to fall. It was not a secure place by any means. Sure they had all those MAC platforms in orbit but there was nothing protecting them but for a couple of frigates. We are hopelessly out gunned, but most don't see it that way. They are letting the fact that us Spartans are so had to kill give them false hope. That is what caused all the deaths on that world not the fact that not all Spartans were there.
"So we are going to wonder in uncharted space to do what exactly, Commander?" Rider asked as he entered the cargo bay.
"We are looking for a ship. A very specific ship that has more Spartans on it." I responded as I looked over the radar.
"What ship is this exactly? All the ships with Spartans on them were at Reach remember."
"Not all ships. There is a Phoenix Class support ship missing out here and most think it was destroyed but unless I am mistaken the ship has an AI and most on board ship AI send out distress signals if the ship is in danger and it is alone. No distress signal was ever found from the UNSC Spirit of Fire, so she must still be here someplace."
Rider placed a hand on my shoulder, "You do know that there has been many search teams that have tried to find this ship right?"
"I know but none have ventured out into uncharted space. We are the first ones to try this."
"Maria Rider, I have something on radar. It looks like a ship." Zalphite activated the cargo bay's live feed camera that is mounted on the front of the ship.
On the screen at first was just asteroids but after a moment an opening became visible, "There she is, the UNSC Spirit of Fire. Zalphite try to establish communication. They have an AI so it should still be possible."
"I'll try" Zalphite flashed onto the console in the cockpit, "UNSC Spirit of Fire, this is the UNSC AI Zalphite respond." she repeats the message a few times before there is a crackle in the com speakers.
"This is the UNSC Spirit of Fire AI Serina. Please come to the hanger I'll open it up for you." when the message ended I turned around and saw a someone who should not have been there. A merchant.
"Welp that is all kinds of suspicious." I said to no one in particular as I looked at every thing he had on the floor in front of him, "Is that what I think it is?" I asked as I picked up the 15 foot long katana. The sheath was connected to a blue kite shield and one other sword.
"May those weapons protect you from future dangers."
Suddenly there was a blinding flash of light and we were moved to another place in uncharted space but were none of us know. The only thing we know is that there is a very one sided battle bellow us and we are not gonna stand Idly by while those who are protecting there homes need help.
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The glow of the Harbinger's blade intensified and all the dragons in the general area dropped dead. Dinok lowered Sky's limp form to the ground, and his now flowing mane and tail covered his body like a cloak. There was a flash and a large green machine appeared in the sky. Dinok launched himself forward into the section of the sky with the most dragons. He brought Harbinger back and started to spin it as he launched it forward.
A blue and purple blur fell onside of him. It hit the ground hard enough to create a crater. A bipedal figure launched out of the crater an punched the closest dragon hard enough to snap it's neck. Seeing that he had an ally Dinok summoned a sword and dropped it next to the bipedal. The bipedal picked the sword up and solute up to Dinok who was currently slicing his way towards the dragon army's leader. One dragon got a lucky swipe and hit one of the flying machine's wings. The machine started to fall slowly but it was steadily gaining speed. It turned and started for the large group standing a distance from the fighting. The bipedal on the ground was making quick work of the dragon's ground forces. Dinok was finally closing on the large black dragon that was giving orders. A bone chilling laugh filled the air as Dinok threw Harbinger at the dragon. The dragon was faster than the others and managed to swat Harbinger away from him. The dragon charged Dinok only for him to drop down causing the dragon to soar over him. Dinok pulled Harbinger back to him, and held it close to his body as he flew after the dragon. Seeing his chance Dinok teleported Harbinger over the dragon's wing and sliced it. The dragon fell, but still having one wing he was able to slow his fall and survive. When the dragon land Dinok landed directly in front of him, "You think you can succeed where your predecessor failed." the dragon barked. Dinok disappeared and slammed Harbinger into the dragon's back severing the nerves on the dragons right side.
"I know I will." he growled as he prepared to finish the job, but before he could swing a rock spike stabbed the dragon through the chest killing him.
"That was for Terris you monster." Sky said as she limped to words Dinok. Dinok's mane and tail started to recede from around his body, and Harbinger's blade returned to normal, "I think it is time to go home."
"I agree but first let's talk to that bipedal who cleared the ground of dragons." Dinok said looking towards the blue and purple armored figure who was walking away from the last dragon it killed. He looked back at Sky, "Do you want me to speak to it alone, or do you wish to join me?"
"I think I'll join you. I wish to thank it for assisting us in battle. Plus you need help with your social skills." Sky looked towards the armored figure and yelped because of how close it suddenly was.
"Do you two know where I am and what I was just partaking in?" the bipedal said as it removed its helmet to reveal midnight blue hair and similarly colored eyes.
"You are in Equestria, and this was the final battle in A war against the dragons. Now mind telling me what you are." Dinok said.
"I am a human that was genetically modified to be a super soldier called a Spartan. Me and my partner were the only two who did not like combat or killing, but we hated to see the strong pick on the weak so we worked to protect those who could not do it themselves."
"Well you have great ideals human. It was great to have someone clearing the ground for us so that I could focus on the leader." Dinok looked back at the crowd where the machine crashed, "I think your partner is going to need help so my mom does not kill them. So let's get over there."
"I agree. I'd hate to see him die because I did not try and stop it." the human said.
The Pelican now sat on its landing gear so it could be used as a private location for the conversation between the female human, Celestia, Luna, and Storm, "So let me get this right Princess Celestia. You pulled me from my life where I was happy, had friends, and loved ones. Placed me into another time far into the future from where I was, and once I made a good name for myself you pulled me and my partner to your world." the human said.
"Yes that is what happened." Celestia responded.
The human looked at the other two occupants of the dropship, "Would either of you stop me from punching her once I'm out of this god forsaken armor?"
"Nope." Storm said as Luna just shrugged her shoulders.
"Can you please tell us your name so we can have a proper conversation? Outside you just said to call you Z-199, but your partner at least gave his nickname." Celestia complained.
"I was honestly waiting to see how long it took one of you to call me out on that one. My actual name is Lunamaria, but most call me Runa or Maria. I never liked being called Luna because I thought it made way for to many insults in school. No offence Princess Luna." Maria said.
The AI console next to Maria came to life and a small purple human appeared, "Z-199, I have cross referenced our location on all known star charts and have come to the conclusion that we are not in the known universe anymore."
"Thank you Zalphite. Now please run a system scan to see exactly what was destroyed on that wing so we can try and fix it." Maria ordered.
The console went dark, "What was that?" Luna asked.
"That was an AI. They are artificial intelligence."
"I still don’t understand." Luna said and her ears dropped.
"Don't worry about it. She is a little helper that is very useful at times." Maria sighed, "Lets get to talking about something other than what I am, who I am, and the technology I brought with me. Like where Rider and I will be staying for the unforeseeable future."
"Before we can decide on that we need to see how the people of Equestria will take the news of two aliens walking among them." Storm said.
"You can soften the news with the fact that we helped protect them from the dragon army." Maria said.
"That could work, but I don't think it will help much." Luna said quietly.
"How about this. Is there a small town that is used to weird things happening?"
"There is Ponyville. That little town is pretty accepting of strangers. Save the few odd times where they were just scared and hid. What most would call weird they call normal." Celestia said.
"That settles it then. Let us try living there to see how they react, and if we like it and they don't try and run us out of town we stay."
"I think it is a good idea sister, but we will have to warn them before you get there." Storm said.
"We also need to get you and Rider some clothing other than your armor." Celestia smiled, "And I know just the mare for the job."
"I know you are ponies but would there be a way to get leather for a jacket or something?" Maria asked.
"We can have some imported from another country and then make what you need from it." Luna answered.
"Good. Now let me change into the one set of normal clothes I got so I can not be a walking tank."
"Alright then. We shall see you when you are done." Storm said as her and her sisters walked outside and the Pelican's hatch closed.
"So where is Maria?" Rider asked as the Princesses came around the side of the Pelican.
"She is removing her armor. She will be joining us soon hopefully." Storm said as she moved closer to Luna to whisper something and Luna nodded to what ever she said.
"Did you four decide on anything?"
"Yes we did actually. After I explained how you two got here to her we decided on how to make your presence known to the public." Celestia responded.
"So how is that?"
"Well you two will be placed into the town of Ponyville to see how they will react. If they are not hostile towards you and you like the town you can stay there. Sounds fair?"
"Yes it does. Now what about my ship? I want it to stay close to where ever I am living."
Luna stepped forward, "We can have a piece of land on the outskirts of town be set aside for a building to store it in."
The back of the Pelican opened and Maria walked out wearing a pair of faded blue jeans, that could just not be called skinny jeans, a pear of boots, and a black t-shirt, "Much better." she said to no one in particular, "Now lets get out of here, and go to that town you were talking about."
"When did you get that outfit?" Rider asked.
"When you were busy flirting with the farmer's daughter after we saved their farm."
"Oh." Rider's face reddened a little, "So how are we transporting the ship to the town you talked about?"
"We can carry it. Magic is a wonderful thing." Luna said.
"That actually won't be necessary." Maria said, "Zalphite found out what happened to the thruster." she climbed up to a maintenance panel on the wing and opened it, "They just nocked the flame holder out of place." the sound of metal rubbing could be heard as she put the flame holder back into place, "That should fix it."
"So that caused this thing to crash. Are you kidding me after all the abuse that Pelican took, it crashed when a dragon hit the wing." Rider ranted.
"Calm down Rider. Lets just get this thing into the air and follow the Princesses back to Ponyville. After they send word of us coming that is."
"Yes I shall get on that while Luna and Storm take care of the rest." with that Celestia teleported away.
"Well then. Someone did not seem to enthusiastic about having to do this." Maria said calmly.
"She just does not like complications, and you two scream complicated." Luna said, "Now we can leave when ready. Celestia has most likely informed the mayor and is awaiting our arrival."
"Then lets go."
The engines of the Pelican roared to life, and Rider smiled, "Zalphite have I told you how much I love you?"
"You have never said that." Zalphite responded.
"Would you shut up and get this thing in the air. I would like to have an actual bed to sleep in for once thank you." Maria said from the cargo bay of the Pelican.
"Alright." Rider sighed as he increased the thrust and the Pelican rose into the sky. Both Luna and Storm flew up to meet them and motioned for them to follow. After a moment of flying storm turned around and blew a kiss at Rider and took off like a bullet. Rider smiled as he angle the Pelican so he would not hit the stunned Luna and he punched it causing the Pelican to rocket after Storm.
"Dammit Rider warn me next time I almost fell out the back!" Maria yelled.
"Next time don't insist on riding with the hatch open then." he laughed as the distance between them and Storm closed.
Celestia stood in the town square waiting for the humans and her sisters to get there. Suddenly Storm shot over head followed by the humans' ship, "What the hell are they doing." Celestia whispered to herself.
The Pelican started to slow down as it circled town. Once slow enough it slowly lowered itself down to the ground in the town square. Storm landed next to Celestia, "That was fun. I did not think something that big could fly that fast."
"Well next time please worn me before doing that. It is bad enough that the ponies here are kinda afraid of the humans right now."
The pelican landed and Maria stepped out of the back as the engines died, "This town looks absolutely wonderful. I hope we are accepted, because I don't think I would want to leave." suddenly a pink blur shot towards Maria and she reacted by grabbing the ponies mouth before it could speak, "Please don't do that." she set the pink pony down.
"Wow your fast. No one has ever stopped me when I was running like that before. What are? Where are you from? Do you like parties, because I love parties? Do-" Storm used her magic to silence the pony.
"This is the Pink Menace, or Pinkie Pie. She is the local sugar addict who is on a constant sugar high unless she gets depressed." Storm said. Looking Pinky in the eye she continued, "If I let you go do you promise not to ask questions?" Pinkie nodded, "And you need to calm down. She is a lot stronger than you think. Be glad she has good control over her strength because she could have seriously hurt you." she let Pinkie go and nodded.
"I'm sorry if I startled you." Pinkie said sadly.
Maria got on eye level with Pinkie, "In all honesty, I am glad that there is some one who is so happy about meeting new people. Just try not to bombard them with questions immediately after meeting them."
"Ok."
"So where shall I start looking for a plac-" Maria stopped as a Defender class ship was going down in the direction of a nearby forest, "Rider start the engines now!" she yelled, "More humans are here I think and they might need some help." Maria ran inside of the pelican as it took off.
"Thorvoyrs! Frev've!" a female human with white hair in a relaxed uniform outfit called out.
"Their dead. The impact killed them." a man in full suit of white TT-16A Powered Assault armor said as he slowly limped out the cockpit of their ship, "Qi'meen Thorvoyrs said you could have his black/red focusing crystal from his off hand saber if he didn't survive the crash."
"What about his other saber John?" she asked sadly as a tear started to go down her face.
"He told me to take it so that it can still serve a purpose. I know that it should go to someone more qualified but I think it is wrong to deny him his final wish." Qi'meen ran to John and gave him a hug as the tears started to flow, "It's going to be alright. We will survive this and avenge them both."
The sound of jet engines could be heard outside, "What is that?" Qi'meen asked as she pulled away from John.
"I'll go check. Keep your saber ready just in case."
"Why do I have a feeling I am about to be sliced by a light saber?" Maria asked Rider.
"Probably because this is a ship given to Jedi counselors and knights." he responded as the door opened and a trooper in powered assault armor walked out.
"Who are you and what planet is this?" he asked.
"We are Spartans from the UNSC and as for the planets name. We have no clue." Maria said.
"Wait…" the trooper moves closer to Maria causing Rider to stiffen up somewhat, "Your voice sounds familiar."
"I was previously traveling the galaxy on a drop ship, but there is no way we have met before." Maria responded.
The trooper removed his helmet to reveal his buzzed dirty blond hair and blue eyes, "The weak are not pawns…" he started.
"they are a team waiting…" Maria continued.
"that has yet to be united." Rider finished, "We are that team."
"We are the Titan Defenders, and we defend those who have yet to find their team!" the three said in unison.
"Commander Runa is that really you?" the trooper asked.
"That is not my name or rank any more. I left that behind when I disappeared." Maria said sadly, "But who are you? You know our creed, and my name so you must be from Earth."
"Your wolf has returned. I am ready to serve you once more if it means saving those who cannot save themselves." the trooper responded.
"John…. I don't believe it. You had seemingly vanished from all clan events back on Earth because of your personal life. I am surprised you remember us. Did you find any of the others?" Maria said.
"I did, but they can not be with us now. Both the Eagle and Hawk have been silenced permanently. They died when the ship crashed." John responded.
"John is everything alright out there?" Qi'meen walked outside the ship and stopped when she saw the two Spartans, "Who are they?"
"Old friends. Remember those people me, Thorvoyrs, and Frev've always talked about?" she nodded, "Well this is them. Meet the remainder of the Titan Defenders."
"Who is the pretty one John?" Rider asked obviously trying to undress her with his eyes.
"She is actually my adopted daughter, but we call each other by name to make things simple. Her name is Qi'meen. She may not look it but she is just turned 18 not to long ago."
"Wait daughter! Crap, crap, crap. Please don't kill me." Rider said quickly.
"How old are you anyways John? You never said when we used to game together." Maria asked.
"I am 25, but before you say anything, the reason I adopted her was to keep her out of a Sith Lords harem. The Republic didn't care so long as she was not associated with the Sith Empire anymore." John explained.
"How long ago was this?" Maria asked.
"About five years ago."
"That Sith was one sick bastard." Rider said.
"Am I the only one who wants to get out of the forest and into civilization?" Qi'meen said as she look worriedly into the underbrush.
"You are quite different from most other Sith, but I agree let us leave this forest." Maria said, "Rider do you think you could get their ship into the air if it is not to badly damaged?"
"Possibly, but I would need to be someplace with more than just trees to really do anything." Rider answered.
"So how are we going to get this thing out of here?" Maria asked.
"You could ask for help." Storm said as she landed between the two groups of humans.
John lit up the light saber that Thorvoyrs told him to take and Qi'meen activated hers. Both had a black center with red along the outside of the blade, "John! Stand down now!" Maria ordered causing all present to jump in surprise, "She is a friendly." Maria turned to Storm and the sound of light sabers deactivating could be heard, "Could you assist us with getting my friend's ship out of this forest and to Ponyville? Then we can try and introduce ourselves to the people of your world."
"That shouldn't be to hard. You four go ahead to Ponyville in the pelican and I will follow you with the ship." Storm said and Maria nodded.
"To the Pelican. Sorry in advance for the lack of seats. It was designed specifically for a two Spartan team." Rider said with a slight chuckle.
The four humans walked off the pelican to find a crowd of ponies waiting for them, "Well this is oddly pleasant." Rider said.
"Shut it." Maria barked causing the closer ponies to back away slightly, "They are curious. Let them look, but do not do anything stupid. Rider."
Rider slumped at Maria's words. John stepped forward, "Who is the one in charge around here?"
"That would be us." Celestia said as Luna, Twilight, Dinok, Sky, Void, and herself moved through the crowd, "I hope this time you don't run off without an explanation."
"That was hopefully a one time thing Princess Celestia. These two are the reason we ran off." Maria said motioning towards the still armored John and Qi'meen, "I saw their ship fly over and had to go check it out."
"You could have said that you needed to go do something without just running off." a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail said getting into Maria's face causing every human to draw their weapons except for Maria.
Maria motioned for them to lower their weapons, "I don't know who you are, and quite frankly I don't care. Get out of my face."
"I don't have to listen to you." the pegasus remarked.
"Qi'meen can you remove her from my face. Without hurting her." Maria ordered.
"Yes ma'am." Qi'meen raised her hand and drug it slowly to the side.
"What are you doing?!" the pegasus cried as an invisible force moved her away from Maria.
"Thank you." Maria stepped closer to Celestia, but looked at Luna, "You remember what I said before. About what I was going to do once I was out of my armor right." Luna nodded, "Good don't let anyone here stop me because she deserves this." Maria brought her fist back and then swung it forward at an unimaginable speed into Celestia's jaw causing the alicorn to stumble back and fall into a sitting position, "I feel better no-" Maria was cut off as a rainbow blur slammed into her.
"How dare you hit Princess Celestia! What did she do to you?!" the cyan pegasus yelled as she started to repeatedly punch Maria.
"Should we stop them?" John asked.
"It would be better for all if we let Maria handle this. The last time I sopped her from fighting back against something she threw me through a couple houses." Rider said worried they wouldn't listen to him.
Suddenly the cyan pegasus slid on the ground towards the alicorns making a trail as she slid, "Don't. You. Ever. Hit. Me." Maria panted, "I will not hold back next time."
John took off his helmet and walked towards Maria, "Calm down Maria."
Maria suddenly punched him in the gut, denting his armor and bloodying her fist, and walked back into the pelican and closed the hatch, "Be glad she hit your armor John. That was almost her full strength. It would have killed you if she hit your head." Rider said walking over to the trooper, "Just let her cool off and she will be saying sorry for hitting you latter. I shave no idea if she will tell miss rainbow mane over there sorry though."
"What the hay!" Twilight yelled having her mind just process what Maria did to both Celestia and the cyan mare, "Why did she punch Celestia and Rainbow Dash?"
"Celestia because it is her fault that we are here, and Rainbow Dash because she attacked Maria." Rider said slightly annoyed at how innocent these ponies are, "Now if you will excuse me I shall go and establish a perimeter."
"But we defeated the dragons. Why would we need to secure the town?"
"I'm not worried about the dragons. I'm worried that when we came here others that won't try and coexist with you ponies came with us." Rider explained as he knocked on the pelican's hatch, "Maria!" he called, "I need to get something out of the pelican. Please open it and I will leave you be until you want to talk." the hatch opened and Rider walked in.
"What in tarnation is going on here?" an orange pony with a cowboy hat asked.
"We have visitors from another planet Applejack." Twilight said.
"Why is Rainbow on the ground?" Applejack asked looking down at Rainbow.
"One of them punched her after she talked and started to punch her."
Applejack looked towards the pelican and looked at the two standing outside, "Are these the aliens Twi?"
"Two of them yes. The other two are in their ship."
Rider walked out the pelican and the hatch closed back up, "Hey John want to join me? I think that Maria needs another girl to talk to not us guys."
"If Qi'meen doesn't mind being left here with the ponies I don't see why not." John said.
"It's fine. I want to learn more about them so you two go have fun." Qi'meen said.
"Ok. We will be back later." John and Rider both walked towards the edge of the town.
"I am sorry for how they acted. I want you all to know that we are not here by choice and wish to live peacefully with you." Qi’meen said.
"If that is true then why did one of you hit the Princess?" a pony in the crowed yelled.
"I don't know, but I feel it has something to do with how we got here and the fact that she is used to being able to punch her problems away."
"What gives her the right to do that?" another pony yelled.
The pelican's hatch opened and an armored Maria walked out, "What gives me the right you ask. I have spent over a year of near constant combat. Before that she," Maria points the long katana at Celestia, "ripped me away from those I loved and cared about. The only reason I am even remotely sain is because one of my friends had to be frozen so that a cure for a disease he had could be found. That cure was to become a monster. To become so much stronger than everyone around you that to them you were only a threat and a piece of hardware. So tell me why I don't have the right to hit the one that put me through that torment." Maria was breathing hard when she finished. There was silence as everyone present thought about what she said, "if anyone else wants to make me feel any worse I'll be hunting." Maria sheathed the katana and started sprinting towards the Everfree Forest.
John and Rider watched as Maria ran into the forest, "I wonder what the rush is." John said.
"No telling but with her mood I feel bad for anything that attacks her." they both chuckled a bit.
"Why does everyone have to be against me? Why can't anyone ever understand what I am going through? I did not want to leave my family. I hate everything in this world!" as she finished her sentence she used all of her momentum to push her fist through a row of trees and stopped, "I just want to be liked again. All of my friends are scared of me." Maria threw her helmet onto the ground and started to cry, "Why did this have to happen to me?" she dropped herself against one of the still intact trees, "This is what I have become. I am a monster, and nothing is going to change that." A low growl came from the bushes in front of Maria causing her to jump. Slowly a small pack of wolves made from wood came out of the shadows, "Go away." Maria said hoping that they would leave, but they did not. The wolves slowly moved forward getting closer to Maria, "Please, just go away!" she yelled, "I am tired of killing!" when she finished an even louder growl came from behind her and a large actual grey wolf jumped on top of the closest timbre wolf. Crushing it underneath. The wolf barked and growled at the remaining timbre wolves causing them to whimper and start to back away. After they backed away for a moment they turned and ran, "Thank you." Maria said smiling as the wolf got close and nuzzled her cheek.
Author's Note
As the sun set on Ponyville a group of three humans finished piling wood into two pallets, and placed the two dead humans on top of each. Both humans were covered by a sheet, "They will finally know true peace." Qi'meen said, "Even though they were fierce warriors, all they ever wanted was peace and now in death it has finally found them."
"Well said young one." Storm said as she handed Qi'meen a lit torch, and another to John, "It is time to release their souls back into the void and give them to the great maker."
The two humans nodded and approached the pallets. John threw his torch first, "May you become with the force my friends." when he finished Qi'meen followed suit, "I wish Maria was here. She would have liked to see her friends one last time before we did this."
"The least we could do is give her these." Qi'meen held out Frev've's light sabers
"She would like that." Rider said, "Those two actually met before all this happened. They said that they would always be there for each other. With those Frev've will always be at her side. By the way what color are they?"
Qi'meen shrugged her shoulders, "She never used these when I was around. She had another set that was destroyed not to long ago. A strange merchant gave them to her when he gave Thorvoyrs his focusing crystals."
"Wait a strange merchant." Rider ran towards the pelican and Qi'meen followed, "There was this strange merchant that appeared in the pelican not long before we were dragged here." Rider said as he pulled up the recording, "Was this him?"
Qi'meen looked at the recording in shock, "Yes that’s him."
"Dammit!" Rider yelled, "Celestia is not the one who brought us here. She might have been responsible for Maria going forward in time, but not for bringing us here. Maria has no grounds to justify punching her now."
"Is that bad?"
"Yes it is. Now we have to explain this to Celestia." Rider grabbed his sniper from the weapon rack, "We need to go find Maria."
"What should I call you?" Maria asked the wolf as she petted it, "You are female. Hmm. How about Sasha?" the wolf barked happily, "It's settled then. Welcome to the family Sasha." Maria looked into the night sky and saw a faint light in the distance, "Lets get back to town girl. I want to see my friends and apologize for hurting that Pegasus.:
John looked at the forest, "How far in do you think she went?"
"I don't know but we have to find her." Rider looked around the edge of the forest and saw something sticking out the ground, "I see something." he walked over to the item, "This is a chain sword. How did one of these get here?"
"Hey Rider I found an assault rifle over here!" John called out.
"What are you three doing this close to the forest?" Maria asked as she exited the forest dolled by Sasha.
"We were going to go look for you, but it appears that you have found us instead." Qi'meen said eyeing the wolf.
"I'm going to take this chain sword." Rider grabbed the chain sword and a message echoed in the air.
"This is Sebastian of the Dark Angels Chapter... And I'm Spartan Sebaste-915 of the UNSC.... Together, we are humanity's last hope in the future. If you're in need of the galaxy's most powerful super soldiers, or if you are needing to bring Death to the enemies of the Imperium and the UNSC, we will answer the call... AVE IMPERATOR, FOR THE UNSC, FOR TERRA!”
"I did not want to believe it, but this is evidence enough." Rider said.
"What didn't you want to believe?" Maria asked.
"Remember all of those displaced fan fictions I used to talk about when we gamed?" Maria nodded, "Well lets just say, we are displaced, and this and the assault rifle belong to other displaced from a different dimension."
"So what do we do?" Maria asked.
"We make a token our selves so those in need can call us to assist."
"Use this," Maria said as she took a shield off her back, "I have a shield that I can form out of hard light built into my suit."
"What message do you want to send?"
Maria held the shield out as Qi'meen, Rider, and John formed a circle around it, "We are the Titan Defenders. We stand ready to defend all who are innocent, and incapable of defending themselves. Be it from the Covenant or some other hell bent faction. The innocent shall not suffer." the shield glowed and vanished.
"Well that works. Now we stay here and hope that no horrid monsters come after us." Rider said soon regretting his choice of words as a beam rifle shot narrowly missed his helmet, "Fuuuuuuuuuuck!" he yelled.
"TITAN DEFENDERS ATTACK!!!" Maria yelled drawing her katana.
Two squads of a 12 grunts ran out the forest followed by two elites, and a single hunter, "Take out the grunts and elites. Leave the hunter till last. Just don't get hit by its attacks." Rider said as he removed the safety on his rifle and fired at the jackal in the tree.
John ran forward, light saber in his right hand and blaster pistol in his left. He swung once cutting through three grunts before he fired four shots into some more. Qi'meen followed his lead but with grace as she practically danced through the group of grunts spinning her double bladed saber cutting most of them down until an elite nocked her saber away with its sword. Maria took this chance to attack. Activating her jetpack she launched into the air and flew straight for the elite that engaged Qi'meen. She brought the katana down only for it to bounce of the elite's shield. She then yelled numerous things in Sangheili. The two elites yelled at her and charged. Maria brought her left arm up and a large tower shield formed blocking the swords of the elites. Rider then fired one shot that ripped through both elites' heads. The hunter charged at the humans charging up its plasma cannon, "Get back every one!" Qi'meen yelled as she brought her hands back as lightning formed around her arms. When she pushed her hands forward a large amount of lightning filled the air in front of her stopping the hunter in its tracks as it tried to block it with its shield, but failed. After a moment the hunter fell onto its back. Qi'meen fell down to her knees then she collapsed.
"Get her to the Defender John. We are going to look for any more." Maria ordered.
"Yes Commander Runa." John responded before he ran towards Qi’meen, and picked her and ran towards the large red ship.
"Rider get the pelican and use it as a sniper nest. Have Zalphite hold it steady for you." Maria ordered.
"Yes Commander." Rider activated his com and called for Zalphite to meet him at their current position.
Author's Note
The first sign of fellow displaced.
For the Emperor and the UNSC
The roar of the pelican's engines could be heard as it flew above the trees. Maria had found evidence of a larger Covenant force deeper into the forest. As they delved deeper into the forest the signs became more obvious until about a couple minutes ago. The trail went completely cold and they were just running in the dark, "I think they left Rider." Maria said through her com.
"I don't know, but it is unsettling that the Covies are here." he responded.
"I agree." Maria stopped and looked around, "I think it is time to head back." before Rider could respond a scream echoed through the forest, "Or not. I will run there just be there when I need you." and with that Maria took off as fast as her suit would go without having Zalphite with her.
"Let me go!" a little white filly yelled as she was being carried by an elite.
"Be quiet. We are here to draw out others. Once they come and we kill them you will be free." the elite said slightly annoyed by the filly.
"Don't kill anypony else please." the filly asked hoping for the elite to change its mind.
"They are not ponies. So stop whining you dumb hors-" the elite did not finish his sentence on account of the fist in its mouth.
"Now please don't go and make the poor dear cry anymore. I hate to see children cry." Maria smiled under her helmet.
The elite pulled his head back and yelled. Suddenly Maria's motion sensor turned completely red. She looked around and saw several elites uncloaking while easily fifty grunts came out from behind the trees, and jackals pointed their beam rifles at Maria from in the trees, "Well that’s just not fair."
"Ha. Nothing is fair when it comes to you demons. So now that I have you I have no need for this dumb horse." the elite grabbed the filly's head and started to force it to turn sideways.
The filly screamed.
The ground around Maria cracked and a surge of electricity worked its way down one of her arms while the other was consumed by fire, "Let her go damit. You want me kill me I don’t care." Maria pleaded.
"She knows to much. She must die also." he said smugly.
"No." Maria growled, "She won't die, you will."
"In case you haven't noticed Demon. You are surrounded and hopelessly outgunned."
"I am no ordinary Spartan," she growled, "I am special, because of whatever brought us here." Maria was consumed by a blinding light that faded after a moment, "I am by all accounts an actual demon. Now. DIE!!" Maria yelled propelling herself forward on a pair of midnight blue demon wings. She grabbed the filly and decapitated the elite in one swift movement, "Hold on." she whispered to the filly before shooting straight up into the air over the trees, "Rider open the hatch I have a filly who needs a safe place to stay." she said into her com as she shot towards the pelican.
"Roger that. It is open." Rider responded as the pelican spun around to allow Maria to put the filly inside.
"Get this thing away from here. Only come back once the fire is gone." was all Maria said before she jumped out the back and flew towards the Covenant force, "Lets see how effective this new power of mine is." Maria dropped below the trees and started to throw fire at any Covenant that she saw. When some elites got close she lit the area around her on fire, "Come and get me you Dinos."
"That’s scary." the filly said as the trees started to burn.
"What is your name little one?" Rider asked as he took off his helmet.
"My name is Snow Runner."
Snow Runner looked at her back. Rider followed her gaze and he stopped cold. There was two large scabs forming on her back where the wings of a pegasus would be sitting at, "How did that happen?"
"When that meanie took me from my home after it killed my….my…..my parents."
"Zalphite. Please open locker designation Delta-Omega." Rider said coldly.
"I cannot verify the contents of that locker." Zalphite responded.
"Just open it!" he practically yelled. The large locker opened and a massive rifle was resting inside, "I was hoping that nothing would warrant me to use this." Rider pulled the .950 JDJ out of the locker, "Snow please go stand back there."
Snow nodded and ran to the front of the pelican.
Rider got onto the ground and pointed the gun towards where Maria was.
Maria spun around and kicked an elite in the face with lightning, "Would you all just die already!" she shouted. The ground started to shake and the elites and grunts backed away, "That’s what I thought." she turned around and saw five hunters sprinting at her, "Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit." suddenly there was a loud bang and two of the hunters dropped, "That’s a little better. Eat lightning!" she launched a torrent of lightning at the remaining hunters. The lead one died first, but the other two got behind something, "So we are going to do this the hard way." Maria grabbed two plasma grenades off of a near by elite, "Come at me bros." the firs ran at her. When it brought its shield down Maria jumped back and let it stumble before she used the shield arm as a means to jump over the hunter and put a grenade under its back plate, "Boom." she said as the hunter exploded, "Your shield brothers are dead. You can join them or you can run. The choice is yours hunter." the remaining hunter looked at the corpses of its brethren, and it charged, "Have it your way." this time when the hunter missed its shield bash it charged its plasma cannon and fired at Maria before she could jump over it, "You’re a smart one." she said as she jumped to the side, "But your not that smart." the loud bang was heard again and the hunter dropped just like the first two," Do you still want to fight us after what you have seen. No mater your numbers we will win. I am tired of taking lives. Come with me and help us defend this place and you can live an honorable life. A life of defending those who cannot. That is what true warriors are meant to do."
The remaining ten elites all put their swords away and kneeled down to Maria, "We were mistaken. Not all of you humans are ignorant it seems. You understand what the Prophets do not. Me and my brothers shall join you. Only because you are right. We have strayed from the honorable path of warriors."
"What should I call you?"
"Just Sword Brother. I will tell your orders to the others. You killed our Ship Master. You are our new leader."
"What about the grunts, and remaining jackals?"
"They will follow, but we will need a ship. We can help you obtain the one we arrived on."
"If you could retrieve it and meet me and my team back at the small town on the edge of the forest I would be grateful. There is a little filly who is terrified of you. She needs to see that you and your men mean her no harm." Maria's body glowed and the wings retracted themselves into her body.
"That is understandable." Sword Brother said as the pelican hovered over the new clearing in the forest.
"Rider it is safe to land." Maria said into her com before the pelican started its decent, "Keep all of your weapons picked up. Me and my friend have been fighting against the Covenant since the beginning. He is not the understanding type sometimes."
"Duly noted."
The pelican set down and a pissed off Rider walked out without his helmet, "Why the hell is any of them still alive!" he practically yelled, "Do you know what they did to that filly. They cut her wings off!"
"On the record. That was our old ship master. He was not honorable." the lead elite said.
"Tell that to the terrified filly in the pelican who will never know the joy of flight. She will also have to live with memory of her parents being killed in front of her." Rider snapped.
"Rider stand down!" Maria ordered, "They have agreed to right the wrongs of their dead ship master by helping defend Equestria."
"Really. How in the bloody hell do they plan to do that with this many soldiers? They can't exactly be everywhere at once." Rider responded still upset.
"They have a ship with more Covenant on it."
"We will tell them that you challenged the Ship Master to a duel for the leadership of our forces, and won. That way they will follow you and your men." the elite said.
"We should get back to Ponyville and find a place for the filly." Rider said.
"We shall meet you at the town once we have recovered our ship."
"Fine but don't expect a hostile hello. Most ponies are scared of us, and no offence but you guys are just scary." Rider said as he turned to walk back to the pelican.
"Just make sure the jackals do not try and eat any of the ponies." Maria said as she followed Rider.
Author's Note
Maria has found her new magical ability. Now it is just a matter of time before the others find theirs.
Maria carried Snow Runner into Ponyville's hospital, "Can someone help me with her injuries?" Maria asked gaining the attention of a few nearby ponies.
A pony with a red mane and tail and white coat approached her, "I am Nurse Red Heart. What kind of injury does the filly have?"
"Her wings were cut off. The wounds were never cleaned so I fear they might become infected if not treated properly." Maria explained.
"Well you came to the right place. If you would please follow me." Nurse Red Heart turned and started to walk towards one of the hallways. Maria followed her.
"So let me get this straight. Maria managed to get an entire ship of Covenant to follow her. How did she do that?" John asked as he walked into the Captain's quarters on the defender.
"I have no idea but they seemed utterly terrified of her. Well except for the one that actually spoke to us." Rider said as he followed John, "Where is Qi'meen?"
"Helping the ponies build defenses. After they heard the combat from earlier they wanted to make a town watch."
"Makes sense."
"Want to go and see if they need any help?" John asked.
"Sounds better than just sitting around here."
"Just a little more." Qi'meen said as she directed a unicorn who was placing the last piece of a wall, "That should do it. I want all of you to go back to town and be with your families. They are the reason that you are doing this, so make sure that they feel loved."
John and Rider came running over, "Qi'meen, how is the fortifications coming along?" John asked.
"All sections of the town that are facing the Everfree Forest are walled off with a gate to allow travel into the forest." Qi'meen answered.
"That’s good." Rider said, "Have you seen Maria since we got back here?"
Qi'meen shook her head, "The last I saw off her was when she took off with that filly."
"Guys what's that?" John asked pointing towards a large approaching force of what appeared to be apes, "They don't exactly look friendly."
++This is Shadow Rider calling on all UNSC frequencies. We have hostile Covenant inbound. We could use any assistance on the Everfree boarder.++ "That should do it." Rider said.
Suddenly a voice broadcasted from out of nowhere ++All who do not bow to us shall perish. These demons may have protected you from the weak elites, but they cannot/will not protect you from us.++
"Welp. Lets get busy busting some heads." Rider said as he pulled his sniper rifle and fired off four rounds taking out a couple of the charging brutes.
"Show off." John said as he pulled out his blaster pistol and light saber, "But I accept your kill count challenge."
"Boys…." was all Qi'meen said as she drew her light saber.
The three humans looked up as the sound off a pelican's engine filled the air. The pelican landed a little ways away, and Maria walked out with her light sabers on one side, her short sword on the other, and a ridiculously long katana on her back, "You were going to start without me. That’s not fair." she pouted as she drew her short sword to reveal an abysmal black blade, "Lets kill these fuckers." she said as she moved to the front of her team, "Rider I want you up high. Keep them from getting behind us. Qi'meen I need you to keep them from getting into the town, and John would you be so kind as to join me in the slaughter of these beast."
"Yes, ma'am" the three said in unison.
Maria charged the crowd of brutes followed closely by John. Maria dropped and slid as John jumped over her and cut the head off of the closest brute. He then fired off several rounds from his blaster pistol. Maria used what little momentum she had left to push herself into the air and brought her sword down into the head of a brute. She pulled her sword out of its head just fast enough to block the blade from a brute shot. She lunged towards the staggering brute and plunged her sword into its gut. There was four loud cracks in the air from Riders rifle being fired and killing a small group behind Maria as she grabbed the brute shot and started to fire the grenades at the groups of brutes. Suddenly a massive force smashed into Maria's brute shot, breaking it and sending her flying. The air filled with buzzing and Maria cursed under her breathe, "Qi'meen, fry those things." she ordered. The air filled with lightning as Qi'meen started to attack the buggers. A swarm of them managed to get to Rider stopping him from helping the others. Maria ducked as a brute swung his hammer over her head, “Rider, get rid of these guys already!” she yelled at the sniper who was being swarmed by buggers.
“I would, but I am a little busy right now!” he replied.
“We don’t have the manpower to keep this many Covies busy for long!” John shouted as he cut the head off of a brute, “We need help.”
“Qi’meen, get to the pelican and grab the .950. Rider needs it.” Maria ordered as she pulled out a chain sword and an assault rifle, “Sebastian and Sebaste, we need your help.”
Author's Note
Sorry to say, but to see the rest go check out High Inquisitor Sebaste's story.
http://www.fimfiction.net/story/304574/for-the-emperor-and-the-unsc
Two Sabres, a longsword, and a pelican all fall towards the ground.
"Get out of here the ACU is going nuclear." Maria shouted to the rest of her team and the remaining Covenant under her command on Baal.
"Its no use. We are to close." Rider responded from his sabre.
"It has been an honor Maria." John said from the pelican.
"Ship Master Runa. I wish we could have served together longer." the ODST pilot in the longsword said.
++This is Ship Master Runa. All Swords of Equestria are to prepare to evacuate and glass all remaining enemy structures++ there was a bright flash and four pilots went unconscious.
"Wolf Captain John, do you copy? Shadow Rider, do you copy? Ship Master Runa, do you copy?" the ODST pilot said as he pulled the longsword back into the air.
"Uhhh…. My head." Rider said, "Shit!" he yelled as he pulled up leveling the sabre out.
"What happened…." John asked as the pelican leveled out.
"Ship Master Runa!" the three conscious pilots yelled.
"Wha…… Crap!" Maria pulled her sabre out of its dive moments before it would have hit the ground, "Is everyone here?"
++Ship Master Runa. This is the Equestrian Star. What happened?++
++I don't know, but we are home. Get that ship down here so we can check our loses.++
"So we lost three phantoms, two seraphs, eight wraiths, twenty ghost, and fifteen banshees. All in all I say that is not so bad. Sadly we are down to seventy-five percent manpower for this vessel." Maria said as she looked over the troop and inventory logs.
"Ship Master. A UNSC vessel is trying to initiate communication." the elite zealot said.
"Put them through Sword Brother." Maria responded.
"This is Spartan A-267 of the UNSC Prophets Bane. You are to leave this planet immediately or we will open fire on your vessel." a female voice said over the comm.
"This is Spartan Z-199, Ship Master Runa. Who are you to threaten my ship and crew?" Maria asked.
"You are not a Spartan. There is no records of your tag in the data banks. This is your last warning." the female said again.
In the background two voices could be heard, "But Captain what about the two Spartans that went missing a few months ago?" a male voice asked.
"They were deemed dead. Now I want you off this planet you Covenant BASTARDS!" the female yelled.
"Sword Brother initiate video feed." the zealot nodded as a screen appeared, "Now you listen here. You are alone up there. You cannot win against this ship so please do not force me to destroy your ship."
"So you are a Spartan. That does not matter. You have betrayed the UNSC and her interest. I order you to stand down and come aboard to be brought to trial." the female said.
"You cant order me around. I out rank you, and I did not betray the UNSC. I challenged their old Ship Master to a duel and killed him. I then took command of this vessel. I have also been trapped here because we are not in the same dimension as the rest of the UNSC." Maria said.
"You cannot lie to me. Spartan team Omega mobilize and capture the traitor." the female Spartan cut communications with the CCS.
++All hands prepare for combat we have hostiles inbound. All Honor Guard meet me in the forward port hangar and I will give you further orders++ Maria marched out the bridge followed by her team, "The nerve of some people." Maria said, "I want you guys to lead the defense from here. I will be going deal with that stubborn bitch of a captain on their ship."
"Commander please don't make us stay here. You will need us out there with you." John pleaded as he put his hand on her shoulder.
"They do not know about you three. I need you to insure the safety of all on this ship and the ponies in the surrounding area." Maria explained, "Now I need to return to the bridge." Maria finished before she left the trio in the hall.
Maria looked at the honor guard elites in front of her, "I will need you to follow me. I will also need those of you proficient in piloting banshees to provide an escort." Maria walked over to the hangar's terminal, "Rider do you copy?"
A crackling sound came from the terminal, "Loud and clear Ship Master. What do you need?"
"I need you to patch me through to the UNSC vessel. I have a request for their captain." Maria said.
"Understood." Rider responded.
There was an even louder crackle from the terminal, "Have you came to your senses traitor?" the female captain asked.
"No, I am challenging you." Maria responded.
"What type of challenge traitor?"
"A duel. The winner gains control of both ships and their crew. The loser dies." Maria explained.
"Why should I accept this 'duel' traitor?"
"Because the only thing stopping me from blowing your ship to high heaven is that you are currently sitting over a populated area, but should you refuse and continue to assault my vessel I will send troops to evacuate the town then destroy you and your ship."
The captain sighed, "Fine but where shall we fight?"
"There is an old castle in the nearby forest. Lets go there. No chance of an innocent getting involved." Maria suggested.
"At least you kept your honor. I will meet you there." the comm. cut out.
"Alright honor guard move to your vehicles. When we get there I need you to make a perimeter, but when I give the order leave the forest and prepare the ship to block an explosion from the town." Maria ordered before walking to the pelican.
"Z-199 you can't be seriously thinking of operation Meta can you?" Zalphite asked.
"I want you to prepare all armor functions for use. Even the armor lock function." Maria said coldly as she climbed into the back of the pelican, "If I can't win I need to be sure that these Spartans don't destroy Equestria."
"But Why would they do that?" Zalphite asked.
Maria stopped at the cockpits door "Because the Spartans were trained to kill. If they realize that the sentient species on this planet is not human they might kill everyone so humans can take control of the world." Maria climbed into the pilot seat of the pelican as two phantoms left the hangar followed by four banshees.
Celestia teleported onto the Equestrian Star's bridge, "What is going on?" she asked frantically.
"A hostile UNSC Stalwart Class light frigate is threatening us." Ride said calmly.
"Is that something from your world?" Celestia asked.
"Yes and if Maria's plan fails there will be one big explosion in the Everfree forest."
"I am temporarily giving you four complete control of Equestria so we might survive this." Celestia said sadly.
The pelican touched down in the castles courtyard as the phantoms and banshees landed a distance away. A green Spartan with a black visor approached, "And I thought that I was the only paranoid one here." she said jokingly.
"No I just don't like anything sneaking up on me." Maria said as she eyed the green Spartan, "Mind telling me your name? I don't want to keep calling you Captain."
"Call me Sana." Sana stopped moving, "You know you are the first to ask me my name in a long time."
"That is because I wish that we could be allies, but that will never happen will it?" Sana shook her head, "I thought so. You can call me Maria. I actually respect you in an odd sort of way."
"Same to you Maria. Tell me why did you challenge the Ship Master before you?" Sana asked.
"I more or less just beheaded him to save a child. Then me and one of my men killed the only five hunters they had." Maria responded.
"So you do still fight to protect the innocent from those that wish to harm them. I was afraid you lost all of your honor by becoming a traitor, but now I see why you did what you did." Sana said.
"Can we not fight and just work together to protect the innocent of this world?" Maria asked.
"Sadly we cannot. We received orders from HQ to remove the Covenant ship from this planet so mankind could colonize it."
Maria sighed, "I was afraid you were going to say that." Maria drew both of her light sabers, "I cannot allow you to leave this forest alive Sana. I have made it my duty to protect the people of this world from those that would hurt them."
Sana shook her head and raised a clinched fist into the air, "I'm sorry to do this."
Maria looked towards one of the castle towers and saw a reflection from the barrel of a gun. Quickly she jumped backward as a bullet hit the ground where she was just standing. There was a loud bang as the sniper was destroyed from something hitting it.++That is all I can do for you Maria. We have a lot of Spartans attacking the ship.++
++Thank you Rider. Keep the ponies safe. Our lives are now the lowest priority.++ Maria shifted her wait to the right as a knife flew past her head on the left. A brown Spartan walked out of the shadows and stood next to Sana, "Well this is just unfair. Two on one. You didn't bring any more?"
The spinning barrel of a tri-barreled chain gun could be seen coming out of the shadows, "Three on one you traitorous bitch." a maroon male Spartan said as he opened fire. Maria brought up her hardlight shield to block the bullets.
"I think that it is cute that you think you can win." Maria said mockingly, "I mean, you three just have standard armor that only has one ability right." the trio nodded, "Then boy do I have a surprise for you."
"What is with my motion tracker. It says that there is numerous enemies in the area." the male Spartan said.
A white blade was shoved through the males chest causing him to drop his weapon, "I told you this wasn't fair." Maria whispered into his ear as her hologram faded, "Now who is next?" Maria asked with a short laugh.
"I have a small trick for you. It is an experimental device that disrupts cloaking." something shot off the frigate when Sana said that. A small pillar that looked almost Forerunner planted itself into the ground, "Now lets see where you are."
A pulse was sent out from the pillar. When it hit Maria her cloak flickered then vanished leaving her visible to the other Spartans, "That is a nice trick, but I doubt that you have one for all of my tricks." Maria said smugly.
"You see once I kill you, I am going to go to the nearest settlement and torture all of the inhabitants. I won't kill them. They will suffer because of your incompetence." Sana said receiving a glance from the brown Spartan.
"I am sorry Captain, but if you truly mean that then I will not follow you any more." the female brown Spartan said before she ran towards Ponyville.
"I will deal with her later." Sana said.
Shallow breathing could be heard from Maria as she struggled to stay in control of herself, "You will regret what you just said." she growled.
"And who will do that? You are to weak to do anything to me." Sana laughed.
Maria was consumed in a bright white light, "I will tear you to shreds!" she yelled as the light faded to reveal her with her demon wings.
"That’s a neat trick, but it will take more than that to beat me." Sana said.
"Zalphite prepare operation Meta." Maria said quietly.
"Understood." Zalphite responded.
Maria's arms were consumed by fire as she shot the blue flames at Sana only for them to be blocked by a bubble shield. Maria growled like a beast before she charged Sana. Sana spun and kicked Maria square in the jaw sending her flying into a tree. When Maria stood back up a piece of her visor fell of to reveal a dark blue eye filled with rage. Maria charged again, but this time she created three holograms to try and confuse Sana. Sana pulled two SMGs from her sides and quickly destroyed the holograms and shot at Maria only for her to use the hardlight shield to block the bullets. When Maria got close Sana dropped down and punch Maria in the chest breaking part of her chest plate, "Give up." Sana said, "You cannot win." she kicked Maria away.
This time when Maria stood up parts of her chest piece fell off, "I will never let those who cannot defend themselves be tortured or killed if I have the chance to stop it." Maria growled.
"Stop this Z-199. If your armor gets damaged much more your chances of survival will become almost none existent." Zalphite warned Maria.
Maria quickly shuffled back and forth letting her arms go limp before she charged again. This time when Sana went to hit her, she jumped to the side and round house kicked Sana in the shoulder breaking her shoulder pad. Sana recovered quicker than Maria expected and she punch Maria in the face breaking the rest of her visor. ++This is Thunder Cloud. Ordinance ready to drop just waiting your command Commander Runa.++
"Zal. Activate all defensive armor abilities. Shut down all non essential equipment and transfer that power to the shields." Maria ordered. As she slowly stood back up.
"It is done." a shield of hardlight surrounded Maria before a bubble shield went around that.
++Thunder Cloud you are clear for delivery on my position.++
++Understood. Dropping ordinance. It was an honor to serve you ma'am.++
Maria didn't have a chance to respond before an extreme heat started to burn everything in the area. The shockwave that followed sent Maria flying through the air. "Armor lock activating. Emergency Visor activating. Shields failing. Survival chances dwindling." was all Maria heard inside her helmet as the suit slowly broke down.
"I will miss you all." was all Maria said before she blacked out from the immense pain that shot through her body.
The Equestrian Star shook as the shock wave from the nuke hit the hull of the vessel, "Don't let this ship move before it is safe." Rider ordered.
Celestia watched the live feed of what had just transpired outside the ship, "Did she just……"
"She did that to protect your little ponies Celestia. All she ever wanted to do was save the innocent and she has done just that, but she will be missed all the same."
The UNSC Prophets Bane drifted over the destroyed castle. Numerous pelican dropships launched from the hangers of the ship. Every one was filled with Spartans of all colors and sizes. John stood on the bridge of the Prophets Bane, in an UNSC Officers Uniform, "I want every inch of this forest searched. She would not have done this if she knew she wouldn't survive." John said to the bridge crew who relayed the message to the ground teams.
Qi'meen walked into the bridge, "John. It has been three days. If she would have survived it would have been by the skin of her teeth. Something in the forest probably got to her."
"Shut it!" John snapped at his adopted daughter.
"Dad. Please calm down. You are just-" Qi'meen was cut off as an indicator went off on one of the consoles.
"Captain, Wolf team has found something." an operator said.
"Put them through." John said.
++This is Wolf team. We have found what appears to be the remains of a midnight blue Spartan helmet. My team is currently searching the area for the rest of her armor and maybe her as well.++
++Thank you for finding that Wolf One. If your team does not find anything feel free to return when you are done.++
"Dad…." Qi'meen turned and went to leave the bridge but stopped, "When you are done chasing a ghost, you have a family that needs you." with that she left the room.
John turned and punched the nearest pole, "What the hell is wrong with me?" he asked himself.
"Spartan team Zeta there is a heat signature about ten meters North of your position. Please investigate." one of the operators said into the teams comm.
The brown female Spartan walked up to John and put her hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry. We will find her."
"Thank you Jess. Could you please watch over this for me? I have to go talk with my daughter." John said. Jess nodded, "Thank you." John turned and walked out the bridge.
John found Qi'meen crying in her quarters, "Qi'meen." John said softly.
"Leave me alone." she said through her tears.
"I thought about what you said. You are right I do have a family that needs me." John walked next to her bed and sat down next to her, "You are my world, but before you I could only think about her so please try and imagine what it is like for me to just lose her like that for the second time."
Qi'meen looked at her dad before she slapped him, "That is for being stubborn." she then hugged him, "This is for at least trying to cheer me up."
The door to Qi'meen's room opened and Jess stood in the doorway, "We found her Captain. Zeta team is on their way back here as we speak."
"I will go to the infirmary when she arrives, but until then I will spend some time with my daughter." John responded.
Jess nodded and left leaving the two alone. Qi'meen looked at her dad, "I want you to know that I won't fault you for staying by her side when she gets here, but I expect you to not be so hard on yourself. You couldn't have stopped her if you tried."
"I know but I feel guilty for some reason." John responded, "Do you want to come with me when I go and see her?"
"Sure. I mean I do see her as a friend so why not."
John and Qi'meen walked into the infirmary, "How is she?" John asked the closest Doctor that was moving about.
"Commander Runa is stable but any sudden changes could harm her. Her suit was in shambles. She was lucky to survive at all." the Doctor responded.
"Is there any chance that she will wake up any time soon?"
"No there is not. She is in a stress induced coma. There is a chance that she won't wake up at all." the Doctor said.
"Can we go and see her?" Qi'meen asked.
"I don't see why not." the Doctor pointed at the last bed in the room, "That is her. Just remember to call for one of us if something changes."
John nodded before walking over to Maria's resting body. Qi'meen went to approach her something startled her, "I am going to get Celestia." she said before running out the room.
Celestia followed Qi'meen down the hall of the ship, "So tell me again what you sensed?" Celestia asked.
"Nothing. When I met her there was a spark of the force and something else, but when I started to get close to her I felt nothing. Almost like she was drained of all her powers." Qi'meen explained.
"So you came to get me. How am I supposed to know how to help?"
"That something else I felt." Qi'meen stated, "It felt like your magic."
Celestia's jaw dropped, "How did I not notice it before. Get me to her quick. If it is what I think it is we don't have much time." Qi'meen and Celestia started to run down the hall.
John sat next to Maria's bed, not willing to let anyone move him. The sound of a human and pony running could be heard coming from the hall outside of the infirmary. John ignored the sound and focused on the still body next to him, "Why didn't I tell you the truth. Maybe you would have came up with a different plan if I would have."
Qi'meen and Celestia rounded the corner and slid to a stop in front of Maria's bed, "John I don't want to do this but you need to move." Celestia said.
"No I will not move. I will not leave her alone again."
"Dad she can help her. Maria is dying. The doctors cannot find the symptoms because the Equus's natural magic is slowly draining her strength."
"What are you talking about?" John asked not budging.
"When the nuke went off. The planet absorbed most if not all the radiation. Maria being the only thing that was alive in that general area was the planets target for gaining the required amount of magic to heal itself." Celestia explained, "I am going to pour my magic into her and have the planet take that instead of hers. If she loses all the her magic she will die."
John looked at Maria, "Is there any guaranty that she will die from this?"
"No. If I do this she should make a full recovery, but there is the chance of her not being fit enough to fight again." Celestia responded.
"Go ahead." John said as he moved away from Maria's bed. Celestia's horn light up with an intense golden glow. Suddenly a stream started to flow from Celestia's horn to a transparent one on Maria's head. After a few minutes Celestia stopped and the transparent horn on Maria's head disappeared, "That it?" John asked.
Celestia looked at him as her mane and tail lost it's flowing motion and became still and pink, "That is all. Now time is all that’s left to take it's course."
A few weeks have passed since Maria was found in the Everfree. Rider took the Equestrian Star and set up outpost across Equus. Qi'meen took control of the Prophets Bain and moved it over Canterlot.
Qi'meen walked into the infirmary and shook her head at the site of John sleeping in a chair next to Maria. She quietly moved next to her adopted father, "You are going to get sick just sitting here like this." she said to her sleeping dad. She looked at Maria's still form, "I wish you could wake up." she said sadly, "Rider, Dad, and I miss you a great deal. Dad never goes to his room or anyplace else for that mater. He just sits here and watches over you." Qi'meen sat down next to Maria on the bed, "Please come back to us."
Maria shifted slightly causing Qi'meen to yelp, and fall off the bed. Maria's eyes started to slowly open and she groaned, "Where am I?" Maria asked weakly.
"You are on the Prophets Bane. You have been sleeping for a while now." Qi'meen responded softly, "My dad never left your side once you were here. He wanted to be sure that you were safe."
Maria turned her head slowly and smiled when she saw John, "Has he taken care of himself, or did he literally stay by my side?"
"He never left. I tried to make him go to his bed but he refused. All he wanted to do was stay here. He likes you a lot you do know that right." Qi'meen said looking at her father.
"If he didn't he would have left me." Maria shifted a little, "Could you help me get into more comfortable to wear. This armor is not comfortable when whole. I have an outfit on my peli……. Never mind. Just help me remove the armor. I will go find someone to make me clothes once I can walk again." Maria pulled the blanket from on top of her to reveal a shattered chest plate.
"Let me get you a wheelchair, and we can go see Celestia after we get that armor off of you." Qi'meen said with a smile.
Dinok and Sky sat in the throne room with Celestia and Luna, "I understand that you don't want to rule anything, but the people of Equestria need to see that the Alicorns are not going anywhere." Celestia said.
"No you see our job is to look over everyone here. Mine is specifically to protect Sky from things as she is helping others." Dinok shot back.
"He is right Celestia. Those are the reasons that we were chosen to get these powers. I say we join Rider, John, Qi'meen, and Maria defending this world from foreign threats." Sky said calmly.
"They are speaking the truth sister. Even though mother and father have passed on, they still have enough power to visit them in their dreams. They have also visited my dreams to tell me that they have a greater role than just ruling our country. They are going to be the ones who reunite the world." Luna said.
"I still say they should be crowned as an Equestrian Prince and Princess, but I will leave you two be." Celestia sighed, "Has there been any word on Maria's condition?"
As Celestia finished her question the door to the throne room opened and Qi'meen pushed Maria into the throne room, "Hello everyone." Maria said quietly.
Sky slowly walked over to Maria and gave her a gentle hug, "Its good to see you again Maria."
"Good ta see you too Sky." Maria smiled weakly, "How have things been since I went under?"
"Interesting." Celestia said, "Some of the Sangheili have shared technology with us to improve transportation for the ground bound citizens over long distances."
"That’s good." Maria said, "I hate to change the subject so suddenly, but I would like to get something other than these clothes to wear. That is not military."
"We did actually take your boots off the pelican. Your clothes were a different story because we couldn't find them." Qi'meen said.
"Just someone tell that there is a seamstress that can make me some clothes." Maria said.
Celestia smiled, "Actually there is one in Ponyville. Her name is Rarity, and she owns the Carousal Boutique."
"When shall I be able to head over there? I would very much like to get out of this skin tight suit." Maria said.
"I would say pretty soon. Me and Sky are heading back once we are finished here in Canterlot." Dinok said.
"Just watch out for Rainbow Dash. She does not know that you were in that explosion. She thinks that you are still on the Equestrian Star. So she might try and attack you when you get there." Celestia warned.
"Thanks for the warning." Maria smiled, "But I don't think John would let her anywhere near me if he knew that she had it out for me. Speaking of him, do you think he is still asleep or do you think he is searching the ship for where I am?"
"I think you should have woke me up before you left the ship." John said as he walked into the throne room, "I had to ask the bridge personnel about any unscheduled pelican takeoffs."
"Well I need fresh air, and I couldn't wait for your sorry ass to wake up." Maria responded playfully.
"Hardy har har." John mocked, "So what was this I heard about not letting someone near you?"
"We are going to Ponyville, and a certain cyan pegasus has it out for me. So I need you to keep her away while I go talk to Rarity about some clothes."
It was a normal day in the Carousal Boutique. Rarity was almost gliding across the floor as she worked on one of her client's orders. Fluttershy was waiting for her to be done so they could take their weekly trip to the spa, "Umm… Rarity, how much longer is this going to take?" Fluttershy asked meekly.
"Not to much longer darling. I just have to put the finishing touches." Rarity responded as she cut the thread and stepped back to see her work, "Alrighty then let us be off."
As Rarity opened the door Spike ran inside with a letter, "Rarity!" he exclaimed, "The Princesses want you to make something for them. Well not for them but one of those humans."
"I don't want any of those barbarians in my beautiful boutique. Spike can you send them a message saying that I do not have the time to make anything? I have to many orders to catch up on."
"Well the thing is…." Spike trailed off as he scratched his head, "They are already on their way here from Canterlot." As Spike finished his sentence the engines of a pelican could be heard outside.
Rarity huffed and stomped her hooves in the display of her starting to through a tantrum. Princess Celestia walked inside followed by Princess Luna, Dinok, Sky, and Qi'meen who was pushing Maria's wheelchair, "Did we come at a bad time Rarity?" Celestia asked as she turned her head.
Rarity shook herself, "Oh no no no, you didn't come at a bad time Princesses." she responded.
Fluttershy looked at Maria worryingly, "Oh you poor dear are you alright?" she asked as she got close to Maria.
"I am fine. I just need some rest after we are done here." Maria responded.
"Rest." Dinok snorted, "You just woke up from a three week long nap and you want to rest."
Sky punched Dinok, "She needs to restore her body to how it was. Sleeping that long weakened her."
John walked inside the building, "There is no sign of the Rainbow menace."
"I do hope your not talking about Rainbow Dash dear, because if she hears you say that there is no telling what kind of barbaric thing she will do to you." Rarity said to the human.
"Well for one I don't care and two if she tries anything she will be neutralized in the most painless way I can. I do not wish to hurt her." John replied.
Rarity huffed and motioned for him to leave the building. As John walked back outside and closed the door Maria smiled at Rarity, "Could you make me a set of clothes that are similar to ones I was wearing when I first got here? I know that you did not have a chance to study the clothes but I would be more than happy to select the right materials for the job."
"I will need to measure you, but I cannot do that while you are in the wheelchair." Rarity said hoping slightly that Maria could not stand so she would not have to make the clothes.
"Qi'meen could you help me please?" Qi'meen nodded and lifted Maria's arm over her shoulder and slowly lifted Maria out of the wheelchair, "Thank you."
"No problem. Dad would never forgive me if I did not help you while he is outside and unable to do so himself." Qi'meen smiled at the look of anger Rarity was giving her, "I don't think a certain seamstress is happy about this."
All eyes turned to Rarity as her white pelt turned red, "I…I don't know what you mean. I am more than happy to help." she forced a smile as she finished her sentence.
"Look," Maria said, "If you have any ill feelings towards me fine, but can I explain my actions and why I have not formally apologized for hurting Rainbow." Rarity gulped now suddenly afraid of the weakened woman. She nodded, "Thank you. As for why I hit Rainbow so hard, she would not have stopped coming at me if I hadn't. Don't say she would have because I know how someone with her personality works, she wouldn't. Second of all I will never hurt someone who does not deserve it. She attacked me, so I retaliated. I did feel bad about it, but I will not apologize because she attacked me."
Rarity slumped, "I am sorry. I should have asked your side before making assumptions. All I knew was what Twilight told me and the others."
"All is forgiven. I did the same thing numerous times during training." Maria said smiling at the unicorn, "But if it is all the same I would very much like to get some new clothes today. Nothing frilly. I hate frilly."
"Oh but of course dear. I shall get started whenever you are ready." Rarity said with a sudden change of moods. As she motions towards her work area in the back.
After a few hours and rolls of fabric, Rarity managed to make Maria some simple, but functional clothing. Maria's boots were brought to her after she received what could pass for a pair of blue jeans and a simple black t-shirt from Rarity. Suddenly a yell could be heard before Rainbow Dash crashed through the window. When she stood up she looked straight at the barely standing Maria, "You! What do you think you are doing showing your face around here?!"
"Now Rainbow calm down. That is no way to treat a customer." Rarity stated sounding irritated.
"But she hit me in front of the entirety of Ponyville. How can you be defending her?" Rainbow asked.
"Because you assaulted her. You started it like normal. That is how." Rarity responded.
"But…" Rainbow started but didn't continue, "Ok. I'll let it slide this time, but if she hits me again I won't stop."
"I guess that is the best we will get out of her." Rarity said, "Maria how do you like your new clothing?"
"I like it. It fits me perfectly." Maria said as she slowly started to stand more steadily than before, "Would someone please take me to the Prophet's Bane." Maria said before a loud rumble passed by, "I think we have company."
Author's Note
Sorry it took so long
Chapter 15
**Runamaria's POV**
We ran through the halls of the Prophet's Bane trying to reach its bridge before it was too late. I had only just arrived aboard the ship after our trip to get me some new clothing. To my surprise a very specific Phoenix class support ship decided that it wanted to come pay us a visit and from what I have been told since I got aboard all life forms are in cryo-sleep. As we rounded the last corner I started hearing the commotion from the bridge, "What is going on?!" I yelled.
One of the marines answered me, "The Spirit of Fire's AI Serina is trying to override the ship's mac controls. It appears that theirs is offline."
"Power all EMP projectiles and fire them at the Spirit of Fire. Radio the Equestrian Star and have them make a precision jump to our location. We are going to need the extra help if we are to stop that ship from falling out the sky. I need all Long-Sword, Short-Sword, and Pelican Pilots at the ready to use any means we have at catching that ship. Tell the same to Ship Master Rider when they get here. I want that ship and Its crew to survive." I ordered as I started for the armory only to be stopped by Qi'meen.
"Where do you think you are going?" she asked.
"I will be leading this mission from the front. It will do our troops good to know that I am still kicking. Plus I have to have a word with that AI once I pull her from the ships mainframe." I responded before I pushed my way passed her ignoring the spike of pain in my side. After a minute or two of running through the halls I made it to the armory, "Lets see what toys I have to play with." I said.
"Ma'am there is plenty of weapons and armor ready for you." a familiar feminine voice said.
"Zalphite is that you?" I asked.
"Yes it is ma'am. When they recovered your helmet they found me in a fragmented state, because of all the stress that was put on me when the nuke detonated. After a week they managed to restore me most of the way." Zalphite responded.
"So what do I have I regards to armor Zal?" I asked. A panel on the wall slid open to reveal a variety of armor that I would have to investigate at a later time.
"Each suit has its own capabilities. The Recon armor is designed with stealth in mind, while the Scout is based around speed. For this mission I recommend the purple Operator armor."
The armor stands rotated until a full set of purple Operator armor sat in front of me, "So will you be joining me my fateful AI companion?"
"It would be my pleasure. Plus how would you be able to force Serina out of the mainframe without me." she responded with slight sarcasm.
I slipped the EOD armor on and grabbed my usual weaponry and headed for the hanger, "Zal, any single man ships left in the hanger?"
"There is a single specially modified Falcon in the hanger. It is outfitted with a single front facing rail gun, two remote EMP charges, and twin side mounted missile pods." Zalphite responds.
I slid to a halt at the entrance to the hanger, "Zal what station is the Falcon docked at?"
"The Falcon should be at station 97."
I took off in the direction of the Falcon. I sprinted passed various marines and ODSTs on my way to the Falcon. I slid to a stop next to the modified Falcon, "How long till the Equestrian Star arrives?"
"By the time you get out the hangar they will be here." Zal responded.
I jumped into the cockpit of the Falcon and started to power up sequence. The propellers started to spin as the cockpit closed, ++This is Titan Commander Runa taking off. All ships follow in suit.++ I said through the comms to all the pilots in the hanger as the Falcon left the ground and angled for the hangar door, "Lets go." I pushed the Falcon forward at full speed, which is not fast, and I was followed by a large number of ships. Not a moment after I left the hangar the Equestrian Star appeared on the other side of the Spirit of Fire. ++Rider you ready?++ I asked over the comm.
++Yes ma'am commander. By the way I made some new friends. After you vanished on Earth we recruited more members.++ Rider responded.
++This is Tiger knight Jaxon reporting in++
++Shadow reporting in++
++Silent Lillie reporting in++
++Well you three, you picked one hell of a time to show up. Any others?++ I asked.
++Just my research team. We were designing a special SPARTAN suit before we came here.++ Shadow said ++But don't worry I can still do my part to protect innocent lives no matter the species.++
++I'll talk to you three more latter. For now lets ground a Phoenix.++ I said as I started my approach.
"Maria be careful that ship has internal defense systems." Zal said.
"I will" ++Launch all EMPs and grabble onto the ship. I don't want it falling.++ I ordered through the comms. Numerous objects impacted the ship causing its thrusters to flicker and die, then all ships fired harpoons designed to hold ships into its hull to stop its sudden rapid decent. I flew towards the hangar door, and to my surprise the doors were open. I landed the Falcon and jumped out the cockpit and readied my magnum. I slowly moved my way through the halls of the slumbering ship. The creaking of metal and my foot steps were the only sounds in the ship. I made my way to the bridge and shot the two roof mounted auto-turrets. Slowly the ships systems started to reboot as the effects of the EMPs wore off, "You know I thought that we would have had more time before power came back." I said as a female AI appeared on the bridges monitor.
"Leave this ship!" the AI said.
I walked over to a console and inserted Zalphite, "You see I can't do that. You are endangering the lives of many innocent creatures." I said before Zalphite appeared next to me on the other monitor, "Zalphite shut her down." I ordered. The AI started to fragment from the strain of fighting off Zalphite.
All of a sudden the AI became blue, "Thank you…" it said before disappearing.
"Maria I have complete control of the ship. Checking cryo life signatures." Zalphite sat for a moment before continuing, "There is nine SPARTANs in cryo-sleep, SPARTAN team Omega is here and accounted for."
"I want you to send the all clear to the other ships and wake everyone from cryo-sleep." I ordered.
"Yes ma'am."
"And Zalphite leave a message for the Captain of the ship. I don't want to be here when they notice the lack of their AI" I said as the monitor showed that the cry-pods defrosting, "Lets go."
*****
Rider stood on the bridge of the Equestrian Star with a male SPARTAN and scientist, and a female UEF soldier, "How much longer will she be radio silent?"
"From what we were told about her, probably until she leaves the ship." the male SPARTAN in a full set of black and red tiger print ODST SPARTAN armor.
"True Tiger. Silent Lillie what is the status of your ACU?" Rider asks.
"Not good. I can currently only activate the tier one tech structures. Tiers two and three are unavailable until I find the missing parts." Lillie responded.
"Wish it was at full strength but some tech is better than none. Shadow have your men made them selves at home in the lab?"
"Yes sir. We are currently working on finding a better power source than a mini-nuclear power plant. Don't need pilots dying from radiation."
"Go look at the ships generator and see if you can shrink it. I don't know what it is but there is no radiation coming of it." Rider said.
One of the Elites at the ships monitors turned around, "Ship Master a Falcon has left the hangar of the Spirit of Fire."
"Establish radio contact." Rider said.
*****
I started the short flight towards the Prophets Bane. ++This is Ship Master Rider. Titan Commander Runa do you respond++
++This is Titan Commander Runa. Ship Master Rider send word to all Titans that we are to meet on the Prophets Bane. Once we are aboard the Equestrian star is to go to back to its previous location.++ I responded as I neared the hangar of the Prophets Bane.
++Understood. All Titan Defenders are being moved with their equipment to the Prophets Bane.++ Rider said.
I brought the Falcon in and landed where I retrieved it from, "Zalphite, have the bridge cleared of all personnel except for Qi'meen and John. This ship is being refitted and I want the Titans to be in charge of it."
"Understood." Zalphite says as I climb out the Falcon and start the walk to the armory.
"Zalphite please pull up mission report Alpha-Bravo." I said as a file was opened on one side of my visor.
Operation Zeta Overlord was a failure. No survivors have been found at the Reach Research facility. Dr. Halsey and her SPARTAN III protector S-A266 and the remainder of blue team, excluding Master Chief Petty Officer Sierra 117, are now KIA. There is remains numbering in the hundreds of thousands. It is hard to believe that such a small number of SPARTANs could eliminate that many of the Covenants forces. No information regarding Project Zeta has been found. It appears that all the computers in Halsey's lab have been wiped clean. There is also no sign of the remaining Mjolnir prototypes. ONI will be sending their teams to ensure all data is retrieved or erased then they will strike the out the names of those involved. This is SPARTAN T-692 signing off.
"Zalphite that cant be all of it. That is too short." I said.
"It is. ONI erased everything else. The only reason we have this is because Tiger had it." Zalphite stated as we entered the bridge of the Prophets Bane.
I put Zalphite into the ships main computer, "Zalphite run inventory checks on everything. I need to know what I have to start up a Special Operations Military. Also I want a message sent to all nations requesting permission for us to work across the world."
"I'll get on it." Zalphite said.
Rider and the rest of the Titan Defenders walked onto the bridge, "Runa would you mind telling me why you sent my ship away?" Rider asked.
"One, how do you think that the crew of the Spirit of Fire would react to it, and two you will be brought back to it once we are done here." I responded as I started to check over the ships computers, "Tiger, Lillie, and Shadow what is the status of your equipment?"
Tiger stepped forward, "All equipment that came with me through the void is in working order."
"My ACU is damaged but being repaired. It will take some time before it is usable on any large scale." Lillie said.
"I have a few prototypes you may like, but that is all." Shadow said.
"Zalphite have the necessary materials given to Lillie so repairs can be finished quickly. Shadow I will be dropping by to see these prototypes myself when I am free. Tiger when we finish here I want you ready to help greet the new additions to our ever growing family." I ordered, "Qi'meen please send word to the Princesses that we will be needing them on the ship soon. I will give you a final date once we have a final count on our numbers."
"Yes ma'am!" they all responded before I could continue.
"Rider and John, I want you too to start interactions with the Spirit of Fire. Do not under any circumstance mention the Equestrian Star. They will know about that soon enough from me."
"Yes Commander." the two said calmly.
"Dismissed." I walked to the captains chair and sat down as everyone left the bridge, "Zalphite, make it known that there will be a Summit of Nations called in five days."
"Understood. Shall I make you a list of personnel at your disposal?" Zalphite asked.
"No. They know their jobs. Just get me a list of the heads of each department for each ship." I responded.
It was a usual day of playing Supreme Commander, and as usual a group of people tried to challenge me. I would normally just ignore them, but they were all in the top fifty players online. "You cheated! There is no way you could have repelled that many experimental units!" one of my three opponents yelled into their mic, "Yeah, there is no way you could have repelled three full populations of experimentals." one of the other two said.
I just chuckled a little as I looked over my base. Which is surrounded by rows of turrets of all types that are covered by shield generators, "You see when someone focusses on only offense, they will ultimately fail; same for a straight defense set up." I selected my units that were covered by a stealth field and started for their bases. My small force was made up of the UEF experimental Colossus and the experimental Fat Boy mobile unit production tank. I split the force into three and set the Fat Boys to start producing units. While the Fat Boys were doing that the Colossuses started the attack, absolutely destroying what little defense the three had.
*****
"Sister is it wise to be messing with interdimensional magic." Luna asked Celestia as she looked at the mess in the Castle of the Two Sisters.
"Don't worry Lulu nothing bad will happen. I am just moving one being from one dimension to another."
*****
I watched as my military surrounded the three ACUs, "I almost feel bad for doing this." I said before unloading all of the units my Fat Boys made and attacked almost instantly destroying their last units winning the game, "Bye." turned my Xbox off and slipped my boots on and grabbed my black scarf and walked outside into the cool early winter air, "Why do people have to be so stubborn to know when they have lost and try to prolong the inevitable."
Suddenly the air started to crackle around me, and suddenly I was blinded by a flash of light. I felt a some mysterious force pulling my body, and suddenly I felt the force let up and I fell and hit my head on some type of hard ground nocking me out.
As I started to regain consciousness I could hear voices, "She is not to old for her body to accept the augmentations, but the chance for survival is greatly reduced." Chance of survival? What in the world is going on in this place my mind started to swim with possibilities.
"She is showing signs of waking. Make your decision quickly. I don't care at this point." an elderly sounding women said.
"Do it." the first voice said. Not long after I felt needles stabbing into my body from numerous positions.
*****
"Ma'am the multipurpose suite is going into final testing." an average height male scientist spoke into the operation room's intercom.
"We are augmenting the new arrival now. If she is accepted she will be a possible user." a short older female scientist responded.
"Also the Mjolnir mk. IV suit for him is almost done Dr. Halsey."
"Go and finish it. He will need to field test it himself soon."
"Understood." the male scientist walked away from the operation room.
*****
When I woke up this time I was not met by a conversation, but silence. I looked at my surroundings having opened my eyes for the first time since this whole thing started. I was in a really clean looking room. The floor, walls, and roof were pure white. Small single bulb lights hung from the ceiling, creating an uneven amount of lighting throughout the room. There were several other beds like mine lined up through the room. I turned my head when I heard the sound of a door sliding open, "Were am I?" I said defiantly at the older lady that was approaching me.
"Z-199," she said calm almost coldly, "You are on the planet Reach. This is your new home." she started to circle my bed, "You will defend it, and humanity. We could not find any records on you, other than a missing person report from almost 500 years ago. I would like for you to explain and so would the people who fund my research, but we need all the help we can get so it can wait."
"Help… You want me to help you when I have no idea where or when I am. I have no idea why or how I got here." I said throwing my legs over the side of the bed. "I have priorities too."
"If one of them is survival you will help us. You are part of a new generation of Spartans. Super soldiers made to fight major threats to humanity and its interest. Your mission will be to help stop the Insurrectionist threat." she looked at me with a smirk, "Will you help us now Z-199?"
"I will if you call me by my actual name, Lunamaria." I said.
"Only in private will I be able to do that you understand?" I nodded when she finished.
Author's Note
Here it is.
The door to the hanger opens as a blue and purple blur runs in, and skids to a stop, "Well that was fast."
"I take it your my partner from now on." a male voice said from by the pelican dropship.
I walk closer to the dropship and put my hand out for a handshake, "I am Spartan Z-199, and I look forward to working with you."
The black armored Spartan shook my hand, "Pleasure to meet ya."
"So this is your bird then?"
"Yep. That she is." he started to move towards the Pelican, "It was designed for a small team on long missions were they could not return to the main force for supplies. There is not the normal number of seats inside. There is only two in the cargo hold and two in the cockpit. The remaining space was split between storage and a small sleeping compartment with bunks." as he finishes he walks into the cargo/troop bay of the modified pelican. "I'm Spartan D-719, by the way."
"Are we cleared for immediate take off or is the pelican not ready?" I asked calmly as I moved towards the ships terminal to insert Zalphite so she could get a feel for the ship.
"What you got there?" D-719 asked from over my shoulder.
"Zalphite has to get accustomed to the ship systems so she can take control when necessary." I said flatly.
"Alright but she needs my permission before she does that, and to answer your question we are cleared for takeoff whenever you are ready."
"Then lets get away from this god forsaken place, and get to the quiet that is space. Then we can speak more freely." I move to one of the seats in the cargo bay.
"I'll start the pre-launch preparations." he started to walk towards the cockpit.
"D-719, I have already started preparations. I can set a course for the planet's orbit as soon as they are done." Zalphite said from the main console on the ship.
"Sounds good to me. Just tell me before we launch, I would like to be in the pilot seat when it happens." D-719 responded as he moved towards the other seat in the cargo bay, "So is there another name you would rather me call you by other than Z-199?"
"My actual name is Lunamaria, but either Luna or Maria would be fine. What can I call you since you know my name now?" I asked calmly as I pulled my helmet off to reveal my straight shoulder length midnight blue hair and similarly colored eyes.
"Well I used to go by the name Rider because I have no memory of my real one, so that will do fine." he also removed his helmet to reveal his short black hair and brown eyes.
"Rider," Zalphite chimed in, "The preparations are ready. Waiting for your order."
"Good," Rider stood and placed his helmet in an open locker against the wall, and then went into the cockpit.
*****
Celestia looks down at a smaller lavender alicorn, "Twilight, I want you to know that what ever happens in the near future cannot be stopped by you and your friends."
"What do you mean Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked with a hint of worry in her voice.
"What I mean is that what ever is to come is not for the Princess of Friendship and her friends to face, but it is something that makes me glad that my other sister has returned and retrained the entire guard." a smile sincere smile made its way across Celestia's muzzle.
*****
I looked straight into the brown eyes of my fellow Spartan and he was looking into mine, "So you were not born in this era. You just teleported here for no reason what so ever." I nod my head as Rider speaks, "I see. Why didn't I recognize you sooner?" I give him a strange look and he raises his hand to stop me from speaking, "It was probably the reason I didn't remember my name. Antique cryopods had defects. One of which is amnesia apparently, because now I can remember my past clearly. The smiling faces of my parents, friends, and others that I knew; I also remember you Titan Commander Runa. I had fallen sick not long after you vanished; your parents were searching every possible place they could for you, but they never could find you and now I know why."
I stared at my companion in shock, "Who are you really? What was your name back then?"
"Captain Yonatan reporting for duty Commander." he responded with a solute.
"No. You can't be him. He was not a soldier. There is no way that you are him. He loved peace and despised fighting and killing! There is no way he could become like US!" I was shaking in disbelief and anger.
He put his hand on my cheek, "Lulu it is me. I am not lying to you." I stare at him with tears in my eyes.
"I thought that I would not see anyone from home ever again."
