The UAFby Gunnerben55ChaptersChapter 1. The UAFChapter 2.Chapter 3.Chapter 4.Chapter 5.Chapter 6.Chapter 1. The UAF-Europe- -France- -Thirty miles southwest of Pairs- -2023- The town that was located in this area was now a deep crater surrounded by a camp flying the blue UN flag along side the France national colors with many armored units and soldiers running about. Sadly the medical tents were completely empty due to not one person from the town survived nor did anything of the town it self as a perfectly round hole was left in its place. As the personal ran about moving supplies that most likely wont be used to help the town rebuild and were now just stored away for use later on if needed. Around the main camp flew a different flag with bold black letters on a bright blue background on it reading "UAF" from a flag pole on top of a large tent. This was the command tent for the UAF and the operation that will be put into play very soon. As a clone officer in light tactical gear along with three others await orders from the general who is currently in a video meeting with a few UN members and the four men were starting to get bored, fast. "Sergeant... why do they need us recon boys? Isn't it clear its just a few square miles wide deep hole?" The team's support gunner who goes by Jackson says as the weight of his M60E4 hung from his back while a short choked barrel shotgun was tied to his belt full of ammo. "Oh shut it you bloody idoit. If you can wait just a moment the general will tell us." The sharpshooter says with a English accent from beside him who's name is Eric. On his back was a long barreled L115A3 sniper rifle along side a compact MP5 with a polished G17 on his hip The sergeant turns his head and glares at them. "both of you shut up. If you were quiet you could hear the video meeting end."He says in a stern voice. This was Sergeant Franklin a veteran scout who has trained in the jungles of southern Asia to be a deadly hunter and with his M16A1 and a flare gun in his sidearm holster he has gained a rep for being a dependable recon team leader and he already had a guess for what their mission was. At the center of the massive crater was a glowing dark blue light that soon turned out to be a large round portal and it was now being looked into by many top eggheads from all over the world. Now the only thing left to do was to find out whats on the other-. He was cut off from his thoughts as a old gruff voice was heard. "Alright lads... i'll give you the run down here." This was the general of the UAF elected from a selection from the top five nation's military's in the UN. He was a old man who has seen combat in both the middle east back in the 1990s as a young teen to combat in Poland and Ukraine when Russian terrorist made a large move nearly sparking world war three. "Today you four men will act as a forward recon slash vanguard for a small task force to move into this... unknown portal in ground zero here." He said giving a few pictures to the sergeant who looked them over before passing them to his three teammates. "Permission to speak freely sir!" The last trooper said saluting. This was the team's field medic who had another M4A1 on his back and a M1911 on his hip, Dexter was his name. The general smiled at him before nodding his head. "Sir... do we have any intel about what will happen when we pass through the portal?" The general merely sighed. "Afraid not trooper... the lab coats tried to send a drone through not more then two hours ago... they lost contact with it as soon it entered." He said causing the four to frown. "But we are picking up minor readings from the portal... But at times those drones aren't very reliable as a man in the field who can think for him self. So losing drones isn't that big of news to me." This seemed to ease the men slightly. "You will take an American made Humvee and pass to the other side and scout what is there. After a maximum of two days you return back and report all you have found. If you do not return we will count you MIA and we roll in the main force and try to find you and then head to our main objective." He looked over the team before Eric raised his hand. "Sir if i may... what is the main objective, sir?" He asked with a confused face. And the general gave him his answer. "We find who or what is responsible for destroying this town and bring them to justice." The faces of the team were in thought before all nodded. "We're ready sir. Give us the order and we'll lead the way." Jackson said proudly. The general looked him in the eye before smiling and patting his shoulder. "Alright men... head to the quarter master and get your ammo... get a lot of MREs and ammo also take a few suppressed weapons in case you need stealth in the right situation." He said turning and walking to his desk. "you are dismissed men... and good luck, you will heading out in a hour so make ready." With that they give a final salute and then leave the tent heading to gear up and mount up. The team now sat in the Humvee riding down a ramp built into the side of the hole so its easier for trucks and other equipment to move up and down the walls much faster. Jackson happily sat behind the Browning M2 50. cal on top of the truck while Franklin was driving with Eirc riding shotgun and Dexter trying not to be kicked in the head by their gunner in the back. As they neared the bottom of the pit they saw the portal glowing, it was around fifty square feet wide and glowed brightly through out the night. And with it now looming over them as they now sat infront of it was a little unsettling. "Alright boys... lets see whats behind door number one." Dexter commented quietly and they started to drive forward and soon disappeared into the blue swirling wall and all contact was lost from there on. After a minute or two of driving though this sea of blue clouds and walls they were all blinded by flash before they found that they were no longer in the portal nor were they in a barren pit of brown dirt, but a open field of green grass that stretched for miles around them The Humvee came to a slow stop as the men opened the doors and stepping out to look around. And they all seemed to silently agree on one thing, the land was beautiful. Eric grabbed his rifle and started to scan around with his rifle getting focused back onto the mission at hand and spotting something in the distance. "Uh... well chaps... It looks like a... group of people is moving this way... and it is a large group..." This got the other three to turn their heads and get their weapons ready. Franklin looked though his binoculars and spotted what Eric was talking about. The group consisted of about forty figures and strange thing about them was the bright gold armor that shined in the light worn by almost the entire formation while some seemed to be in normal clothes if not very colorful but at this distance he couldn't make out anything else. "Alright boys... due to that we just arrived... and i doubt they have spotted us yet, we make a beeline away from them and keep hidden for the time being until we can tell if they will be friendly or hostile. Understood!?" The sergeant called out getting "Yes sirs" in reply and they returned to their seats. As he started to drive away he noticed something. "Men? Do any of you see those drones the lab coats sent ahead of us?" He asked and the others looked around confused as well. "Not any i can see... but it looks like... hoof prints? yeah hoof prints are all over." Eric said from beside Franklin making him look out the window as well to see the same thing. But he pushes it to the back of his mind as he turns the large truck around and start to drive behind the portal that still stood tall over the land around them. As they picked up speed he saw a thick tree line ahead and altered their course to head to it. "Alright guys we'll hide out in the trees here and start to watch that group to see what they do." Franklin said approaching the wood line. They soon get to the treeline without trouble and dismount not counting Jackson who was glued to the M2 with a pair of binoculars looking over at the portal. Eric disappeared up a tree with his rifle while Dexter stayed close to Franklin. "Lets have a look at what we're dealing with here lads." They hear Eric say as he looks down his scope and then he goes quiet. "Sir... you see that they are... uh..." Eric says but can't find the words. "They look... like humans... but weird faces." Franklin says looking at them. "looks like a horse or pony in the face." As he watched the group move around the portal but keeping their distance, but he soon noticed something. As he watch he noticed that they all seemed to have extra bits to them. Some had pairs of wings on their backs while some had horns on their heads but he couldn't tell if they were part of the armor or anything else. "This bunch has some extra bits... best be careful with the locals... and they seem scared or cautious around the portal. I don't know what to make of it but... keep an eye on them they look like they are armed and armored." He added before looking to his team. "What are you guy's opinions?" He looked to each of his team members. Eric came down from his tree and sat beside Franklin and looked at the portal before back to the sergeant. "We're in a alien world... with humanoid natives... who seem to be in their medieval stages judging from their armor... and those hoof prints... those... things have hooves." He said pointing out in the general direction. "We can do a few things... make contact with this group or hold off and meet another group... or stay hidden all together." He stated from his observations. The sergeant looked at him before the other two in thought. "How about we vote... who wants to stay hidden and watch.. or make contact with another group... or this group." He asked and all three shared looks. Jackson spoke up. "I say we try to meet but... not the formation of soldiers who look ready for combat... i bet we could take 'em... but its not the best first impression to gun down a squad or two." He says jestering to the group of golden armored soldiers in the distance. Dexter shakes his head. "I would prefer we stay hidden until we understand this place... if we expose ourselves and they prove to be hostile we blew our cover and they will hunt us down." He says making Franklin nod his head in agreement and starts to think. Then he spoke his mind "Alright here's the plan... we will find the nearest town and set up to watch it and after a while we try and meet them... but not without it being on our own terms." He says and the other three go quiet for a moment. Finally they all nod with Dexter adding. "We're with you sir... don't get us killed please." This causes him to smile and he nods to the truck. "Lets mount up then, we got some ground to cover." They follow suit to his orders and the sounds of the heavy doors closing is all that is heard before the engine starts and slowly rolls from its hiding place away from the portal but not unseen as the moving green object attracted one keen eye. After driving for a few minutes they stumbled onto a dirt road and after spotting a sign with a mile marker to a town on it they decided to follow the road for a bit. The following drive was quiet mostly with the clones staring out the window at the land around them and the large castle on the side of the mountain drew the longest stares. But once Franklin saw something ahead he called out. "Unknown target front!" This got all eyes forward and Jackson racked the M2 and took aim. The only thing they saw was the tops of houses from a town up head. "Alright... lets find a place to watch this town... that thick forest on the far side should work fine..." Franklin said eyeing the land around them. Eric pointed to a small dirt path heading to the treeline and Franklin pulled onto it and not long after they pulled the Humvee into a nice place in the trees and started to pull a net over it with the men digging a small dugout to camp in. The following hour of dirt piling and tree cutting and the dugout took shape into a nice temporary home for the recon team along side their ride under the camouflage net. The men gathered to look at the thing they made. "That should do just fine... now we just need to get to our objective to scout out the area. Also need to find a area for the FOB to be setup once the rest of the battalion arrives." Franklin said looking to the others. "We will split into a team of two. One goes to watch the nearby town while the other goes to servery the land for possible build sights for the FOB. Who wants what?" He said jestering out in random directions. Jackson and Dexter walks up. "We'll go watch the crowd in the town. You two are better with the land and can get the base scouted out." Dexter said and gave Jackson a sideways glance. "And i'll keep an eye on him." Jackson just chuckled. "All my little brother watching out for me?" He joked walking to get his gear he set aside during work. Dexter gave the back of Jackson's head a death glare. "You are only older by a mouth... my batch got delayed... dumbass." Dexter complained before sighing and heading to grab his gear as well. Franklin looked to Eric who was leaning on the Humvee. "Well lets get going then, we need to get a feel for the land and find a nice place." Eric nodded and pushed away from the truck and pulled his rifle's strap tighter. "I'm ready." With that they head off deeper into the woods while the other two started a long crawl towards a hill over looking the small town. On a cloud high above though two natives were keeping a close eye on them two nearing the town of Ponyville. Jackson and Dexter after collecting a new coat of dirt to their olive green combat armor made it to the hill and started to set up for observation duty. "I wonder how long it will take for this to go south?" Jackson said only making Dexter sigh rubbing his head and he turned his head out to the town seeing it was a busy afternoon in the market. "Well lets get to work... after a while and the others return we work on the plan to make contact." he said moving to the edge of the hill and laying down with a pair of binoculars setting his M4A1 beside him in case he needed it. After hearing a heavy *thump* he could guessed Jackson has joined him laying down nearby to get a look too. He feels the wind pick up for a moment before it settles but then he hears boot steps making him look over at Jackson. Said clone was on the other side of the hill placing a sleeping bag under the one tree that was on the hill, but as he was looking to Jackson he also noticed something was missing. "Where the hell is my rifle!?" Dexter called out then covered his mouth hoping none in the town was close enough to hear. Jackson came running over M60 at the ready swinging it from one side to another before looking to Dexter then around for the missing M4A1. "Where'd you put it?" The gunner asked confused before giving him a blank look. "I know i played pranks on you before... but this isn't me i swear." He said defensively causing Dexter to rub his head and sit up and look at the grass he placed his gun. "Ok... i heard a thud... at first i thought it was you but... you were way over there." He pointed to the tree. "What could of just come out of no where and took it... wait" He gaze went to a pair of hoof prints that were about right behind him. "How did those get here?" Jackson followed his gaze and hugged his gun tight. "I don't know... but i don't like it." They look around before they hear the wind pick up and they see a rainbow streak shoot across the sky. "That's not normal... even for an alien world." Dexter said watching it shoot to the town and stopping at the tall purple castle like building in the center. "I don't think we're hidden anymore..." Jackson said watching the castle. "I bet what ever that was had your rifle." Dexter nodded his head in agreement and he soon adds. "And they have a rifle... i wonder if they know how to use it?" They soon get to gathering their gear to relocate. A Young mare sat at a desk inside the castle of friendship reading another large tome of magic not knowing what was aimed for the nearby window. This was Princess Twilight Sparkle and she was about to be in a hot spot real soon. "TWILIGHT!" Rainbow Dash came crashing through one of the window's throwing it open and hitting the ground just behind the chair that said mare was seated making her jump in shock. She turns to look at Rainbow dash recovering from her hard landing but what really catches her eye is the strange grey metal object laying next to her. "Rainbow Dash... are you ok? And where did you find that thing?" Twilight said helping her friend to her hooves while picking up the object in her magic. Rainbow Dash after recovering from her crash entrance turned to her friend with a serious look. "Twilight there are two strange things in armor and has this weird gear, I followed from that portal thingy in that field and didn't tell you and the girls or the guards cause i wasn't sure what it was and then i found out there was four small ones and then this very big green thing they ride and-" Her mouth was covered by Twilight's hand while she gave the blue pony a blank look. "Slow it down please, what you just said didn't make much sence. You're saying that something came from the portal, five in all?" Twilight asked her friend slowly removing her hand and Rainbow Dash begun again but slowly thank Celestia. "Well i saw them go to the edge of the Everfree forest and left the big green thing. Then the four smaller ones that look almost like us but odd face and no hooves and wear this weird armor and had these." She pointed to the unknown object. "Each of them had one but all were different in shape and size... i think they were weapons of some sort." She informed her bookish friend who was now in deep thought. Then she asked after a few minutes of thinking. "Where did you see them?" As she asked she gave a call for her young dragon assistant to fetch a latter and address it to her friend and teacher Princess Celestia. She turned her head back to Rainbow who was in thought with a hand to her chin. "I saw them on the hill north of the town where the tree i love to take naps in is." She said pointing somewhere and was met with Twilight's blank look. "You sleep in many trees... you have seven favorite apple trees on AJ's farm. Better details then that Dash." She explained before heading to the friendship map and got it to show Ponyville. "Point to where they were." She asked and Rainbow walked up to the map and went into deep thought. Her hands quickly shot to two areas one on a small hill north east of the town and the other on the edge of the Ever-free forest. "I saw them set up a camp in the Ever-free forest here and the ones i ran into and got that thing was on this here hill." She said nodding her head to confirm it before looking back to Twilight "Should we get the girls together? We got to beat these invaders back! I want to see how strong these aliens are." She was now getting jumpy flying a little around the room throwing punches making Twilight roll her eyes. She soon nodded her head. "You go round them up while i send a letter to the princesses and warn them about this. I hope they aren't to busy figuring out who caused that portal to open... i wonder if it was the ones who came from-" She was cut off as Rainbow jumped to a conclusion as normal. "They are here to invade us! We got to get the royal guard and the Wonderbolts... then i can lead them to battle and beat these aliens and be a hero!" She yelled flying high and soon her high ended as she met the ceiling and came back to the floor in a heap with a *thud* while Twilight and the recently arrived Spike tried to hold back laughter. "Rainbow Dash... its a good idea not to jump to conclusions so fast and the princesses have proven that the portal was opened by some pony or ponies's magic so it didn't come from the other side. They could be a group trying to see whats on the other side." Twilight said while she wrote on parchment about the recent findings. "Just like those metal things the guards recovered not long ago. They for sure was made by somepony and most likely it was those things you saw." She said before rolling the letter up and letting the drake spit his flames and the letter was off in green flames. Rainbow Dash recovered from her moment and headache and blushed a bit. "Well i'll go get the others to-" The door opened and in walked the other four elements with a bouncing pink pony leading the way. "Hi girls! I knew you were about to come get us Dashy and went ahead and did it for you!" She jumped up to the blue winged pony and wrapped her in a hug before going to Twilight smiling. "So do we throw them a welcome to Ponyville party yet!?" And the other five mares shared a laugh about their wacky friend's actions before it died down and got to work on the latest visitors. After a good ten minutes of sharing the details and passing around the mysterious object for all to look at soon came the plan for meeting without making this grow into a big problem. "We... could... if they let us and... well... can we walk up to them and ask them nicely?" Fluttershy said from her throne, but she only gets shaking of the heads from the others. "Sorry sugar cube but we can't jus' trot up to them and expect 'em to react well. Rainbow did say they wore armor and had some kind of marking on it as well like a flag or some fancy symbol." Applejack said looking over the metal object currently in the grasp of Rarity's magic who was closely examining it with her kin eye. "Its best if we try to make contact but not directly, careful not to risk them taking us the wrong way... i hope the letter got to the princess and she is working on a plan. Maybe they can also help understand the portal, they did pass through it geared and ready for something it seems." Twilight said and the others nodded their agreement and another point was about to be brought up when the room was filled with a loud ear pricing *bang* causing all to hit the ground covering their heads and the sound of something metal hitting the crystal walls repeatedly before stopping. After a moment they all slowly got up. "What happened!?" Rainbow yelled out in a mix of confusion and anger. All eyes were on Rarity who looked at the object on the ground. "Yes well... you see darling..." She moved away from the weapon slowly and pointed to it. "That happened" She said and all the others looked towards the smoking object. "I was looking over it and found this... small leaver and when i pulled it... well." She doesn't finish her sentence but points to a few marks in the hard crystal walls made by the weapon firing. "AND ALL FOUR OF THEM ARE ARMED WITH THESE THINGS!?" Rainbow yelled and then remembered how she once held such a powerful weapon and shuddered a little thinking of what would of happened if she touched it wrong. "Oh horse apples... and i saw one of those weapons on top of their beast they rode in it was so big they couldn't carry it... these guys are prepared." She commented and the girls were lost in thought of what horrors could follow if the visitors were provoked. Applejack went up to the blue pony and grabbed her shoulders. "You, need to give back that weapon or they may come looking for it and put all of Ponyville in trouble." She fixed her with a serious look while Rainbow Dash looked at her like she was just asked to steal cake from Celestia in plain daylight and while she was in the same room and enjoying said cake. "What! Hay no, no way i'm going to them just to be target practice for them. I saw them they were near eight feet tall and had armor way better and cooler looking then the guards in Canterlot." Before she could spit out another reason not to go a yellow face looked her in the eye."You stole from them. You return it to them. I bet they wont be mad if you say how sorry you are for taking it and maybe we can see that they aren't really mean and are just exploring." Fluttershy's face went from stern to hopeful and Rainbow finally relented. "Fine... i'll try to get it back to them... but sorry Fluttershy i'm not going to let them see me and i don't trust explorers this well armed, i'll fly by and stay out of sight and drop it off at their main camp." She stated firmly and the others found that reasonable. Before she could set out the door was thrown open by Spike with a letter in his claws. "Twilight its from the princess and its very important." He ran to her and gave her the letter. Dear My faithful student The information you and your friends have gathered has been went over and I advise you for your own safety to stay away from these unknown creatures. I have dispatched a squad of my finest guardsponies to handle this with care. I wish to ask you and the other elements to keep the citizens of Ponyville safe if anything happens. This could end up as a first contact situation and if it goes smoothly I will allow you to join me and my sister in greeting these new comers. Until then please stay safe. Your loving mentor Princess Celestia Twilight was in thought before looking towards the others. "Well girls... looks like we sit this one out... its maybe best if we give that weapon to the guards when they arrive so they can have a look at the weapons they may face, and Rarity show them how you set off so they understand to be careful with it." "I got eyes on ten gold armored, armed, white coated and winged pony people heading towards the shiny castle in the town." Jackson said as he watched from the new observation point they relocated to. Dexter was on the radio getting the others up to speed on recent events and what to do. "Well sir we're a rifle short and rather not go into a town full of unknowns trying to find it and some military ponies just arrived so taking a guess... they may know we're here." He spoke into the headset and awaited his answer. Soon Franklin is heard through the static. "Well wait for us to regroup with you and... well, we try and make peaceful contact before we have to face their military if it goes south... well jackson will be on the M2 browning and Eric will be on over watch and if we are killed. An army of our brothers will come marching through that portal and give these things hell." With that the headset was filled with static and Dexter went back to watching the town with his partner. Chapter 2.-Equestria- -Ponyville- -Castle of Friendship- Twilight rushed to the front door after she saw the flight of royal guards speed over the town from the capital. As she neared she heard a few heavy knocks on the door and a gruff voice follow. "Princess Sparkle!?" Once she got to the door she opened it and stared at the large stallion before her. He wore something very different then the normal golden armor of the guard, it seemed thicker with a silver paint to it and a few medals on his chest. and a well kept sword on his hip with his coat being a dark red and his mane a light brown. His face was well built but clear age was taking his youth away slowly. "Ah Princess, I am Major Curved Steel and i have been dispatched by Celestia to get this situation resolved. She mentioned you had some information i can use." He said giving her a slight bow. She looks up at him for a moment before nodding. "Yes this way if you please... and we found out what the object we recovered is... you will find out when you see it." She said turning and leading the squad through the winding halls. before they reach the main hall and the ten pony squad get a look at the alien device. "This..." Twilight begun. "We learned from a mistake made by one of us that it is a weapon of sorts..." She brought it over to the Major and he takes it in his hands and looks it over slowly. After a moment of examining it. "How did you set it off? If the others use the same weapons we must know how they work." He asked her walking to the table in the middle of the thrones that were currently occupied by their respective owners. Twilight takes the weapon in her magic and makes some parts highlight in bright colors. "This small lever is what sets it off and its lunches a projectile down the tube on the front... but what is strange it has no trace of magic in it what so ever." She had a confused face and went to look over it closely again. Major Steel was in thought about the enemy they may face. "Where did you see these unknowns? I need to send scouts to any locations to find out what they are and what they are up to." He stated looking to the mare who he was told seen them. "Miss Dash i need you to tell my scouts where they need to go." He pointed to four Pegasus and they stepped forward and divided into two teams. She shoots out of her throne with a big smile and stepped over to the map of Ponyville and pointed her fingers at a hill north of the town and then a place on the edge of the Ever-free forest. "I saw them here but... the hill guys may not be there i did see them moving a lot." She said shrugging to them. This only made the Major's brow move in thought. "They are well trained to relocate then. And they seem to have a main camp as well." He turns to the two duos. "You got your locations now check them out. They seem to wear some strange form of armor so they should stand out and they are armed with some sort of weapon that is like crossbows so don't let them get good shots on you if spotted and engaged." They salute before heading off at a jog. "Now then i must ask all of you girls to help keep an eye out here in town and if you see something wrong do not check it out alone. Understood?" All the elements share a look before nodding their heads. "We'll keep the town in check best we can." Applejack said proudly and the Major nods in return. He then gathers the rest of his squad and they march out to look around town and keep an eye open for trouble in the little country town. The relocated observation team was watching the town now being patrolled town with gold armored guards. They seemed to be armed with spears, swords, crossbows and even some bows. "They seem to be decently armed... but gold armor? it dents so easily, why not iron or steel?" Dexter said trying to understand their choice in protection. "Gold is even heavier then iron... they must just want to look good... but not worth anything in combat." He complains aloud. "Shut up about it already! Who cares if they wear cheap armor makes it easier to shoot them if they try to fight us. I would be more careful of their other weapons... some can fly some and use some weird thing that moves objects for them and then some can punch a tank and maybe dent it." Jackson said while watching a large red pony person pull a wagon the size of a Humvee full of apples like a kid pulling his little wagon full of toys with out a care in the world. His attention is switched when something shiny in the sky catches his eye and he looks to spot two winged ponies in armor fly towards the forest, besides them heading that way they were also holding onto clouds trying to use them as a shield of sorts. "Dex... get on the horn and warn the sarge about two soldiers heading to the camp, he should be at it now." Dexter nods and pushes through the bush they were in to the radio. "Hey sergeant, this is Dexter... we got two bandits heading to the camp and they seem to be trying to stay hidden... I think they're scouts, over" He waits a moment. The static clears and he hears Franklin. "We'll cover everything up and get into hiding... hope this goes well. Keep an eye on the town still. Over and out." The link is cut and Dexter returns to his spot and watches the pair of flying ponies speed over head before their out of his line of sight. Jackson taps Dexter's shoulder making him look at him to see him pointing. "We got a soldier with a few medals and more fancy armor then the others... an officer." Dexter followed his hand and saw the one in question leading another five armored ponies. "Last i saw this group it was ten in all... those scouts are from this same squad. And that is the one who sent them out to find us." He said shifting to keep the officer in sight. "Well if things get bad we know who to shoot now." Dexter said with a small chuckle and looking to watch the group of ponies. But they both ignored the two clouds in the distance very low near the hill they were once on and how they were slowly following their tracks to their source. The sky was clear over the Ever-free all but two small clouds were lazily floating about, but to the trained eyes it was more then just two clouds. On one of these lone clouds was one of the few royal guards who had spent enough time in the deadly forest below to know a few tricks and one was spotting hidden threats and deciding what to do about them, and he was using this skill to watch one lone figure move around the brush circling something but he couldn't make it out. A voice to his side soon makes it self known. "Anything down there Light? I saw something then lost it." Light looks over to his partner. "Keep quiet Breeze... and yes i saw one. It seems to be working on something but i'm not sure what it is." He said pointing. "Lets try and move on them... but one at the time and dash to tree level as fast you can ditching these clouds. Understood?" He received a nod from his comrade and he singled he was going first. He slowly got to his hands and knees and in a blink he shot though the cloud to the safety of the tree tops below. After Breeze was sure Light made it to the trees he copied his counterpart's actions and sped to the same location but didn't think about slowing down. With a loud *smack* his face hit a branch making him grunt and making the offending branch to fall to the ground below. As he recovered he heard movement below and looked only to be staring wide eye at one of the unknown pointing something at him that looked very similar to the one back at the castle. "Best you come down here slowly... and do anything stupid you may pay with your life." The alien stated moving his weapon to point to the ground before returning to his shoulder aimed at the shocked guard pony who was now having a raging war in his mind to comply or try and run and the one single brain cell thinking about where Light has gotten off to. Finally not wanting to see the weapon that can brake crystal used on pony skin he slowly hovered down to the ground and stood before the armored alien and then they both regarded each other. Breeze was a large pony even for a stallion being 6.2 but that was nothing to the thing before him who stood at a proud 6.7 but it was unsure how much was the armor adding to it along with one impressive build in muscle. He couldn't tell much about the face due to the helmet it wore and with pure black visor over the eyes leaving nothing but the mouth visible which wasn't much to go on and nothing like a ponies for it was flat with no snout. He also noticed how it lacked a coat on its face but had what looked to be a thick bit of hair above his mouth in a unmistakable look of a messy mustache. And lastly the alien seemed to have hands just like them but his legs didn't end in hooves but odd looking narrow feet. Breeze was caught a little off guard when the alien spoke up. "I know i look good... but no homo." This caused Breeze to open his mouth for a moment only to blush and glare at the stallion before him while it merely laughed at the angry guard. "Ok i had my fun... name, rank and your mission. Well i know your mission was to spy on us... and failed. Where is your partner anyways? We had reports of two of you." The soldier said eyeing some of the trees around them. And with all the honesty Breeze could use. He shrugged. "I lost track of him and then got caught by you... you seem not to worry about this at all really..." He said and then he felt a little worried about what could be around them at the moment knowing that a few other aliens were missing. Then he spotted the large green object that didn't look normal with a weird net over it. He saw it was a giving off a small reflection from the sun that managed to get past the tree canopy telling it was a type of metal with what looked like a head or sorts on top with something long and black jutting from it. Then he spots something behind it and smiles to himself as Light slowly made his way down a tree towards the one holding him at gun point. The alien cocked his head to the side. "Whats got you smiling?" he asked and Breeze only smiled brighter before a something hits the ground behind him causing him to turn and look only for Breeze to get scared as Light was now pinned to the ground by another alien wearing the same armor but had a longer weapon on its back and a blade was held to Light's neck. The new alien laughs and speaks with a noble type of voice. "Aren't you a sneaky little bugger. But got to be better then that if you want to outsmart me." He said down onto a very stone faced and quiet Light. "Good thing i stopped you before you done and hurt my sergeant. I would of had to shoot you dead for that." He said in a voice much like the one holding a weapon beside him laughing at the two who came out of no where. The sergeant looked between the two ponies smiling. "You two don't need to worry we'll treat you fair... you give us info we may give you some." This made both Breeze and even the stoic Light give a confused look. "You're... aren't you here to invade us?" Breeze asked slowly unsure of the situation they're now in. And to further his confusion both of the aliens started laughing. The sergeant after catching his breath smiled at him lowering his weapon. "If we wanted to invade you would be dead and they will be more then just a four man recon team." He said giving his comrade a nod and he stands up letting Light up as well. "We also have no intentions for this first contact to end in blood shed... cause you guys are really out gunned." He stated patting the weapon in his hands. Light gave them a confused look. "Then what are you doing here then?" He asked with his curiosity perked. "Its really simple" The alien leader said. "We found this portal... after it made it's self known and was sent through to see whats on the other side and find out who created it." He stated. "We also want to try to keep this peaceful and silently watch your world and get a feel of it before we march in with a large force... we have a big reason to be here but we can go over that at later date." He said looking between them. Breeze then had a worried face. "Well... uh... the other two of your team may be in danger then. Two of our best trackers went to check on their last location to find and if possible capture them." He informed the two visitors who got a mix of facial expressions. The one with the longer weapon on his back spoke up first. "Want to bet Jackson will get hog tied while he is looking the other way." He says in a oddly cheerier sounding tone then one would think. "I can see him now trying to fight like that... and Dexter just going with it." He stated with a chuckle. Light opened his mouth giving the one who jumped him a blank look. "You find it funny that your comrade will maybe be beaten and captured?" And in turn got a blank look back. "If they start a fight with them in hand to hand... they may lose very quickly or shot before they get close enough... only way they may be captured if they sneak up on the two maybe... which may not be hard now that i recall their tunnel vision." He said putting a finger to his chin in thought before shrugging. "Even if they do get captured we can always work out a peaceful middle ground cause we do have you two in a way as prisoners to exchange." He said and puffed some thin plastic ties from the back of his belt. "Now to make sure you don't run off... don't worry its only for a little bit." Breeze was already about to fly away and extended his wings and was about to jump only for them to be grabbed by the sergeant who then tied them up with another plastic tie. "Oh Celestia... this will not end well." He said as his hands were pulled behind his back and tied just like his wings and he saw that Light was getting the same treatment and was walked to what looked like a mound of dirt but soon turned out to be a small dugout as a bush was pulled from over it and he was moved down into it. With a final look up to see the sky becoming dark Breeze sighs. "This will be a long night." Main while on a certain hill things has went down hill and its not a figure of speech either. (Several minutes earlier) Jackson and Dexter were about to gather up the gear and head back to the forest camp when one of them noticed two very low flying clouds mere meters above them. "Hey Jackie? We may have trouble." With that said the clouds were blown apart as two winged pony people shot through their cloud cover towards them and one tackled Dexter into the ground knocking the wind out of him. As he tried to refill his lungs with air he took a fist to his cheek sending his helmet flying showing his short dark brown hair. He was about to be hit again but as the next blow was coming his hand met it half way and he followed up with his other hand returning the favor knocking the offending attacker off him. Jackson wasn't fairing any better as he was still trying to get out of the bush they were hiding in when he was rammed from above and soon him and his assailant went tumbling down the hill trying to get a hit on one another. When they reached the bottom they were not on the edge of town and quite a crowd started to watch and it was getting very interesting as more guards were soon spotted heading to the area. Jackson got to his feet and faced the one who jumped him who was already on its hooves and circling him. "Come on you sorry excuse of a soldier!" He yelled his challenge and got it as he was rushed but he was ready. He side stepped a punched aimed for his gut and grabbed the out stretched arm and pulled the arm a way it really shouldn't go. The pony lets out a cry of pain but soon Jackson lets out his own as he was hit by something from behind and he hits the ground and feels a lot of weight on his back. He manages out a few words. "Takes a full team to take me down." Then something came down on his head and he saw nothing but black. On top of the hill Dexter wasn't doing any better as the attacker was flying around him kicking and hitting him and keeping away from his hands and bayonet. After finally having enough and seeing the pony coming for another kick aimed for his head he dropped to the ground just as it was about to impact and his hand went to his holster and the M1911 came out in a quick draw to make the west proud and with a loud crack a 45. impacted the back of the golden armor and passed through like paper and a blood red mist soon exited the wound. The pony hit the ground hard still breathing but just barely. Dexter catches his breath and then notices how quiet it has gotten and looks down the hill to see a crowd of most of the town staring up at him in fear and Jackson pinned under six ponies. "Oh fuck me..." Was all he gets out before he slowly starts to walk backwards. He hits something with his foot and looks down and spots Jackson's M60 and thinks a moment. "Jackson! Brother i'll be back for you don't worry! Try not to die on me! I promise you i will be back!" He picked up the heavy gun and any other light gear he couldn't let be taken and took off running. The citizens of Ponyville was in shock after what they saw transpire before them on the edge of their town. A royal guard, one of the princesses personal guard with the best armor, training and weapons their are. Was taken down by a unknown weapon that has left him bleeding badly and his armor only managed to slow the projectile now lodged inside his back. The captured alien was chained and moved and the rest of the guards quickly gathered up the wounded stallion and hurried towards the local hospital as fast as their wings could carry them. The element bearers were also in the crowd and watched first hoof what has happened and they quickly divided up and went their ways with Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie following the wounded guard and the other half to follow the two guards tasked with moving the alien to the castle to lock it up until the right moment. The whole time Twilight was busy scribbling away on a parchment with the letter addressed to the princesses about what just happened and how blood has been spilled, all the while trying not to lose her mind with what has happened. They followed the two guards escorting the now very quiet alien to the castle but keeping a fair distance from them just in case and both Rainbow dash and Applejack weren't very happy but also scared of what may follow and the rest of the town now was the same way as they fled from the alien even chained and missing its weapons and they even went to take off its helmet and some of its top armor showing a white T-shirt under it. Twilight couldn't help but inspect the alien a bit as she noticed it lacked any coat of fur or any hair but its head and certain other parts of the light tan colored body. She took a guess that it was a he due to his body build and his mane was cut so short it wasn't even counted as a mane anymore. He had a number of scars across his arms and one big burn mark on the back of his neck and his face had a set of blue eyes with a small nose and rounded chin. She added the info into the letter and once done rolled it up and put it away for spike to send later After trotting a good ways they arrive at the castle and start to pass through the maze of halls until they reach a door twilight didn't even know existed and found a few cells and placed the alien in one locking the door behind them. They stood staring at the alien who sat quietly in the cell seemingly in deep thought before he spoke. "Your men attacked us first. We acted in self defense... remember that cause it will soon return to you in kind." He stated before laying down on the mat inside the cell. Twilight then looked towards the two guards who seemed to be a little confused Twilight walks to them. "Did they really attack first?" She asked having a worried look on her face and all she got was shrugs from the guards. "The ones who fought them are at the hospital recovering from their wounds." One informed her rubbing the back of his neck. "Best you ask them... when they can of course. They took a beating a broken arm and one with a wound we never seen before." He said shuddering slightly recalling the wound with no trace of magic and the object still inside him along with broken pieces of the armor inside the wound. Twilight nods slowly looking over to the captured alien with a unsure look. "I suppose we wait then. The princess has been informed of this as well." She said to the guards and they nodded. "Its best we call it a night... I only hope nothing more gets out of hoof." The guards share a look before taking places to watch the prisoner for the coming night that will be a long one for sure. Eric sat in a tree with his rifle and a pair of night vision gear over his helmet watching the open area out between their camp and the town. He had his L11 on a limb pointing out over the field aimed at something he found very interesting. Dexter was running towards the tree line carrying Jackson's M60 and said trooper was missing. "Hey sergeant! Dexter is coming and Jackson is missing... i think they had some trouble!" He called out and saw Franklin poke his head out of the dugout. Dexter came running through the brush and Franklin jumped up and went to him. "What the hell happened Dex?!" He near yelled into the clone's face who looked like he seen better days with his helmet missing and bloody lip and the armor looks like it has taken a few heavy hits. Dexter took a moment to catch his breath before he started. "Those damned flying ones got the jump on us and separated us. Jackson was thrown down the hill we were on while i got in a fight with another and couldn't help him... he was captured when he rolled down the hill and ended up on the very edge off town and more soldiers got him." He said hanging his head. "We set up to close to the town and i guess some sentry spotted us. Its my fault we were ambushed." He said telling the now quiet team leader how he messed up and now awaited his reaction. The sergeant looked at his brother and put a hand on his shoulder. "Dexter... this won't end well... not much we can do tonight... tomorrow we work on a plan to get him back. Understood?" He asked and Dexter nodded before heading towards the dugout with his head still hanging low. When he got into the dugout he noticed the other two occupants who were tied up and sat on the edges who stared at him with mixed expressions. "Guessing you two were the ones trying to spy on the camp here... we ran into your buddies..." Dexter told them and the larger one spoke up with a worried look. "What happened?" He fixed Dexter with a look and he relented. "We were jumped... my partner was captured and I shot and wounded one of the soldiers before i had to retreat could be dead by now not much can stand a 45. at point blank range." He stated and this got a reaction out of them both who stared in shock of what they just heard. The smaller one leaned forward rage in his face. "YOU JUST POSSIBLY TOOK SOMEPONY'S LIFE AND YOU TALK ABOUT IT SO LIGHTLY!"He yelled at Dexter who simply stared back. "Well maybe they shouldn't of attacked us first it could of gone peacefully. Also next time you sign up for the armed forces you should be ready to see death cause you may end up in battle." He stated calmly matching the glare he was receiving. "Next time they should rethink the idea of attacking battle hardened soldiers who are made for warfare." He said before walking to a makeshift table and sets down the M60 and unloads it while the ponies look on with one in anger while the other curiosity of the weapon. Dexter looks at them and sighs. "If any of you try to touch this I will kill you my self or its owner will brake out of prison to kill you." He said giving them both a glare causing them to look away before he nodded once and went to a sleeping bag on the other side of the dugout after making sure they will stay put. After of moment of him laying down he dozed off to his dreams. Outside Eric sat in his tree watching the distant town when he spotted three new dark shapes through his NV but couldn't make out the details but he was sure they all had dark colors and nearly blended into the night sky. he watched them descend onto the large castle and lost sight Twilight was the only one left in the Castle of Friendship with the others turning in for the night and she had good reason not to be heading to bed like she should. And her reason was now walking towards her in the shape of the keeper of the night her self Princess Luna who walked to her with a not very happy look on her face. "Twilight what has happened so far?" She said in a demanding tone. "Sorry princess but... i'm not sure myself. May need to ask the Major who is in charge of the squad of solar guards." She said slowly. Luna only sighs before looking to the cell to see the alien sleeping on the small bed he was given. "I will gather the needed information from him and others from their dreams." He said walking to the cell and crossing her legs and sitting on the floor and looks at the alien and began her dream magic and soon was about to enter a new world and have a new meaning of hell. Author's Note Hello readers i'm going to have you guys vote in the comments on the subject of me making a chapter explaining the UAF and its gear from the weapons used to the armored units the UN has let them have. Chapter 3.-Unknown- -Dream World- -Luna- Luna let her magic flow into the alien's mind, she searched around before it found what she was looking for. Once her magic got to his dreams and then connected to them and soon she entered blindly diving in, and soon found a new world. The first thing Luna noticed was the terrain around her. It was town of sorts but the buildings looked to be made of tan stone or some other material. She was in what she could guess was a road and down said road were three large metal objects that were moving towards her making her take a defensive stance. She then lowered it when they simply passed by and she got a close look at them. All three were a light tan color to a pink witch, she found odd. The one in the front of the group was more of a metal box on what looks like treads while the other two have wheels and she guessed they were some sort of wagon, while on top of all of them were box shaped pieces with more of the creatures in them holding the end of a long black weapons mounted in them, she also could look into the two smaller wagons with four of the aliens in each. She could feel they were happy hearing them joking and laughing. As she was observing them, everything changed as the lead machine turned into a large fire ball as something exploded under it. Luna was confused as she watched the machine burn before the back opened with a ramp and she was horrified as a few aliens came out burning alive and hit the ground trying to put out the fire in vain. Luna did her best not to get sick from the smell of brunt flesh and smoke from the fire and was forced to look away from the horror only for it to get worse. The two wagons behind it came to a stop. The doors opened as the alien soldiers ran out to the sides of the road. From the houses ahead came more of them carrying weapons and wearing weird clothes that at best looked like rags and towels and started to shoot projectiles on the uniformed ones who were now in cover along the sides of the road fighting back. Luna was lost in confusion as pieces of metal flew back and forth and blood was spilled and death was in the air all around. Both sides lost many in the short fight before the ones who ambushed them retreated and she noticed that it was over in less then five minutes. Luna turned her head to one soldier who is walking to the lead burning war machine and knelt beside a burnt body and started to say something. She got close to him and begun to hear his voice. "Sorry i wont be able to keep that promise... it was good serving with you brother." He then reached down and pulled some metal necklace from the dead body. He then proceeded to grab the same metal necklaces from the others before walking away. Luna was in shock of what she just saw. "He just lost his brother... he seemed to take it so... casually." She said to herself as he walked back to the others who were now gathering the dead. "What kind of warfare is this?" One soldier pulls out a small black box and talks into it. "Requesting medevac, we lost our M113 escort and we're deep in enemy territory." He stated in a emotionless tone. "Roger that command, over and out. Alright guys we got some yank-made vipers coming to cover us!" He called out to the others who in turn let out sounds of acknowledgments and start to take up positions around the area awaiting for the relief. Luna was sure this wasn't a normal dream and so guessed a nightmare, but because of how real it felt she now has confirmation it was a memory of his past experiences. As she followed the dreamer she took a look at the other soldiers and saw that they all looked the same which confused her. "Why do they all share the same face? Something is wrong here or i'm missing something about this force of-" She is cut off as a strange sound is heard. She turns her head up towards the sky and she spotted two flying objects fly over head at high speeds and a voice is heard from the box the soldier talked into not long ago. "You clones need some help from us? I thought you guys could handle yourselves." A voice calls out as the flying machines come back around to hover overhead. She didn't pay much attention to anything else after that."Clones? A clone army that has seen brutal warfare that seems normal to them has come to our peaceful country? No... our world." Luna starts to worry slightly before steering herself and took a deep breath. "I must learn what I can from them as much as I can. You must know your enemy." She stated before everything was gone. She turned her head in every direction but saw nothing before she felt the dreamer stirring. "So we may meet face to face... Jackson." She starts to be pushed from the world and soon back in the real world sitting in front of the holding cell and inside was a awakening clone soldier. He looked at her after sitting up and simply saying. "Who the hell are you?" She gave his confused face a glare. "To answer your question of who, we are Princess Luna co-ruler of Equestria." She said while getting to her hooves and looked at him and noticed how he was nearly as tall as her with him just under eye level. He gave her an odd look with his head cocked to the side. "They brought royalty here to see me? I didn't know I was that famous." He said shrugging to himself. "So what can I do you for princess?" He said leaning on the metal bars in front of her making the two Night Guards readying their swords. Luna waves her hands to make them calm down before speaking. "I have arrived to deal with an alien who nearly killed one of our guards, and not to add invading our world, Jackson" She added his name and saw his eyes narrowed and his hands reached for his neck and pulled the necklaces she seen in the dreams. "You read my dog tags didn't you?" He said letting the 'dog tags' hang from his neck. "And to clear things up, those two idiots you call guards were failures. Yes they captured me but they now angered a recon team with weapons better than yours, as you have seen, and now are missing a comrade." He said crossing his arms. Luna glares at him. "The royal guard is the finest force in the country. And as for you... clone we do not fear you or your weapons." Her horn glowed and pulled one captured weapon infront of her. It was a small one and from reports the same type as the one used by the other clone to shoot the guard in the back. To Luna it wasn't very impressive in looks but it seemed clean and taken cared of and she had to admire that. She also noticed how Jackson was eyeing the weapon closely and how it was handled by her. "Be careful with that thing princess... That is not a toy and last I checked, the safety was off." He said in a clearly worried tone, but Luna simply stared at him and then turned towards the weapon again. She saw the trigger and knew it was what set off the weapon from the letter and guard reports, but noticed up close many other smaller pieces that moved, so she started to probe them. Following her hitting a few random parts she hit one that made something fall out of the bottom and hit the ground with an audible *thud*. She stared at it for a moment before reaching down and grabbing it. She then began to look at it, then to where it was in the weapon. "Your weapons aren't as impressive as they seem Jackson." She said, as she placed the weapon on a table not far from her. He doesn't look impressed either. "That weapon has enough power to remove that crown from your head... along with the rest of the upper part of your head, so don't think understanding it means much when having it fired at you." He said, still eyeing the weapon knowing that one is still in the chamber. "And you have our last resort defense weapon not our heavier gear sweetie." Luna has her eye brows cross from his words. "You will treat us with respect, Clone." She spat back glaring at him, which only got him to return it back, and to everypony’s surprise, weakens it. He then stepped forward as much as the bars allow him. "Yeah we're clones... it means we don't fear much, and so far you're not doing a good job at trying to make me fear you at all. My partner wounded one guard and everyone froze in fear. I have seen hell and look dead in the eye and spat in it repeatedly. Now think of an army of more like me who are most likely able to show no mercy when provoked... and attacking it's recon team is a good way to anger them." He said, and throughout it all Luna has lost her glare and took a few steps back. She won’t say it, but she shivered a little at his threat, which is doing a good job in being convincing. Luna looks towards her guards who seem more hesitant to move. Twilight was not looking so well either but steered herself and walked forward. "Mister Jackson, why have you and your..." She stops to think a moment before starting again. "...Your brothers come here. To clear this up we must understand everything from both sides." She said with some hope in her eyes that this won't end in bloodshed. Jackson turned his gaze to her and he smiles surprising all but Twilight who returns it. "Why me and my brothers are here will be discussed when our commander arrives which will be the day after tomorrow. Its best you try to make amends with the rest of my team before the army arrives and we can meet them and inform them of the situation and we can avoid blood shed." He stated looking towards the princess and his smile disappears. "Now if you would allow me free we can clear this up... i'm sure you rather not have my team come try to bust me out and wound and even kill." Luna was in deep thought about this. He made a good point, but she didn't trust him. "How will we know if you will keep that promise?" She asked crossing her arms. "I don't have any good reason to trust you." He gave her a blank look. "You’re right... You have no reason to trust me, but do you want to risk a war with another world?" He said and everything became quiet. "Right now you have three skilled soldiers who may not be in a very good mood, and on top of that no matter what happens, an army of more of us will arrive. If we greet them they will know not to gun you down... if we are missing or the rest of my team informs them when they arrive about you attacking us... There is no chance of peace." His words put Luna into deep thought. "Maybe we can come to an agreement? We have lost contact with two of our scouts who were sent to find the rest of your team... they may have been captured, maybe a trade and then we can get on better terms?" She said slowly as her magic brought a key over to the cell and unlocked it for him. He stood confused for a moment along with everyone else before he stepped out and headed towards where she set his weapon down. He reached it and started to put it back together before putting it back in its holster. "Alright, if it even makes you feel better I can get them to come here and we can talk... where is my helmet and gear? Need to make sure none of you blow yourselves up with my weapons." He looked back at the guards who simply stared at each other, then to their princess. The princess cleared her throat and nodded. "I'm going to have to deny your request for your weapons until we have settled everything between each other. I'm sure you can understand why, and we will keep our ponies from touching them and endangering themselves." She said walking to one guard and saying something quietly to him before he saluted and walk out of the room. Jackson smiled. "Yes, that's a good idea last we need is a room painted in blood from them playing with a frag grenade." He jokes and gets nothing but horror filled faces in return making him shrug."Sorry for my sense of humor. Anyways, its best we get to our camp and get formal greetings done with before they try anything past the point of no return." With that, the princess of the night with her personal guard exit the castle with their guest clone trooper. The Everfree forest was not known for being peaceful, but tonight some new sounds were added to the cries of wild animals. The roar of a heavy engine was heard drowning out the return calls of many other creatures and even drew some to the recon team's camp, which came out with odd results and even brought a new guest at the camp. Franklin sat by a camp fire made of what was some sort of wooden wolves that the ponies told them were call “Timberwolves”, while one of the said creatures lay not far off licking a bullet wound on its side while two of its good legs was tied with a rope to keep it from running off. Eric was beside it petting it slowly after showing it who was in charge, after cleaning his Bowie knife of the tree sap blood from the pack's former Alpha’s torn body. Dexter was busy trying to work on their ride and caused the mess of the night by having to start the engine to check on how it was running and clean it. He wasn't having a good time. "I wish Jackson didn't get his ass kicked by a herd of them damn ponies, cuz’ he knows how this thing works better than me!" He complained slamming the hood closed before walking over to the fire with the others. He then sat down rubbing his grease covered hands on his pants. Along with the troops were the two captured ponies who chatted quietly with each other, ignoring the clones eyeing them every so often. it was going to be a quiet night, even after the wolf attack that ended after a four minute shooting gallery with many wooden dogs running off after the alpha getting stabbed a few times in its neck and eye socket by Eric, who was now playing with his new companion. But things are never quiet for long in this world and they didn't really expect this to happen just before the sun rises. "Comrades! I see you’ve been busy without me!" a voice that only belonged to a clone was heard and all eyes turned to the source only to stare at the sight before them. Jackson was walking towards them with two armored ponies wearing purple armor escorting a tall woman that got more looks at her body then anything else before they snapped out of it after hearing both of the prisoners speak up. "Princess Luna! What are you doing here?!" They called out as one and she just waved them off. The troopers' reactions were much quicker grabbing their guns and taking aim at the new arrivals, but hesitated when Jackson moved in between the two sides. "Don't go shooting yet boys, so far I made a deal with them so..." He pointed to the two tied ponies. "...Go ahead and untie them, cause they released me." He said walking forward and kneeling down beside the others. "And its best we not mess up our chance to get this resolved peacefully and get to the main objective with that God forsaken portal." Luna looked at the clones before her. "What do you know of the portal?" She asked looking toward the one who seems in charge. "All we have understood is that some powerful mage has created it, but we have no idea who that was and why it is still a mystery as well." With this said, the troopers shared looks. Franklin stands up and turns to her. "We don't know much, only that it caused a bit of a mess when it first appeared." He stated crossing his arms. "Further information will be shared when the general arrives." He said walking towards the two tied pony guards and cutting them loose. After they were freed they quickly moved to join the other two ponies, who had what looked like bat wings in the place of the normal wings. "Princess... if we may ask. I would much prefer not to stay in the forest here, and if we are going to be allies or at least friends, can we start to make friends with the populace cause I'm sure we didn't make the best first impressions." He said pointing towards where the town was. She couldn't help but shiver slightly. "Yes, the ponies aren't going to react well to you. It’s best we try to calm them down before making this public." She said sighing. "I'm sure you understand, half of the town did see one of their great protectors injured by an alien." She added making Franklin nod in agreement. "I can understand that. But it’s best we try and do something before an army arrives and they think they're being invaded..." He brought his hand to his chin in thought. Luna then asked something else. "I want to know why an army is on its way here? I demand to know why a large force is needed for... what ever you are here for." She said and it was clear she wasn't going to take nothing but the correct answer. The clones all shared a odd look before Franklin tried to use the oldest line there is. "That information is classified. The general who is with the army will tell the re-" He was cut off by her stomping her hoof into the ground and glaring. "Do not use such a line on me. I have lived long enough to hear that excuse far too many times!" She said sternly glaring. Franklin sighed. "If I told you would you even believe it?" He said catching her off guard. "What do you mean?" She asked rising an eyebrow. "If asked... don't tell anyone you heard it from us... When the portal arrived in our world... it caused a massive explosion wiping a town off the face of the world. We're here to bring who ever opened the portal to justice, the army is here in case the world wasn't very friendly and to make sure we get our target." He said in a dark tone and a not very happy look on his face. Luna along with all the guards had their mouths hanging open and some reason loud gasps were heard from the bushes off to the side. All the troopers, and even guards, aim their weapons towards the source. The princess was the first to speak. "We demand thy show yourselves at once!" She called out. After a tense few seconds six mares step out of the bushes and stand before the princess like kids caught stealing from the cookie jar. The one with a purple coat with both wings and horn that Jackson saw at the castle spoke up. "Sorry princess... We tagged along like this to make sure nothing happened. We needed to make sure another pony didn't get hurt... and then got more than we expected." She said with her head hanging low. The princess sighed. "You have good intentions Twilight Sparkle, but this was very reckless of you. You and the others could've been hurt." She said scolding her but before anything else could be said. "Princess who are these civilians?!" Franklin asked pointing at them, the others weren't taking it any better. "You let these girls come here so easily and you only scold them?!" He said aloud. "That information wasn't suppose to be out yet! We are going to find the one who has so much blood on their hands and if this info gets out we're hunting for them, they will go into a hiding and we'll have to tear the country apart to find 'em!" His face was red as his anger grew. A hand lands on his shoulder plate and he looks at Eric. "Sir calm down... but yes we must deal with these spies." He eyed the six ponies unsure about them. "Princess, I'm taking you know them well, if that's all you're going to do to them." He said walking her way. "You do know if they spill this information, they are interfering with a... universal manhunt of a person who has committed a terrorist act attacking a world power." He said now standing in front of the princess and the six girls, who now had a mix of looks on their faces. The princess was in thought about what he just told her and was in thought. "That... is quite a statement..." She begun. "And I'm sure my sister would greatly assist in this hunt... such a crime shouldn't go unpunished, who ever is responsible will be brought to justice." She said nodding her head towards the troopers before looking towards the girls. "I'm sure you six can keep quiet until the right moment, and also help these stallions gain a better image in the public's eye. I'm sure you can manage this." She said looking over them. The troopers all share a uncertain look before Jackson spoke up. " Well, if you think it will work... but we still have another objective we need to complete. So all of us won't be able to take part in any meet and greets." He stated and the others let out their agreements. Luna with her curiosity perked asked. "And what is this other objective? We maybe able to assist in completing it." She asked. "It's a good way to help with relations for us to work together." She smiled to them. Franklin looked at her before sighing. "Our objective is to find and map suitable locations for a FOB in this world. We already started to map out the area around the portal and found it to be the best location for what will be built." He said and this got a puzzled look from some of them and other not happy reactions. One guard spoke out. "You want to build a operating base in the heart of our country?" He asked in a not so friendly tone and many of the others soon joined in. The blue coat girl with rainbow hair spoke up next. "No way you can go and build right next to our homes!" Her shout of disapproval was joined by the other guards and one of the girls but they were silenced by Luna when she raised her hand. "Enough. Now this depends on how large this... 'FOB' will be and I must take it up with our sister." She said looking towards Franklin. He simply shrugs in return. "Afraid I can't tell you how big it will be... but I know it will be set up around the portal to keep it protected, and where we can get supplies through easier." He said pointing out to where the glow of the portal sat in the distance. "We'll have to wait and see how big of force that arrives to guess how big it will need to be. Luna nodded slowly. "I will discuss this with my sister and your general, when he does arrive. But before that I would think my sister would like to have a word with you about all this and what will follow." She said looking to the distant mountain with a castle somehow perched on its side. "Tomorrow I will have a train sent for you to arrive at the capital of Canterlot, is this clear?" The four men only nodded their heads in understanding. "We have a busy day tomorrow. Let us get some rest while you go and get this meeting with your sister arranged, and as well let these girls get some rest if they wish to help us tomorrow." Eric said walking forward along with his new companion who got a happy look from the yellow winged pony girl. The princess looked to the moon that was nearing its place on the horizon. "Yes not long before my sister will raise the sun. Let's go girls, we will need rest for what will come tomorrow." With that said she and her massed ponies turned and started to head back to the town leaving the clone troopers to get some rest themselves. -Earth- -Ground zero- -UAF field HQ- The general looked at the reports of the forces he will be taking into the new world. "Seems I'm getting some good ones." He said to himself picking up the tablet with the regiment he is commanding in the new world, which so far hasn't proven safe for deeper exploration yet due to the single recon team not reporting back yet. He began to read off the numbers. "One thousands troops from the 5th German regiment... few hundred Leopards... wonder if they got the old cold war ones or the more modern ones..." He shrugs. "A hand full of American made Apaches and Hueys along with some Euro choppers, with some extra forces from the British. Not bad... not bad at all enough to conquer a small country... I wonder how the great leaders expect me to get the choppers in that damn portal." He looked out the window at the rising sun and then to a clock near him. "One more day before we move... wonder how those boys are faring.?" He commented in thought. "Hope they respond before we go in blindly, I don't need to lose a regiment and any other support units by having them march into a world of death." He said sighing The roar of heavy engines brought his gaze to one of the tent windows, and he saw a small formation of British Challenger Mark IIs along with some German made Leopard IIs. "Looks like the German vanguards are arriving, not long before the rest get here as well." He commented watching the war machines roll to the nearby depot where he spotted some supply trucks with building materials being worked on. "Let's see if they can beat their last record of twenty hours of getting the FOB up and running, if we can get one at all." He said recalling the last base that was built under heavy fire and still got done only to be shelled to ruins making him chuckle lightly. "Oh how the officer bragged of how fat they did it only for it to be turned into a crater." With that, he returned to his desk and once again started to fill out paperwork, and requisitions for supplies and equipment needed for what is ahead. -Equestria- -Canterlot- -Morning- Celestia slowly walked towards the dining hall with a smile on her face, greeting nobles and guards alike as she went to breakfast. As she entered the dining hall she spotted her sister Luna already eating and gives her a smile and a nod. "Good morning Luna, how was the night? I pray the strange happenings in Ponyville has been dealt with?" She said with a smile sitting down and took a sip of coffee. Luna didn't answer but went into thought. "Sister... to say the least... a lot happened." She started. "We now will have to meet with four aliens called humans from another world... and have a meeting about why they are here, and about the army and their world they stand for... they want to build a FOB around the portal they came from to protect it. Also tomorrow an army will come through, and its commander wishes to speak with us." She summed up and Celestia was in a bit of shock from that along with any noble, guard and servant within ear shot. Celestia soon recovered and spoke. "All that happened in one day and night? And these 'Humans' want to build a base in our country?" She was in deep thought about this. "And when will we meet them?" She asked. Luna looked at a nearby clock. "A few hours from now, a little after noon. I already sent word to the train station to get one sent to Ponyville to pick them up. I told them to be on their best behavior... oh and the guards you sent... started a fight with them and ended up with one very badly wounded, but he will make it." She added lastly and once again had anypony within earshot fell into a shocked silence. "They seem to be a very experienced fighting force... of clones" And that was the final straw for some servants and nobles, and one guard recruit as they fainted or left the room. "These Humans seem... dangerous." She said looking at her sister. "Why are they here? Better yet, why is an army coming?" She said worried slightly. Luna merely sighed and leaned over. "The pony who opened that portal cause a lot of damage to their world when it opened, and they want whoever did it brought to justice... and the army is for if the world they were entering was hostile." She said before sitting back down. "They aren't here for war, but are ready if it comes to them. I’ve been in of the clone's dreams... they know warfare on a scale that nightmares couldn't match. That is why I quickly put forward the idea of trying to peacefully settle things, and this is how it turned out." Celestia was now in thought about this. "Sister... you did good if what you said is true... but, next time... please tell me when species from another world come to ours and you make peace with them." She jokes lightly with a smile which Luna shares. "Now I'll start preparations for this meeting. You said four clones? That should be an interesting meeting." She said going back to the topic at hand. Luna nodded. "Agreed... when I spoke with them... they may be clones, but each seemed different... unlike those Pinkie Pie clones I heard about so long ago who seemed to be a broken record." She commented. "They each seem to have their own history and did find it slightly offensive when I referred to them as clones." She informed her sister who took in the information. "Well Lulu... seems you are getting ready to be a great ruler taking matters into your own hands. Now let's get through this morning and ready our ponies for these humans to come visit." With that they begun to eat and chat about what will be needed to be done and hoping later that day it will go smoothly. All the while some nobles and guards tried to calm themselves of what may come their way. Chapter 4.-Equestria- -Ponyville- -Morning- The recon team did their morning routines and got dressed but in a way to help their image they didn't put on their armor and wore their white T-shirts along with their normal pants and belt and took only their side arms with a army cap on their head in standard woodland camo. After getting ready and only grabbing a light snack and Eric bringing along his new pet they headed towards the sleeping town of Ponyville. The four clones slowly walked into the town as the sun was still rising looking around for any hidden threat only to find nothing in the quiet town not even awake yet. Not one of the houses seemed to have any movement in them and it made the battle hardened soldiers uneasy as from experience long periods of time of no sound is never good. The silence was broken when Jackson asked the biggest and most important question there could be in this situation. "Any idea where we can get something to eat? I'm staving." He asked rubbing his stomach and got three blank stares from his brothers while he smiled weakly back. "What i know you guys are just a little hungry as well." Franklin rolls his eyes but gives him a light grunt in agreement, then he notices the large house that looks to be made out of sweets. "bet five bucks that is a bakery." He said getting the others to look where he is pointing. Soon all four of them find themselves heading to the building in question and start to smell sweets of many different types coming from their destination. Franklin reached the door and saw the sign was 'close' and sighed. "Our luck... what the." He looked again and all of a sudden it said 'open'. He stared and the others even shared a odd look before opening the door with a small ring form a bell and walking into the front room that was full of booths and tables cleaned and ready for the day ahead. Eric headed over to a booth and sat down and was soon joined by the timber wolf that he recently named 'Timber' who wagged its tail happily. "Good girl." He said rubbing the wolf's head as the other three went to the counter which lacked anyone working at the moment but their was sounds and talking from the back rooms. Franklin tapped a bell on the counter a few times. "Hello? Are we early?" He asked aloud before turning around to face the two others. "What are you guys getting?" He pointed to a menu and they began to talk about how the treats were almost the same as the ones back on Earth. After chatting a little they hear hoof steps near and a voice belonging to a woman spoke up. "What can i get you gentle colts?" She said, but once they all turned to her the smile she had on her face left and nothing but fear took its place. "Yo.. you... you're the ones who injured that guard on the edge of town!" With that she ran into the back room where the troopers hear a lot of pans and other objects being thrown about. "Not a great start to improving our image." Dexter said rubbing his neck. "May have to go the morning with out much to eat, wonder if the princess will let us eat?" From the back room more noise is heard with a sudden pink flash shooting to the counter to turn into a pink mare leaning over the counter smiling at them. "No way! I wont let you four guys from another world go hungry while i work here!" The pink mare called out before grabbing a note pad. "What would you like and its on the house!" She called out in a very happy tone. The mare was a short compared to most with a bit of bust on her body with Her coat being a light pink with her hair/mane being a darker shade of the same color with a matching tail. Her face wore a massive grin under two large blue eyes that sparkled unnaturally and didn't ease the clones at all, but they couldn't turn away the offer of free food. Jackson smiled and step forward. "I think I'll take a slice of apple pie if the menu brags about it so much." After he said that she wrote it quickly down onto the pad and looked to the other two standing at the counter. A voice comes out from behind them. "I'll have some of that pie as well!" Eric called out and she added it to the list. Franklin shrugged before pointing to a menu. "Give me a coffee and a blue berry muffin." She nodded happily but then something odd happened. Some of her body parts randomly twitched in some sort of order and she gasped. "Uhh... you ok?" Dexter asked unsure of what just happened. She didn't answer and simply ran to the back in a pink blur. "I'll be back with your food just don't brake anything ok?" She called out before the door to the back room closed. "What did she mean by that? We're not animals." Jackson said only for them to hear the bell to the front door ring as it opened and in the door was five armored ponies that the clones now knew as the Royal Guard walked in only to stop and stare back at them in confusion. The two groups of soldiers stared blankly before the troopers went to chatting about random things as they all do in their idle time and went to where Eric was sitting with Timber and sat to wait for food. The guards didn't let them off easy though as one walked up. "What are you doing here?" He said crossing his arms standing at their table and all four clones plus one timberwolf stared at him in return. Dexter spoke up to answer such a simple question. "Cause we have to eat too you short sighted moron." The guard didn't take kindly to the insult and glared and the others were already giving hate filled looks that the clones weren't impressed at all by. Jackson stood up and glared at the brave guard pony. "Is there trouble? Cause if so speak up and we can settle this soldier to soldier... if you even can be counted as one." He taunted that only further angered the pony and the others weren't getting any better either. The other guards soon slowly went to their comrade and the clones stood up and the two groups faced off not noticing the ponies who came in for breakfast to stop and watch the two sides stand off, nor did they notice the pink mare to drop off their food. Except for Timber who started to steal her new master's food. the small crowd that included the ones who worked the bakery watched silently waiting for the first move to be made. But soon boredom took the clones and they looked away from the ponies and started to eat, While Eric scolded Timber who has taken half the slice of pie he ordered. And oddly the pink mare has brought the food Dexter was about to order, how she knew no one will know. The ponies were slightly confused before one opened his mouth. "HA! They knew they couldn't beat us and backed down." He smiled and the others laughed while the ponies watching eased a little seeing a fight wont brake out and glad the guard was here to keep order, If only the troopers didn't feel like it was over just yet. Jackson with his pride on the line stood up and took a step to stand right in front of the guard who spoke and ended up towering over the colt. "No... we don't fight kids who play dress up. But if you want to go... well we don't start fights but we sure as hell end them." He stated looking down on the slightly shaking colt. "How about you make yourself look good and not pick a fight that you may not win in front of half the town." He nodded to the ponies watching and some holding their breath. The colt slowly backed away only to bump into another guard that somewhat reassured him and he stepped aside for the stallion behind him to take his place and looked the clone in the eye. "Easy to scare a recruit. Try a veteran." He said in a deep voice. Jackson only cocked his head to the side. "Your a vet? What kind of combat you seen? Ever had the blood of your enemy on your hands or weapons? Held a comrade in your arms as he bleed to death?" He slowly advanced on the stallion who stood his ground but his face was showing a little bit of horror. "If you are a vet then I have nothing to fear from your army what so ever. Now if you excuse me I plan to eat my food before it gets cold, thank you." With that he sat down and started to eat. The guards at that took the hint and backed off and ended up at the counter and placed their orders but still gave the four clone troopers looks every so often before they got a table on the other side of the room. The other ponies slowly went into a normal routine still giving the table of clones some space and went on their normal day if not slightly delayed. After a few minutes of eating and chatting the clones stood up and gave their thanks to the pink mare who still jumped up and down even as she carried a tray of food to a table and waved them off as they stepped outside. The town was now alive with ponies setting up in the nearby market and others heading to work, and of course nearly all of them stopping for a second or more to stare wide eye'd at the troopers who paid them little mind and begun towards the train station. "So the train to the capital should either be waiting on us... or we're waiting on it." Franklin said as they walked the streets and they soon realized they didn't know where they were going. Eric speaks up after they manage to go in a circle. "Sir maybe we should get some sort of map... we never did recon the town and get any kind of routes planned out." He says frowning at the odd looks they were getting and if he looked he could spot a few giggling and pointing to them. "And it seems the natives can tell we're lost..." Franklin sighs in defeat and points to the massive castle. "Maybe we can ask for help there... if we don't have them over react." Jackson smiles. "That's where i was held for a bit, and i think they got Dexter's G36 there too." Dexter looks at the massive structure. "Bout time i can get that thing back... hope they took care of it and not done anything stupid with it." "Well lets get going before it gets to late and end up missing our train... if we have to we can use the Humvee and go on a road trip... may take a day though..." Franklin said and they altered their wondering towards the massive shiny building in town. At the Castle of Friendship Twilight has been busy as of late and once again not slept and it was showing as she smiled madly as she went over her latest personal project. In the basement of the castle she has taken the captured weapon and start to dismantle it and examine its inner workings and she found out the gun did so very easily and was many, many notes into just how the simple layout is made not even begun on how it full works. She was busy laying out some of the smaller pieces that worked the trigger when Spike came down the stairs and called for her. "Hey Twilight!" He yelled but she didn't hear or ignored his call. He sighed before he walk the maze of books she collected and paper she tossed away or was about to be used and grabbed a cup of tea she was drinking and proceeded to toss the warm drink at the bookish mare snapping her back to reality with a squeal and a glare at Spike. "Spike!" She yelled and glared at her assistant who wore a not impressed look. "Twilight we have company... and i think this." He points to the weapon she has stripped. "Belongs to them and i'm sure they would like it back." He stated blankly before letting the info sink into her brain working over time. Then he watches her eyes widen and her thoughts hit a train wreck. "Those clones are here!? WHY?!" She yelled at the young dragon who waited for her to calm down before speaking. "They came to collect what is theirs and they also need a map or something of the town so they can walk around town easy." He said evenly. Twilight was now in a rush to try and reassemble the weapon and failing badly. "I shouldn't of even touched this thing! What if they get mad about me taking it apart? WHAT IF I BRAKE IT!?" She was lost in worry as she rushed dropping books, notes, and metal parts. Spike sighs and turns to the stair case he came down and calls. "You guys can come down here." And soon boot steps are heard coming and Twilight stopped to listen to the new sound as her ears turned to the source to see four figures in white shirts enter the basement and stare blankly at her and the mess around her. And one speaks up with a not very happy tone. "Is that my G36 you took apart?" Twilight couldn't respond and sat silent a moment. He sighs and walks towards her and pushes her aside and gets to putting the weapon back together with amazing ease and in less then a few minutes the weapon is together without a part missing and he pulls the trigger and hears a click making him smile and nod. "Please don't go doing that again please, ok?" He asks her and she nods slowly. She finally speaks. "Sorry... not every day you get to examine tech from another world... especially ones without magic." She rubbed her neck before perking back up. "Oh right Spike mentioned you needed a map right?" She walked her maze of books and notes easier then one would think and her magic opened a draw on a nearby desk and pulled out a rolled up paper and levitated it over to them. "This is a map of the town and the outskirts area. Hope it is helpful." She said looking the four. "Thank you Princess this will come in handy. Also how are those two guards my men wounded in the fight the other day?" The leader asked making Twilight shudder a little. "The one who was injured by the weapon... he will be stuck in bed for a long while due to the internal damage from the weapon. The other walked away with minor bruises but is fine." She informed them. "That's good to hear. We'll make sure anything like that wont happen again." He said nodding to her. "Now we'll be on our way... we're due in Canterlot soon... and we can now find the train station." With that he turned to the stairs with his teammates and went up the stairs leaving the princess with a dragon who was giving her a blank look. "I'm not cleaning this up." He said before heading up as well leaving the princess of friendship to clean up the mess she made on her own. After a moment of getting their bearings the clones made it to the train station to find a train waiting for them for the past twenty minutes. The train was rather short consisting of a Mail car, high class passenger car, and lastly a engine and its coal car. On the platform were a pair of unicorn guards in gold armor much like the others before with swords on their hips. Franklin walked up towards one and they both looked over each other with curiosity. "I assume you are one of the clone soldiers the princesses wish to meet?" The pony guard asks. Franklin nodded. "Yup that's us. You here to escort us or something?" He asks back looking at the guards partner and back to the one before him. The guard looked at the clones behind Franklin. "Our job to keep you company on the way to the capital and make sure nothing bad happens." He stated and reached over and open the door. "Lets not keep them waiting any longer then they should." He said motioning them to enter the passenger car that four men happily walk in and find seats in the car and the guards follow closing the door. The clones were amused to find they got a VIP car and didn't waste time in exploring it. The two guards stood watching the four act like kids in a toy store go from side to the other. Jackson jumped over a little private bar and set up behind it while Eric took a seat at it and ordered something. Dexter took a seat by a window not far from the door and stared to look about. Lastly Franklin found a couch along the side and laid down on it and pulled his hat over his eyes. The two guards shared odd looks before going their own ways. One went to inform the conductor it was clear to go while the last went to the bar and sat at it beside Eric. The guard was about to place his own order to the temporary bar tender when he heard growling from under him and looked to see Timber. "Huh... can you keep that thing under control. Some ponies are scared of these things." He said pointing at the wooden wolf. Eric laughs a little. "I'm taking she has to deal with a large amount of upper class snobs and such?" He reached down and rubbed the wolf's head making her stop growling. "I'll keep her close by me to keep her in line." Jackson has gotten a few cups and filled them all with what smelled the strongest and placed them on the bar for them all. "Not sure what it is... think its wine of sorts. Drink up anyway boys." With that he threw his head back and downed the cup in one go and had a disappointed look on his face. "I've had flavored water stronger then this." He then went to trying to find something stronger. Eric shrugged and downed it while the guard took a drink and tried to not show how hard it hit them and failed as Eric patted on on the back a few times. "Sorry... i guess you guys are used to this more then i am." He said coughing a little. Jackson comes back with a out of place bottle with 'Apple Cider' on its label and a smile on his face. "I believe this is sweeter and stronger then that wine." He filled the empty cup in front of Eric and filled the guard's as well after he downed the wine in it. "That should be a little better." He tips his own cup back and a smile comes to his face. "Not bad for apple juice, still got a good kick to it at least." The other two soon join him taking sips from their cups and start to get into a chat with the guard wondering what their army was like. Over by the window Dexter was watching the landscape slowly pass by before footsteps were heard coming down the car to him and he turned his head to the source to find an odd sight. Coming down the car was a young mare who was looking over his brothers oddly as she past them. She seemed to wear what could be guessed a waitress's outfit but something seemed a little off about her, and that was further proved as she looked at him and smiled and sat down across from him. "Well hello there." She said leaning forward to him making him raise an eyebrow at her. "Hello ma'am... can i help you in anyway?" He asked crossing his arms and trying to ignore her bust she almost seemed to be purposely showing him. She giggles lightly. "Oh just wanting to get to know who these aliens are who after a day or so being here is already going to meet the princesses. You must be important or something." She said looking him in the eye and for a moment he saw her eyes flash green for a moment before he shakes his head shrugging it off as their "magic". "Yes... our first mission of recon the land has turned into a mission to make peaceful relations with this country before our brothers come marching through that portal on the war path." He stated calmly. "I'm sure you don't want an army of 'aliens' burning most of the country with weapons never seen before." He added. She was quiet a moment as if adding it all up. "I'll have to agree with that... i rather prefer my home not gone." She said nodding. "And what do you mean by 'your brothers?'" She asked cocking her eyebrow. "We're clones... and we call each other brothers. Also can tell that you are looking for information with you trying to butter me up and show off your goods. So whats your game?" He leaned forward to her and she leaned back in turn. She looked back and forth a little as if looking for a way out. "What do you mean? A mare can't get to know somepony new?" She laughed nervously. She leaned forward again and her eyes flashed green again looking into his eyes and once again he just stares back blankly. "Now that i think of it... this train is very short... And where'd that guard who went the same way you came from go?" He fixed her with a stare and she was now backed into her sit slightly sweating and she gave a look over to the guard who was at the bar and for some reason he looked back at her. The guard stood up and walked their way and his back received two black odd looks from Jackson and Eric who were enjoying their conversation. When he got to them he looked down on Dexter and arms crossed. "Are you scarring this young mare?" He said in a stern voice and a slight glare aimed at Dexter who looked up at him in turn. "I would ask you to question where you partner went my friend. Cause i'm not sure whats in that mail car but i'm sure nothing is there to really keep him busy unless he had to help the engineers. And to top it off this mare comes out of the blue the same way he came and i'm sure she didn't come from the engine, her outfit is to clean." He was standing now and Jackson and Eric was not far from them and watching. The sound of a door opening and closing got them all to look at the front of the car where Franklin stood at the door. "The train is missing a unicorn guard." He comments starting to walk forward and all eyes fall onto the mare who was now getting a slightly irritated look on her face. "Apparently you are smarter then the ponies." She said standing up only for the M1911 to be pointed into her gut by Dexter. He gave her a even look. "Best sit back down before you find out what this thing can do. I bet the princesses will question where that missing guard is." He said pushing her back into her sit. And to everyone's surprises the mare starts too chuckle darkly. "If only they really put guards on this train." With that said two green flames engulf both her and the other guard making the clones jump back in shock and take aim with their side arms. Once the fire is gone standing in the place of the two ponies were two black skinned creatures that looked like ponies if not for the insect wings and water blue eyes. What was once a young busty mare was a stallion as tall as the guard that went missing that wore metal armor while the former unicorn guard now wore dark green armor in the place of the gold. The clones were confused on a new worldly level but that didn't stop them from reacting to the two charging them with jagged daggers hissing a battle cry and showing long fangs. Dexter being so close to the former mare was quickly tackled and pined and was fighting to keep the weapon away from his chest. Jackson was about to put a 45. into his comrade's attacker before he was hit by the other knocking the gun out of his hands and he turned and gave a punch into the offending shape shiftier knocking the breath of of it. Eric and Franklin didn't waste time and took aim and both fired twice into their two targets. Eric's M1911 punched into the green armor'd one fighting with Jackson and ended it quickly while Franklin's P99 put two rounds into the shoulder blade injuring the one pinning Dexter down and giving him the chance to kick the bug like pony off him and in turned pinned it with his gun aimed at it's head. They all were silent a moment before once again the door at the front opened and a pony in overalls and a conductors cap walked in and stared. "What in Celestia's name happened!" He yelled out in confusion making the troopers laugh a little. "We'll explain later, for now lets just get to Canterlot and turn this mess over to the real guards..." Eric said walking over to the bug pony he killed and checking the armor for anything of use. "Nothing much on them. Any idea what these things are?" He looks to the conductor who was still in shock. He spoke after looking at the two for a moment. "Those are called changelings that can take the form of any pony and take their place. Not more then a year or so ago their queen attacked the capital but were repelled... seems they're not been fully dealt with." He informs the clones who now focus to the single injured changeling with rage in its face. Dexter fixed the look on his face by bashing the bug pony's face with his pistol making it grunt in pain. "Now... i still have a question but that trick you tried to pull. What was up with your eyes flashing green every few minutes you locked eyes with me?" Dexter asked replacing the gun barrel to the changeling's head. The shape shifting pony was quiet a moment before speaking. "I was trying to mind control you... but... my magic failed to do anything to you." It sounded curious of the idea but it didn't make Dexter happy hearing something tried to mind control him. "If it worked i'm sure my brothers would know me acting weird and telling you all about our military just cause you showed some C cup tits." He said blankly. "And now... what was your mission?" The changeling didn't answer and spit a him with green slime that stuck to his cheek and in turn got a final heavy hit from the gun knocking it out. "Well that could of gone better." Jackson said already heading back to the bar and took a drink of the cider. The other three joined him and all grabbed a cup. "We try to make friends with a country and end up fighting one of its enemies." Franklin said. The conductor came up to them. "Well you all may want to get ready we're about ten minutes away from the city and i'm sure the guards want to know what happened here." The pony said before heading to the front of the train. With that the clones all raised their classes and tapped them together. "Another mission we almost made it through without fucking up." They all called before downing their drinks. At the train station a small crowd was waiting as the train pulled to a stop. the small crowd was made up by guards who waited to escort the outsiders, press who wanted to see them, and a few nobles wondering who is more important then they are. When the door to the passenger car opened out walked four not to impressive creatures that resembled ponies only with odd feet and heads. But what set the crowd off was that the four were dragging two changelings behind them and dropped them right in front of the front guards and the lead one spoke. "These two tried to pose as guards and get information. We dealt with them." he points to the one that wasn't bleeding with bandages over its arm. "That one is still alive, i'm sure you would like to have a word with it." With that they turned to leave wondering in the direction of the Palace leaving a large group of confused ponies to stare at two bloody changelings. Author's Note If you guys spot any mistakes they will be fixed as soon as my editor gets to them. Chapter 5.Author's Note Hello readers and a heads up the chapter is unedited due to my current editor is busy and can't do his job. When I get a new one or he gets a chance the next few chapters will be unedited but i will have them fixed when i find a editor who can help. Chapter 5. -Canterlot- -Recon Team- Not long after they handed over the two changelings in varying states of well being a group of six guards with two of each type arrived and started to escort the four clones to some unknown location. The six guards were quiet as they marched in a semi-circle around the clones who didn't like things being to quiet if they could help it. "One of you golden boys please tell us where we are being escorted." Eric said blankly while Timber followed close by his legs. The guards remained quiet before one that seemed to be the youngest spoke up even though a glare or two was sent his way by the other ponies. "We are taking you to meet the royal sisters. They also are very curious of what happened on the train ride here if i may add." The clones merely smiled at each other. "They had a good idea to get friendly with us and try to chat us up..." Franklin started. Dexter spoke up chuckling a little. "One of those shape-shifters tried to be a little cute clueless mare and get me to talk, even tried some mind control magic but failed. Then we fought and shot them." He finished laughing and the others couldn't help but join him while six guards stared at them confused. "You killed one and wounded the other... and your laughing?" One unicorn guard says. The clones ignore the question and get their laughter under control soon after. "Well lets get going best not keep the sisters waiting." Dexter said pointing down the hall they were heading only getting irritated snorts from the guards in return before they started to march again. Franklin rolls his eyes. "Alright lets not pick on the poor lads... just because we're better don't mean you can pick on them." He states and the guards either give a glare his way or ignore him and keep walking. "How did you get to meet the royal sisters with that kind of lip?" One pony asks. Eric speaks up. "To answer that question is we have a army on the way and we need to made sure blood isn't shed pointlessly." The guards became quiet as they went into thought and some were full of disbelief at what he just told them. The sound of hoof steps and complaining drew their attention down the hall where a small group of well dressed ponies were complaining about not being able to meet the princesses in court, then the group of ponies spotted the ten soldiers in front of them and came to a stop and the two sides exchanged looks. Finally after a moment of this one of the lead unicorns with a white coat and gold mane stepped forward and spoke. "I demand to know who and what are you.. things!" He said in a snobby tone. The ten soldiers stared blankly before Jackson asked. "Why should we tell you?" The guards held back a laugh as the noble glared at the clone. "You must be from a very deep hole not see know the royal prince when you see him!" He spat at Jackson. "I'm prince Blueblood. Now that you know I have authority over you, tell Me what You are!" He almost yelled. Jackson once again stared blankly. "We're not under your authority so we don't have to do so." He looked to the guards. "We should get going, we kept the princesses waiting long enough with us messing around." At that the nobles all gasped. "YOU!?" Blueblood yelled. "How does a... APE like you get to have the permission to meet with the princesses in private? You look like commoners, if you were actually ponies." The group of nobles were also shocked at that they were put to the side for four creatures they never seen before. Franklin sighed and started to walk past them and the others followed along with their escort. "Maybe you can learn once everything comes together. Also you must be short minded if you think we're just 'commoners' by what we wear. Wonder what you will think if we had our battle armor on." He said as he past the prince who glared at him the whole way before sticking his nose in the air and walking the other way and the group of nobles follow quickly after a moment. After a while of walking and casual chat between the ponies and clones they reached a pair of massive doors flanked with two thick armored unicorns standing with pikes in hands standing at attention. As They neared the spears leaned over to block the door. "If you wish to enter please strip all of your weapons. We will keep them safe." They state in unison. Franklin smiles. "Just like the black guards. Alright guys give them your belts so we can get this over with." He says while taking off his belt and holster with the others following suit The six guards give them odd looks as a pile of leather and metal is held out to the two door guards who take the bundle in their magic and take it out of sight. "Thank you for cooperating, you may enter." With that their horns glowed again and the doors opened and the clones walked in with their escort and they get a good view of the throne room. It was a large room with very high ceilings with the sides full of many windows depicting events of the past, some even have a few of those girls they saw in Ponyville. At the end of the room that soon had all the troopers looking was two thrones, one gold with a sun at the top and the other a dark blue with a moon in the place of the sun. Two mares sat in each seat of power and the men recognized Luna but was unsure who the taller white one was who raised from her seat followed by Luna and began down the ramp to the gathered ten soldiers. When she got to stand before them she spoke a soft neutral tone that washed over the troopers' ears. "You four must be the ones my sister has told me about. I am Princess Celestia and i welcome you to our capital Canterlot." She said smiling and the men felt at ease for some reason. Franklin spoke up returning her smile. "Thank you princess and let me introduce ourselves, I'm sergeant Franklin." He pointed back at the others and one by one named them off. "This is Corporal Eric, Private Dexter and Jackson." As their names were called they each saluted to the princess. "We come to represent the UAF and wish to make a peaceful first contact and make sure when our comrades arrive no blood is shed pointlessly." He states before he and his brothers stand stock still waiting for her response. Princess Celestia regards the clones standing before her and if she didn't have a few thousand years of experience she would have missed the troopers trying to look more disciplined then the six royal guards standing at attention around them, and she had to agree they were doing a good job at it. She finally spoke braking the silence that fell over them for a moment. "Well sergeant we have much to discuss then, first how large of a force will be arriving from you your world?" Franklin got into thought recalling the force of his brothers that are due to arrive tomorrow. "If I'm thinking correctly ma'am, A full regiment further supported by some smaller companies from others nearby forces. To round that into a number i would say maybe over two thousand troopers." He says looking at his brothers before looking back at her. Luna who has been standing just behind her sister stepped forward and spoke her mind on this subject. "This is a smaller force then we came to believe, is it really only two thousand?" She asked used to the large formations that used to take part in warfare. "It may seem small, yes. But it has enough firepower to level a city. And don't worry about them once they arrive as they have plans for a FOB to garrison." He said to them and she nodded her head in return. Celestia spoke up next. "I also have gotten reports of your... equipment from Twilight, what will this force have with it when it arrives? I don't want to risk my little ponies, I hope you understand." She said looking over the clone soldiers. Franklin gives the worst answer ever, he shrugs. "Not sure princess but i do believe the regiment will be the second German Panzer regiment, so a lot of tanks and light armored units and such. The companies tagging along maybe from the English or French." He said Eric stepped forward and gave in his two cents. "As well I believe we will get a detachment of royal marines from the Brits sir, but i'm not a 100% sure of it, sir." He then steps back into place. The princesses shared a look. "We will help in any way we can but you must agree to keep our ponies safe. We don't need anypony getting hurt by your forces." Celestia said looking over the clones. "No worries princess we will never hurt a civilian unless provoked, but i assume that wont be a problem." Franklin said before adding. "It would help if you gave a official order for no civilians to enter the area around the portal and the FOB that will be built to keep where no problems will arise." Luna nods in agreement. "That does sounds like the best course of action. Now if we may ask, is there anything we should know about this army that is planned to arrive?" She asked with curiosity in her voice. Jackson stepped forward to answer her question. "The biggest thing so far is how the language we're speaking now is their second language so they wont speak it perfectly, they speak German so there could be some minor language barriers." With that said he steps back where he was and waits quietly. Franklin soon follows up saying. "They can speak English to a extent and get what is important out. Just don't expect a long conversation with them." He added. Celestia merely smiles. "I believe that wont be a problem, we have had many ponies with different languages come meet us and we have a spell that can translate anything they say into the current language we understand." She said clearing up a problem before it appeared. "Now their are a few more things I wish we need to do to clear up some issues." Franklin nods. "Whatever is needed." -Royal Guard Training Grounds- -Half an Hour Later- Shining Armor stood on one of the walls over looking the newest batch of trainees getting drilled into shape. He was trying to build the Equestrian armed forces into shape trying to catch up with the other nations' that have well surpassed them. And the news from Ponyville of the four soldiers from another universe has gave him more motivation to get the soft skinned royal guard into a respectable force that is worthy for the job of defending the sun and moon. He smiled to himself thinking of how many things have changed from his new reforms that got them better equipment, armor, and training for his guards. He was pulled out of his thoughts to a mix of armored horseshoes and some other odd hoof steps to his side causing him to look to the source. His training kicked in as soon he saw the princesses walking his way and he bowed. "How can i be of service?" He asked looking up slowly, but once he looked up he noticed the routine behind the royal sisters made him stare blankly for a moment. Directly behind the two embodiments of the sun and moon stood four creatures that almost could be mistaken for ponies if not for their lack of fur and lack of snouts on their face, and they have the description of the same creatures that fought and wounded a guard in Ponyville. Shining Armor stood up from his bow as Princess Celestia stepped forward smiling her usual smile. "Please Shining no need to bow we are all royalty." She said placing a hand on his shoulder. "But there is something me and my sister had in mind and it may interest you and your plans to reform the royal guard." This got his attention and he raised an eyebrow. "Alright... but why are they here?" Shining points a finger over at the four soldiers. Luna smiles and speaks. "They come from a advanced military that fights to keep order on their entire planet. And they wish to come here and explore our world and in a promise to allow them they will help you train and reform the royal guard into a fighting force to be respected by the world." She said looking back at the four clones. "Thank you for the praise, ma'am. But its what we were made to do no matter what the cost." The lead one said smiling back. Shining Armor was now in deep thought. 'A army from another world big enough to fight around its world? Must not have many conflicts then if one army can manage it, unless its massive. If that report was right they have strong hand held weapons similar to the black powder cannons used by the griffins.' He spared them a glance before he noticed them all looking the same then it hit him. "An army of clones?" His answer was a simply nod from the four troopers. "I'll think about it. I want to see this force first hand and see if it really is all that." He said walking towards the clones and looking them over. He stood a almost as tall as them but his horn still towered over them and their build was impressive. He could see they all had a small weapon on their belts but each seemed to be slightly different from each other in some way that also reflected the one using it. He held out a hand to the lead clone who in turn took for them to shake hands. "I'm Sergeant Franklin, leader of recon team Charlie of the UAF. Pleasure to meet you Captain Armor, the princess told me of you a little." He said as their hands parted. Shining Armor nods. "So you are a global military force... when the rest of your forces arrives i better be impressed." He said with a small grin. The sergeant raises an eyebrow. "Is that a bet? Knowing my brothers from Germany they will march though that portal in parade fashion with panzers rolling in front. Trust me they will impress." He said chuckling a little. Shining's curiosity finally made him ask. "And what are these 'panzers' never heard anything like that before?" This only caused Franklin to smile. "You'll know them when you see them, they arrive tomorrow so make time too watch the show." Shining nods. "Than i'll hold that promise to you I better be impressed." The sergeant looks out over the training grounds slowly. "So lets have a look at this royal guard you are in charge of, captain. I want to know what kind of work we have ahead of us to help with these reforms." The captain walked to the edge of the wall and started to point different things out explaining as he went. "We have a sparing area for swords and spears to be trained with and a range for our crossbows, bows, and combat spell casting. This area for now is just to keep the guards in shape and skills hardened for whatever may happen." He said turning to the clone who looked over the ground slowly. Franklin stared a moment before sighing. "If we're going to help you reform... dear god do we have a hell of a job ahead of us... you guys seem to be still in your dark ages when it comes to military... we left these weapons for new stuff about... few hundred years back." He said making Shining stare at him. "We haven't been at war for well over a few thousand years. So our army will of course be lacking." Shining said defending his force. The sergeant gave him a odd look. "Peaceful nations that haven't seen war for so long and falls behind the rest of the world. When you fall behind in the arms race you become a target, a nice beautiful target." He said and Shining seemed to deflate a little. "Sorry Captain but your army is pretty much equal to a town militia in a third world country... yours just has better discipline, I hope they do anyways." Shining rubs his head a little sighing. "Did you have to be so blunt about it?" He groaned a little. "Will this UAF really change this force into a respectable one? Or respectable in your terms, anyways." Franklin smiled. "We have trained with other armies before, won't be a problem to help yours out... maybe even refit your boys." He looks over the training grounds and spots a few mares and adds. "And girls." Shining nods before Dexter stepped forward in between the two with a hand one the side of his helmet. "Sir we have a slight problem." This gets the attention of everyone. "Sir i just got a signal on my transceiver... i didn't fully catch the message but it seems the schedule for the army's arrival has been sped up, the task force will be arriving later today if i understood it correctly." The sergeant stared back at Dexter for a moment before cursing. "Damn politicians can't wait for the army to do anything!" He turns to the Princesses who were quietly watching the exchange between the two officers. "I think our brothers may either be on the way or are already here. I think the best plan of action is that me and my team get back to the portal and make contact with them and tell how you guys aren't a threat." His face held concern and the Princesses didn't waste time in their answer. "We can get a carriage to Ponyville in less then a few minutes to half an hour at worst." Celestia stated and was turning to a nearby guard when she saw the blank looks from the four men. "Princess... it took about a few hours for the train to get here... how will a carriage get us there faster?" Eric said with a raised eyebrow. She merely smiles. "Guard please escort these four to my personal carriage and round up the team to fly them they need to reach Ponyville as soon as possible." The guard saluted before nodding to the clones making them follow. After a short trip and wait the clones find themselves looking at a gold and white carriage that would be used for a old fashion high class ball. "What in bloody hell are we supposed to get to Ponyville in that thing!?" As he had his out burst four Pegasus guards come out and start to hook up to the carriage before the eight stare at each other. "Well we were pulled off our break to get you somewhere important! Lets get going!" One of the guards called out and the four of them spread their wings. The clones ever so slowly walked towards the carriage and got into it. Jackson got a cocky grin. "Alright fellas, destination Ponyville and make it snappy." The ponies all turned to glare at him before they started to pull forward and flapping their wings and soon enough to the amazement of the clones they were air-born. The clones took the time to get a lay out of the land from their vantage point high in the sky. They spotted a large wooded area north of Ponyville in the distance and the portal right beside the large forest, along with many new grey objects scattered around the area around the portal. "Fly boys! Be careful seems the army has already arrived! Don't fly low or directly over them or we're not going to have a smooth flight." Dexter called out making the four pulling them stare down at the long formation that seemed to be slowly moving towards Ponyville. Franklin wasn't in a good mood and was thinking fast about what is ahead of them. "Alright men first thing when we arrive at the castle in the town is to get the princess and that officer we seen in charge of the garrison there to tag along with us to act as an ambassador." The others nod. "Dexter, Jackson go get the Humvee and bring it back to meet me, Eric and the others, got it?" The two troopers return with 'Yes, Sir'. After a while the carriage makes a landing in front of the large crystal castle and the troopers quickly hop out and rush to get their objectives accomplished. As Franklin and Eric ran to the front door it was opened by Twilight running out with the guard officer and spike trailing behind them. The two clones stop right in front of them and were about to explain to her when she raised an hand. "I got a letter from the princess, yes i will accompany you but first i must gather my friends before.-" Franklin then cut her off. "There is no time, did the letter say that the task force was heading this way? We must hurry i already have Dex and Jack out getting our ride then you and soldier boy here will come with us to set up early relations." The officer was not happy of the nickname but his anger didn't last long with the current situation about the army that was coming here and as for Twilight, She was frozen in fear on hearing that. She asked a simple question braking her silence. "How many are there?" Franklin leveled his gaze. "A full regiment of over two thousand clones plus heavy weapons... and maybe more." And at that she had a very worried look on her face. "Right, lets not waste time..." She said walking past them while the officer remained level headed. He sighs and speaks "And for your information I am Major Curved Steel, And that's a reasonable force... I hope this goes smoothly, a battle harden force that big could wipe out a lot if they think we're their enemy." He said while the sound of the Humvee's engine roaring could be heard as it neared and soon enough the dark green colored metal beast came to a stop by where the carriage was parked getting stares from the team who pulled it and any other pony who was in the area. "Come on! Get in we need to meet them before they reach town." Jackson calls from the driver's seat. Franklin opens the back door for the extra company and Eric climbs in and mounts the M2. "Going to be a tight fit you two." Franklin says as he climbs into the back followed by twilight who ends up in the middle and with the Major on the other side of her. With another roar of the heavy power house the Humvee has they were shooting down the road. In the grassy fields north of Ponyville the peaceful sounds of birds and animal calls were replaced by the sound of moving metal and engines calling out loudly for all to hear followed by the heavy thudding rhythm of marching feet across the open ground with the sound of old German marching songs coming from the troopers At the head of the formation was a Leopard A2A5 leading the formation with a sizable flag flapping depicting the old German sixth panzer division markings waving proudly. the tank wore a tiger black and orange strip camouflage scheme with a single clone out of the commanders hatch watching the distance with his binoculars. The commander was about to retire back into the turret when the gunner below him called out. "Heer Dietrich, American Humvee far right on the distance." Dietrich looked around a little before he spotted the Humvee. "Hold fire gunner it must be our recon team." He pulled a radio to his mouth. "Column, halt" Nealy as soon he says that the long line of tanks and marching troopers come to a complete perfect stop. "Brake out of column and be on guard." with another order out tanks, APCs, SPAAs, and infantry move out and find make shift positions and start scanning around. Dietrich climbs out of the hatch and jumps off the side of his command tank as the Humvee was pulling up. "Recon team Charlie?" The commander asked simply walking towards it. The doors start opening and four clones come out but he notices movement in the backseat still. "Colonel Dietrich good to see you." The sergeant said walking forward saluting. "And yes sir, and we have news of this world you may find interesting." The colonel raised an eyebrow. He then fixed his eyes on the movement of bright colors in the back of the Humvee. "Care to explain sergeant?" He pointed to their ride. He smiles slightly. "Alright you two come on out and lets get this done with." As he said that the back doors opened and out stepped some very odd sights, at first he thought he was looking at very colorful people until he saw their faces. They seemed to look like a horse's head only a lot smaller and massive eyes and both seemed to have horns on their heads and even had hooves and not feet, but that's where they started to become different as one seemed to be a girl if he looked at her body right and even saw wings on her back. As for the other one, male and military from the Trojan style armor and sword on his hip and a build to match the clones. "Sergeant may i ask who and what you have here." Dietrich asked looking at the two and noticed the female seemed amazed by all the armored war machines around them while the military one was keeping to himself and scanning around slowly with a keen eye. "This-" He begun pointing to the extra company."- Major Curved Steel is part of the native armed forces and this is Princess Twilight of the country of Equestira." He introduced them and the major gave a nod while the princess a small bow. "We have brought them along to settle things and get relations out of the way... where is the general?" He looked around a little. Dietrich rolled his eyes. "He is awaiting a all clear from us. But with you making contact and getting this settled early on he will be happy to hear." He walked to the princess looked her over before he stepped over to the Major. "I am Colonel Dietrich of the sixth panzers. Pleasure to meet you major." He extended a hand and they shook hands. "Pleasure is mine colonel, now lets get right to the point. There is a town a few miles ahead where we can get things settled, but your general is going to be needed when the others arrive to meet." Steel said and Dietrich nodded. "Uh.. excuse me... but i'm here to help with this and you just skipped me." Twilight said from beside them making Dietrich look over at her. He sighs and waves her off. "I prefer to work with other military members over royalty or politicians cause as a military man myself we can see eye to eye better." He states turning back to the Major. "We shall continue to the town and await our general and whoever you need for this meeting. You may get a ride in one of the APCs or tanks if you wish, or if you wish return to the town with the recon team." Twilight looked around before she shook her head. "I'll wait in Ponyville." And in a flash she was gone and the others stared blankly where she stood. "Well Major what will you do?" Dietrich Looking to the odd soldier. "If I may ask what you are?" The major simply smiled looking over to the command tank. "I'll ride along with you if you don't mind... and I'm a pony or more specific a unicorn for your other question." He said nodding to the tank and smiling. "As long i get to ride." Dietrich started walking to his tank. "Come along then Major and we can discuss things over a drink maybe." He said starting to climb up the side of the war machine soon followed by the unicorn soldier. "Hope you don't mind me asking a few things in return colonel." Steel said once he made his way into the hatch beside the commander's. "Not at all major we can trade questions and what not." Dietrich said reaching down grabbing his radio. "Column, forward!" With that the formation returned to how it was and once again rolled forward while a Humvee speeds ahead to let the town know about the new arrivals. "So Colonel-" Steel began looking beside him. "- mind if you can lean us some of these toys?" He asks with a smile while Dietrich just laughs. "We'll have to wait and see Major... I feel like our two forces will stand side by side so I don't see why we can't help you train with some new things." That makes Curved Steel go into thought. 'I hope this works out and we work together. Still hope their reason their here is solved.' Chapter 6.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 1. The UAF-Europe- -France- -Thirty miles southwest of Pairs- -2023- The town that was located in this area was now a deep crater surrounded by a camp flying the blue UN flag along side the France national colors with many armored units and soldiers running about. Sadly the medical tents were completely empty due to not one person from the town survived nor did anything of the town it self as a perfectly round hole was left in its place. As the personal ran about moving supplies that most likely wont be used to help the town rebuild and were now just stored away for use later on if needed. Around the main camp flew a different flag with bold black letters on a bright blue background on it reading "UAF" from a flag pole on top of a large tent. This was the command tent for the UAF and the operation that will be put into play very soon. As a clone officer in light tactical gear along with three others await orders from the general who is currently in a video meeting with a few UN members and the four men were starting to get bored, fast. "Sergeant... why do they need us recon boys? Isn't it clear its just a few square miles wide deep hole?" The team's support gunner who goes by Jackson says as the weight of his M60E4 hung from his back while a short choked barrel shotgun was tied to his belt full of ammo. "Oh shut it you bloody idoit. If you can wait just a moment the general will tell us." The sharpshooter says with a English accent from beside him who's name is Eric. On his back was a long barreled L115A3 sniper rifle along side a compact MP5 with a polished G17 on his hip The sergeant turns his head and glares at them. "both of you shut up. If you were quiet you could hear the video meeting end."He says in a stern voice. This was Sergeant Franklin a veteran scout who has trained in the jungles of southern Asia to be a deadly hunter and with his M16A1 and a flare gun in his sidearm holster he has gained a rep for being a dependable recon team leader and he already had a guess for what their mission was. At the center of the massive crater was a glowing dark blue light that soon turned out to be a large round portal and it was now being looked into by many top eggheads from all over the world. Now the only thing left to do was to find out whats on the other-. He was cut off from his thoughts as a old gruff voice was heard. "Alright lads... i'll give you the run down here." This was the general of the UAF elected from a selection from the top five nation's military's in the UN. He was a old man who has seen combat in both the middle east back in the 1990s as a young teen to combat in Poland and Ukraine when Russian terrorist made a large move nearly sparking world war three. "Today you four men will act as a forward recon slash vanguard for a small task force to move into this... unknown portal in ground zero here." He said giving a few pictures to the sergeant who looked them over before passing them to his three teammates. "Permission to speak freely sir!" The last trooper said saluting. This was the team's field medic who had another M4A1 on his back and a M1911 on his hip, Dexter was his name. The general smiled at him before nodding his head. "Sir... do we have any intel about what will happen when we pass through the portal?" The general merely sighed. "Afraid not trooper... the lab coats tried to send a drone through not more then two hours ago... they lost contact with it as soon it entered." He said causing the four to frown. "But we are picking up minor readings from the portal... But at times those drones aren't very reliable as a man in the field who can think for him self. So losing drones isn't that big of news to me." This seemed to ease the men slightly. "You will take an American made Humvee and pass to the other side and scout what is there. After a maximum of two days you return back and report all you have found. If you do not return we will count you MIA and we roll in the main force and try to find you and then head to our main objective." He looked over the team before Eric raised his hand. "Sir if i may... what is the main objective, sir?" He asked with a confused face. And the general gave him his answer. "We find who or what is responsible for destroying this town and bring them to justice." The faces of the team were in thought before all nodded. "We're ready sir. Give us the order and we'll lead the way." Jackson said proudly. The general looked him in the eye before smiling and patting his shoulder. "Alright men... head to the quarter master and get your ammo... get a lot of MREs and ammo also take a few suppressed weapons in case you need stealth in the right situation." He said turning and walking to his desk. "you are dismissed men... and good luck, you will heading out in a hour so make ready." With that they give a final salute and then leave the tent heading to gear up and mount up. The team now sat in the Humvee riding down a ramp built into the side of the hole so its easier for trucks and other equipment to move up and down the walls much faster. Jackson happily sat behind the Browning M2 50. cal on top of the truck while Franklin was driving with Eirc riding shotgun and Dexter trying not to be kicked in the head by their gunner in the back. As they neared the bottom of the pit they saw the portal glowing, it was around fifty square feet wide and glowed brightly through out the night. And with it now looming over them as they now sat infront of it was a little unsettling. "Alright boys... lets see whats behind door number one." Dexter commented quietly and they started to drive forward and soon disappeared into the blue swirling wall and all contact was lost from there on. After a minute or two of driving though this sea of blue clouds and walls they were all blinded by flash before they found that they were no longer in the portal nor were they in a barren pit of brown dirt, but a open field of green grass that stretched for miles around them The Humvee came to a slow stop as the men opened the doors and stepping out to look around. And they all seemed to silently agree on one thing, the land was beautiful. Eric grabbed his rifle and started to scan around with his rifle getting focused back onto the mission at hand and spotting something in the distance. "Uh... well chaps... It looks like a... group of people is moving this way... and it is a large group..." This got the other three to turn their heads and get their weapons ready. Franklin looked though his binoculars and spotted what Eric was talking about. The group consisted of about forty figures and strange thing about them was the bright gold armor that shined in the light worn by almost the entire formation while some seemed to be in normal clothes if not very colorful but at this distance he couldn't make out anything else. "Alright boys... due to that we just arrived... and i doubt they have spotted us yet, we make a beeline away from them and keep hidden for the time being until we can tell if they will be friendly or hostile. Understood!?" The sergeant called out getting "Yes sirs" in reply and they returned to their seats. As he started to drive away he noticed something. "Men? Do any of you see those drones the lab coats sent ahead of us?" He asked and the others looked around confused as well. "Not any i can see... but it looks like... hoof prints? yeah hoof prints are all over." Eric said from beside Franklin making him look out the window as well to see the same thing. But he pushes it to the back of his mind as he turns the large truck around and start to drive behind the portal that still stood tall over the land around them. As they picked up speed he saw a thick tree line ahead and altered their course to head to it. "Alright guys we'll hide out in the trees here and start to watch that group to see what they do." Franklin said approaching the wood line. They soon get to the treeline without trouble and dismount not counting Jackson who was glued to the M2 with a pair of binoculars looking over at the portal. Eric disappeared up a tree with his rifle while Dexter stayed close to Franklin. "Lets have a look at what we're dealing with here lads." They hear Eric say as he looks down his scope and then he goes quiet. "Sir... you see that they are... uh..." Eric says but can't find the words. "They look... like humans... but weird faces." Franklin says looking at them. "looks like a horse or pony in the face." As he watched the group move around the portal but keeping their distance, but he soon noticed something. As he watch he noticed that they all seemed to have extra bits to them. Some had pairs of wings on their backs while some had horns on their heads but he couldn't tell if they were part of the armor or anything else. "This bunch has some extra bits... best be careful with the locals... and they seem scared or cautious around the portal. I don't know what to make of it but... keep an eye on them they look like they are armed and armored." He added before looking to his team. "What are you guy's opinions?" He looked to each of his team members. Eric came down from his tree and sat beside Franklin and looked at the portal before back to the sergeant. "We're in a alien world... with humanoid natives... who seem to be in their medieval stages judging from their armor... and those hoof prints... those... things have hooves." He said pointing out in the general direction. "We can do a few things... make contact with this group or hold off and meet another group... or stay hidden all together." He stated from his observations. The sergeant looked at him before the other two in thought. "How about we vote... who wants to stay hidden and watch.. or make contact with another group... or this group." He asked and all three shared looks. Jackson spoke up. "I say we try to meet but... not the formation of soldiers who look ready for combat... i bet we could take 'em... but its not the best first impression to gun down a squad or two." He says jestering to the group of golden armored soldiers in the distance. Dexter shakes his head. "I would prefer we stay hidden until we understand this place... if we expose ourselves and they prove to be hostile we blew our cover and they will hunt us down." He says making Franklin nod his head in agreement and starts to think. Then he spoke his mind "Alright here's the plan... we will find the nearest town and set up to watch it and after a while we try and meet them... but not without it being on our own terms." He says and the other three go quiet for a moment. Finally they all nod with Dexter adding. "We're with you sir... don't get us killed please." This causes him to smile and he nods to the truck. "Lets mount up then, we got some ground to cover." They follow suit to his orders and the sounds of the heavy doors closing is all that is heard before the engine starts and slowly rolls from its hiding place away from the portal but not unseen as the moving green object attracted one keen eye. After driving for a few minutes they stumbled onto a dirt road and after spotting a sign with a mile marker to a town on it they decided to follow the road for a bit. The following drive was quiet mostly with the clones staring out the window at the land around them and the large castle on the side of the mountain drew the longest stares. But once Franklin saw something ahead he called out. "Unknown target front!" This got all eyes forward and Jackson racked the M2 and took aim. The only thing they saw was the tops of houses from a town up head. "Alright... lets find a place to watch this town... that thick forest on the far side should work fine..." Franklin said eyeing the land around them. Eric pointed to a small dirt path heading to the treeline and Franklin pulled onto it and not long after they pulled the Humvee into a nice place in the trees and started to pull a net over it with the men digging a small dugout to camp in. The following hour of dirt piling and tree cutting and the dugout took shape into a nice temporary home for the recon team along side their ride under the camouflage net. The men gathered to look at the thing they made. "That should do just fine... now we just need to get to our objective to scout out the area. Also need to find a area for the FOB to be setup once the rest of the battalion arrives." Franklin said looking to the others. "We will split into a team of two. One goes to watch the nearby town while the other goes to servery the land for possible build sights for the FOB. Who wants what?" He said jestering out in random directions. Jackson and Dexter walks up. "We'll go watch the crowd in the town. You two are better with the land and can get the base scouted out." Dexter said and gave Jackson a sideways glance. "And i'll keep an eye on him." Jackson just chuckled. "All my little brother watching out for me?" He joked walking to get his gear he set aside during work. Dexter gave the back of Jackson's head a death glare. "You are only older by a mouth... my batch got delayed... dumbass." Dexter complained before sighing and heading to grab his gear as well. Franklin looked to Eric who was leaning on the Humvee. "Well lets get going then, we need to get a feel for the land and find a nice place." Eric nodded and pushed away from the truck and pulled his rifle's strap tighter. "I'm ready." With that they head off deeper into the woods while the other two started a long crawl towards a hill over looking the small town. On a cloud high above though two natives were keeping a close eye on them two nearing the town of Ponyville. Jackson and Dexter after collecting a new coat of dirt to their olive green combat armor made it to the hill and started to set up for observation duty. "I wonder how long it will take for this to go south?" Jackson said only making Dexter sigh rubbing his head and he turned his head out to the town seeing it was a busy afternoon in the market. "Well lets get to work... after a while and the others return we work on the plan to make contact." he said moving to the edge of the hill and laying down with a pair of binoculars setting his M4A1 beside him in case he needed it. After hearing a heavy *thump* he could guessed Jackson has joined him laying down nearby to get a look too. He feels the wind pick up for a moment before it settles but then he hears boot steps making him look over at Jackson. Said clone was on the other side of the hill placing a sleeping bag under the one tree that was on the hill, but as he was looking to Jackson he also noticed something was missing. "Where the hell is my rifle!?" Dexter called out then covered his mouth hoping none in the town was close enough to hear. Jackson came running over M60 at the ready swinging it from one side to another before looking to Dexter then around for the missing M4A1. "Where'd you put it?" The gunner asked confused before giving him a blank look. "I know i played pranks on you before... but this isn't me i swear." He said defensively causing Dexter to rub his head and sit up and look at the grass he placed his gun. "Ok... i heard a thud... at first i thought it was you but... you were way over there." He pointed to the tree. "What could of just come out of no where and took it... wait" He gaze went to a pair of hoof prints that were about right behind him. "How did those get here?" Jackson followed his gaze and hugged his gun tight. "I don't know... but i don't like it." They look around before they hear the wind pick up and they see a rainbow streak shoot across the sky. "That's not normal... even for an alien world." Dexter said watching it shoot to the town and stopping at the tall purple castle like building in the center. "I don't think we're hidden anymore..." Jackson said watching the castle. "I bet what ever that was had your rifle." Dexter nodded his head in agreement and he soon adds. "And they have a rifle... i wonder if they know how to use it?" They soon get to gathering their gear to relocate. A Young mare sat at a desk inside the castle of friendship reading another large tome of magic not knowing what was aimed for the nearby window. This was Princess Twilight Sparkle and she was about to be in a hot spot real soon. "TWILIGHT!" Rainbow Dash came crashing through one of the window's throwing it open and hitting the ground just behind the chair that said mare was seated making her jump in shock. She turns to look at Rainbow dash recovering from her hard landing but what really catches her eye is the strange grey metal object laying next to her. "Rainbow Dash... are you ok? And where did you find that thing?" Twilight said helping her friend to her hooves while picking up the object in her magic. Rainbow Dash after recovering from her crash entrance turned to her friend with a serious look. "Twilight there are two strange things in armor and has this weird gear, I followed from that portal thingy in that field and didn't tell you and the girls or the guards cause i wasn't sure what it was and then i found out there was four small ones and then this very big green thing they ride and-" Her mouth was covered by Twilight's hand while she gave the blue pony a blank look. "Slow it down please, what you just said didn't make much sence. You're saying that something came from the portal, five in all?" Twilight asked her friend slowly removing her hand and Rainbow Dash begun again but slowly thank Celestia. "Well i saw them go to the edge of the Everfree forest and left the big green thing. Then the four smaller ones that look almost like us but odd face and no hooves and wear this weird armor and had these." She pointed to the unknown object. "Each of them had one but all were different in shape and size... i think they were weapons of some sort." She informed her bookish friend who was now in deep thought. Then she asked after a few minutes of thinking. "Where did you see them?" As she asked she gave a call for her young dragon assistant to fetch a latter and address it to her friend and teacher Princess Celestia. She turned her head back to Rainbow who was in thought with a hand to her chin. "I saw them on the hill north of the town where the tree i love to take naps in is." She said pointing somewhere and was met with Twilight's blank look. "You sleep in many trees... you have seven favorite apple trees on AJ's farm. Better details then that Dash." She explained before heading to the friendship map and got it to show Ponyville. "Point to where they were." She asked and Rainbow walked up to the map and went into deep thought. Her hands quickly shot to two areas one on a small hill north east of the town and the other on the edge of the Ever-free forest. "I saw them set up a camp in the Ever-free forest here and the ones i ran into and got that thing was on this here hill." She said nodding her head to confirm it before looking back to Twilight "Should we get the girls together? We got to beat these invaders back! I want to see how strong these aliens are." She was now getting jumpy flying a little around the room throwing punches making Twilight roll her eyes. She soon nodded her head. "You go round them up while i send a letter to the princesses and warn them about this. I hope they aren't to busy figuring out who caused that portal to open... i wonder if it was the ones who came from-" She was cut off as Rainbow jumped to a conclusion as normal. "They are here to invade us! We got to get the royal guard and the Wonderbolts... then i can lead them to battle and beat these aliens and be a hero!" She yelled flying high and soon her high ended as she met the ceiling and came back to the floor in a heap with a *thud* while Twilight and the recently arrived Spike tried to hold back laughter. "Rainbow Dash... its a good idea not to jump to conclusions so fast and the princesses have proven that the portal was opened by some pony or ponies's magic so it didn't come from the other side. They could be a group trying to see whats on the other side." Twilight said while she wrote on parchment about the recent findings. "Just like those metal things the guards recovered not long ago. They for sure was made by somepony and most likely it was those things you saw." She said before rolling the letter up and letting the drake spit his flames and the letter was off in green flames. Rainbow Dash recovered from her moment and headache and blushed a bit. "Well i'll go get the others to-" The door opened and in walked the other four elements with a bouncing pink pony leading the way. "Hi girls! I knew you were about to come get us Dashy and went ahead and did it for you!" She jumped up to the blue winged pony and wrapped her in a hug before going to Twilight smiling. "So do we throw them a welcome to Ponyville party yet!?" And the other five mares shared a laugh about their wacky friend's actions before it died down and got to work on the latest visitors. After a good ten minutes of sharing the details and passing around the mysterious object for all to look at soon came the plan for meeting without making this grow into a big problem. "We... could... if they let us and... well... can we walk up to them and ask them nicely?" Fluttershy said from her throne, but she only gets shaking of the heads from the others. "Sorry sugar cube but we can't jus' trot up to them and expect 'em to react well. Rainbow did say they wore armor and had some kind of marking on it as well like a flag or some fancy symbol." Applejack said looking over the metal object currently in the grasp of Rarity's magic who was closely examining it with her kin eye. "Its best if we try to make contact but not directly, careful not to risk them taking us the wrong way... i hope the letter got to the princess and she is working on a plan. Maybe they can also help understand the portal, they did pass through it geared and ready for something it seems." Twilight said and the others nodded their agreement and another point was about to be brought up when the room was filled with a loud ear pricing *bang* causing all to hit the ground covering their heads and the sound of something metal hitting the crystal walls repeatedly before stopping. After a moment they all slowly got up. "What happened!?" Rainbow yelled out in a mix of confusion and anger. All eyes were on Rarity who looked at the object on the ground. "Yes well... you see darling..." She moved away from the weapon slowly and pointed to it. "That happened" She said and all the others looked towards the smoking object. "I was looking over it and found this... small leaver and when i pulled it... well." She doesn't finish her sentence but points to a few marks in the hard crystal walls made by the weapon firing. "AND ALL FOUR OF THEM ARE ARMED WITH THESE THINGS!?" Rainbow yelled and then remembered how she once held such a powerful weapon and shuddered a little thinking of what would of happened if she touched it wrong. "Oh horse apples... and i saw one of those weapons on top of their beast they rode in it was so big they couldn't carry it... these guys are prepared." She commented and the girls were lost in thought of what horrors could follow if the visitors were provoked. Applejack went up to the blue pony and grabbed her shoulders. "You, need to give back that weapon or they may come looking for it and put all of Ponyville in trouble." She fixed her with a serious look while Rainbow Dash looked at her like she was just asked to steal cake from Celestia in plain daylight and while she was in the same room and enjoying said cake. "What! Hay no, no way i'm going to them just to be target practice for them. I saw them they were near eight feet tall and had armor way better and cooler looking then the guards in Canterlot." Before she could spit out another reason not to go a yellow face looked her in the eye."You stole from them. You return it to them. I bet they wont be mad if you say how sorry you are for taking it and maybe we can see that they aren't really mean and are just exploring." Fluttershy's face went from stern to hopeful and Rainbow finally relented. "Fine... i'll try to get it back to them... but sorry Fluttershy i'm not going to let them see me and i don't trust explorers this well armed, i'll fly by and stay out of sight and drop it off at their main camp." She stated firmly and the others found that reasonable. Before she could set out the door was thrown open by Spike with a letter in his claws. "Twilight its from the princess and its very important." He ran to her and gave her the letter. Dear My faithful student The information you and your friends have gathered has been went over and I advise you for your own safety to stay away from these unknown creatures. I have dispatched a squad of my finest guardsponies to handle this with care. I wish to ask you and the other elements to keep the citizens of Ponyville safe if anything happens. This could end up as a first contact situation and if it goes smoothly I will allow you to join me and my sister in greeting these new comers. Until then please stay safe. Your loving mentor Princess Celestia Twilight was in thought before looking towards the others. "Well girls... looks like we sit this one out... its maybe best if we give that weapon to the guards when they arrive so they can have a look at the weapons they may face, and Rarity show them how you set off so they understand to be careful with it." "I got eyes on ten gold armored, armed, white coated and winged pony people heading towards the shiny castle in the town." Jackson said as he watched from the new observation point they relocated to. Dexter was on the radio getting the others up to speed on recent events and what to do. "Well sir we're a rifle short and rather not go into a town full of unknowns trying to find it and some military ponies just arrived so taking a guess... they may know we're here." He spoke into the headset and awaited his answer. Soon Franklin is heard through the static. "Well wait for us to regroup with you and... well, we try and make peaceful contact before we have to face their military if it goes south... well jackson will be on the M2 browning and Eric will be on over watch and if we are killed. An army of our brothers will come marching through that portal and give these things hell." With that the headset was filled with static and Dexter went back to watching the town with his partner.
Chapter 2.-Equestria- -Ponyville- -Castle of Friendship- Twilight rushed to the front door after she saw the flight of royal guards speed over the town from the capital. As she neared she heard a few heavy knocks on the door and a gruff voice follow. "Princess Sparkle!?" Once she got to the door she opened it and stared at the large stallion before her. He wore something very different then the normal golden armor of the guard, it seemed thicker with a silver paint to it and a few medals on his chest. and a well kept sword on his hip with his coat being a dark red and his mane a light brown. His face was well built but clear age was taking his youth away slowly. "Ah Princess, I am Major Curved Steel and i have been dispatched by Celestia to get this situation resolved. She mentioned you had some information i can use." He said giving her a slight bow. She looks up at him for a moment before nodding. "Yes this way if you please... and we found out what the object we recovered is... you will find out when you see it." She said turning and leading the squad through the winding halls. before they reach the main hall and the ten pony squad get a look at the alien device. "This..." Twilight begun. "We learned from a mistake made by one of us that it is a weapon of sorts..." She brought it over to the Major and he takes it in his hands and looks it over slowly. After a moment of examining it. "How did you set it off? If the others use the same weapons we must know how they work." He asked her walking to the table in the middle of the thrones that were currently occupied by their respective owners. Twilight takes the weapon in her magic and makes some parts highlight in bright colors. "This small lever is what sets it off and its lunches a projectile down the tube on the front... but what is strange it has no trace of magic in it what so ever." She had a confused face and went to look over it closely again. Major Steel was in thought about the enemy they may face. "Where did you see these unknowns? I need to send scouts to any locations to find out what they are and what they are up to." He stated looking to the mare who he was told seen them. "Miss Dash i need you to tell my scouts where they need to go." He pointed to four Pegasus and they stepped forward and divided into two teams. She shoots out of her throne with a big smile and stepped over to the map of Ponyville and pointed her fingers at a hill north of the town and then a place on the edge of the Ever-free forest. "I saw them here but... the hill guys may not be there i did see them moving a lot." She said shrugging to them. This only made the Major's brow move in thought. "They are well trained to relocate then. And they seem to have a main camp as well." He turns to the two duos. "You got your locations now check them out. They seem to wear some strange form of armor so they should stand out and they are armed with some sort of weapon that is like crossbows so don't let them get good shots on you if spotted and engaged." They salute before heading off at a jog. "Now then i must ask all of you girls to help keep an eye out here in town and if you see something wrong do not check it out alone. Understood?" All the elements share a look before nodding their heads. "We'll keep the town in check best we can." Applejack said proudly and the Major nods in return. He then gathers the rest of his squad and they march out to look around town and keep an eye open for trouble in the little country town. The relocated observation team was watching the town now being patrolled town with gold armored guards. They seemed to be armed with spears, swords, crossbows and even some bows. "They seem to be decently armed... but gold armor? it dents so easily, why not iron or steel?" Dexter said trying to understand their choice in protection. "Gold is even heavier then iron... they must just want to look good... but not worth anything in combat." He complains aloud. "Shut up about it already! Who cares if they wear cheap armor makes it easier to shoot them if they try to fight us. I would be more careful of their other weapons... some can fly some and use some weird thing that moves objects for them and then some can punch a tank and maybe dent it." Jackson said while watching a large red pony person pull a wagon the size of a Humvee full of apples like a kid pulling his little wagon full of toys with out a care in the world. His attention is switched when something shiny in the sky catches his eye and he looks to spot two winged ponies in armor fly towards the forest, besides them heading that way they were also holding onto clouds trying to use them as a shield of sorts. "Dex... get on the horn and warn the sarge about two soldiers heading to the camp, he should be at it now." Dexter nods and pushes through the bush they were in to the radio. "Hey sergeant, this is Dexter... we got two bandits heading to the camp and they seem to be trying to stay hidden... I think they're scouts, over" He waits a moment. The static clears and he hears Franklin. "We'll cover everything up and get into hiding... hope this goes well. Keep an eye on the town still. Over and out." The link is cut and Dexter returns to his spot and watches the pair of flying ponies speed over head before their out of his line of sight. Jackson taps Dexter's shoulder making him look at him to see him pointing. "We got a soldier with a few medals and more fancy armor then the others... an officer." Dexter followed his hand and saw the one in question leading another five armored ponies. "Last i saw this group it was ten in all... those scouts are from this same squad. And that is the one who sent them out to find us." He said shifting to keep the officer in sight. "Well if things get bad we know who to shoot now." Dexter said with a small chuckle and looking to watch the group of ponies. But they both ignored the two clouds in the distance very low near the hill they were once on and how they were slowly following their tracks to their source. The sky was clear over the Ever-free all but two small clouds were lazily floating about, but to the trained eyes it was more then just two clouds. On one of these lone clouds was one of the few royal guards who had spent enough time in the deadly forest below to know a few tricks and one was spotting hidden threats and deciding what to do about them, and he was using this skill to watch one lone figure move around the brush circling something but he couldn't make it out. A voice to his side soon makes it self known. "Anything down there Light? I saw something then lost it." Light looks over to his partner. "Keep quiet Breeze... and yes i saw one. It seems to be working on something but i'm not sure what it is." He said pointing. "Lets try and move on them... but one at the time and dash to tree level as fast you can ditching these clouds. Understood?" He received a nod from his comrade and he singled he was going first. He slowly got to his hands and knees and in a blink he shot though the cloud to the safety of the tree tops below. After Breeze was sure Light made it to the trees he copied his counterpart's actions and sped to the same location but didn't think about slowing down. With a loud *smack* his face hit a branch making him grunt and making the offending branch to fall to the ground below. As he recovered he heard movement below and looked only to be staring wide eye at one of the unknown pointing something at him that looked very similar to the one back at the castle. "Best you come down here slowly... and do anything stupid you may pay with your life." The alien stated moving his weapon to point to the ground before returning to his shoulder aimed at the shocked guard pony who was now having a raging war in his mind to comply or try and run and the one single brain cell thinking about where Light has gotten off to. Finally not wanting to see the weapon that can brake crystal used on pony skin he slowly hovered down to the ground and stood before the armored alien and then they both regarded each other. Breeze was a large pony even for a stallion being 6.2 but that was nothing to the thing before him who stood at a proud 6.7 but it was unsure how much was the armor adding to it along with one impressive build in muscle. He couldn't tell much about the face due to the helmet it wore and with pure black visor over the eyes leaving nothing but the mouth visible which wasn't much to go on and nothing like a ponies for it was flat with no snout. He also noticed how it lacked a coat on its face but had what looked to be a thick bit of hair above his mouth in a unmistakable look of a messy mustache. And lastly the alien seemed to have hands just like them but his legs didn't end in hooves but odd looking narrow feet. Breeze was caught a little off guard when the alien spoke up. "I know i look good... but no homo." This caused Breeze to open his mouth for a moment only to blush and glare at the stallion before him while it merely laughed at the angry guard. "Ok i had my fun... name, rank and your mission. Well i know your mission was to spy on us... and failed. Where is your partner anyways? We had reports of two of you." The soldier said eyeing some of the trees around them. And with all the honesty Breeze could use. He shrugged. "I lost track of him and then got caught by you... you seem not to worry about this at all really..." He said and then he felt a little worried about what could be around them at the moment knowing that a few other aliens were missing. Then he spotted the large green object that didn't look normal with a weird net over it. He saw it was a giving off a small reflection from the sun that managed to get past the tree canopy telling it was a type of metal with what looked like a head or sorts on top with something long and black jutting from it. Then he spots something behind it and smiles to himself as Light slowly made his way down a tree towards the one holding him at gun point. The alien cocked his head to the side. "Whats got you smiling?" he asked and Breeze only smiled brighter before a something hits the ground behind him causing him to turn and look only for Breeze to get scared as Light was now pinned to the ground by another alien wearing the same armor but had a longer weapon on its back and a blade was held to Light's neck. The new alien laughs and speaks with a noble type of voice. "Aren't you a sneaky little bugger. But got to be better then that if you want to outsmart me." He said down onto a very stone faced and quiet Light. "Good thing i stopped you before you done and hurt my sergeant. I would of had to shoot you dead for that." He said in a voice much like the one holding a weapon beside him laughing at the two who came out of no where. The sergeant looked between the two ponies smiling. "You two don't need to worry we'll treat you fair... you give us info we may give you some." This made both Breeze and even the stoic Light give a confused look. "You're... aren't you here to invade us?" Breeze asked slowly unsure of the situation they're now in. And to further his confusion both of the aliens started laughing. The sergeant after catching his breath smiled at him lowering his weapon. "If we wanted to invade you would be dead and they will be more then just a four man recon team." He said giving his comrade a nod and he stands up letting Light up as well. "We also have no intentions for this first contact to end in blood shed... cause you guys are really out gunned." He stated patting the weapon in his hands. Light gave them a confused look. "Then what are you doing here then?" He asked with his curiosity perked. "Its really simple" The alien leader said. "We found this portal... after it made it's self known and was sent through to see whats on the other side and find out who created it." He stated. "We also want to try to keep this peaceful and silently watch your world and get a feel of it before we march in with a large force... we have a big reason to be here but we can go over that at later date." He said looking between them. Breeze then had a worried face. "Well... uh... the other two of your team may be in danger then. Two of our best trackers went to check on their last location to find and if possible capture them." He informed the two visitors who got a mix of facial expressions. The one with the longer weapon on his back spoke up first. "Want to bet Jackson will get hog tied while he is looking the other way." He says in a oddly cheerier sounding tone then one would think. "I can see him now trying to fight like that... and Dexter just going with it." He stated with a chuckle. Light opened his mouth giving the one who jumped him a blank look. "You find it funny that your comrade will maybe be beaten and captured?" And in turn got a blank look back. "If they start a fight with them in hand to hand... they may lose very quickly or shot before they get close enough... only way they may be captured if they sneak up on the two maybe... which may not be hard now that i recall their tunnel vision." He said putting a finger to his chin in thought before shrugging. "Even if they do get captured we can always work out a peaceful middle ground cause we do have you two in a way as prisoners to exchange." He said and puffed some thin plastic ties from the back of his belt. "Now to make sure you don't run off... don't worry its only for a little bit." Breeze was already about to fly away and extended his wings and was about to jump only for them to be grabbed by the sergeant who then tied them up with another plastic tie. "Oh Celestia... this will not end well." He said as his hands were pulled behind his back and tied just like his wings and he saw that Light was getting the same treatment and was walked to what looked like a mound of dirt but soon turned out to be a small dugout as a bush was pulled from over it and he was moved down into it. With a final look up to see the sky becoming dark Breeze sighs. "This will be a long night." Main while on a certain hill things has went down hill and its not a figure of speech either. (Several minutes earlier) Jackson and Dexter were about to gather up the gear and head back to the forest camp when one of them noticed two very low flying clouds mere meters above them. "Hey Jackie? We may have trouble." With that said the clouds were blown apart as two winged pony people shot through their cloud cover towards them and one tackled Dexter into the ground knocking the wind out of him. As he tried to refill his lungs with air he took a fist to his cheek sending his helmet flying showing his short dark brown hair. He was about to be hit again but as the next blow was coming his hand met it half way and he followed up with his other hand returning the favor knocking the offending attacker off him. Jackson wasn't fairing any better as he was still trying to get out of the bush they were hiding in when he was rammed from above and soon him and his assailant went tumbling down the hill trying to get a hit on one another. When they reached the bottom they were not on the edge of town and quite a crowd started to watch and it was getting very interesting as more guards were soon spotted heading to the area. Jackson got to his feet and faced the one who jumped him who was already on its hooves and circling him. "Come on you sorry excuse of a soldier!" He yelled his challenge and got it as he was rushed but he was ready. He side stepped a punched aimed for his gut and grabbed the out stretched arm and pulled the arm a way it really shouldn't go. The pony lets out a cry of pain but soon Jackson lets out his own as he was hit by something from behind and he hits the ground and feels a lot of weight on his back. He manages out a few words. "Takes a full team to take me down." Then something came down on his head and he saw nothing but black. On top of the hill Dexter wasn't doing any better as the attacker was flying around him kicking and hitting him and keeping away from his hands and bayonet. After finally having enough and seeing the pony coming for another kick aimed for his head he dropped to the ground just as it was about to impact and his hand went to his holster and the M1911 came out in a quick draw to make the west proud and with a loud crack a 45. impacted the back of the golden armor and passed through like paper and a blood red mist soon exited the wound. The pony hit the ground hard still breathing but just barely. Dexter catches his breath and then notices how quiet it has gotten and looks down the hill to see a crowd of most of the town staring up at him in fear and Jackson pinned under six ponies. "Oh fuck me..." Was all he gets out before he slowly starts to walk backwards. He hits something with his foot and looks down and spots Jackson's M60 and thinks a moment. "Jackson! Brother i'll be back for you don't worry! Try not to die on me! I promise you i will be back!" He picked up the heavy gun and any other light gear he couldn't let be taken and took off running. The citizens of Ponyville was in shock after what they saw transpire before them on the edge of their town. A royal guard, one of the princesses personal guard with the best armor, training and weapons their are. Was taken down by a unknown weapon that has left him bleeding badly and his armor only managed to slow the projectile now lodged inside his back. The captured alien was chained and moved and the rest of the guards quickly gathered up the wounded stallion and hurried towards the local hospital as fast as their wings could carry them. The element bearers were also in the crowd and watched first hoof what has happened and they quickly divided up and went their ways with Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie following the wounded guard and the other half to follow the two guards tasked with moving the alien to the castle to lock it up until the right moment. The whole time Twilight was busy scribbling away on a parchment with the letter addressed to the princesses about what just happened and how blood has been spilled, all the while trying not to lose her mind with what has happened. They followed the two guards escorting the now very quiet alien to the castle but keeping a fair distance from them just in case and both Rainbow dash and Applejack weren't very happy but also scared of what may follow and the rest of the town now was the same way as they fled from the alien even chained and missing its weapons and they even went to take off its helmet and some of its top armor showing a white T-shirt under it. Twilight couldn't help but inspect the alien a bit as she noticed it lacked any coat of fur or any hair but its head and certain other parts of the light tan colored body. She took a guess that it was a he due to his body build and his mane was cut so short it wasn't even counted as a mane anymore. He had a number of scars across his arms and one big burn mark on the back of his neck and his face had a set of blue eyes with a small nose and rounded chin. She added the info into the letter and once done rolled it up and put it away for spike to send later After trotting a good ways they arrive at the castle and start to pass through the maze of halls until they reach a door twilight didn't even know existed and found a few cells and placed the alien in one locking the door behind them. They stood staring at the alien who sat quietly in the cell seemingly in deep thought before he spoke. "Your men attacked us first. We acted in self defense... remember that cause it will soon return to you in kind." He stated before laying down on the mat inside the cell. Twilight then looked towards the two guards who seemed to be a little confused Twilight walks to them. "Did they really attack first?" She asked having a worried look on her face and all she got was shrugs from the guards. "The ones who fought them are at the hospital recovering from their wounds." One informed her rubbing the back of his neck. "Best you ask them... when they can of course. They took a beating a broken arm and one with a wound we never seen before." He said shuddering slightly recalling the wound with no trace of magic and the object still inside him along with broken pieces of the armor inside the wound. Twilight nods slowly looking over to the captured alien with a unsure look. "I suppose we wait then. The princess has been informed of this as well." She said to the guards and they nodded. "Its best we call it a night... I only hope nothing more gets out of hoof." The guards share a look before taking places to watch the prisoner for the coming night that will be a long one for sure. Eric sat in a tree with his rifle and a pair of night vision gear over his helmet watching the open area out between their camp and the town. He had his L11 on a limb pointing out over the field aimed at something he found very interesting. Dexter was running towards the tree line carrying Jackson's M60 and said trooper was missing. "Hey sergeant! Dexter is coming and Jackson is missing... i think they had some trouble!" He called out and saw Franklin poke his head out of the dugout. Dexter came running through the brush and Franklin jumped up and went to him. "What the hell happened Dex?!" He near yelled into the clone's face who looked like he seen better days with his helmet missing and bloody lip and the armor looks like it has taken a few heavy hits. Dexter took a moment to catch his breath before he started. "Those damned flying ones got the jump on us and separated us. Jackson was thrown down the hill we were on while i got in a fight with another and couldn't help him... he was captured when he rolled down the hill and ended up on the very edge off town and more soldiers got him." He said hanging his head. "We set up to close to the town and i guess some sentry spotted us. Its my fault we were ambushed." He said telling the now quiet team leader how he messed up and now awaited his reaction. The sergeant looked at his brother and put a hand on his shoulder. "Dexter... this won't end well... not much we can do tonight... tomorrow we work on a plan to get him back. Understood?" He asked and Dexter nodded before heading towards the dugout with his head still hanging low. When he got into the dugout he noticed the other two occupants who were tied up and sat on the edges who stared at him with mixed expressions. "Guessing you two were the ones trying to spy on the camp here... we ran into your buddies..." Dexter told them and the larger one spoke up with a worried look. "What happened?" He fixed Dexter with a look and he relented. "We were jumped... my partner was captured and I shot and wounded one of the soldiers before i had to retreat could be dead by now not much can stand a 45. at point blank range." He stated and this got a reaction out of them both who stared in shock of what they just heard. The smaller one leaned forward rage in his face. "YOU JUST POSSIBLY TOOK SOMEPONY'S LIFE AND YOU TALK ABOUT IT SO LIGHTLY!"He yelled at Dexter who simply stared back. "Well maybe they shouldn't of attacked us first it could of gone peacefully. Also next time you sign up for the armed forces you should be ready to see death cause you may end up in battle." He stated calmly matching the glare he was receiving. "Next time they should rethink the idea of attacking battle hardened soldiers who are made for warfare." He said before walking to a makeshift table and sets down the M60 and unloads it while the ponies look on with one in anger while the other curiosity of the weapon. Dexter looks at them and sighs. "If any of you try to touch this I will kill you my self or its owner will brake out of prison to kill you." He said giving them both a glare causing them to look away before he nodded once and went to a sleeping bag on the other side of the dugout after making sure they will stay put. After of moment of him laying down he dozed off to his dreams. Outside Eric sat in his tree watching the distant town when he spotted three new dark shapes through his NV but couldn't make out the details but he was sure they all had dark colors and nearly blended into the night sky. he watched them descend onto the large castle and lost sight Twilight was the only one left in the Castle of Friendship with the others turning in for the night and she had good reason not to be heading to bed like she should. And her reason was now walking towards her in the shape of the keeper of the night her self Princess Luna who walked to her with a not very happy look on her face. "Twilight what has happened so far?" She said in a demanding tone. "Sorry princess but... i'm not sure myself. May need to ask the Major who is in charge of the squad of solar guards." She said slowly. Luna only sighs before looking to the cell to see the alien sleeping on the small bed he was given. "I will gather the needed information from him and others from their dreams." He said walking to the cell and crossing her legs and sitting on the floor and looks at the alien and began her dream magic and soon was about to enter a new world and have a new meaning of hell. Author's Note Hello readers i'm going to have you guys vote in the comments on the subject of me making a chapter explaining the UAF and its gear from the weapons used to the armored units the UN has let them have.
Chapter 3.-Unknown- -Dream World- -Luna- Luna let her magic flow into the alien's mind, she searched around before it found what she was looking for. Once her magic got to his dreams and then connected to them and soon she entered blindly diving in, and soon found a new world. The first thing Luna noticed was the terrain around her. It was town of sorts but the buildings looked to be made of tan stone or some other material. She was in what she could guess was a road and down said road were three large metal objects that were moving towards her making her take a defensive stance. She then lowered it when they simply passed by and she got a close look at them. All three were a light tan color to a pink witch, she found odd. The one in the front of the group was more of a metal box on what looks like treads while the other two have wheels and she guessed they were some sort of wagon, while on top of all of them were box shaped pieces with more of the creatures in them holding the end of a long black weapons mounted in them, she also could look into the two smaller wagons with four of the aliens in each. She could feel they were happy hearing them joking and laughing. As she was observing them, everything changed as the lead machine turned into a large fire ball as something exploded under it. Luna was confused as she watched the machine burn before the back opened with a ramp and she was horrified as a few aliens came out burning alive and hit the ground trying to put out the fire in vain. Luna did her best not to get sick from the smell of brunt flesh and smoke from the fire and was forced to look away from the horror only for it to get worse. The two wagons behind it came to a stop. The doors opened as the alien soldiers ran out to the sides of the road. From the houses ahead came more of them carrying weapons and wearing weird clothes that at best looked like rags and towels and started to shoot projectiles on the uniformed ones who were now in cover along the sides of the road fighting back. Luna was lost in confusion as pieces of metal flew back and forth and blood was spilled and death was in the air all around. Both sides lost many in the short fight before the ones who ambushed them retreated and she noticed that it was over in less then five minutes. Luna turned her head to one soldier who is walking to the lead burning war machine and knelt beside a burnt body and started to say something. She got close to him and begun to hear his voice. "Sorry i wont be able to keep that promise... it was good serving with you brother." He then reached down and pulled some metal necklace from the dead body. He then proceeded to grab the same metal necklaces from the others before walking away. Luna was in shock of what she just saw. "He just lost his brother... he seemed to take it so... casually." She said to herself as he walked back to the others who were now gathering the dead. "What kind of warfare is this?" One soldier pulls out a small black box and talks into it. "Requesting medevac, we lost our M113 escort and we're deep in enemy territory." He stated in a emotionless tone. "Roger that command, over and out. Alright guys we got some yank-made vipers coming to cover us!" He called out to the others who in turn let out sounds of acknowledgments and start to take up positions around the area awaiting for the relief. Luna was sure this wasn't a normal dream and so guessed a nightmare, but because of how real it felt she now has confirmation it was a memory of his past experiences. As she followed the dreamer she took a look at the other soldiers and saw that they all looked the same which confused her. "Why do they all share the same face? Something is wrong here or i'm missing something about this force of-" She is cut off as a strange sound is heard. She turns her head up towards the sky and she spotted two flying objects fly over head at high speeds and a voice is heard from the box the soldier talked into not long ago. "You clones need some help from us? I thought you guys could handle yourselves." A voice calls out as the flying machines come back around to hover overhead. She didn't pay much attention to anything else after that."Clones? A clone army that has seen brutal warfare that seems normal to them has come to our peaceful country? No... our world." Luna starts to worry slightly before steering herself and took a deep breath. "I must learn what I can from them as much as I can. You must know your enemy." She stated before everything was gone. She turned her head in every direction but saw nothing before she felt the dreamer stirring. "So we may meet face to face... Jackson." She starts to be pushed from the world and soon back in the real world sitting in front of the holding cell and inside was a awakening clone soldier. He looked at her after sitting up and simply saying. "Who the hell are you?" She gave his confused face a glare. "To answer your question of who, we are Princess Luna co-ruler of Equestria." She said while getting to her hooves and looked at him and noticed how he was nearly as tall as her with him just under eye level. He gave her an odd look with his head cocked to the side. "They brought royalty here to see me? I didn't know I was that famous." He said shrugging to himself. "So what can I do you for princess?" He said leaning on the metal bars in front of her making the two Night Guards readying their swords. Luna waves her hands to make them calm down before speaking. "I have arrived to deal with an alien who nearly killed one of our guards, and not to add invading our world, Jackson" She added his name and saw his eyes narrowed and his hands reached for his neck and pulled the necklaces she seen in the dreams. "You read my dog tags didn't you?" He said letting the 'dog tags' hang from his neck. "And to clear things up, those two idiots you call guards were failures. Yes they captured me but they now angered a recon team with weapons better than yours, as you have seen, and now are missing a comrade." He said crossing his arms. Luna glares at him. "The royal guard is the finest force in the country. And as for you... clone we do not fear you or your weapons." Her horn glowed and pulled one captured weapon infront of her. It was a small one and from reports the same type as the one used by the other clone to shoot the guard in the back. To Luna it wasn't very impressive in looks but it seemed clean and taken cared of and she had to admire that. She also noticed how Jackson was eyeing the weapon closely and how it was handled by her. "Be careful with that thing princess... That is not a toy and last I checked, the safety was off." He said in a clearly worried tone, but Luna simply stared at him and then turned towards the weapon again. She saw the trigger and knew it was what set off the weapon from the letter and guard reports, but noticed up close many other smaller pieces that moved, so she started to probe them. Following her hitting a few random parts she hit one that made something fall out of the bottom and hit the ground with an audible *thud*. She stared at it for a moment before reaching down and grabbing it. She then began to look at it, then to where it was in the weapon. "Your weapons aren't as impressive as they seem Jackson." She said, as she placed the weapon on a table not far from her. He doesn't look impressed either. "That weapon has enough power to remove that crown from your head... along with the rest of the upper part of your head, so don't think understanding it means much when having it fired at you." He said, still eyeing the weapon knowing that one is still in the chamber. "And you have our last resort defense weapon not our heavier gear sweetie." Luna has her eye brows cross from his words. "You will treat us with respect, Clone." She spat back glaring at him, which only got him to return it back, and to everypony’s surprise, weakens it. He then stepped forward as much as the bars allow him. "Yeah we're clones... it means we don't fear much, and so far you're not doing a good job at trying to make me fear you at all. My partner wounded one guard and everyone froze in fear. I have seen hell and look dead in the eye and spat in it repeatedly. Now think of an army of more like me who are most likely able to show no mercy when provoked... and attacking it's recon team is a good way to anger them." He said, and throughout it all Luna has lost her glare and took a few steps back. She won’t say it, but she shivered a little at his threat, which is doing a good job in being convincing. Luna looks towards her guards who seem more hesitant to move. Twilight was not looking so well either but steered herself and walked forward. "Mister Jackson, why have you and your..." She stops to think a moment before starting again. "...Your brothers come here. To clear this up we must understand everything from both sides." She said with some hope in her eyes that this won't end in bloodshed. Jackson turned his gaze to her and he smiles surprising all but Twilight who returns it. "Why me and my brothers are here will be discussed when our commander arrives which will be the day after tomorrow. Its best you try to make amends with the rest of my team before the army arrives and we can meet them and inform them of the situation and we can avoid blood shed." He stated looking towards the princess and his smile disappears. "Now if you would allow me free we can clear this up... i'm sure you rather not have my team come try to bust me out and wound and even kill." Luna was in deep thought about this. He made a good point, but she didn't trust him. "How will we know if you will keep that promise?" She asked crossing her arms. "I don't have any good reason to trust you." He gave her a blank look. "You’re right... You have no reason to trust me, but do you want to risk a war with another world?" He said and everything became quiet. "Right now you have three skilled soldiers who may not be in a very good mood, and on top of that no matter what happens, an army of more of us will arrive. If we greet them they will know not to gun you down... if we are missing or the rest of my team informs them when they arrive about you attacking us... There is no chance of peace." His words put Luna into deep thought. "Maybe we can come to an agreement? We have lost contact with two of our scouts who were sent to find the rest of your team... they may have been captured, maybe a trade and then we can get on better terms?" She said slowly as her magic brought a key over to the cell and unlocked it for him. He stood confused for a moment along with everyone else before he stepped out and headed towards where she set his weapon down. He reached it and started to put it back together before putting it back in its holster. "Alright, if it even makes you feel better I can get them to come here and we can talk... where is my helmet and gear? Need to make sure none of you blow yourselves up with my weapons." He looked back at the guards who simply stared at each other, then to their princess. The princess cleared her throat and nodded. "I'm going to have to deny your request for your weapons until we have settled everything between each other. I'm sure you can understand why, and we will keep our ponies from touching them and endangering themselves." She said walking to one guard and saying something quietly to him before he saluted and walk out of the room. Jackson smiled. "Yes, that's a good idea last we need is a room painted in blood from them playing with a frag grenade." He jokes and gets nothing but horror filled faces in return making him shrug."Sorry for my sense of humor. Anyways, its best we get to our camp and get formal greetings done with before they try anything past the point of no return." With that, the princess of the night with her personal guard exit the castle with their guest clone trooper. The Everfree forest was not known for being peaceful, but tonight some new sounds were added to the cries of wild animals. The roar of a heavy engine was heard drowning out the return calls of many other creatures and even drew some to the recon team's camp, which came out with odd results and even brought a new guest at the camp. Franklin sat by a camp fire made of what was some sort of wooden wolves that the ponies told them were call “Timberwolves”, while one of the said creatures lay not far off licking a bullet wound on its side while two of its good legs was tied with a rope to keep it from running off. Eric was beside it petting it slowly after showing it who was in charge, after cleaning his Bowie knife of the tree sap blood from the pack's former Alpha’s torn body. Dexter was busy trying to work on their ride and caused the mess of the night by having to start the engine to check on how it was running and clean it. He wasn't having a good time. "I wish Jackson didn't get his ass kicked by a herd of them damn ponies, cuz’ he knows how this thing works better than me!" He complained slamming the hood closed before walking over to the fire with the others. He then sat down rubbing his grease covered hands on his pants. Along with the troops were the two captured ponies who chatted quietly with each other, ignoring the clones eyeing them every so often. it was going to be a quiet night, even after the wolf attack that ended after a four minute shooting gallery with many wooden dogs running off after the alpha getting stabbed a few times in its neck and eye socket by Eric, who was now playing with his new companion. But things are never quiet for long in this world and they didn't really expect this to happen just before the sun rises. "Comrades! I see you’ve been busy without me!" a voice that only belonged to a clone was heard and all eyes turned to the source only to stare at the sight before them. Jackson was walking towards them with two armored ponies wearing purple armor escorting a tall woman that got more looks at her body then anything else before they snapped out of it after hearing both of the prisoners speak up. "Princess Luna! What are you doing here?!" They called out as one and she just waved them off. The troopers' reactions were much quicker grabbing their guns and taking aim at the new arrivals, but hesitated when Jackson moved in between the two sides. "Don't go shooting yet boys, so far I made a deal with them so..." He pointed to the two tied ponies. "...Go ahead and untie them, cause they released me." He said walking forward and kneeling down beside the others. "And its best we not mess up our chance to get this resolved peacefully and get to the main objective with that God forsaken portal." Luna looked at the clones before her. "What do you know of the portal?" She asked looking toward the one who seems in charge. "All we have understood is that some powerful mage has created it, but we have no idea who that was and why it is still a mystery as well." With this said, the troopers shared looks. Franklin stands up and turns to her. "We don't know much, only that it caused a bit of a mess when it first appeared." He stated crossing his arms. "Further information will be shared when the general arrives." He said walking towards the two tied pony guards and cutting them loose. After they were freed they quickly moved to join the other two ponies, who had what looked like bat wings in the place of the normal wings. "Princess... if we may ask. I would much prefer not to stay in the forest here, and if we are going to be allies or at least friends, can we start to make friends with the populace cause I'm sure we didn't make the best first impressions." He said pointing towards where the town was. She couldn't help but shiver slightly. "Yes, the ponies aren't going to react well to you. It’s best we try to calm them down before making this public." She said sighing. "I'm sure you understand, half of the town did see one of their great protectors injured by an alien." She added making Franklin nod in agreement. "I can understand that. But it’s best we try and do something before an army arrives and they think they're being invaded..." He brought his hand to his chin in thought. Luna then asked something else. "I want to know why an army is on its way here? I demand to know why a large force is needed for... what ever you are here for." She said and it was clear she wasn't going to take nothing but the correct answer. The clones all shared a odd look before Franklin tried to use the oldest line there is. "That information is classified. The general who is with the army will tell the re-" He was cut off by her stomping her hoof into the ground and glaring. "Do not use such a line on me. I have lived long enough to hear that excuse far too many times!" She said sternly glaring. Franklin sighed. "If I told you would you even believe it?" He said catching her off guard. "What do you mean?" She asked rising an eyebrow. "If asked... don't tell anyone you heard it from us... When the portal arrived in our world... it caused a massive explosion wiping a town off the face of the world. We're here to bring who ever opened the portal to justice, the army is here in case the world wasn't very friendly and to make sure we get our target." He said in a dark tone and a not very happy look on his face. Luna along with all the guards had their mouths hanging open and some reason loud gasps were heard from the bushes off to the side. All the troopers, and even guards, aim their weapons towards the source. The princess was the first to speak. "We demand thy show yourselves at once!" She called out. After a tense few seconds six mares step out of the bushes and stand before the princess like kids caught stealing from the cookie jar. The one with a purple coat with both wings and horn that Jackson saw at the castle spoke up. "Sorry princess... We tagged along like this to make sure nothing happened. We needed to make sure another pony didn't get hurt... and then got more than we expected." She said with her head hanging low. The princess sighed. "You have good intentions Twilight Sparkle, but this was very reckless of you. You and the others could've been hurt." She said scolding her but before anything else could be said. "Princess who are these civilians?!" Franklin asked pointing at them, the others weren't taking it any better. "You let these girls come here so easily and you only scold them?!" He said aloud. "That information wasn't suppose to be out yet! We are going to find the one who has so much blood on their hands and if this info gets out we're hunting for them, they will go into a hiding and we'll have to tear the country apart to find 'em!" His face was red as his anger grew. A hand lands on his shoulder plate and he looks at Eric. "Sir calm down... but yes we must deal with these spies." He eyed the six ponies unsure about them. "Princess, I'm taking you know them well, if that's all you're going to do to them." He said walking her way. "You do know if they spill this information, they are interfering with a... universal manhunt of a person who has committed a terrorist act attacking a world power." He said now standing in front of the princess and the six girls, who now had a mix of looks on their faces. The princess was in thought about what he just told her and was in thought. "That... is quite a statement..." She begun. "And I'm sure my sister would greatly assist in this hunt... such a crime shouldn't go unpunished, who ever is responsible will be brought to justice." She said nodding her head towards the troopers before looking towards the girls. "I'm sure you six can keep quiet until the right moment, and also help these stallions gain a better image in the public's eye. I'm sure you can manage this." She said looking over them. The troopers all share a uncertain look before Jackson spoke up. " Well, if you think it will work... but we still have another objective we need to complete. So all of us won't be able to take part in any meet and greets." He stated and the others let out their agreements. Luna with her curiosity perked asked. "And what is this other objective? We maybe able to assist in completing it." She asked. "It's a good way to help with relations for us to work together." She smiled to them. Franklin looked at her before sighing. "Our objective is to find and map suitable locations for a FOB in this world. We already started to map out the area around the portal and found it to be the best location for what will be built." He said and this got a puzzled look from some of them and other not happy reactions. One guard spoke out. "You want to build a operating base in the heart of our country?" He asked in a not so friendly tone and many of the others soon joined in. The blue coat girl with rainbow hair spoke up next. "No way you can go and build right next to our homes!" Her shout of disapproval was joined by the other guards and one of the girls but they were silenced by Luna when she raised her hand. "Enough. Now this depends on how large this... 'FOB' will be and I must take it up with our sister." She said looking towards Franklin. He simply shrugs in return. "Afraid I can't tell you how big it will be... but I know it will be set up around the portal to keep it protected, and where we can get supplies through easier." He said pointing out to where the glow of the portal sat in the distance. "We'll have to wait and see how big of force that arrives to guess how big it will need to be. Luna nodded slowly. "I will discuss this with my sister and your general, when he does arrive. But before that I would think my sister would like to have a word with you about all this and what will follow." She said looking to the distant mountain with a castle somehow perched on its side. "Tomorrow I will have a train sent for you to arrive at the capital of Canterlot, is this clear?" The four men only nodded their heads in understanding. "We have a busy day tomorrow. Let us get some rest while you go and get this meeting with your sister arranged, and as well let these girls get some rest if they wish to help us tomorrow." Eric said walking forward along with his new companion who got a happy look from the yellow winged pony girl. The princess looked to the moon that was nearing its place on the horizon. "Yes not long before my sister will raise the sun. Let's go girls, we will need rest for what will come tomorrow." With that said she and her massed ponies turned and started to head back to the town leaving the clone troopers to get some rest themselves. -Earth- -Ground zero- -UAF field HQ- The general looked at the reports of the forces he will be taking into the new world. "Seems I'm getting some good ones." He said to himself picking up the tablet with the regiment he is commanding in the new world, which so far hasn't proven safe for deeper exploration yet due to the single recon team not reporting back yet. He began to read off the numbers. "One thousands troops from the 5th German regiment... few hundred Leopards... wonder if they got the old cold war ones or the more modern ones..." He shrugs. "A hand full of American made Apaches and Hueys along with some Euro choppers, with some extra forces from the British. Not bad... not bad at all enough to conquer a small country... I wonder how the great leaders expect me to get the choppers in that damn portal." He looked out the window at the rising sun and then to a clock near him. "One more day before we move... wonder how those boys are faring.?" He commented in thought. "Hope they respond before we go in blindly, I don't need to lose a regiment and any other support units by having them march into a world of death." He said sighing The roar of heavy engines brought his gaze to one of the tent windows, and he saw a small formation of British Challenger Mark IIs along with some German made Leopard IIs. "Looks like the German vanguards are arriving, not long before the rest get here as well." He commented watching the war machines roll to the nearby depot where he spotted some supply trucks with building materials being worked on. "Let's see if they can beat their last record of twenty hours of getting the FOB up and running, if we can get one at all." He said recalling the last base that was built under heavy fire and still got done only to be shelled to ruins making him chuckle lightly. "Oh how the officer bragged of how fat they did it only for it to be turned into a crater." With that, he returned to his desk and once again started to fill out paperwork, and requisitions for supplies and equipment needed for what is ahead. -Equestria- -Canterlot- -Morning- Celestia slowly walked towards the dining hall with a smile on her face, greeting nobles and guards alike as she went to breakfast. As she entered the dining hall she spotted her sister Luna already eating and gives her a smile and a nod. "Good morning Luna, how was the night? I pray the strange happenings in Ponyville has been dealt with?" She said with a smile sitting down and took a sip of coffee. Luna didn't answer but went into thought. "Sister... to say the least... a lot happened." She started. "We now will have to meet with four aliens called humans from another world... and have a meeting about why they are here, and about the army and their world they stand for... they want to build a FOB around the portal they came from to protect it. Also tomorrow an army will come through, and its commander wishes to speak with us." She summed up and Celestia was in a bit of shock from that along with any noble, guard and servant within ear shot. Celestia soon recovered and spoke. "All that happened in one day and night? And these 'Humans' want to build a base in our country?" She was in deep thought about this. "And when will we meet them?" She asked. Luna looked at a nearby clock. "A few hours from now, a little after noon. I already sent word to the train station to get one sent to Ponyville to pick them up. I told them to be on their best behavior... oh and the guards you sent... started a fight with them and ended up with one very badly wounded, but he will make it." She added lastly and once again had anypony within earshot fell into a shocked silence. "They seem to be a very experienced fighting force... of clones" And that was the final straw for some servants and nobles, and one guard recruit as they fainted or left the room. "These Humans seem... dangerous." She said looking at her sister. "Why are they here? Better yet, why is an army coming?" She said worried slightly. Luna merely sighed and leaned over. "The pony who opened that portal cause a lot of damage to their world when it opened, and they want whoever did it brought to justice... and the army is for if the world they were entering was hostile." She said before sitting back down. "They aren't here for war, but are ready if it comes to them. I’ve been in of the clone's dreams... they know warfare on a scale that nightmares couldn't match. That is why I quickly put forward the idea of trying to peacefully settle things, and this is how it turned out." Celestia was now in thought about this. "Sister... you did good if what you said is true... but, next time... please tell me when species from another world come to ours and you make peace with them." She jokes lightly with a smile which Luna shares. "Now I'll start preparations for this meeting. You said four clones? That should be an interesting meeting." She said going back to the topic at hand. Luna nodded. "Agreed... when I spoke with them... they may be clones, but each seemed different... unlike those Pinkie Pie clones I heard about so long ago who seemed to be a broken record." She commented. "They each seem to have their own history and did find it slightly offensive when I referred to them as clones." She informed her sister who took in the information. "Well Lulu... seems you are getting ready to be a great ruler taking matters into your own hands. Now let's get through this morning and ready our ponies for these humans to come visit." With that they begun to eat and chat about what will be needed to be done and hoping later that day it will go smoothly. All the while some nobles and guards tried to calm themselves of what may come their way.
Chapter 4.-Equestria- -Ponyville- -Morning- The recon team did their morning routines and got dressed but in a way to help their image they didn't put on their armor and wore their white T-shirts along with their normal pants and belt and took only their side arms with a army cap on their head in standard woodland camo. After getting ready and only grabbing a light snack and Eric bringing along his new pet they headed towards the sleeping town of Ponyville. The four clones slowly walked into the town as the sun was still rising looking around for any hidden threat only to find nothing in the quiet town not even awake yet. Not one of the houses seemed to have any movement in them and it made the battle hardened soldiers uneasy as from experience long periods of time of no sound is never good. The silence was broken when Jackson asked the biggest and most important question there could be in this situation. "Any idea where we can get something to eat? I'm staving." He asked rubbing his stomach and got three blank stares from his brothers while he smiled weakly back. "What i know you guys are just a little hungry as well." Franklin rolls his eyes but gives him a light grunt in agreement, then he notices the large house that looks to be made out of sweets. "bet five bucks that is a bakery." He said getting the others to look where he is pointing. Soon all four of them find themselves heading to the building in question and start to smell sweets of many different types coming from their destination. Franklin reached the door and saw the sign was 'close' and sighed. "Our luck... what the." He looked again and all of a sudden it said 'open'. He stared and the others even shared a odd look before opening the door with a small ring form a bell and walking into the front room that was full of booths and tables cleaned and ready for the day ahead. Eric headed over to a booth and sat down and was soon joined by the timber wolf that he recently named 'Timber' who wagged its tail happily. "Good girl." He said rubbing the wolf's head as the other three went to the counter which lacked anyone working at the moment but their was sounds and talking from the back rooms. Franklin tapped a bell on the counter a few times. "Hello? Are we early?" He asked aloud before turning around to face the two others. "What are you guys getting?" He pointed to a menu and they began to talk about how the treats were almost the same as the ones back on Earth. After chatting a little they hear hoof steps near and a voice belonging to a woman spoke up. "What can i get you gentle colts?" She said, but once they all turned to her the smile she had on her face left and nothing but fear took its place. "Yo.. you... you're the ones who injured that guard on the edge of town!" With that she ran into the back room where the troopers hear a lot of pans and other objects being thrown about. "Not a great start to improving our image." Dexter said rubbing his neck. "May have to go the morning with out much to eat, wonder if the princess will let us eat?" From the back room more noise is heard with a sudden pink flash shooting to the counter to turn into a pink mare leaning over the counter smiling at them. "No way! I wont let you four guys from another world go hungry while i work here!" The pink mare called out before grabbing a note pad. "What would you like and its on the house!" She called out in a very happy tone. The mare was a short compared to most with a bit of bust on her body with Her coat being a light pink with her hair/mane being a darker shade of the same color with a matching tail. Her face wore a massive grin under two large blue eyes that sparkled unnaturally and didn't ease the clones at all, but they couldn't turn away the offer of free food. Jackson smiled and step forward. "I think I'll take a slice of apple pie if the menu brags about it so much." After he said that she wrote it quickly down onto the pad and looked to the other two standing at the counter. A voice comes out from behind them. "I'll have some of that pie as well!" Eric called out and she added it to the list. Franklin shrugged before pointing to a menu. "Give me a coffee and a blue berry muffin." She nodded happily but then something odd happened. Some of her body parts randomly twitched in some sort of order and she gasped. "Uhh... you ok?" Dexter asked unsure of what just happened. She didn't answer and simply ran to the back in a pink blur. "I'll be back with your food just don't brake anything ok?" She called out before the door to the back room closed. "What did she mean by that? We're not animals." Jackson said only for them to hear the bell to the front door ring as it opened and in the door was five armored ponies that the clones now knew as the Royal Guard walked in only to stop and stare back at them in confusion. The two groups of soldiers stared blankly before the troopers went to chatting about random things as they all do in their idle time and went to where Eric was sitting with Timber and sat to wait for food. The guards didn't let them off easy though as one walked up. "What are you doing here?" He said crossing his arms standing at their table and all four clones plus one timberwolf stared at him in return. Dexter spoke up to answer such a simple question. "Cause we have to eat too you short sighted moron." The guard didn't take kindly to the insult and glared and the others were already giving hate filled looks that the clones weren't impressed at all by. Jackson stood up and glared at the brave guard pony. "Is there trouble? Cause if so speak up and we can settle this soldier to soldier... if you even can be counted as one." He taunted that only further angered the pony and the others weren't getting any better either. The other guards soon slowly went to their comrade and the clones stood up and the two groups faced off not noticing the ponies who came in for breakfast to stop and watch the two sides stand off, nor did they notice the pink mare to drop off their food. Except for Timber who started to steal her new master's food. the small crowd that included the ones who worked the bakery watched silently waiting for the first move to be made. But soon boredom took the clones and they looked away from the ponies and started to eat, While Eric scolded Timber who has taken half the slice of pie he ordered. And oddly the pink mare has brought the food Dexter was about to order, how she knew no one will know. The ponies were slightly confused before one opened his mouth. "HA! They knew they couldn't beat us and backed down." He smiled and the others laughed while the ponies watching eased a little seeing a fight wont brake out and glad the guard was here to keep order, If only the troopers didn't feel like it was over just yet. Jackson with his pride on the line stood up and took a step to stand right in front of the guard who spoke and ended up towering over the colt. "No... we don't fight kids who play dress up. But if you want to go... well we don't start fights but we sure as hell end them." He stated looking down on the slightly shaking colt. "How about you make yourself look good and not pick a fight that you may not win in front of half the town." He nodded to the ponies watching and some holding their breath. The colt slowly backed away only to bump into another guard that somewhat reassured him and he stepped aside for the stallion behind him to take his place and looked the clone in the eye. "Easy to scare a recruit. Try a veteran." He said in a deep voice. Jackson only cocked his head to the side. "Your a vet? What kind of combat you seen? Ever had the blood of your enemy on your hands or weapons? Held a comrade in your arms as he bleed to death?" He slowly advanced on the stallion who stood his ground but his face was showing a little bit of horror. "If you are a vet then I have nothing to fear from your army what so ever. Now if you excuse me I plan to eat my food before it gets cold, thank you." With that he sat down and started to eat. The guards at that took the hint and backed off and ended up at the counter and placed their orders but still gave the four clone troopers looks every so often before they got a table on the other side of the room. The other ponies slowly went into a normal routine still giving the table of clones some space and went on their normal day if not slightly delayed. After a few minutes of eating and chatting the clones stood up and gave their thanks to the pink mare who still jumped up and down even as she carried a tray of food to a table and waved them off as they stepped outside. The town was now alive with ponies setting up in the nearby market and others heading to work, and of course nearly all of them stopping for a second or more to stare wide eye'd at the troopers who paid them little mind and begun towards the train station. "So the train to the capital should either be waiting on us... or we're waiting on it." Franklin said as they walked the streets and they soon realized they didn't know where they were going. Eric speaks up after they manage to go in a circle. "Sir maybe we should get some sort of map... we never did recon the town and get any kind of routes planned out." He says frowning at the odd looks they were getting and if he looked he could spot a few giggling and pointing to them. "And it seems the natives can tell we're lost..." Franklin sighs in defeat and points to the massive castle. "Maybe we can ask for help there... if we don't have them over react." Jackson smiles. "That's where i was held for a bit, and i think they got Dexter's G36 there too." Dexter looks at the massive structure. "Bout time i can get that thing back... hope they took care of it and not done anything stupid with it." "Well lets get going before it gets to late and end up missing our train... if we have to we can use the Humvee and go on a road trip... may take a day though..." Franklin said and they altered their wondering towards the massive shiny building in town. At the Castle of Friendship Twilight has been busy as of late and once again not slept and it was showing as she smiled madly as she went over her latest personal project. In the basement of the castle she has taken the captured weapon and start to dismantle it and examine its inner workings and she found out the gun did so very easily and was many, many notes into just how the simple layout is made not even begun on how it full works. She was busy laying out some of the smaller pieces that worked the trigger when Spike came down the stairs and called for her. "Hey Twilight!" He yelled but she didn't hear or ignored his call. He sighed before he walk the maze of books she collected and paper she tossed away or was about to be used and grabbed a cup of tea she was drinking and proceeded to toss the warm drink at the bookish mare snapping her back to reality with a squeal and a glare at Spike. "Spike!" She yelled and glared at her assistant who wore a not impressed look. "Twilight we have company... and i think this." He points to the weapon she has stripped. "Belongs to them and i'm sure they would like it back." He stated blankly before letting the info sink into her brain working over time. Then he watches her eyes widen and her thoughts hit a train wreck. "Those clones are here!? WHY?!" She yelled at the young dragon who waited for her to calm down before speaking. "They came to collect what is theirs and they also need a map or something of the town so they can walk around town easy." He said evenly. Twilight was now in a rush to try and reassemble the weapon and failing badly. "I shouldn't of even touched this thing! What if they get mad about me taking it apart? WHAT IF I BRAKE IT!?" She was lost in worry as she rushed dropping books, notes, and metal parts. Spike sighs and turns to the stair case he came down and calls. "You guys can come down here." And soon boot steps are heard coming and Twilight stopped to listen to the new sound as her ears turned to the source to see four figures in white shirts enter the basement and stare blankly at her and the mess around her. And one speaks up with a not very happy tone. "Is that my G36 you took apart?" Twilight couldn't respond and sat silent a moment. He sighs and walks towards her and pushes her aside and gets to putting the weapon back together with amazing ease and in less then a few minutes the weapon is together without a part missing and he pulls the trigger and hears a click making him smile and nod. "Please don't go doing that again please, ok?" He asks her and she nods slowly. She finally speaks. "Sorry... not every day you get to examine tech from another world... especially ones without magic." She rubbed her neck before perking back up. "Oh right Spike mentioned you needed a map right?" She walked her maze of books and notes easier then one would think and her magic opened a draw on a nearby desk and pulled out a rolled up paper and levitated it over to them. "This is a map of the town and the outskirts area. Hope it is helpful." She said looking the four. "Thank you Princess this will come in handy. Also how are those two guards my men wounded in the fight the other day?" The leader asked making Twilight shudder a little. "The one who was injured by the weapon... he will be stuck in bed for a long while due to the internal damage from the weapon. The other walked away with minor bruises but is fine." She informed them. "That's good to hear. We'll make sure anything like that wont happen again." He said nodding to her. "Now we'll be on our way... we're due in Canterlot soon... and we can now find the train station." With that he turned to the stairs with his teammates and went up the stairs leaving the princess with a dragon who was giving her a blank look. "I'm not cleaning this up." He said before heading up as well leaving the princess of friendship to clean up the mess she made on her own. After a moment of getting their bearings the clones made it to the train station to find a train waiting for them for the past twenty minutes. The train was rather short consisting of a Mail car, high class passenger car, and lastly a engine and its coal car. On the platform were a pair of unicorn guards in gold armor much like the others before with swords on their hips. Franklin walked up towards one and they both looked over each other with curiosity. "I assume you are one of the clone soldiers the princesses wish to meet?" The pony guard asks. Franklin nodded. "Yup that's us. You here to escort us or something?" He asks back looking at the guards partner and back to the one before him. The guard looked at the clones behind Franklin. "Our job to keep you company on the way to the capital and make sure nothing bad happens." He stated and reached over and open the door. "Lets not keep them waiting any longer then they should." He said motioning them to enter the passenger car that four men happily walk in and find seats in the car and the guards follow closing the door. The clones were amused to find they got a VIP car and didn't waste time in exploring it. The two guards stood watching the four act like kids in a toy store go from side to the other. Jackson jumped over a little private bar and set up behind it while Eric took a seat at it and ordered something. Dexter took a seat by a window not far from the door and stared to look about. Lastly Franklin found a couch along the side and laid down on it and pulled his hat over his eyes. The two guards shared odd looks before going their own ways. One went to inform the conductor it was clear to go while the last went to the bar and sat at it beside Eric. The guard was about to place his own order to the temporary bar tender when he heard growling from under him and looked to see Timber. "Huh... can you keep that thing under control. Some ponies are scared of these things." He said pointing at the wooden wolf. Eric laughs a little. "I'm taking she has to deal with a large amount of upper class snobs and such?" He reached down and rubbed the wolf's head making her stop growling. "I'll keep her close by me to keep her in line." Jackson has gotten a few cups and filled them all with what smelled the strongest and placed them on the bar for them all. "Not sure what it is... think its wine of sorts. Drink up anyway boys." With that he threw his head back and downed the cup in one go and had a disappointed look on his face. "I've had flavored water stronger then this." He then went to trying to find something stronger. Eric shrugged and downed it while the guard took a drink and tried to not show how hard it hit them and failed as Eric patted on on the back a few times. "Sorry... i guess you guys are used to this more then i am." He said coughing a little. Jackson comes back with a out of place bottle with 'Apple Cider' on its label and a smile on his face. "I believe this is sweeter and stronger then that wine." He filled the empty cup in front of Eric and filled the guard's as well after he downed the wine in it. "That should be a little better." He tips his own cup back and a smile comes to his face. "Not bad for apple juice, still got a good kick to it at least." The other two soon join him taking sips from their cups and start to get into a chat with the guard wondering what their army was like. Over by the window Dexter was watching the landscape slowly pass by before footsteps were heard coming down the car to him and he turned his head to the source to find an odd sight. Coming down the car was a young mare who was looking over his brothers oddly as she past them. She seemed to wear what could be guessed a waitress's outfit but something seemed a little off about her, and that was further proved as she looked at him and smiled and sat down across from him. "Well hello there." She said leaning forward to him making him raise an eyebrow at her. "Hello ma'am... can i help you in anyway?" He asked crossing his arms and trying to ignore her bust she almost seemed to be purposely showing him. She giggles lightly. "Oh just wanting to get to know who these aliens are who after a day or so being here is already going to meet the princesses. You must be important or something." She said looking him in the eye and for a moment he saw her eyes flash green for a moment before he shakes his head shrugging it off as their "magic". "Yes... our first mission of recon the land has turned into a mission to make peaceful relations with this country before our brothers come marching through that portal on the war path." He stated calmly. "I'm sure you don't want an army of 'aliens' burning most of the country with weapons never seen before." He added. She was quiet a moment as if adding it all up. "I'll have to agree with that... i rather prefer my home not gone." She said nodding. "And what do you mean by 'your brothers?'" She asked cocking her eyebrow. "We're clones... and we call each other brothers. Also can tell that you are looking for information with you trying to butter me up and show off your goods. So whats your game?" He leaned forward to her and she leaned back in turn. She looked back and forth a little as if looking for a way out. "What do you mean? A mare can't get to know somepony new?" She laughed nervously. She leaned forward again and her eyes flashed green again looking into his eyes and once again he just stares back blankly. "Now that i think of it... this train is very short... And where'd that guard who went the same way you came from go?" He fixed her with a stare and she was now backed into her sit slightly sweating and she gave a look over to the guard who was at the bar and for some reason he looked back at her. The guard stood up and walked their way and his back received two black odd looks from Jackson and Eric who were enjoying their conversation. When he got to them he looked down on Dexter and arms crossed. "Are you scarring this young mare?" He said in a stern voice and a slight glare aimed at Dexter who looked up at him in turn. "I would ask you to question where you partner went my friend. Cause i'm not sure whats in that mail car but i'm sure nothing is there to really keep him busy unless he had to help the engineers. And to top it off this mare comes out of the blue the same way he came and i'm sure she didn't come from the engine, her outfit is to clean." He was standing now and Jackson and Eric was not far from them and watching. The sound of a door opening and closing got them all to look at the front of the car where Franklin stood at the door. "The train is missing a unicorn guard." He comments starting to walk forward and all eyes fall onto the mare who was now getting a slightly irritated look on her face. "Apparently you are smarter then the ponies." She said standing up only for the M1911 to be pointed into her gut by Dexter. He gave her a even look. "Best sit back down before you find out what this thing can do. I bet the princesses will question where that missing guard is." He said pushing her back into her sit. And to everyone's surprises the mare starts too chuckle darkly. "If only they really put guards on this train." With that said two green flames engulf both her and the other guard making the clones jump back in shock and take aim with their side arms. Once the fire is gone standing in the place of the two ponies were two black skinned creatures that looked like ponies if not for the insect wings and water blue eyes. What was once a young busty mare was a stallion as tall as the guard that went missing that wore metal armor while the former unicorn guard now wore dark green armor in the place of the gold. The clones were confused on a new worldly level but that didn't stop them from reacting to the two charging them with jagged daggers hissing a battle cry and showing long fangs. Dexter being so close to the former mare was quickly tackled and pined and was fighting to keep the weapon away from his chest. Jackson was about to put a 45. into his comrade's attacker before he was hit by the other knocking the gun out of his hands and he turned and gave a punch into the offending shape shiftier knocking the breath of of it. Eric and Franklin didn't waste time and took aim and both fired twice into their two targets. Eric's M1911 punched into the green armor'd one fighting with Jackson and ended it quickly while Franklin's P99 put two rounds into the shoulder blade injuring the one pinning Dexter down and giving him the chance to kick the bug like pony off him and in turned pinned it with his gun aimed at it's head. They all were silent a moment before once again the door at the front opened and a pony in overalls and a conductors cap walked in and stared. "What in Celestia's name happened!" He yelled out in confusion making the troopers laugh a little. "We'll explain later, for now lets just get to Canterlot and turn this mess over to the real guards..." Eric said walking over to the bug pony he killed and checking the armor for anything of use. "Nothing much on them. Any idea what these things are?" He looks to the conductor who was still in shock. He spoke after looking at the two for a moment. "Those are called changelings that can take the form of any pony and take their place. Not more then a year or so ago their queen attacked the capital but were repelled... seems they're not been fully dealt with." He informs the clones who now focus to the single injured changeling with rage in its face. Dexter fixed the look on his face by bashing the bug pony's face with his pistol making it grunt in pain. "Now... i still have a question but that trick you tried to pull. What was up with your eyes flashing green every few minutes you locked eyes with me?" Dexter asked replacing the gun barrel to the changeling's head. The shape shifting pony was quiet a moment before speaking. "I was trying to mind control you... but... my magic failed to do anything to you." It sounded curious of the idea but it didn't make Dexter happy hearing something tried to mind control him. "If it worked i'm sure my brothers would know me acting weird and telling you all about our military just cause you showed some C cup tits." He said blankly. "And now... what was your mission?" The changeling didn't answer and spit a him with green slime that stuck to his cheek and in turn got a final heavy hit from the gun knocking it out. "Well that could of gone better." Jackson said already heading back to the bar and took a drink of the cider. The other three joined him and all grabbed a cup. "We try to make friends with a country and end up fighting one of its enemies." Franklin said. The conductor came up to them. "Well you all may want to get ready we're about ten minutes away from the city and i'm sure the guards want to know what happened here." The pony said before heading to the front of the train. With that the clones all raised their classes and tapped them together. "Another mission we almost made it through without fucking up." They all called before downing their drinks. At the train station a small crowd was waiting as the train pulled to a stop. the small crowd was made up by guards who waited to escort the outsiders, press who wanted to see them, and a few nobles wondering who is more important then they are. When the door to the passenger car opened out walked four not to impressive creatures that resembled ponies only with odd feet and heads. But what set the crowd off was that the four were dragging two changelings behind them and dropped them right in front of the front guards and the lead one spoke. "These two tried to pose as guards and get information. We dealt with them." he points to the one that wasn't bleeding with bandages over its arm. "That one is still alive, i'm sure you would like to have a word with it." With that they turned to leave wondering in the direction of the Palace leaving a large group of confused ponies to stare at two bloody changelings. Author's Note If you guys spot any mistakes they will be fixed as soon as my editor gets to them.
Chapter 5.Author's Note Hello readers and a heads up the chapter is unedited due to my current editor is busy and can't do his job. When I get a new one or he gets a chance the next few chapters will be unedited but i will have them fixed when i find a editor who can help. Chapter 5. -Canterlot- -Recon Team- Not long after they handed over the two changelings in varying states of well being a group of six guards with two of each type arrived and started to escort the four clones to some unknown location. The six guards were quiet as they marched in a semi-circle around the clones who didn't like things being to quiet if they could help it. "One of you golden boys please tell us where we are being escorted." Eric said blankly while Timber followed close by his legs. The guards remained quiet before one that seemed to be the youngest spoke up even though a glare or two was sent his way by the other ponies. "We are taking you to meet the royal sisters. They also are very curious of what happened on the train ride here if i may add." The clones merely smiled at each other. "They had a good idea to get friendly with us and try to chat us up..." Franklin started. Dexter spoke up chuckling a little. "One of those shape-shifters tried to be a little cute clueless mare and get me to talk, even tried some mind control magic but failed. Then we fought and shot them." He finished laughing and the others couldn't help but join him while six guards stared at them confused. "You killed one and wounded the other... and your laughing?" One unicorn guard says. The clones ignore the question and get their laughter under control soon after. "Well lets get going best not keep the sisters waiting." Dexter said pointing down the hall they were heading only getting irritated snorts from the guards in return before they started to march again. Franklin rolls his eyes. "Alright lets not pick on the poor lads... just because we're better don't mean you can pick on them." He states and the guards either give a glare his way or ignore him and keep walking. "How did you get to meet the royal sisters with that kind of lip?" One pony asks. Eric speaks up. "To answer that question is we have a army on the way and we need to made sure blood isn't shed pointlessly." The guards became quiet as they went into thought and some were full of disbelief at what he just told them. The sound of hoof steps and complaining drew their attention down the hall where a small group of well dressed ponies were complaining about not being able to meet the princesses in court, then the group of ponies spotted the ten soldiers in front of them and came to a stop and the two sides exchanged looks. Finally after a moment of this one of the lead unicorns with a white coat and gold mane stepped forward and spoke. "I demand to know who and what are you.. things!" He said in a snobby tone. The ten soldiers stared blankly before Jackson asked. "Why should we tell you?" The guards held back a laugh as the noble glared at the clone. "You must be from a very deep hole not see know the royal prince when you see him!" He spat at Jackson. "I'm prince Blueblood. Now that you know I have authority over you, tell Me what You are!" He almost yelled. Jackson once again stared blankly. "We're not under your authority so we don't have to do so." He looked to the guards. "We should get going, we kept the princesses waiting long enough with us messing around." At that the nobles all gasped. "YOU!?" Blueblood yelled. "How does a... APE like you get to have the permission to meet with the princesses in private? You look like commoners, if you were actually ponies." The group of nobles were also shocked at that they were put to the side for four creatures they never seen before. Franklin sighed and started to walk past them and the others followed along with their escort. "Maybe you can learn once everything comes together. Also you must be short minded if you think we're just 'commoners' by what we wear. Wonder what you will think if we had our battle armor on." He said as he past the prince who glared at him the whole way before sticking his nose in the air and walking the other way and the group of nobles follow quickly after a moment. After a while of walking and casual chat between the ponies and clones they reached a pair of massive doors flanked with two thick armored unicorns standing with pikes in hands standing at attention. As They neared the spears leaned over to block the door. "If you wish to enter please strip all of your weapons. We will keep them safe." They state in unison. Franklin smiles. "Just like the black guards. Alright guys give them your belts so we can get this over with." He says while taking off his belt and holster with the others following suit The six guards give them odd looks as a pile of leather and metal is held out to the two door guards who take the bundle in their magic and take it out of sight. "Thank you for cooperating, you may enter." With that their horns glowed again and the doors opened and the clones walked in with their escort and they get a good view of the throne room. It was a large room with very high ceilings with the sides full of many windows depicting events of the past, some even have a few of those girls they saw in Ponyville. At the end of the room that soon had all the troopers looking was two thrones, one gold with a sun at the top and the other a dark blue with a moon in the place of the sun. Two mares sat in each seat of power and the men recognized Luna but was unsure who the taller white one was who raised from her seat followed by Luna and began down the ramp to the gathered ten soldiers. When she got to stand before them she spoke a soft neutral tone that washed over the troopers' ears. "You four must be the ones my sister has told me about. I am Princess Celestia and i welcome you to our capital Canterlot." She said smiling and the men felt at ease for some reason. Franklin spoke up returning her smile. "Thank you princess and let me introduce ourselves, I'm sergeant Franklin." He pointed back at the others and one by one named them off. "This is Corporal Eric, Private Dexter and Jackson." As their names were called they each saluted to the princess. "We come to represent the UAF and wish to make a peaceful first contact and make sure when our comrades arrive no blood is shed pointlessly." He states before he and his brothers stand stock still waiting for her response. Princess Celestia regards the clones standing before her and if she didn't have a few thousand years of experience she would have missed the troopers trying to look more disciplined then the six royal guards standing at attention around them, and she had to agree they were doing a good job at it. She finally spoke braking the silence that fell over them for a moment. "Well sergeant we have much to discuss then, first how large of a force will be arriving from you your world?" Franklin got into thought recalling the force of his brothers that are due to arrive tomorrow. "If I'm thinking correctly ma'am, A full regiment further supported by some smaller companies from others nearby forces. To round that into a number i would say maybe over two thousand troopers." He says looking at his brothers before looking back at her. Luna who has been standing just behind her sister stepped forward and spoke her mind on this subject. "This is a smaller force then we came to believe, is it really only two thousand?" She asked used to the large formations that used to take part in warfare. "It may seem small, yes. But it has enough firepower to level a city. And don't worry about them once they arrive as they have plans for a FOB to garrison." He said to them and she nodded her head in return. Celestia spoke up next. "I also have gotten reports of your... equipment from Twilight, what will this force have with it when it arrives? I don't want to risk my little ponies, I hope you understand." She said looking over the clone soldiers. Franklin gives the worst answer ever, he shrugs. "Not sure princess but i do believe the regiment will be the second German Panzer regiment, so a lot of tanks and light armored units and such. The companies tagging along maybe from the English or French." He said Eric stepped forward and gave in his two cents. "As well I believe we will get a detachment of royal marines from the Brits sir, but i'm not a 100% sure of it, sir." He then steps back into place. The princesses shared a look. "We will help in any way we can but you must agree to keep our ponies safe. We don't need anypony getting hurt by your forces." Celestia said looking over the clones. "No worries princess we will never hurt a civilian unless provoked, but i assume that wont be a problem." Franklin said before adding. "It would help if you gave a official order for no civilians to enter the area around the portal and the FOB that will be built to keep where no problems will arise." Luna nods in agreement. "That does sounds like the best course of action. Now if we may ask, is there anything we should know about this army that is planned to arrive?" She asked with curiosity in her voice. Jackson stepped forward to answer her question. "The biggest thing so far is how the language we're speaking now is their second language so they wont speak it perfectly, they speak German so there could be some minor language barriers." With that said he steps back where he was and waits quietly. Franklin soon follows up saying. "They can speak English to a extent and get what is important out. Just don't expect a long conversation with them." He added. Celestia merely smiles. "I believe that wont be a problem, we have had many ponies with different languages come meet us and we have a spell that can translate anything they say into the current language we understand." She said clearing up a problem before it appeared. "Now their are a few more things I wish we need to do to clear up some issues." Franklin nods. "Whatever is needed." -Royal Guard Training Grounds- -Half an Hour Later- Shining Armor stood on one of the walls over looking the newest batch of trainees getting drilled into shape. He was trying to build the Equestrian armed forces into shape trying to catch up with the other nations' that have well surpassed them. And the news from Ponyville of the four soldiers from another universe has gave him more motivation to get the soft skinned royal guard into a respectable force that is worthy for the job of defending the sun and moon. He smiled to himself thinking of how many things have changed from his new reforms that got them better equipment, armor, and training for his guards. He was pulled out of his thoughts to a mix of armored horseshoes and some other odd hoof steps to his side causing him to look to the source. His training kicked in as soon he saw the princesses walking his way and he bowed. "How can i be of service?" He asked looking up slowly, but once he looked up he noticed the routine behind the royal sisters made him stare blankly for a moment. Directly behind the two embodiments of the sun and moon stood four creatures that almost could be mistaken for ponies if not for their lack of fur and lack of snouts on their face, and they have the description of the same creatures that fought and wounded a guard in Ponyville. Shining Armor stood up from his bow as Princess Celestia stepped forward smiling her usual smile. "Please Shining no need to bow we are all royalty." She said placing a hand on his shoulder. "But there is something me and my sister had in mind and it may interest you and your plans to reform the royal guard." This got his attention and he raised an eyebrow. "Alright... but why are they here?" Shining points a finger over at the four soldiers. Luna smiles and speaks. "They come from a advanced military that fights to keep order on their entire planet. And they wish to come here and explore our world and in a promise to allow them they will help you train and reform the royal guard into a fighting force to be respected by the world." She said looking back at the four clones. "Thank you for the praise, ma'am. But its what we were made to do no matter what the cost." The lead one said smiling back. Shining Armor was now in deep thought. 'A army from another world big enough to fight around its world? Must not have many conflicts then if one army can manage it, unless its massive. If that report was right they have strong hand held weapons similar to the black powder cannons used by the griffins.' He spared them a glance before he noticed them all looking the same then it hit him. "An army of clones?" His answer was a simply nod from the four troopers. "I'll think about it. I want to see this force first hand and see if it really is all that." He said walking towards the clones and looking them over. He stood a almost as tall as them but his horn still towered over them and their build was impressive. He could see they all had a small weapon on their belts but each seemed to be slightly different from each other in some way that also reflected the one using it. He held out a hand to the lead clone who in turn took for them to shake hands. "I'm Sergeant Franklin, leader of recon team Charlie of the UAF. Pleasure to meet you Captain Armor, the princess told me of you a little." He said as their hands parted. Shining Armor nods. "So you are a global military force... when the rest of your forces arrives i better be impressed." He said with a small grin. The sergeant raises an eyebrow. "Is that a bet? Knowing my brothers from Germany they will march though that portal in parade fashion with panzers rolling in front. Trust me they will impress." He said chuckling a little. Shining's curiosity finally made him ask. "And what are these 'panzers' never heard anything like that before?" This only caused Franklin to smile. "You'll know them when you see them, they arrive tomorrow so make time too watch the show." Shining nods. "Than i'll hold that promise to you I better be impressed." The sergeant looks out over the training grounds slowly. "So lets have a look at this royal guard you are in charge of, captain. I want to know what kind of work we have ahead of us to help with these reforms." The captain walked to the edge of the wall and started to point different things out explaining as he went. "We have a sparing area for swords and spears to be trained with and a range for our crossbows, bows, and combat spell casting. This area for now is just to keep the guards in shape and skills hardened for whatever may happen." He said turning to the clone who looked over the ground slowly. Franklin stared a moment before sighing. "If we're going to help you reform... dear god do we have a hell of a job ahead of us... you guys seem to be still in your dark ages when it comes to military... we left these weapons for new stuff about... few hundred years back." He said making Shining stare at him. "We haven't been at war for well over a few thousand years. So our army will of course be lacking." Shining said defending his force. The sergeant gave him a odd look. "Peaceful nations that haven't seen war for so long and falls behind the rest of the world. When you fall behind in the arms race you become a target, a nice beautiful target." He said and Shining seemed to deflate a little. "Sorry Captain but your army is pretty much equal to a town militia in a third world country... yours just has better discipline, I hope they do anyways." Shining rubs his head a little sighing. "Did you have to be so blunt about it?" He groaned a little. "Will this UAF really change this force into a respectable one? Or respectable in your terms, anyways." Franklin smiled. "We have trained with other armies before, won't be a problem to help yours out... maybe even refit your boys." He looks over the training grounds and spots a few mares and adds. "And girls." Shining nods before Dexter stepped forward in between the two with a hand one the side of his helmet. "Sir we have a slight problem." This gets the attention of everyone. "Sir i just got a signal on my transceiver... i didn't fully catch the message but it seems the schedule for the army's arrival has been sped up, the task force will be arriving later today if i understood it correctly." The sergeant stared back at Dexter for a moment before cursing. "Damn politicians can't wait for the army to do anything!" He turns to the Princesses who were quietly watching the exchange between the two officers. "I think our brothers may either be on the way or are already here. I think the best plan of action is that me and my team get back to the portal and make contact with them and tell how you guys aren't a threat." His face held concern and the Princesses didn't waste time in their answer. "We can get a carriage to Ponyville in less then a few minutes to half an hour at worst." Celestia stated and was turning to a nearby guard when she saw the blank looks from the four men. "Princess... it took about a few hours for the train to get here... how will a carriage get us there faster?" Eric said with a raised eyebrow. She merely smiles. "Guard please escort these four to my personal carriage and round up the team to fly them they need to reach Ponyville as soon as possible." The guard saluted before nodding to the clones making them follow. After a short trip and wait the clones find themselves looking at a gold and white carriage that would be used for a old fashion high class ball. "What in bloody hell are we supposed to get to Ponyville in that thing!?" As he had his out burst four Pegasus guards come out and start to hook up to the carriage before the eight stare at each other. "Well we were pulled off our break to get you somewhere important! Lets get going!" One of the guards called out and the four of them spread their wings. The clones ever so slowly walked towards the carriage and got into it. Jackson got a cocky grin. "Alright fellas, destination Ponyville and make it snappy." The ponies all turned to glare at him before they started to pull forward and flapping their wings and soon enough to the amazement of the clones they were air-born. The clones took the time to get a lay out of the land from their vantage point high in the sky. They spotted a large wooded area north of Ponyville in the distance and the portal right beside the large forest, along with many new grey objects scattered around the area around the portal. "Fly boys! Be careful seems the army has already arrived! Don't fly low or directly over them or we're not going to have a smooth flight." Dexter called out making the four pulling them stare down at the long formation that seemed to be slowly moving towards Ponyville. Franklin wasn't in a good mood and was thinking fast about what is ahead of them. "Alright men first thing when we arrive at the castle in the town is to get the princess and that officer we seen in charge of the garrison there to tag along with us to act as an ambassador." The others nod. "Dexter, Jackson go get the Humvee and bring it back to meet me, Eric and the others, got it?" The two troopers return with 'Yes, Sir'. After a while the carriage makes a landing in front of the large crystal castle and the troopers quickly hop out and rush to get their objectives accomplished. As Franklin and Eric ran to the front door it was opened by Twilight running out with the guard officer and spike trailing behind them. The two clones stop right in front of them and were about to explain to her when she raised an hand. "I got a letter from the princess, yes i will accompany you but first i must gather my friends before.-" Franklin then cut her off. "There is no time, did the letter say that the task force was heading this way? We must hurry i already have Dex and Jack out getting our ride then you and soldier boy here will come with us to set up early relations." The officer was not happy of the nickname but his anger didn't last long with the current situation about the army that was coming here and as for Twilight, She was frozen in fear on hearing that. She asked a simple question braking her silence. "How many are there?" Franklin leveled his gaze. "A full regiment of over two thousand clones plus heavy weapons... and maybe more." And at that she had a very worried look on her face. "Right, lets not waste time..." She said walking past them while the officer remained level headed. He sighs and speaks "And for your information I am Major Curved Steel, And that's a reasonable force... I hope this goes smoothly, a battle harden force that big could wipe out a lot if they think we're their enemy." He said while the sound of the Humvee's engine roaring could be heard as it neared and soon enough the dark green colored metal beast came to a stop by where the carriage was parked getting stares from the team who pulled it and any other pony who was in the area. "Come on! Get in we need to meet them before they reach town." Jackson calls from the driver's seat. Franklin opens the back door for the extra company and Eric climbs in and mounts the M2. "Going to be a tight fit you two." Franklin says as he climbs into the back followed by twilight who ends up in the middle and with the Major on the other side of her. With another roar of the heavy power house the Humvee has they were shooting down the road. In the grassy fields north of Ponyville the peaceful sounds of birds and animal calls were replaced by the sound of moving metal and engines calling out loudly for all to hear followed by the heavy thudding rhythm of marching feet across the open ground with the sound of old German marching songs coming from the troopers At the head of the formation was a Leopard A2A5 leading the formation with a sizable flag flapping depicting the old German sixth panzer division markings waving proudly. the tank wore a tiger black and orange strip camouflage scheme with a single clone out of the commanders hatch watching the distance with his binoculars. The commander was about to retire back into the turret when the gunner below him called out. "Heer Dietrich, American Humvee far right on the distance." Dietrich looked around a little before he spotted the Humvee. "Hold fire gunner it must be our recon team." He pulled a radio to his mouth. "Column, halt" Nealy as soon he says that the long line of tanks and marching troopers come to a complete perfect stop. "Brake out of column and be on guard." with another order out tanks, APCs, SPAAs, and infantry move out and find make shift positions and start scanning around. Dietrich climbs out of the hatch and jumps off the side of his command tank as the Humvee was pulling up. "Recon team Charlie?" The commander asked simply walking towards it. The doors start opening and four clones come out but he notices movement in the backseat still. "Colonel Dietrich good to see you." The sergeant said walking forward saluting. "And yes sir, and we have news of this world you may find interesting." The colonel raised an eyebrow. He then fixed his eyes on the movement of bright colors in the back of the Humvee. "Care to explain sergeant?" He pointed to their ride. He smiles slightly. "Alright you two come on out and lets get this done with." As he said that the back doors opened and out stepped some very odd sights, at first he thought he was looking at very colorful people until he saw their faces. They seemed to look like a horse's head only a lot smaller and massive eyes and both seemed to have horns on their heads and even had hooves and not feet, but that's where they started to become different as one seemed to be a girl if he looked at her body right and even saw wings on her back. As for the other one, male and military from the Trojan style armor and sword on his hip and a build to match the clones. "Sergeant may i ask who and what you have here." Dietrich asked looking at the two and noticed the female seemed amazed by all the armored war machines around them while the military one was keeping to himself and scanning around slowly with a keen eye. "This-" He begun pointing to the extra company."- Major Curved Steel is part of the native armed forces and this is Princess Twilight of the country of Equestira." He introduced them and the major gave a nod while the princess a small bow. "We have brought them along to settle things and get relations out of the way... where is the general?" He looked around a little. Dietrich rolled his eyes. "He is awaiting a all clear from us. But with you making contact and getting this settled early on he will be happy to hear." He walked to the princess looked her over before he stepped over to the Major. "I am Colonel Dietrich of the sixth panzers. Pleasure to meet you major." He extended a hand and they shook hands. "Pleasure is mine colonel, now lets get right to the point. There is a town a few miles ahead where we can get things settled, but your general is going to be needed when the others arrive to meet." Steel said and Dietrich nodded. "Uh.. excuse me... but i'm here to help with this and you just skipped me." Twilight said from beside them making Dietrich look over at her. He sighs and waves her off. "I prefer to work with other military members over royalty or politicians cause as a military man myself we can see eye to eye better." He states turning back to the Major. "We shall continue to the town and await our general and whoever you need for this meeting. You may get a ride in one of the APCs or tanks if you wish, or if you wish return to the town with the recon team." Twilight looked around before she shook her head. "I'll wait in Ponyville." And in a flash she was gone and the others stared blankly where she stood. "Well Major what will you do?" Dietrich Looking to the odd soldier. "If I may ask what you are?" The major simply smiled looking over to the command tank. "I'll ride along with you if you don't mind... and I'm a pony or more specific a unicorn for your other question." He said nodding to the tank and smiling. "As long i get to ride." Dietrich started walking to his tank. "Come along then Major and we can discuss things over a drink maybe." He said starting to climb up the side of the war machine soon followed by the unicorn soldier. "Hope you don't mind me asking a few things in return colonel." Steel said once he made his way into the hatch beside the commander's. "Not at all major we can trade questions and what not." Dietrich said reaching down grabbing his radio. "Column, forward!" With that the formation returned to how it was and once again rolled forward while a Humvee speeds ahead to let the town know about the new arrivals. "So Colonel-" Steel began looking beside him. "- mind if you can lean us some of these toys?" He asks with a smile while Dietrich just laughs. "We'll have to wait and see Major... I feel like our two forces will stand side by side so I don't see why we can't help you train with some new things." That makes Curved Steel go into thought. 'I hope this works out and we work together. Still hope their reason their here is solved.'
