The Conversion Bureau-Night Terrorsby Mkchief34ChaptersPrologue-Open SeasonChapter 1-Operation Silent DeathChapter 2-Starlight SpectresChapter 3-A Washington WelcomePrologue-Open SeasonTimeline of events ====================== 2021 The Equestrians open a Portal to humanity's homeworld, making contact with US Soldiers. Diplomatic relations are soon established. Many humans welcome contact, though there are humans that say war will come. 2021 In a speech before the United Nations, Celestia is open to trading talks, but also voices conversion for those who chose so. In the Equestrian embassy in New York, a Conversion center opens. Many attend, but few chose conversion. 2021 A fire mysteriously breaks out at the Embassy, killing five and destroying the Conversion bureau. The arsonist is never caught. Equestrians on Equus start voicing forced conversion tactics, much to Celestia's chagrin. 2022 The New Year begins with US President John Bowers condemning Conversion, stating "You cannot change who you are on the inside. We will always be human." 2022 Riots erupt across Equis against the President's statement. Many ponies see this as an act of war. 2022 Conversion centers across the world are destroyed and burned. In the chaos, the Equestria ambassador is killed. Celestia's parliament voices war cries. 2023 Celestia attempts to settle a peace treaty, but she is rebuffed by the Parliament. Soon, there is an attempted coup against her. Though the culprits are caught, Celestia reluctantly announces The Doctrines for the Security of Equis. Conversion centers close amid mass controversy. 2024 The Parliament declares war on Humanity as a whole, and they open a portal on the Brazilian Coast. While Rio de Janeiro is evacuated, the city falls, giving the Equestrians a beachhead. The UN declares war on Equis. 2025 The Equestrians smash through Colombia and Central America, and advance into Mexico, encountering heavy but unsuccessful resistance. Similar campaigns overwhelm Africa and half of Asia, effectively dividing Earth in two. Human forces rally around the UN, whose main members, the USA, Russia, and the European Union, are authorized to end the conflict in their respective hemispheres by any means necessary. 2026 The US begins war preparations, as drafts begin. War production skyrockets, and General Thomas Lindon brings three whole divisions and five in reserve to the US-Mexico border. 2027 The Equestrians make a heavy assault on several US border towns, causing thousands of casualties. The US begins construction on The Wall, a wall spanning the length of the front. Secretly, a series of rockets are launched into space from Russia, carrying on-board the top-secret MJOLNIR platform, an orbital weapons system designed as a last resort. 2027 MJOLNIR is utilized during the First Assault on The Wall, turning a large part of the US-Mexico border into "The Neutral Zone", scorching and disfiguring the landscape, as an effect from MJOLNIR's Kinetic energy missile payload. The Equestrians retreat, abandoning the Neutral Zone. The Wall is finished, and fortifications are made along its length. During the assault, President Bowers approves the SPECTRE initiative, a program aimed at creating the ultimate force multiplier, to strike behind enemy lines. A single squad is formed, named Spectre One-four. MOTHERBIRD, a flying command center the size of two C130 Hercules planes, begins development as the SPECTRE's HQ and mobile ops center. 2028 The squad completes the Initiative, and MOTHERBIRD is completed. From a firebase in Oklahoma, the SPECTREs and MOTHERBIRD begin their flight to the border. Intel is revealed that A high-ranking general is currently in the Yucatan Peninsula, carrying high-value Intel. MOTHERBIRD, carrying Spectre One-four is dispatched to capture the general and bring him to US lines for interrogation ====================================================== And this, is where our story begins…. ====================================================== As Motherbird soared through the inky black sky, Travis Brooks looked out the window, sighing. Travis, a Spectre belonging to Jackal team, was a veteran of the Army Rangers. But all his years of experience didn't prepare him for the Spectre initiative's training and specifications. "Travie, you okay?" Travis turned and saw his brother Cooper Brooks walk up next to him. Sitting down on a crate across from Travis, he smiled. Mark sighed in response. "I dunno. Just thinking." "We're soldiers, bro. We don't think. We act. Tell me what's up." "Two years we've been fighting the ponies, and what do we have to show for it? Just casualties. Too many fucking casualties." "True. But if we can't win this war, we're fucked for good. Conversion, you know?" "Yeah. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of it either. The whole thing's creepy." "I hear you." Travis said. They sat there in silence, until Travis sighed. "Let's get some rest. " The two of them walked down the corridor to the bunks designated for Jackal team. The other members of Jackal team, Adam Hollis and Jason Rice, were sound asleep. "You know, Trav? I have A nickname for you." Cooper said "What might that be?" "Travel." Mark nodded and was about to reply, when Adam's hand raised itself up, and gave the finger to both of them before flopping back down. Travis and Cooper chuckled softly before falling asleep. ========================= Twilight Sparkle watched the snow fall over Ponyville, though Ponyville had changed significantly since the start of the war. Now, a large army base occupied the field, and many of the stallions were missing, all serving on Earth. Big Mac had his commutation fee paid by Twilight, knowing the Apple Family would need all the help they could get. She sighed and looked over the sheets of paper strewn throughout her desk, all war correspondence, or frontline reports. Many of them were very grim. Then, there was a knock on the door. Twilight opened it to reveal Applejack, covered in powdery snow. "Hey, Twi." "Hello, AJ. What did you need?" "Can we talk?" "Sure. Coffee?" "Thanks." Twilight poured the pot of imitation coffee (as most luxury supplies were needed for the army) and made two cups. They drank deeply, and AJ sighed. "I really wanna thank you for paying that fee, Twi. Without it, we would've had too much work and not enough workers." "I know. Every stallion eighteen or over in good condition has been drafted. Parliament's gone crazy." "Yeah. To be honest, Twi, it's all Parliament's fault that this whole war started. I know that's treason, but it's how I feel." "I understand. To be honest, Spike's feeling the same way. He doesn't understand much of what's going on either." "Yeah. The Decrees are really what got everything sour. Rationing, donations, war production? It doesn't make any sense!" Twilight sighed. "I know. Celestia's written me several times saying she's tried to revoke or amend the decrees, but they all get rebuffed. Ever since Parliament claimed war powers, they've suspended all new legislative actions for the duration of the war." "Which just seems to be droning on, with no damn end in sight." Applejack replied. "True. As long as the humans stay on their side of the Neutral Zone, and we stay on ours, the casualties should remain low. I mean, the first assault was a slaughter." "So true. They brought in death from above with that "Milnor" platform of theirs. I wish it was destroyed." "I do to. But we know we can't reach it. It's too far up in Earth's orbit, plus a teleportation spell up to that height would be inconceivable to create or cast. And the fact is, they could just send down another missile before we could even start." "I'm surprised they haven't used it more often." "Maybe it's because they know the destruction it causes?" Twilight and Applejack stood there in silence for several minutes. "Well, I should head home. Thanks. For the coffee." "No problem. We're still on for the trip to the front. Celestia said it should be good for morale." "Yeah. Goodnight." "Goodnight." As the door opened and closed, Twilight looked back at the letter she had sent General Blood Strong, including her schedule. She knew it would take three days for the letter to reach him, but by the time the humans could possibly intercept it, she would be back home safe. She walked upstairs and slipped into bed, careful not to wake Spike. She turned out the light and fell asleep. Chapter 1-Operation Silent DeathAs MOTHERBIRD soared through the South American skies, Travis, Cooper, and the rest of the team listened to Colonel Jackson's briefing. "Spectres, listen up. We've received notice that an Equestrian General named Blood Strong is camped out in the Yucatan, at the abandoned Luminis complex. As you know, before the war, that complex was to be the crown jewel of South American cities. Now, the Equestrians are using it as a supply base and ops center for the whole Yucatan region. You're heading in to capture Blood Strong and any intel he has there. This complex is heavily fortified, so you won't be able to bust the door down." "How are we getting in?" Adam asked. "A Switchblade glider drop from low altitude. You'll need to land as close to the compound as possible, in order to minimize risk of detection." Jackson said. "Your kits are waiting for you in the drop zone. Light is green, Spectres." As the squad saluted him and walked out, they put on the masks they had received after completing the Initiative's training program. Painted with a rough skull in white, Travis admired it before placing it on his head. The Spectres walked into the drop bay, where four US Marines handed them the Switchblades. The gliders were similar to wingsuits, only static placed on their back. They also featured a silent thruster to minimize detection. "Switchblades are ready." The Spectres jumped out and soared through the skies. Landing in a jungle clearing south of the entrance, the Spectres loaded their weapons and began the mission. =============== Travis flicked the safety off his Honey Badger assault rifle, seeing two Guards posted at the entrance to the complex. Cooper was about to do the same with his M1014 shotgun when Jason shook his head. "We can bypass these bastards. Silent takedown." "Got it." Travis said. Sneaking up behind the guard, Cooper gave a signal, and the two Spectres planted the guard's faces into the wall, knocking them out. As Jason and Adam walked up, Cooper lifted the gate. The three other Spectres slid under before Jason let it close. The Spectres entered the Luminis lobby, now occupied by crates of weapons and boxes of ammo. "Why'd they cache their weapons here?" Adam asked, noting the large caliber rifles were still oiled and factory-polished. "Maybe because they're stupid." Cooper said. "See if we can find some explosives." "We need to be silent." Jason said. "Let's find this asshole, bag him and get out." "Right." the other soldiers said. Sliding into an elevator shaft lined with glass, Jason pulled out a pair of binoculars and scanned the large plaza below him. "Target spotted. Down in the main office." Jason said. "He's guarded. Look's like he's accessing a terminal." "You guys move." Adam said, drawing out his USR Sniper Rifle. "I've got overwatch." "Got it. Team, on me." Jason said. As the Spectres jumped out an open window and slid down the slope of the apartment complex, they landed on a terrace. Adam adjusted his scope, and suppressed his rifle. Chambering a round, he put a guard's head in his scope. "Ready." Adam said. Jason gave a thumbs up and brought his team to a platform two stories above the office window, with Blood Strong's back to them. Taking a carabiner clip and some cable, the Spectres rappelled to the office window. Placing their weapons to the glass, they waited for Adam's shot. There was a faint crack, and the guard next to the door fell. The Spectres smashed through the window, and shot two guards who heard the crash. Travis pinned Blood Strong, while Cooper inserted a data probe into Blood Strong's terminal. "Got the data. Let's move." Cooper said, pocketing the probe. As Travis knocked Blood Strong out, they grabbed him and rappelled up the cable. "Spectre 1-3, this is Spectre 1-1." Jason said. "We've got the package and data. Meet us at the extraction." "Roger that." As the Spectres ran through the exposed plaza, a sentry noticed them and opened fire with his rifle. as the Equestrians raised the alarm, the Spectres radioed Motherbird. "Motherbird, this is Spectre 1-1. We've got the package, but we're pinned down! Requesting evac!" "Confirmed, Jayhawk inbound." Motherbird replied. "Spectre 1-3, where are you?" Travis yelled. "Taking shots and heads off." Jason replied as a guard dropped from a shot to the head. As the Equestrians took cover, Cooper and Travis provided cover fire for Adam to pull Blood Strong into the elevator shaft. "Grapple hooks, now!" Adam yelled. Travis took cover behind the doors and shot a few guards, while Adam and Cooper took their grapple guns and scaled the shaft. Travis followed, as the guards below fired their rifles at the ascending Spectre. As Travis entered the arms depot, the sound of a helicopter could be heard. "That's Jayhawk! Let's move!" Adam yelled as the Spectres took positions. Jayhawk soared into the sky, while rifle shots from the Equestrians missed or glanced off the helicopter's armor. "Motherbird, this is Jayhawk. We've got the package and the intel." Adam radioed. "Confirmed, we'll swing to pick you boys up. Well done, Spectres, I'm damn proud of you." Colonel Jackson replied. ============ Later, as the figure of Motherbird approached, Jayhawk radioed. "Requesting nest open." the pilot radioed. "Confirmed. Nest is open." As the helicopter started to descend towards the center of Motherbird's body, The roof of the plane opened into two doors, revealing a small hangar and an opening big enough for the helicopter to fit into. As the Spectres grabbed the safety lines and walked over to a safe area, the pilot turned off the engine, and when the helicopter's blades stopped rotating, the doors joined together and sealed the plane. As the cabin pressurized, the Spectres unhooked themselves and entered the main part of the plane, where Colonel Jackson was waiting. "Blood Strong is secure. I'm proud of you, Spectres. Job well done. Get some rest, boys." Jackson said approvingly, and the Spectres saluted and walked out towards the barracks. ============= "We could do this all day, you know." "Buck you." "You gonna stop insulting us?" "BUCK you." "Really?" "BUCK YOU!" Travis sighed. Cooper had been given the responsibility of interrogating Blood Strong, and he, suffice to say, was failing. Travis sighed and walked out, towards the command center, where Adam, Jason, and Colonel Jackson were attempting to decipher the data they had stolen. "Any luck on your end?" Jason asked. "Nada." Travis replied. "Yours?" "Squat." Adam said, as he was practically smashing the keyboard with his fingers, attempting to break into the probe. "I have an idea." Jackson said. "Get the prisoner in here now. I think he's what we're missing." Soon after, Blood Strong was sitting in a chair, facing Colonel Jackson. "Here's how this is going to go. You're going to open up that data drive, and in return, we'll let you live." Blood Strong spat in the Colonel's face. Jackson wiped it away before crouching in front of him. "Well, shit. Lemme tell you something. You don't unlock that drive, well, you'll be taking a little...trip. I'm sure when you hit the ground, you'll be nothing but a smear in the dirt." "You're bluffing." Blood Strong said. "Your Geneva Conventions state…" "Geneva Conventions don't mean shit." Jackson said. "We can do whatever we want to you, and no one's the wiser." Blood Strong started to sweat, but he kept on a stalwart face. "We could vivisect you, find out what makes you tick…" Jackson said to him. "...Or cut off your horn, maybe use it as a paperweight. Or...we could always throw you out of the plane. I'd bet you'd make a nice snack for the jaguars." Blood Strong looked away slightly. "Fine. I'll open the drive." "Good. Do it." Jackson said, shoving the keyboard into his hooves. Blood Strong reluctantly provided the passcode, and Adam took the keyboard and began to browse. "What do we have here…" Adam said. "Defense plans for the whole Yucatan...Arms shipments from Rio...and...Jackpot! A schedule for the Elements of Harmony's visit to Earth!" Jackson walked over and glanced at the screen. "We've got two days before they head to Mexico City. Apparently for a big photo op. Spectres...we'll pay 'em a little...visit, courtesy of humanity." "We taking them out?" Jason asked. "Negative. You're bringing them here alive. Having them as prisoners of war will do wonders for morale." Jackson said. "I'll tell the pilots to change course." "You wouldn't dare!" Blood Strong yelled. "We dare, alright." Travis said. "I know...they're your princesses and all...but lemme tell you this. Royalty don't mean shit when you're dealing with the Spectres." "Bastards!" Blood Strong roared. Jackson sighed, walked up, and smiled. "You, on the other hand, since you know our plans…" Jackson drew his pistol and fired. Blood Strong's head slumped down, dead. "...You're going to hell. Spectres?" "Sir?" "Get kitted. You're going to be kidnapping the Elements of Harmony." "Got it, sir." As Motherbird soared towards Mexico City, the sun slowly set in the sky. ==================== Chapter 2-Starlight SpectresAs Mexico City prepared for the celebrations that were to come with the Element's arrival, fireworks flashed across the night sky. Through the inky darkness, four Switchblade gliders went unnoticed. Landing on a Skyscraper across from the Plaza Tierra Hotel, where the Elements were staying, the Spectres unloaded their gear. Wingsuits for the jump between buildings... Gecko-3 Gloves, allowing the Spectres to climb the hotel walls… And finally, a prototype serum that nullified the ability to use magic or fly by short-circuiting neural connections, complete with tripwire dispenser. Travis sighed and pulled on his mask and loaded his Honey Badger. Cooper tapped him on the shoulder before the Spectres activated their Wingsuits. Soaring across the gap between buildings, they landed ten stories below their objective, the Penthouse. "Move up." Adam said. As the Spectres climbed, Travis growled. Reaching a balcony, Adam mantled over the railing and cut through the glass. "In here." he said through the radio. The Spectres found themselves in the Security Room, with monitors displaying Security Camera feeds throughout the hotel all around. Adam set to work looping the feed, while Jason shut down their communications relay. "Travis, Cooper, get the targets. We'll hold here." Adam said. As the two brothers rushed outside and began to climb, they soon reached the penthouse. Travis saw through the window that the Elements were all asleep, bunched together on a couch. "Night, night." Cooper said, picking the door lock and slipping the serum trap inside, setting it to a minute length fuse. "Targets are tagged." Travis said. "Good work, Spectre 1-4. Hold position. We've got guards incoming towards the penthouse. If we get heat, go loud." Jason said. "Got it, 1-2." Cooper nodded to Travis, and the two of them banged three times each on the balcony door. Swinging themselves so their upside-down faces could see into the room, they saw the lavender one brush herself and a small lizard on two legs awake and walk over to the door. "Twi? What's up?" Rainbow asked. "I heard a noise." Twilight said. As she walked over to the door, the fuse hit zero. As the white gas spread throughout the room, The Spectres watched as their forms collapsed, tranquilized. "Targets are down." Cooper said. "Confirmed. I'll radio the Jayhawk." Adam said. "Bag and tag." Cooper said to Travis. As they slid into the room, they then noticed their lack of equipment to transport the elements. "Spectre 1-1, bring Jayhawk to our location. We can't move them." "Roger that." Travis and Cooper cuffed their legs, and stacked them on the balcony. The lizard was tougher, but Cooper simply took a piece of cable and made do. Soon, Adam and Jason climbed up, and took positions by the door. "Spectre Alpha, this is Jayhawk. We're here." "Confirmed." As the form of Jayhawk approached the balcony, the Elements were loaded on. Then, they heard a door open. "Princess? You there? The speech won't give itself." "Shit!" Travis yelled. "Let's go!" "Punching it." As Jayhawk roared off, a stray firework illuminated the sky around them, revealing their presence to the fifty-odd guards on the rooftop. "SHIT! WE'RE EXPOSED!" Travis yelled as tracer rounds filled the air around them. "Pilot, GET US OUT OF HERE!" Adam yelled. As Jayhawk soared out of range of the small-arms fire that filled the sky around them, the Guards in the penthouse stopped shooting. "Radio Canterlot." The Guard Lieutenant said. "We lost them." =========== As Jayhawk merged with Motherbird, several US Marines bearing stretchers took the Elements to the brig, and the Spectres followed. Jackson was on the radio with General Thomas Lindon. The elements were uncuffed and left in the room, while Travis pulled down a Murphy Bed for them, along with a table and fold out chair. Travis and the Spectres left, just as Twilight's eyes flickered open. ========== Twilight groaned and stood up. From what she could tell, they weren't in the Mexico City Hotel Penthouse. They were in a drab, dull room, with a folded out bed and table.Her friends and Spike lay unconscious beside her. She stood up shakily and attempted to teleport out, only she found she couldn't focus her magic. "Buck." she swore. "Is that a pony swear, or do you mean Fuck?" said a voice. Twilight turned towards the screen near her. It flickered, and five humans looked back at her. One was clad in army fatigues. The four others wore black and grey spec-ops gear, and their faces were obscured by masks emblazoned with roughly drawn white skulls. The one in fatigues laughed at her grimace. "Welcome aboard." he said. "Who are you, human?" she spat. "Colonel Lee Jackson." he said. "The Gentlemen next to me are the Spectres. And Princess, you and your entourage are prisoners of war." "You kidnapped us." she said. "All's fair in love and war. Ever hear that?" Jackson asked. "The plane we're on is flying a course straight towards Washington DC, where you'll be spending the rest of the war. We would've sent you to the Sierra Angelo POW camp in Houston, but the orders for your transfer to DC came from the very top." "Define "very top"." Twilight asked. "The President of the United States, John Bowers." Jackson said. "He's expecting us tomorrow in DC. You as well. I would advise getting some sleep. You'll goddamn need it." Jackson said, walking out. Three Spectres followed. Twilight noticed one sit down with his back to her. He opened a hatch, and slipped a Granola Bar through. "Eat up." he said. Twilight gave it a tentative sniff, and she ate it ravenously. "Why are you helping me?' she asked. "I'm not helping you." the human replied. "You may be a lavender-colored pony with a horn and wings, but I see you're just as confused as me." "Why's that?" Twilight asked. The human sighed. "I don't understand why this war had to be fought. Frankly, every day I pray that I'll get answers. So, now that you're here, might as well get it from the horse's mouth. No offense." "None taken." Twilight sighed. "It wasn't Celestia's intent to start a war." "Then why have on in the first place?" "Parliament saw humans as weak, as animals, as everything they despised." Twilight said. "Frankly, they practically staged a coup of their own with all these wartime doctrines. Drafts, rationing, the whole nine yards." The human sighed. "And you, a Princess of wherever-the-hell-you-come-from, just...went along with it?" "I had to." Twilight said. "Parliament made it law to go against the war effort in any way." "They're trying to silence you." The human replied. "You just can't see it. If your leaders are willing and able to stop any opposition to a war most don't want to fight, then they really are stupid as hell." "I see what you mean." Twilight said. "It never made sense to me." "Amen to that, sister." the human replied. "Anyway...I'm not a heartless bastard like Colonel Jackson, but don't expect many more favors. I have orders." "Can you at least tell me your name?" Twilight asked. The human sighed, and was silent for a few moments. "Travis Brooks." he said. "Just...don't spread it around. I don't want anyone besides my CO and my squad members knowing. Anyway, I'd best get going." Travis walked out, gave a brief nod, and was soon gone. Twilight sighed, and slumped to a resting position. "I see it now." she said bitterly. "We really are stupid as hell." Chapter 3-A Washington WelcomeAs Motherbird landed outside the newly constructed Military Airbase Kodai, the Elements, each equipped with a POW's shoulder tag, walked down the rear ramp, escorted by the Spectres and Colonel Jackson. Waiting for them, wearing a suit, was President John Bowers. He was around forty, with a graying beard and brown hair. His Secret Service retinue stood at attention as the Spectres, Colonel Jackson, and the Elements approached. "Colonel." Bowers spoke. "Mr. President." Lee spoke, as he and the Spectres snapped to salute. "At ease. I'm damn proud of all of you. Congratulations on your mission success." Bowers spoke. "Let's get moving." "Roger that." A Secret Service agent spoke. "Whiskey Hotel, this is Heart. Package is received. Sending to Post." As the Elements were ushered into a secure Humvee, the Spectres took seats in the truck behind them. Twilight could only watch through the windows as Washington DC came into view. Twilight was taken aback by the sight of the capitol. What she had heard from Parliament about "cities of slag and refuse" was clearly wrong. Orderly, straight skylines peppered with buildings brushed shoulders with greenery and plant life. Humans walked and chatted as if there wasn't a war going on. Every so often they would catch a sight of a human soldier, or a Police Officer. Twilight turned away from the window and sighed, brushing her shoulder tag and reading its text for the umpteenth time. PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE-EQUESTRIAN ASSIGNED TO-WASHINGTON DC STATUS-PROTECTED SOVEREIGN. "Twilight?" Applejack asked. "You okay?" "I wonder how Cadance and Shining will take the news." Twilight replied. "Parliament will go insane." Rainbow said. "They're already insane!" Rarity said. "I've had to give nearly half of my fabric to the army for uniforms!' "A quarter of my apples are gone." Applejack said. "I've had to sign up for the reserves." Rainbow said. "My animals cry at night." Fluttershy said. "No parties…" Pinkie said, giving a small sniff. Twilight looked over at Spike, who looked rather distraught. "Spike?" Twilight asked. "You okay?" "What's going to happen to us?" Spike said, glancing at his bracelet, as he was too small for a shoulder tag. "We'll be fine." Twilight said. "I mean, what could happen?" Spike hopped over to Twilight and leaned on her shoulder, shivering. Twilight wrapped her legs around him, and hugged him as best she could. Then, they heard the car stop. The doors opened, revealing their lodgings. And it was not what they expected. Instead of a run-down townhouse, a small three-story house greeted them, perfectly kept and clean. Twilight and the Elements were ushered inside, and to their shock, it looked just as good inside as it did on the outside. "Wow." was all they could say. "This'll be your home for a while." Bowers said, walking in. "Frankly, some folks in Congress vouched for the Sierra Angelo POW camp, but I got the go-ahead. Here's a schedule for the bi-weekly restock, the utility info, everything you need." Bowers handed Twilight a large packet of paper, bound with a binder clip. "Feel free to use your magic, but we have cameras rigged throughout the house." Bowers said. "We can't exactly block certain magic, but we couldn't settle on a blanket ban either. So, as long as you behave yourselves, you'll be fine. If you have any requests, the computer in the lounge has a direct message function that links to the White House. You need anything, we'll do our best to get it." "Thank you." Twilight said. Bowers nodded. "You're welcome. I want you to know we're not the monsters that you make us out to be." Bowers said. "I best get going. The country's not going to run itself." Bowers nodded, and walked out. Twilight set out to explore the house. On the second floor were the bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small lounge, with the computer. The first floor had a kitchen already stocked with food and a dining room. A small library was coupled to an office on the third floor, along with a storage room. Twilight walked back downstairs to find her friends browsing through a cabinet. "Heh, board games." Rainbow said. "Monopoly, Sorry!, Checkers, Chess...geez, think we're getting better treatment here than at home." "I have to agree." Twilight said. "It is nice. Say...anyone hungry?" "I am." Fluttershy said. "Let's make some lunch, then." Twilight said. As they headed into the kitchen, the Spectres were given the all-clear to return to Motherbird for their next mission. ================== Two days later. ================== Celestia sighed as she sat in her office, reading Parliament's reaction to the Element's capture. Upon hearing the news, Cadance and Shining had taken it hard, but they had then withdrawn their support for the war, and declared the Crystal Empire a Neutral Party. There had been no message from humanity as to what wanted or any wish for a prisoner exchange. "Celly?" Celestia turned to see Luna walk in. "Parliament has approved an assault on the wall." "What!?" Celestia cried. "That's suicide!' "Indeed. They have sent an ultimatum to the human leaders. Release the elements or the assault will begin." "They have the Mjolnir platform." Celestia said. "Parliament says using portable shielding magic, they are protected, but I have my doubts. Cadance and Armor have also withdrawn financial support." "I heard." Celestia said, motioning to the fateful letter on the table. "We have to end this war." Luna said. "This is folly! Madness!" "Unless Parliament decrees so, we continue to fight." Celestia said. "Tell them that we have no opinion on the assault. If we are to make a stand, we must do it soon." "Agreed." Luna said, walking over to sit next to her sister. "We must do it soon."
Prologue-Open SeasonTimeline of events ====================== 2021 The Equestrians open a Portal to humanity's homeworld, making contact with US Soldiers. Diplomatic relations are soon established. Many humans welcome contact, though there are humans that say war will come. 2021 In a speech before the United Nations, Celestia is open to trading talks, but also voices conversion for those who chose so. In the Equestrian embassy in New York, a Conversion center opens. Many attend, but few chose conversion. 2021 A fire mysteriously breaks out at the Embassy, killing five and destroying the Conversion bureau. The arsonist is never caught. Equestrians on Equus start voicing forced conversion tactics, much to Celestia's chagrin. 2022 The New Year begins with US President John Bowers condemning Conversion, stating "You cannot change who you are on the inside. We will always be human." 2022 Riots erupt across Equis against the President's statement. Many ponies see this as an act of war. 2022 Conversion centers across the world are destroyed and burned. In the chaos, the Equestria ambassador is killed. Celestia's parliament voices war cries. 2023 Celestia attempts to settle a peace treaty, but she is rebuffed by the Parliament. Soon, there is an attempted coup against her. Though the culprits are caught, Celestia reluctantly announces The Doctrines for the Security of Equis. Conversion centers close amid mass controversy. 2024 The Parliament declares war on Humanity as a whole, and they open a portal on the Brazilian Coast. While Rio de Janeiro is evacuated, the city falls, giving the Equestrians a beachhead. The UN declares war on Equis. 2025 The Equestrians smash through Colombia and Central America, and advance into Mexico, encountering heavy but unsuccessful resistance. Similar campaigns overwhelm Africa and half of Asia, effectively dividing Earth in two. Human forces rally around the UN, whose main members, the USA, Russia, and the European Union, are authorized to end the conflict in their respective hemispheres by any means necessary. 2026 The US begins war preparations, as drafts begin. War production skyrockets, and General Thomas Lindon brings three whole divisions and five in reserve to the US-Mexico border. 2027 The Equestrians make a heavy assault on several US border towns, causing thousands of casualties. The US begins construction on The Wall, a wall spanning the length of the front. Secretly, a series of rockets are launched into space from Russia, carrying on-board the top-secret MJOLNIR platform, an orbital weapons system designed as a last resort. 2027 MJOLNIR is utilized during the First Assault on The Wall, turning a large part of the US-Mexico border into "The Neutral Zone", scorching and disfiguring the landscape, as an effect from MJOLNIR's Kinetic energy missile payload. The Equestrians retreat, abandoning the Neutral Zone. The Wall is finished, and fortifications are made along its length. During the assault, President Bowers approves the SPECTRE initiative, a program aimed at creating the ultimate force multiplier, to strike behind enemy lines. A single squad is formed, named Spectre One-four. MOTHERBIRD, a flying command center the size of two C130 Hercules planes, begins development as the SPECTRE's HQ and mobile ops center. 2028 The squad completes the Initiative, and MOTHERBIRD is completed. From a firebase in Oklahoma, the SPECTREs and MOTHERBIRD begin their flight to the border. Intel is revealed that A high-ranking general is currently in the Yucatan Peninsula, carrying high-value Intel. MOTHERBIRD, carrying Spectre One-four is dispatched to capture the general and bring him to US lines for interrogation ====================================================== And this, is where our story begins…. ====================================================== As Motherbird soared through the inky black sky, Travis Brooks looked out the window, sighing. Travis, a Spectre belonging to Jackal team, was a veteran of the Army Rangers. But all his years of experience didn't prepare him for the Spectre initiative's training and specifications. "Travie, you okay?" Travis turned and saw his brother Cooper Brooks walk up next to him. Sitting down on a crate across from Travis, he smiled. Mark sighed in response. "I dunno. Just thinking." "We're soldiers, bro. We don't think. We act. Tell me what's up." "Two years we've been fighting the ponies, and what do we have to show for it? Just casualties. Too many fucking casualties." "True. But if we can't win this war, we're fucked for good. Conversion, you know?" "Yeah. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of it either. The whole thing's creepy." "I hear you." Travis said. They sat there in silence, until Travis sighed. "Let's get some rest. " The two of them walked down the corridor to the bunks designated for Jackal team. The other members of Jackal team, Adam Hollis and Jason Rice, were sound asleep. "You know, Trav? I have A nickname for you." Cooper said "What might that be?" "Travel." Mark nodded and was about to reply, when Adam's hand raised itself up, and gave the finger to both of them before flopping back down. Travis and Cooper chuckled softly before falling asleep. ========================= Twilight Sparkle watched the snow fall over Ponyville, though Ponyville had changed significantly since the start of the war. Now, a large army base occupied the field, and many of the stallions were missing, all serving on Earth. Big Mac had his commutation fee paid by Twilight, knowing the Apple Family would need all the help they could get. She sighed and looked over the sheets of paper strewn throughout her desk, all war correspondence, or frontline reports. Many of them were very grim. Then, there was a knock on the door. Twilight opened it to reveal Applejack, covered in powdery snow. "Hey, Twi." "Hello, AJ. What did you need?" "Can we talk?" "Sure. Coffee?" "Thanks." Twilight poured the pot of imitation coffee (as most luxury supplies were needed for the army) and made two cups. They drank deeply, and AJ sighed. "I really wanna thank you for paying that fee, Twi. Without it, we would've had too much work and not enough workers." "I know. Every stallion eighteen or over in good condition has been drafted. Parliament's gone crazy." "Yeah. To be honest, Twi, it's all Parliament's fault that this whole war started. I know that's treason, but it's how I feel." "I understand. To be honest, Spike's feeling the same way. He doesn't understand much of what's going on either." "Yeah. The Decrees are really what got everything sour. Rationing, donations, war production? It doesn't make any sense!" Twilight sighed. "I know. Celestia's written me several times saying she's tried to revoke or amend the decrees, but they all get rebuffed. Ever since Parliament claimed war powers, they've suspended all new legislative actions for the duration of the war." "Which just seems to be droning on, with no damn end in sight." Applejack replied. "True. As long as the humans stay on their side of the Neutral Zone, and we stay on ours, the casualties should remain low. I mean, the first assault was a slaughter." "So true. They brought in death from above with that "Milnor" platform of theirs. I wish it was destroyed." "I do to. But we know we can't reach it. It's too far up in Earth's orbit, plus a teleportation spell up to that height would be inconceivable to create or cast. And the fact is, they could just send down another missile before we could even start." "I'm surprised they haven't used it more often." "Maybe it's because they know the destruction it causes?" Twilight and Applejack stood there in silence for several minutes. "Well, I should head home. Thanks. For the coffee." "No problem. We're still on for the trip to the front. Celestia said it should be good for morale." "Yeah. Goodnight." "Goodnight." As the door opened and closed, Twilight looked back at the letter she had sent General Blood Strong, including her schedule. She knew it would take three days for the letter to reach him, but by the time the humans could possibly intercept it, she would be back home safe. She walked upstairs and slipped into bed, careful not to wake Spike. She turned out the light and fell asleep.
Chapter 1-Operation Silent DeathAs MOTHERBIRD soared through the South American skies, Travis, Cooper, and the rest of the team listened to Colonel Jackson's briefing. "Spectres, listen up. We've received notice that an Equestrian General named Blood Strong is camped out in the Yucatan, at the abandoned Luminis complex. As you know, before the war, that complex was to be the crown jewel of South American cities. Now, the Equestrians are using it as a supply base and ops center for the whole Yucatan region. You're heading in to capture Blood Strong and any intel he has there. This complex is heavily fortified, so you won't be able to bust the door down." "How are we getting in?" Adam asked. "A Switchblade glider drop from low altitude. You'll need to land as close to the compound as possible, in order to minimize risk of detection." Jackson said. "Your kits are waiting for you in the drop zone. Light is green, Spectres." As the squad saluted him and walked out, they put on the masks they had received after completing the Initiative's training program. Painted with a rough skull in white, Travis admired it before placing it on his head. The Spectres walked into the drop bay, where four US Marines handed them the Switchblades. The gliders were similar to wingsuits, only static placed on their back. They also featured a silent thruster to minimize detection. "Switchblades are ready." The Spectres jumped out and soared through the skies. Landing in a jungle clearing south of the entrance, the Spectres loaded their weapons and began the mission. =============== Travis flicked the safety off his Honey Badger assault rifle, seeing two Guards posted at the entrance to the complex. Cooper was about to do the same with his M1014 shotgun when Jason shook his head. "We can bypass these bastards. Silent takedown." "Got it." Travis said. Sneaking up behind the guard, Cooper gave a signal, and the two Spectres planted the guard's faces into the wall, knocking them out. As Jason and Adam walked up, Cooper lifted the gate. The three other Spectres slid under before Jason let it close. The Spectres entered the Luminis lobby, now occupied by crates of weapons and boxes of ammo. "Why'd they cache their weapons here?" Adam asked, noting the large caliber rifles were still oiled and factory-polished. "Maybe because they're stupid." Cooper said. "See if we can find some explosives." "We need to be silent." Jason said. "Let's find this asshole, bag him and get out." "Right." the other soldiers said. Sliding into an elevator shaft lined with glass, Jason pulled out a pair of binoculars and scanned the large plaza below him. "Target spotted. Down in the main office." Jason said. "He's guarded. Look's like he's accessing a terminal." "You guys move." Adam said, drawing out his USR Sniper Rifle. "I've got overwatch." "Got it. Team, on me." Jason said. As the Spectres jumped out an open window and slid down the slope of the apartment complex, they landed on a terrace. Adam adjusted his scope, and suppressed his rifle. Chambering a round, he put a guard's head in his scope. "Ready." Adam said. Jason gave a thumbs up and brought his team to a platform two stories above the office window, with Blood Strong's back to them. Taking a carabiner clip and some cable, the Spectres rappelled to the office window. Placing their weapons to the glass, they waited for Adam's shot. There was a faint crack, and the guard next to the door fell. The Spectres smashed through the window, and shot two guards who heard the crash. Travis pinned Blood Strong, while Cooper inserted a data probe into Blood Strong's terminal. "Got the data. Let's move." Cooper said, pocketing the probe. As Travis knocked Blood Strong out, they grabbed him and rappelled up the cable. "Spectre 1-3, this is Spectre 1-1." Jason said. "We've got the package and data. Meet us at the extraction." "Roger that." As the Spectres ran through the exposed plaza, a sentry noticed them and opened fire with his rifle. as the Equestrians raised the alarm, the Spectres radioed Motherbird. "Motherbird, this is Spectre 1-1. We've got the package, but we're pinned down! Requesting evac!" "Confirmed, Jayhawk inbound." Motherbird replied. "Spectre 1-3, where are you?" Travis yelled. "Taking shots and heads off." Jason replied as a guard dropped from a shot to the head. As the Equestrians took cover, Cooper and Travis provided cover fire for Adam to pull Blood Strong into the elevator shaft. "Grapple hooks, now!" Adam yelled. Travis took cover behind the doors and shot a few guards, while Adam and Cooper took their grapple guns and scaled the shaft. Travis followed, as the guards below fired their rifles at the ascending Spectre. As Travis entered the arms depot, the sound of a helicopter could be heard. "That's Jayhawk! Let's move!" Adam yelled as the Spectres took positions. Jayhawk soared into the sky, while rifle shots from the Equestrians missed or glanced off the helicopter's armor. "Motherbird, this is Jayhawk. We've got the package and the intel." Adam radioed. "Confirmed, we'll swing to pick you boys up. Well done, Spectres, I'm damn proud of you." Colonel Jackson replied. ============ Later, as the figure of Motherbird approached, Jayhawk radioed. "Requesting nest open." the pilot radioed. "Confirmed. Nest is open." As the helicopter started to descend towards the center of Motherbird's body, The roof of the plane opened into two doors, revealing a small hangar and an opening big enough for the helicopter to fit into. As the Spectres grabbed the safety lines and walked over to a safe area, the pilot turned off the engine, and when the helicopter's blades stopped rotating, the doors joined together and sealed the plane. As the cabin pressurized, the Spectres unhooked themselves and entered the main part of the plane, where Colonel Jackson was waiting. "Blood Strong is secure. I'm proud of you, Spectres. Job well done. Get some rest, boys." Jackson said approvingly, and the Spectres saluted and walked out towards the barracks. ============= "We could do this all day, you know." "Buck you." "You gonna stop insulting us?" "BUCK you." "Really?" "BUCK YOU!" Travis sighed. Cooper had been given the responsibility of interrogating Blood Strong, and he, suffice to say, was failing. Travis sighed and walked out, towards the command center, where Adam, Jason, and Colonel Jackson were attempting to decipher the data they had stolen. "Any luck on your end?" Jason asked. "Nada." Travis replied. "Yours?" "Squat." Adam said, as he was practically smashing the keyboard with his fingers, attempting to break into the probe. "I have an idea." Jackson said. "Get the prisoner in here now. I think he's what we're missing." Soon after, Blood Strong was sitting in a chair, facing Colonel Jackson. "Here's how this is going to go. You're going to open up that data drive, and in return, we'll let you live." Blood Strong spat in the Colonel's face. Jackson wiped it away before crouching in front of him. "Well, shit. Lemme tell you something. You don't unlock that drive, well, you'll be taking a little...trip. I'm sure when you hit the ground, you'll be nothing but a smear in the dirt." "You're bluffing." Blood Strong said. "Your Geneva Conventions state…" "Geneva Conventions don't mean shit." Jackson said. "We can do whatever we want to you, and no one's the wiser." Blood Strong started to sweat, but he kept on a stalwart face. "We could vivisect you, find out what makes you tick…" Jackson said to him. "...Or cut off your horn, maybe use it as a paperweight. Or...we could always throw you out of the plane. I'd bet you'd make a nice snack for the jaguars." Blood Strong looked away slightly. "Fine. I'll open the drive." "Good. Do it." Jackson said, shoving the keyboard into his hooves. Blood Strong reluctantly provided the passcode, and Adam took the keyboard and began to browse. "What do we have here…" Adam said. "Defense plans for the whole Yucatan...Arms shipments from Rio...and...Jackpot! A schedule for the Elements of Harmony's visit to Earth!" Jackson walked over and glanced at the screen. "We've got two days before they head to Mexico City. Apparently for a big photo op. Spectres...we'll pay 'em a little...visit, courtesy of humanity." "We taking them out?" Jason asked. "Negative. You're bringing them here alive. Having them as prisoners of war will do wonders for morale." Jackson said. "I'll tell the pilots to change course." "You wouldn't dare!" Blood Strong yelled. "We dare, alright." Travis said. "I know...they're your princesses and all...but lemme tell you this. Royalty don't mean shit when you're dealing with the Spectres." "Bastards!" Blood Strong roared. Jackson sighed, walked up, and smiled. "You, on the other hand, since you know our plans…" Jackson drew his pistol and fired. Blood Strong's head slumped down, dead. "...You're going to hell. Spectres?" "Sir?" "Get kitted. You're going to be kidnapping the Elements of Harmony." "Got it, sir." As Motherbird soared towards Mexico City, the sun slowly set in the sky. ====================
Chapter 2-Starlight SpectresAs Mexico City prepared for the celebrations that were to come with the Element's arrival, fireworks flashed across the night sky. Through the inky darkness, four Switchblade gliders went unnoticed. Landing on a Skyscraper across from the Plaza Tierra Hotel, where the Elements were staying, the Spectres unloaded their gear. Wingsuits for the jump between buildings... Gecko-3 Gloves, allowing the Spectres to climb the hotel walls… And finally, a prototype serum that nullified the ability to use magic or fly by short-circuiting neural connections, complete with tripwire dispenser. Travis sighed and pulled on his mask and loaded his Honey Badger. Cooper tapped him on the shoulder before the Spectres activated their Wingsuits. Soaring across the gap between buildings, they landed ten stories below their objective, the Penthouse. "Move up." Adam said. As the Spectres climbed, Travis growled. Reaching a balcony, Adam mantled over the railing and cut through the glass. "In here." he said through the radio. The Spectres found themselves in the Security Room, with monitors displaying Security Camera feeds throughout the hotel all around. Adam set to work looping the feed, while Jason shut down their communications relay. "Travis, Cooper, get the targets. We'll hold here." Adam said. As the two brothers rushed outside and began to climb, they soon reached the penthouse. Travis saw through the window that the Elements were all asleep, bunched together on a couch. "Night, night." Cooper said, picking the door lock and slipping the serum trap inside, setting it to a minute length fuse. "Targets are tagged." Travis said. "Good work, Spectre 1-4. Hold position. We've got guards incoming towards the penthouse. If we get heat, go loud." Jason said. "Got it, 1-2." Cooper nodded to Travis, and the two of them banged three times each on the balcony door. Swinging themselves so their upside-down faces could see into the room, they saw the lavender one brush herself and a small lizard on two legs awake and walk over to the door. "Twi? What's up?" Rainbow asked. "I heard a noise." Twilight said. As she walked over to the door, the fuse hit zero. As the white gas spread throughout the room, The Spectres watched as their forms collapsed, tranquilized. "Targets are down." Cooper said. "Confirmed. I'll radio the Jayhawk." Adam said. "Bag and tag." Cooper said to Travis. As they slid into the room, they then noticed their lack of equipment to transport the elements. "Spectre 1-1, bring Jayhawk to our location. We can't move them." "Roger that." Travis and Cooper cuffed their legs, and stacked them on the balcony. The lizard was tougher, but Cooper simply took a piece of cable and made do. Soon, Adam and Jason climbed up, and took positions by the door. "Spectre Alpha, this is Jayhawk. We're here." "Confirmed." As the form of Jayhawk approached the balcony, the Elements were loaded on. Then, they heard a door open. "Princess? You there? The speech won't give itself." "Shit!" Travis yelled. "Let's go!" "Punching it." As Jayhawk roared off, a stray firework illuminated the sky around them, revealing their presence to the fifty-odd guards on the rooftop. "SHIT! WE'RE EXPOSED!" Travis yelled as tracer rounds filled the air around them. "Pilot, GET US OUT OF HERE!" Adam yelled. As Jayhawk soared out of range of the small-arms fire that filled the sky around them, the Guards in the penthouse stopped shooting. "Radio Canterlot." The Guard Lieutenant said. "We lost them." =========== As Jayhawk merged with Motherbird, several US Marines bearing stretchers took the Elements to the brig, and the Spectres followed. Jackson was on the radio with General Thomas Lindon. The elements were uncuffed and left in the room, while Travis pulled down a Murphy Bed for them, along with a table and fold out chair. Travis and the Spectres left, just as Twilight's eyes flickered open. ========== Twilight groaned and stood up. From what she could tell, they weren't in the Mexico City Hotel Penthouse. They were in a drab, dull room, with a folded out bed and table.Her friends and Spike lay unconscious beside her. She stood up shakily and attempted to teleport out, only she found she couldn't focus her magic. "Buck." she swore. "Is that a pony swear, or do you mean Fuck?" said a voice. Twilight turned towards the screen near her. It flickered, and five humans looked back at her. One was clad in army fatigues. The four others wore black and grey spec-ops gear, and their faces were obscured by masks emblazoned with roughly drawn white skulls. The one in fatigues laughed at her grimace. "Welcome aboard." he said. "Who are you, human?" she spat. "Colonel Lee Jackson." he said. "The Gentlemen next to me are the Spectres. And Princess, you and your entourage are prisoners of war." "You kidnapped us." she said. "All's fair in love and war. Ever hear that?" Jackson asked. "The plane we're on is flying a course straight towards Washington DC, where you'll be spending the rest of the war. We would've sent you to the Sierra Angelo POW camp in Houston, but the orders for your transfer to DC came from the very top." "Define "very top"." Twilight asked. "The President of the United States, John Bowers." Jackson said. "He's expecting us tomorrow in DC. You as well. I would advise getting some sleep. You'll goddamn need it." Jackson said, walking out. Three Spectres followed. Twilight noticed one sit down with his back to her. He opened a hatch, and slipped a Granola Bar through. "Eat up." he said. Twilight gave it a tentative sniff, and she ate it ravenously. "Why are you helping me?' she asked. "I'm not helping you." the human replied. "You may be a lavender-colored pony with a horn and wings, but I see you're just as confused as me." "Why's that?" Twilight asked. The human sighed. "I don't understand why this war had to be fought. Frankly, every day I pray that I'll get answers. So, now that you're here, might as well get it from the horse's mouth. No offense." "None taken." Twilight sighed. "It wasn't Celestia's intent to start a war." "Then why have on in the first place?" "Parliament saw humans as weak, as animals, as everything they despised." Twilight said. "Frankly, they practically staged a coup of their own with all these wartime doctrines. Drafts, rationing, the whole nine yards." The human sighed. "And you, a Princess of wherever-the-hell-you-come-from, just...went along with it?" "I had to." Twilight said. "Parliament made it law to go against the war effort in any way." "They're trying to silence you." The human replied. "You just can't see it. If your leaders are willing and able to stop any opposition to a war most don't want to fight, then they really are stupid as hell." "I see what you mean." Twilight said. "It never made sense to me." "Amen to that, sister." the human replied. "Anyway...I'm not a heartless bastard like Colonel Jackson, but don't expect many more favors. I have orders." "Can you at least tell me your name?" Twilight asked. The human sighed, and was silent for a few moments. "Travis Brooks." he said. "Just...don't spread it around. I don't want anyone besides my CO and my squad members knowing. Anyway, I'd best get going." Travis walked out, gave a brief nod, and was soon gone. Twilight sighed, and slumped to a resting position. "I see it now." she said bitterly. "We really are stupid as hell."
Chapter 3-A Washington WelcomeAs Motherbird landed outside the newly constructed Military Airbase Kodai, the Elements, each equipped with a POW's shoulder tag, walked down the rear ramp, escorted by the Spectres and Colonel Jackson. Waiting for them, wearing a suit, was President John Bowers. He was around forty, with a graying beard and brown hair. His Secret Service retinue stood at attention as the Spectres, Colonel Jackson, and the Elements approached. "Colonel." Bowers spoke. "Mr. President." Lee spoke, as he and the Spectres snapped to salute. "At ease. I'm damn proud of all of you. Congratulations on your mission success." Bowers spoke. "Let's get moving." "Roger that." A Secret Service agent spoke. "Whiskey Hotel, this is Heart. Package is received. Sending to Post." As the Elements were ushered into a secure Humvee, the Spectres took seats in the truck behind them. Twilight could only watch through the windows as Washington DC came into view. Twilight was taken aback by the sight of the capitol. What she had heard from Parliament about "cities of slag and refuse" was clearly wrong. Orderly, straight skylines peppered with buildings brushed shoulders with greenery and plant life. Humans walked and chatted as if there wasn't a war going on. Every so often they would catch a sight of a human soldier, or a Police Officer. Twilight turned away from the window and sighed, brushing her shoulder tag and reading its text for the umpteenth time. PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE-EQUESTRIAN ASSIGNED TO-WASHINGTON DC STATUS-PROTECTED SOVEREIGN. "Twilight?" Applejack asked. "You okay?" "I wonder how Cadance and Shining will take the news." Twilight replied. "Parliament will go insane." Rainbow said. "They're already insane!" Rarity said. "I've had to give nearly half of my fabric to the army for uniforms!' "A quarter of my apples are gone." Applejack said. "I've had to sign up for the reserves." Rainbow said. "My animals cry at night." Fluttershy said. "No parties…" Pinkie said, giving a small sniff. Twilight looked over at Spike, who looked rather distraught. "Spike?" Twilight asked. "You okay?" "What's going to happen to us?" Spike said, glancing at his bracelet, as he was too small for a shoulder tag. "We'll be fine." Twilight said. "I mean, what could happen?" Spike hopped over to Twilight and leaned on her shoulder, shivering. Twilight wrapped her legs around him, and hugged him as best she could. Then, they heard the car stop. The doors opened, revealing their lodgings. And it was not what they expected. Instead of a run-down townhouse, a small three-story house greeted them, perfectly kept and clean. Twilight and the Elements were ushered inside, and to their shock, it looked just as good inside as it did on the outside. "Wow." was all they could say. "This'll be your home for a while." Bowers said, walking in. "Frankly, some folks in Congress vouched for the Sierra Angelo POW camp, but I got the go-ahead. Here's a schedule for the bi-weekly restock, the utility info, everything you need." Bowers handed Twilight a large packet of paper, bound with a binder clip. "Feel free to use your magic, but we have cameras rigged throughout the house." Bowers said. "We can't exactly block certain magic, but we couldn't settle on a blanket ban either. So, as long as you behave yourselves, you'll be fine. If you have any requests, the computer in the lounge has a direct message function that links to the White House. You need anything, we'll do our best to get it." "Thank you." Twilight said. Bowers nodded. "You're welcome. I want you to know we're not the monsters that you make us out to be." Bowers said. "I best get going. The country's not going to run itself." Bowers nodded, and walked out. Twilight set out to explore the house. On the second floor were the bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small lounge, with the computer. The first floor had a kitchen already stocked with food and a dining room. A small library was coupled to an office on the third floor, along with a storage room. Twilight walked back downstairs to find her friends browsing through a cabinet. "Heh, board games." Rainbow said. "Monopoly, Sorry!, Checkers, Chess...geez, think we're getting better treatment here than at home." "I have to agree." Twilight said. "It is nice. Say...anyone hungry?" "I am." Fluttershy said. "Let's make some lunch, then." Twilight said. As they headed into the kitchen, the Spectres were given the all-clear to return to Motherbird for their next mission. ================== Two days later. ================== Celestia sighed as she sat in her office, reading Parliament's reaction to the Element's capture. Upon hearing the news, Cadance and Shining had taken it hard, but they had then withdrawn their support for the war, and declared the Crystal Empire a Neutral Party. There had been no message from humanity as to what wanted or any wish for a prisoner exchange. "Celly?" Celestia turned to see Luna walk in. "Parliament has approved an assault on the wall." "What!?" Celestia cried. "That's suicide!' "Indeed. They have sent an ultimatum to the human leaders. Release the elements or the assault will begin." "They have the Mjolnir platform." Celestia said. "Parliament says using portable shielding magic, they are protected, but I have my doubts. Cadance and Armor have also withdrawn financial support." "I heard." Celestia said, motioning to the fateful letter on the table. "We have to end this war." Luna said. "This is folly! Madness!" "Unless Parliament decrees so, we continue to fight." Celestia said. "Tell them that we have no opinion on the assault. If we are to make a stand, we must do it soon." "Agreed." Luna said, walking over to sit next to her sister. "We must do it soon."
