Two years ago, Princess Luna and many Equestrian citizens felt the need to secede from Celestia's rule as a means to argue against newer laws being passed that were a lot more restrictive than previously written. During the formation, tensions were high as the southern part of Equestria, from Los Pegasus to Baltimare wanted to be in the New Lunar Republic. The treaty was signed between the two calmly, and the New Lunar Republic was born.
However, not everypony was accepting that this had gone without a hitch. Many in the now named Solar Empire felt that Luna had pressured the southern area to join her, and many in the New Lunar Republic felt that Celestia would retaliate after she built up enough forces to retake Southern Equestria. Some of these ponies, were in deed officers in the newly fledged nation and felt that Luna was being naïve in trusting Celestia as much as she was. The officer's by that point made a pact, to do whatever it took to make sure that Celestia never had power again. It was there, they collectively named their own makings of a political party, The Dark Stallions. From there on, it was a game of waiting.
The night of June 12, 1002, the Dark Stallions felt their recruitment and their own size was enough that they finally attempted their coup. In less than twenty-four hours, the capitol of Baltimare was taken. Princess Luna barely managed to exit her residence by hidden escape tunnels. She continued to flee southwest, blending into the shadows each time coup forces got close to her. Planes took off that were in a black and grey paint scheme and began shooting down a majority of the blue NLR planes, causing confusion in the ranks of Air Force commanders still loyal to the Princess. Ground forces also began using force to gain land, causing the remaining loyal military leaders to flee with what forces they had left and to form a make-shift chain of command for the NLR forces.
Since that night, NLR forces have been losing multiple battles across the region, with each loss making them leave equipment behind that the rebel forces could use. All remaining forces have regrouped at Reigny Air Force Base, right at the South Luna Sea. With troops running low, it has become a hotspot for mercenary pilots hired by the NLR as a last ditch effort. Luna has also called upon her sister for support in reclaiming the lands from the rebellious forces, but so far only minimal supplies have made it past the Dark Stallion patrols. Reigny Air Force Base is also the home station of the mercenary 133rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, known as "Midnight Squadron."
