It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.
-Albert Einstein
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.
-Dalai Lama
A few great minds are enough to endow humanity with monstrous power, but a few great hearts are not enough to make us worthy of using it.
-Jean Rostand
Humanity
It started on the the year 2205. Humanity had finally reached the epitome of greatness. At least that’s what the ignorant ones believed. The abundance of technology had reduced almost every humans to uncaring and narcissistic beings who let their greed and ignorance control their lives. Why confront others and have friends when you are surrounded by robots whose AI is as smart as, or smarter than a human's? Why go outside when inside your home it could imitate a perfect outside world?
The figurative straw that slowly sucked upon the sea of resources so long ago had turned into greedy slurps. Natural resources could not match the constant demand humanity had as the population increased. As the resources dwindled, war was not far behind as nations claimed and defended whatever they could grab.
Where nations in the past used governments to lead them to brighter futures, it is now run by whoever has the fattest wallet. These people are above the law and may do as they please, even if it makes the “lower class” suffer for it. Those with jobs were considered very lucky as one out of every fifty people had a steady enough job to at least live for another day. Everyone else was left to fend for themselves.
That is... until a portal opened on the coast of California.
Scientists soon found it to actually be a heavily controlled wormhole of sorts. How or what was controlling it left them dumbfounded, and that was only the start. Several days after the portal opened, a human appeared through the portal. He was considered an alien to others, even if he looked exactly like them. The only difference being his strange sense of fashion. The strange human looked at earth with an expression of sadness and confusion. He was taken away soon afterward by police the billionaires controlled and was never seen from again.
Weeks later, further investigation of the portal took place. A single human was fitted and trained with the best resources earth could muster and sent through the portal. Several days later he returned, garbed like the previous human who appeared through the portal.
He told about the place on the other side of the portal. How the air was clean as the filtered pumps only millionaires could afford. The water was clear and crisp with no pollution in sight. His descriptions stunned anyone who heard him like he was weaving a fantasy that could never exist even in their minds.
Everything he said was like a dream come true. Here was a new abundant land waiting to be taken by humanity. The greedy billionaires hiding in their skyscrapers quickly learned about it themselves. They put the portal under quarantine, only themselves and several close friends were allowed to even glimpse at it. Crowds desperately wished for a slice of this pie, but were quickly and forcefully dispersed by the police.
They began a great expedition. Hundreds of humans would travel to this new world to claim its resources. The rich told everyone listening that this undertaking would advance humanity as a whole, but it was a lie. They only cared about themselves. They planned to move to this new land and leave everyone else to fend for themselves on Earth.
Hearing the lie without knowing their true intentions, the second human who returned through the portal warned that the land was already occupied by a sentient race. That it was ruled by talking horses. Ignoring his warning, the expedition continued through the portal. The second human was also taken away, claiming he was mentally unstable.
Days turned to weeks and weeks turned into months. Still no word had returned from the expedition. By the third month, another group was being prepared to go through the portal. This one was lightly armed as they believed whatever lived on the other side had turned hostile. As they were about to enter the portal, they were taken by surprise.
The previous expedition had returned through the portal beaten and bruised. After their attempts to strip the land, they met the leader of their land. They told of a tall white unicorn with wings confronting them, peacefully asking them to leave. When they refused, she brought the dig to a complete halt with a flick of her horn. All the machinery refused to work. Afterwards they were soon rounded up by several armored horses, and forced back through the portal.
The rich leaders were furious that they were forced from their dream of living in such a beautiful world. The fact they were talking animals didn’t help either. Too angered and greedy to think through the massive repercussions for their actions, It didn’t take long before the military was involved.
Propaganda swiftly appeared on every television, billboard, and hologram. Paid by the rich of course. They knew everyone would rush at the the promises they advertised. The chance for food, shelter, and beds for anyone who joined brought a tidal wave of lower class to every recruiting office in the United States.
The rich had declared war upon Equestria.
The current year is 2208 and the new land, which humans learned was named Equestria, had been claimed by the human race. After control of Equestria was firmly in human hands, military presence had dwindled greatly. The constant sending of new troops had been turned into a trickle as the flow of returning troops increased.
Amongst the troops was a single man in his late twenties. He seemed like any ordinary soldier compared to the others as they marched toward the portal. Most of the other troops had blank stares from the training they rigorously went through to get here. They would follow orders to the 'T' and without question.
What everyone didn’t know was the betrayal this human was about to commit that may change his views on his own species forever.
Somewhere in California, 0400 hours
A loud buzz came from the LED screen beside me as I slumbered. The alarm quickly roused me from my warm bunk bed and I fumbled for the button with my left hand. After blindly pressing random buttons in the darkness, one being the radio, I finally shut it off. I rubbed my eyes for a moment and leaned forward to stretch, my fists sticking in the air. Unfortunantly I forgot how low the bunk was and rapped my knuckle against the top bunk hard.
Ow! I need to remember how low these bunk beds are.
After flexing my knuckle for a moment, I pressed another button on the screen beside me. The single light on the ceiling turned on and I sat at the side of my bed to look at the simple room. It was small, but antiquate with its tan carpet with White walls and ceiling. To my left was the closet that held my bunk buddy and I's uniforms, off-duty wear, and bathing necessities. The metal slide-door leading out into the hallway was in front of me with another LED screen beside it. To the right of that was a simple wood table that held my personal belongings.
When I joined the military I didn't bring anything too fancy with me. Just a group picture of my family eleven years ago when I graduated High School. It was a shame I could never go to collage due to the rising cost for tuition. It was a miracle I could even find a job at retail, even if I hated the job every single day.
Laying next to the framed photo was a small trinket that was close to me. It was given from a close friend of mine before I even went to High School. To others it was a piece of trash, but to me it helped me remind me who I was.
It was a small necklace with a piece of broken glass covered in duct tape to prevent the edges from cutting. She scribbled with a permanent marker the word 'friends'. My friend had the other piece which said "forever" on it, and we promised to keep it around our necks at all times. When we met again, we would put them together and know that our friendship was still strong. She always seemed like the sentimental type.
A squeak above me meant my bunk mate was awaking as well. I got out of bed only in my dark-blue boxers and headed for the closet. Opening the folding door I picked up my neatly folded uniform and cloth bag full of bathroom hygiene items. The bathroom and shower were shared at a first come, first serve basis, which is why I had set the alarm so early. Tapping on the LED screen with deft fingertips, the metal door slid to the side.
The hallway was brighter than the single light in my bunk room so it took a moment for my eyes to adjust. Thankfully the bathroom was only a doorway down, so with another tap on another LED screen, I slipped inside.
Once again, first one to use the shower, I thought somewhat proudly. Locking the door and placing my clothing with cloth bag on the grey counter to my left, I caught a glimpse of myself, Allan Winberg, in the bathroom mirror.
My short jet-black hair was finger-combed to one side and the bangs didn't go any lower than halfway down my forehead. My matching mustache, which the fellow soldiers had pointed out looked like a 'porno stache', was trimmed. Stubble also started to show on my chin and lower cheeks.
On reflex, I put a hand on my belly while reflecting how being in the military helped trimmed me down a bit. I was always one of those people who would ignore doing something, but when i actually did it, the results would turn out better than I would realize. I just had to push myself to actually do it. I would say my body wasn't muscled, nor fat. The best word to put it was lean, but I clearly showed I wasn't slacking off all day.
Just Like everyone else, I realized. I was happy that my body was in fit shape, but I knew everyone else was. I hated that feeling of unimportance. I was just another green plastic soldier in the giant tub of an army. As I stared at myself, mostly looking at my brown iris's, a loud banging came from the bathroom door.
"Oi! Damn it all, Allan, I know you're in there. Either take your shower or get the fuck out!"
Sighing quietly to myself, I stripped the only piece of clothing I had on and jumped in the shower.
"What the hell was that all about this morning, Allen?" My bunk mate, Jake, asked.
We were both in our standard dress uniform of a white shirt with blue pants. Our left breast was empty of any commendations since we only joined about six months ago. Jake planned to look exactly like the one's around him with their rows showing proudly, but I just saw it as another way to make us all look alike. Being without them made me feel different. I shrugged at Jake's question.
"Eh, Quinn is just being an ass. I think he's just pissed that I keep beating him to the bathroom every morning," I said with a grin. Jake only shook his head with his arms crossed.
"He keeps it up, he's going to blow a blood vessel."
The smog covered sky blocked the sun, but the weather still felt hot and humid. Around us, dozens of other soldiers waited under the sweltering weather. We were outside waiting for the order to fall in line from the commander. Usually the lieutenant of our small platoon had something to say, so it came to no surprise everyone was figuratively sweating under their shirts. Apparently he had a special announcement to tell us, which didn't break the thick uneasiness everyone was feeling. Several minutes passed before their lieutenant finally showed himself.
He didn't have to say anything as everyone fell in line like a puzzle solving itself. By the time everyone was at attention he took his place in front of his platoon as the commander appeared. He slowly walked toward the podium and turned to face the large group in front of him. He stared at everyone with a calm indifference.
"I will be brief," he began, causing everyone to stiffen. "You're all being sent to this new land we recently acquired to bolster our military presence there. Due to some... complications, we lost half a platoon and need to replace them immediately. So, starting now you are all to prepare your gear and meet back here in one hour. Transportation will arrive to take you to the portal site. That is all." After saying what needed to be said, he quickly left the podium, leaving everyone scratching their heads.
"All this building up of tension and he only says a short speech? Would've been better to just have the LT tell us," Jake whispered to me, keeping his face still as possible.
I was busy wondering what Equestria even looked like. I knew it had to be beautiful as returning soldiers enjoyed every minute of being there. They explained how it reminded them of earth before all the pollution and waste. How the grass and trees were colorful and the sky was clear of smog. The thought of breathing real clean air made me smile.
"Did you all go deaf?" The Lieutenant in front of our platoon yelled at us as we all haven't moved an inch. "You heard him, now get your equipment. We're hauling ass in one hour!"
"Allan, for Pete sake hurry up in there. We're going to piss off our LT... again."
"Yeah, in a second," I said for the second time as I tossed my dress pants in the closet. I had put on my fatigues and boots. My pack was firmly strapped to my torso and helm held under the crook of my arm. Before I left, I took out the picture of my family and folded it into my back pocket. I then snatched the necklace as well and put it around my neck, tucking it under my articles of clothing to remain hidden. With everything I needed on my person, I hefted my backpack and left the room.
"Took you long enough," Jake said with an eyebrow raise. "The hell were you doing? Actually never mind, I don't want to know." A light punch from me brought a grin to his face.
We made our way out of the barracks and found everyone lined up behind the simple trap-draped truck for transport. The sight brought a chuckle to Jake's throat.
"Even with all this technology, we still use these damn old things. Might as well have it be horse-drawn and give us spears and shield to fight our enemies with." I chuckled lightly. While Jake and I never did agree with our beliefs and morals, he always knew how to make me laugh.
The LT appeared behind one of the trucks, his gaze staring at the both of us approaching the only truck not filled.
"My god Allan. You actually showed up on time? Holy shit I think I have a medal on the ground here somewhere to give you." He proceeded to look at the dirt road under his boots like he actually had one to give me, bringing several chuckles from the other soldiers.
After the laughing had died down and everyone was uncomfortably fit into the five trucks, our platoon was sent toward the coast where the portal awaited us.
Now, I'm a big fan of science fiction when I was little. I read any literature my grubby mitts could get a hold of. Space ships, lasers, aliens and the like always interested me. But when I saw the portal, my jaw still dropped in awe.
The portal was like a churning lake turned sideways and the water was grape kool-aid. You could peer into it for several feet, but it immediately went blurry afterwards. The entire thing was surrounded by armed soldiers and gates to prevent anyone from freely running in. I doubted anyone could even make it inside the large building I was standing in with the three other checkpoints located by the thick metal doors behind me.
Myself and the other 53 others in my platoon were fully kitted in our active camouflage, which activated if we stood still. Several of them were testing theirs out away from the group. Jake and I had ours off and were standing to the side of the first gate leading toward the portal. Checking my assault rifle, the ACR-5. it was the standard issue for the army. Its forest camouflage paint went well to match the color of my combat uniform.
I had a variety of other equipment in the many pockets on my vest, but my favorite item was strapped to my right thigh. The M1911 pistol was kept firmly inside its holster. Ammunition for this pistol was rare to find as deadlier weapons took place of this pistol. I've had to reload the ammunition myself ever since I was issued the pistol as a joke from the man who ran the armory back on base.
I smiled to myself at seeing everything in place and the safety of my weapons firmly set the 'on'. I was too busy inspecting my gear I didn't notice the platoon had started to move toward the portal. Jake put a hand on my shoulder and shook a bit.
"Come on man. We need to get going."
Nodding my head in response, we fell behind the soldiers in back. We went in by two's, side-by-side. As the first two entered, the soft sound of someone pushing thick cloth curtains emanated from the portal. As each one entered, they looked fine until they continued the march. Their entire body stretched forward into the murky 'water' one foot at a time, like they were taking a huge step. I couldn't hear any screams from the way they stretched so it couldn't have felt strange or felt painful. The thought didn't ease his mind as Jake and I were the last ones to go through. Jake gave me that playful smirk that I knew all too well.
"You know what they say, Allan. One small step for man..." He took two steps forward and was gone.
I glanced back at the gates that were now closed, the guards on either side not paying attention to my hesitation. Putting my hand through the purple water, it felt no different then waving my hand in the air. emboldened slightly upon learning this, I took a deep breath and strode through the portal.
One giant leap for mankind...
Chapter 2
Disobedience
Going through the portal was probably the oddest feeling I've ever experienced. I felt my enter body being stretched forward like how one would stretch pasta dough. The sudden stop after I had appeared on the other side however, was a different story. Everyone managed to leave the portal unscathed except me, who felt my foot trip over something.
I lifted myself off the ground while I heard laughing right beside me. Looking in that direction, I found Jake standing next to the portal with a leg out. He cleared his throat when he noticed me glaring at him. I forgot how much of a joker he is that he doesn't care where he gets his laughs from. If he had an opportunity to get his laughs from the commander in chief, without getting caught of course, he would probably do it. Thankfully he had the courtesy to at least help me back up.
"Sorry, I couldn't resist," he apologized while helping me get back on my feet.
The brightness of this new world was blinding me and I was forced to put a hand on my forehead to act as a visor. We were surrounded by more chain-link fences with another checkpoint to go through before we could roam around the base. Grass grew everywhere except around the base which was surrounded with pavement.
The base itself was smaller than I thought it would be, considering we've occupied Equestria for almost four years. All the buildings were a drab grey, which was a large contrast to the bright colors around us. I could spot the barracks and headquarters from where I was standing, but there were several more buildings around them and I had no idea what they were for.
"Yeah, you can't resist a lot of things," I grumbled in return, brushing the loose strands of grass attached to my vest. I stopped mid-brush and plucked one off to look closely at it like it was a fine piece of art. The bright green plant life was alien to me since most plants on earth were either dead or displayed as prized pets to those who could afford one. I suddenly realized I was surrounded by trillions of credits worth of plant life.
"Dude, if you're going to act like that over a blade of grass, I don't want to see what you do to the trees." He chuckled as he lightly backhanded my left arm. "Come on, everyone is heading to the barracks to pick up their PBA's." With him leading, we easily went through the checkpoint and headed toward the greyish building to our left.
PBA, or Personal Battle Assistant, was an AI every soldier carried with them. Or rather, was "installed" into us. All of our equipment had small wires running underneath that allowed the AI to feel anything we felt, like a secondary nervous system. It was also a voice in the back of our minds to let us know of dangers, mission updates, and surviving in an environment.
Inside the barracks was no different color-wise, and if I didn't know any better, I'd say I was colorblind. The barracks was also connected to the armory, which was to our left in the front lobby. In front of us were the corridors which had the bunk beds. If we were posted here, I would be finding a empty bunk in a heartbeat. However, command had somewhere else in mind for us and we were only here to pick up our PBA's.
"I'm pretty sure the DMV would be going faster than this," I grumbled, looking at the large line standing in the lobby. Crossing my arms while I waited, I noticed to my right two soldiers walking up to the turn-in line. They weren't with our platoon, nor any armed forces I've seen before.
They were clad in enough gear to slow a normal human down. Their bodies and equipment were covered in a shiny black material that looked like latex,except it wasn't skin-tight. Murmurs from my platoon said they were some type of special forces. Others guessed they were mercenaries working along with us.
As they started to walk back toward the front door, they seemed to notice Jake and I had not said a peep. The entire platoon shut their mouths when one of them spoke up, his voice a mixture of electronic and human.
"Tell me... What do you think we are?" One of the strange-clad men pointed a finger at me.
"You're..." I began, but stopped myself. I heard that some went beyond their humanity and had machines installed in them. Cyborgs, as some people called them. Unfortunately cybernetics wasn't a perfected technology. Agreeing to become half machine left you disfigured, scarred, and maimed, but you became something more than human. Something others would call "perfection". I wasn't one of those people.
"You're an abomination," I stated flatly. The other cyborg let out a laugh that had a hint of static. The inhuman sound sent a chill up my spine.
"That's a new one. We'll remember that next time we meet again, Allan." They both started to leave the barracks, but said one last thing before going through the doorway. "Oh, and for the sake of me not having to save your sorry ass.Don't take these enemy lightly."
I desperately tries to shrug off the cold chills I was feeling as they left. Turning around, I saw everyone pretending they weren't staring or turning back forward. Jake sighed and put a hand on the shoulder.
"You sure know how to make people hate you, huh?"
I returned to crossing my arms and ignored Jake. Thankfully he remained silent until we reached the front of the armory.
"Jake Tennermen?" The man who ran the armory raised an expectant eyebrow at both of us.
"That's me!" Jake said proudly as he stepped forward. He presented his forearm to the armorer, who then pulled at several plugs under his clothing. He plugged in the respecting slots and started to upload his AI. After about a minute, he was unplugged and allowed to step away for my turn.
"Allan Windberg? Your arm please."
"Start slow, its his first time." Jake chuckled as he received an unamused glare from me. I went through the same steps Jake did, when it started to upload did I start to hear something talking.
AI initializing... standby...
"I wonder what voice you have. I'm stuck with someone that sounds like a chain smoker." Jake said sadly.
"Greetings, Allan. My name is PBA-54. a calm female voice said in my mind."Since this is your first time, would you like to go over basic functions and uses? Think yes or no."
No thank you.
"Very well. Skipping tutorial and going on standby."
After that exchange was over, we left the barracks to find our platoon was already leaving the base on foot. I asked one of the soldiers where we were going and he said the Lieutenant had ordered everyone to start moving southeast. As we traveled over a low hill with a single tree sitting on top, I decided to get some information from my assistant.
PBA-54, do you have any idea what is southeast of here? And is it possible to call you something else?
"According to all mapping efforts, the only town known southeast of here is called Ponyville. Which is your current destination according to your leaders PBA unit. As for my current name, if you wish to call me anything else, I will remember to respond by it.
Alright. From now on your name is now Jenn.
"Acknowledged. Anything else?"
What do you mean 'the only town known'?
"In the three years humans had started their invasion, cartographers have only mapped out approximately 143 square miles from the west and south of the main base. Reasons as to why are barred off as classified. North and west have been going exceedingly well due to lack of resistance from local inhabitants and other factors."
So all that propaganda about Equestria belonging to humanity was a lie? They said we had the entire land under control when in reality, we're still trying to map out the world. Fucking fantastic.
"Propaganda is normally used in that way to mislead others, Allan. If you knew the truth, would you be here anyway?
Probably. Better here than my job back at Earth. I then realized I never asked her about that subject. Wait, Jenn why did you-
"Standby mode on"
Jenn? Dammit Jenn answer me! PBA-54!
I tried several times for her to speak up, but found I wasn't getting anywhere the seventh time. Apparently our conversation was cut off at the right time as the entire platoon had stopped in front of a menacing dark forest. The trees were so dense it would slow us down dramatically to go through them in our gear. Not even the sun at its zenith seemed to clear away the darkness the forest had.
"Lets move it, men. We're going around the forest." Our LT ordered over our communications. I gladly agreed with the plan, but unfortunately something else had other plans for us.
A large lion-like creature lunged out of the forest, immediately mauling the nearest soldier. As soon as the first attacked, three more appeared as well, swiping with their paws as large as our torso. Everyone else who wasn't smacked away like a rag doll or being torn apart while being pinned to the ground were opening fire. To our relief, the bullets bit into the terrifying creatures and they started to bleed, but to our horror they didn't stop attacking.
"Focus fire, aim for their heads!" The LT yelled. We quickly responded and over thirty men opened fire on one of the creatures, each using their entire magazine. The creature slumped to the ground two seconds after everyone opened fire, but the damn things were still twitching while on the ground.
The battle continued like that. For every creature we focused down, we would lose several more men. By the time the last one had slumped to the ground, we were down to less than twenty and had tons in critical condition.
I frantically looked around the field, but couldn't find my friend. He was nowhere in sight, so I contacted Jenn.
Jake! Is Jake alright?
"Jake is currently unconscious fifteen feet east. He has eight rib fractures and slight head trauma. Suggest finding medical attention for him immediately as there may be internal bleeding."
I sprinted the short distance to find him facing the sky next to one of the large creatures. Getting on my knees I started to panic. I had to do something to ease the pain or help somehow.
"Removing his vest should relieve most of the pressure on his chest. It won't help with the wound, but it will lessen the pain."
Following her orders, I worked with taking off his vest and equipment. When I did, my face turned horrified at what laid underneath. He had taken a swipe directly to his chest, marking a rough blackened shape of the creature's paw on his chest.
How long until medics get here? Have they been informed yet?
"Yes, they are on their way. We are currently twenty miles away from HQ. Due to the hills, I would estimate forty-five minutes.
"Hold on, buddy. Help is coming." Soon as I said that, I heard loud rustling coming from the forest. Everyone quickly turned toward the sound with their guns pointed toward it, expecting a fifth creature to appear. After several seconds of listening to the shrubbery rustle, my LT finally motioned for me to check it out.
Saying whatever prayers I could think of and glancing back at Jake in worry, I advanced on the shaking bush. When I was close enough to touch the shrub, I quickly pushed the bush aside and aimed my gun at whatever was hiding behind it.
"Gotcha!"
"Eep!"
A small shaking bundle of yellow and pink was hiding behind the brush. Its hooves were over its head as if believing the childish 'if I cant see it, it cant see me' rule. Looking back at my platoon, they gave me curious gazes back.
"What is it Allan? You're not dead yet so I assume it's something harmless." The lieutenant said in annoyance as he walked up next to me. As soon as he saw the pony on the ground, he pointed his weapon at it. "What the hell? Don't just stand there, shoot it!"
"Sir, it doesn't even look like it could harm a fly." I stated bluntly. "It can speak. Maybe if we just try to talk to it..."
"Talk to it?" He seethed out through his teeth. "These damn ponies are the reason we're going here in the first place. We were only ordered to fire upon anything that's hostile, but I'm not going to let them get the chance to kill my men!"
It all clicked together after he said that. At first I wasn't sure what was happening. I've only known him for several months, but I knew he was a level headed individual who always kept his head cool. He was afraid of something, and it was causing him to break down mentally.
"Allan! I gave you an order, soldier. Shoot it before I do so myself!" His piercing glare could probably go through stone.
This is crazy. I'm taking orders from a mad man. This is basically murder!
"Allen, I'm noticing an increase in blood pressure and large spikes of neural activity located in the Amygdala and Hypothalamus regions of his brain.
Layman's terms, please?
Fear. Your lieutenant is experiencing a phobia with this pony. Weather it's hereditary or something he's experienced in the past I have no data on, but he's becoming quite unstable. Please follow the order as refusing to fire upon the pony might make him consider you a threat.
"Damnit Allen! Fine, I'll do it myself!"
I looked at the pony on the ground and began to feel sorry for the poor thing. It was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and was going to be killed for it. Only because of what she is. The lieutenant aimed his gun at the cowering pony.
I'm sorry.
BANG
