Chapters The elite plunged his energy sword where B312 had been; scorching the ground. With all his force he swung the butt of his magnum into the elites head shattering the energy shield giving the opening he needed to squeeze a round into its brain killing it instantly. Another elite was recovering from being pushed back squeezing off three rounds caused his shield to fail and the magnum clicked sounding all ammo was spent. The elite howled with victory as he charged him energy sword first. B312 quickly glanced at the energy sword the elite he just killed dropped and in a quick movement he gripped it activating the blade, he parried the attackers blade and slashed upward cutting the elite from hip to shoulder. It slumped to the ground as he recovered picking up the elites plasma gun. The grunts looked at one another and some shot at him but others ran away cartoonishly screaming in their alien language he made quick work of the grunts. The dusty air suddenly was kicked up by a strong wind. Shielding his eyes he looked up to see the Pillar of Autumn sailing away into the sky. Now his mission complete he looked at the dusty area around him. ‘Now to get off world.’ he thought.
He began scavenge for weapons and found a Drop shield armor ability which he applied to his lower back of his suit. He put a shield down and felt the nano field begin to heal wounds and after a moment his shields replenished on their own. He looked at his helmet and sighed, it was unusable. The shield dissipated, making him bring up the alien plasma weapon. He found a fallen UNSC soldier and he relieved him of his weapon and ammunition. Doing a check he now had four clips of assault rifle ammo and three mags of magnum. Tossing the plasma gun he did his weapon check before racking the action and doing the same for his magnum he also took off the fallen soldier. Picking up the helmet off of the soldier he put it on and the HUD appeared. He looked around and saw an objective still active south west 167 clicks. Since he had no other orders or inclination to what to do he began heading for it.
He had been jogging for several hours before he stumbled across a finished skirmish where the ground was littered by UNSC personnel a warthog personnel carrier was on its side. Many of the dead looked to be researchers and soldiers. He approached the warthog grabbing the roll bar and with a grunt of effort he lifted it to have it get into an upright position. Its shocks hissed as the warthog absorbed its own weight. B312 got to the driver's side and picked up the body of the deceased driver. Getting into the seat he turned the key, the engine roared to life and he pressed on the gas driving towards the way point that was now 98 clicks away.
Approaching the way point it looked to be the wreckage of a battle cruiser. Several of the covenant cruisers were glassing the planet and the air itself was getting hot to say the least. Driving up to the large wreckage he hoped some ship had survived the crashed landing. Stopping the warthog he turned it off and got out of the seat and tapped the hood of the vehicle before he began to climb the wreckage before a crackle on his helmet coms made him stop a moment.
“Ny….U...SC…el...pond…” said a female voice which was all he heard before it began to repeat. He continued to climb and found the hanger several of the crew had met cruel ends by being crushed by objects or impaled by broken twisted steel.
“Any...NSC personnel….ease respond.” The female voice was now heard more clearly. He placed his fingers to his helmets earpiece and responded.
“This is Noble Six from noble team, where are you.” he responded.
“Noble Six this….shipboard AI on the UNSC Judgement…” she said. He looked up and saw on bulkhead in bold letters UNSC Judgment. He needed to get the AI before it fell into enemy hands. His mission changed, and he began to make his way to the bridge. He passed by an ODST and stopped. He knelt down and gingerly removed the helmet from the woman, her eyes were frozen open. He brushed his fingers over her eyelids and it made her look as if she was asleep. He put on the helmet and the HUD sparked to life as he stood and continued towards the bridge and found it difficult to navigate the warped passages. Pressing the button to open the bridge door it refused access.
“Noble Six, I'm a lucky AI the fact you found me before the covenant. Why are you wearing an ODST helmet?” She asked.
“Long story, is there any space worthy ships intact on the Judgment?” He asked approaching her station. She was quiet for a moment as her eyes quickly searched invisible information he couldn't see.
“One Slightly damaged D81-long range Condor in hanger 12.” The alarms sounded suddenly.
“Covenant cruiser approaching the Judgment energy signs show its charging their glassing cannon.”
“You're coming with me.” He said pointing at her. She didn't argue and closed her eyes and a moment later.
“Pull me.” She said, Noble Six pulled her chip and placed it into his helmet. Her voice then spoke in his head.
“I set the core to overload in 15 minutes.” she said and a timer appeared on his HUD. He began to move with a purpose.
“Notify me if you're going to do that kind of thing.” He said jumping over a fallen beam.
“Didn't I just tell you?” She said with a hint of humor.
“Left here.” She said and he turned to see a large gouge but I'm the other side of the small chasm the hangar doors were.
“Hope you can jump.” She said. He put his assault rifle to his back and it clinked to his suit he stepped back five steps before sprinting forward and jumping the gap with room to spare. The ground quaked as the Covenant cruiser began to glass the sight. He saw the Condor locked into place by clamps with some minor hull damage because of the crash. He jumped over the railing, landed then began sprinting to the Condor. It sprang to life as the AI took over. The clamps unlocked and the engines flared as he ran to the back hatch which was already lowered. Several crates were inside the condor but he didn't have time to unload the cargo. He ran to the cockpit and sat down grasping the controls.
“I have control. Open the hangar doors.” He ordered.
“I can't!? They were too damaged in the crash!” She said panicked, the countdown to detonation was 3 minutes. He pressed the button to enable the weapons on the Condor. He aimed at the door and fired everything. A large explosion and he pressed forward before knowing if the doors had been cleared. He half expected to crash himself I into the hangar doors but he was out and flying over the surface as the counter was ticking down before the covenant cruisers glass cannon touched the Judgement it detonated causing a massive explosion which rocked the Condor and made the shields on the cruiser flair. Pulling back on the flight stick as they took to the atmosphere.
“I never said my name. I'm Kisara.” She said
“Ken-B312.” He said as they pulled into space.
“Several banshees approaching.” She warned suddenly then the ship shuddered as a bolt of plasma struck the side of the ship.
“Activate the FTL drive.”
“Where do we go?” She asked.
“Anywhere else but here.” He said and the sound of the FTL drive hummed to life as space warped around them and they left Reach behind.
He had closed his eyes for what felt like a moment and the ship shuddered and he awoke to alarms going off all around his display.
“Kisara.” He said and she answered.
“We were brought out of slip-space by a black hole!” She said alarmed.
“Can we get out of its gravitational field?” He asked. She was quiet for a moment.
“No.” She said matter of factly. He was quiet a moment then suddenly he gripped the controls and stared the Condor at the black hole.
“Activate the FTL drive.” He said calmly.
“What? Are you for real?” She said as her face appeared on his HUD. Her eyes were half lidded and had a 'are you serious’ expression.
“What else can we do?” He said simply.
“We'll can't say we gave up it was nice knowing you for the last half a day.” She said as the FTL hummed again.
“Likewise Kisara.” He said as they shot towards the blackness of the black hole. The ship shook violently as the forces of physics took its toll on the craft. He gritted his teeth and then blacked out.
A flashing light and the sound of his vitals in critical made him open his eyes as he realized he wasn't dead, not yet anyway.
“Ken? Ken! Do you hear me?” Kisara said and he groaned.
“Oh thank god. You're not dead.” She said happily.
“What happened?” He asked as he coughed.
“We...I don't know where we are but we did something that isn't allowed.” She said.
“Not allowed?” He asked perplexed.
“In terms of the laws of physics. We simply broke them. We were meant to die if entering a black hole but here we are.” She said just as perplexed.
“Sit rep.” He said causing her to run diagnostics on the ship.
“The ship is warped but holding barely, the FTL drive is overheated and may have major damage. The cargo is still secure and we have seem to appeared near a planet that is able to be landed on it show signs of life but whether it's friend or foe is to be determined.” She explained.
“Well we need to stop and land then.” He said as he turned the ship towards the planet.
Upon entering the atmosphere the ship shuddered as parts began to clatter and then peel off then an explosion on the right side caused him to look and see his engine had given out. He flicked the switch and killed the left engine.
“What are you doing?!” Kisara exclaimed.
“Gliding.” He said as he pulled up on the flight stick and put the belly of the Condor to the ground to slow the descent.
“Fire the landing boosters on my mark.” He ordered as they fell towards the planet in a guided fall.
“Ready.” she said after a split second. After what felt like long minutes.
“Now!” He barked and the boosters burst to life their descent slowed to a manageable speed. He reached forward and flicked the switch to fire the main engines and luckily both fired up and the Condor flew proper.
“How?” Kisara asked.
“Entry into the atmosphere was too much for the engine so we needed to slow descent before using the main engines.” He said as they approached a open area and swung the condor into a landing pattern and pressed the landing gear and put the condor down into a field. As the condor powered down he stood up and his body felt sore, like he had been stretched and then put back the way he was. He removed his helmet and grabbed a water bag that was on the ground and drank deeply before putting his helmet back on. He pressed the button to open the hatch and walked down the ramp pulling out his rifle and began to sweep the area. The hatch closed behind him as he walked into the treeline.
“There are several lifesigns around us but none appear to be hostile. There seems to be a settlement 3 kilometers northwest.” Kisara said as he nodded and jogged till they made it to the treeline. He could see huts and movement all around. His optics zoomed in and saw horses. Small in stature compared to him but they seemed sentient and moved about with purpose and thought.
“Is the air holding any hallucinogenic properties?” He asked.
“If there is I can't detect any but I'm seeing what you are. Those are ponies.” She confirmed.
“ONI did not prepare me for this.” He said as he looked at them again.
Author's Note
I know B312 AKA Noble Six has no offical name so I am taking liberties with him as a character.
Acronyms:
He spent several hours watching the outskirts of the settlement. There were several different kind of ponies, ones with wings that flew proficiently named pegasi, normal non special ponies, and ones with a horn extremity called unicorns. Based on observation only unicorns looked to be the most threatening followed closely by pegasi and finally the regular pony. The sun moved slowly but noticeably faster than it had during it had all day not long after the sun disappeared the moon appeared in the sky quickly.
“That is another anomaly. Moon and suns don't rise and fall so quickly.” Kisara observed.
“A lot about this place makes no sense. But we need information.” He stood up and sprinted under the cover of darkness towards the village. He put his back against a wall and looked around the corner. A pony was walking around lighting lanterns with a long pole.
“Best not to have any casualties we don't know how they would react if you happen to kill one.” She cautioned. He simply nodded in agreement as he rounded the corner and then quickly down an alley. His years of being ONIs assassin and go too reconnaissance specialist against insurrectionists it was easy to move about undetected in the sleepy village that wasn't expecting to be infiltrated. He found himself next to a building that seemed to have a lot of noise coming from it. He looked around the corner and saw it written in english Salt Block Tavern. So they know english, makes things a lot easier he thought.
“You have wonderbolts tickets!?” A voice exclaimed causing Ken to stop.
“I know it's all gonna be awesome but it's ok I'll get you one I was planning on taking Bon Bon. I'll see you tomorrow Rainbow.” Said the voice. The door opened and a light green unicorn with a split color mane and tail, it walked out with a stumble and towards his direction. The unicorn stood at around his hip so he towered over the inhabitants like a colossal creature encased in armor. He heard her mumbling to herself drunkenly as she made a sharp turn to walk down the alleyway. He was pressed against the wall and she hadn't taken notice of his presence because of the change in lighting. She was walking past him and she tripped over his foot causing her to grumble angrily and kick his toe. She stopped and looked up at him, her jaw opened as her eyes became large. She seemed to sober up instantly. Before she could scream, in one swift motion hit her at the base of her skull quickly and she collapsed. He lifted her up like a toy and placed the pony over his shoulder.
“Not an ideal candidate but we can learn much from it.” He moved swiftly from the alley and quickly made it back across the open ground and into the woods. Within 45 minutes he was back at the Condor. He placed the unicorn in a seat and pushed the safety bar into place over its head.
“Maybe we should remove the horn.” He wondered out loud.
“Maybe, but maiming the creature might make it uncooperative” she surmised. While he was going to wait for the unicorn to wake he was going to do inventory. The cargo that was on the Condor was ammunition, food supplies, as well as the DMR rifle and three Sniper rifles with fifteen boxes of ammunition. At least he didn't have to worry about ammo for the time being.
“Ah...my head.” A voice said. He turned around and stood in front of her. The unicorn looked up and her voice caught in her throat and only came out as a squeak.
“Nod your head if you understand me.” Ken said. She simply nodded slowly.
“What is that village?” He asked.
“Please..” she began. He held up his hand, she flinched away.
“I need information about this area.” He said factually.
“Ponyville.” She said looking at his hand then his face. Of course it's called Ponyville.
“Do you have a military?” he inquired.
“The guard…” she said.
“What are their capabilities?” He pressed.
“Swords, arrows, magic…y-you know things that protect us. I don't really k-know much about that kind of thing...” She explained timidly.
“Elaborate on magic.” Kisara said she looked around confused. Ken held out his hand and Kisara’s hologram appeared. Her eyes grew as she looked at her.
“What are you?” She asked.
“I am Kisara, an artificial intelligence. Who and what are you?” She asked. She was quiet a moment before she breathed in to calm herself.
“My name is Lyra Heartstrings. I am a unicorn and I work as a lyre player.” She said looking at her then up at him.
“Ok Lyra what is magic?” Kisara asked.
“Magic is… well that's hard to explain.” She said and then her horn glowed and a DMR floated up encased in the same glow that was on her horn. In a flash he pointed his magnum at her head. She stopped instantly because of the shock of the quick motion and the DMR dropped to the ground. She looked at it confused.
“What?” She began to ask. Ken pointed the magnum out of the hatch door and at the ground. Lyra's eyes followed the weapon and he squeezed a round into the ground and a tuft of dirt exploded upward.
“Understand?” He said. Lyra's color drained and her ears flattened against her head and nodded slowly. She watched him put the magnum back on his leg.
Kisara spent a lot of time questioning Lyra on the surrounding area history, military, leaders, important person's, and conflicts that have happened recently. Ken had left Kisara to it as he began to patrol the area.
“Lyra is asleep.” She notified.
“What did you learn.” He asked as he scanned the treeline and skies.
“We are in a land called Equestria, it is ruled by two known as the princesses, Celestia and Luna. Their military is very ancient something compared to the technology of the 16 century. The only thing that is of note is magic. I'll need more data on this subject. So far there has been an emergence of a group of ponies that are known to hold the Elements of Harmony. I ask to elaborate but she only knew their names and who was each element. But beyond that I also need more data. There are too many variables to make a proper contingency plan. But if I were to sum up the nature of the situation. You are the one of the most dangerous and powerful beings on this planet. I also did more in-depth analysis of the ship. The FTL is repairable but we need parts that most likely do not exist on this planet.” She finished and after a moment of digesting the information he sighed.
“What do you recommend?” He asked.
“Honestly I suggest releasing Lyra and have her take you to the town. They do not have any weapons that can seriously injure you as well as you have a drop shield armor ability.” She said. Not seeing any real other way forward other than her suggestion. He could deal with any threats against him if he was placed in a situation.
Several hours later Lyra awoke to see him standing in front of her. He reached down and unlocked the safety bar and she looked up at him unsure.
“I want you to take us to your town.” He said simply.
“Y-yes.” Was all she said.
“I am Spartan Ken-B312. I am leaving all of my firearms here.” As he said this he removed his magnum, assault rifle and the elite plasma sword. Lyra walked down the ramp from the condor and Ken followed her as the ramp closed behind them making her jump. They began to walk, Lyra looked around unsure at the dark shadows of the forest. Suddenly his HUD radar flared with red dots closing in on his position.
“Unknown enemy, 100 meters. Three contacts.” He had no idea what would attack him here.
“Lyra.” She froze at her name.
“Three enemies are attacking stay behind me.” He ordered and she quickly got behind him. He faced the direction and a wolf like creature that looked like it was made out of wood sprang out of the bush and jumped directly at him. His fist flexed and with a left hook caught the wood wolf in the head and shattered it into splinters. The other two went for his legs and one grabbed his ankle, his shields only flared as he swept his right arm in a downward motion with his fingers extended and shattered the wooden wolf's neck causing it to fall apart. The third broke off its attack and circled around and lunged for Lyra who cried out in horror. In mid air Ken caught the wolf and slammed it into the forest floor. It was all over within moments and he looked to Lyra.
“Let's keep moving.” He said walking in the direction of the town. Lyra stood dumbstruck before coming to her senses and chasing after him.
“Wow...just wow. With your bare hooves! Nothing but a dragon could be that strong!” She said. Ken stopped and looked at her.
“Dragon? You never mentioned anything about dragons.” He said.
“None live around here besides a baby one named Spike. So you don't need to worry.” She said quickly.
“I used my hands. I do not have hooves.” He said as he continued to walk.
“What are you?” She asked bewildered and more curious now that he seemed like he wasn't going to kill her.
“I am a human.” He stated.
“Human? I have heard of them but never thought they were real.” She said.
“You have heard of humans before?” Kisara said suddenly.
“Yes but in old books that say they lived thousands of years ago.” She explained.
'I will have to get ahold of these books and see if they may be related to us in some way.' She said to him only and he simply nodded.
“So Kisara you say you're an art..ti..fical... intellect?” Lyra asked.
“Artificial intelligence, I am a created computer that has a personality matrix to put it simply.” She explained as Lyra looked more confused than when she asked. They soon were walking from the treeline and Lyra trotted forward ahead of him. Not even half way towards the town and a large crowd was already gathering. Several ponies were shifting back and forth whispering unsure. Surly if he had walked towards the town by himself it would be chaos. Lyra looked at him.
“Maybe you should stay here. I was horrified when I first met you...truth be told I'm still afraid of you.” She said honestly. He wasn't surprised, even in the UNSC he was ostracized, always the lone wolf until he was posted with noble team.
“I will wait here.” He said stopping as Lyra jogged towards the crowd. Another pony ran out and hugged her she was a normal pony with a cream coat with a blue and pink mane. Lyra looked to be talking to them and several ponies that looked to be leaders began to approach him. Leading them was a light purple unicorn flanked by a orange pony wearing a cowboy hat, and a white unicorn on with dark purple mane and tail. Lyra had walked behind them and they stopped ten feet away from him and they all looked up to him.
“This is the human, Ken.” She introduced and looked to Ken.
“This is Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and Rarity.” She said. A silence became uncomfortable as Ken held out his hand and Kisara's image appeared. 'they are three of the elements of harmony that you were briefed about.’ she said to him alone.
“Hello, I am Kisara.” All three ponies jumped back in shock.
“Holding a pixie?! What in tarnation?!” Applejack exclaimed. Twilight had quickly put up a barrier of purple energy.
“We do not mean you any harm.” Kisara stated.
“Please don't take offence that we do not trust you simply because you say so darling.” Rarity said.
“I've sent word to the princesses about you.” Twilight said. Ken finally moved his head and looked at her. Her ears flattened in fear, as Applejack gritted her teeth looking for a fight.
“Just know that we are not hear to start conflict.” Kisara reiterated again, Lyra placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder causing her to look at Lyra.
“He defeated three Timberwolves bare hooved.” She said cautiously. The three of them looked even more on guard.
“Warning large energy surge.” Kisara warned and a blinding light that burst forth and two large horses both with wings and a horn. One on the left stood at least to his chest, her white coat and a multi colored mane with the same tail. On her left was a dark midnight blue with a mane that looked like the night sky. Several guards flanked both of them.
“Princess!” Twilight said to them and suddenly it was quiet and the white princess stepped forward with a serious look.
“I am Princess Celestia. Who are you and….” She stopped and looked at Kisara dumbfounded.
“Princess Celestia.” Kisara said courteously.
“What...or who are you.” she asked bewildered.
“I am a Spartan.” Ken said simply.
Ken stood still as the princesses approached him warily.
“What is a Spartan?” The dark princess he guessed to be Luna asked.
“I cannot go into detail. I am a military asset used by the United Nations Space Command.” Ken said pointedly.
“Or UNSC for short. Just know that he is a soldier much like your guards are.” Kisara explained. Celestia unsure but taking into account that he was a military asset to a foreign unknown power.
“Why are you here is a question I would like to know. Not that you are not welcome, your appearance would frighten a hydra.” She said with a smile trying to break the tension.
“I'm beginning to see a pattern.” He said suddenly and they all looked at him.
“He means to say that all of what we know of mythical creatures are your reality.” Kisara cleared up. Celestia nodded slowly.
“We would like to get to know you more. Of course any information you need, you only just have to ask.” She said turning around. Ken took that as to follow her. He began to follow her towards the town. He made note of the pony guard had flanked him but kept a wide berth of him. He couldn't blame them he was in fact a menacing figure. The townsfolk had lined the road as they walked along many bowed their heads to the royalty and young children looked up at him in awe. They made their way to what was a train station. Everything was smaller than normal for him navigating areas was tiresome but when the train came into view it looked like it was made of candy. The ponies walked up onto the wooden platform and he stepped onto the first step and it groaned under his weight and noticeably flexed under his weight. He cautiously continued forward and ducked under the roof to the train they began to load up and he looked at the doorway that was too small.
“This is a problem, how do we get you into the train?” Twilight asked with a frown. The conductor hopped from the engine and looked at him and visibly lost color.
“W-we have an empty log cart…” he stammered out, and before long an empty log cart was hitched to the end of the caboose. Ken stepped into the box, the sound of metal and stress on the cart could be heard, his arms couldn't fit so he put them on the ledges of the box. Ken did feel foolish but what other choice did he currently have. Three guards stood at the entrance watching him. All three were unicorns which only made him more weary. The train brakes disengaged and soon they were moving.
“What do you make of the Royals?” Ken asked.
“The energy that Celestia emitted was close to a slip space anomaly but any information regarding such a thing would likely kill a living organism. So it would have to be filed under magic.” Kisara summarized.
“We need additional information on mythical creatures.” He pointed out.
“I have several files on mythical creatures and tales of lore. But whether they hold true to legends is up for debate.” She said with conjecture. Ken was quiet a moment before they entered a tunnel and his headlamps turned on. The unicorns instinctively pointed their weapons at him in fear.
“The locals are a fearsome race. Reminds me of the grunts.” He said with some measure.
“I would have to disagree, yes they are jumpy but they did stand fast to face you...well they don't know what you're truly capable of.” She surmised, Ken was quiet.
The train left the tunnel and soon a large city built into the side of a great mountain came into view. The spires glistened in the sun and the sky was filled with movement of more than just pegasi.
“Scan.” Ken ordered and after a moment Kisara spoke.
“Scan complete, several different species pertaining to folklore. Griffin, pegasi, and lizard suspected dragon along with several known species of birds. City designated 'Canterlot’ is suspended against the mountain in a way that supports the theory that magic may be a factor in its positioning.” Her analysis complete she gave a small squeal of excitement.
“The more I learn the more I want to know.” She said as the train tracks came alongside a narrow road that lead towards the city. Pulling into the train station a crowd was forming already as guards had created a pathway from the station in the direction of the castle that was closer to the natural mountain wall. Ken made a move to get out of the box and the pressure on the wall of the carriage gave way causing him to unceremoniously fall to the ground. Ken quickly recovered and was standing quickly as the royal sisters approached him.
“I hope the ride wasn't to uncomfortable.” Celestia said. Ken shook his head.
“Please come to the castle, there we can discuss questions you may have.” Celestia said as she began to walk. The folk of Canterlot seemed different, ponies wore clothes others wore nothing, so he summarized it was a show of position in the society. The walk only took them ten minutes before they passed the gates to the castle proper, the gates closed keeping out the civilians.
“Ken I have done additional scans and found Forerunner signals.” Kisara alerted, Ken nodded in understanding.
They walked into a throne room and then a door on the right. He was able to walk through the doorways there easily. He was led to a room where a table that came up to the middle of his thigh stood. It was surrounded by simple chairs, and several ponies were sitting around it. Celestia and Luna took spots at the head of the table and Ken moved to a spot opposite them. He looked at the chair and simply moved it to the side and chose to stand.
“Please have a seat Spartan.” Celestia offered.
“Nothing you have would support my weight, I will stand.” Ken said simply. Celestia exchanged looks with several of the ponies at the table.
“Very well. Spartan, what do you want to know? How did you arrive here?” Celestia asked.
“I will let Kisara explain the situation any questions you direct at me should be directed at her.” He said before he stood at ease. The helmet lamps shone and then Kisara stood on the table about 3 feet tall. All ponies in the room eyes widened, the only two who kept their composers were the royalty. Kisara bowed to them and then placed a hand behind her back giving off a formal look as she raise her head.
“Kisara, for those who do not know me. First, we would like to have access to information in the future we may need.” She asked. Celestia didn't move but seemed to consider this.
“As I stated all information you need will be provided.” She stated.
“Second, we arrived from space via our vehicle a D81-Condor long range transport.” She said before looking at the group, several whispers of shock and surprise along with murmurs of amazement.
“Where are you from?” Luna asked.
“We escaped one of our planet's named Reach.” She explained, several of the ponies looked at them suspiciously.
“Escaped? What did you escape from?” Twilight asked, Celestia looked at her and nodded.
“The Covenant.” she said with a weight in her voice that made Celestia lean forward.
“What is the Covenant?” She inquired.
“A group of alien species that as a collective are bent on human destruction and wiping out all life on the planets that any humans inhabit.” she stated. They looked at one another.
“There is no force strong enough to destroy a planet.” Luna said frowning.
“Yes there is and they do. As we escaped from Reach the Covenant were glassing the planet.” She said coldly.
“Glassing?” Celestia asked. Kisara raised her hands and a large screen showed up and then a recorded video log. The video showed a Covenant cruiser over a shining city then the energy seemed to build up before the laser bore down on the city melting and disintegrating all it touched.
“This is only one of the cities on several world's that have met this fate. The Covenant fleet have several ships like this cruiser and they are so numerous that they can destroy an entire planet.” She said putting her hands down leaving the video to go on a loop. None spoke before Luna broke the silence
“How...how do you fight such a power?” She asked.
“To the best of our ability. One victory at a time.” Kisara said. All looked to Celestia, who looked to be deep in thought.
“Why do they want to destroy you.” Celestia asked.
“We don't completely understand that, but we seem to have a connection to forerunner technology which they worship.” She said.
“Forerunner?” Twilight asked.
“You also have forerunner ruins here, our scans indicate it.” She said. Luna and Celestia looked at one another concerned.
“We have ruins but we simply call them the ancient relics.” Luna said simply.
“To be sure the ancient relics you know of were made by the long lost forerunners, information on them is restricted by ONI protocols.” She stated.
“What is ONI?” Luna asked.
“I'm sorry all I can say is, it is a branch of the UNSC.” She said crossing her arms in front of her chest shaking her head. Kisara's eyes widened as she looked back a Ken.
“Incoming slip space anomaly detection… confirmed two Covenant cruisers…” she said alarmed. Ken quickly went to the window and looked to see two cruisers heavily damaged crashing towards the planet high in the atmosphere.
“Projected one cruiser is going to crash land…but both are heavily damaged.” She said as all of the ponies had emptied their seats and we're looking at the sky in horror with the thoughts of what Kisara had just shown them.
“It seems the war has come to this world as well.” Kisara said sorrowfully.
“I thought I was going to be bored this whole time.” Ken said as Celestia looked up at him as if he were insane.
Author's Note
Cant have a good story without conflict :3
He watched for a moment before he stepped back and began to walk towards the table.
“Do you have a map?” He asked, Luna then levitated a piece of parchment from a shelf to him, he took it and rolled it out. Kisara scanned the map and then Ken stepped back and a 3D model appeared on the table along with Kisara.
“Where will the ship's touch down.” Ken asked.
“Here” she pointed out. A red dot indicated the point on the map.
“Where is this?” He asked looking at Celestia who was overlooking the detailed map along with several others.
“That is the Undiscovered west. It lies outside Equestria and also said to be the territory of unknown changeling nests.” She said.
“What have to deal with that cruiser before we leave.” Ken said as the map disappeared.
“You plan on leaving so soon after arriving?” Luna asked.
“I am a Spartan and my job is to defeat all humanity's enemies whether they be foreign or domestic. I cant do it here, I have to report back to my superiors.” He said. Luna looked at him understanding then stepped forward.
“We will send a company with you, we have to defend ourselves as well, we can't rely on you. No offense.” Luna said and Ken simply nodded.
“Have your men ready to go in 10 minutes after that we go to the Condor to load up and head towards the crash sight.” He ordered and strode towards the door. Twilight hurried after him along with Applejack and Rarity.
“Ken, we plan on coming we are protectors of Equestria after all.” Twilight said stubbornly.
“From the information I gathered there are six elements of harmony.” He said walking into the throne room.
“Yea there are but Rainbow, Fluttershy and Pinky are doin a friendship quest in Vanhoover. We should pick them up on the way.” Applejack stated. Ken shook his head as Kisara spoke up.
“We will have our hands full. I don't need several inexperienced civilians coming along. If you don't think you can kill I don't recommend you coming along.” Kisara's voice explained.
“Have you ever killed another creature?” She asked simply and all three of them were simply quiet.
“There will be blood and death. That is a Spartans trade.” Ken said as he stopped at the bottom of the steps that lead to the castle doors and looked at them.
“If you're not prepared to kill I can't use you.” He stated. Applejack stepped forward fearlessly.
“Ah ain't afraid to get my hooves dirty.” She said confidently, Rarity looked uncomfortably at Twilight who seemed to swallow her fear and nodded.
“I promise I won't get in your way.” Twilight promised and Rarity sighed in defeat.
“Oh I can't not go if my friends are going.” She said. Several of the guard showed up fully geared up in armor and carrying arrows and bows. All of them were unicorns which made sense to him. He began to walk to the train when several chariots pulled by pegasi glided down coming to a stop. One meant for Celestia had six pegasi while several others had one or two. Ken looked over his shoulder and saw Luna adorned in battle armor as Celestia stood beside her.
“It would be quicker if you use my chariot.” She offered. Ken nodded and looked at the 10 ponies he was now responsible for.
“Mount up.” He ordered and stepped onto the chariot and took a knee gripping the sides to hold himself. All the remaining unicorns took up positions, Luna got onto a chariot that had two ponies that looked like they were a mixed breed of bat and pony. Then together with the beat of their wings the chariots began to move and they were in the sky in moments. In ten minutes they were flying into the skies over Ponyville. Several civilian pegasi were shocked by the spectacle and he lifted his right arm and pointed down at the forest. The lead pegasi nodded his head and like a flock of birds they descended quickly sailing over the trees. In thirty minutes they arrived at the field where his Condor was and he signaled for them to go down. The group landed and Ken spent no time dismounting and heading to the Condor. Kisara activated the engines and the ramp came down, Ken was inside loading up as the rest of the troops landed and began to disembark. Assault rifle to his back, magnum to his thigh. He outfitted himself with two grenades and looked back to see the rest of the ponies who were forming up. Ken came out of the Condor.
“All of you, get in and find a seat.” He ordered. Luna went in first followed by Twilight, Applejack and Rarity who were just following the group as the filed into the Condor. Their looks of bewilderment hard to hide on their faces he saw several pegasi unhitch themselves and arm themselves with spears.
“Who is your commanding officer.” He asked and a grey coated white maned pegasus stepped forward.
“Cumulus Sky.” He introduced himself. Ken stepped into the Condor a moment and removed a simple marine helmet and took out the comms unit. He placed it on his ear and stepped away.
“Can you hear me?” Ken said and Cumulus’s ears perked up and he nodded.
“Yes I do.” His voice over the radio said.
“Good, like this we can coordinate an offensive if it comes to it. Are your troops ready?” He asked and Cumulus nodded.
“Yes, the others will take back the chariots. There will be twenty pegasi armed with spears and swords.” He notified. Ken stepped into the Condor and the gate closed behind him as he stepped passed a cramped crew. Several of the ponies had taken seats meant for UNSC marines. He looked back and it seemed an almost comical sight before he took the pilot's seat. He initiated the take off sequence and then they were airborne. He looked out his side window and to his surprise the pegasi were keeping up, he looked forward.
“ETA to crash sight?” He asked.
“One hour and fifteen minutes. Recommended you touch down and go in on foot.” Ken nodded.
“Kisara take control.” He said as he stood up and walked to the back. All the eyes looked to him.
“We will be landing two kilometers from the crash sight and walking. Take care and do not engage the enemy. I will initiate any combat. We have one hour till we get to our drop off point.” He said before turned around and sitting in the pilot seat.
“Ponies we are going into a situation where we are vastly under prepared. Listen to the Spartan and make Equestria proud.” Luna said and the soldiers gave a hurrah before they became silent and thought about the fight to come.
The hour passed by quietly and two minutes out he stood and walked back and did a weapons check. The ponies simply watched him as he walked to the ramp hatch and waited.
“Were here.” He said loud enough to be heard and the door opened. His feet touched the ground and his rife was automatically in his hands scanning for contacts. He jogged several feet and knelt keeping his weapon up.
“Out and fan out!” Luna ordered and the ponies clamored out of the Condor as quickly as they could but it looked sloppy. He didn't have time to train them but then again they didn't really have the a thumbs to do what human could. Once all of the ponies were out the door closed and the ship took off.
“I'll keep it at a holding pattern should you need air support.” Kisara said.
“Who's flying the ship?” Twilight asked amazed.
“Kisara. Cumulus, on me.” He said and the pegasi that were circling above them all landed. Twilight was simply amazed by everything which Ken didn't really care about.
“We move Cumulus, you stay here and be ready to bring a fight. Understood?” He ordered and Cumulus gave a salute and went to relay what was happening to his company group. Ken stood up and looked at his own group.
“Let's move.” He said as he made a gesture with had hand and they knocked an arrow into their bows then they set out.
It took them an hour walking toward the smoke bloom in the distance. Reaching the newly made scar in the forest they made their way down the newly formed treeline till they saw several grunts and elites salvaging what they could from their crashed ship. He looked at the ponies who looked at the aliens nervously before they made their way to a distance of one hundred meters. A large antenna had been set up and it looked like that they were beginning to get their communications up to relay information back to the damaged cruiser still in orbit.
“Cumulus, stand by for attack.” Ken ordered and a crackle on comms.
“Understood.” was all that he replied with. Ken looked at Luna who lift up a sword with her magic and Ken raised his hand blocking her.
“Stand by, and wait for my signal. We need to take out their communications or else we won't survive if they call in reinforcements from the other ship in orbit.” He said.
“What signal?” She asked.
“Look for an explosion.” Kisara said. Ken stood up slightly and jogged to the far right of the position he was in before. He waited and as the grunts stopped a moment to talked to one another he broke into a sprint with his assault rifle going to his back as he pulled out his knife. His heavy footfalls made the grunts turn around to see him just before a knife slammed into one on the lefts brain as he grasped the left one's head and as he ran past gave a twist snapping it's neck. The other grunts cried out in alarm and removing the knife and putting it back into its sheath with his right hand and with his left pulling out the energy sword and he plunged the sword into the communications array causing it to spark. He felt the hit of two plasma blasts as he pulled out a grenade and put it under the array and he jumped behind a covenant barricade before it detonated. With the explosion a chorus of cries came from the forest as arrows and bolts of magic. The grunts looked around in confusion as arrows pierced unprotected areas of their armor.
“For Equestria!” Luna cried as she cleaved a grunts head from its body. A roar was heard and Ken looked to see several elites light up energy swords and charged. The first elite stood his ground as he was charged by a pegasus’s spear, as it hit the elites shield it dissipated and the elite swung upward with its sword cutting the pony in half. Soon the conflict became chaos like most conflicts did. Ken stood up quickly and ducked under a swing of a sword as he elbowed the elite and unloaded six bullets into its chest. Magic turned out to be as effective as plasma weapons, the unicorns after seeing their arrows were useless against the elites had switched to magic based attacks. Luna swung upward with her sword to block an attack and the energy blade cut through it. She was only able to put up a magical barrier in time to stop the attack and beat her wings taking to the sky unleashing aimed beams of energy at elites. Ken caught an arm of an elite and tossed him over his shoulder and unloaded a clip into its brain.
The conflict lasted ten minutes at most. Ken ended the last elite with a snap of it's neck it dropped. He looked up and saw several ponies bodied scattered about amongst the dead covenant. There were more wounded than dead which was a positive. Cumulus had a cauterized cut from a plasma sword across his muzzle.
“Kisara, bring the Condor.” Ken ordered.
“Gather the dead and wounded. We will head to Canterlot.” Luna ordered. She approached Ken, her armor was scared by plasma burns but it was all superficial damage.
“You did well considering.” Ken said.
“1/4th dead over half the rest wounded some beyond our means to care for. This was too costly.” She said angrily.
“The Covenant are more technically advanced than even humans. Every loss is a lesson. I thought the outcome would have been worse. Surprise was on your side this time but if this were a full out assault, we would have heavier loss's.” Ken said looking at her.
“These Covenant are a formidable force indeed.” She said coldly as the Condor sailed over the treetops and landed as wounded were helped to the Condor as the dead were collected and placed by the trees. Luna looked at them with a pained expression.
“We don't have room for the dead highness.” Cumulus said to Princess Luna.
“I'll stay here with a small group and wait for the Condor to return.” Ken said, Luna looked and him.
“I don't have anything to offer but my thanks.” She said as Cumulus stepped by his fallen comrades. Twilight was beside Applejack whose hooves were covered in blood, gore and was shaking with her eyes downcast as Rarity was looking forward by with alien blood splattered on her face. Ken approached them and Twilight looked up at him her eyes were tired and looked like they had seen things she wish she hadn't.
“How are you holding up?” He asked.
“How…” was all she could say before her voice died in her throat.
“This is a job I was raised in. I cannot understand what it must be like for ones not used to combat. Get to the Condor.” He ordered and Twilight was able to get both her friends to the ship. Luna stood on the ramp as it began to close and the ship took off.
“Cumulus. Set a perimeter. We may come under attack again.” He ordered, Cumulus nodded and ordered the other three unicorns and four pegasi to get into the treeline.
“Will they attack you figure sir?” He asked over the comms.
“Plan for the worst, then think it can get even more bad then that.” He said.
“I don't know if it could get worse than that.” He said almost to himself.
“Cumulus, it always gets worse before it gets better.” Ken said and he was met with silence.
Ken had taken up a position on a hill. The cruiser landed hard so the fact there was so little resistance was not surprising. He scanned the field for anything that could be of use. A few deployable covenant shields were still up and the running. Standing from his post he jogged to a the closest shield and examined it. Its energy hummed as he knelt to look at the projector device. He didn't know how it worked but he saw two symbols and he guessed by pressing one. The shield deactivated and he surmised that the other button was to turn it on. He picked it up and began to scavenge other covenant tech.
“Sir, Condor is in sight.” Cumulus said over the comms. Ken jogged over to the bodies of the fallen as the Condor cleared the trees and banked to land on the ground.
“Kisara, status.” He ordered.
“Wounded are being cared for, unfortunately five more perished on the flight back. What is the total numbers. Fifteen casualties, twelve wounded, six still in critical, ten still able to fight, four of which stayed behind.” She reported.
“Out of thirty-one only ten remain. If we don't do something about that cruiser” he said as he looked up at it as it floated menacingly in orbit.
“These ponies will be wiped out.” Ken guaranteed. As the hatch lowered Luna stepped out with new ponies who began to gather the dead. A few threw up at the sight of the carnage but the four who had stayed quickly began to help.
“I want to take some of their weapons.” Luna said more of a demand then a question.
“I don't think they will use them anymore.” Ken said as he held out the shield projector.
“What is this?” She asked as her magic enveloped it beginning to inspect it.
“A portable plasma shield, it looks similar to your magic shields you use.” He guessed. Luna then ordered three ponies to gather as much tech as they could before departing. Ken took it upon himself to help load some of the fallen. He approached one body and noticed it was the pegasus who had been the first to fall. Two pegasi simply stood over him not knowing how to carry the severed halves. Ken went into the Condor and located a tarp. He laid it out and proceeded to lift the pony halves and place them on it before folding the tarp and lifting it up walking to the Condor where he placed the body next to the others. The other ponies loaded up and Luna stepped onto the ramp along with several weapons and Covenant tech. Taking his spot in the pilot's seat he closed the ramp and lifted off before the Covenant cruiser sent a party to investigate the crash site. Half an hour into the flight back he heard the hooves clack on the deck and he looked over his shoulder to see Luna, he looked forward.
“How do we deal with the cruiser?” She asked simply.
“When I come up with an idea I'll let you know.” He said as he banked the condor. Luna looked out of the window seemingly lost in thought as was he.
“We can only see what they do. Already panic and fear are gripping everypony in Equestria. Spartan, as much as I do not like relying on somepony else I have to ask you...will you help us fight these invaders?” Luna asked looking at him. Ken nodded silently.
“The Covenant are a threat to all. If we don't take out that cruiser it will be another Reach.” he said darkly. Luna nodded and left him to his job piloting the Condor.
The rest of the time was quiet as they finally made it back to Canterlot. As the Condor swung above the grounds several ponies with grim looking faces stood their ground as the exhaust blew in their faces. As he landed and opened the door the grim faced ponies began to gather the dead and place them into coffins. They all had uniform, but the patch on their shoulder was a single drop of blood with three symbols representing all three races around it.
“They are our medical corps.” Luna said answering his unspoken question. A gruff looking normal pony approached him and gave a bow to Princess Luna.
“Is this all of them?” He asked.
“It is Lt Redhoof.” She confirmed as he sighed and looked at Ken.
“Im thankful for your flying Condor as they called it. If it weren't for it we could have lost several others.” He stated as several ponies began to unload the Covenant gear.
“What do you plan on doing?” Kisara asked Luna who looked at him surprised and remembered she was in fact somehow inside his suit.
“We plan on seeing how they work and maybe use them to better enhance our own technology.” She said as the last of the Covenant tech was removed. Ken looked at the floor of the Condor that was littered with blood, bandages, and he could only guess the smell was displeasing. Redhoof looked at the mess and then back at Ken.
“We will clean it out. We have magic that can sterilize your Condor.” He said and Ken nodded in understanding.
“I have not yet debriefed my sister. Will you accompany me?” She asked and Ken nodded as his answer. He walked alongside Luna as they entered through the doors. The castle was abuzz with activity, several ponies were quickly moving around and he could tell by the panicked looks on their faces that they had never really known conflict on this kind of scale. Ken entered the throne room and it was packed with concerned nobles and members of government. All raising their voices to get the attention of Princess Celestia to listen to their concerns.
“Please! Everypony.” Celestia said but was drowned out by the noise.
“CALM YOURSELVES!” Luna’s voice boomed in the room causing everypony to stop and look at the princess and the gigantic spartan by her side. It showed that Luna was the more militaristic of the two sisters.
“You are all scared, But understand this… we will deal with this and all your concerns but you must go through the proper channels. I must talk with my sister…” she said looking at the guards who were surrounding the room. The ponies began to file out of the room and Ken sidestepped them and simply put his hands behind his back waiting till the last official left the throne room. The doors closed and Celestia quickly embraced Luna tightly and then stepped back.
“What happened? I didn't get any proper reports and you left so suddenly I have only heard bits and pieces of what happened.” she said, Luna looked at Celestia and removed her helmet then looked at the spartan. Ken removed his hands from his back and walked forward to them and took a knee so he was not so towering then Kisara appeared standing.
“Celestia, losses were fifteen dead, twelve wounded. At current, the covenant are holding in the atmosphere but that's bound to change soon. The ponies that assisted in the conflict were under-powered and ill equipped but still managed to do significant damage despite the weapons you possess. Magic seems to be most effective.” Kisara summarized Celestia looked at Ken.
“I’m sure if you weren't there we would have had more losses.” She said as her head bowed slightly. Ken gave a simple nod before he looked at Luna.
“Where are you researching the Covenant technology?” He asked as the doors opened and admitted Twilight, Rarity and Applejack.
“I have ponies working on it in the East wing.” Luna said. Twilight and her friends were cleaned up from before but their looks still spoke of being haunted by what they had witnessed and accomplished.
“Princess, I would like to help with the tests you will do in regards to the technology you acquired.” Twilight asked as she looked up at Celestia.
“We would be happy to have your help Twilight.” Celestia said as Kisara raised her hand getting attention.
“I can also be of some help, anything you have questions about just look for Ken and ask it.” She offered and Luna nodded in appreciation.
“I'm sure your are tired we have prepared a room for you Spartan. I'll have one of my staff escort you. Rarity looked at Ken then Twilight before saying.
“I'm going to head back to Ponyville, I...I need to recompose myself.” She said before turning to leave. Applejack looked at Ken.
“Mind if’n I ask you somthin?” She asked her voice almost sounding hollow. Ken nodded and stood up so he could be at his full height.
“Do you do what we did and see what we saw often?” She asked. Ken thought a moment as they all looked at him and with a small sigh he reached up and grasped his helmet and with a small hiss he removed his helmet. His eyes looked into Applejacks.
“My main job was covert operations, assassinations, and sabotage. I have seen and done things that are classified but if you are wondering if I can answer does it ever get easier to watch friends and companions die...never. It will never be something you can forget or get use too.” Ken said with weight behind his words as the ponies looked at him with surprise and deep retrospection. Ken then replaced his helmet and looked at Celestia who seemed to recover herself first.
“Your room is in the western wing tower.” She said as Luna quickly recovered as well.
“I'll take you.” She offered but Celestia placed a hoof on her shoulder.
“I must speak with you. Good day Spartan.” She said dismissing Ken who straighten and moved to leave. Applejack and Rarity followed him out of the throne room and a unicorn pony was standing outside the door and bowed her head to Ken and lifted a hoof gesturing for him for follow. Ken followed the pony and then turned down a corridor, leaving Rarity and Applejack to continue to go back towards the exit.
Ken and the maid pony began to ascend a spiral staircase soon arriving at the room. He stepped in and looked around. The bed was large and the room was quaint as well as the ceiling was vaulted so he had lost of room to stand. He turned to see her bowing her head and closed the door. Ken was alone and the night approached quickly again which still baffled him. He walked out onto the terrace and looked west as he saw the Covenant cruiser had lowered and it's glass cannon was warming up and in a brilliant light that cut through the darkness of the evening the Covenant glasses the crash site of the crashed cruiser.
“Well...now what?” Kisara asked.
“When I see a solution...I'll let you know.” He said with resolution.
The mind of a spartan is not a fickle thing but for everything that had transpired over the last 72 hours from the loss of his new team, the glassing of Reach, the transport to an unknown part of the galaxy, meeting of new alien lifeforms. The only normalcy was the covenant which proved more a threat now because of the ill prepared pony folk. Ken had laid down in his armor on the bed that was provided and he closed his eyes as he mulled over everything that had happened and what his next move should be.
"Ken" his name was called and he looked up and then down at his hands that were covered in his wet suit version of his armor. Black with grey tones to help break up his form in the shadows. This was a dream he immediately understood where was. He was just about to go on a mission when he had heard about the loss of his fellow spartan threes in the latest operation. He felt odd, not so much as sad but a numbness that he felt in his fingertips, he then looked up and it was Dr Natern, one of the intel officers at ONI that was in charge of his activities.
"Are you alright Spartan B-312?" she asked more as a way to test his mental state before his assigned mission. He nodded as he stood at ease with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Good, I am sorry that you have lost your fellow graduates." she said but in truth he and three others had been separated from the main group to have special wetwork training to make them better assassins for ONI. She then lift her tablet pressing a button and a holographic projector sprung to life showing a building several stories.
"A reporter has gained valuable information on a ONI project and is planning to publish it." she explained pressing another button and a woman appeared in her mid thirties with chestnut brown hair.
"You are to get to her computer and remove all files pertaining to the project, then find her and eliminate the target." she said as B-312 nodded.
"Is this what you meant when you said when the things you did were classified?" A disembodied voice said as B-312 looked around and Dr Natern's body dispersed into a bit information like a hologram and Princess Luna stepped forth from the shadows. Ken frowned and looked at his hands again.
"This is a dream." he said curtly and Luna nodded before she stopped.
"My other duties are to watch over the ponies while they sleep." she explained as her lifelike mane fluttered without the help of any known force. Ken's arms went to his sides before he looked around at the now empty void before bringing his gaze back to the princess.
"This is hard to understand much like your magic, it defies all logic." he said factually which garnered a small chuckle from Luna.
"Much of what you do and say is hard to understand." she said with a cant of her head.
"Why are you here?" he asked pointedly.
"I wondered how a Spartan dreams." Luna said without hesitation. Ken couldn't show it but he frowned before he looked to his left and turned to face where he looked. Luna looked at what was a fast approaching purple light.
"What..."she began and Ken looked at her.
"You will want to take cover." he said cutting her off as the light now seemed to be coming in a arc as the space around them became a green rolling beach that had several rock formations jutting out of the ground alongside the waterfront as blue and green light began to lance at them. Luna recognized the light as plasma fire from covenant forces. Ken moved suddenly and grabbed Luna by the barrel lifting her up as if she were a stuffed toy and took shelter behind a cement wall as the large plasma bomb struck the ground where they had been moments ago causing a massive blue and violet explosion. He placed Luna down and reached behind his back and grasped an assault rifle.
"This is the battle of the beach on Reach, we lost a carrier of civilians here." he said looking over his shoulder as several elites, grunts, and jackals emerged from two troopships as the all familiar sound of he main cannon fired its pink plasma at their position. The thud of it striking the wall didn't faze him but Luna was frozen in place before several UNSC marines took up positions and began to fire. They acted as if she wasn't there as the conflict enraged.
"Yea get some!" one marine yelled out as he shot several rounds. Luna recovered her sense and looked over the cover and several advancing covenant forces. Jackals ran nimbly as a group of three with orange shields firing green plasma at a group of marines who fired back bullets that ricocheted off the shield surfaces.
"They are advancing up the ridge." One marine said before the sound che che che was heard in rapid succession before the marine beside Luna was struck in the helmet by three pink pulsating crystal spikes and within a moment they glowed brightly then detonated causing the marines head to explod with gore. Luna looked at the scene horrified. Ken turned from cover and fired several burst round shots killing several grunts. He took aim at a jackal and squeezed a burst at its open spot on the left side of the shield where the alien held the plasma pistol. This caused it to stagger back and in that same moment the assault rifle clicked empty and in a heartbeat the magnum was out with a round down range into the brain of the jackal. He went behind the column again as several aliens focused on him.
"This is a nightmare!" Luna said looking at him concerned as Ken reloaded a fresh clip into his assault rifle.
"This is war." he said as his face shield looked at her and she saw her own horrified reflection.
"Pick up that rifle and fight this nightmare." he said before turning from the column and dashing to another cover as he mowed several grunts down and body checked a elite causing its shields to dissipate as they fell to the ground and it was to quick to see but a combat knife was in his hand and being plunged under the mandible of the elite warrior killing it instantly.
Luna looked at the rifle of the headless marine and lifted it up with her magic. 'How did this work?' she wondered as a jackal rounded the corner and pointed a plasma pistol at her with its shield lowered and its sinister toothy grin just visible through the orange plasma shield. Luna's horn glowed to command the dream apparition to dissipate only for it to shudder. Her power was overridden by the strength of the persons mind who's dream she inhabited. Here eyes widened as she quickly cast a shield of her own that blocked several shots of the plasma pistol. The jackal shrieked and waved the pistol as if it was hot. Luna's face contorted in rage as she lunged at the jackal swinging the assault rifle like a club, the shield was smashed aside and she pointed the barrel at the jackal and pulled the trigger as she had seen the spartan do causing the weapon to bark angrily as purple blood splattered from its chest cavity spraying across her face and chest. Luna looked up and went to her spot again and saw several elites advancing, one stood out with more flamboyant armor who seemed to be giving orders with an energy sword in one hand and a plasma rifle in the other. Luna took aim and fired several rounds at the elite commander and the bullets deflected off the shields causing them to shimmer and for him to focus on her. Several grunts under his command focused fire on her and she took potted shots from her cover. Hunkering down she pilfered the ammo mags from the fallen marine and a blue glowing ball arched over her cover and landed five feet from her, she looked at it confused as it did nothing but a sound of it winding up before it grew brighter and detonated.
The explosion caused her to drop the assault rifle that was held by her magic. The ringing in her ears was all she could hear as her vision began to recover and focus on the feet of a grunt who was now standing over pointing a plasma pistol at her head. She grabbed its leg with her magic and lifted quickly causing it to shriek in surprise as she flung it over the barrier she had used as cover she grabbed the assault rifle again and pointed the rifle over the barrier. The commander elite howled and began to charge her when suddenly a vehicle with a spartan driving it slammed into the commander shattering the shield and killing the elite, Ken then began to strafe as he began to unleash blue bolts of plasma from the vehicle what moved over the ground like a apparition. Several grunts screamed in horror and began to scramble in terror as some pulled out two blue balls and ran fanatically towards the spartan who turned towards them and cut them down causing them to drop the small explosives which caused a chain reaction of explosions that killed the remaining grunts. Luna looked overhead at a ship that looked different then the sleek design of the covenant, it was squared and more rigid, before it could climb up to the sky a covenant carrier up in the sky shot at it with a beam of light. The ship canted violently and it crashed into the sea.
"We need to get those AA guns up." a voice said as a second cyan colored spartan dropped down from a balcony and walked toward Ken who looked over at him.
"Good work on that Ghost, were going to need it." he said as he looked up as three more covenant ships were descending. Luna looked in horror, when would this nightmare end? Just then the world shuddered. Ken looked at Luna.
"Time to wake up." He said as the world around him began to dissipate and the assault rifle dispersed.
Ken awoke and sat up still in his armor, he missed his old helmet but there was nothing he could do really.
"Sleep well?" Kisara asked. He gave a simple nod then stood up and began to walk to the door when it opened on its own and Luna walked in seemingly with the look of a mare on a mission.
"Ken. Can you make more of those weapons I used in your dream?" she asked seriously. Half of him didn't really believe she was in his dream but now it was confirmed.
"Wait what?" Kisara asked confused and Luna simply ignored her.
"Can you?" she implored. He weighed the risk of giving a underdeveloped species the kind of firepower that would be dangerous, but then again they really didn't stand a chance as they stood now. Magic could only do so much.
"Yes." he said finally and Luna smiled.
"Your weapons seem to be lacking something though." she said with a more malicious smile.
"Oh and what would that be Princess?" Kisara asked.
"A bit of Magic." she said.
