Planet Harmony
Militia Drydock

MCS Supercarrier James MacAllan II

"Commander Briggs, I've found something!"

Sarah Briggs, Commander of the Marauder Corps and the SRS, turned to the intelligence team stationed near her on the Bridge.

"What'd you find?" she asked.

"Multiple IMC warp signatures, coming from this cluster here." one Grunt said. "They're heading here, by our projections."

Sarah looked at the terminal screen. The projected destination was near the edge of Militia-held space, around the Domino Planetary Cluster.

"What's the weather like?" Briggs asked.

"Heavy IMC presence." another Grunt said. "The Domino Cluster's been seeing a lot of activity lately, and given its relative distance to Harmony, it could serve as a staging point."

Briggs frowned. The IMC may have lost the Battle of Typhon, and they were still a force to be reckoned with, but a direct strike on the Militia homeworld?

That was suicide.

"Get me Admiral Graves." she said. "I need to speak to him regarding this."

"I'll upload the intel to your datapad." a Grunt said. Briggs thanked the soldier as she left for her office.

====

"Domino?" the face of Marcus Graves showed rare surprise.

"Yes, sir." Briggs said. "We don't know why the IMC are headed there, they just are. However, if the IMC is preparing to attack Harmony…"

"It could be a problem, that left unsolved, could mean disaster." Graves finished. "Commander, find out what the IMC are up to. I'll see what else I can find. What ships are currently in-system?"

"Three, sir." Briggs said. "MCS Cruisers Baron and Kimberley, and light destroyer Cyclone."

"Take them." Graves said. "Recon the area, and if engaged, retaliate. Until that happens, if it does, keep a low profile. The IMC has grown crafty since Typhon. We can't have another disaster like Broadsword."

"Yes, sir." Briggs said.

"Good luck." Graves said as the connection ended. Briggs sighed, and put together a briefing package for the three Militia ships.

====

A few hours later, the Captains of the three ships told Briggs they were ready to go, and awaiting her orders. The four ships made quite the intimidating presence. The Baron and Kimberley were standard Cruisers, built for all-around use. The Cyclone was meant for small skirmishes, but the James MacAllan II?

She was built for anything. She was twice as big as a standard Militia Cruiser, and boasted heavier weapons and a greatly improved superstructure. She was the pride and joy of the Militia Fleet, and their newest flagship.

Briggs headed to the bridge, and took the Captain's terminal.

"Commander, all three escort vessels are green." the helmsman said. "Ready to jump on your command."

"Let's not waste any time, Lt Adams, take us out." Briggs said. As the four Militia ships jumped into the beyond, Briggs gave a small smile.

====
Domino Cluster

IMC Rally Point

General Marder stood on the bridge of the IMS Defiant, looking over a concerning message. Apparently one of the light cruisers assigned to the Operation, the Sparrowhawk, had suffered an technical problem and would arrive later than usual. What concerned General Marder was not the report, but the fact that any IMC ship given clearance to the operation was given the coordinates of Equis, in case the operation failed.

Marder sent his reply to the Sparrowhawk's captain, and sat down.

"Prepare for battle." he ordered. As the IMC crew took their stations, the Militia vessels appeared outside the range of IMC scanners, near a large moon.

"Commander, I'm counting ten IMC vessels, unknown design." One grunt said. Briggs looked over at the console. These IMC ships were new to her. Unlike the standard IMC cruiser, these were sleek and agile, and from what Briggs could tell, just as armed and armored.

"Radio home." Briggs said. "Tell Admiral Graves I'm requesting reinforcements."

"Yes, ma'am."

As the Grunts sent Briggs's message, Sarah pulled up a holomap of the occupied area.

"Commander, we've got an IMC destroyer, port side!" one Grunt said.

"Show me!" Briggs said. "And scramble its comms!"

As the Grunts activated the Comms Jammer, Briggs watched the small vessel appear. This one was standard, more bulky and broad.

"Commander, do we engage?" a Grunt asked.

"We will." Briggs replied. "Prep a team for boarding, task is seizure. We're taking that ship."

"We don't have any assault craft." a Grunt said. "Our Titan bays aren't operational yet."

"But our friends are." Briggs said. "Baron, this is MacAllan II."

"Ellis here." said the Captain of the MCS Baron.

"Have your best Pilots board that destroyer." Briggs said. "We'll need a way to get past the IMC scanners without detection."

"Roger that." Ellis said. "I have Pilot McKenna's team on standby."

"Thank you, Captain." Briggs said. "Pilot?"

"McKenna here." said a male, experienced voice. "I understand we're boarding that destroyer?"

"Indeed." Briggs said. "Just remember, I want that ship intact."

"We'll do our best, Commander. McKenna out."

====

As Daniel McKenna entered the Drop Bay, he nodded to his Vanguard-Class Titan, IN-2632.

"Pilot, I understand we are boarding an IMC Light Destroyer." IN said in a damp, male tone. "I have uploaded relevant schematics to your Helmet."

"Thanks, Indy." Daniel said as he entered his Titan, the attending MRVN swinging to salute. "We set, team?"

"This is Sean Walker, all set."

"Sasha Voryunov, ready to go."

"Kelly Anderson, swords out."

"Helena Sieman, all green."

"This is Romero, ready for action."

"This is Chase Dawes, spun up and ready."

"Alright, Pilots!" Daniel barked. "We are boarding and capturing an IMC Destroyer currently off out starboard bow. Just so we're clear, we are capturing and not destroying! Am I understood?"

"Sir, yes sir!" the other Pilots chorused.

"Standby for Titanfall!" Daniel said as the launch chute opened, and the seven Titans hurtled towards the unsuspecting cruiser.

"Their shields are down!" Romero said. "They're in the dark!"

"Activate magnetics! Now!" Daniel ordered. The Pilots activated their Titan's magnetic feet and latched onto the unsuspecting IMC Cruiser's outer hull.

"We're latched!" Chase said, raising his Legion's Predator Cannon. "Schematics show an upper landing pad straight ahead."

"Then we'll insert there." Daniel said, his Vanguard motioning forward. As the Titans walked along the hull, Daniel notified Commander Briggs of their status.

"Good work Pilot." she said. "However, don't get too cocky. We don't know what's onboard that carrier."

"Understood." Daniel said. The Titans approached the landing pad, and Daniel lowered himself and his Titan into the landing well above the Hangar floor.

"Clear." he said, surveying the empty hangar. "Move in."

As soon as Daniel stepped into the Hangar deck, a red fan of light scanned his Titan, followed by alarms blaring.

"UNAUTHORIZED TITAN DETECTED. SEALING HANGAR DECK."

Then, a bright blue screen came over the landing bay, sealing Daniel off from his teammates.

"Damn it!" Daniel cursed. "Find another way in! We'll link up sooner or later!"

"Roger that." Sasha said as the shutters closed. "Good luck!"

Daniel exited his Titan and loaded his R201 Carbine, eyeing the entrance.

"Pilot, I am detecting movement outside." IN spoke. "Analysis indicates it is a squad of IMC Spectres."

"Roger." Daniel said, taking cover and taking out an Arc Grenade. "When they enter, smoke 'em."

"Understood." IN said, mounting his XO16 on a dropship. As the doors opened, five Spectres appeared, armed with assault rifles. Daniel threw the grenade, and it landed in the midst of the robot infantry. It detonated, and the Spectres short-circuited. Daniel fired a magazine into the group, dispatching them.

"Daniel, this is Kelly." came the voice of Daniel's second. "We've found a side hangar with its shields down. So far, the IMC doesn't know we're here."

"That may have changed." Daniel said. "I just took out a team of Spectres. I'm en route with IN to your position now."

"Understood." Kelly replied. "We'll hold until you arrive."

As Daniel and his Titan entered the corridors of the ship, Daniel shuddered slightly.

"Something's not right." he said to himself. "Whatever it is, it can't be good."

====
Equestria

Ponyville, Castle of Friendship

"Twilight?"

Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, turned to Spike who was carrying a letter.

"Letter from Celestia." he said. "More stuff from the IMC."

"Great." Twilight moaned. "What else could happen today?"

Twilight unfurled the letter, and began to read.

Twilight,

I just wanted to let you know that General Marder has departed the system with a good portion of the IMC Defense fleet. I think now is the time to...disrupt the IMC's authority here a little bit. Nothing too big, but I'll leave this to you.

Celestia.

P.S.-Burn this letter when you are done reading it.

Twilight read it, and tossed the scroll into the fireplace.

"Spike?" she said.

"Yes?" Spike replied, with a raised eyebrow.

"Let's take a walk." Twilight smiled. "There's some things I need to pick up around town."

"Alright." Spike said as he hopped on her back. "Mind telling me what was in that letter?"

"Nothing important." Twilight lied. "Let's go."

As they strolled into town, Twilight was already formulating a plan in her mind as to what she could do.

Author's Note

Update!

Next Time-The Militia discovers Equestria through the seized IMC vessel, and forms a plan to bypass the defense grid. And Twilight has a surprise for the IMC foundry in Ponyville...