As Daniel and his Titan sneaked through the walkways of the IMC destroyer, Daniel's R201 Carbine jumped from shadow to shadow, each time prepared for the unfortunate IMC Soldier that wasn't there.

"There are minimal lifesigns aboard this ship, Pilot." IN-2632 spoke. "All signatures are on the bridge, 200 yards straight ahead."

"Understood." Daniel spoke. "Can you hack into the systems on this ship?"

"Negative." the Vanguard-Class replied. "They are coded in a new algorithm I have not recognized. I will keep attempting to breach in the meantime.."

"Hold up..." Daniel said. "Take cover!"

As Daniel and his Titan hid behind a large corner, masking the two of them, three IMC Grunts guarded a door, and from the look of things, were not prepared for battle. Daniel tuned in to their radios, and listened in.

"...You know, I miss Calvary and R/R already. Ponyville was so nice." one Grunt said.

"Yeah, too bad we had to leave." another shrugged. "At least the Militia doesn't know it exists."

"Ponyville? Calvary?" Daniel whispered to himself. "IN, what is that?"

"Unknown." IN replied. "There are no IMC bases, settlements, or occupied planets with those names in the Militia database."

"Then let's find out for ourselves." Daniel said as he dropped the three of them with his suppressed R201. "Find us a terminal."

"There is one down the hallway, Pilot." IN said. "I will hold position and watch for any signs of detection."

Daniel headed to the computer console, and inserted his Data Knife. As the automated tool hacked into the Ship's database, he started to browse through the files in the ship's database.

"I've got coordinates and plans for an "Operation: Homecoming"." Daniel said. "And...more coordinates. IN, run these. I don't recognize them."

"Understood." IN spoke. "These coordinates are placed outside of the Frontier, in unexplored space near edge of the Domino Cluster. We are currently within jump distance to this location. I will alert Commander Briggs."

"Roger. Romero, you read?" Daniel asked.

"We're here." Romero replied. "We're ready to breach topside on the well deck."

"Belay that breach." Daniel said. "I've got a major intel cache here. Can you relay it to the Commander?"

"Understood, and yes." Romero said. "But...our orders were to take this ship, right?"

"Not anymore." Briggs said over the comms. "Pilot McKenna, gather all the intel you can about this Calvary. Then, we'll move out and find out what we're dealing with."

"Roger that." Daniel said, browsing through the systems. "I've got bypass codes for their Anti-Orbital Defenses, troop locations, and a schedule from General Marder himself. I think we've got what I can. Any more intrusions could lock me out of the system."

"Roger that." Briggs said. "Pilots, pull out and return home."

"Understood." Daniel said. As he pulled out his Data Knife and embarked into his Titan, they entered the hallway and sprinted full speed for the Well Deck.

====

As they entered the Well Deck, Daniel saw his team waiting for him inside their Titans.

"What took you so long?" Helena asked. "Did all that intel slow your Titan down?"

"Maybe." Daniel said. "Kick the door."

"Roger that." Romero said as his Tone Titan smacked the door switch. As the well deck opened, and the pull of space made itself known, the Titans activated their magnetic feet.

"We're in position, launching." Daniel said as they released their various handholds. The Titans rocketed out into space, towards the waiting Militia ships.

====

As Daniel handed Commander Briggs his data knife once they were aboard the MacAllan II, the MCOR leader began sifting through the gathered intel.

"There's a lot here, Pilot." Briggs said. "From what I can tell, this Calvary is just as heavily defended as Typhon. We'll have a hard time passing through their AOD if we're detected."

"I don't think that'll be a problem." Daniel said. "These clearance codes should get us through their defense grid. The only problems are finding a landing zone, and remaining undetected. And if this world is IMC, there's going to be local support forces we'll have to deal with."

"Also true." Briggs said. "Admiral Graves, your opinion?"

The image of Marcus Graves clutched his chin, deep in thought.

"I'm on the fence." Graves replied. "This could prove to be the final nail in the Remnant Fleet's coffin, if we're lucky. However, we lost too much on Typhon. This could be a trap, one that could leave us vulnerable."

"Admiral, I've learned that sometimes the best way to avoid a trap is to spring it." Daniel said with bravery clear in his voice. "If the IMC believe that this world is still secure, an attack will catch them off guard. We'll have an advantage right off the bat that way. Furthermore, we've got the necessary clearance codes to bypass their AOD. Once we land on the ground, we can disable their entire defense grid and pave the way for an invasion."

Graves was silent for a few moments.

"Pilot McKenna, was it?"

"Yes, sir."

Graves gave a hearty chuckle.

"You remind me of MacAllan himself, Pilot. Green light is given. Find this planet and establish an insertion zone. I'll personally round up our reserve Home Fleet and follow once their AOD is down. However, this operation will rest on your shoulders. Pilot McKenna, take your best and secure the LZ once we land."

"Understood." Daniel said.

"Good luck."

Briggs and Daniel saluted as Graves's image faded. The Grunts and bridge crew looked to the commander, who took the helm.

"Lt, punch it. Get us there fast." Briggs said. "We'll hit them with everything we have."

"Yes, ma'am!"

As the four Militia ships jumped away, aboard the IMS Sparrowhawk, there was a considerable uproar. Not only were three Grunts dead under unclear circumstances, but a large intrusion into the IMC network had been detected. The Sparrowhawk's Captain groaned as he radioed General Marder.

"What is it?" Marder asked.

"General, we've got a problem." the Captain said. "While we were undergoing repairs, three Grunts were KIA by an unknown hostile. Furthermore, a large network breach was recently detected. I believe Calvary may be compromised."

Marder was silent for several moments.

"Make full speed to Calvary." he said. "Make sure the Militia have not made it there. If so, alert the fleet with haste and do not engage. Keep communications open at all costs."

"Yes, sir!" the Captain said. "We'll proceed there immediately."

As Marder's image faded, the Captain gave his commands. The Sparrowhawk jumped to Calvary, unaware they had already failed their mission.

====

As Twilight Sparkle and Spike headed for the IMC airbase in Ponyville field, the alicorn's mind was already formulating ideas for her little act of defiance.

"I could blow the base by hitting their reactor...no, that would alert every IMC soldier in Ponyville...Maybe I can arrange an inspection and while I'm at it, cut the power...yeah, that might work."

"Twilight?"

She turned to see Spike look at her curiously.

"Just thinking, Spike." she said. "Nothing to worry about."

"Alright…" Spike said, somewhat unconvinced. "What are we doing at the base?"

"A routine inspection." Twilight lied. "Shouldn't take long."

"I hope so." Spike murmured as they approached the base entrance. The two IMC Grunts manning the gate saluted and opened the doors for them.

"Thank you, soldier." Twilight said. "I'm here for an inspection, to make sure everything's in order. Where is the base commander?"

"I'll take you to him, ma'am." one Grunt said. "Pierce, guard the gate."

"Yes, sir."

As the three of them headed for the base HQ, Twilight let her eyes wander, investigating every soldier intently.

====

In orbit above Ponyville, the four Militia ships entered the system, and began their descent towards the IMC defense grid.

"Commander, IMC comms." one Grunt said from his station. "They're requesting our codes for AOD clearance."

"Transmitting now." Briggs said. "I hope this works…"

As if on cue, a voice came over the comms.

"AOD is standing down, defense codes accepted. Have a nice day, Captain Rais. Ponyville airbase is open."

"Roger that." Briggs said, ending the connection. "Cyclone, this is MacAllan II. Remain in orbit and notify us if our cover is blown. Kimberley, Baron, you're with us. We'll hit the ground running with everything we have."

"Yes, ma'am." Captains Ellis and Hearst replied. "Dropships are loading up. Ready to deploy on your mark."

As the three Militia ships entered low orbit and then the atmosphere, Briggs nodded to McKenna and his team. They left the bridge and headed for the hangar, ready for battle.

====

As Twilight and Spike entered the main HQ, every Grunt and Spectre present swung to salute upon their entry.

"At ease." Twilight said. "I'm here for an inspection."

"Yes, ma'am." one Grunt said. "I'm Commander Lyons. I'm proud to report base is functioning at 75 percent. We've been having technical issues with the turret grid."

"What kind of issues?" Twilight asked. The Commander brought her and Spike over to a console, where a readout was displayed in orange.

"Ever since the database was updated, the turrets have been having a hard time recognizing allied and IMC signatures. We're working on purging their targeting systems and reorienting them, but it's slow going. My apologies."

"No need." Twilight said. "What about this base's power supply?"

"Generators are functioning." the Commander replied. "They're safely guarded near the barracks."

"Show me." Twilight said. "I'd like to take a look for myself."

As the three of them left, one Grunt noticed a large amount of unknown inbound signatures.

====

As the seven squadrons of Militia dropships soared over a forest, Daniel pulled up a holographic map.

"It's almost time!" he barked. "Be briefed or be sorry, men!"

"Yes, sir!" the Grunts said.

"Our primary objective is to take this air-base, which can serve as a LZ for our heavy dropships and eventually our fleet vessels. However, it is protected by five anti-air flak turrets. Our primary objective is shutting those turrets down. Once we're in, we'll move out to this nearby town. The IMC do not know we are here, and I don't intend to let them know anytime soon. Keep your weapons tight and watch out for locals. Am I understood?"

"Sir, yes sir!" the Grunts chorused.

"Load weapons!" Daniel barked. As the Militia ground forces loaded their weapons, Daniel headed up to the cockpit to watch the insertion point for any sign of trouble.

"Insertion in five...four...three...two...one...mark!" Daniel said. "Fire cables and deploy! Go, go, go!"

====

As the IMC Commander and Twilight walked across the airstrip towards the Generators, their ears perked up at the noise of dropship engines.

"HQ, what's going on?" the Commander asked.

"Unknown signatures approaching the base." a Grunt said. "They're not responding to comms hails. Should we open fire?"

"Negative." the Commander said. "I want a positive ID before anything happens. Weapons down but ready, am I clear?"

"Yes sir, bringing all functional turrets online." came the reply. As three IMC Heavy Turrets hummed to life, the dropships appeared over the airbase. As they entered a holding pattern, they fired ziplines towards the ground. Human soldiers ziplined to the ground, and upon seeing them, the IMC commander flinched and went for his radio.

"Militia hostiles! I repeat, hostiles…" he barked into the radio.

That is, until his helmet was blown off by gunfire. Twilight and Spike looked on in shock as the shooter, a Pilot, approached and snagged the radio. Twilight could see for herself that he was not aligned with the IMC.

"What's going on out there? What Militia hostiles?" the Grunt on the other end asked.

"Negative on those hostiles. All clear." the Pilot said as he smashed the radio. "As for you two, I don't know who or what you are, but stay down."

Then, the Pilot took off, leaping onto a wall and seamlessly parkouring into the HQ's upper floors. There was distant gunfire, and Twilight watched the Turrets lower to the ground, deactivated.

"Twilight, what's going on?' Spike asked, staring at the Militia Grunts, who were spreading out across the base.

"I don't know, but I don't like it." Twilight said. "Let's head home before we get shot."

As Twilight and Spike teleported away, Daniel removed his Data Knife from the Turret Console and drew his RE45 Autopistol from its holster.

"Hold it, Pilot!" a voice called out. Daniel turned to see five IMC Grunts appear with loaded weapons ready. "You're outnumbered!"

"Am I outnumbered?" Daniel replied. "Or are you?"

Before the Grunts could react, Daniel kicked the Commander's desk over for use as cover, as an IMC turret shredded the area with .50 cal AP rounds, filling the Grunts quite literally, full of holes. Daniel nodded to himself, grabbed an EVA-8 Shotgun from one of the bodies, and began his run down the hall towards the lower floor.

====

As the Militia began their attack, the citizens of Ponyville were awoken by the sound of dropship engines and distant gunfire. They exited their homes to find the IMC soldiers in a furor, a few still even in their civilian clothes.

"We've got hostiles at the airbase!" one IMC Lieutenant cried out. "Everyone to their homes and shelter in place! We'll handle this! Grunts, move out!"

As the IMC Grunts hustled towards the base, they didn't notice a Recon Dropship patrolling the skies.

"PIlot McKenna, this is Whiteout 1-3." the Crew Chief said. "Large mass of IMC hostiles incoming towards your location."

"Roger that, Whiteout." McKenna replied. "Deploy our remaining troops into the town! We'll hit them from both sides!"

"Understood, Crows incoming."

====

The IMC didn't have to wait long to engage the Militia. Once the IMC reached the base's perimeter, they were greeted not only with fire from the Turrets, but from Militia Grunts, who were turning the base defenses against the IMC. Not only was the field littered with Arc traps, but satchel charges were scattered about, ready to detonate.

As the explosions echoed, Daniel leaped over and atop the wall, and he opened fire with his R201.

"Grunt, sitrep!" he ordered.

"We caught the IMC off-guard, Pilot!" one soldier said, as he opened fire with a Flatline. "I don't know how long that'll be the case, though!"

"Roger that, soldier. Hold them here. I'll be behind their lines, causing chaos." Daniel said as he grappled into a forested area. As he ran through the trees, he shot a few unlucky IMC Grunts.

"IN, you in position for a drop?" he asked his Titan over the radio.

"i will be ready in one minute, fifteen seconds." IN-2632 replied.

"Roger that!" Daniel said as he took cover from a Grunt with a Spitfire LMG. As the Grunt panicked and emptied his entire magazine, Daniel slid out of cover and dropped the Grunt as he fumbled for a new magazine.

"Amateur." Daniel said as he advanced forward. "It's rule number one of combat. Check your ammo count."

Daniel soon entered a town populated mostly by thatch and wood buildings, but even here there was signs of IMC presence. Posters with IMCc recruitment messages were everywhere, and a few guard posts stood out from the rustic nature.

Daniel slowed down and loaded his captured EVA-8, pumping a round into the chamber. As he approached what seemed to be a Crystalline tree, a few bullets impacted above him. He rolled though a window and opened fire on the Grunts that caught him off-guard.

"Two Riflemen, one Sniper." Daniel said to himself. He yanked a Frag Grenade from its pouch and pulled the pin.

"This should do it!" he whispered as he hurled it towards the Grunts. He wasn't intending to kill them, rather to force them out of cover and into his field of fire.

As the Grunts rolled out of the Grenade's radius, Daniel opened fire. He dropped two of them, but the third lunged for the Pilot, wielding a knife.

Daniel sidestepped and kneed the Grunt in the side, before he threw him to the ground, and planted his knife in the soldier's head. Dusting off his hands, he surveyed the area.

Then he noticed the purple equine and lizard from the airbase watching him in horror.

====

Twilight watched the Pilot in shock as he advanced, one hand on his sidearm, the other raised in a "peace" gesture.

"You two okay?" he asked. "You hit?"

"We're fine." Twilight said. "Identify yourself, Pilot."

"Captain Daniel McKenna, Pilot, Marauder Corps." Daniel said. "Frontier Militia."

"Frontier Militia?" Twilight asked. "You're with the terrorists the IMC told us about."

"We're not terrorists, despite the propaganda." Daniel said. "We're fighting to free the Frontier from the IMC. And now, apparently you as well. Keep your heads down, and only come out when the shooting stops."

Before Twilight or Spike could respond, he had already rolled out the window to rejoin the battle. Twilight then shook her head and took Spike upstairs to hunker down.

Author's Note

Update!

Next time-A Battle of Attrition begins as the IMC rally and begin fighting the Militia. Meanwhile, Admiral Graves leads the Militia's reserve Home Fleet to Cavalry, hoping to reinforce Briggs and the MCOR...