As Daniel rolled over the shattered window, and back into the battle, he cracked a grin. The Militia forces had taken the airbase, and were pushing the IMC forces back towards the town. Not only that, the Reserve Home Fleet under Marcus Graves had arrived, and were currently thrashing the IMC ships in orbit.

Suffice to say, this had turned into more than a simple recon operation. This was now a Battle of Attrition.

Just how Daniel liked it. As he fired his R201 into a crowd of Grunts, he seamlessly leaped onto a billboard and began to wall-run. The surviving Grunts returned fire, but their shots were inaccurate and hastily fired.

"Amateurs." Daniel muttered. He jumped off the wall and leaped through a window, rolling to a stop as he raised his R201.

Only to freeze at the sight of what he assumed were the inhabitants of this world. There were about twenty of them sheltered in the floor he now occupied, and they, for lack of a better word, were frightened.

Daniel gave a thumbs-up and leaped out the window once more, before rolling into an abandoned coffee shop. The IMC Grunts immediately resumed fire, pinning the Pilot down. He reached for a grenade, only finding an empty pouch instead.

"Fuck!" he swore. "Commander Briggs, Pilot McKenna. Is my Titan ready?"

"He's waiting on your call, Pilot." Commander Briggs's voice replied.

"Send it." Daniel said gravely.

"Understood. Standby for Titanfall."

====

As a few curious ponies ventured to the window, they heard an odd droning noise coming from above. Then, there was a blast of wind and dust that obscured their vision.

As it cleared, they gasped. It was a machine the IMC called a "Titan", though this one wasn't like the IMC models used in most applications.

This one was moderately armored and built, with a lean frame. A powerful XO16 Chaingun lay on its rear mount, and two missile pods flared open. A blue energy shield emerged, and the Pilot seized his chance. Running like hell, he slid into the shield as the Titan's large hand caught him.

As the Titan deposited the Pilot into the cockpit, it drew the XO16.

"AI offline." the Titan said in a rich, deep voice. "Pilot Mode engaged."

The IMC Grunts did two things once they realized what they were facing.

A few stood and fired their weapons, only to be turned into red paste by a barrage of Acolyte missiles.

The remainder turned tail and ran. Daniel activated his Titan's speaker system, and decided to have a little fun at the IMC's expense.

"That's right, you bastards! RUN!" he taunted. "There's plenty more where that came from!"

As the Titan boosted forward and tore off into the main battlefield, Twilight and Spike watched from afar using a telescope.

"That's a new one." Twilight said, quickly jotting down a sketch of the Titan using her magic. "I've never seen that Titan chassis before."

"Who cares?" Spike said, his teeth chattering. "What do we do now?"

"We shelter in place." Twilight said, wrapping her legs around him. "And everything will be alright."

====

As the battle continued, the remaining Pilots on the ground called in their own Titans. Sasha's Northstar Titan immediately took to the skies, while the usual partnership of Sean and Chase took off in their Scorch and Legion Titans.

That left Kelly's Ronin, Romero's Tone and Helena's Ion directing the troops fresh from the dropships towards the battle.

"You're late!" Kelly harped at Daniel as the Vanguard and its Pilot approached.

"Got sidetracked." Daniel said. "What's our situation?"

"We've got the IMC on the run!" a Grunt reported. "We've taken out their comms and turrets, and Admiral Graves has their fleet in pieces!"

"Don't let up." Daniel said. "It's not over until it's over. Push the attack."

"Yes, sir!"

As the Grunt relayed the Pilot's orders, Romero gave Daniel a slap on the metal shoulder.

"So, what's the plan?" the Spectre asked.

"The plan?" Daniel replied. "We kick the IMC's ass from here to orbit."

"I like that plan." Helena said, priming her Ion's Splitter Rifle. "Lead the way."

====

The citizens of Ponyville didn't know what was going on. It had been a typical morning about an hour ago. Now, a full-fledged battle between the IMC and these "Militia" had erupted. The air was filled with gunfire and yells, and the sounds of Titans dropping in from the sky crashed through their eardrums.

Many had sheltered at Ponyville Town Hall, and had barricaded the door with chairs and furniture. Among them were five of the six Element Bearers, and their siblings.

"I don't like this." Rainbow said, peeking out a window. "Who are those humans? Why are they fighting the IMC?"

"Don't know, don't care." Applejack replied. "What I do care about is if we live to see the end of this."

"I agree." Rarity said. "I hope it ends soon."

As the cacophony of battle continued, the Militia forces began to push the IMC back and out of the town. Militia Crow dropships had the skies full of reinforcements, and several Militia vessels were entering the skies above the town to engage the IMC vessels that attempted to retreat.

As Daniel took up a defensive position with his Titan near a Militia rampart made of patio chairs and carts, he ordered a sitrep.

"The IMC's retreating!" a Grunt replied. "We've gained air superiority and cut off their comms. They're on their heels and running!"

"Keep it up!" Daniel said, returning fire against a team of IMC Spectres. "We're not out of this yet!"

===

In orbit, Commander Briggs had her hands full. IMC Comms had been downed successfully, and the Defensive Fleet was in disarray. Right now, Briggs was picking off straggling IMC vessels using the MacAllan II while the Baron and Kimberley supplied troops and Titans to the surface.

"Pilot, Admiral Graves's fleet is inbound!" a Grunt cried. "T-minus one mike!"

"Roger!" Briggs replied. "Target that IMC Destroyer, full broadside!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

As the MacAllan's defensive guns and missiles bombarded the IMC Fleet, Graves's fleet tore into combat positions. Consisting of three large carriers, seven battlecruisers, and many more support ships, Graves took the lead from the MCS Nightingale, a veteran carrier. They immediately slammed into the defensive vessels with missiles and point defense shots.

"Commander Briggs, this is Admiral Graves. Head to the surface, we'll cover you from orbital attack." Graves ordered.

"Understood." Briggs replied. "We're heading downstairs. Expecting a warm welcome, Admiral?"

"Possibly." Graves said as the IMC Remnant Fleet appeared as well, bearing down in front of the Militia. "Reinforce our troops on the LZ. I'll deal with the IMC."

"Roger." Briggs said as the Cyclone, Baron, Kimberley, and MacAllan II began to descend. "Good luck, Admiral."

"Same to you, Commander. Graves out."

Author's Note

Update!

Next time-The Battle of Attrition concludes in an IMC defeat. Briggs prepares to address the Citizens of Ponyville, and Celestia must choose a side.