The Forming of S.M.I.L.E.

Departing from Andrews Air Force Base outside of Washington, DC., the private plane carrying Nick Fury and Maria Hill turned northwest heading towards Equestria. For three hours, they flew at a steady altitude and soon, they reached Equestrian airspace.

"Kind of an interesting place when you think about it," said Maria, looking down on the landscape. "A land inhabitated by ponies. Who would want to harm an innocent place like this, Nick?"

"Innocent, yes. But they are just like the rest of us, Hill. They aren't immune to any kind of attacks of any sort. What that monkey dude did to them was inhumane. Trust me, just because I ain't no pony, doesn't mean I can't help but sympathize with them."

"Excuse me, sir," said the plane's pilot. "We're nearing Wonderbolt headquarters. That's where we will be landing."

"Go ahead," ordered Fury and a few moments later, they touched down on the runway of Wonderbolt headquarters. From a short distance, the Wonderbolt Captain, Spitfire and a human male dressed in a brown business suit watched as the plane was brought to its parking spot.

A few moments later, the door opened and Fury stepped down with Hill following behind.

"Mr. Fury," said the human male, reaching out to shake Fury's hand. "Welcome to Equestria."

"Thank you, Mr. Ambassador," replied Fury as the ambassador then shook Maria's hand. "It certainly is a lot different that it is back home."

"Equestria is a rather good country, Mr. Fury. But, I think you'll earn a good understanding once you meet the princesses. At ease, Captain."

Upon leaving the plane, they were then placed in a chariot and soon were on their way towards Canterlot. The short ride soon came to an end as they landed at the castle courtyard where all four alicorn princesses were waiting for them.

"Your highnesses," said the Ambassador. "I bring you Nick Fury and Maria Hill, the two heads of the organization S.H.I.E.L.D."

"Welcome to Equestria," said Princess Celestia in a very welcoming voice, although Maria was somewhat intimidated by the alicorn's presences as she and Fury bowed to them. "You don't have to do that."

"Excuse me?" remarked Nick, suddenly rising to his feet. "But, aren't you royalty?"

"Yes, but the formality gets us down at times," chuckled Luna. "Come inside and let us discuss what we want to do."

"Nick," whispered Hill as they followed the alicorn princesses. "Is this how they treat all of their guests?"

"They are royalty after all," Fury whispered back. "However, I think they try to be laid back at times. Already, I can tell that these ponies have sort of let their laid back attitude get the best of them."

…

Still, Fury kept his opinions in check as they made their way into the castle. Once they reached the conference room, they sat down with the four princesses as well as the US Ambassador.

"So, you wish to make a request of us," began Fury. "To build a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility in Equestria."

"More of a proposal," replied Celestia, pushing a scroll in front of Fury and Hill. "As you know, our kingdom had been attacked several times in recent months and we feel that our forces and our forces alone aren't enough."

"Hmm, it seems rather clear that you long for support, Princess Celestia," remarked Hill, studying the proposal. "You wish for us to build a facility in Canterlot, I suppose?"

"We feel that it should be build outside of the city," said Twilight, looking over at Celestia. "More of between 10 to 20 miles away from both Canterlot and Ponyville, but convenient for those traveling to and from the facility each day."

As they spoke, Hill wrote down what was to be requested of the plan.

"The rest of the Ambassadors and I feel that the opening of a facility should prove more than just providing jobs," added the US Ambassador. "All we want to give every single nation on this planet a sense of safety and security against threats like the Storm King. I saw the horrors of what happened while I was holed up with my staff in the United States Embassy for 3 days. Not to mention the horrors of the Changeling attack during your wedding, Princess Cadence and when Lord Tirek rampaged, stealing magic out of ponies like a vampire sucking on blood."

"And we more agree with you on that, Mr. Ambassador," remarked Fury, looking over at him. "However, there is one condition that we wish to impose if we are to build a facility here in Equestria."

Everyone turned to look at Fury upon hearing this.

"Who here is familiar with a group known as the Avengers?"

Like little children in school, no one raised their hands, much to Fury's surprise.

"Perhaps you have been living under a rock for a long time," he chuckled, rising to his feet and placing his hands on the table. "The Avengers have often been described as Earth's last defense. But, for the past few months, since the fall of Thanos, they have been helping out our people in recovering from the attacks."

"And the leader in question is none other than Tony Stark, the Chairman and CEO of Stark Enterprises," added the US Ambassador.

Almost immediately, both Celestia and Luna looked at each other with amazement.

"Sister, that's the human who wants to build a facility of his in Canterlot," said Luna.

"We've actually run a background check on Mr. Stark at your request, Princess Celestia before he and his people come here for a tour of the planned site. And I am happy to report that he poses no threat to Equestria as well as his two closest associates, Julia Carpenter and James Rhodes."

"Good," said Celestia, directing her attention back to Fury and Hill. "Mr. Fury, I want you to find me the names of the other members of the Avengers so that we know who they are and whether or not they will dedicate their lives to Equestria. Is that understood?"

"It won't be a problem, Princesses," he replied.

"And furthermore," added Celestia, firmly addressing the gathered group. "The new facility will be operated by S.H.I.E.L.D. but will be given a different name to better reflect the way of life in Equestria. It shall be called S.M.I.L.E."

So, it was official, the plans for this new facility called S.M.I.L.E. were put into motion.

…

A few days later, the ground for S.M.I.L.E. headquarters was broken and construction immediately began. From a short distance away, Lyra and Bon Bon watched what was happening.

"So, that is where the humans will be?" asked Lyra.

"Yep, that's where the new facility will be, Lyra," answered Bon Bon. "Nothing would be better for us to make a contribution to the protection of Equestria than to join this organization. You working with humans and me, back in the game of spying for Equestria."

"But, only time will tell if we actually get in, Bon Bon," Lyra advised. "And there is probably a complicated process that we have to go through too. Either way, we go through it together."

"Yes, we will."

For next several days, the clock was ticking for the base to be built and soon, the day finally arrived…