Rules Of Engagment: Frostfall

Chapters

phase one
phase two
phase three

phase one

Author's Note

the editor of this chapter, I never got his username, so.. Aaron We, whoever you are, thanks for the advice and carmine for helping me keep the lore right

phase one

Rule Of Engagement: Frostfall
Phase one

COG YEAR: 2169 A.D / 106 A.C.
UEC YEAR: 56 AE.

War has returned to the galaxy, and it has raged for three long bloody years, nether side willing to back down. A grand story is playing out, yet many forget the smaller stories in war time. Two fleets, both from the warring sides depart from dry docks in their controlled space to rejoin the war. The crew of the mako class carrier NE-Lady Sif and it’s hammerhead cruiser escort the NACS-New Orleans finish the resupply and the crews settle in as both ships begin plotting in the path to the main fleet.

While at the same time a newly built hippogriff class cruiser UEC- Nightengale joined up with a group of five thorax class escort frigates, it’s protection detail, freshly rearmed and crewed ready to set out as well, but nether group would make it to the main fleets as fate and destiny play their games with them.

UEC Minor industrial planet Baskikreta
56A.E.
UEC Nightingale

Among the few flashy ships within the shipyard, a new flagship joins the group bearing the name Nightingale as a sand colored unicorn mare wearing a lab coat with her silver mane tied up with a ribbon trots down one of it’s seemingly ornate halls to a beat in her head looking for the captain of the ship. “Now where are you my dear brother?~” she says in a sing song voice as she begins asking around first finding her way to engineerings almost orderly work area, followed by finding the officers mess hall and driving the cooks a little nuts.

Finally a blue scaled white belly bipedal crocodile being known as a male tymerian tell her that her brother is on the bridge causing her to run over there, getting lost along the way. Her black rimmed glasses almost falling off as she makes a tight turn almost tripping as she reaches the door to the bridge and quickly fixes her glasses on her muzzle before her baby blue eyes.

She readies herself to enter the bridge possibly to her brother’s dismay. She presses the button to open the door and peeks in seeing the bridge is bussy spotting the commander, her dear brother, a yellow furred and silver maned stallion talking with a griffin as his green eyes clearly show worry. She walks over to him and boops his nose making him go cross-eyed. “May I help you vital gear?” Her brother replied with a grumpy tone.

Vital gear just grinned “nothing really dear brother, i mean ‘captain steam gear’. I got my workshop set up!” she says full of energy and ready to go.

“I’ve known you for all my life sister, there is more to it” he calls her out on as he dismisses a changeling ensign before looking at her “so spill it vital”.

Vital frowns abit at him “you still enjoy getting to the point..fine then” she takes a serious stance and then says “you look like tartuis brother, is your ‘you-know-what’ still working fine? And are you worried about that dream again?” earning a glare from steam
“sis, ‘it’ is working fine..and what if i am?” his sister huffs and crosses horns with him

“just come see me in my workshop after the ship leaves port..i’ll need to run maintenance on ‘it’ brother” she then backs off and walks away.

Steam lets out a sigh “may as well get underway, all crewmembers..we are setting off!” as the nightingale set out from the shipyard with it’s escorts in tow reporting in, none would expect that fath would use them in a game with destiny.

COG: STEEL WORLD

2169AD/106AC

Within the halls of an orbital drydock where the lady sif and the new orleans are being resupplied, an inquisitor is walking with two men down a hall, one dressed in the attire of a NE captain, the other, in the captain's outfit of the NAC. “now..lets make sure you two KNOW where you need to go and what you are supposed to do, unlike the last two times.” the inquisitor says in a british accent.

“Ok, the first time was a happy accident, and the second time was planed!” cried out the NAC capitan only for the inquisitor to raise an eyebrow as if asking “really?”. The NAC captain lets out a sigh “fine, fine, but how was I supposed to know that the stranded base was IN that asteroid?!”

The NE captain chimes in by saying “you would of known if you looked at the reports dalos..”

The NAC captain, now known as dalos, flinches at that “not you too skyor!”

The inquisitor just chuckles at that “you two are bloody hilarious.. Lucky and unlucky at the same time, but we are getting off topic..” he stares at them and says “your orders are to meet up with the main fleet for the raid after your patrol, understood?”

they quickly salute replying “yes sir inquisitor john bain sir!”

Inquisitor bain just shakes his head “just get going captains..and skyor? The lady sif’s cargo bay will be carrying a spare atlas-2 for an emergency. Do NOT lose it, do you understand? Along with getting to the fleet as soon as you bloody can.”

skyor quickly nods responding “i understand inquisitor”

However, as they part ways, an experienced captain receives a spy report and rushes to get what captains he can for an operation he believes will change the war, but yet, will only set destiny in motion for two souls.

Steel world orbit

NES: Lady Sif
Assault bay 12
2169AD/106AC

In the mixed hanger/drop bay of the old mark 2 Nordic empire assault carrier two machines hit the deck. One a white and red Atlas-3, it's marking identifying it as a mech belonging to MOTH team-1 the apex predators. And the second a tan and grey Atlas-2b

With a whur or serovs and a hiss of gas the cockpit of the atlas-3 opens allowing two people to float out. The first is a man in tan and black battle armor, his dark skin contrasting with the white and blue bionic that connected to his right arm just below the elbow. The second person floating out is a human woman in the form fitting black and orange flight suit of the Nordic empire. Her platinum blond hair, slightly pale skin, almost purple eyes and stunning figure make her stand out against her companion.

“Veteran Fallon and Caption Dounis?” a deep voice calls out from the bay. The two turn as the second mech touches down, it's thruster pack retracting into slits along its body.

The being calling out to them is large almost feet tall with black fury exoskeleton and four legs supporting a large thorax. Two sets powerful arms wave as his fangs click. This being is a kleese one of the former slaves liberated from the United Equestrian Conclave two years ago, or Formers. “Hey second fleet. Orders say this spare is yours. Just need you and Caption Dunois to sign off on it.”

There was a clang and the sergeant spun, his MOTH armor’s jump pack firing in small spurts. “Hey! Listen to me mother fucker. You scratch that mech before it is signed off and I will come over there and fuck you up!”

“Sorry Veteran!” the two awe struck deck crew men call out. The two men turn and snap off a salute when they see the veteran that had yelled at them was sergeant Avery Fallon medal of honor winner and presumed the hero of Bagmare.

“Look once the captain here signs off it’s all yours. After she does that knock yourselves out.”

While this is happening, skyor passes the door to the hanger getting a glance of fallon and charlotte then changes his path. “Captain charlotte and sargent fallon? I was not expecting two heros on my ship”

“Bonjour capitaine. Orders say KB-6401 is yours for your mission.” The French ace says before the sergeant cuts in. “It's on loan to second fleet, so don't scratch the paint.”

Skyor nods to them before replying “i was told my ship would be loaned an atlas-2, but by odin's beard, i did not expect to have you two bring it over, and as my friend dalos would say, ‘no promises’” he lets out a chuckle before asking “will we also be loaned a pilot for it? Because last i checks, none of my pilots are trained for it”

“That depends on you skipper. Socom wanted your permission to post a helldiver team or moth team to your expedition, since you aren't supposed to run into much combat.” the medal of honor winner says boosting down to the deck with his jump jets.

He thinks for a moment before replying “that is a hard choice, but i think helldivers, like valkyries of old, if that is ok”

“We will have to load the bio-pods, and whatever else the North Americans feel the need to bring along.” The beautiful woman says as the moth clanks down onto the deck, mag locking his boots. Before helping the dunois heiress to the deck.

“I understand captain, me and my ship have time” skyor says before quickly adding “and sargent? I am sure you would enjoy the eh, ‘misadventures’ dalos causes sometimes, are all americans a little, how do you say.. Accident prone?” he lets out a sigh “because bad luck seems to love him”

“I cant comment on everyone else. But I have a kid on my squad trombley who pretty much matches that description exactly.”

Skyor gets a small smile replying “i guess all groups of friends have someone like that, honestly, i would not trade him for anything, not even if was promised a place in valhalla by odin's side”

“Yeah he's a bit of a fuck up. But he’s the best damn saw gunner I know. I wish i could go with you guys, a milk run is just the thing my squad needs. But I wouldn't leave the front for anything.”

Skyor just frowns “honestly, this may be my ships last run before it is replaced with a newer model”

“Yeah the old mark-2s are brittle old girls. But they have been in service since before the lanky war and have proven their worth. She will probably be reassigned to first fleet and watch the home world before she is decommissioned or mothballed, pardon the pun.”

Skyor chuckles at the sargent smiling abit “i only wish i could give the old girl a viking send-off of old, but i will settle for what i can get”

“Hey at least the ship you are going in has been tested. I hear the Galactica hasn't even been on its shake down before they’re sending it out.” The Moth says crossing his arms. “Anyway Moth team-9 with be joining you on this expedition aboard your hammerhead, and Helldiver team bravo will be your mech support.”

“But from what i saw, she looks grand.” skyor says thinking for a moment before saying “i think i wasted enough of your time, but allow me one last question concerning the hammerhead and mako”

The two click their heels to demagnetize as the Atlas-3 reaches out and grasps the MOTH. “What is it skipper?”

Skyor watches them “have you seen what will be the replacement for the mark-1 hammerhead, and my mark-2 mako? Because i am sure dalos can’t wait for bigger guns..and i have not seen them yet myself”

‘Captain Skyor, I believe the mark-3 class of Hammerhead cruiser will be in possession of twice the current number of missile tubes, as well as thicker armor…. its acceleration will also be 12.46 percent above the current model.’ The MOTHs Atlas-3 was the one to answer the question as Fallon landed on the now open cockpit hatch.

Skyor jumps “by thor's hammer! The atlas talked! That’s clearly new!” he puts a hand to his chest. “That was a surprise, and dalos is gonna love the additional missiles knowing him..”

“But don't let it go to your head skipper. The best hammerhead couldn't stand up to a seed ship on its it's best day. And a claw ship would beam it apart before it could fire even one of its nukes. We are upgrading to fight the UEC as much as the lankys these days. I yearn for the good old days when all I had to worry about was getting splattered by a ninety foot tall alien”

Skyor nod his head “i’ll make sure he remembers, and the UEC are just as bad, only smaller right?” he taps his chin “but what about the replacement for the mako?”

“I here the Mako being shelved for the new tigershark carrier. It's about the same size, but with twice the fighter space, and with more point defences. But rumor has it that Duonis Star is developing its it's take on the Siege breaker class or something out past Saturn.” The Dunois heiress says conspiratorially.

“A part of me hopes to one day see the mako line given new life, and truly?” skyor rubs his chin “that would be interesting to see a new version of siege breaker” he quickly salutes “i am sorry for wasting your time captain, sargent, may the warrior souls of valhalla fight alongside you”

“Any time skipper, hey next time you're in port let me get you a drink. Alright Charl lets go! Miiora’s gonna fucking kill me if I don't get back in time. She is probably worried sick.”

“Oh you two are so cute..”

“Yeah, yeah get in the back.” The cockpit of the Atlas-3 closes before the mech turns to face the captain. Bathing the man in a crimson light form its sensor dome. “If you ever need a MOTH team you call Apex.”

“I will hold you to that sargent, be safe, and send those UEC bastards to Hel, and i’ll keep them in mind” skyor waves goodbye “and maybe i can meet this miiora lass your smithen with”

“Maybe next time captain.” The moth says setting his mech to swagger to the hanger door before jumping out into the black. It sailed straight on its trajectory before firing its jump jets and boosting away from the ship and back toward the NAC orbital battery, where in the distance Skype could see the bulk of the truly massive NAC flag ship, the Galactica.

Planet Fenrugha

2169 A.D

Unknown residental zone

Classroom 1A

The students within the classroom talk up a storm about an upcoming celebration cheerfully when an old man walks in, a white point star pendant around his neck as all the students cry out “good morning professor!” making him smile.

“Hello class” he replies with a smile. “I can hear that you are all ready for founding day right? But that doesn't mean you can all slack off.” he stares at two in the back of the class who quickly sit up

The professor readys his papers, “now, anyone remember what we covered yesterday?” he asks as a few hands shoot up, some normal, while others are covered in fur as he points at a human girl “yes melia?”

the girl stands up dressed in a normal school uniform “we just started with the discovery of ragnite and how it changed the way we generate power”

The professor smiled at her response “that’s right melia, we had just spoke about the hardships that was happening, and the problems facing us all at the time..” he begins to draw on the board behind him “at first, many believed project pandorica would be enough to help us find more fuel for the reactors, but it turned out not to be the case”

A student calls out, this one with orange fur and dog ears asking “i thought the old reactors were efficient in their own way. So what was wrong?”

the professor turns around and looks at her before sighing and replies “nearly everyone thought that way at first, but it was discovered that an unusual frost began to form..”

His words quickly grab everyone's attention as he continues “as time went on, the first generation found out quickly that the planet itself held shockingly little uranium or oil..and then a strange frost started saping the reactors of every crawler and the first city” he draws frost covered generators on the board “it led to the reactors and main city generator to work twice, if not three times, harder only to get the same amount of power while burning twice the needed fuel..”

The two in the back, let's call them bulk and skull, end up goofing off as bulk makes a paper ball. “But, couldn’t they have made the reactors better?” asks a guy with the traits of a cat plus the fur, right when skull grabs the paper ball and tosses it.

“A good question, and a simple answer to it is..” the professor uses a ruler to easily send the paper ball right back at skull “the frost came back, just like that” the ball bounces off skull and into bulk knocking them both over as everyone giggles.

“No matter what upgrades were made, the frost came back” the professor sighs before returning to the board, “but when all hope was almost lost, a discovery was made that changed EVERYTHING..” he draws a few crystals and fills them in using different colors for each. “ragnite” he says turning to the class “and how to refine them into fuel and other things.”

Before he can continue, a bell rings signaling the end of class. “Drats, i seem to have lost track of time yet again.” the class starts packing up as he clears the chalkboard telling them “you all don’t have to worry about homework from me tonight, so relax” this gets a cheer from the class as they leave.

The professor sighs as the last student, one with fur and dog ears, walks out. “Another day, another class..” he looks at his pendant opening it showing a picture of two men in snow combat gear. “I wish you were here old friend, it still feels strange without you.” a sudden knock on the classroom door startles him making him close the pendant before asking “who’s there?”

“Just an old man my dear professor” replies an elderly man walking in with a simple smile.

“Headmaster vati, what a surprise to see you” the professor bows slightly as vati nods

“it is nice to see you too professor, how have the classes been?”

The professor sighs before replying “they are..ok..”

vati gestures for him to follow “let's go for a walk dear professor” as the professor follows, he sees kids and teens hanging out together. “Everyone has come so far professor..it brings a smile to my face” says vati with a smile indeed on his face.

“Indeed headmaster, everyone has..” the professor looks out a window and sees the landscape passing by.

“There was a time you really disliked the pandari, you never told me what changed that professor” vati says looking with him before asking “willing to tell me now?”

“Not yet..i do not think i ever will..” the professor looks around as they enter the residential area proper “i just want to keep it to myself is all. I hope you understand headmaster” he looks at vati with a small frown as people and pandari are going about their day.

Vati nods his head a bit at his response saying “i’m willing to listen when you’re ready, for now..” they reach the professors residence “mind inviting me in?” asks vati with a small grin.

“Sure headmaster, maybe there is news about what is happening back on earth..” the professor unlocks the door and enters turning the lights on as a huge gang of people and pandari shout surprise at him and wish him happy birthday!

“Hehe, i honestly forgot my OWN birthday..thank you everyone..” the professor just smiles at this seeing a poker table set up in the living room with cake on it. “Cake and poker, what a treat.” he walks over to the table as a few men sit at the table.

“Hey man, let's play some poker, for old time sake?” one of the men ask.

The professor just smirks before asking “didn’t we all agree to ride or die together all those years ago?” he takes a seat and shuffles the cards. “Split the chips arthur, i’ll deal first.” The man named arthur chuckles before responding “sure man” and hands out the chips as the party enters full swing.

As the party reaches the halfway point a rapid knocking happens upon the door. “I’ll get it” says a young golden retriever pandari opens the door.

Before she can say anything, a human stumbles inside shouting, “quick! Turn on the TV! You will not believe this!” this statement gets the professor to turn on the TV as everyone watches.

The tv shows a man dressed in business attire standing in a room of consoles with both humans and pandari working in a frenzy and a finger to his ear. Then the man begins talking “That’s right maria..our hard working signal analysis have assembled a message they are one hundred percent came from earth!” the reporter moves over to a black cat pandari in a technicians outfit. “Mr mark, can you precisely tag a date to it?”

the black cat pandari, mr mark, shakes his head replying “we can’t pinpoint it exactly..however what we CAN tell is this, it was some time ago in general.”

“Hey mark! Starting the recording now!” a man shouts out to mark starting the feed as The screen shifts to show the familiar image of a three white four sided shining stars on a blue background.

“Tonight Avery Fallon the butcher of Bagmare was awarded was awarded the commonwealth medal of honor. For single handedly defending a vital relay station during what the people are now calling the bagmare siege. This marks the second time that the Fallon family had been awarded the medal of honor. The first beint almost one hundred years ago when the commonwealth was engaged in a peacekeeping operation in the Australia deadzone….”

“You seeing this old man?” a black skined man asks the professor.

“I think i was told a story about what happened there..” the professor say only to get shushed by a grey hound pandari “there’s more professor..look!”

“We go Now to an eyewitness whos records saw he was present during the battle.” everyone watches the recording closely enraptured by this.

“Say professor?.. Why does she look odd?” askes a young pandari pup.

“She’s a news reporter little one, just watch” ancers the professor.

“You should have seen it man. The guys mech was covered in blood, blowing up buildings it was the coolest thing i've ever seen!” at that comment, everyone in the room asks the same thing “he had a real mech?” as everyone trys to wrap their head around it, a child asks a simple queston “what is a mech professor?”

he sighs and replys “they are like the tanks we have, only with legs, look funny, and are WAY to big” some adults chuckle at this response.

“When he was on steel world after another deployment. We approached Sargent Fallon for his thoughts on his actions on bagmare and he has this to say.” the video then shows a man in complex looking armor with the name ‘fallon’ on the left chest plate. A few kids get starry eyes seeing the armor.

“Hu..that looks new..” one of the oldest people there point out. “New NAC gear maybe?”

“I mean do I have to say something?... I do? Fine um… come on you apes you wanna live forever!.. Honestly look let me slap some knowledge on you. I don't really deserve or want the medal, because now I'm gonna have to fight to get back on the frontline instead of sitting around at a public relations desk all day. My buddys our out there busting their asses. My girlfriend is out there fighting and I will be damned if I don't get to get out there and fuck people up to. Plus I get to get shot out of a spaceship in a god damned glorified torpedo as my day job. After you do that, sitting at a desk is really boring. Are we almost done here?” He said with a slightly agitated tone.

The old man chuckles at what was said “he does sound like a NAC jarhead, and the temper to boot”

a woman just stares at the old man “and you know this how?”

the old man gets a grin “experience my dear lady.”

a man tries quieting everyone back down “i think there is a bit more..”

“Two more questions. You said you had a girlfriend, care to elaborate. We have heard rumors that your government paring was with the Dunois heiress. And do you have any advice to the new recruits watching this in their barracks?” everyone talks to themselves as some never heard of dunois, while other remember them slightly.

The old man rubs his chin in thought “i wonder what they are up to now.”

“Sure. One she's over there…”the armored man points to a bipedal red scaled serpent woman with what seems like a white underbelly and scale gold patterns on her back using his thumb as she tries to hide behind a large mech and an angry looking dark skinned man with the name Harris stenciled into his left breast plate and his helmet tucked under one arm.

Upon seeing that sight everyone, and i mean EVERYONE’S jaws flat out drop at the sight as every last crawler and what few citys on the planet seems to shake with one question everyone shouting “IS THAT A REAL ALIEN?!”

Rumors and speculations start running amuck already as one teen flat out says “i’d tap that ass” only to get sluged in the face.

“Two, no im not answering questions about the relationship between myself and a tymerian. Three what's going on between me and the dunois family is none of your business. And four to any new recruits out there especially fresh privates. Listen to your NCOs especially your veterans they know how the world works, you don't. Listen to them and you might survive to see the end of your enlistment.” a mechanic calls for fallon getting him to head over

Arthur can only nods at what fallon said “truer words have never been spoken..”

The newscaster in the recording continues “Now onto lanky news. The lankys have been spotted once again moving into our territory. If you are living on the planets of Polis, New Fenrugha, Alexandria, we advise heightened states of security. The lankys have continued to be a threat since the end of the siege, and while we have made great strides in defense we still must be vigilant. And with rumors of new lanky ships being seen we can only wonder, what are they planing?”

arthur looks at the professor saying “looks like they are not coming back here man.”

the professor just shakes his head “i would not count them coming back as not happening yet..”

“The war with the United Equestrian Conclave has been a hard fight thus far. And with several of our planets falling to the Equestrians already the COG has decided to go on the offensive. Already the fighting on several UEC worlds has become savage for both sides. While on others the COG has taken to deploying nuclear weapons in their fight against the the slave driving Equestrians. The war that started almost almost three years ago as thus far has no end in sight. General Tyler Barron commanding officer of one two of the new Siege Destroyer class ships. Had this to say.” the word COG makes everyone confused about it.

A golden retrever pandari flat out asks “who in the world is the cog?” only to get silence.

“Whoever the COG are..they seem willing to go the nuclear path..” mumbles the professor.

“The UEC see us as a threat to their empire. They won't stop coming until we are either dead or enslaved. And they will only tolerate our kind as slaves so long as we are useful to them. This war is about extinction, and if we don't fight now we will not become stronger over time. Historically species, tribes, nations and what have you that are pushed to the brink and defeated rarely get their revenge later on. Take the Kleese for example they were able to fight the UEC for decades before they were defeated and now look at them. A powerful warrior race brought low and bound into slavery. We stand as the last hope any of the slave races have at revenge.” a wolf pandari woman growls at this

“fuckers sound worst that any bandit gang..” her shocktrooper side coming out in her voice

The image changed to an exterior image. Showing the red oceans and silver rings of a planet the tag shown as Sandelphon. The moon hung around an angry black and green gas giant whos light reflected off of its moons rings making them glitter. The mere sight of it once more makes everyone speechless.

The image then changed panning over the arrays of orbital defence platforms and coalition fleet. Before coming to one of the anchorages that hung over the planet. There two absolutely ships sat dwarfing the much smaller platform they were parked at.

“Today the NACS: Galactica, and SRA: Nostromo launch. The new Siege Destroyer class ships mark a culmination of new COG ship design, and reverse engineered alien technology. Their maiden voyage is classified for now but the hopes of humanity and the formers will go with them.” the professor thinks to himself ‘there is that mention of this cog again, WHO are they?..’

“A cabal of UEC sympathizers have been apprehended today. Execution at nine, all networks all channels.” the wolf pandari huffs “traitors..they are waste of resources in general..just shoot them on the spot i say..” but after saying that, she gets her ear pulled making her yelp “some can be redeemed trooper..or at least, kept on a tight leash..” the professor says with a frown.

“He's doing his part, they are doing their part. Former slaves are signing up every day to fight beside the brave men and women of the defence corps. The ATLAS corps fights the monsters so you don't have to. Report to your recruiter and ask about the ATLAS-3 to see if you have what it takes to be a mech pilot. Remember service guarantees citizenship!” everyone’s curiosity spike at this message while the old man rubs his chin

“sounds like much as changed...new players, new tech..” the old man says to himself.

The screen changes back to the anchor from before the broadcast. “There you have it folks..we have missed so much, and there is a 2nd message, however it is very different and decoders may be unable to decrypt it..however,we will keep you informed, this was nick davy, signing off.” the moment someone turns off the tv, everyone starts gossiping.

“Looks like the captains are gonna have one hell of a meeting hu?” ask the professor as a few guys nod.

Planet Fenrugha

56 A.E.
UEC colony city new staliongrad
POV: flash sentry
MOA: garrison XO replacement

I can’t help but adjust my combat vest for the, umm, i think 14th time i think? I still do not fully understand why commander shining armor sent me out here. All i was told was that i was getting promoted..some promotion hu?..still, i best make the most of it, and maybe i can convince the C.O. to let me send twilight some wildlife to study. There i go AGAIN thinking about her, focus flash, focus on the job at hand.

I call out to the pilot to see if he can give me a view of the area around the shuttle..oh celestia my wings hurt in this armor. The old set never made my wings hurt, maybe i got a bad set? “We just finished orbital entry sir! Pulling up a feed now for you captan..” i hear the pilot call out to me as the feed comes online.

Wow, the falling snow looks, beautiful in a way. Even if it is blue, i can’t look away from it as i barely hear him speak. “looks like we’re gonna have a bad one sir”

hu? “What do you mean by that pilot?” i ask him flat out hoping for an answer
I hear him sigh and respond “we all learned quick that blue snowfall means we’re gonna have a very bad blizzard coming, i think it was during the 2nd month we learned this fact..”

That is worrying, but wait a moment.. “What about the shield? Was it not online by then?” i quickly ask trying to get to the bottom of this.

“With all due respect sir, it was yet the blue snow somehow got past it.” the pilot responds, but wait a tick..

“How is THAT possible? The barrier should be able to stop ANY outside weather from getting in!” i can’t help but shout to the pilot.

I swear he must have shook his head at me before responding with “ask the eggheads” before we fall into silence and i spot the colony's capital city. It’s looking well developed, so there should be more cities already. “Captan! We’re being redirected to the capitol building, hold on sir” the pilot calls out to me as i jump in surprise and feel the shuttle change corse. As we near the capitol building and it’s fancy style, i can’t help but see some troops waiting there as the transport lands and it’s hach opens and i hop out.

“Welcome to new staliongrad captain flash sentry. The meeting just started sir..the commander, planetary governor, R&D head, and supplymaster are already getting “fired up” at each other..again” a griffin officer informs me.

I can’t help but ask “what do you mean by ‘again’?” as my question gets a sigh as a female neo-changeling trooper joins my escort.

She ends up answering my question “every so often sir..they get into a bad argument about what to do.”

“Is this true?.. Princess twilight would have a field day about efficiency..” i can’t help but blurt out only for both the officer and trooper to chuckle.

“Honestly, they would try getting her to pick a side captain.. And if the rumors are true, you’ll follow her like a lost puppy~” i hear the griffin flat out say making me slightly blush.

“I..i would not!” i quickly counter making them break out in laughter.

I hear the laughter quiet down as we enter the main building as i look around. “This way captain..i have ten bits that it comes to blows at last!” the griffin officer calls out to me as i ended up wandering off. I quickly meet up with him as he and the changeling reach a fancy looking door. “They are all ready for you captain, good luck..” the griffin tells me opening the door as the changeling stand guard.

I take a deep breath as i enter ‘here goes nothing, well, more like everything..’ i can’t help to think to myself. Looking around the large room, i can see quite a few ponies, griffins, changelings, almost every member race is here..they all must be important.

“So, commander armor sent YOU here as my new XO?..not really impressed..” a battle scar covered griffin harshly says to me causing me to sweat a bit.

“At ease makarov..i am sure sir armor felt captain sentry was suitable to fill the role of that faker..” i hear a posh voice say.

Looking to the center of the room better, i see the griffin, makarov, sitting at a table with a unicorn noble and a changeling in a lab coat with a metal backpack?.. “I believe introductions are in order captain” the noble says standing up as i quickly salute him “my name is crystal chalice, the governor of this colony, this is general makarov..your superior..” makarov just huffs at me pulling a cigarette out of his shirt pocket and lighting it. “And across from him is doctor mandrite..our head scientist..” i see the changeling just wave at me after being introduced.

“Now captain...please take a seat so we can continue this meeting” i quickly take a seat at the table as a hologram panel appears before me as governor chalice clears his throat. “As i am sure you are aware captain from loose lips, at one point we were ahead of the standard time frame. However, we began suffering a ‘few’ setbacks..”

I jump when the general slams his fist into the table as he shouts “A FEW?! You call losing five small outposts and two tanks to those snow monsters a FEW setbacks still?!”

I hear the changeling speak up at last in a mares voice, “our gear, while seen as normally top of the line..is sorely lacking against the wildlife AND seemingly the planet itself.”

I then hear makarov just groans at her statement as i try to make myself small. “There you go AGAIN with that ‘theory’ of yours..the planet is NOT out to get us.. Our troops are, in my eyes, under trained in survival skills and those with the know-how on how to deal with most some of the beasts are not given a chance to share it!” i can just feel the anger in his voice.. “So i say let me train them all from the ground up and the wildlife will never stand a chance!”

I then hear the changeling hiss at the general “training will only so far! Your a bucking backwater fool to think that! Our arctic gear is lacking in combat protection..almost all our armored units are falling victim somehow to strange frost and-”

suddenly governor chalice shouts “enough! Both are good points...however..we MUST remember the original plan and recover it..” i want to speak up, but chalice continues to speak “even with training or better gear.. Sooner or later, we will NEED a 2nd city up and running to help support the main city..” i can tell the governor is on a knife's edge too..maybe i should put my opinion out there..

I clear my throat making everyone look at me and i speak at last “i..i think i have an idea..maybe we could convert an outpost to a city core, research lab, or training zone?..” i hear everyone mumble to each other.

“I’ll think on it..for now, i will call the meeting to an end for now” i hear governor chalice say as everyone starts leaving. Well, at least i can go unpack and settle in, now where is my bunk?..

phase two

Author's Note

ok, before I begin just let me say this... THE CHAPTER KEPT GETTING STALLED... if it was not one thing, it was another... mega thanks to carmine here for telling me more of the ROE-verse, and helping out big time... and I am looking for a editor again... P.M. me in you are interested

phase two

ROE: Frostfall
Phase 2: ready up

2169AD

Planet Fenrugha

Underground city tir

Video conference room

POI(Person Of Interest): rick james

Job: city mayor

A man walks into a dark room before turning the lights on and screens come to life with an icon on them with the words ‘fenrugha alliance’ under it. the main console asks for a password as the man types ‘fortuna’ into it and the console comes to life fully. “Welcome back mayor rick james” the console speaks out as options appear.

The man, now known as rick james, pops his back and starts a video conference call “might as well see what everyone is saying now and not later..” he quickly rubs his chin “maybe i should contact the sakala first-” as he goes to make the call, a video call request comes in from another city. “Tesla city is calling?” he answers only to get a shout.

“Hey jamie boy! You think ya can call a meeting?” an old man around 67 appears on one of the screens after with a grin. “I got something important to share!”

James rubs his ears recovering from the shout “I was just about to call a meeting dax-” he gets back to typing before asking “mind contacting winterholme and red ball for me?”

Dax gives a small nod “I can handle that boyo, i’ll call right back with them” the moment he hangs up, james lets out a sigh before making the call to the sakala.

The moment it goes though he gets a view of a female fox pandari sleeping on a lab table as he just blinks at the sight “what the hell?” james ask himself scratching his head before calling out “WAKE UP!”

“AH SHIT!” the fox pandari shouts falling off the table as the makeshift blanket get sent flying.“I had a sign that said do not disturb up!” she quickly grabs her glasses before standing up wearing nothing but her trimmed orange fur. “I swear i’m gonna-” she then sees her cam is live.

James had to quickly cover his eyes when she stood up “good lord woman!” he shouts in surprise “have some decency please!”

“Fuck me up the ass sideways..” she quickly grabs the blanket wrapping it around her. “I didn’t think they would really forward any calls to me..” she quickly takes a seat at a computer “and before you ask about my clothing, there was a really bad mess”

“Can you at least PUT some on doctor lyira?”

“Fine, fine, i’ll find some clothing..” she moans getting out her chair and gose look for clothing “I don’t know what i’ll find in here”

“The spare outfit is in container 4Z0 professor..” a monotone voice calls out

“Thank you my dear assistant!” she cries out off screen while james receives a call from crawler kapisi this time.

“This saves some time” james answers adding the call to the conference call “your live kapisi” on the other side of the feed is a man in his early 20’s and with the name tag ‘nathan’ on his captains uniform.

“I guess you know why i’m calling james?”

“I sure do nathan, but let’s wait for the others” the moment he says that, dax rejoins the call with the mayor of winterholme and the captain of the red ball joining right after “speaking of others..”

“Captain joey of the red ball reporting in!”

“Mayor AND new father windieo here..I’ve had a very long night..”

“Congrats man!” james cries out as everyone seems to join in as the air seems charged with joy “but we need to get started when why the meeting was called for..”

“The UEC the recording spoke of..”

“Exactly nathan, we’ve all seen the news right?”

“Indeed, honestly I loved seeing a new xenos race… i could tell the one that was on camera was female, I wonder what the males are like?~” they all see a now dressed doctor lyira enter the screen.

Dax nods “not only that, we made a breakthrough on gear manufacturing and upgrading” he says with a smile “expect new rifles and LMG’s when you reach a port near tesla city”

“That’s gonna help us big time dax, any news about that prototype your working on?”

“What prototype?” james can’t help but ask

“Well..i had it on the back burner for a good while working on it here and there..but after seeing the mech on the news..” dax rubs his head “i ended up moving it up in priority..”

“Damn it man..” lyira just facepalms at this “please don’t tell me your trying to MAKE a mech?!”

“I’m not?..” dax just chuckles getting moans from everyone but joey in the call “what?.. You’ve all seen that it CAN be done..”

James sighs “we don’t have the resources for it..besides, we’ve done fine without mechs so far..”

“Fine, fine, i’ll set it aside again..” dax just groans from this “so, back to the topic at hand about the UEC?..”

“This would line up to a few reports that have crossed my desk..”

“A few joey?”

“Yea, at first I thought they were seeing things..” joey pulls some files out “if the reports ARE right..then the UEC is already here..”

“Are you sure the reports are not of wildlife?..”

“It did not look like anything recorded dax..so it is a chance they could be here on the planet..” joey frowns while responding

“Well, that puts a damper on things if they really are..” james rubs his chin thinking but something comes to mind “but if so...then why have they not made a move on us?..”

Nathan rubs his chin “maybe they are having problems with the witch frost? I am sure-” suddenly, a siren starts shrieking on his feed “shit… just picked up an SOS…”

“Deal with it nathan, we’ll wrap up here” nathan ends his call as james looks at who is left “everyone, I guess we can postpone this for lunch.” a round of agreements sound off as screens turn off “guess we have a storm coming…” he logs out and leaves the room “hope we can make it”

COG: Sandalphon [STEEL WORLD]

2169AD/106AC

Near Fleet general’s office

Engineers and soldiers wander the halls of one of the many tried and true orbital docks hanging over the steel world, among them are captains Skyor and Dalos

Through a view screen they watched as the ship that would join their scout fleet docked. Unlike the lady sif whos hull possessed a sharks curves and stunning lines, these were blocky and utilitarian. Its hull was lined with five rail gun mounts on each side, and dozens of missile tubes marking it as one of their fleets NAC escort the NACS Indomitable.

While behind It two of the United African Federation's gungunhana class destroyers glided into dock. Their brawns painted arrow head shaped hulls glimmering in the stars pail light.

“more ships join the fleet dalos…” skyor states to his friend, “the fleet grows bigger...a fine send off”

Dalos yawns having woken up from a nap before arriving “more guns for me eh skyor?” he gains a grin “you shouldn’t have~”

“It’s just a simple-” the conversation is interrupted by a shout from the fleet general's office. “Hu?”

“Sounds like someone is having a bad day” dalos flatly says crossing his arms “let's wait out here?” he has a look that says ‘i want to stay out of this shit’

“We need to get this done now before we can deploy” skyor pats his friend on the back “so suck it up like it’s that soda you love” he walks in with dalos groaning as a lesser fleet admiral is almost begging for more ships…

“This is a golden opportunity! We need to jump on it, but the higher ups don’t believe me!” an SRA admiral gripes about “i know this is good intel!”

“And I am telling you general, the COG is stretched thin, we don't have the resources, nor the ships to pull from the front line.”

“But...but...there will be a VIP in the target fleet! She’s developing something!” the man shouts “her capture or death may set them back!”

“Excuse me gentlemen...we’re here for the atlas pilot being assigned to my ship and our planned route?” skyor speaks up getting both of them to look over at the two men as they entered, presenting crisp salutes to their two superiors.

The man sitting in his chair behind his desk provided a rather Lacidasical salute before speaking. “Yes, the Atlas pilot for your expedition to the stranded planet…”

“Wait...their heading to a stranded planet?” the man asks in surprise

“Yes they are. Incase you havent noticed general, we are at war. A war we are in very real danger of losing I might add. We need more resources more men, and more ships, if we are even have a chance in defeating the UEC…. the Lankys are the biggest problem though. Their newest advance has me worried. And their claw ships and those damned flayed fighters tear us up where ever we engage them.” man in charge of the COG advanced fleet said in a grim tone.

“Can i at least ask what systems they will be passing thru?...”

“I don't see why not. Scout fleet 4721, will be passing through… let me see… BG-921, LV-426, Xanther, new Arcadia, and through Hope’s gate. Before they reach the 40, from there they should go through ZK-935, and PK-666 before reaching Fenrugha.”

“Fenrugha?!” the man’s jaw drops “t-that’s w..where the VIP’s ship is meeting up with escorts! I was hoping to hit them there!”

“One fleet will not be enough to fight what could be there…” dalos points out

“Well the I suppose Nostromo could be routed after it completes its mission. But I am hesitant to risk one of our only two siege destroyers and its escort fleet so soon.”

Skyor steps forward “my fleet could lend a hand at the end of the patrol.”

“Hmm..” the general muttered to himself before leaning forward and putting in a connection request.

“Give our ships one last real fight!” dalos shouts

The smartglass monitor on the generals desk shimmered for several seconds as a connection request symbol spun before disappearing. “This is Loomis, what do you need general.”

“Colonel, who do you have stationed on the Indomitable? We might have need of your departments services.” the general asked the bearded man, whose eyes flashed with white circles for several seconds before answering. “Moth team-12. Why, need someone else? I can't deploy Apex or the Templar.”

“I want a dark ops team on that mission, im sending you a data packet now.” The general said bitterly.

“Dark ops and SOCOM don't take orders from you general…. hmm but I agree, I will see what I can do give me a minute.” The man leader of the COGs special forces said before turning and appearing to type on his PDP.

Dalos suddenly becomes tense upon hearing that they may get a dark ops team. “D-dark ops?” he looks at the

“Hmm...It looks like Teams wolf, and Saber are back from their last deployment. Let me see… What would you need them to do?”

The SRA admiral gose to speak only for skyor to cut him off “capture maybe?”

“A smash and grab? In space or in atmo?” He asked looking through files on his PDP on his end.

“Ship to ship would be best”

“Hmm, I think team Wolf would do best. They just returned to the system, and can be on board Indomitable within the day. We'll have to upload the blueprints for their new equipment to their implants so they can use your printers. And from there they will transfer to the New Orleans. Where we will deliver their replacement a fresh batch of two ATLAS-3s.”

Dalos gose a bit pale knowing that black op’s will be on his ship “oh shit…”

“Now Captain Since I have you here i also will be informing you that veteran Fallon has told me about your request for a helldiver Team. Helldiver team Nymph should be arriving within the hour with their necessary equipment and supplies.”

“I understand, and will make them feel welcomed” skyor says before asking “and of the atlas pilot?”

“Yes, For The Atlas-2… let me see. Veteran Mordred le fay should be available. If that's not all, I have business, Loomis out.”

There is a suddenly a knocking on the door “veteran le fay here sir, may i enter?”

“Enter.” The general said turning back from his desks screen.

The door opens as a male pilot seemingly 20 years of age enters and salutes “veteran Mordred le fay reporting sir!” he switches to an at ease stance “ready for orders”

“The lad looks young…” skyor says in a somber tone

“So are most of the pilots these days. Were low on troops and the damn Clops, and lankys kill them faster than we can train them.” The fleet general comments.

Dalos taps his chin “if only we could get people trained faster eh?”

The SRA admiral gets jumpy “i’m going to get my ships ready” he gives a quick salute and rushes out

“Demochenko is right, you don't have time to wait around here major. Dismissed.” the Fleet general says seeing an incoming call from chairman Tideman.

All three salute and depart as skyor welcomes mordred to his crew with dalos slowly following behind.

11/27/2169 AD/106AC

Kapisi briefing room 5

“Squad E”

Some mumbling fills a room aboard the kapisi, “Ok everyone, mouths shut and ears up!” the XO shouts out as everyone looks forward at a screen as a tank commander is by it. This is the human clyde wallace, ‘commander’ of the task force known as ‘squad E’.

“Thank you nicolis, I feel we do not have enough time to waste so i shall cut to the chase…” the screen shows the auto login sequence as he readies a pointer for a map that appears “we are being asked to send a strike force ahead of an S&R team….” the map zooms in on a section with a cliftside and a few hills as a hand goes up “yes kane?”

“Why the hell send us AHEAD of the rescue team and not WITH it?..” asks kane,a male german shepherd Pandari “if we are up against bandits like normal, they will just turn tail and run with whatever they got like normal…”

“That’s just it… there may be more to it than that…” the map gains unknown markers on it along with outlaw markers. “The recovery beacon was chirping an unknown code…” that gets the troops mumbling again

“So, just a new gang?..”

“No, we had a drone fly overhead…” clyde pulls up some photos of a convoy, only it is hard to see the combatants and most of the convoy is scrap metal “and we spotted something on the side of a few containers…” he makes the view zoom in on a container reading ‘UEC property’.

“Well hello there…” a female white fox pandari leans forward abit, her tail swaying quickly “is that really?...”

“We confirmed it in an instant…” clyde smiles at this “AND we have justification for ‘acquiring’ some of their supplies…” the drone marker goes grey for destroyed

“Fuck yea! I’ve been ready for a REAL fight!” kane hoots out flashing his fangs

“They should of checked if the drone was armed or not, they are gonna regret it…” the fox pandari taps a sniper rifle she has leaning on her.

a shy mastiff Panori girl fixes her gear “just don’t forget to spot for me Julie…”

The fox pandari, now known as julie, nods “got it melia, as long as jamie keeps us supplied out there”

“There is one question capitan...what DO the UEC troops look like?...” a human rookie known as jamie asks getting a frown from clyde

“As far as we can tell, they are a mix...like out of fantasy but with humanoid bodystyle” he puts his arms behind his back “just like a pandari…” everyone in the room gets a ‘are you shitting me’ look “I wish I was joking everyone, but we are running out of time…” he pulls up a combat roster “everyone on the roster, mount up!” everyone stands up at his shout “SQUAD E! MOVE OUT!”

Everyone shouts out “YES SIR!” and rush off after checking the roster as clyde heads to his tank as the screen turns off “it’s show time”

UEC Nightingale
56 A.E.
Personal lab/quarters of vital gear

The makeshift lab is alive with activity, yet only one soul resides within… vital gear sits at a console typing away at lines of code, a dark whisper within her mind. A whisper she is use to...

“Come now, little gear~ your big brother MUST of had that dream again~” a voice taunts her as a figure starts to take form in a nearby mirror “about that MASSIVE ship flat out DESTROYING a planet AND a whole armada protecting said planet?~” the form reveals itself as a succubus, a demon of Tartarus. “I know you saw it on his face~”

“Not now you…” vital seemingly replies as if this is normal “I need to focus Slurkary…” quickly typing code into a console before switching to a chemical station looking over what is happening. “And you are not turning me this time either…” she writes down ‘mixture #529 - lasted six months’

The demoness just grins “Come now vital, you MUST agree my words have SOME merit” she says with a chuckle. “Those, what do you call them?”

“Lankys, they are called Lankys” the lab mare blandly says “that is the name the humans gave them…” she quickly shifts over to a recovered fragment of lanky hull that has been carefully carved “and possibly made blades from them…” she then summons a tablet to herself before walking over to a large device.

The demoness frowns at her from the mirror “and you wonder WHY males are not swarming you as much as they should be…” the demoness grabs vitals reflection and uses it to bring her to the mirror “you need to get out more! Your body is killer mare…” she forcefully undressed vital making the mare cover herself.

“H-HEY!”

“Do not lie to yourself vital~” she can feel the succubus drag its clawed hands against her body gently “you have a body that even the princesses would envy~ ANY male would kill to-”

Vital tries to shake her off “l-lies!” she quickly moves away from the mirror “t-the princesses look b-better than me…” she gives the mirror a small glance

“Uh hu? Lying to yourself again?” the demoness chuckles at that jumping to another reflective surface closer to her “I bet princess sparkle envies your body! Your all natural while she must be...”

Vital grabs a medical injector from a machine in a haste “enough out of you!” she quickly puts it to her neck before pulling the trigger on it injecting herself with its contents feeling it shoot into her bloodstream “go to sleep!”

The demoness laughs at her as she fades away “you’ll never get rid of me for good mare!” she seems to take enjoyment out of how vital looks “remember! You could dethr-” her words are cut off as she vanishes.

Vital almost falls to the floor as she steadies herself from the backlash “I NEED to find a permanent fix…” she weakly grabs a blanket and wraps herself in it and falls into a seat “because she is getting stronger…” she puts her head into her hands and sighs closing her eyes “maybe...princess Luna can help my brother sleep better…” she moves the chair to the computer and tries using some family channels to get a message to Luna while the lab works around her.

Planet Fenrugha
56 A.E.
UEC colony city new staliongrad
POV: flash sentry
MOA: garrison XO
56AE

I still can’t believe I got my own room now, it feels so surreal to me...then again, captains and commanders do get their own rooms…and unpacking was a breeze to boot with the help of the reptile-like being known to us as a tymarian, but I still needed to look over those sites the governor sent me...

“Anything more is needed sir?...” my new assistant, an earth pony lieutenant asks me as I can’t help but to think back to the meeting and the hostility between the general and the head scientist...

“There is something lieutenant…umm...” shoot, I never got their name...

“Lieutenant shadow spear sir!” I saw her give me a quick salute “and ask away sir!”

I placed the site reports down on my desk before asking the question that had been bugging me “why did it feel like the lead researcher and the general were ready to fight?..”

I see the lieutenant slump a little at my question as if it just put some pressure on her “sir, may I speak freely for this?”

“Go ahead lieutenant” why do I feel I will not like the answer I’m about to get…at all...

“You cost me to lose a 20 bits bet captain…my bits were on the general landing the first punch this time...” ok, did not see that coming “they have always been on edge with each other at the start, leading to a betting pool...” I see her pull out a flask of all things and opens it “it only escalated a lot more two months ago…” what she said got me wondering even more.

“So...it began two months ago?” I take a seat leaning back thinking “all because five lost outposts?”

“They were very important to the whole plan…” she takes one hell of a swig from the flask, way more than I could “they were relay points for resources we needed” I see her quickly pick up her flask “and we did not lose them all at once”

“Sounds like you know something lieutenant...” being new here, I'll take anything I can learn “mind filling me in?” I gestured for her to take a seat

“Sure, captain” she takes my offer and sits down “I was at outpost five zeta two, the 4th to go down” I heard her sigh deeply in sorrow “it was messy, first was that damned storm that came from nowhere…”

“Hey, back up a bit” I quickly cut her off confused “how was things before it went to Tartarus and what do you mean out of nowhere?”

“We were told that there was gonna be clear skies for weeks” she leaned back in her chair “we had light winter combat gear because of that... a heavy weapons team, a few rifle ponies, some griffin scout snipers, a pair of drakes, buck, even two spider-like kenees in the base to use the enclosed spaces to the most effect, and we were on alert that day too…” I can’t help but hear her voice trembling in fear as those words left her lips.

“It sounds like you were ready for almost anything” I ended up pointing out

“It, it was really like frozen Tartarus hit us…we were nowhere NEAR ready for it!” I almost fell out of my seat when she jumps up “we were rotating shifts when the storm hit us… communications was the first thing to go out… along with two griffins falling from the air...their wings frozen in strange colored frost…” I see her body trembling as she rubs her arms almost in reflex…

“Can you describe the frost to me?” I lean forward a bit in wonder, maybe this could help me “it’s ok if you don’t…”

“No, you NEED to know what to watch for captain…” she just gives me a hard glare “The frost was red and yellow on the griffins, but on a unicorn… it was blue and black...on me…” she grips her left arm tightly “it was yellow and black…”

That gets me by surprise “on you? You mean it covered you for a bit before you cleaned it off?”

“Yes...and no…” what does she mean by… “it stuck and GREW on me!” wait, WHAT?! “It was like it was alive! And that was not the end of it…” I heard her voice trembling as she continues “it got worse when someone hit the alarm… wildlife, seemingly made of the storm itself, swarmed us…”

I gulped hearing that part “you must have been able to kill most of the wildlife before falling to the worst of it at least” I tried to tell her in an attempt to calm her down. “That must count for something”

“You don’t understand, they were SMART!” her shout honestly makes me fall out of my chair in shock “it was like they KNEW to take out the heavy weapons team before they could set up!”

“O-ok, maybe you are overstating things?...” I’m honestly getting worried here…

“I know I’m not! They first swarmed the heavy weapons team, using the storm for cover…” I see her shakingly take a seat again as i get up “I could barely see in it...tracers everywhere… we tried falling back to the base…only...” she stops as if worried to tempt fate

“Only?” I need to know more, so I’ll risk pushing the line a little…

“There was a roar… I-It still haunts my dreams…” a roar?... “when we heard that, ice sickles started forming and striking at us and the monsters…” so the storm is connected to a monster of some kind?... “from there, it got worse…”

“What do you mean it got worse?” I walked over to the console set up on my desk “there can’t be anyway it could get worse, at least you were able to retreat and regroup from it…” I begin to pull up the reports “so I am sure I could try to-” I hear her start chuckling before she completely breaks down in laughter.

“regroup?...REGROUP?!” her laughter sounded like that of a mad mare… maybe I went too far now… “WE WERE CUT DOWN TO THE LAST!” she grabs me by my shirt collar with a crazed look in her eyes “that roar sent those beast into a bucking frenzy! They…” on instinct, I punched her in the gut making her let go and grabbed her shoulders right after.

“SNAP OUT OF IT LIEUTENANT!” I shouted at her loudly, hoping I can get to her “your safe shadow spear… they will not get you here…” I pulled her into a quick hug still trying to calm her down

“C-captain...w-where” looks like that did the trick… “n-not again...not another one…” shit...she does have PTSD… “I… I’m sorry sir… it just happens when I talk about that event…” I just patted her on the back to comfort her “I...I wish I did not have to feel this pain… the dreams I have every so often…”

“At least your off the lines now, and when your ready to talk… I’ll hear you out ok?” I tried giving her a reassuring smile as I let go “for now, get some rest ok? That’s an order”

“Yes sir… I’ll try…” her trembling voice tells me she will need time to recover… “take care captain” I watched her leave my room and the door shutting behind her as I let out a sigh before looking at the data for the sites… maybe that can wait till tomorrow...

phase three

Author's Note

I know it took me a long time to finish, but I needed help with this chapter, so much of the underlying lore I did not know about...I am thankful carmine could help, for now, onto the show!

phase three

Rules Of Engagement: Frostfall

Phase 3: “the face of the coin”

COG: resonance fleet

ATLAS-3B: GK-9296
NACS: Indomitable
2169AD/106AC
Enroute to, Stranded colony: Fenrugha

Why would the fleet be ordered to this planet? So many questions swam in the machine's processor and like many of its kind it fell back on its logic to find an answer.

Theoretical: The fleet is required to take the resources the planet has to offer.

Practical: Force will be required.

Theoretical: The deployment of myself and my fellows would be born in certain situations. One: A display of power, The Stranded on this planet are decades behind in regards to technology. Two: The colonists resist integration, or pose a threat to the landing force, in which case an orbital bombardment of the offending settlement will be sent. Three: In support of a joint assault with an allied unit. Final Four: void combat.

Theoretical: The reconnaissance fleet could under fire from UEC forces.

Logical: Should the fleet come under fire, the Indomitable will be placed at the fore of the Coalition's formation.

Logical: At the fore of the formation, the Indomitable's odds of survival decreased by 35.687 percent variable.

Theoretical: Fighter support on the planet could be limited due to heavy snowfalls.

Theoretical: From many reports from smugglers, and several Dark-ops kill teams the former colonists have partaken in heavy genetic testing.

Practical: Genetic testing of inhabitants is likely due to the planets' natively inhospitable climate.

Practical: Use of heat-based weapons would be preferred, possible drawbacks of gene therapy could include lack of sweat glands.

Theoretical: Inhabitants use scavenged, salvaged, or individually built arms and armor.

Theoretical: equipment and vehicles used by natives are older models or purchased from black market suppliers, or surplus.

Practical: Natives likely to be unprepared for Newer weaponry and armor.

Theoretical: Natives likely to possess special forces units.

Theoretical: Should the Fenrugha special forces come into contact with the Dark ops kill team or other SOCOM assets, what could the result be?

Practical: Older mark one armor likely unable to effectively stop blaster weapons.

Theoretical: Number of hostiles outnumber socom assets if Socom units utilize conventional weapons. Outcome friendly: total team kill. Outcome hostile: partial team kill.

Practical: recommend socom assets equip prototype legionnaire armor, recommend socom assets utilize blaster weapons.

Theoretical: number of hostiles outnumber friendly assets equipped with the newest equipment. Outcome friendly, no mech or war bot support: partial team kill. Outcome hostile: total team kill. Outcome friendly, warbot and mech support: zero biologic deaths, outcome favorable. Outcome hostile: total team kill.

“Unit GK-9296... Respond to vocal command…clearance code 4-Zulu-8-omega-1-zeta… confirm and identify yourself... ” The machine quickly recognizes the voice and clearance code as humans would call ‘familiar’ to it “unit GK-9296, respond now…”

It turns on its outer cams and points them towards the voice and quickly responds in a slightly monotone voice “pilot code confirmed… Welcome back pilot” it puts an armored red metal fist to its chest “atlas unit GK-9296 online and combat able” it stares at the pilot, decked out in full dark op gear “ready for orders”

“Run scenario test program on squad server” the pilot calls out before hopping within the cockpit of the atlas “let's get the squad ready in case of planet-bound combat”

“Roger, beginning squad simulation, downloading known planetary data” the cockpit seals up as the squad link is made “downloading known arsenals and wildlife data, download complete, completing program execution” the view from within the cockpit becomes a snowy plain as the hud comes online and the squad moves out.

First contact scrimmage
11/27/2169 AD/106AC

UEC escort force
VS
Raider band remnants
VS
Kapisi task force “squad E”

AO (Area of Operation): near vulcanis “ravine”

Humans in slapdash gear are slowly engaging in a fighting retreat from the small UEC force once their plan was ruined when a UEC command tank finally reached the battle line with the earth pony commander hopping off the back “keep up the pressure! Show those drifter buckers not to mess with us!” the commander shouts with a grin

There was a pop whoosh followed by a trail of glowing light that illuminated the snow behind the humans as the surissa gunner found a lock and let loose with the rocket. The rocket leaped from the tube, dipped low and sailed into the air before crashing back down into the top of the turret of a second tank.

As a human fell back a griffon charged hoping to slay the rebel and raise his chances of getting another mating contract. Instead, as the griffon drew close another human popped out of cover and racked the slide of his shotgun. Instantly the overgrown bird's side exploded before he dropped to the ground. Deep brownish blood soaked into the snow, and he looked up just in time to see the humans crudely armored boot coming down on his face.

On the ridge watching the slaughter, the white fox pandari Julie watches using the scope of her custom rifle. Hunting any aces on the ground coming across the leader of both groups “who to drop first...” she checks the round in the chamber making sure to steady her breath as her radio comes alive

“Julie, status on the battle…”

“Clyde, UEC forces are rallying and pushing back the bandits, just killed enemy sniper and stole his position” using her scope, she gets a quick headcount “bandits have less the 15 combat able and dropping, UEC have maybe three squads, backed up by a command tank…” she takes some snow and chews on it, hiding her breath “clear to fire on leaders?”

“Hang tight, the others are deploying now, I’m coming up the rear with the Hafen now” her ears allow her to pick up the tanks motor on the radio. “On my signal, drop both leaders if you can…”

“I’ll see what I can do…” her shroud under her, she beings lining up her first shot on the bandit leader “on your mark…” the edge of her vision glows blue for a split second before returning to normal.

“LET'S GO PEOPLE!!” a shout and howl becomes entwined within the sounds of battle “I’M A ONE HOUND ARMY!!” the german shepherd pandari Kane rushes to a sandbag position behind the bandits as the first mortar shell goes up and over, landing within a small UEC heavy weapons team turning them into a bloody mist “WOOHOO!!” he is quick to set up and opens fire with his LMG “COME GET SOME MOTHERFUCKERS!!” riflemen and shock troopers rush to get to him.

“Damn it to hell Kane!! Julie, fire now!” she hears her commander shout on the radio, sounding very mad.

“One shot is all I need…” seamlessly aiming, she pulls the trigger sending the round down range exploding the bandit leaders head all over the place “leader one down…” easily chambering another round and drops the UEC commander, ensuring a breakdown in command and instilling panic among the rank and file “panic is complete…”

“Roger that Julie, render aid when needed” within his custom tank, Clyde helps load a shell into the main gun “standby…” he pops out the command hach for a moment then drops back in “adjust aim, one tick right, two ticks up…”

“Aye aye...one right, two up…” the main gunner does just that

“Fire on mark…” Clyde looks at a pocket watch as the second's hand hits 12 “MARK!”

“AP SABOT OUT!” the tank shakes a bit from the shot going out, almost riding the wind… it then impacts the UEC command tank and penetrates the outer armor before shrapnel fills the tank and sets off the ammo supply. In turn, it sends the tank turret sky high “tank confirmed killed!”

At the battle line, the bandit forces have already flat out surrendered in fear as the UEC forces try to regroup, the battle’s momentum stolen from the UEC and into squad E’s hands, a dragon tries to charge, only to be met with MG fire from the Hafen's sponson mounted MG as it arrives and advances hard with mortar and sniper support with the rest of the infantry using what cover they can.

“HOLD THE LINE!” the second in command quickly gets the remaining UEC troops to begin hunkering down, ready to fight to the last trooper “PUSH THEM BACK!!” the UEC forces rally and fight harder, soon, however, the combined arms of squad E finally overwhelm them as they are wiped out.

“Squad E… salvage any ammo you can find and zip tie the bandits…” once the order was given, Clyde gets on the radio and calls it in “kapisi control, Squad E report, raid over and cleanup underway, standing by for salvage team, over…”

“Copy squad E, two baserunners inbound with LAV’s, hold site.”

“Aye aye, all troops are to hunker down and wait for pickup…” everyone starts getting set back up as a light snowfall arrives as some snow lands in clydes hand “I guess we got lucky this time..” he looks up and smiles a little, glad for the battle to be over

ATLAS-3B: Unit- GK9296
Pilot- [veteran] Moth: Burner
Combat simulation- Fenruga Delta 2
2170AD/107AC

The snow crunched underfoot as I stomped through the blizzard behind MOTH: Pike. "This fucking soup is icing up my joints." The pilot Complained.

"I told you to Use the de-icing coating before we dropped you dumbass." the pilot responded one of the machines orange cameras panning around to face me.

"Yeah well… Wait I've got something… contact left five hundred meters. looks like a tank column, count Zero eight hostile victors on a parallel heading."

"Got 'em." The lance leader said.

"Call it in. Let's drop some rods. Use Drucker code, comms aren't secure."

"Got it."

"Dreadnought calls to Sky eye."

"Sky eye answers Dreadnought."

"Sky Eye, a troop of Turtles marches to war at Five hundred lieges. Request Long Ball at code sierra, 9923, mark Gamma 0235. Westward walk."

"Sky Eye, long ball at sierra 9923, mark gamma 0235, westward walk. confirms Tallon Alpha. Four spears turn, spears out."

"Alright gents. As soon as those rods hit we move in. Set jump jets to skid burn, safeties off were going in hot." Several seconds passed while we waited for the ship in orbit to bring two of its railgun batteries to bare.

A defining boom could be heard High above, the sound of the hypervelocity railgun darts entering the atmosphere. And a fraction of a second later four columns of pulverized dirt and ice rocket into the sky. "Now."

Standing up I activated my jump jets as we took our first bounding steps forward. Instead of running toward the three remaining tanks our lance used our jump jets in tandem with our maneuvering thrusters to skid several feet from the loose-packed snow. The maneuver used up 12.698 more fuel than a sustained burn but allowed for much faster speed in short bursts.

As we neared the stunned tanks I swung up my Icarus mounted blaster cannon, displaying a retical while I lined up a shot for my pilot. He accepted and relieved fire control to me as he lifted my right arm, deployed the Gatling and sent a stream of flechettes into the side of an APC before it could discourage its troops.

As the .50 caliber flechettes punched through the comparatively weak armor of the vehicle I confirmed my lock and fired thee crimson bolts into the base of the tank's turret. The bolts of sizzling energy seared through the armor of the tank cooking off its magazine, and blowing the turret off as the tank exploded.

Warnings blared in the cockpit as a LAV swung its turret in our direction. With a thought, my pilot dashed us to the left maintaIning our vector as he ceased his firing and thrust an open palm towards the LAC as it tracked us with is cannon firing round after round in hopes of landing a shot. Instantly the rounds exploding around us stopped as they came into contact with my magnetic shield. They spun hovering in place suspended in the magnetic field before with a flick of the wrist were sent back to explode into the flank of the LAV.

Suddenly A roar rips out of nowhere as snow begins kicking up into a blizzard around us as spikes of ice come from all directions hitting everything indiscremently, hostile and friendly alike, remaining hostile troops cry out something along the lines of ‘wrivern!’ as a large beast seemingly grabs a dog like trooper and rips it in two before eating it and letting out a roar at us.

“What the hell is that?!” I hear the rookie veteran Mordred Le Fay cry out, my scanners quickly identify the beast as a legiana due to send data by field agents “it’s huge!” I easily transmit the data to the lance, marking weak points.

"Yeah It's almost as big as your mom." one of the humans said as he unlimbered KZ88's shoulder Gatling. It spun To life with a whine of electric motors before sending a stream of tracers towards the dragon-like creature which it easily dodged.

"Wow, you fucken suck! Where'd you get your license a belter a BNA ration?"

It dives into the storm as some tiger-like beast charges out the storm towards us “contacts coming out the storm!” hearing veteran le fay point out before laying down some cover to try pinning them down. “G-go down!” me and my pilot can hear his panic as he tries moving his atlas-2 back, only to get swarmed “get them off me!”

"Calm down kid. Pike take care of em." The lance leader ordered as I shot the barrel of the penultimate tank and my pilot swivels my torso in the direction of the new contacts. Six blinking red carrots marked the last known positions of these new hostiles. Pike brought up my left arm and slid back a panel, the movement sparking a pilot flame. He sent gout of violent flame illuminating the near darkness of the blizzard just as two beasts emerged from the haze, bathing them in potassium flames.

"Fuck. Pike your redlining take a stim. GK take control."

"Understood/acknowledged. Switching to AI control."

“Fuck! Fuck!” grabbing one that is on him, veteran le fay crushes the spine of the beast he has in his grip “I got one!” I see him kick another back into the storm “I think their breaking!”

"Negative," I said taking several stomping steps past the new pilot and his inferior machine. Targeting overlays filled my display as I cycled through my visual spectrum. Infrared, radar, dradis, sonar, and finally found my targets with millimeter-wave.

If I could feel joy I would have felt it as I retracted my incinerator unit instead opting for the jyro rockets as I painted the flesh beasts. In 0.82 microseconds I had a lock and had released the micro missiles to do their work and turned to find a new threat as the smart munitions leaped from my arm housing to track their targets.

The beast known as a legiana flys the eyewall of the storm almost as if waiting for us to drop our guard “why do I feel like a fish being watched by a shark?...” veteran le fay says over the coms as the beast lets out another roar at us “it is freaking me the fuck out…”

"Don't know Basic. But I'm inclined to agree with you. This sucks." A pilot said as he leaped his machine onto the front of the last remaining tank. With ease he knocked the barrel of the turret aside and retracted his right hand, replacing it with a close combat spike that he plunged into the tanks cab.

It suddenly dives at us ramming the mech from behind and shooting back into the storm “WHAT THE FUCK?!” I detect the last of the enemy infantry trying to form a perimeter in a panic of the monster “how fast is that thing?!”

"Fuck this. Lance, slave Icarus mounts and take that thing down." We sent our acknowledgments before I release control of my blaster cannon. Allowing it's computer to a network with those of the other four mechs in our reinforced lance. Instantly the guns unlimbered themselves and began tracking toward the wyvern in an attempt to find a proper firing vector.

I swear it seems to glare at me before backing off and diving full speed at me “incoming!!” veteran le fay cries out

My gun barked Its electric report as it sent several bolts towards the organic missile on an intercept course with my chassis. Taking a step back to brace myself I waited until the organic was ballistic, and couldn't maneuver.

The beast takes all the hits willingly and goes to land a lethal blow at max speed. “How the hell is it still alive?! My guns overheating!”

With a blast of my war horn, I took a single step forward. Rearing my left arm across my chassis I deployed my ballistic shield and slammed the four tone slab of segmented impervasteel into the skull of the beast.

There was a titanic boom that could be heard over the sound of the storm as two tons of meat and bone, met forty-five tons of impervasteel and hydraulics. If it had stayed at range and employed some form of ranged weapon, like the dragons of the UEC it might have lived. But melee it never stood a chance, it's bulk folded around the shield before I pushed it off sending it crashing to the snowy earth. It tried to crawl away, its pitiful broken form grasping desperately for purchase before I reached out with my free hand and crushed what was left of its head in my powerful clawed hand. "Pathetic Biotics. The flesh is weak."

As the storm cleared up, we hear veteran le fay call out over the coms “Hey guys! The enemy is giving up the ghost!” I detect the enemy forces doing just that, dropping their weapons and raising their arms “we won!”

"Simulation complete. Unit accuracy down by 4.27428 percent. Wyvern terminated 2.5 seconds faster than the previous attempt. Recommend use of micro yield nuclear strike instead of railgun bombardment."

“Man… I sucked this time too…” le fay comments over coms to us “I tried to keep calm…anyone got advice for fixing that?...”

"Yeah basic try bringing a better mech next time. Those 2s are too slow."

“That is what I was assigned... am I allowed to mod it?...” le fay flat out asks my pilot “maybe make it a bit faster?”

"Leave the kid alone Mylo. You're the one who missed the first shot on the wyvern."

"maybe, but you're the one who got his arm blown off by that tank so you didn't do much better." organic are honestly fun to listen to, even if they are squishy

“I’m logging off for lunch, see ya”

"Later basic." I detect veteran le fay logging out of the sim as I prepare for the order

"Kill-team, reset." I think humans have a saying… ‘into the drink again’... now, how to kill that beast this time?

Dreamscape

When one thinks of the realm of dreams, many would say that they believe it is a field of stars, others would say a realm of clouds… and very few would say a mix of both, and for steam gear, he falls in line with the third group.

Sitting in a wheelchair, steam just looks up at the ‘dream nebulas’ thinking before calling out after a sigh “greetings princess luna...our goddess of the night…” turning his chair around seeing a calm luna “I would have been more presentable and bowed…” a smirk crosses his lips as he gestures to the wheelchair “but I’m not really able to move as much as I can in the waking world…”

Princess Luna, dressed in a star-covered dress coated in constellations, crosses her arms “I’m unsure if I should be angry like my sister would be for not revealing your true condition, or impressed you were able to keep it hidden so well…” she stretches her wings for a moment “I suppose the injury was recent captain, why not recycle your old body and get a new one?”

A frown crosses steams face “nowhere close princess…and I have my reasons for not doing so, but I am sure that is not WHY your here...” making his wheelchair move forward to the princess the frown leaves his face. “Am I right?”

“That's true, however, I want to know how you are able to walk in the waking-” luna’s words are cut short as the area seems the glitch like a computer program “by mothers wings?!” she shoots steam an angry glare “what was that captain?! And you MUST explain!...”

Her glare made him raise his arms “as you command, we would be best to move while sis fixes the glitch…” he swipes the air as the world around them changes to an old-time study without the fireplace. “Do you want something to drink or eat?” his belly growls making him chuckle “because I need a snack..”

His comment gets a confused look from the princess as a train whistle sounds out and the room shakes as if moving. Moving to a window, she sees a city of old outside passing by “so vivid, every pony looks different and living their own lives, is this a memory?” she walks to a door opening it seeing the door to another room “a train, we are on a train…” looking back at steam, she sees him with a cup of tea and a tray of cookies. “Are you willing to explain now?”

“Aye princess...you remember that princess twilight is seeking fellow ‘eggheads’ to join her personal lab crew?” an earth pony mare dressed in a maids outfit offers luna a cup of tea from nowhere, a top hat on her head “the glitch is part of the reason…” he stands up as metal struts begin to appear on his body mimicking his movements “this is the core of it…” he bows to the mare taking a top hat off said mares head “thank ya marigold” luna blinks at the sight before taking the cup.

“It still does not explain anything steam gear…” taking a sip of her tea, she walks past him with a frown “nor does it explain why I could only reach your dream at the time your sister had in her message”

“Of course sis would know when a window would be open…” he puts his cup on the desk before looking at luna “she’s the one that does the maintenance of my EXO-rig, and thus can grant you a temp pass.”

“Exo-rig?...temp pass?..” his words only confused her more “captain, I want you to explain now!”

“Sorry princess, but you DO deserve answers…” steam summons a TV screen and points to it “Exo-rig is short for exoskeleton rigging, it is my sisters ‘dream child’ of many years, and many versions…” it shows them many different versions of the rigging on his body.

“Such detail...vital gear seems to have really put her heart into this…” she walks over to the TV and touches a version as her touch enlarges it “I bet twilight would be impressed…is this what you are using now?”

Suddenly, a mares voice chimes in “Hardly princess, that’s the mark 1.527...he is using mark 1.741” a chibi of vital appears sitting on the desk “I’m getting close to the mark 2 princess” the chibi says while kicking her legs “but, can I ask for a SMALL favor?...”

“Mrs vital?... how are you here?” Luna picks up the chibi vital looking her over “are you dream walking? No, that takes a lot of power…” an idea comes to Luna’s mind “lesser dream projection! It would explain your small size!”

Vital just shakes her head “not really princess, this is an avatar I am using visa a consol while working on the exo-rig” she teleports back to the desk “steam’s dream realm is the only place where dreams and data are one!” she puffs out her little chest in pride.

“Oh? And if I was to call you out on that as violating my Domaine mrs vital?” Luna just crosses her arms with a smirk as vital’s bravado shrinks, “I can easily have you locked up for it” her smirk becomes a smile “but I believe I can see how helpful it can be, so I shall let it slide this time”

“Thank you princess…” the chibi bows to her “and I am glad you could come to help my brother with his dream…” her brother just mumbles ‘I knew it’ making her glare over at him. “And about my little favor, can I request privacy on this?...”

Princess luna gently sits down in a seat crossing one leg over the other “very well, but if anything here can be useful to the rest of the fleets...”

“We understand princess...now let me just…” chibi vital starts tapping away only to squeak “no..no..NO! THE DATA!” she starts running around in a full-on panic “I’ve been hacked!”

“It seems Mrs vital will not be much help here…” says luna as she lets out a sigh “captain steam gear, can you describe the dreams then?”

“Very well princess…” steam gear sits behind his desk as the rest of the dreamscape falls away then a planet appears below everyone guarded by three full fleets. "all dreams start the same...a UEC planet... I can never tell what the planet is, the number of ships changes as well...all in battle lines..."

suddenly, truly alien-like ships began to appear from the ether. "one, then two, then four...then more, ships shaped like twin daggers....firing at our ships at the very rim of our range making us move to engage them...yet, what scares me... is that what arrives about 7 mins after the battle begins..."

"and what would that be captain?..." Luna asks watching the battle unfold. "so far, all I see is an overcompensation of these new foes..." she alters the dream bringing in some larger UEC ships to turn the tide

"titans...that is the only way I can describe them..." three gargantuan ships appear with a truly massive battle station following behind them then suddenly, the gargantuan ships fire mega weapons at the fleets obliterating the smaller ships and badly damaging the larger ones "at first I thought I was overreacting...but now..."

"do not fear captian, we will cut this off at the pass if this is true..." the dream fades away "if anyone spots ships like that, I will have them contact me as quick as possible, with the code 'locate city' " she sighs saying “spike use to LOVE ogres and oubliettes…”

Steam just shakes his head “We can not linger on the past, right princess luna?”

“Agreed, I had best return to my duties...sweet dreams my little ponies” luna stands up and bows before fading away and the dreamscape returns to the hilltop as leaves fall from the tree with steam now trying to calm his sister down.