As the Infinity and Spirit of Fire exited Slipspace above the Shield World, Lasky began sorting through whatever data the surface scans had managed to collect. From what the Infinity could tell, the planet was similar to Earth, with various biomes and seasonal areas akin to a habitable planet.

What concerned Captain Lasky, however, was the possibility of contact with Prometheans like on Requiem. The Forerunner's Warrior-Servants had once managed to board the Infinity and kidnap Dr. Halsey, and Lasky still had bad memories of the incident.

"Captain?"

He turned to see Roland appear with a data report at the ready.

"We're ready to land on your word." the AI reported. "Captain Cutter's also been speaking with Fleetcom and ONI, and he'll follow when they're all set to go."

"Good work." Lasky said. "I've already selected our team for First Contact."

"May I ask who it is?" Roland smirked.

"Myself, Commander Palmer, Fireteams Crimson and Icebreaker, and Dr. Glassman." Lasky said. "Captain Cutter and Spartan Red Team will represent the Spirit of Fire."

"I'd say you chose well, sir." Roland said. "I'll have Pelicans ready in a few moments."

Roland saluted and blinked out. As Lasky handed the Conn to Spartan Jared Miller and the XO, he departed for the Hangar and the waiting Pelicans.

====

As The Lunar Express reached Canterlot and stopped at the station, the Elements disembarked to greet a waiting Princess Luna.

"Princess Luna?" Twilight asked as they proceeded to the Castle. "What kind of diplomats are we receiving? Are they this important?'

"They are far more important than you think, Princess Twilight." Luna replied. "We must make haste to the Palace. We don't have much time."

As they proceeded into the main road that led to the Castle, a trio of large objects began to appear in the distance.

"Uh, Princess Luna?" Applejack asked as the objects began to move closer. "What are those things?"

Luna turned and sighed.

"Those would be the diplomats we are to receive." she sighed. "It seems they are landing at the plaza."

As they sprinted off and entered the Plaza, the three UNSC Pelicans set themselves down in a rough triangle.

Twilight was astounded at the objects, which were revealed to be flying machines or airships of some unknown kind. They were roughly bird-shaped, marked with bold white text, consisting of two with "UNSC INFINITY" and one with "UNSC SPIRIT OF FIRE", and a seemingly mixed combo of letters and numbers. They all bore a crest or emblem of an eagle clutching a globe and arrows.

As the ponies approached, the spiral staircase leading to Sigil's facility appeared, and the Monitor approached Princess Luna.

"Princess, your timing is perfect." the Monitor said, ignoring the speechless Element Bearers. "Those are three Reclaimer transport airships. And it seems they are disembarking."

As the ponies stood spellbound, a multitude of figures exited the airships and stood before them. About eight of them wore white, green, and gray armor, fitted to their shape. They carried angular metal objects in their hands, like a crossbow.

Four others were taller, with more ornate, bulky, and colorful armor. One was gray and pale red, with flame patterns and a skull on the helmet. The next was brown and blue, with a prow-like visor on the forehead. Another wore more shaped and angular armor, colored black and green. The last seemed more like a soldier's armor, with pouches on his chest. This one's armor was silver and yellow.

Three more had the same kind of armor, with different numbers on their right breast and one had a red phoenix on his left.

There was a man in a lab coat with glasses, and another armored figure with a sharp-looking visored helmet.

The last two men, who the ponies assumed were the leaders of the group, wore attire that reminded the ponies of a ship's captain. One was more modern and gray, while the other was more militaristic and green. The first was younger, with a rounded yet keen face and brown hair. The other had gray hair with a stubble beard and piercing eyes.

The Monitor was the first to speak.

"Greetings, Reclaimers!" Sigil spoke. "I am 3116 Astute Sigil, Monitor of this Installation. Welcome to Shield World Tranquility."

"We thank you for the welcome." said the younger leader. "I'm Thomas Lasky, Captain of the UNSC Infinity. This is James Cutter, Captain of the UNSC Spirit of Fire."

Cutter gave a nod and a smile.

"Doctor Henry Glassman…"

Glassman gave a wave.

"Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer…"

One of the armored figures took off her helmet, which revealed her toned female face and brown hair. She gave a curt nod.

"Spartan Red Team, from the Spirit of Fire…"

The three similar armored figures saluted as one.

"Spartan Fireteam Crimson, from the Infinity…"

The four other Spartans saluted as well.

"And UNSC Marine fireteam Icebreaker."

The Marines also saluted, ending their introductions. At that, Princess Celestia appeared next to Princess Luna.

"Welcome to Equestria." she said. "And well met, Captains. I am Princess Celestia, Alicorn of the Sun. My sister, Princess Luna, and Princess Twilight Sparkle, accompanied by the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. It is our pleasure and honor to meet you. Shall we take this to a more comfortable location?"

"As you wish, and the pleasure's all ours, Princess." Lasky said. "Icebreaker, stay with the Pelicans. Spartans, with us."

"If I may interrupt, Captain Lasky…" Sigil said. "I can place a protective shield around the Pelicans, and your Marines would be able to come with you without fear of sabotage or unwelcome visitors."

"Go ahead." Cutter said. Sigil produced a Hardlight shield of green energy around the Pelicans, and followed the Equestrians and Reclaimers to the Palace.

====

As the UNSC Captains sat down at a large conference table, the ponies followed suit, and Sigil hovered in the middle.

"So, where do we start?" Twilight asked as she produced a notepad.

"We have no preference." Cutter said. "Where would you like to begin?

"I suppose we could start with the beginnings of Equestria…" Celestia said, the UNSC Captains nodding. "One thousand years ago, I banished Nightmare Moon…"

Author's Note

Update!