Author's Note

3504-D: The standard engine used in heavy vehicles like the M35A4 MBT.

Wedge formation: Provides good fire to the front and sides. Good for assaulting enemy positions or when attacks from the rear are unlikely. Good for focusing all firepower up front.

A.T.U.R.D: All Terrain Unmanned Recon Drone.

Meeting Royalty.

Date: June 7th 4042
Time : 1400 Greenwich time
Unit 1st Battalion, 375th LDT, 78th fleet of the 1st fleet battle group.
Location: Town identified as Ponyville

"Why? Just why does royalty show up now? This is a damn combat zone". To say that he did not approve of them putting their leaders in danger was putting it lightly. If anything it had to be the most dumb idea ever even if they were behind friendly U.S.E lines.

The IFVs moved into the village while slowing down so as not to run anyone over or scare anyone into thinking they were a surprise attack. The last thing they needed was a mass panic from the civilians who they were trying to help. The vehicles came to a stop roughly 20 meters from the town hall where the LDTs dismounted and began to off load the supplies while two IFVs headed towards the hospital with new medicines and equipment for the doctors.

"Let's get these supplies offloaded so we can continue bringing them in. We don't want them out in the open". Gerad said as he looked around and decided to store them under the covered patio that surrounded the town hall. Granted the packages were sealed against nature but a building took arrows better than boxes did.

"Do not interact with anyone unless it's unavoidable. We're not here to chit chat". He called out and grabbed a box, moving to the patio. The boxes weren't heavy, only weighing roughly 50 pounds each so they were off loaded quickly and four LDTs left to guard them in case someone tried to loot the supplies. It'd fail miserably regardless but it never hurt to be safe.

Gerad decided to stay behind and walked into the town hall to get a list of people who lived in the area so he could start pushing out supplies for the civilians that couldn't escape. The faster these supplies got to the people the better public relations would be and the more lives that could be saved.

Searching through some documents he found a roster titled "evacuated and staying". It took him about fifteen minutes to find it but he did. Looking through it he smiled to himself as it had the addresses and names of every individual still in town. Taking this information he walked outside where his soldiers had finished unloading the aid packages.

"Status"? He asked a corporal who turned to him. "Sir the supplies have been offloaded and staged".

Gerad nodded his head. "Four of you are staying here with me to keep the supplies secured. The rest of you will return and load up more before returning here". He told them to which they all nodded their heads.

Four soldiers made their way to surround the supplies while Gerad began to organize the list of the residents in a better fashion of those who stayed and who left. The last thing he needed was to waste time in knocking on doors for people who weren't there.

"Excuse me creature"? Came a rather motherly but tired voice from behind him. He turned around to see an alabaster mare with a mane that seemed to be blowing in a constant breeze and a smaller blue one he had not seen when watching the town.

"Yes"? He asked skeptically. The supplies weren't being handed out and if they were here for a hand out they wold have to wait for another fifteen minutes.

"I jut wished to introduce myself to one of the saviors of Ponyville. We didn't have a chance till you showed up. As much as I dislike bloodshed, your people saved so many lives today. I wanted to thank you". She said with sincerity in her voice.

Gerad smiled under his helmet and deactivated the armored piece so his face could be seen which seemed to surprise many. "It's not a problem ma'am. We do this often".

Gerad wasn't boasting but it was clear he didn't handle praise well. "If anything thank my soldiers. They're some crazy bastards and resilient as hell no matter what". Gesturing to the fire team sized group behind him.

"Well then I thank them as well. I would like to speak to your commanding officer if possible. I hear he's been busy getting things set up". The white mare had no idea he was the commander of the 375th.

"That would be me ma'am. Captain Gerad, it's a pleasure meet you miss...". He left it hanging in the air so she could introduce her self.

"Oh my, my manners. I am Princess Celestia and this is Princess Luna my sister". Gerad watched her gesture to the dark blue mare who seemed to be eyeing him up and down before snorting.

"We will be watch thy actions creature. We may be tired but make no mistake that we will fight". She declared which made Gerad turn to Celestia with "What"? face.

Celestia nudged her sister and cleared her throat. "Forgive my sister, she was up all night watching the Gryphons. I am curious as to where you came from". Celstia asked curiously.

In response Gerad pointed up to the sky. "We are a space faring species and if you're Princess Celestia then you would have been the one who sent the distress signal. I assure you that we are only here to help and protect you and your people". He promised.

Suddenly an A.T.U.R.D (Laugh all you want.) flew over as it began properly surveying the area and running scan of the surrounding area. Orbital imaging systems were great but nothing beat getting closer to the enemy to witness their action and reactions.

Gerad noticed Luna charge up her horn as if targeting it. "THAT'S OURS"! He shouted to her which made the dark blue mare lose focus and glare at him.

She was not pleased with being interrupted by him let alone some being from another world that didn't belong on theirs. If her sister sent the call then she either brought their end in due time or actual saviors. It didn't mean that she had to like them.

"My apologies ma'am. Simple intelligence operations is all. We don't need any surprises from the enemy which might regard our presence as an ill omen or something". He said with a dry laugh. The roar of 3504-D Harmonious class engines was heard.

Everyone looked to see larger transports escorted by the original 10 IFVs. Each of these new vehicles carried at least 500 tons of the supplies that had been brought down. One went straight to the hospital with three of the IFVs forming a wedge around it.

The other transports stopped and began to use their conveyor and grav crane systems to offload the food, water, and treats that would boost the moral of the locals to receive. "Ma'am, please let your citizens know that food has arrived and that we will be dealing it out to each family".

Princess Celestia smiled happily and nodded her head in thanks. "I will captain, thank you for all your help". She said gratefully before walking back down the street, leaving the blue mare and Gerad.

"So creature, tell me your reasons for coming here. Don't lie lest I give you nightmares you wont recover from". She threatened him.

Gerad turned and looked at her with a frown. "Two things. One is your sister called for help, we responded so we came to help. Two, have you ever seen someone turned inside out and then forced to walk and fight by the very being that had done it, all the while they are proven aware and in a state of hellish pain"? He asked her coldly.

The blue princess looked horrified to which Gerad responded. "Be cautious of the hand that gives freely but do not bite the hand that offers itself in your time of need". With those words he turned and began to help his soldiers prepare the food packages.