New World, Same Countryby I Stand To Be StealthyChaptersPrologue: The Unseen Piller of ChangeChapter I: Satellites of ChangeChapter II: Sign Of a CollisionChapter III: Strangers to This Brave New WorldPrologue: The Unseen Piller of ChangeAuthor's Note Hello my faithful audience, this is the start a my test story for me to improve my writing style, so constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. But remember, no hostility, treat your fellow humans with respect. Also, many aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and space craft won't have URL's to go with them, so bare with me and use your colorful imagination. P.S. If their are any errors, please notify me. Thank you and enjoy. P.S. Alan Dedric Church is not mine, he belongs to Souls_USA. Prologue: The Unseen Piller of Change "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves" -Abraham Lincoln | 16th president of the United States Equunian time: 3023, October 12th, 0115 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0115 hours Location: Crystal Empire, Eastern woods of Vicwy City U.S. perspectives: none Equunian Perspectives: Prince Sombra Hollanbow, queen Chrysalis Tubeauty Munozmane, princess Marcela Grawave Munozmane Entering the snow covered forest east of Vicwy and exiting the snowy plains that surrounded the city, Marcela looked to her right and stared at the city as its gorgeous lights slowly faded away, leaving only the moons natural light light Gray, as well as the dark Purple glow of the dust clouds that surrounded it. Turning her head to the left Marcela looked at her mother, who wore her normal iron shoes, crown, and neck peace that were adorned with beautiful emeralds that complemented the non-reflective dark Gray of the metal regalia. Looking at her mother a little longer, Marcela moved on further left and looked at the unbearably handsome prince Sombra Hollanbow, who was kept locked up in the castle for most of his life by his father king Sibeauty Rosemane Hollanbow when his mother, queen Phantasia Hollanbow, had unfortunately passed away to an illness that's still not fully understood. But don't get it twisted, everyone in Equestria knew prince sombra existed, but so little was known about him that rumors and myths started to form around his very existence; myths and rumors that ranged from the very bizarre, to very sinister. Until about 2 years ago when Sombra snuck out of the castle by convincing the head of palace security that his father allowed him to roam the city streets after 20 years of being locked up in the castle. Upon walking out of the palace and being in full view of the cities population, Sombra had swaths of ponies gather around him as he walked through the city streets, many of them mares gawking at his muscular physique and handsome looks, and to the animosity of king Sibeauty, news of him reached every pony kingdom in Equestria. News of prince Sombra even reached the New Lunar Republic, and the Empire of Rising Suns, along with many other powerful kingdom's as well. Not long after, king Sibeauty started getting letters from these kingdom's leaders, expressing their happiness to finally meet the prince and how they are coming to visit the castle to see Sombra in person. This of course didn't sit will with King Sibeauty, but he couldn't just say they couldn't come to the palace because that would tarnish the good name of the crystal empire, so he allowed them to come despite how much he really didn't want to. But he did get some satisfaction when he told his son Sombra about the various leaders arriving, because Sombra wasn't at all excited about it either. But since both Sombra and his father have a great father-son relationship, both decided to just get it over with and go on with their lives, of course with some major differences. When the day came to meet the leaders of each kingdom, Sombra wanted to stay in his room and wait out the whole event and just roam the city streets when it finished, but he knew he couldn't do that; he couldn't just make all those King's and queens come for nothing. So he stallionned-up and stepped into the party hall for all the guests to see him, upon stepping inside the large room Sombra spotted many notable faces, Empress Celestia Solar Collinaphima and her sister Queen Luna Crescent Collinaphima, Princess Mi amor Cadenza Collinaphima and her Coltfriend Shining Armor Mavaca, Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca and her little dragon friend Spike Mavaca, King Kokawhite Jikinigner and his wife Queen Flovous Jikinigner, along with their daughter Princess Trixie Tolafia Jikinigner. Those were all the notable ponies Sombra could spot, the rest were all just leaders of splinter Kingdom's that didn't have the influence the larger ones had. Putting up his best party face Sombra walked forward and addressed the crowd, and nothing, nothing came of his addressing but stares from mares with bedroom eyes, all of which were either princesses younger than he, or queens that were either married or much older than him. Depending on one's perspective it could've been an eventful night, but not for Sombra, for him it was just another boring party, except he was supposed to be the reason for the party. Except he was literally quiet the entire time, the only ponies he talked to were mares, and it seemed like every other stallion his age felt intimidated, which made Sombra feel awful for something he couldn't control. Some of the mares Sombra spoke to were Queen Celestia and Luna, who appeared to have some kind of rivalry with each other. Which made sense since both commanded very powerful empires that rivaled both the Crystal Empire and the Artral Lacenpierre Dominion. But Luna was allot more physical at times when compared to her sister, but that's to be expected from a warrior queen like Luna, who regularly joined her guard's in battle against rival kingdom's. Celestia on the other hand was much more reserved and only touched if she was allowed, which again would be expected from a mare who was more focused on style and class than battle and honor. At least that was the case until Sombra started to say his farewells to all of the guests, because when he moved on to celebrate he received a large hug from her that lasted more than twelve seconds, luckily for sombra nopony other than Twilight and her friends were there. The two mares were pleasant to be around, and brightened up Sombra's outlook on the whole party. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your outlook on the situation, the time Sombra spent talking to Luna and Celestia didn't change his outlook on their two nations, because both for 5,000 years still allowed the legal use of slavery of the youngest species on Equus: The Changelings, a species created by their father, Emperor Watsonical Dophire Collinaphima, for the sole purpose of being slaves. Of course Watsonical is long dead, that's made evident by his two daughters ruling over two separate fragments of his once great kingdom, the Luva Northca Husava Kingdom. This super kingdom was ruled by Emperor Watsonical for more than 5,000 years, his reign only ending about 1,000 years ago when his two daughters inherited his kingdom, spawning both the New Lunar Republic, and the Empire of Rising Suns. As Marcela continued to look at Sombra she didn't realize he'd already seen her and was looking back at her, once she noticed this she started to blush heavily, which made him giggle slightly. This unintentional teasing of her daughter caught Chrysalis's attention, she was well aware of Sombra's good looks, as well as how her own daughter had a crush on the young prince. Of course Sombra didn't have the same feelings towards Marcela as she had towards him, he was 22 years old and she was 13, which was a massive 9 year age difference, and even then he most likely wouldn't have any interest in her if they were the same age. "Hmm, Sombra you are aware Marcela has a crush on you?" Chrysalis carefully whispered into Sombra's ear while Marcela wasn't looking. This of course made him blush in return, knowing now that even young foal where attracted to him made him feel a bit...off. "I-I'm sorry for the inconvenience Ms. Chrysalis, let us continue our trek without any hindrance." Responded Sombra, wanting to get that damming idea [foal and fillies being attracted to him] out of his head. "That's what I thought." Responded Chrysalis with a smug grin. Continuing to walk through the dimly lit forest, all of them refused to say a word until they reached their destination, and that's going to take an hour and a half to do. So for now they'll just have to make due with the purple light of the moon to keep them company, because when they arrive at their destination they won't be able to see it. The place the 3 royals were heading was an abandoned castle that was left when Sombra's grandfather, King Sullivanett Bennettkor Hollanbow, was stripped of power and replace with his son more than 1,007 years ago. At the height of his powers King Sullivanett was usually on the side of the nobility and rarely cared for his subjects, but behind the scenes he often funded research for knew ways of utilizing magic in warfare for combating the Luva Northca Huvasa Kingdom, along with many other kingdom's that existed then, but not now. These research projects would be finished, and when the Crystal Empire declared war on a nation known as the Thioel Benabral Republic to test the new magical weapons and to gain more territory. But the Thioel Benabral Republic wasn't at all defenseless against the Crystal Empire because they too where studying knew forms of magic weaponry, which vibrantly evened out the playing field for these two kingdoms. This war, along with the new forms of weaponized magic got the attention of a very renowned magic expert, who was the teacher to both Luna and Celestia when they were mere fillies, known as Starswirl the Bearded, his full name was Starswirl Clafang Kosdson and he was born to a very wealthy noble family. When he heard about the conflict and the magic being used in it, he decided to travel to the Crystal Empire and have a meeting with King Sullivanett, he was of course denied a meeting and sent back home. Fortunately Sullivanett was stripped of his power in a military coup that his son, prince Sibeauty Rosemane Hollanbow, planned for over 2 years when he was in the Royal Crystal guard. When he was deposed by his son, Sullivanett disappeared from Equestria and was never found by anypony again, many still speculate that he still lurks somewhere in Equestria, waiting and biding his time so he could have the right moment to invade and take back the Crystal Empire and soon, conquer Equestria. But for now the only things left of his reign are the ruins and fragments of the weaponized magic that is still loosely used by every kingdom in Equestria that is capable of magic, but that doesn't mean that his weaponized magic is totally forgotten because a good portion of it is still within Crystal Empire secret archives, just waiting to be used to defend it's nation once more. This of course didn't sit well with every other kingdom in Equestria because none of them enjoyed the thought of a lone nation possessing weapons more capable then their own, so please and deals from neighboring kingdoms to share their secrets, or to destroy them were proposed. Obviously King Sibeauty and the Crystal Empire didn't cave into their demands and to this day, the Crystal Empire still holds its secrets. But of course not all of the research into magic was for combat superiority on the battlefield, because allot of it was research into magic capable of creating a portal between this dimension, and others capable of sustaining biological life: like ponies. Unfortunately for Sullivanett this project was never finished because of the conflict with the Thioel Benabral Republic, he put almost all resources towards the war effort that he saw the project as useless for the time being, postponing it for when the war was won, as we know this never happened. Fortunately for the project Sibeauty saw the great potential in it and continued funding, soon enough a spell was concocted for the possible transportation of objects, materials, and possibly, living things from other dimensions to this one. The spell has been under extreme secrecy ever since its creation in 2847, and subsequent up grade in 2989, so much so that the magineers responsible for creating it were all killed as to not have it being found out, especially since the public knowledge of a spell capable of transporting things from other dimensions to this one could start a continental war with every nation in Equestria interested in the possibility of having unlimited resources for whatever endeavor they may have. Though, every time this spell has been used it failed at bringing back anything, but that was when under the use of one pony with base level knowledge on magic, it was only when the spell was modified to be used by multiple users with a much greater level of knowledge on magic was when it started to pump out favorable results. Small objects like pieces of wood, metal necklaces, small knives, and cigars would come from using the spell; this unfortunately was the extent of the objects the spell could amass. So by 2999 the spell, which was now named "Onoza," wasn't having tests being ran on it anymore because it was seen once again as useless, but was still kept under lock and key as to not allow any other kingdoms to somehow perfect the spell and use it for themselves. At least those in the Crystal Empire's who were aware of it thought it was useless, but not Chrysalis, who was informed by Sombra and his father about the spell in 3012, who saw extreme potential for it to help her and her subjects. Getting straight to work on modifying the spell with the smartest of her subjects, Chrysalis spent the last 10 years of her life modifying the spell for when it is finally put to use, it won't fail. Hopefully. The whole plan for the spell was to use it to teleport a mighty warrior, or warriors from their dimension to this one in hopes they could help free the Changeling's from their shackles. But of course a flurry of unintended consequences could come out of using the spell, such as something coming with the warriors from their dimension, which could be a good or bad thing. But that's only if something comes with them, which may still not happen. Finally arriving at the abandoned castle the three royals prepared themselves to use the heavily modified spell for the first time in 10 years, so anything can happen, and since safety can't be insured no promises can be made. Upon stepping inside the dimly lit castle entrance, Sombra lit up his horn using light magic and casted it in a 360 degree radius, the light reaching 8 feet in length. Continuing through the castle halls the three royals made their way towards the tallest tower, at least the tallest one still standing, and prepared to activate the spell. Each one knew the words they had to recite in their heads for it to work, each one of them practiced for the past week for this very moment, of course without using their magic. Standing in a circle Chrysalis, Marcela, and Sombra closed their eyes, readying their magic they started chanting the words that activated the spell in their heads, soon after a small kickball sized orb of pure unadulterated magic appeared in the middle of the 3 ponies, as the orb hovered in place it started changing colors at an accelerated rate. The first color being red, then white, and finally blue; all in that order. If you were outside of the castle at this time it would seem like a laser light show was happening in the highest tower, a laser light show that ended 6 seconds after it began. Which seems like a very sucky laser light show. When the spell ceased and they all opened their eyes to see if the spell worked, there was no hero or hero's, but a mere flag. Upon closer inspection, the flag didn't resemble anything that a kingdom in Equestria had, no kingdom in Equestria had 13 stripes, 50 stars, or used the colors red, white, and blue in tandem like this flag did. But if this was a flag of an unknown nation in an unknown dimension, why was it here when this spell was specifically designed to teleport great heroes and not objects, especially objects as useless as a flag. Picking up the flag and folding it into a triangle, Chrysalis solemnly exclaimed, "It seems like the spell was a failure, not bringing us a brave warrior, but merely a flag of a nation we'll never see. Now this flag will be a reminder of my failure to free parts of my kind that are encased in the surly bonds of slavery with peace, it seems like war is the only way towards true peace." Leaving the castle and heading back to Vicwy city the 3 royals had no idea their spell had been successful, very successful. Because not only did they summon warriors, they summoned a whole nation that not only learned from its government's past mistakes, but was also rebuilding its influence once again, only now in doing so in secret. this nation was the United States of America, a nation once forgotten by its neighbors, at least for now. "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends" -Martin Luther King Jr. Equunian time: 3023, October 12th, 0155 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0155 hours Location: Empire of Rising Suns, Red Cul royal guard garrison U.S. perspectives: none Equunian Perspectives: Queen Celestia Solar Collinaphima, royal Sun Centurion Jostinky Drekavasquez, Spike Mavaca Standing on an elevated platform with Twilight and Spike, Celestia waited for her personal Candidate-class Heavy Cargo airship to arrive, which was adamantly named the E.R.S.S Dominance for its striking silhouette that at times blocked out the sun for small towns when docking to elevated landing platforms. The mighty airship was the largest cargo lifter among the pony kingdoms, only being rivaled in sized by the Stohai Tewi Griffin Territories Saturninity-class, New Lunar Empire's Loyal Ambiance-class, Artral Lacenpierre Dominions Zenith-class, and Asle Nato Republic's Masquerade-class, which were all military airships. Poking Celestia to get her attention spike asked, "Excuse me miss Celestia, but where exactly are we going?" Hearing Spike's question Celestia gave him an enduring smile and answered with, "Well my little spike, we're going to be traveling to the New Lunar Republic for talks of peace." "Bu-but miss Celestia, isn't she your sister? Why would you need to talk about peace with your sister when you two are family?" "Hmm, well that's a long story, a long story for another time my little dragon born. So for now I'll leave your mind to wonder." Responded Celestia, picking up spike and setting him down on her back and nuzzling him on the cheek, making him do the cute little giggle she enjoyed hearing. Celestia was always like another grandmother too spike, she took care of him when he was a mere hatchling as per the fact Twilight was busy with her studies of magic, making it easy for him to imprint on her, and her the same. But of course the time came for him to reunite with Twilight, which of course broke Celestia's heart because it was nice to have some company for once. But as Celestia continued to play with spike, she abruptly felt a surge of magic energy coming from the East, so Celestia took her attention from Spike and directed it towards the East. Casting a spell called "Bekora," it would allow her to locate a certain amount of magic she wished to focus on. The way the spell properly allowed a user to locate their desired source of magic was based on color, the desired source of magic was colored Tiffany while any other magic of minimal importance to the user is colored Yela, everything else would be colored Prussian. Staring at the East, Celestia could see the source of the magic that was bothering her senses, and it was huge. Celestia observed a massive pillar that reached into the sky and pierced what she thought was space, it than started pulsating massive rings that spread out across the sky and into the horizon, traveling out of view. Though, as Celestia looked farther East past the large pillar, she saw that the pulses emanating from the large pillar conjoined at a specific location past the massive storm clouds that bordered Bukastillo and the great unknown, seemingly gathering their energy into a single location like teleportation magic, only now at a much larger scale. But as soon as the massive pillar and pulses appeared, they vanished within the great unknown, like nothing ever happened. But one thing stood out to Celestia, the positioning. Coincidentally the pillar was within the boarders of the Crystal Empire, the biggest accepter of Changeling slave refugees other than the Astral Lacenpierre Dominion. This could possibly be the work of Chrysalis and her daughter, especially Chrysalis since she's been gone for the remainder of 2 years working on some sort of "secret project" using the remnants of one of Sullivanett's many magic projects. "Excuse me your highness, but are you okay?" Asked a voice behind Celestia. Looking behind herself Celestia spotted Jostinky Drekavasques, a loyal E.R.S. Centurion who grew up in a well off family in Canterlot, the capital city of the Empire of Rising Suns and the home of Celestia herself. Jostinky was a Celestial loyalist, and much like many other loyalists following the group mentality, her opinions on any subject changed based on Celestia's, though that wasn't entirely her fault because she was conditioned to be this way by her parents, who themselves were also Celestial loyalists. He wasn't necessarily allowed to think for herself, which is why her opinion on the Changelings weren't different either, she hated the Changelings deeply just because Celestia did. Though, Celestia's reasons for hating the changelings wasn't much different either, she was conditioned by her parents as well; especially by her mother, Empress Hydrallivan Elliophima Collinaphima, since they both had a close mother-daughter relationship. "Yes my loyal servant, I'm alright. Something just caught my eye. But after this meeting with Luna, I require a fleet of 11 Expeditionary ships, 2 iron clad warships, and 5 amphibious assault ships to travel to the Crystal Empire, and make their way East towards the great unknown, and make sure to send the largest of each class as well." Responded Celestia, looking in the direction of the Crystal Empire. "Yes ma'am." "If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live." -Martin Luther King Jr Equunian time: 3023, October 12th, 0115 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0115 hours Location: Earth, North Pole U.S. Perspectives: USMC Raider PFC Alan Dedric Church, USMC Raider SSgt Nathan Kadmiel Reeds, USMC Raider Sgt Tristan Summers, USMC Raider PFC Frederick Boyd Bowman, USMC LCpl Roman Zitomer Hahn, USMC LCpl Marco Stain, LCpl Melvin Everest Lara, USMC LCpl Lorenzo Coleman, Sunshine USMC military working dog Equunian Perspectives: none Travelling through the Arctic tundra, an armored platoon made up of 5 M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abrams, 3 M3A4EV Mark-2 Lance Bradley's, 7 M1130AF Mark-3 Patton Stryker's, and 8 Humvee EV's made their way through the freezing cold of the Arctic, easily braving the sub-zero temperatures like their drivers and occupants. For the M1130AF Mark 3's and Humvee EV's this day is going to be revolutionary, because it's going to be the first time both are used in combat, which means any new tech and materials put on the vehicles will be put to the test. But this mission isn't going to make any news headlines anytime soon, because it's top secret and the information will only go to USMC higher ups. However this mission isn't just about testing new tech and materials, it was also about covertly destroying enemy forces forming near Alaska and Russia, but as of right now Russian support was 3 hours out because U.S. intelligence miscalculated their time of arrival and allowed U.S. forces to advance much earlier than originally thought. The enemy themselves were Zimlip Daseeta Kingdom (ZDK) Army forces forming a base of operations in the Arctic for a planned invasion of Russia, which of course didn't sit well with the United States because it couldn't have its biggest military ally be invaded by an external power, especially since joint projects with top of the line tech like the Lockheed Sukhoi F/SU-79, ASB-808 Stoic Heart, and Sanders-class Amphibious attack submarine were within its borders. This of course would greatly compromise some of the secretive technology the United States utilises in its armed forces, but for this to go public would be a disaster for all 3 country's so secret military action by both Russia and the United States was taken. But of course this mission has its own set of risks as well, because if any of the advanced synthetic materials come into ZDK hands, that could seriously compromise almost everything U.S. ground vehicles are made of. Especially with materials in the M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abram or M3A4EV Mark-2 Lance Bradley's. Materials such as the Eskyx Cobham armor on the M1A5 Mark-1 turret, or the Vudril and Usnuytine spaced armor that makes up the Bradley's turret armor, but of course there's the Lospoalium armored body paneling placed on both the outsides of both vehicles. All these materials are 4, 5 times stronger than Steel and Tungsten, rivaling Graphene in durability, hardness, and shock absorption, and the best part about it is these materials, and many like them, are only used within the United States armed forces. It's pretty neato stuff. "Hey Alan, are those B/A-11's in the air yet?" Asked Frederick Bowman, a 22 year old Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps. "No not yet, those guys on the [U.S.S] Photosphere seem to be taking their damn time getting those birds in the air. They don't seem to realize that those birds are our only way of knowing wether ZDK forces are anywhere close. We're practically sitting ducks out here." Said Alan Dedric Church, a 25 year old Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps. "Dammit." Responded Frederick, turning on his ALG (active laser guidance) system that was built into his sniper scope, checking if their was an attack aircraft he could get permission to pair with, unfortunately their was nothing to connect with in a 500 mile (804 kilometers) radius. Frederick was worried, he knew damn well that whoever saw their target first would most likely win the fight, so he hoped to all hell that his platoon shot first. On the other hand Alan wasn't as worried as Frederick was, because despite his low rank when compared to his compatriots he was more than physically and mentally capable of taking on 5 or more targets at a time. Because unknown to all his colleagues Alan is a CIA GIO, or Ground Intelligence Operator for short. CIA GIO's are specialists in enemy tactic information gathering, normally being paired with normal Army or Marine regiments as "recruits" despite being trained to deal with more stressful situations. "[Roman's tank] Hostiles spotted at our 10 o'clock, 48 meters (157 feet) away. All IFV's release your infantry and prepare for direct combat as soon as possible, we have a great angle to attack from." Hearing the MAWTS-1 (Mounted Advanced Wireless Transmissions Systems) finish and turn off, everyone in the Bradley and Stryker's ran out of the rear of their vehicles and immediately heard the 130mm ETC (electrothermal chemical) cannons from the M1A5 Mark-1's and 20mm Coil guns from the M3A4EV Mark-2's, soon after the EPM-2 Deception missiles and full auto rail guns that's fired 5.56 cartridge projectiles on the Humvee EV's went off alongside the 30mm Coil guns on the M1130AF Mark-3's shredding whatever they were firing at. 20 seconds after exiting the IFV's and hearing the sound of multiple cannons, guns, and missiles flying towards their targets the 27 Marines waited for their next order, it came within mere seconds. "[Roman's tank] All infantry units fall back alongside the armoured vehicles and stay behind them for protection, there's a shit ton more hostiles coming over the snow hill 52 meters (170 meters) away." Following Roman's orders Alan and a couple of other Marines stuck to the right side of the Stryker they just came out of, like a smidgen of Clear Flex glue bonded them all together, forming a tight seal between the Marines and their vehicle that's sure to last. Standing in front of Alan, Frederick could hear the yells of commanders getting closer, then he heard the sound of engines, than a hand place itself on the snow. At that moment Frederick felt something he never truly felt before: Fear, fear greater than that of watching a scary movie, seeing your grades, or being in the dark, no, this...this was real fear. Real fear you felt when you see a car barreling towards you going top speed, or hearing the faint "click" of someone racking the sliding handle of a firearm behind you, or watching someone you love collapse in front of you and not knowing what may happen next, that kind of fear. Seeing the rest of the body come over the snow Frederick saw that the person wasn't wearing an exo-suit, MMSCH (modular multi system connection helmet), WRPS (Wearable Rocket Propulsion System), or MAWTS-2 (Mobile Advanced Wireless Transmission System), but looked like a ground soldier from the 3rd world war, and that was more than 60+ years ago. Though, before Frederick could see the face of the soldier he was gunned down by several Marines including alan, scaring the absolute living shit out him. "Holy shit, did anyone else see what was on that guy!?" Screamed Frederick, ducking on instinct when he heard rounds popping off. "See what?" Screamed another marine. "That guy, he didn't have an exosuit, MMSCH, MAWTS-2, or even a WRPS like us. He literally had the most barebones World War 3 type shit, what I'm saying was he had outdated equipment." "Which means?" Asked Alan. "It means that the Intel we got is wrong! We have the technological advantage, so we're not as outclassed as intel guys would want us to believe!" Alan was somewhat surprised by the sudden news because almost every 1st world country used exo-suit's in their militaries, and the ZDK was pretty first world from what he's heard. Of course he, and every other ground operator in the U.S. armed forces were trained to survive in the battlefield without an exosuit, but sometimes Alan would feel naked when not wearing one out in the field. However, Alan could see the superiority of all the tech that came with exo-suit's, and the exosuit itself had over everything else ground forces used on the battlefield. BANG...BANG...BANG Unfortunately Alan couldn't continue his inner questioning session, because as of right now the M1130AF he was sticking to was currently turning ZDK army troops into red mist, and it was getting overwhelmed. So in response Alan broke away from the armored vehicle he was sticking to and went prone on the snow, he proceeded to set his rifle to single fire and wait for more of the ZDK army troops to pop their heads over the snow, and he got exactly what he wanted. Soon enough ZDK army troops started popping their sorry little bodies over the snow, only to be dropped by Alan's CH2M16A1 coil gun, which was able to propel a projectile the size of a 5.56 round at 5,589 feet per second (1,703 meters per second/3,810 mph/6,132 kph) at a blistering speed of 521 rounds a minute, but it's propelling a projectile the size of the whole round, casing and all. Luckily Alan had the standard issue plastic quad-stack mag the USMC used, the magazine itself held 60 rounds of APCT (Armor Piercing Crimson Tip) 5,56. The first sorry motherfucker to get in between Alan's crosshairs immediately caught one in between the eyes, his head blowing up with the helmet following suit, soon after Alan racked up five additional headshots and one heart shot within the span of 7 seconds, still having enough ammo for 53 more kills. he ended up killing 18 ZDK troops, but he inevitably lost count because there was so many of them coming towards his position. Unfortunately this was short-lived because the entire mechanized platoon was already 24 meters (78 feet) behind him already, they were also making sure his position hadn't been swarmed yet. "Alan you deucedly brave dork, get your ass the fuck back here!" Screamed a familiar voice through Alan's MAWTS-2's, a very annoying voice that belonged to one of his 3 commanding officers, the one, the only: Tristan Summers. "And why would I do that?" Retorted Alan, only furthering the divide between him and Tristan. "Because if you stay there you're going to get swarmed, so get over here we'll cover you." Looking behind himself Alan saw how far the mechanized platoon had gotten without him noticing and just how much of a dilemma he was in, so he threw his well being out the window, and ran, ran towards the mechanized platoon as fast as his exo-suit equipped legs could care him. Unsurprisingly Tristan seemed to keep his word, because once he saw Alan get up and make a dash towards his direction he brought up his bullpup rifle and started marking targets, everyone else killing the targets marked with red triangles that had a little circle in the middle. The way he was able to mark targets was by fusing his ARSS (Automated Rifle Sights System) with his MMSCH by using the neuralink that binded him with all the exosuits systems, allowing him to use his brain waves to place the markers on their targets. The advanced technology, mixed with Tristan's training and combat knowledge made him a formidable foe to go up against, and you wouldn't necessarily think that upon first looking at him. He wasn't tall, Tristan was 6 inches shorter than Alan, 5,9, and had little freckles that complemented his Teal eyes, he wasn't that threatening and leaned more towards the cute side. That none threatening-ness fortunately didn't mean he couldn't get some quick kills either, because he set his FN SCAR-B1 ETC rifle to single shot and started downing ZDK troops, the powerful 7.62x54R round being fed to the rifle by the 30 round plastic magazines would make sure of that. The first ZDK troop to get face-fucked by the 7.62x54R got it straight through his body armor, causing shrapnel to break through his ribcage and then through his heart, coming out through his back and the bullet taking his spine with it. Once Alan was within 10 meters (32 feet) of the mechanized platoon he used the neuralink in his exo-suit to position the WRPS in a way that it would launch him forward, once set in place he allowed them to propel him with 62% power, which still was enough to slightly lift him off the ground and propel him forward at 64 kilometers an hour (39 miles an hour). he immediately went to his knees and slid on the snow towards the mechanized platoon, he than did a 180 and brought up his rifle like a complete BADASS. On the other hand Frederick and Nathan were in one of the M3A4EV Mark-2's taking out Sunshine from her cage, as well as helping her into her own exo-suit. "I haven't gotten around to asking you this, but what's it like being the son of Sinclair Martinez Bowman? I would imagine it would be pretty cool." Asked Nathan while strapping on the exo-suits legs onto sunshine's own. "Well, it's not as fun as its made out to be. I've never actually earned the respect I've gotten, when I first enlisted the drill instructors weren't as hard on me as they were to the rest of the recruits, putting less of a demand on me to put my all into everything I do. Which of course was prejudicial to my success, of course I've overcame that part of my life but I still resent the fact I had to go through it at all." Responded Frederick. "Oh...I wouldn't have ever imagined you thought about like that, I'm-I'm sorry I reminded you of that." "It's fine, talks like this are good for self reflection. So if you want you can ask me some more questions, I don't mind." "Okay hmm...do you hold it against your father that people treat you this way?" "No, not at all, I wouldn't hold any hate against him just because he did what was right for the country as-" "[Roman's tank] All infantry units, their are two M3A4EV Mark-2's traveling East to create an opening for a flanking maneuver, all other armored vehicles will follow me West to keep the eye of the enemy on us. Now hurry we only have this small window to get this done, so let's move, move, move!" Luckily for Nathan and Frederick Sunshine was already in her exo-suit, ready for combat. "Well, I guess we'll continue this at a later date?" Asked Nathan, who unfortunately didn't receive a response. Soon enough the M3A4EV Mark-2's along with the Marines were traveling East in a wide turn towards ZDK forces, on the other hand Roman and the rest of the armor were engaging ZDK forces in an attempt at keeping eyes on themselves for the infantry to do a bamboozle. "IFV, 4 o'clock, load HVEEP (High Velocity Extreme Explosive penetrator)!" Screamed Roman through his MAWTS-1's. "HVEEP round hot, you're clear to shoot!" Screamed the louder. "Found target, ready to fire!" Screamed the turret operator. "Wipe that shit stain of the face of the earth!" Screamed Roman. "With pleasure." Was the response he received. Soon enough the 105mm HVEEP round launched itself from the barrel of the M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abrams, and bored itself through the IFV's armor plating and exploded via a timed detonation, turning the occupants of the vehicle into charred pieces of what was a human being. Barely recognizable. Soon after the turret of the IFV flew of of the body of the vehicle because the ammunition was set ablaze by the HVEEP round that punctured the ammunition box, sending the turret 34 feet (10 meters) into the air, once it came crashing back down it fell on the heads of several ZDK troops; flattening them. On the other side of the armored formation an M3A4EV Mark-2 was peppering an LAV with its 20mm coil gun, killings it's occupants. "Lorenzo, go forward 13 feet (3 meters) and than stop." Commanded Marco, who was waiting for the quad missile pod on the right of the turret to fully extend. Once the missile pod was fully extended, Melvin readied the 4 HVEP (High Velocity Extreme penetrator) missiles and screamed through his MAWTS-1's, "HVEP hot, ready to fire, just give me the order!" Looking through his commanders sights Marco found the crew a second target, the ZDK's main battle tank the FKW8 Pyrrhus. The FKW8 was the Zimlip Daseeta Kingdoms newest and most advanced MBT, purpose built to go toe-to-toe with the the likes of the United States many, many tanks. Tanks such as the M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abrams, M1A5 Mark-2 Overlord lagged Abrams; M1A6 Mark-1 Choir Abrams, M1A6 Mark-2 Duet lagged Abrams; M22A1 Leo Cor Heavy tanks, M21A2 Mark-2 Commander MBT's, MX2A1 Eagle Eye Reconnaissance tanks, and M30A3 Vercingetorix Heavy tanks. The problem for FKW8 was that it didn't hold up to any of these tanks whatsoever, it didn't have the advanced systems or materials the United States was capable of putting on its tanks, as well as the advanced gun systems that U.S. tanks were outfitted with. But don't get it twisted, the FKW8 wasn't a bad tank by any means it was just not the right tank for the current year. It would've been great for the 2020's or 2030's, but not the 2090's, which was the decade it went into production. "Proper sighting...and Fire!" Commanded Marco, which made Melvin pull the trigger on the stick, in turn allowing the HVEP missile to go flying towards its target. Once the missile left its holding, it accelerated to 7,179 kilometers an hour (4,461 miles an hour) in the span of 3 seconds, taking 5 to actually hit its target. Hitting the tank, the missile easily broke the sound barrier and the tanks armor, turning it into a fiery mess of steel and aluminum that threw shrapnel in every known direction except down, killing every ZDK foot soldier within a 24 foot (7 meter) radius. "Good kill." Exclaimed Marco. Back East the two M3A4EV's and Marines were closing in on the ZDK, but as they continued forward something miraculous happened, Frederick's ALG was receiving signals from two B/A-11's that were within the area. They were asking for permission to pair with Frederick's ALG, which means this whole battle could be over within minutes. "Nathan, Tristan! I'm receiving signals from the B/A-11's sent to accompany us!" Screamed Frederick, getting the two other snipers in the group to check their ALG's as well, confirming that Frederick was telling the truth. "Yeah, Frederick's right." Said another sniper, immediately being followed by another screaming. "Yeah, he's telling the truth!" "Okay than, Tristan can you contact the armored division and inform them about our revaluation. I need Roman to back off the ZDK's armor, we need to make a clean targets for the B/A-11's." Commanded Nathan. "With pleasure." Responded Tristan before using MAWTS-2's to communicate with Roman. "Roman, there's two B/A-11's somewhere in the air, I'm going to need you to back off the ZDK's armor to provide them optimal clarity. Wouldn't want you getting hit with ATGM's yourself." "[Roman's tank] Understood, we'll be making our way out of the ZDK's line of sight, happy hunting." "Looks like we're clear to engage." Commented Tristan. 13 minutes later Looking over the small hill of snow, Frederick and the 2 other snipers in the platoon watched as the ZDK's ground forces were currently scrambling to either help the injured, or fix their broken vehicles. There were currently 56 ground soldiers along with 14 IFV's, 22 APC's, and 15 MBT's still remaining, which made up a total of 55 vehicles, it also didn't help that their used to be 78 ground vehicles and 81 foot soldiers. Unfortunately for them it was going to get worse, allot worse. "This is Quicklight 1 to Twinlight 1 and 2, I repeat this is Quicklight 1 to Twinlight 1 and 2 do you copy?" Asked one of the other 2 snipers. "[Twinlight 1] This is Twinlight 1 to Quicklight 1, Quicklight 1 we're currently traveling towards your current location to enhance the accuracy of the GAALB (Guided Anti tAnk gLiding Bomb). We'll be their 3 minutes, so it would be a great idea to start marking targets." "Good copy." Doing what was asked of them the three snipers started marking targets with their ALG's, but instead of a red triangle with a little circle in the middle of them like the ARSS system, instead the ALG system had a purple square with a teal X in the middle. After about a minute and a half of marking targets, all they had to do was wait, and wait they did. After the next minute and a half had passed they started to hear the audible "hissing" sound of the GAALB closing in on its target, knowing this the 3 snipers moved back just in case they were a bit off target. Fortunately they were not, unfortunately they hit the ground before the 3 snipers even turned their heads back, showing that the bombs were faster than they thought. The first bomb hit its targets, a group of tanks tightly packed together, and launched them 6 meters (20 feet) into the air like children's toys, ripping them apart in the process. The second bomb to strike it's target struck not a second later than the first, it's target? 9 APC's surrounded by mechanics trying to hastily fix their vehicles in case of another attack by the Americans, this of course was unneeded because unbeknownst to them, their fates were already decided. After 5 more explosions the whole of the ZDK's forces in the North Pole were dead, and their government was totally unaware of the whole ordeal. The mission was, by all means, a complete success. The only thing to do now was inform the others about the success of the mission, go back to the U.S.S. Photosphere and leave the North Pole and act like nothing ever happened. "Mission status: Successful, let's go home gu-what the hell?" Said Frederick as his body was turning a bright white glow. Looking to his left and right, Frederick saw the same happening to his colleagues, soon after they were engulfed by the bright white light. The same thing would be happening to Alan, Roman, Nathan, Tristan, Marco, Melvin, Lorenzo, and sunshine. But unbeknownst to them the U.S. governments, it's citizens, Navy, Army, Air force, and Marines were engulfed by the white glow as well. This would also include every military vehicle wether it be on land, sea, air, and space as well. Everything. At that specific moment in time, everyone that was awake to witness this event thought one of two things, that this was either their end, or the end of the world. No, it was the beginning not for them, but for many others. "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished: that will be the beginning. -Louis L'amour Chapter I: Satellites of Change"We have met the enemy and they are ours" -Captain James Lawrence Equunian Time: 3023, October 12th, 0158 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0158 hours Location: Equus; Waters of the Bukastillo super continent, 66 miles [West] off the coast of the Vichristprus Republic U.S. perspectives: Gray Ghosts Squadron (GGS) commander F/A-21D pilots Rafael Key and Xander Parrish, GGS F/A-21 pilots Floyd Noble, F/A-21 pilot Aoife Blair, GGS F/A-21D pilots Warren Steel and Justin Barrett; CAPT Aiden Mayfield Bowers Equunian Perspectives: Vichristprus Republic trade fleet Captain Arical Castiniar, New Lunar Empire naval fleet Captain Zimrcia Viserters Battlemartin As the bright white glow faded off of the pilots bodies it revealed were they were, a seemingly endless Ocean complemented by a clear skyway with clean pristine clouds that littered the endless skyline that was in front of them. Which was a notable difference from the mess they were staring at mere moments ago, storm clouds that spewed lightning rods as far as the eye could see, sand and dead bushes for miles and miles, a literal wasteland. I'm talking about Australia. Though, the most striking detail about their new domain was the moon currently watching over them, it seemed to be allot closer than it was normally, but that wasn't the strangest thing about it because their were literal glowing purple clouds of dust around the moon. The clouds themselves were so big and bright that their light bathed the ocean in a marvelous purple, details of the purple moon clouds were clear as day on the oceans surface, so if anything disturbed the water it would be blatantly noticeable, which is what happened. Looking through their aircrafts with the Distributed Apature System (DAS) Warren and Justin saw several large craters forming in the water, after informing the rest of the squadron of the forming craters, shape started to form out of them, shapes that heavily resembled those of the hulls of several massive ships. Soon after several navy ships covered in the bright white glow that had engulfed the Gray Ghost Squadron (GGS) appeared in the craters, after several seconds the white glow dissipated and revealed the 14 ship fleet traveling through the water. The first ships to appear were the 2 Ravana-class amphibious assault fleet Supercarriers, the U.S.S. John Paul Jones (CVN 77) and her sister ship the U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason (CVN 78), both being built at the same time with the John Paul finished 2 months earlier than the Donald Francis, so it was stuck in the NASSCO shipyard based in the coastal city of Boumex located in Texas. The next 4 ships to manifest themselves were the Conscious-class heavy amphibious assault/missile Cruisers, the U.S.S. Jocko (BCGN 16) and his brother ship that finished the name of the person they were named after, the U.S.S. Willink (BCGN 17); the next ships were the U.S.S. Nightfall (BCGN 22), and U.S.S. Amor et Timuerunt (BCGN 38). The next 3 ships to appear were the Anticox-class Guided missile/escort Destroyers, the U.S.S. McCain (DDGEN 56), U.S.S. Lafayette (DDGEN 34), and U.S.S. Lavanda (DDGE 14). The last 3 ships to manifest were the Elligatia-class missile/air defense heavy frigates, the U.S.S. Fraser (FFADGN 88), U.S.S. Butio (FFADGN 73), and U.S.S. Baileshark (FFADGN 80). The fleet itself was still in formation with the Ravana-class supercarriers side-by-side with 2 of the Conscious-class cruisers guarding their left and right, 3 Anticox-class destroyers guarding the front of the formation, and the 3 Elligatia-class heavy frigates guarding the rear of the formation. The fleet was unofficially named "мимолетная НАДЕЖДА" (Fleeting Hope) by the Russian populace when it appeared in the Russian made film called "Мировая война 4" (World War 4) that took place in an alternate timeline were the world didn't unite under the U.N., and instead joined two differing factions known as the "Кооперативный Союз Наций" (Cooperative Union of Nations) and "Союз высших наций" (Allyship of Superior Nations). "[U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason] Gray Ghost Squadron what's your current status, over? We lost your signal when the white glow engulfed the fleet." "Our status is green, over." Responded Xander Parrish, the Gray Ghost Squadron commander and Essential Systems Operator (ESO) for the F/A-21D fighter jet he was currently sitting in. "[U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason] Understood Gray Ghost Squadron, but for the time being we're going to need you guy's to patrol the area 44 mile (70 kilometers) away from the fleet. We're currently trying to see if we can contact the United States, because we don't know if we're alone out here and we can't run any risks. But rest assured, you guys aren't alone out there because both White Skulls Squadron and Firebolt Squadron have now just appeared 600 meters (1,968 feet) behind the fleet." "Copy that, stay safe guys." "[U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason] God speed guys, god speed." Soon enough the 4 aircraft tilted 30 degrees to the right and started banking towards the east at 931 miles an hour (1,498 kilometers an hour/ 809 knots), quickly accelerating to 1,762 mph (2,835 kph/1,531 knots) within the span of 3 seconds, this was thanks to the 53,000 pounds of force that the Pratt & Whitney YF290 NE (nuclear energy) engines produced. Seconds later the 4 aircraft reached the 44 mile mark and tilted 50 degrees left, banking West towards the fleet, however they didn't get any closer and instead, orbited the fleet counterclockwise; providing a makeshift shield for any anti ship missiles coming their way. After 4 orbits around the fleet Aoife spotted a large assortment of ships 144 miles (231 kilometers) North with her aircraft's DAS system, and upon closer inspection they seemed to be Victorian era wooden ships with what seemed to be plates of metal armor that started from the hull upwards, spreading to both the Aft and Forward of the ship. After alerting the rest of the squadron Aoife made the DAS calculate the amount of ships that were in the fleet, and it counted 44 ships in total with 15 of them being some type of ironclad vessels. Looking further North the squadron spotted an even larger fleet of vessels, approximately 144 ships, traveling towards the first fleet while firing forward facing cannons. Examining the attacking ships, the DAS tried comparing them to other Victorian era ships that were in the United State's MTWDB (Military Tools and Weapons Data Base) and found nothing, the ships were so foreign that the computer struggled finding a match, yet so domestic that it knew exactly what to compare it to. The ships themselves were colored black, and comparably bigger than the ships they were attacking, with them being 40 meters (131 feet) longer and 15 meters (49 feet) wider. Massive rounded sails that glowed bright teal in the moonlight, at the top a flag adorned with a crescent that had a star in its center, along with wings on the crescent's left and right. "[U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason] Gray Ghosts Squadron, we're tracking a large assortment of ships in front of the fleet and your squadron, what's happening out their? Do you have eyes on them?" "Yeah we have eyes on them. I'm currently transferring the live feeds from our aircraft's DAS systems to you, because me describing the events transpiring in front of me wouldn't make any sense." Responded Parrish, sending the live feed from their aircraft to both the U.S.S. John Paul Jones and U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason. As the feed popped up on multiple screens on both carriers main bridge, they were met with the most primeval sight in the world, a literal Victorian era Naval battle. Except one side wasn't fighting, instead they just tried to out maneuver the colossal colored ships to no avail, slowly being eviscerated with every shot from the forward facing cannons. Upon further analysis, the ships that weren't attacking didn't seem to have any armaments, no cannons, only haphazardly placed armor plating. One of the ships in the fleet that was being attacked was zoomed in on by an ESO named Justin Barrett, this was most likely to see the occupants and identify who they were, which at first seemed like a great idea. Instead they were met with the bodies of scrambling Zebras and bug-like horses get annihilated by a wave of glowing Dark Blue arrows and cannonballs. One of the cannonballs missed the upper hull of the ship and instead hit one of the Zebras on the ship, going straight through his stomach with ease, taking his spine with it and splattering everything else...everything. "Should we help?" Asked one of the carrier crewwomen. At the current moment Captain Bowers went silent knowing full well that there was only two choices to choose from, but it wasn't the actions that would be made during either choice that worried him: it was the outcomes. If he were to help the...Zebras and attack the aggressor ships, than that could put his career in the USN at risk; if he were to not help the Zebras he would most likely lose the trust of his crew, the people he cared for, his family. There seemed to be only one choice, not two. "I Aiden Mayfield Bowers, Captain of USN fleet 81, better known as "Fleeting Hope" order the armed intervention of what's suspected to be an act of unneeded aggression towards a fleet of transport ships, which warrants a similar response. So now, let's show them the power of the U.S. Nav-" "Sir, 2 Loxias-Class nuclear powered anti aircraft/submarine guided missile battlecruisers have just manifested in between both fleets. The ships themselves are the...U.S.S. Combaticon (CCGNN 22) and U.S.S. Mr. Squidward (CCGNN 16), purpose. Built. War machines!" Zebra and Pony perspective Looking forward, Arical couldn't believe what had manifested in front of him, two incredibly large metal naval vessels had just appeared in the middle of his fleet and the New Lunar Republic's unintentionally saving him and many others from an onslaught of enchanted cannonballs. The ships themselves were 3 times the size of the New Lunar Republic's Night Hunter-class dreadnought, the literal flagship of the New Lunar Republic's Navy, unfortunately the gargantuan vessels didn't didn't have as many cannons as the Nights Hunter-class, but this seemed to be off set by its massive guns. At the forward and aft of the ship dwelled two massive boxes that had three cannons protruding out of them, the cannons themselves were 20 feet (6 meters) long and 16 inches (40 centimeters) wide; the guns actually resembled the ones many Ironclads had, only bigger and more exaggerated. On the sides of the ship resided what seemed to be door slabs with long rectangles etched into them, and placed at a higher position in between the two slabs was an oddly shaped box that had 5 small cannons in the shape of a rectangle, it was also elevated by two pillers and had a strange tumor-like protrusion on its head. But that wasn't the strangest thing on the ship, because further up it was equipped with several objects that resembles some kind of ball that had an all black square stuck on it. The ball itself was also elevated on its own piller and was constantly moving in a pattern, like it was scanning for something. Examining the ships further, Arical saw two strange Dragon-like Creatures perched behind the two aft cannons, along with them were many bipedal creatures that were around them untying ropes and detaching feeding tubes, some of the creatures even entered them, most likely being their trainers. Several seconds later the two ships started moving in the direction they were facing [East] and continued 300 feet (91 meters), as they did this they left both fleets utterly awestruck by the sheer speed they were achieving despite being unmoving mere moments ago. From a dead stop the gargantuan ships accelerated to 30 knots (34 mph/54 kph) within 50 seconds in unison, despite the fact they didn't have any sails so some other power source must be powering the mighty warships, like steam. 15 seconds later the 2 ships started turning left, grabbing the attention of both fleets and giving Arical the perfect view of the damage that was caused by the enchanted cannonballs, and to his surprise their was no damage at all, not a single scratch, leaving both fleets awestruck once again. Seconds before the 2 gigantic ships appeared there were over 4 dozen enchanted cannonballs launched at Arical's fleet, each cannonball was made out of Keglaetium, a metal 2 times stronger than iron that came from a tree called the Malbrown Miteus, an incredibly tall tree that grows only in N.L.R. territory. A direct hit from a Keglaetium cannonball would mean instant death for any wooden or metal naval ship, but these gargantuan behemoths didn't seem even the slightest bit bothered by it, and considering its alien look it wouldn't be at all surprising if it was created in another world, presumably one much more violent and hostile. "Captain, we're receiving transmissions from the two large metal ships!" Announced one of Arical's crewman manning the Crystalik Communications System (CCS), a CCS is a magic based communication system that centers magic pulses to communicate with other CCS systems, the way the CCS does this is by using multiple Rusalrris crystals charged with Fornmez, a stage-4 form of magic that produced sound waves that only flowed through the ears of the user and the persons the user wished to communicate with. The way Fornmez magic does this is still unknown but when paired with the magic absorbing Rusalrris crystals its capable of creating centered magic infused sound waves through a dimension unaccessible by the many inhabitants of Equus. Walking towards the CCS operator and his operating table, Arical saw the Rusalrris crystals projecting a rough 3D model of one of the metal ships along with what was its name, which was apparently U.S.S. Mr. Squidward. "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Unknown fleet, we're receiving word that you're being attacked by the aggressor fleet currently in front of you, it is also stated that you don't have any defensive weapons, is this true?" Stepping forward and opening his mouth Arical tried to speak, but he faltered, not knowing what to say to a possible alien species. "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Hello?" There was no special training for first contact. "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] I-is anyone there?" "Ye-yes those things are true, we were caught helping Changeling slave escapees by the New Lunar Republic, a kingdom that allows the ownership of Changeling slaves." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Understood, what weapons do these New Luner Republic ships have?" "For your normal run of the mill anti ship weapons, theirs both enchanted cannons and ballistas." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Enchanted?" "Yes sir." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Understood, please continue." "Getting into the more exotic anti ship weapons, there is the stage-8 spell called Carraphim, this spell can only be used when eight or more Night Hunter-class dreadnought's are in a fleet." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Are the ships in front of yours Night Hunter-class dreadnought's?" "Yes sir." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Okay, can you tell us what this...Carraphim spell does?" "The way it works is by the sailors on eight or more ships combine their magic, nightmare magic in their case, and create a Kraken sized monster to attack others ships only if the situation requires it. So if their fleet is loosing to another, the Carraphim will be activated, but it drains the energy of the users very quickly and will leave them physically drained." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Okay, is there anything else we should know about this spell?" "Well it can only be used by the Children of the night, AKA artificially horned bat-ponies." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Understood, I advise you to stay as far back as possible, things might get a little heated and we don't want you guys to get hurt." "O-okay." Battlemartin's perspectives On the opposite side of the spectrum Battlemartin was utterly stunned that his enchanted Keglaetium cannonballs didn't pierce its hull, they were made from one of the strongest metals known to the inhabitants of Equus, crafted by Queen Luna Crescen Collinaphima herself for the purpose of sinking any naval ship, even Ironclads. But these behemoths merely shook off the impacts as if nothing happened, as if they weren't affected at all. Other ships that have been hit by other cannonballs made out of different materials have usually been knocked off course, but these things didn't even move a centimeter from the 40 or so cannonballs that hit them. Though, as much as Battlemartin wanted to believe his cannons could pierce its hull, it did just manifest between his fleet and the slave smuggling fleet randomly, most likely coming from a dimension different from his own. Their look was a testament to this, an almost all light Gray exterior that seemed to turn into a red one further down, it also had a smooth look to it that differed greatly from the usual Ironclad iron plating. Then there were the ships armaments, 4 massive guns at the forward and aft, 2 at each side, and a plethora of other eccentric weaponry. Needless to say Battlemartin knew they could cause some serious carnage, and he wanted it for himself, he knew that if he had ships with the same capabilities as these he would dominate the seas, using its immense power to destroy any ship fleets helping Changelings escape slavery. In his eyes, those who helped Changelings were the lowest of the low, the scum of Equus. Why allow a species specifically made by the great Watsonical Dophire Collinaphima, the ruler of one of the greatest kingdoms in Equestrian history, to be free? It's utter nonsense. But suddenly Battlemartin started to hear the roar emanating from behind the two gargantuan ships, upon looking at their aft Battlemartin saw two massive strange beasts rising into the air with swiftness greater than the great dragon that served the prince of the Neri Thuatu Territories, named Rhaelmos Andrend, which surprised Battlemartin because it was three time smaller But this creature was nothing like a dragon, it's body was smoother and more sleek, it's wings were short and didn't flap, and it had this large lifeless eye that reflected the light of the moon. So Battlemartin tried comparing it to other large flying creatures in the Equestrian continent, but there was nothing to compare, this thing, much like the ship it inhabited, was totally alien to this world. Continuing to watch the creatures rise into the sky, Battlemartin noticed that they had two openings at the back and upper middle, both unleashing a stupendous amount of flames that reached 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length. As they continued to rise into the air they started to divert their path towards Battlemartin's fleet, completely passing it in seconds thanks to it's idiotic amount of acceleration, sending it from a measly 21 mph (33 kph/18 knots) to breaking the sound barrier (767 mph/1,234 kph/666 knots), something not even the fastest Thunderbolts or Shadowbolts could do. As they continued to fly in the opposite direction of Battlemartin's fleet that two beasts flew in formation alongside one another, just like the Thunderbolts. Continuing to travel for about 11 miles (6 kilometers) both creatures banked in opposite directions of each other while possibly traveling 1,000 mph (1,609 kph/868 knots), their speed alone sending a sense of fear through Battlemartin's fleet. Both creatures finished the banking maneuver and rejoined, now facing the direction of Battlemartin's fleet, traveling a speed once thought impossible by the Bat-ponies. Reaching 1,918 mph (3,086 kph/1,666 knots) the two creatures stomachs opened up like doors, as this happened 4 long metal rods ejected out of these openings and rocketed towards Battlemartin's fleet, reaching 3,134 mph (5,043 kph/2,723 knots) in a second and taking two more to reach the fleet and cripple it. Arical's perspectives The blast itself rivaled fables told of Starswirl and his Elements of Harmony, a weapon so powerful that it incapacitated his opponents in a single blow, rendering them to nothing but a statue. Only being restored to former grandeur when the process that turned them into a statue, is reversed by the same weapon that turned them into one. Ironic. The Elements of Harmony were also said to do other things, like give a user, or users, a boost to their physical, magical, and mental abilities. The blast was so powerful in fact that it launched several 75 ton (150,000 lbs/68038 kg) ships into the air like toys, others being crushed by the shock wave itself. But that wasn't the end, because as the two creatures flew by Battlemartin's fleet, they continued again for 11 miles and turned around to face the fleet again. Only now instead of launching metal rods from their stomachs, they launched them from their wings, and these rods were much larger than the last ones. The creatures then proceeded to do this three more times until the entirety of Battlemartin's fleet was destroyed, reducing one of the strongest navies on Equus into an assortment of broken pieces of wood floating around, it was an almost unreal image, something Arical thought he'll never see. "Whoever they are, they're on a league of their own." "Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change" -Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Equunian time: 3023, October 12th, 0212 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0212 hours Location: Equus; United States, US-Mexico border, 22 miles west of Laredo Texas U.S. perspectives: U.S. Army MP 2LT Jeremy Deavon Manowar, U.S. Army MP 1LT Joshua Richardson; tank commander Martin Gould Dyer Equunian perspectives: none Staring into the everlasting sea of Purple that was being lit up by a less than normal moon, a moon with massive purple clouds that most likely reflected the light from the sun and turning it into a dark purple by some unknown means. The waters themselves were where the US-Mexico border started, they then continued through where the country should've been. "Hey Joshua, h-how do you think the government's going to respond when the public finally found out about...this?" Asked Jeremy with his arms outstretched towards what was the US-Mexican border. "Well, I don't really know how the U.S. government will respond because there's nothing in the code book for disappearing countries. But I do know how the citizenry will react in...0500 hours." Responded Joshua, imagining cities with such a rich history like Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose up in flames. "Really, how?" "Riots, riots so big they'll put the 2043 New York riots to shame. Humans are very fragile creatures when faced with change, and this will be no different." "Oh...umm, so what does that mean for us?" Wondered Jeremy, worried about the condition that Fort Tempest will be in when they finally return. "Well...We'll get the occasional Anarchist Bastards thinking they're real tough with their home built Type-160 exo suits, ARXL coil rifles, and body armor from the 2020s; running towards a military base thinking they could stand up to a chance against a 22nd century fighting force." Answered Joshua, thinking about the incident at Fort Heart in Florida. It was a literal blood bath for the supposedly "well armed militia backed by communist ideals," and despite the fact they were the ones that shot first they still had the audacity to accuse the Marines of "committing war crimes against the American people" in spite of them starting the conflict, and forcing the hands of the Marines they attacked. "Let me guess, we're going to have to deal with it." Exclaimed Jeremy, thinking about the exact same thing that Joshua was. "Yup, we're going to have to deal with it. I also bet it'll appear CNN if any of them anarchists gets killed because he, or she, was a little antsy with their toys." "Well that seems like a very...CNN thing to do." The two friends shared a laugh as they imagined their shitty military photos appearing on the news as an anchor over exaggerates the events that transpired, you know, as news stations do. Having their faces plastered on every news station that preaches whatever type of anti-American propaganda they love to shout out would be hilarious, because sooner or later the actual story would come out and be told and the news would be ridiculed for pushing a false narrative. At least, that would be the case if they lived in a perfect world, but they don't. Oh well. "[Fort Tempest] 1Lt Richardson, do you copy? What's your guys's status, over?" Switching on his MAWTS-2's (Mobile Advanced Wearable Transmissions System), Joshua responded to the transmission he was receiving. "This is 1LT Joshua Richardson, our status is green, over." "[Fort Tempest] Oh thank god, we thought you guys weren't there." "Why?" "[Fort Tempest] Because half of our MP's that were in the field haven't materialized yet, so we're pretty limited in man power and security right now." "Ma-materialized?" "[Fort Tempest] Yup, apparently not all our units are here yet, seems like that white light needs time to buffer because officers keep appearing randomly all around the base, as well as Laredo." "Understood, do you want us to make our way to the base to beefing up your security forces?" "[Fort Tempest] That would be great, thank you." "No problem, so you guys soon." "So what's happening?" "We're going back to Fort Tempest, their security forces are low because most of their MP's haven't materialized yet." "Materialized?" "It's a long story, I'll explain on the drive back to base." Walking back to their HPAPV (High Performance Armoured Personnel Vehicle), a modified Brabus G63 Adventure XLP, the modifications themselves were engine modifications, armor (of course), and replacement body panels. The engine was a twin turbo V8 that made 800 hp (588 kW) and 1,000 Nm of torque, it was powerful enough that it rivaled most vehicles today, and it was released 80 or so years ago. Unfortunately the United States Marine Corps and Army didn't want "JuSt 800 HorSePoWeR" so the engine was modified to produce 1,200 hp (894 kW) and 1,500 Nm of torque, as well as rev up to 9,000 rpm, but of course those weren't the only modifications on the Brabus XLP. The body panels on the G63 Adventure XLP were replaced with Bloruim panels because the original panels were ordinary steel, so they wouldn't be able to withstand impacts from multiple 7.62x54R rounds traveling at 6,009 fps (4,097 mph/6,593 kph/3,560 knots). The Blorium by itself is an amazing upgrade for the vehicle, being a lightweight metal it took a massive load off the suspension. This was then supplemented by the clear aluminium that replaced the already heavy glass, unfortunately this raised the ride height of the G63, but that was easily fixed with some suspension tuning. Separate from the body paneling, was an optional outer layer of armor plating that could be easily replaced in the repair shop, or on the field. The armor was placed on the hood, doors, as well as over the rear wheels and was made of Lospoalium, the same armor plating used on the M1A5 Mark-1 and M3A4EV Mark-2, as well as many other platforms. As Joshua and Jeremy reached their HPAVP they heard the rumble of what seemed to be...tracks? Looking to their 8 o'clock their was a gargantuan cloud of dust picking up about 400 meters (1,312 feet) away, looking at the front of the dust cloud there were 10 massive M30A3 Vercingetorix Heavy tanks side by side. Not long after Jeremy spotted a large assortment of M29A1C Immortal Light Tanks scattered about with several MX2A1 Eagle Eye reconnaissance tanks, as they drove on they were all scattered haphazardly. Not long after Jeremy and Joshua spotted them, the tank formation started making their way towards their general direction while traveling at a 44 miles an hour (70 kilometers an hour) without slowing down, which of course made for a very comforting sight. "You think their going to hit us?" Asked Joshua. "No...they wouldn't do that, Right?" Answered Jeremy. "Let hope not!" Screamed Joshua as the horde of armoured killing machines slowed down and came to a stop, unfortunately he wasn't able to see it because his eyes were closed. "Hey guys. Guys...guys?" Said a voice emanating from the front of both Jeremy and Joshua. "God is that you?" Asked Jeremy, eyes closed as well. "I highly doubt a USMC tank commander would have the authority to be a god, son." Said another voice emanating from Joshua and Jeremy's front. "Yeah, why would god drive up to you two using a tank battalion?" Said another voice. Opening their eyes Jeremy and Joshua noticed that all the tanks had stopped, their crews climbing out of the tanks and placing themselves in full view of MP's. After the two MP's opened their eyes they were silent, not knowing what to say, fortunately the same couldn't be said for the tank commander. "Hey kid, can you tell me and my platoon where we are?" Asked the tank commander, pointing at Joshua. "Well sir, you're 22 miles west off the city of Laredo, home of Fort Tempest. "So we're in the United States?" "Yup, right at the border that separates the red, white, and blue Eagle from the green, white, and red Eagle." Said Jeremy. "Well I'll be damned, I thought that White light was me entering heaven. I damn near thought me and my platoon were dead, but it's good to know we're back home and not in some battlefield somewhere in Europe." Said the tank commander in a thick southern accent, not long after he took off his helmet and revealed a head of Gray hair and a face with an equally Gray mustache. "Wait...battlefield somewhere in Europe? Were you guys fighting against the Auvo Republic and H.A.T?" Asked Joshua. "Yep." Responded one of the other tankers. "Cool, but why are you guys not in Europe right now fighting H.A.T terrorists and the Auvo Republic?" Asked Jeremy. "Like I said before, the White light engulfed our platoon and poof, we were in the middle of the desert along with a thousand or so other tanks." Answered the tank commander. "Wait, their were other Americans teleported here?" Asked Joshua. "Yep, about 55 miles (88 kilometers) Northeast there's more than probably a thousand other tanks and aircraft that were engulfed by the White light and forcefully brought here, instead of being on the battlefield." "What kind of aircraft?" Asked Jeremy, which received a sigh from the tank driver. "Glad you asked because theirs an abundance of them, there are aircraft like the V-22 Osprey 2, CV-444 Albatross, RAH-66 Comanche, UAH-62 Éclat, UAH-122 Juvenile; FX/A-48B Queen Hornet, F/A-55 Ascender II's, F/A-60 Cutlass II's, a couple of A-14E Dire Wolf's, and a few of those new EFX-70 Panther 2's. "I guess someone likes aircraft." Said Joshua. "Oh you have no idea, the old man here loves anything that can lift itself off the ground, it's practically the only thing he thinks of. I'm surprised he didn't become a pilot, haha." Said the tank driver. "Haha, very funny." Said the tank commander in a sarcastic tone. Not long after Joshua activated his MAWTS-2 and contacted Fort Tempest. "Hey, you're not going to believe this, there's currently a huge gathering of U.S. Marines 55 miles (88 kilometers) northeast of my current location. Yeah, that'll be great, thank you." "Now who was that son?" "That was one of the comm operators at Fort Tempest, theirs currently 3 CV-30 and 2 CV-60 airships coming as support vessels. You guys are home now, no more war, at least for now." "Now that's what I'm talking about, YEE-HAW!" Screamed one of the other tank commanders in a thick southern accent, not long after he took out his M88 Rail-revolver and shot it in the air, the automated rounds exploding 800 meters (2,624 feet) in the sky. Soon after every else followed, firing their weapons in the sky and cheering to be home at last. "Excuse me sir, but I never got your name." Said Jeremy, looking at the tank commander. "Well, how about you tell me yours first son." Responded that tank commander. "My name's Jeremy Deavon Manowar." "Hm, a man of war I see." "Ha, yeah." "Well, time to keep my side of the bargain. My name's Martin Gould Dyer, or Marty like platoon calls me." "Martin Gould Dyer, that's a beautiful name." "Vickie is so fat that her baby pictures were taken via satellite" -John Cena Equunian time: 3023, October 12th, 0313 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0313 hours Location: Equus; United States, Guymon Oklahoma, NASA/USAF space facility Charles Duke Aeronautics laboratory/satellite control center U.S. perspectives: satellite operators Floyd Childress and Anish Gallo Equunian perspectives: none Looking at the live feed from the Theodosius UW-36 high altitude surveillance satellite, it's operators watched as an everlasting sea of blue dominated the area where cities like Moscow, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg were supposed to be. Over 6 million square miles of Russian land vanished, gone, and no explanation as to why. The reasoning for the UW-36 surveillance satellite was over Russia was for routine maintenance by the Russian space agency Roscosmos, NASA and USAF routinely worked with them to ensure that their satellites were always in pristine working condition so that if a threat would arise from problem nations like the ZDK, Tuismo Dominion, or United Arus Seyre Empire, the UW-36 and many other satellites like it would be able to stay in place above these nations and create a constantly updating map of the battle space for the U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, and other allied forces. Currently there are over 44 UW type satellites currently in use by the United States Air Force and NASA, and that's not including its sister satellite the Russian Merkuur MP-4, which was created alongside the UW in a joint project by the U.S. and Russia code named "crossroad" where they would develop separate satellites using technologies from both nations, creating separate satellites for them to use. The project itself was created in 2081 and finished in 2087, costing a total of 21,000,000,000 dollars in American currency or 1,534,352,400,000 rubles, it was also planned for the satellites to be used up until 2131. Despite all the advanced technologies the UW-36 currently has, it's being secretly replaced by another satellite project that could do what it could, and more. The project it self is called "Operation Blue Eyes" and it was tasked with creating 2 different satellites that could do the job of the UW-36 and MP-4, only better; the reason for this being USAF's constant demand for a satellite that was capable of creating a 3D image of the battle space, as well as track battle fleets in both the air and sea in real time. But that's not all of the requirements set for the project, because the satellite would also act as a OrBital Energy Transferal Station (OBETS) as well. Of course the United States already had several OBETS satellites, like the Turing S-4, Noether P-19, Edison IYY-1, Einstein JV-121, and Suno-41. 5 different types of OBETS satellites were currently in service in the United States, all of which power air bases/army bases, USN naval vessels, USAF areal carrier fleets, as well as the elusive areal supercarriers that would be unveiled later this year. But it's not the OBETS satellites being replaced because their vital to U.S. military infrastructure and are made solely out of indigenously designed U.S. technologies, despite this these satellites are going to get upgraded so they can transfer solar energy faster and more efficiently, allowing for any military vehicle with OrBital Energy coLlector Panels (OBELP) to collect energy at a much faster rate. But the replacements for the UW-36 is going to already have these upgrades placed in it as standard, so it's going to be able to make an accurate picture of the battle space that always updating, track battle fleets in the air and sea, but also supply clean energy to friendly forces. "He-hey Anish?" Asked Floyd, still looking at the live feed of what was Russia. "Yes sir?" Asked Anish, also looking at the live feed. "Put 36% power into the East facing thrusters, after 11 seconds increase thrust to 88%." "Understood, increasing power to 46%." 11 seconds later "Increasing power by 52%." It didn't take long for the UW-36 to reach mach 16 (13,000 mph/20,912 kph/11,296 knots) and cover a distance of 8,452 kilometers (5,251 miles) in 18 minutes, the equivalent to the space between Berlin and Shanghai if they were still in existence. Due to its shape it would brake apart if it were anywhere near the lower Mesosphere because of the ridiculous speed it was traveling, it wasn't made to operate in the air like the United States many, many hypersonic aircraft currently in service. Aircraft in that speed range can normally pierce through the air and withstand temperatures of 8,182 degrees Fahrenheit (4,527 degrees Celsius), these aircraft normally conduct high altitude high speed bombings, reconnaissance, or test missions for new aircraft engines and tech. After traveling another four to five thousand miles the satellite spotted a massive Pangea-like continent that was lit up with city lights, these lights were scattered all over the continent and varied in brightness depending on how clumped together they were, making for a very beautiful sight. After several seconds of watching the lights Anish got the idea of using the Lidar to make a map of the continent, as well as notify other UW-36 control teams to join using the FMMIS (Fast Multi Mission Information Systems) system that was equipped on all military satellites. After about 20 minutes the other 43 UW-36 satellites started appearing over the continent, about an hour later they received permission from USAF and NASA to start making a rough 3D map of the continent, this map would than be improved by satellites equipped with HPZC (High Precision Zoom Cameras), then sent to the Pentagon. In approximately 3 days and 7 hours the satellites would have a complete map, which would update every 40 minutes and give the United States an accurate look of this new continents biomes, cities, and in due time: It's people, but to get everything in complete detail other vehicles have to be used. Vehicles like the HTV-3X and HTV-2X, SR-21, and TR6 would be used to accurately determine it's biomes, cities, and people down to a science. But it's too soon to guess wether the United States will declare a Tier-3 Reconnaissance campaign, so satellites and high altitude photography might be the only ways of mapping this continent. So all that can be done is wait, because there's the possibility that whoever resides in this continent poses a threat to the United States National Security, but only time will tell. "See me as your moonlight and you're the sky, I'm the satellite orbiting through your night" -Bodhi Smith Author's Note So, how are you guys liking the story? P.S. please tell me if their are eny error, thanks. Chapter II: Sign Of a Collision"For me, there's something very romantic about going and looking at the stars and trying to photograph spy satellites" -Trevor Paglen Pony time: 3023, October 12th, 0334 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0334 hours Location: New Lunar Republic, city of Najanla, Manto Giapere Palace U.S. perspectives: none Equunian perspectives: Queen Lunar Crescent Collinaphima, Queen Celestia Solar Collinaphima, Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca, Spike Mavaca Looking through the telescope in her observatory, Luna searched the infinite sky for passing comets and asteroids before the incoming rainstorm that was scheduled to arrive blocked her view, unfortunately she wasn't having much luck with that. So she decided to leave the observatory and return another day, at least until she spotted some strange object in the upper Mesosphere traveling at a ridiculous speed. Trying to set the telescope on the object Luna struggled to keep pace with it, the lense becoming shaky every time she was about to get a clear look at it. It didn't take long for her to become frustrated and almost give up. Queen Luna wasn't a stranger to easy frustration, as a matter a fact, it's what she's known for. Prince's, princesses, kings and queens all know of the sovereign of the moons short temper, the same temper that has led to the death of the brother of Princess Trixie Tolafia Jikinigner of the Artral Lacenpierre Dominion, Prince Zimwatson Mocked Jikinigner, just a mere 14 months ago. The death of Prince Zimwatson is one steeped in controversy, being an advocate for the freedom of the Changelings race he was very unliked by Luna and many of her loyalists, as well as many other royals from kingdoms with great influence, and others with limited influence. But the difference between Prince Zimwatson and other advocates for the freedom of the Changelings like his sister, Prince Flash Sentry Rossano, and Prince Blue Blood Collinaphima is how vocal he was about it, he wasn't scared to confront anypony about how heinous the act of slavery was, which is what he did to Luna. 14 months ago Zimwatson met with Luna at the city of Obright Newcynton in the New Lunar Republic for a meeting between leaders, the meeting itself being about trade routes between their two kingdoms, but Zimwatson was going to use the meeting as a way of convincing Luna to abolish slavery in her kingdom, and possibly get other kingdoms to do so as well. But when he brought it up Luna became frustrated, as if she heard it a hundred other times from a hundred other ponies. Soon enough the meeting ended up being a huge screaming match between the two royals, shouting obscenities at each other it didn't take long for both to reach their breaking points. But Luna reached hers faster. Unsheathing her sword Luna swung at Zimwatson's head, in response Zimwatson brought up his sword and blocked the strike, catching the attention of the guards in the room that were already very stressed by the arguing. Jumping backwards Zimwatson placed himself 11 feet (3 meters) away from Luna so he could anticipate any movement she or her guards make, to amplify this he casted a spell named Forubima which used the brain waves of the user, enabling them to locate and track other ponies movements in real time using their magic signature. In pryor iterations of the Forubima spell it was extraordinarily difficult to see anything that didn't have a magic signature, fortunately Zimwatson was using the latest Iteration of the spell, Evansano Forubima, that was made by the Earth-pony known as Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca alongside her Colt-friend Prince Flash Sentry Rossano of the Norrial Niaru Republic. The Evansano Forubima spell colors anything with a magic signature in Indian Red and everything else in Abalone, but it didn't mask the details of every other surface and instead amplified their details using a Lime color. Keeping her distance Luna prepared to attack from Zimwatson's rear, but when she did he dodged the attack and inturn hit her in the ribs with his hind legs, causing her to stumble backwards and fall over. After Luna fell one of her Bat-pony guards lunged at Zimwatson with his sword, unfortunately for the guard Zimwatson was already four steps ahead of him, because as the Bat-pony closed in on him Zimwatson turned his body 55 degrees to face the guard and slashed the bat pony twice on his chest, finishing him of with a swift stab to the throat. As the Bat-pony guard choked on his own blood his colleagues charged at Zimwatson with spears, but much like their dead colleague Zimwatson was already several steps ahead of them. Waiting for them to close the distance Zimwatson's horn glowed Rosewood in preparation for casting a spell, as the guards passed 4 meters (13 feet) Zimwatson used a spell called Foreficent which was created by King Sibeauty Rosemane Hollanbow for the express purpose of putting holes into ponies by manifesting 2 centimeter thick, 5 foot (1.5 meter) long crystal spears and launching them at 1,306 kilometers an hour (812 miles an hour). As the two spear wielding guards got within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of Zimwatson he activated the Foreficent spell, in a third of a second 5 Washark crystal spears manifested out of thin air, floating in air for another second the Washark spears accelerated to 502 miles an hour (806 kilometers an hour) before hitting the Bat-ponies, easily shredding them and their Glunor armor. Going through the Bat-ponies like a hot knife through butter the Washark spears dissipated as to not make unnecessary damage, leaving the room in an eerie silence. Not to long after Zimwatson felt a searing pain in his upper back that only seemed to get worse and worse, looking behind himself he saw Luna, her sword in the place where the growing pain was. "Excuse me, Queen Luna?" Asked a voice behind Luna, startling her. "Ah...oh, it's just you Surcruz, you startled me." Said Luna, looking at her loyal bodyguard and friend, Surcruz Lopexia Shizver. "Oh, I'm sorry my Queen, I just wanted to inform you that your sister, Queen Celestia, has arrived for the peace talks." "Mmm, understood, just give me a couple minutes, I'm...doing something...for research." "Yes my Queen." As Luna watched Surcruz leave the room she got back to looking at the strange object, which was now completely still and unmoving, a stark contrast from the ludicrous speeds it was reaching seconds ago. If a Pegasus were to actually reach those types of speeds it would take minutes, if not hours to slow down to a stand still and not be torn to shreds because of the crushing force on the body, and that's only if a Pegasus were able to reach those speeds at all. Most Pegasi max out at 429 kilometers an hour (267 miles an hour/232 knots) because of their wing shape and strength, while Pegasi like the ones in the Wonderbolts, Shadowbolts, and Luna's very own Nightshades max out at 838 kilometers an hour (521 miles an hour/452 knots), but due to recent events a Wonderbolt named Rainbow Dash Olataylor was able to break the 885 kilometer an hour (550 mile an hour/477 knots) limit and reach 967 kilometers an hour (601 miles an hour/522 knots) less than a month ago in something called a "Sonic Rainboom." Looking at the object Luna was dumbfounded by how complex it was, it had a multitude of reflective surfaces, antennas, and to top it all off with a shiny bow, a metal structure. Nothing about the object looked like Equus's natural satellites that orbited the planet, that would mean this thing was a one in a million natural meteor or comet shape, or it was artificially made by something, and it's most likely the ladder. But for now, the Queen herself couldn't worry about this oddball object, wether it be hostile or not, because the meeting with her sister takes a greater importance in Luna's heart then an artificial satellite. But that didn't mean it held no importance. 11 minutes later (0345 hours) Stepping into the meeting room there was only 2 out of 12 ponies and a baby dragon at the table, the first pony being Queen Celestia of course, the second pony being Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca, the baby dragon being her adopted brother Spike Mavaca, and the other 10 ponies that weren't at the table being Celestia's Solar guard. Walking towards the table with 10 of her very own Sunfall guards behind her Luna stared at Celestia with a blank expression, sending a sense of uneasiness through her own guards, as well as Celestia's. As Luna sat down at the table, the blank expression that littered her face disappeared into a little smile. "Sister, can I tell you about something I've seen while in the observatory?" Asked Luna. "Why yes siste-" Before Celestia could finish her answer, she was interrupted by Luna. "Alone." Exclaimed Luna, leaving a sense of shock through everyone in the room, even her own guards. After the shock factor of Luna's words wore off Celestia's guards stood ready to defend her, because both Queen's had a long history of trying to kill each other over the simplest things since they both took over the kingdom of their father, Emperor Watsonical Dophire Collinaphima, after his death a millennia ago. Ever since conception the two sisters would argue about anything and everything, wether it be about the brightness of the Moon compared to the Sun, which Prince was more handsome, who was better at magic, etc. But this was something all siblings did at some point or another, but the cute disagreements ended when they both took over their fathers kingdom after his death, because the pressure of ruling over a massive kingdom weighed heavily on the two new Queen's, causing them to lash out at each other when disagreements arose. Disagreements only got more violent as time when on, to the point where innocent souls were lost any time the sisters argued about anything, wether it be something significant or insignificant. This was further amplified when Luna and Celestia discovered their ability to control the area the sun and moon inhabited at any given moment with the help of their tutor, Starswirl Clafang Kosdson, causing their already strained relationship to be worsened with the unnecessary ability to control Equus's natural satellites. Fortunately for the inhabitants of Equus this ability was stripped from the sisters 3 years after they discovered it by some unknown force, unfortunately for the exact same inhabitants of Equus the force that stripped the sisters of their ability decided to punish them, because during the short time they lost their ability mass natural disasters started to break out along the East and West Coast, along with places further inland. Tsunamis, earthquakes, fires, and mass hysteria spread all over the Bukastillo super continent like wild fire, which was fitting because their were plenty of those. But this was 967 years ago, and almost every nation on the Bukastillo continent have either fallen and been replaced by new nations, or have recovered and become stronger as a whole. This long stretch of time has of course led to speculation on the sisters damned ability, and out of that came many theories, many of them being dubious at best, others being plausible. The most famous of these theories being the Rotational Equus Theory, which states that the sisters didn't actually rotate the sun and the moon but instead, made Equus spin making it seem like the sun and moon was orbiting Equus. This theory also proposes that the Sun doesn't orbit Equus, but instead Equus orbits around the sun in an elliptical orbit, this also formed the foundation for a theoretical force holding everything together. This theoretical force was partially named after the magic researcher that created it, an Earth-pony named Fletiniar Kenano Jorwave. Fletinirum is what the theoretical force was officially named, this was in 2563, two years before Fletiniar died of old age. This long stretch of time allowed for Celestia and Luna's loyalists to denounce the theory as nothing more than fantasy, the most notable of these critics is Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca, Celestia's close friend, royal advisor, and former student. When asked about the theory, Twilight said "There's no proof that this theory holds any grounds in reality, why would the Sun not rotate around Equus? Because it has some fictional ability to hold things in orbit? Such utter nonsense." "Now now, everypony just calm down." Said Celestia, trying to calm everyone in the one. "I'm sure she has a perfectly legitimate reason as to why she wants to talk with me alone, isn't that right sister." "Yes I do, but the information I want to share with you sister is confidential. So no other pony may hear it besides you and I." Responded Luna. "Well, I guess that's reasons enough. Twilight, may you lead the guards outside please." "What!?" Screamed Twilight at the thought of leaving her beloved queen with a violent war lord. "Have you forgotten how violent Queen Luna gets when angry! Why would we just leave you with her...unguarded!?" "Oh Twilight, I'm perfectly capable of defending myself if anything were to go awry." Responded Celestia. "Bu-but, she's dangero-" "Yeah Twilight, Celestia isn't some defenseless princess, she's capable of holding her own in a fight." Interrupted Spike. "Well sister, seems like you do have some sense in your kingdom after all." Commented Luna, getting a laugh from Spike. "Hey!" Screamed Twilight. "Now now, everypony calm down. Twilight, may you escort the guards outside now?" Asked Celestia. "Fine, but don't scream for help if you get attacked." Said Twilight as she and the guards exited the room. "Guards, may you follow Twilight and the Solar guard." Said Luna as Twilight was leaving the room. "Yes sire." Said the head guard in his low raspy voice as he left the room with the rest of the Sunfall guards. "So sister, what did you want to tell me again?" Said Celestia, summoning two cups of chocolate milk. "Fighter pilots have ice in their vains. They don't have emotions. They think, anticipate. They know that fear and other concerns cloud your mind from what's going on and what's you should be involved in" -Buzz Aldrin | Apollo 11 astronaut Pony Time: 3023, October 16th, 1550 hours Human time: 2098, October 16th, 1550 hours Location: Equus; United States, South Dakota, USAF air base Flamewarden aeronautical research base, 544 miles (875 kilometers) East of Rapid City U.S. perspectives: TR6A Talos pilots Juan Peck and Kelly Blake, TR6A Talos pilots Liam Oneill and Amina Hensley; commanding officer Darren Cooper Equunian perspectives: Queen Celestia Solar Collinaphima, Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca, Thunderbolt 2nd Lt Rainbow Dash Olataylor, Thunderbolt 1st Lt Soarin Greence, Princess Rarity Lewisuka Coxwave Walking outside of the barracks and towards the LSHBE (Large Subterranean Hanger Bay Elevator), the four pilots found 2 TR6A Talos's waiting for them in the rain, it's infused radar absorbent body glistening in the mix of water and light that was bathing it. "Look at this, never seen a sight this beautiful huh?" Asked Juan, nudging his colleague Kelly on the shoulder. "You're talking to the person who witnessed the birth of his son 5 months ago, so yes it's the most beautiful thing I've seen in awhile." Responded Kelly. Getting closer to the TR6A's the four pilots stood in attention as they're commander officer, Darren Cooper, walked towards them, in back of him was several maintenance personnel collapsing ladders that led up to the aircrafts missile/bomb bay doors and retractable CMG-88 multi barreled coil guns, this could either be weapon readiness maintenance for an impending battle, or just regular maintenance that so happened to include the aircrafts weaponry. All four pilots hoped it was the latter. "Okay gentlemen, and lady, the Pentagon has tasked USAF with a LARO (Low Altitude Reconnaissance and Observation) mission, which USAF has so generously...dumped onto us. But it's not without reason." Exclaimed commander Darren in a prideful tone. "Oh no." Said Amina. "As you know full well all variants of the TR6 haven't been used in the field at any point since it entered service a good 8 months ago, and with the advent of the bright as fuck light that sent us here in the first place we're given a chance to test our new toys." "Sounds cool, but it seems like...there's a few things missing from the equation. Who are we going to be testing the TR6's on? Where are we even going? Stuff like that." Asked Juan. "I can only answer the 2nd question, 1st question being the reason why we're even doing a LARO mission in the first place, because there's apparently a massive land mass to the North that was spotted by several Theodosius UW-36 satellites 4 days ago. The Pentagon wants to know what's on this land mass and wether it's inhabited by any intelligent life." "So let me get this straight, USAF wants us to go to a place where no other human has ever set foot, may contain hostile life that might be capable of damaging or downing our 123,300,000 dollar aircraft, because they want to see how it performs in the field?" Exclaimed Kelly, questioning the legitimacy of the mission he was participating in. "Yes." "What!" "C'mon Kelly, what's the worst that could happen." Said Amina as she walked towards one of the TR6's with her co-pilot Liam close behind. "Yeah, stop overthinking it, we'll be fine" said Juan walking towards one of the TR6's. "If anything goes wrong on the mission, I'll take full responsibility Kelly." Said Darren, walking passed Kelly and towards the control center. Soon enough all four pilots were in the two 519 foot (158 meter) wide aircraft and prepared for takeoff. As the two TR6A's started to hover it's 5 landing gear retracted into its body, allowing for the aircraft to position itself North and disappear into the night, leaving everyone to hold their breath. They would keep it held until it reached the Northern land mass, we're more questions lie waiting for its arrival. 1 hour, 29 minute (1719 hours) later Cruising at an altitude of 13,000 feet (3,662 meters) the two TR6A's flew at Mach 7.52 (5,776 mph/9,295 kph/5,019 knots) and in around 2,000 miles or so they would both divert their path and head in two different directions, taking them to two different areas the United States government was currently interested in viewing. After that they would activate their Adaptive Aerial Cover System (AACS) because the sun would be coming up within the hour, and these gentle giants couldn't afford to be spotted because that could send the local population into a panic. If their is a population to send into a panic that is. Of course, activating the AACS has its drawbacks. When traveling at any speed above Mach 2.86 (2,197 mph/3,535 kph/1,909 knots) that would make the AACS lose it and start flashing random colors like Teal, Purple, Red, and a plethora of other colors that it flashed in no particular order, this was due to the pressure the Cluinyx panels felt when going above Mach 2.86, not being sufficient enough to shield the electronics from the killing force. This was true for all three variants of the TR6, leaving them vulnerable to almost every air superiority fighter across the globe, luckily this problem will be ironed out soon since 2 months after the TR6A, B, and C entered service 8 months ago research into materials more suited in the role of pressure absorbance than Cluinyx began. Almost all of the materials on all three variants of the TR6 were man-made, none of them coming from Earth at all, unless you count the clear Aluminium windscreens or Graphite infused tires, but you could argue that those materials were made through material science, henceforth not actually coming from the Earth. This fact only receives more confirmation by the materials used to make the radar absorbent coating that was infused into the body paneling, which was confirmed to be from space and not be made up of any material disclosed to the public, man made or not. Going away from the subject of advanced materials science and into Electronic attack and tracking, the TR6 family of aircraft have some of the best around. For the U.S. Air Force and Army there was the TR6A Talos, which wasn't as heavily armed as it's Bravo and Charlie counterparts, but has the most capable and advanced avionics out of the three; having built in AULS (Automatic Updating Lidar System) at multiple points around the aircraft, allowing for it to have a 3D model of the battle space, as well as track every troop, vehicle, aircraft, or helicopter within a 1,552 mile (2,497 kilometer) radius, the AULS does this by pairing its own systems alongside the DAS's (Distributed Aperture System) 360 degree field of vision, the HBCTA's (Heart Beat/Circulatory Tracking Apparatus) ability to track living things with a pulse, the MTWDB's (Military Tools and Weapons Data Base) and it's massive list of weaponry, and the AN/APG-909 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) Radar and it's advanced capabilities. This extreme sensor fusion allowed for the TR6A to track, command, inform, and help friendly forces with mission objectives, as well as track and attack hostile forces that pose a threat to friendly forces or civilians. For the USMC and USN there is the TR6C Poseidon, which is more heavily armed than it's Alpha and Bravo counterparts, but has the least powerful computing systems out of the three. Being made primarily for seaborne operations the TR6C was outfitted with a multitude of munitions it uses to kill enemy navies, some it shares with its brothers and sisters, others not so much. Gravity missiles/bombs (AGM-18B LRASM/ASM-N-33X Dapper Widow), Acroilium particle lightweight/heavyweight torpedoes (Mark-88 Mod 8 CBASS/Mark-4 Mod 4 CBASS), Ship Busting Satellite Guidance Systems (SBSGS), Submarine Busting Satellite Guidance Systems (SBSGS-2), point defence lasers (PDL-12), Small Explosive Drone Swarms (SEDS-12 Hell storm), and a multitude of weapons it uses alongside friendly forces to suppress and kill the enemy. Despite having inferior computing power than it's siblings, it was still able to track, find, and kill an array of targets at once, but unfortunately it wasn't capable of tracking anything with a pulse because it doesn't employ HBCTA, so it could only see living things in thermal or infrared imaging systems. In use by the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marines the TR6B Hephaestus is the most unique out of the 3, and is made for a very specific role in the United States armed forces that's been made crucial in recent decades, the Airborne Attack Laser Platform, or AALP for short. The United States already fields AALP platforms like the ACXL-33 Quadralifter, AC-86 Death Darling, AC-87 False Stork, and the B-4B Necromancer, which is a AALP variant of the B-4 Necromancer. Commonly, cargo aircraft are used for AALP aircraft, excluding the TR6B and B-4B of course, because of their ability to stay hundreds of miles away from the battle field for hours on end without refuelling. AALP's are also categorized as attack aircraft like the AC-180 and it's predecessor the AC-130, but unlike those aircraft AALP's don't perform aerial artillery on enemy ground forces, but instead destroy enemy aircraft from extremely far distances with its long range lasers, this helps lighten the load on friendly aircraft and ground forces while putting a strain on enemy forces. As the two TR6A's broke away and headed on two separate paths, they activated their AACS and slowed down significantly, Mach 2.55 (1,956 mph/3,148 kph/1,700 knots) to be exact. By the time both reach their destinations the sun would be shining bright and bathing it's light on anything it sees, so despite the AACS's flaws, it's needed to maintain visual stealthiness. In other words, it's going to be a long trip. Time jump: 3 hours 13 minutes Perspective jumps: multiple Location: Empire of Rising Suns, City of Canterlot Time: 1932 hours Perspectives: Human/Equunian Sitting at her desk, Celestia thought about the object her sister showed her 4 days ago as she looked through a book called "Flying Creatures of Equus," which is a massive encyclopedia on every known living creature capable of flight on the Bukastillo continent. Unfortunately for her there wasn't any known creature capable of flying as high as 62 miles (99 kilometers/327,360 feet/107,826 meters) in the air without dying of asphyxia, this simple fact was unfortunately proven when a female Pegasus named Cunninghamolga Prookie broke 37,900 feet (11,551 meters) and suffocated, entering a free fall towards the ground at 250 kph (155 mph), dying on impact. Celestia was left stumped, no known flying creature on Equus resembled what her sister showed her, but Celestia had a theory. Coincidentally Luna saw the object the same day as Celestia saw the massive piller that formed in the great unknown, so by chance both of these sightings could be connected in some way, it's just a matter of finding out how. As Celestia thought some more she wondered if Chrysalis had anything to do with the unnatural satellite and massive piller, it has been uncovered that Chrysalis and her Changeling magineers have been trying to develop a spell to help free her subjects from serfdom. Maybe a meeting between her, Prince Sombra, and Twilight and Spike could surface some questions, either that or threats of war. At this point, anything to get some answers, because the appearance of these two mysteries could be a sign of something, big. "Celestia?" Said a feminine voice from behind, catching her off guard. "Ye-yes?" Asked Celestia, looking behind herself only to spot a Light Purple Earth-pony standing in the entrance to her private library, "Oh, it's just you Twilight, what may be the problem?" "The air show is going to start soon, and Dash said she would try and perform another Sonic Rainboom, she's been practicing a whole week for it!" said Twilight in an enthusiastic tone. "Than we have not a minute to wait!" Proclaimed Celestia with a enthusiastic voice as well. Walking out of her private library and into the hall where Twilight was, Celestia remembered something important she had to do, or to be more exact, something someone else had to do. "Twilight dear, do you know where Tinselree is? I require her to clean my private library, it's gotten rather dusty the last few days." "I'm right here my queen." Said a voice coming from further down the hall, getting closer the individual behind the voice revealed itself. A 3 foot, 8 inch tall female Changeling named Tinselree with a Gray coat, green eyes, and a maid uniform walked from further down the hall and up to Celestia and Twilight. "What commands may you have for me my Queen." "You've been rather forgetful these past few days Tinselree, if you keep this up you'll be severely punished." Scolded Twilight. "Now now Twilight, it's just a simple mistake." Explained Celestia, looking from Twilight to Tinselree Celestia said, "Thank you Tinselree for coming on such short notice, the library has been very dusty lately, and I would love for you to clean it for me." "Yes my Queen." Responded Tinselree, bowing in front of Celestia before entering the library. "Now Twilight, let us go and observe the airshow from one of the many balconies overlooking PonyVille." Cooed Celestia as she and Twilight walked from her private library to one of the many balconies that littered Canterlot palace, once they got far enough away from any Changeling servants Twilight asked Celestia a question, "Why would you allow the servants to make so many mistakes without punishment? They'll think you're soft and might stage a revolt, remember how your mother, Empress Hydrallivan, gained the scar on her neck." "That was because she was cruel, she treated her servants as property instead of fully functioning individuals capable of thought. They're not livestock they're living beings." Responded Celestia. "But that's exactly what they are! Changelings aren't like you and I Celestia, they were bred for the purpose of serving their creators, us ponies, they aren't anything other than our, us as the ponies of this nation, property!" "Twilight, if you're going to become this kingdoms next ruler, than you must understand that life comes into existence in many different ways, just because the Changelings were created by an...alicorn like I, doesn't mean they're worth less than I." "Than why not just set them all free if they're worth so much?" Said Twilight in a frustrated tone. "It's not that simple Twilight, the people who condone their serfdom would be furious at that type of direct action and either stage a military coup or all out revolution, you know very well a majority of our military is made up of ponies of fully support their serfdom, wether it be individual soldiers, commanders, or generals a majority of them think their slavery is right and just because it helps fuel our nations industrial might. "Than how was the Crystal Empire and Artral Lacenpierre Dominion capable of doing it?" Asked Twilight with a tinge of genuine curiosity. "Because at the time those kingdoms freed their Changelings servant populations, they were already having a decline in nationalized industry, the privatization of coal, iron, and gold mines; cart, ship, and carriage production lines; and businesses led to owners freeing any Changeling that was serving the kingdom because, well, their serfdom wasn't needed. This was also supplemented by a smear campaign of anything that used unpaid Changeling labor by the crown, who strategically used posters, news paper headlines, Crystalik Communications System (CCS) transmissions, and public stands to demonize anypony that uses unpaid Changeling work. Unfortunately for our dear nation we didn't make such plans to sway public opinion on unpaid Changeling labor and private ownership, and now we're stuck with the fact our nation is in possession of 200,000 Changelings who work nationalized factories, mines, and kitchens. This inevitably leads to mental, physical, and sometimes sexual abuse of Changelings by individuals that run those areas." Answered Celestia in a somber tone. "I was unaware of these kinds of things, why don't more ponies know this?" "Because when these things happen they aren't reported, when reported nothing's done about it. The abuse of Changelings is a simple estimate, many experts agree that the numbers are much, much greater, but to put it simply, they don't care." Answered Celestia in a same somber tone. After Celestia and Twilight finished their talk, they walked the halls in silence until they reached their destination, a balcony overlooking PonyVille. Looking at the moderately sized town they felt a surge of happiness fill them; this was it, this is what was going to make today worth it. Unbeknownst to Celestia and Twilight there was a 519 foot (158 meter) wide, 219 foot (66 meters) long behemoth of human engineering hovering 1,000 feet (304 meters) in the air, it's stability more than that of any Pegasus. Human Perspective "Command this is Delta one we're currently over the OZ (Operations Zone)." Announced Juan as he allowed Darren and the rest of the command center to see through his MPACS (Multi Platform Aerial Camera System), HBTCA, and DAS. "Excellent Delta 1, we can commence LARO now." Hovering at 1,000 feet, the DAS and HBTCA started identifying and tracking every living thing in a 500 mile (804 kilometer) radius, these things included rabbits, foxes, wolves, wild cats and a lot of other animals in the surrounding woods around the medium sized town, but that wasn't a strange sight to witness because the HBTCA and DAS would normally track animals. This unfortunately didn't explain the strangest part, in the town there weren't any humans, instead there were small miniature horses that didn't pass 5 feet, many of them didn't even surpass 3 feet 9 inches, the tallest one in the little town was on a farm full of apple trees and was 4 feet 5 inches, but that was it. These miniature horses could be seen doing tasks that would generally be seen in cities in the United States, exchanging goods and services through currency, using and creating tools, cooking and baking, all things found in an intelligent society only now instead of humans, it's now miniature horses. "H-hey command, are you...recording this?" Asked Juan with a confused tone in his voice, adding to the overall confusion through the two pilots, as well as command. "All cameras are recording at clear 1080p, we're getting everything." "C-cool." Since the MPACS allowed for one camera to be controlled manually at a time, that gave Kelly the ability to use the cameras to observe individual targets of interest that weren't on a kill list, or as of right now, individual miniature horses that look cool. Making the cameras do close ups on individual horses, Kelly was able to spot wings and horns on some of them, and for some odd reason these extra appendages were useful to these miniature horses. This was true for the horses with wings, being able to fly and hover without a problem despite technically not being supposed to. In the Eastern part of the small town there seemed to be a small airbase with a dirt runway, really WW2-ish, except their were no aircraft, hangers, or fuel trucks, just a runway, and some winged horses with jumpsuits on. "He-hey Kelly, what was that one mythological animal with a horse body and bird wings?" Asked Juan, staring at a rainbow winged Pegasus with the MPACS. Answering the question, Kelly said "I think their called Pegasus, and the horned ones are unicorns, I think." "Why are they so small though?" Asked Darren with a sense of confusion, because he and his family bred and sold horses, ponies, and to a lessor extent, donkeys and in all that time none of them were as small as these ones. "I legitimately don't know." Answered Kelly. Equunian Perspective/34 minutes later (2006 hours) Sitting down with a pair of binoculars Twilight and Celestia wasted time by spotting random ponies before the show started, as well as when Twilight's friend, Princess Rarity Lewisuka Coxwave of the Phisanetonia Iristan Doneager Kingdom, is supposed to arrive. Despite this the Flamboyant princess was running late, most likely being held up via her own militia, during large events like gala's hosted by kingdoms Princess Rarity would usually get as well dressed as possible to display her craftsmanship skills, which in all honesty were superb, but this would hold her up because of her wide selection of dresses. But considering how late she's probably going to be, Twilight would probably have to spend a portion of the show without one of her dearest friends, and instead spend it with her mentor, friend, and gracious Queen. Or maybe she wouldn't. Hearing the door open behind her, Twilight looked to her rear to see Rarity being let into the room by two Solar Guards, her dress itself was as gorgeous as it was complicated. Which made sense since she took so long getting here, probably because she had some difficulty putting the dress on. "Rarity! What took you so long to?" Asked Twilight, making her way towards Rarity. "I'm sorry darling, but this dress was very difficult to put on. Me and my servants couldn't figure out a way to put it on, it took us forever and a day to do so." Said Rarity as Twilight trapped her in a hug, Rarity reciprocating the gesture. "Let's join Celestia, we're passing time by using binoculars to spot random ponies we've met, I'll get you one." "That sounds wonderful!" Exclaimed Rarity as she and Twilight went to the balcony. Rainbow Dash Olataylor and Soarin Greence perspective "Hey Soarin, are you doing anything later?" Asked Rainbow Dash. "Nothing really, why'd you ask? Did you miss me? Was I gone for to long?" Responded Sorian, reminding Rainbow Dash of when he left to help train ERSAF (Empire of Rising Suns Air Force) in aerial combat with other flying creatures, mainly Changeling flyers. "Nah, I knew you'd comeback, and besides you're a soldier," said Rainbow Dash, continuing with "It's your duty to defend this country. Celestia knows I couldn't do that." "What makes you say that?" "Because I'm not made for fighting, that's your job. I'm made for pure speed." Answered Rainbow Dash with a tinge of pride in her voice. "I always thought I was a mixture of both speed, and combat prowess." Responded Sorian. "Well yes, but I'm faster." "Oh really? Someone does a Sonic Rainboom once and thinks they're hot stuff." "Yup, I'm pretty famous now." "Being famous doesn't mean your an expert, rookie." "Hey!" "Well it's true!" "Hey, knock it off and get into position! The show is starting soon!" Said an annoyingly similar voice to Rainbow Dash's ears, her commander, AirBoss Spitfire Viseryoung of the Wonderbolts. "Yes ma'am!" Screamed Sorian, getting into position. "Why aren't you getting into position 2nd Lt Olataylor!?" Yelled Spitfire. "No, no reason." Said Rainbow Dash, passing Spitfire and joining Sorian in the squadron formation, which was currently a Battle-Spread that would turn into a Ladder formation once the squadron reached 520 feet (158 meters) high. "You can't keep acting like this Olataylor, you're going to have to step up and take that stick out your rear, because you're just a rookie. You're nothing like the mares and stallions here, so cool it!" Scolded Spitfire, embarrassing Rainbow Dash in front of the rest of the Wonderbolts. Fortunately for Rainbow Dash the embarrassment didn't last long, because the horn that signalled the start of the show blared like a siren, and like a race horse when the barrier goes down they started down the runway, but instead of immediately bolting the Wonderbolts simply started to walk with wings spread, slowly speeding up until they started running at full speed. Not long after, they were off. Speeding through the sky at 415 miles an hour (667 kph/360 knots), the Wonderbolts switched from being in a Battle-Spread to Ladder formation, giving PonyVille and Canterlot a clear view of them from 520 feet in the air, as well as giving the invisible giant from down high a clear view as well. Human perspectives It's been 20 minutes since these massive crowds gathered in the middle of this small town, Darren started to think that the ponies saw the TR6A and was about to call off the whole operation, at least until they heard a mass amount of cheering. Not a second after the DAS and HBTCA started to track ten living things 520 feet in the air, travelling 667 kilometers an hour, these creatures were without a shadow of a doubt alive, otherwise it wouldn't come up on the HBTCA and DAS. Making one of the MPACS look at what the HBTCA and DAS were tracking, and as the MPACS laid it's clear aluminium eye on the bogies, it was very clear that the ponies with the jumpsuits that were on the makeshift runway on the Eastern side of the town. Opening up the possibility of being discovered by this new civilization early, but this could easily be counteracted by gaining altitude, but that's only if these jumpsuit wearing ponies don't gain altitude either. Luckily, it seemed like these Pegasus didn't have plans on gaining altitude, because the current scene looked like an air show, meaning that gaining altitude wouldn't please the crowds as staying low would. Climbing to 1,567 feet (477 meters) Juan and Kelly put a significant distance between them and the Pegasus Airshow, and without alerting them to their presents. At least that was until a massive boom was heard, seconds after that screaming followed along with a signal alerting that the AACS just went down, allowing everyone to gaze upon the flying beast. "Darren the AACS just shut down! We've been spotted!" Screamed Juan. "I know, something produced a shockwave with a top speed of 3,007 miles an hour (4,839 kph/2,613 knots). When it hit you guys it completely fried the AACS." Responded Darren. "Fuck!" Screamed out Juan "Let's get the hell out of here!" Yelled out Kelly, cutting out the engines and making the 519 foot aircraft drop a 1,000 feet (304 meters) out of the sky within 6 seconds, in that 6 seconds the TR6 did a complete 180 and accelerated to 5,890 mph (9,479 kph/5,118 knots) back to the United States. "Well, that escalated quickly." Commented Darren. Twilight, Celestia, and Rarity's perspective As Celestia watched her beloved Wonderbolts jettison through the sky with the speed of Falcons, maneuverability of Hawks, and the confidence of Eagles she felt an aura of pride fill her heart, knowing full well that her Kingdom, much like many others, was a force to be reckoned with. 7,000,000+ Pegasus, 3,000,000+ Unicorns, 9,000,000+ Earth ponies, 13,000+ Wonderbolts, 7,023 Fornshaw level alicorns, 1,200 Pontirera level alicorns, and 600 Hamiblex level alicorns currently in the ranks of the Empire of Rising Suns, the 3rd largest military on Equus. But of course leadership is important, no kingdom can function without it, and currently the ERS has two Hilliel level Alicorns [Celestia and Cadance], the strongest of all alicorns levels, currently in command of the country, and if Twilight finishes the first half of her studies it'll have 3. The official military might of ERS isn't the only thing defending this great nation, because independent militias with patriotic ponies of every type in its ranks protecting the nation from any threat, foreign or domestic existed, and they aren't anything to be scoffed at. Needless to say, this made Celestia have a sense of pride for her great nation, and that's alright. Continuing to watch the Wonderbolts speed through the sky, Celestia spotted a lone Wonderbolt separating from the formation, curious to see who this mystery Pegasus was, she used binoculars and was surprised to find that it was Rainbow Dash. Not long after Celestia realised what was about to happen, and braced herself. Soon after a semi transparent rainbow sphere formed around the lone Wonderbolt, in the split second the sphere came into existence it expanded in every conceivable directions, doing so at a speed no living thing could reach. As the Rainbow Sphere hit a portion of the sky something strange started to appear in the sky, it switched to various colors like Teal, Purple, and red until it stopped and left the sky clear for a split-second, after that a massive creature as black as night manifested above PonyVille, it's form easily visible in the Blue light of day. The size of the creature being massive, it's total width being more than half the size of PonyVille while being no taller than a regular house, if anypony tried to make anything in resemblance to this creature and have it fly, there's no doubt in Celestia's mind that it would fall apart the moment it got off the ground, and that's if, emphasis on 'if,' it got off the ground. Yet here it was, hovering high in the air, it's sturdy build holding under the pressure of what seemed to be several 1000 tons of pure beast. It didn't even hover in the same way that Pegasus and Griffin's did, it didn't flap it's wings to maintain level flight, as a matter of fact, it didn't have any wings to flap because it's entire body was just one giant wing, so it just hovered in the air with no distinguishable reason as to how. Interrupting her own thoughts Celestia's eyes widened, the massive creature just dropped out of the sky and was falling towards PonyVille, descending rapidly while in a total Flat Spin. "Oh my, it's going to crush the town!" Screamed Rarity, breaking her shocked silence at the sight of such a massive creature. Watching the creature in a total Flat Spin the it wasn't going to recover from, Celestia realised there was nothing she could do to stop the immanent carnage that was about to unfold once the beast hit the ground, so she braced yourself. But no matter how hard she tried, her eyes were glued to the creature as it fell towards the ground, 5 seconds of sheer dispense and agony until the lives under the large beast were lost. Or so she thought, because once the creature did a full 180 it rocketed away at a speed faster than Rainbow Dash's expanding sphere, much, much faster. Rainbow Dash and Sorian's perspective In utter disbelief at what she was looking at, Rainbow Dash lay frozen in the air staring at what her Sonic Rainboom created, a massive creature that resembled the monsters in her comic books. Massive, overreaching monsters with no weaknesses, that's what this thing looked like, and it terrified Rainbow Dash because in those comics the monster always won. "Hey Dash, you know what that thing is?" Said Sorian from behind Rainbow Dash, startling her. "I-I don't know, it just appeared in the sky after I performed my Sonic Rainboom." Said Rainbow Dash, her eyes still glued to the creature above. "Well it looks wicked. I like it's overall look, gives me Magi-fi vibes, like a massive Hawk or Eagle covered in Enchanted Armor made of a material unknown to our world." "Well, I guess you're right about that, it does look pretty cool." Looking at the massive creature, Rainbow Dash realised that it didn't have actual wings, but instead was one large wing that was capable of staying in the air without any assistance, almost as if it wasn't affected by the Fletinirum affect. At least until it started falling out of the sky and, barreling towards the ground below while in a flat spin, the same ground that held bleachers full of ponies who came to watch the airshow. "Oh my Celestia!" Screamed Rainbow Dash heading towards the massive creature as it dropped, but before she could do anything drastic, Sorian pulled her back. "What are you doing!?" He screamed. "It's going to crush them!" Argued Rainbow Dash, Trying to release herself from Sorian's grasp. "And what are you going to do!? Fight it!? We have no idea what that thing is capable of, what it's thinking, or what it's going to do next! If it's plan is to crush the town, you could bet that one singular Pegasus isn't going to stop it!" Looking back at the massive creature as it fell it seemed like time slowed down for Rainbow Dash, because she knew that Sorian was absolutely correct, she couldn't do anything to a creature of this size, especially when it's strong enough to not fall apart under the sheer wait of its own body. Now the only thing Rainbow Dash could do was wait, wait for the screams to stop and hope to Celestia that at least a few ponies survived the crushing blow. At least that was until it did a complete 180 a couple hundred feet off the ground and jetted in opposite direction it was facing, doing so at a speed that makes the Sonic Rainboom look like fillies play. To say that Rainbow Dash was gobsmacked by what she saw was an understatement, the feeling of inadequacy fresh in her head as she realized that she wasn't the fastest anymore, this being solidified by a sound that Rainbow Dash didn't hear from Sorian, even when she did the Sonic Rainboom. "W-wow." "My dad tried to educate me about implicit bias and systemic racism with his belt, and I thought at the time, he had beaten the racism out of me, but unfortunately that wasn't the case" -John Doyle | Cancelling Myself Just to Feel Something Author's Note This is it, chapter 2, which according to FIMfiction is the third chapter, but that's okay. Remember if you spot any mistakes just tell me in the comments, and take care.❤ Chapter III: Strangers to This Brave New World"People are supposed to fear the unknown, but ignorance is bliss when knowledge is so damn frightening" -Laurell K. Hamilton | The Laughing Corpse Equunian time: 3023, October 28th, 0702 hours Human time: 2098, October 28th, 0702 hours Location: Crystal Empire; South Grand Te Train Station, Vicwy City U.S. perspectives: None Equunian perspectives: Prince Sombra Hollanbow, Queen Chrysalis Tubeauty Munozmane, Princess Marcela Grawave Munozmane, Prince Blueblood Collinaphima, Prince Flash Sentry Rosanno Sitting in the 2nd to last seat in the 1st class train cart, Bluelood looked outside at the pure white snow as it poured on the ground like frosting on a cake, it reminded him of war, the Crimson Red color of blood as it stained the snow. Shining armor was such a fool, thinking he could engage Crystal Guard Regiments made entirely out of Changelings, solely because he thought they wouldn't be able to compete with a "superior fighting force." Unfortunately for Shining Armor this wasn't any normal Changeling Crystal Guard Regiment, these were STEC (Snow Threat Eradication Corps) Legions, a highly trained fighting force specialized in winter combat against foreign combatants that pose a significant threat to the Crystal Empire's people, military, or government; unfortunately for Shining, his fighting force embodied all of this. But don't get it twisted, the STEC Legions wasn't the first to confront Shining Armor's 436 Pony strong fighting force, because he had to plow straight through an abundance of new recruits that didn't even spend a month as a Crystal Guard, but this whole catastrophe didn't start off like a massive blood bath. Initially Shining Armor was tasked with hunting down Changeling escapees that were reported by the Liasopbrook Coal site a day before. It was suspected that the Changelings, a family of five, were traveling to the border that separated the Crystal Empire and the Empire of Rising Suns seeking to cross it and gain protection from the Crystal guard, because it was well known to Changelings that the Crystal Empire was very accepting of Changeling refugees by the government, and it's people. Unfortunately for Shining, the Changeling family was already being transported to the nearest city, Xebor City, by the Crystal guard so they can receive their citizenship and proper schooling enrollment for assimilation before he was even within 20 miles of the border, needless to say he wasn't happy. Using the sheer size of the fighting force at his disposal he stormed through the border, intending on capturing the Changeling family and any other Changeling brave enough to stop his crusade. Expectedly he ran into some resistance, but instead of running into seasoned Crystal Guard Legions they were met with new recruits with little or no experience against an actual fighting force. It was also evident that these inexperienced Crystal guard Legions didn't have any alicorns, while Shining did, 3 Fornshaw level Alicorns to be exact. By the time Shining's fighting force ripped through 5 legions and the Crystal Empire was aware of his presence, they sent out 2 Legions of STEC forces to intercept the rogue fighting force and either fully eradicate them, or drive them out of Crystal Empire territory. Funnily enough, the Crystal Empire seemed to want to add salt to a wound that wasn't open yet, because the 2 STEC Legions were made up of nothing but Changelings that, upon winning, would put a considerable dent in the moral of ERS Solar guard. Soon enough, the STEC Legions, both made up of 50 soldiers, found the rogue fighting force and ambushed them with ranged weapons like enchanted spears, long bows, and javelins, catching them off guard. Of course this ambush didn't last long, because as fast as the STEC Legions started their attack they ceased it just as quickly, doing so to maintain maximum mobility over the enemy while their camouflaged armor still had an affect on their stealth capabilities in combat, enabling them to maintain an edge over the rogue fighting force. It didn't take long for Shining Armor's fighting force to lose a good portion of its soldiers, being picked off by a superior fighting force more adapted to cold climates, as well as being able of using said environment to their advantage. After the whole ordeal, only 44 ponies belonging to the ERSA royal guard, including Shining and 1 critically injured Alicorn, made it out of that snowy desert and back to the Empire of Rising Suns alive. Well, that's not totally true, because many were heavily injured, succumbing to their wounds at the hospital days later, leaving behind Wifes, Marefriends, and fillies. Overall the whole ordeal was an embarrassment to the Empire of Rising Suns, putting a considerable the dent in the morale of Celestia's very own Solar Guard, as well as sending echos of failure to other branches in the Empire of Rising Sun's army. 3 days after the whole ordeal, Prince Blueblood Was sent to the Crystal Empire to get back any surviving Solar Guards who were captured, as well as reclaim any relationship the two nations still had. Upon arriving Blueblood was guarded by what was allegedly the same STEC Legions that fought with Shining Armor's fighting force, soon after the STEC Legion escorted Blueblood through the White Desert that surrounded a good portion of the Crystal Empire, and brought him to the location where the battle took place, and it was horrifying. The freshly deceased bodies of Royal Guard ponies frozen in time, almost as if they just took their final breath moments ago, frozen blood stained the snow in the shape of interconnecting branches that connected their bodies in a twisted show of brotherhood, their bonds stronger than death. The sight made BlueBlood's stomach curl and forced him to back away, his eyes tearing as he turned his attention towards the Changeling general who hugged him tightly, apologising for bringing him to a place like this. Despite Blueblood working in a military position, he never experienced actual combat because his job laid in logistics and supplies management, or in other words, he makes sure the troops have everything they need to fight at their maximum potential. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing neither, because Blueblood takes pride in his work, as well as a job well done. This great dedication garnered respect and praise from family, friends, and allies alike, as well as the attention of a certain fashionista unicorn princess who put great dedication in her work as well, except hers was with dresses and various other clothing but the dedication was still there. Despite all the good things that have happened throughout Blueblood's career in the service, he was never prepared for what he saw that faithful day 2 years ago, the grim scene still echoing in his encephalon to this day. Since then, Blueblood hasn't been able to look at snow without picturing Crimson Red branches staining it's white color, though, Blueblood has gained control over how much it can effect him but it's still there, killing any good mood he had at the time. NOOOOHEERRR "Hmm, seems like this is my stop." Exclaimed Blueblood as he got up from his booth and grabbed his belonging with his magic, surrounding them in a Light Blue aura and putting them in his saddle, their importance immeasurable. Within the saddle, laid a folder that itself contained instructions on how to perform new experimental battle spells from defensive to offensive, all of which were secretly created by magineers who received their funding from Blueblood for use by Chrysalis's Martirms Guard, as well as a spell purpose made for only Bat-ponies that was stolen from the New Lunar Republic Army, which will be reverse engineered by Changeling magineers for use by the Changeling Defense Force (CDF) in any future conflicts. Exiting the train car Blueblood looked around to see if he could spot Queen Chrysalis and her daughter Princess Marcela, because they planned for a meeting about how the modified "Onoza" spell did in its first use, the letter they sent him sounding urgent. After a bit of looking around, Blueblood spotted the Queen and her daughter and went towards them, "Marcela, how's life been treating you?" "It's been great!" Commented Marcela in a cheery tone, sounding happy to see Blueblood once again. "Well isn't that amazing." Said Blueblood patting Marcela on the head. "What about you Chrysalis, how have you been." "Can't complain, however I have been feeling a little down the past few days." Responded Chrysalis. "Why is that Chrysalis?" "I'll tell you when we reach the palace, Sombra and Flash are waiting for our arrival." "Sounds like a plan." Time jump: 15 minutes (0717 hours) Sitting down across from each other, Sombra and Flash Sentry talked with each other as they waited for the arrival of Chrysalis, Marcela, and Blueblood. "How's your relationship with Twilight? Has anything exciting happened between the two of you?" Asked Sombra, saying "exciting" in a very sensual tone while placing his hoof on his chin. "Well no, I haven't gotten Twilight to change her mind on the whole...slavery issue, but I won't give up." Responded Flash Sentry, giving a hopeful smile. Realizing Flash Sentry's innocents was shielding him from the obviously suggestive question, Sombra proceeded to try and explain what he meant. "Flash, you know that's not what I meant, right?" Staring at Sombra with a confused look Flash took a few seconds to realise what he meant, after the sudden realization Flash's face lit up bright pink, he than proceeded to say "Safe for work man! Safe for work!" While covering his face with his hooves. Seeing the full meaning of what he said slam into Flash like a train, Sombra bursted out laughing, the look on Flash's face being absolutely priceless. While Sombra was laughing his lungs out and Flash was a blushing mess, Chrysalis, Marcela, and Blueblood were greeted by chaos great enough to rival Discord and his cronies, Prince Sombra was on the floor laughing and Prince Flash Sentry was covering his head and blushing heavily, the whole scene was a giant mess. "Hmm, well...how do you do Sombra?" Asked Blueblood, trying to subvert the aura of awkwardness in the room. "I'm... *giggle* I'm... *giggle* great, how... *giggle* about you?" Responded Sombra, the laughter slowly dying down. "I've been great, obviously not as great as you, but great nonetheless." "Forgive my sudden interjection but my curiosity has reached its peak, so if I may ask, what happened when we were gone?" Asked Chrysalis, a single eyebrow raised. "What happens in this room, stays in this room Chrissy, those are the rules." Responded Sombra, who just made the rule at that moment. "That's not a real rule! You just made that one up!" Said Marcela. Getting up, sombra responded to Marcela's interjection with "Hey, I'm Prince of this Kingdom, therefore I make the rules." "That's not how being a ruler works-" before Marcela could finish her rebuttal, she was interrupted by her mother, who said "Now now, everypony just calm down, we must not lose sight of what we gathered here for." "Ohhhh, I forgot that! How did the spell perform!?" Asked Flash Sentry, jumping out of the blushing mess he was and back into his regular self. "Before Sombre and I tell you about the spells result, I need to show you all something." "And what may that 'something' be?" Asked Blueblood. "Patients my dear friend, patients. Marcela, can you get mommy the Object that appeared when we used the spell?" "Yes!" Said Marcela as she ran out of the room, going to retrieve the flag that appeared when they used the Onoza spell for the first time. As Marcela walked out of the room to retrieve the flag, Chrysalis walked towards the table and took a seat, "I'm assuming you all are aware of all the anomalies activity that has been happening around the continent, am I correct?" "Yeah, I've heard about them, the massive ships that saved Captain Arical's fleet, the unnatural satellites lingering above Bukastillo, and the creature above Canterlot. Why do you ask?" Responded Flash. "Because as you know, myself, Sombra, and my daughter Marcela very much did use the Onoza spell, and at first we thought it hadn't worked." "But ever since its first use, these anomalies happenings have been, like the one's you've mentioned Flash, more and more frequent, each anomaly being different but having one similarity." Said Sombra continuing Chrysalis's monologue, as well as throwing down some colored photos, all of which showcased a different flying creature, all of them alien in their appearance. "They've all adorned a symbol that Chrysalis and I speculate has a connection with this flag." Said Sombra as he looked back at the door, which was opened by the young alicorn Princess Marcela, who was holding a round pipe shaped object in her mouth. Grabbing the object from Marcela's mouth with his magic, Sombra's said "thank you Marcela, this is much appreciated." "You're welcome Prince Sombra." Responded Marcela. Splitting the pipe in two, Sombra took a rolled up piece of cloth from the split pipe and unrolled it on the table, setting it neatly next to the photos of the mighty beasts. "This flag," said Sombra, continuing with "This is the flag, in all its Red, White, and Blue glory." "It is very appealing, where did you get it?" Asked Blueblood, adoring the colorful flag. "When Chrysalis, Marcela, and I finished performing the Onoza spell, it was laid spread at our hooves in the center of the room, most likely taken from whatever dimension we summoned it from." "If that's the case, than what nation did it come from?" Asked Flash Sentry. "That I do not know, but one thing I'm sure of is that this nation is here, and that their arrival is upon us." "What makes you so sure?" "Look at the pictures, all of them bare a startling resemblance to each other. They took place at the edge of the storm that separates us and the great unknown, they all bare a similar symbol on either their wings or body, and are extremely strange in appearance." "Yes, yes they very much are." Commented Blueblood picking up the third picture and examining it, the picture depicting 4 large and strangely shaped creatures in a Trail formation heading towards a large vessel shrouded by the storm clouds that bordered Bukastillo and the great beyond, the massive silhouette of the vessel being lit up by the lightning behind it. "Oh hey, this one looks like one of Twilight's little projects. Actually no, it looks more like a Dragonfly than anything else." Remarked Flash Sentry picking up the first photo, the photo itself depicting one large flying beast landing on the back of an infinitely larger vessel that was heading towards the great beyond, on this vessel was a multitude of other creatures that littered the upper deck. "I must ask Sombra, where did you acquire these photos?" Asked Chrysalis, looking at a photo that depicted a flock of 5 large birds Flying in a Echelon Formation, the birds themselves heading towards the storm that bordered Bukastillo and the great beyond. "They were provided by the crowns fishermen, they normally fish near the Storm that surrounds Bukastillo, so it was a no-brainer giving them high quality photography cameras to take pictures of anything they considered strange." Said Sombra, continuing with "But that doesn't take away from the fact my father suggested this idea far before the Gargantuan Crow was spotted over Canterlot, several day's before it was spotted actually." "Wait, you knew about these massive beasts before the Gargantuan Crow was spotted over Canterlot? Why didn't you say anything?" Asked Blueblood in a tone that was a mixture of confusion and betrayal. "No no, of course not, we only sent them because we heard about the encounter that Captain Arical had with the mighty vessels. But I will admit, these sightings have only begun after the beast was sighted above Canterlot, and they've been growing ever since." "Why do you think that is?" Asked Flash Sentry, looking at the last photo, which was a picture of a larger version of the beast in the third picture. This one possibly being an adult, and the ones in the third picture being children. "Yeah sombra, what does it mean?" Interjected Marcela. "In my opinion I think they're, whoever they are, preparing for first contact, and when they arrive we must be prepared for anything, but also be compassionate and welcoming. These beings were sucked out of their homes to fight our battle, so if they're angry, we must be willing to understand for their anger is justified." "I keep forgetting these creatures were sucked out of their home, I can only imagine what that feels like, being taken away from your family just to fight a battle you had no part in starting. Are we in the wrong here?" Asked Chrysalis, questioning wether or not using the Onoza spell was a good idea. To this question everypony didn't know what to say, except Sombra, who gave an unmoving response while looking out the window, "I-I don't know..." "Ideological subversion or psychological warfare changes the perception of reality to such an extent that despite the abundance of information, no one is able to come to sensible conclusions in the interest of defending themselves, their families, their communities and country" -Yuri Bezmenov | Ex-KGB Agent and Soviet Defector Equunian time: 3023, October 28th, 1806 hours Human time: 2098, October 28th, 1806 hours Location: Vageta Temi Mima Dominion; Tis Tinmond Castle, Capital city Grand Terchil U.S. perspectives: None Equunian perspectives: Princess Radiant Hope Hallola, Queen Amore Variona Collinsania "Yes Queen Amore, you called for me?" Asked Princess Hope as she opened the door to Queen Amore Variona Collinsania's private domicile, the room where the sole leader of the Vageta Temi Mima Dominion resides when she wishes to think. "Yes my dear student, take a seat next to me." Responded Queen Amore, staring at the setting sun through the window. As Hope sat next to her Amore asked, "How are you feeling?" "I haven't been feeling too good lately, I've been worrying more and more, especially with all those beasts sightings in the North." "How do you know those beasts sightings are real? They could all just be the noncoherent ramblings of fisherponies who've been stuck at sea for far too long." "Well, Sombra told me that the fisherponies were employed by the crown, and have no reason to lie about such a thing." "Hmm maybe, maybe. But I do find it strange that these sightings have occurred only after the giant creature appeared over Canterlot, do you think they're related." "They might be, but considering how little information we have on the 'unnatural satellites, the gargantuan crow, and the mysteries fleet' there's no way to tell. I just hope whatever these things are, they aren't hostile, because I could only imagine the type of damage these creatures can cause just by their descriptions." "I think Celestia sent me a picture of the 'Gargantuan Crow,' let me get it." Said Queen Amore reaching into her little baggy, getting the picture and quietly remarked "Here it is" as she used her magic to give Radiant Hope the photo, Hope grabbing it with her magic. "I understand why they named it after a bird, but why a Crow?" Asked Hope. "I think it was because the creature was colored Black, and fun fact, for the first two days nopony could figure out what the creature actually resembled, that was until a reporter who was writing an article on the events for the Canterlot Journal was given the name by an anonymous Thunderbolt." "Hmm, that makes sense, is it also true that this creature was extremely massive and didn't flap it's wings to stay elevated." "That is correct, almost everypony in the area it was spotted said it just stood in place, unmoving and unaffected by any outside force. But one thing I find quite interesting was how it manifested in air, jettisoning to what's said to be a truly abysmal speed once it realized it was spotted, l-like it was trying to maintain an aura of stealth for some unknown reason." "What if it was a scout?" Speculated Radiant hope, entertaining the idea that it was collecting information for any future endeavor that may take place in Bukastillo. "What?" Said Queen Amore as she turned her head to face Hope, tilting it slightly as she gave Hope a look of confusion. "Yeah, what if the beast seen over Canterlot was a scout doing areal reconnaissance, examining the terrain for future military purposes. Maybe all the creatures sighted in the North are doing the same, scoping out the best area to make an amphibious assault with their massive ships. Imagine it, an alien nation of strange beasts assaulting the Crystal Empire's, as well as every other country on the Northern coast from beyond the Great Unknown with whatever weapons those massive beasts government equips them with." "I'm starting to believe that these creatures invading isn't what you're worried about, it's about what they can do, the damage they can do and to be more specific, the damage they can do to ponies, and to be even more specific, a particular pony." "What do you mean?" Asked Radiant hope, wondering what her beloved Queen was hinting towards. "Oh you know, that handsome Prince you've been friends with since you were a filly, in fact I remember specifically that you were his only friend since King Sibeauty wouldn't let his beloved son exit the castle at any time." "Are you talking about Prince Sombra? Of course I care about him, but he isn't the main reason I'm worried about those beasts, he couldn't be..." "Oh no, I know that Prince Sombra is the main reason you're so afraid of these beasts capabilities, you should know Hope that Princess Me Amor Cadence Collinaphima isn't the only one with the ability to use Love Magic. I can sense your immense love and passion for him whenever he and his father visit the castle, and it's a very distinct type of love as well, love that's been repressed for years." Said Queen Amore as she circled hope, continuing with "I've sensed this love within many mares over my 500 year rule, and it's all been the same. Young mares that have close friendship with equally young colts build those friendships over years, bringing those friendships into their adulthood's, but soon enough these mares would form feelings for their bestest friends and see them in a different light, a much more intimate light." "But how does that have anything to do with the strange beasts and their capabilities? Yes I love Sombra, but only as a brother and friend and not a lover, that I'm sure of! There's much more important things concerning this situation in the North than damning thoughts of ecstasy about my best friend, like their motives, place of origin, and capabilities!" Screamed Princess Radiant Hope, trying to repress her feelings in that moment and hoping that her Queen's words weren't true, but deep down she knew they were. "Oh save me the excuses Hope, I know what my magic is telling me, and it's telling me that you're in love with Prince Sombra." Responded Queen Amore. "I'm not, I swear!" "Yes you are! I've seen the way you look at Sombra, the way your beady little eyes make their way across Sombra's body, specifically his hind legs, chest, and waist. You're more than interested in your friend Hope, and the sooner you come to terms with that, the better you'll feel." "Okay, I am! I'm in love with my best friend, I admit it, but I'm failing to see how this has anything to do with the beasts in the North." "It doesn't, because the anomalies in the North is not what I called you for, I-" "Than what did you call me for?" Interrupted Princess Hope as she laying down, fiddling with her hooves, "Why did you call me?" "*sigh* I could sense your love for Sombra, as well as your fear of the beasts in the North from the south side of the castle where your room resides, these two emotions went hand and hand and I became worried, so I called for you." Replied Queen Amore, laying down next to her dear student. "But what about the beast sightings?" "Forget about that for now, right now you need to focus on the things that matter." "My love for Sombra...matters?" "To an extent...yes, but right now what matters the most is your health, and if you're super worried about these-...these beasts hurting your beloved prince that could have a detrimental effect on your health, both physically and mentally. So instead of focusing on the beasts in the north, focus on how you'll get Sombra in your-" "Amore!" "Sorry, sorry haha. But I'm serious you know." "I'm well aware." Jabbed Hope staring out the window, "Is there anything else you wanna talk about?" "Do you know what active measures is?" "No, what is it?" "Well, Active Measures is a form of Ideological Subversion, it has 4 steps. Demoralization, Destabilization, Crisis, and last but not least, Normalization. "What is this Ideological Subversion used for? Is it a military tactic to get information from unwieldy prisoners of war?" "No, Ideological Subversion is a way of destroying a countries economical system, government, culture, and pride without using a single Long-bow and trebuchet. The ultimate tactic." "How are you able to accomplish such a mountainous feet? This seems like something that would be in the latest "Mare of The Night" comic book." Said Radiant Hope confused by her Queen's words, she knew her Queen was exceedingly intelligent but would she be able to take on such a large undertaking? Something like this seems like it would take weeks, months, maybe even years of planning to accomplish effectively. "Well that's the thing, I along with the leaders of several other nations already did the planning for this mountainous operation 45 years ago, and we're already on the Third Step-" "Wait wait, can you explain to me all Four Steps before you go on?" Interjected Hope, getting rather confused. "Oh sorry, must have gotten ahead of myself there, just got a little excited." Responded Queen Amore. "I could tell." "Now, the first step in Ideological Subversion is Demoralization, which is when you shape a nations public opinion away from it's core values, this is accomplished by Undermining a nations culture with something that your nation finds paramount wether it's helpful to them or not, just as long as theirs a constant stream of propaganda being fed to them." "How do you get them to digest this propaganda?" "Glad you asked, because there's a complete answer to your question. We'd get this propaganda to them in 3 ways, schools, elementary through high school; educational lectures, colleges and CCS (Crystalik Communication System) signal stations; and informational posters. But remember, it doesn't matter wether this information is inherently true or beneficial to the nation you're trying to subvert, just as long as they eat it up and believe it. These tactics are most affective on unsuspecting fillies not old enough to know better, but of course there's always going to be those outliers with nothing going for them in life, so they gravitate towards this propaganda and get indoctrinated by it only because it makes them feel like they're important and distracts them from their uninteresting, mundane life. These types have garnered a name among those familiar with Active Measures." "What is it?" "'Useful idiots' is what they're called, because since they're easily manipulated they can help push the Subversion process further, this can be detrimental to the nation facing Subversion when these 'Useful idiots' are large in numbers." "What happens when these...'Useful Idiots' are large in numbers?" "It makes the Demoralization process faster, allowing for the second phase, Destabilization, to start." "What happens in this phase?" Asked Princess Hope, a single eyebrow raised. "We're breaking bonds, Destabilization is about getting the citizenry to distance themselves from the institutions that protect and govern them, creating an aura of distrust within the nation facing Ideological Subversion. This is done by creating propaganda that portrays Law Enforcement and military in that nation as filthy bastards with no remorse, in this type of propaganda they're never portrayed as helpful, loving, or caring; in fact it's always the opposite, they're always portrayed as hateful, evil, and unmoving monsters with no soul, while the opposite is true for violent criminals and lowlifes who are glamorized and romanticized-" "That's not true, there isn't any nation on Bukastillo where it's population idealizes it's criminals and demonizes it's protectors, there can't be." Interjected Princess Hope, seeing her Queen's description of this supposed mega-plan to be impossible and mere fiction. "Are you positive about that assessment?" Asked Queen Amore, preparing to ask Hope another question. "Of course I am, there isn't any civilized society on this planet that would be so foolish." Responded hope. "Earlier you were making a comparison between Active Measures and some comic book series...oh, what was it?" "Mare of The Night?" "Yes, yes that one, isn't it about a criminal who steals priceless items? Doesn't she often get into violent altercations with law enforcement and the military for...obvious reasons?" "Y-yes, but sh-she's just-" "She's stealing from museums for her own gain, than murdering innocent police and military ponies because they, justifiably, try to stop her from stealing from said museums. Tell me Hope, do you think that type of pony is the right role model for young mares and stallions? Because if so, the propaganda is working." "Well-I-I don't think it has the much of an af-f-f-fect on them, it's mere fiction." "Oh really? Because just a month ago 3 young stallions in the Astan Dorizer Dalia Republic tried to attack and KILL Danti Labo Guards, losing obviously, for the mere fact that they were guarding Prince Flash Sentry Rosanno, and if my memory serves me right, Prince Flash Sentry is rather anti-Changeling slavery." "I'm failing to see the correlation you're trying to make." "Oh This is so frustrating...Okay, if my memory serves me right, in the comic book Mare of The Night there is an entry that portrays Changelings as monstrous individuals with no soul, the comic itself even stating that they were 'Changeling Escapees.'" "How do you even know this, I thought you didn't like comic books?" "I sneak into your room at night when you're asleep and read them." "What?" "Stay on topic!" "Okay, okay yes you're right, there is a chapter that vividly states that, but that doesn't mean that the situation in the Astan Dorizer Dalia Republic and the comic book series have a correlation. The reason for the attack could've been anything!" "In the rooms of one of the three young stallions there was found to be an abundance of Pro-Changeling Slavery Propaganda, among this propaganda there was copy of 'Mare of The Night', this copy being the one where they portray Changelings as monsters. Despite their still being an investigation, authorities have speculated that he was the leader." "Weren't any other chapters belonging to the series found?" "Yes, one where the main protagonist executes a police pony outside of the museum she stole from for, oh ya' know, STEALING priceless historical artifacts!" "Bu-but she needed that artifact t-to open the tomb of Sumnambula-" "I'm aware of the plot of that specific chapter, but that doesn't make the protagonist's actions any less cruel and unjust, and it certainly doesn't take away from the fact media like this can and will influence the thoughts and opinions of generations, young and old." "But a single comic series couldn't invoke the cultural change of two, three, maybe four generations." "Of course not, that's why there's layers to the propaganda, some some subtle, others not so much. The comic is just a part of the puzzle, a small part of the puzzle, but a part of it nonetheless. That you must agree with." Despite listening to every word her queen said from start to finish, hope still found herself doubting even the sheer possibility of something like this being possible, let alone even happening now, in real life. But still, Queen Amore's words for some reason made sense, were logical and had proof, so maybe her Queen's words are correct, Hope would have to continue listening to find out. "Alright I'll concede, I'll concede. I agree." "Good, because that takes us to the Third Step, which is evidently the most violent and dangerous to any country facing Ideological Subversion: Crisis." Exclaimed Queen Amore. "What happens in Crisis?" "Glad you asked, because I have a few examples to give you a better picture, but I'll explain what happens during the Crisis Stage first. In and of itself Crisis is unneeded violence in the name of a cause that doesn't justify it, at least that's what it looks like to anyone that isn't living within the same circle jerk of those causing the violence, of course, this violence doesn't go unnoticed by opposing individuals who inevitably take up arms and fight for their countries founding ideals alongside their nations government, inescapably leading to Civil War. Do you want to know what group starts the Crisis process?" "Who?" Responded Hope, her curiosity peeking. "None other than the Useful Idiots that were dumb enough to digest the propaganda that started this process in the first place, and despite the fact they have the full force of their nation's government and patriotic citizens baring down on them, despite it, they still win. Wanna know why?" Answered Queen Amore, being as descriptive as possible so hope could understand. "Why...?" "Because the Demoralization and Destabilization process made their numbers grow to an exponential rate, when it comes to it Active Measures isn't about staging an all-out-war on your enemy, it's about getting their people to do it for you. Because after the whole ordeal finishes you can come and waltz in and seize power, and nopony will stop you because everyone who would've stood up to you and posed a threat is gone, because they either fled for refuge or died during the fighting. I'm gonna tell you this now Hope, you'll never be able to destroy an individuals sense of patriotism when it reaches the point of no return, that type of love for a nation can't fade or die once it's affected an individual, wether it be Pony, Griffin, or Minotaur, you can only kill the individual it's infected." "Is that the reason so many who are Pro-Changeling Slavery denounce patriotism within nations that grant the Changeling species freedom?" "That is exactly the reason my dear, patriotism within these nations is extremely dangerous because it disseminates, festers, spreads it's Anti-Changeling slavery verity like a pumped up virus. Yuck!" "What about those who aren't fighting, those who remain neutral during this event?" "Cowards, cowards all of them. They turn their backs on their country and their fellow countrymen so they can avoid the wrath of a small minority of social rejects, if they would take, and excuse my language, their heads out of their asses and fight for the founding ideals that made their nation what it is, but they're cowards, nothing more. When it comes down to it Princess Hope the side that starts a "revolution" in a nation that doesn't need it are, yes, large in numbers, but are the minority when it comes to the nation's population, this is also true for the patriotic individuals backed by their nations government because despite the backing they're in small numbers as well." "You seem so angered telling me this, every detail seemingly adding to it, I thought you were Pro-Changeling Slavery?" Asked Princess Hope, feeling like she was seeing a part of her Queen she hasn't before, it actually quite interesting. "If I'm going to be totally honest with you my dear student, I'm not Pro-Changeling Slavery, far from it actually, but given my status as ruler of a Kingdom that uses Changelings slave labor, as well as has them work in nationalized industry and commerce, I know things about the Changeling species only a select few know." Responded Queen Amore, getting up and leaving Hope's side, she than proceeded towards the door and stopped once she was about to open it, looking back she said "Come with me Princess Hope, I want to show you something." It didn't take long for Radiant Hope to scramble back to Queen Amore's side, soon enough they exited the room and went to the right of it, heading towards the east-wing of the castle, this took a little while, 30 minutes at most. After the two royals reached the east-wing of the castle they descended into its lower levels, to be more specific, floor -5; the infamous floor -5 of the Vageta Temi Mima Dominion's Tis Tinmond Castle is shrouded in mystery, many speculating on wether it exists at all, and if it does, on what it's purpose is. Many ponies have speculated that within the walls of the fabled floor -5, everything from powerful weapons, secret documents on creatures from Bukastillo's past, to the spell book of King Rusalmorgan Collinsania, the adoptive father of Queen Amore Variona Collinsania. Unbeknownst to the theorists all of these were true to some degree, at least the one about King Rusalmorgan's elusive spell book is, but it's elusive contents aren't what Queen Amore brought Radiant Hope to see, but something that is equally, if not more important. what hope would be shown would shatter her world view, and her life as she knows it. "This is what I wanted to show you, Hope." Announced Queen Amore as she and hope came upon a door without a handle or lock, the door itself being made of what seemed to be thick stainless steel, on the steel was basic renditions of Queen Chrysalis's private guard standing at attention, between them was another basic rendition, only this time of Queen Chrysalis. As the two royals stood in front of the door Queen Amore proceeded to charge up her magic, her horn glowing a Bright Teal, soon after Amore struck the door with her magic, causing a bright flash that, upon going away, revealed the door to be open. The two entered the room and shut the door behind them, in the room there was a cabinet on the floor with a slightly torn Journal on it, the cabinet itself being exactly 2 ft (0.6 meters) tall and 15 inches (38.1 centimeters) in width. The metal the cabinet was made of was rather cheap-ish, a far cry from what the door and room was made of. The room itself was made of a thick concrete, about 1 ft, 5 inches (0.3 meters, 12.7 centimeters) thick with a steel outer shell that's 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) according to what Queen Amore told Radiant Hope. Ideo-lo-gy. "What's in it?" Asked Radiant Hope, her eyes glued to the cabinet. "History." Responded Queen Amore, continuing with "It contains the secret history of the Changeling species, every significant event, every monarch, every hero lay hidden in the pages within this cabinet." "Secret...'history?'" "Yes, but for now I'll only show you what, in my opinion, is the most important piece of information there is: The beginning of what would be, their end." Said Queen Amore opening the cabinet with her magic, going through the folders until she found the right one, pulling it out upon finding it. "The beginning...of their end?" Said Hope, caught in a whirlwind of confusion. "Yes, for this story in Changeling history we're traveling 6,000 years in the past and farther, figuratively of course, because at this time 8,000 or so years ago there were 7 nomadic Changeling clans spanning between 500,000 to 800,000 Changelings strong that roamed this vast land unopposed for 2,000 or so years, probably more. Leading these 7 Changeling clans was one Changeling Alicorn each-" "Like Queen Chrysalis!?" "Yes, like Queen Chrysalis. Now where was I? Ah yes, I know: Each of these Changeling Alicorns act's as a monarch of sorts for the clan, being a source of morale, encouragement, and hope for the clan. These clans were, as I said before, nomadic and never stayed in one place for to long and since they were nomadic they often stumbled upon villages and small castles and would spark up trade with them for the basic necessities like food and raw materials, often to the benefit to the village or castle-" "That sounds amazing!" Interjected Hope a second time, but Queen Amore wasn't all that mad, actually she was delighted that her student was showing such interest in this most important topic. "Yes it was amazing, but of course as you know my dear student everything isn't always cookie cutter, because despite these 7 factions having a great relationship with settlements they traded with, they often went to war with each other to steal supplies or to assert their dominance in that specific area, and sometimes these villages would become the battlefield. This of course had a reason, because some settlements often pledged allegiance to certain factions they traded with, causing opposing factions to try and appeal to them instead, sometimes these appeals worked and settlements loyalty waned, sometimes they didn't and the settlements remained strong in their loyalty." "What happened if they didn't change their loyalty?" "Most of the time the opposing faction trying to appeal to the settlement would leave, of course in a foul mood, but would leave nonetheless. That was unless the Changeling faction that the settlement was loyal to was currently within the borders of the settlement, than they would confront the opposing faction, and 9 times out of 10 they would engage in bloody combat, and often the opposing force would use the settlement as leverage to win the battle. This was done by either capturing the settlement and seizing it's resources for themselves, or capturing enough of the settlements occupants that you could hold them for ransom, getting the opposing force the settlement was loyal to too give you needed supplies for their safe return." "Why did these factions fight? Weren't they apart of the same species? It'll only seem logical to create trade deals with each other to grow strong bonds and accumulate more wealth." "Why do all nations and opposing groups fight? Ide-olo-gy, ideology is the driving factor for everything a nation, people, and clans much like the Changeling does, which is I and many others formed Active Measures around Ideological Subversion, because we knew that replacing a nations founding principles with something radically different would brake the nation. But I think you already knew that, so I'll get back on subject. Each of the 7 Changeling clans had totally different cultures, the cultures forming different ideologies that often times clashed, the only thing that each of these 7 clans had in common was the need to trade but that was ingrained in their very being, trading is what made them Changelings, and unfortunately it was the cause of their downfall." "Downfall...?" "Yes, the Changeling species evolved through trade and fused it through their very being, even today it's very prominent in Changeling culture, which is why they were enslaved. You see Hope, 6,000 years ago there was a group of Unicorns who gathered in a place still not known, one of these individuals bringing a young Pegasus filly who's name is also unknown, this filly would act as the antecessor to all Alicorns living today-" "Even the Celestial Sisters?" "Yes, even the Celestial Sisters, because this meeting was made by a group of Unicorns with a first-class understanding of magic that wanted to crush the 7 Changeling clans, but they couldn't do it themselves [because they were immense pussies] despite their immense power, so they needed a "hero" who would do it for them. That's why they gathered there, so they can combine their immense power into one super pony, a super soldier if you will, to lead their armies of like-minded individuals." "You're just telling me how they're going to defeat them, not why." Voiced Radiant Hope, aching to know why these ponies hated the Changelings. "Easy, because through their extensive trading the Changeling species encouraged settlements they traded with to try and produce more items to trade with, like spices, perfumes, gold, jewels, luxury textiles, Ponderosa pinecones, etc etc. But for settlements that pledge loyalty to a certain clan they would often compete and creating better weapons, armor, potions, and spells for their respective clans. This created competition between the settlements and sometimes, certain settlements would fall short of demand and fall behind, it's occupants leaving for better and brighter futures and causing the village or castle to fall in disrepair. You can even find remnants of these castles and villages now, but let's get back on topic because, as you may know if you connected the dots, this created a fierce hatred among those who lived in these failed settlements-" "And they began to plan their revenge." "Yes, but not only that, because as time pressed on and their numbers grew they created their very own ideology in opposition to the one of the Changeling's, one where they believed that everypony should be equal at all points, no matter the profession of said ponies or work ethic. Where janitors would be paid the same as doctors, farmers having their land seized, businesses big and small are seized from their owners and nationalized, the very same owners killed for even deciding to do something with their lives, within time the ponies in opposition to the Changeling's became worse than them and didn't even notice. But that's just history now, I merely wanted to tell you why Changeling's are so despised in kingdoms like ours." "Remember when you were telling me about Active Measures and we were on the Third Step?-" "Ah yes, I remember telling you I had examples of the Crisis Stage in action, would you like to see them?" Exclaimed Queen Amore, now interrupting Princess Hope. "No no, I believe you now, I just wanna know the last step." Responded Hope. "Well, the last step would be Normalization which is simple and straightforward, basically it's getting the general public used to the new ideology you've thrusted upon them, this process takes about 5 or 10 years fo complete, maybe 20 if the population is exceptionally resistant, but the crisis stage should've already taken care of most of that." "Alrighty than, one more question." Exclaimed Princess Hope. "Ask away." Responded Queen Amore. "How do we stop it?" "I always knew you were the best choice to be my successor." "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free" -Ronald Reagan | 40th president of the United States Equunian time: 3023, October 29th, 1101 hours Human time: 2098, October 29th, 1101 hours Location: Crystal Empire; 88 miles (North) from Coastal City San Wydron U.S. perspectives: USMC MSgt Jeremiah Juarez, USMC Raider PFC Alan Dedric Church, USMC Raider SSgt Nathan Kadmiel Reeds, USMC Raider Sgt Tristan Summers, USMC Raider PFC Frederick Boyd Bowman, USMC LCpl Roman Zitomer Hahn, USMC LCpl Marco Stain, LCpl Melvin Everest Lara, USMC LCpl Lorenzo Coleman, USMC Cpl Rahim Mahoney, Sunshine USMC military working dog Equunian perspectives: None Standing next to his M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abram's 1stLt Roman Z. Hahn was speaking to one of the young guns that proved their medal in the North pole battle, and if Hahn's memory served him right, this was the same guy who used his WRPS (Wearable Rocket Propulsion System) to jettison himself away from approaching enemy forces and into a better firing position. The young gun 1stLt Hahn was talking to was Cpl Alan Dedric Church, the kid who was able to pull off the quick maneuver that saved his life, the conversation between the two was rather mundane, being about the lives they had before they joined the United States Armed Forces. For Hahn he joined the USMC at age 34 after he and his girlfriend, now wife, after they had their first born and were still living in the NCR (New Chinese Republic) when it was still waging it's war with what was left of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party). He wanted his son to have a future in a country that wasn't currently facing any conflicts, out of options he joined the U.S. Armed Forces and applied for the "Family Initiative" which gave soldiers who joined the U.S. military a chance to bring 5 people into the United States with the cost of them serving in the US's military for 5 years, he and his family ended up being accepted and his family moved to the U.S. safely. Hahn ended up staying in the USMC and turned it into a full-fledged career, remaining an Abram's commander for 16 years, at first starting out with the prior model, the M1A4 Superior Abram Sep VX until 2095 when the M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abram's and M1A6 Mark-1 Choir Abram's tanks entered service, the M1A5 going to the Marines and the M1A6 going to the army, after 2097 almost every M1A4 was upgraded to either of the two tanks, depending on the branch of course. While serving all of the money Hahn was paid went to his wife and son's college degrees, his wife becoming a Defense Attorney and his son Joining the CIA, it would be an understatement to say that Hahn was proud of his family. Hahn loved his job, the sweet rush of blowing up the same commie scum that forced his home into a hundred years of turmoil, watching their tanks, APCs, and IFVs get torn to shreds by the might of a superior countries engineering was an amazing feeling. But he knew that despite all the training and high tech equipment this job was a dangerous one, so sooner or later hahn would have to retire and let some young gun like Cpl Alan take up the mantle and send some hate to those dirty commies, he just hopes it's later rather than sooner, he'll like to send them some hate for a little while longer. This was exemplified by Hahn's performance at the North Pole battle, him and his crew hurled a HVEEP (High Velocity Extreme Explosive Penetrator) at a ZDK IFV, turning it and it's occupants into swiss cheese. Rolling back [my foreskin] the topic back onto the M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abram's and M1A6 Mark-1 Choir Abram's tanks, which are evidently the most advanced tanks in the US's vast arsenal, made out of the newest and most advanced materials and technology the United States could offer. The M1A5 and M1A6 are similar in an assortment of ways, such as the material built into the frontal and side armor of the turret, which was made up of spaced plates of Eskyx and Voblil that sandwiched a metal foam made of Pakrium with graphene filling that paired favorably well with the Abram's Cobham armor, covering it; the material built into the upper and lower armor on the main body's frontal armor was Vudril, and much like the turret armor was spaced and had metal foam with a graphene filling; and the material built into the side armor that partially covered the treads was Lospoalium with the same layout as the main body's frontal and turret armor. To add to the mass amount of protection the M1A5 and M1A6 had, they both employed the Immortal EMA (Electro-Magnetic Armor) and ADS (Active Defense System) Active Protection System's produced by General Electric, using them as a first defense against any anti-tank projectiles coming the tanks way. Starting off with General Electric's Immortal EMA Active protection system, which works by having two plates separated by insulating material, one plate being grounded and the other not, when a Projectile penetrates the armor it creates a circuit between the two plates, disrupting it. The EMA systems would typically be placed on the lower frontal armor and sides of the main body under the Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) as another layer of protection incase the projectile penetrates the ERA. To make sure the projectile doesn't hit at all, there's another system in General Electric's Line of products called the Immortal Active Defense System or Immortal ADS, the ADS worked by using sensors with a 360 degree field of vision around the vehicle, the sensors scanning multiple areas 44 meters (144 feet) in length in mere milliseconds while determining wether a projectile will hit it or another friendly vehicle, sending that data to that vehicle as well as other vehicles around it, if their are any, to maximize the effectiveness of the ADS. Of course, as any good tank enthusiast knows, the best way to not be killed on the battlefield is to not be spotted at all. This can be done in a multitude of ways, some high tech and ultra affective like the Polish PL-01 and it's advanced stealth Technologies, others simple and mundane but still effective, which is what the United States employs. In 2088 the Pentagon opened a program called Next Generation Affordable Light Noise Suppression Program, or NGALNSP for "short," which was put in place to either research new ways to suppress noise on all armoured vehicles in the USMC and U.S. Army, or possibly improve on existing technologies. This program of course enlisted the help of multiple research agencies, such as DARPA, PGVRC (Pentagon Ground Vehicle Research Center), and USAVR (United States Army Vehicle Research Center); multiple companies, such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Oshkosh, and General Dynamics; and a center for study, Carnegie University. With such a team assembled multiple technology demonstrators emerged in the first 18 months of the program, the first being the MLNSC (Multi Layer Noise Suppression Capsule), which was basically a box with 3 layers made of 2 materials that surrounded most of the engine, the outer and inner layer of the MLNSC was made of an early iteration of Carbon Fiber-R, which was an ultra light and thin but strong variation of the material Carbon Fiber that could withstand high temperatures for extended amounts of time, this was used to decrease the material in between the outer and inner layers of Carbon Fiber-R, which was a thick layer of heat resistant foam composite that deafened any noise that penetrated the inner layer. The second technology demonstrator produced by the program was the new material called Compound-MR, which is basically an advanced form of rubber with the strength of steel, the idea being that since rubber is softer and much lighter than steel or titanium it would kick up less dust and make less noise if made into tank treads, it was found that the new treads reduced noise production by 30% and dust kicked up by 9% while also increasing traction. The third technology demonstrator produced was the LLHAC (Light Layered Heat Absorbent Coating), which aimed to lower the possibility of being detected by reducing the overall heat signature of the vehicle it was applied to, for the coating to be most affective at least 5 layers needed to be applied, most recent iterations now only need 3. These three technologies were further research upon for the next 3 years of the NGALNSP program, entering service late 2093, being applied to almost every armored vehicles that wasn't electric in the USMC and U.S. Army, performing with flying colors. Unfortunately this is where the similarities between the M1A5 and M1A6 end, but since the roles of the Army and Marines are incredibly different, it justifies the need for a similarly built vehicle with slight differences. One of these differences being the main cannon, for the Marines they have the Convair M908MX Bravo 130mm rifled ETC (Electrothermal Chemical) Cannon, which worked by using a Plasma Igniter to activate the ammunition's propellant, this increased the accuracy and velocity of the rounds, the rounds themselves capable of reaching Mach 5.8 (4,461 mph/7,179 kph/3,876 knots), increasing its overall performance and killing power. On the other hand the Army has the Convair M888MVG Excalibur 122mm Rail Gun, which worked by accelerating a projectile using electromagnetic forces, like a coilgun but better, the M888MVG was capable of propelling the rounds to Mach 11.9 (9,182 mph/14,777 kph/7,978 knots). Another aspect that differentiated the M1A5 from the M1A6 was it's ability to travel in water, yes an 'Abrams' tank variant is capable of going into deep water without sinking, well this is because there are 6 small anti gravity systems on the tanks belly to keep it from sinking, from their it would use it's treads to maneuver. "Yeah, I only knew my father until I was 11, after that it was just me and my mom." Said Alan in a solemn tone. "Oh, di-did he..." Said Hahn, struggling to finish the sentence. "Oh no no, he was slain in the line of duty while responding to a code 104 at, of all places, my school. A bunch of left-wing anarchists decided my school was the place to stage a terror attack using propane canisters full Soman Gas, their aim being to inspire others like them to rise up and stage a government overthrow, fortunately fate had other plans." "What happened?" Asked Roman, wanting to know more about this seemingly forgotten piece of American history. "Well, the school itself called the cops because a group of 8th graders noticed the 6 guys unloading the canisters, at the time not knowing who these men were and their intentions. Give or take 3 to 5 minutes later 4 patrol cars with 2 officers each arrive at the scene, the notion being that these guys were the ones responsible for luring kids to their car and kidnapping them, among these officers was my father..." Said Alan pausing for a moments, continuing. "One thing led to another and the 8 or so officers on scene confronted these guys and they started arguing, the anarchists saying that the officers didn't have the right to tell them to leave because it wasn't city property, and instead property of the earth or some other socialist bullshit." "Seems like something those types would say, while I still lived in China, in the NCR not CCP, I encountered one of these socialist types stealing, her excuse being practically the same." "Hehe, well than you understand the situation, but getting back to what happened. One of the anarchists thinks it's a good idea to pull a Glock G80 out of his waist band, well one thing leads to another and he's on the ground with a big hole where his left eye used to be, which I find kind of ironic. In the first, give or take, 6 seconds of the gunfight 2 of the anarchists were gun down, this is not including the guy who grabbed his firearm of course, but unfortunately one of those bastards were able to hit my father in his right shoulder, causing intense bleeding, but of course that action wasn't without consequence because the ensuing gun battle would end the lives of all but 1 of the anarchists." "Was you're father given medical attention?" "Yes, but by that time it was already to late...*sigh* the adrenaline of the gun battle got his heart pumping and, well, he bled to death." Answered Alan, again in a solemn tone. "I'm so sorry." Responded Hahn, looking down to the ground to avoid eye contact. "Don't worry, justice was served." "How?" "Well the only dude to survive the ordeal was given to the CIA for questioning, the 'questioning' itself included 'mostly peaceful torture techniques to gain critical information' as said by the CIA when questioned by CNN." "Sounds like the CIA was taking jabs at CNN for that time when they referred to those riots in 2020 as 'mostly peaceful.'" "Bingo, right on target!" Exclaimed Alan making Hahn laugh, continuing on with the story. "After they cracked the guy, he spilled the info on about 16 compounds people like him were using around the United States, the dude than 'mysteriously' kicked the bucket while in prison. After the fact the CIA got a couple of SAD (Special Activities Division) and GIO (Ground Intelligence Operator) teams to cooperate with local police departments around the compounds to gather intelligence on them, leading to the eventual raiding of the compounds, and most importantly, the capture or neutralization of its occupants." "This sounds like something big, why haven't I heard of this?" "Were you in active service in 2084?" Asked Alan. "Yeah." Answered Hahn. "That explains it." The two men proceeded to share a laugh, soon enough the loud speaker went off, notifying everyone on the carrier [U.S.S Photosphere] of the impending amphibious landing about to take place: Operation First Kind. "[Intercom] All personal Participating in Operation First Kind Must report to the aft of the ship for a debriefing, you'll be disembarking within the hour." "Well, guess that's our cue." Said Alan. Time jump: 12 minutes (1113 hours) "Okay men, I'm going to need you all to understand that this isn't any normal run-of-the-mill Amphibious Assault, we aren't fighting commies, we're not fighting insurgents, we're not killing human traffickers, and we certainly aren't BLOWING ANYTHING UP! understood!?" Screamed Master Sergeant Jeremiah Juarez, receiving a loud consentaneous "YES SIR" from the 115+ men currently in front of him. "Good, because the land you all are going to be 'assaulting' is all to different from our own, with only a few similarities present, this presents an assortment of challenges that may come up in the foreseeable future. This is why I need you all to be on you're best behavior, I need professionals on this mission not kids, the United State's citizenry is counting on you wether they know it or not. This is why you've all received training using various camera and sampling equipment, you're not only going to be establishing a foot hold on this new world for the United States, but doing critical science work, I.E. collecting samples for scientific research." Said Master Sergeant Jeremiah, finishing with "any questions?" "Yeah um, what types of creatures can we find in this 'new world,' and how do we know they're not hostile? If they are, how do we fight them? If their is anything in this 'new world' that is." Asked Tristan Summers, skeptical on wether this operation was even a good idea. "Yeah Master Sergeant, what if there's some Eldritch monstrosity on that big hunk of earth that tares us limb from limb, you could be sending us on a suicide mission for all we know!" Exclaimed Corporal Rahim, a 23 year old man of Arabic descent who was, justifiably so, skeptical of the mission as well. This got the entire room of Marines talking about what creatures may, or may not be on the large continent. "Now now, NASA, the Air Force, CIA, and the Pentagon's satellites haven't picked up anything that we can't handle, or anything along the lines of an Eldritch monstrosity, but their are things that'll keep you on you're toes." Reassured Master Sergeant Jeremiah in his...own special way, continuing with the things they could expect when they landed. "One of the lesser examples of weird shit that inhabits this super continent, is what scientists at the Pentagon are calling the 'Mega-Spruce,' a 300 foot (91 meter) tall tree that is similar in appearance to spruce trees, only with Light Purple leaves that start 60 ft (18 meters) from its base. But still, be cautious around these, because if they aren't hostile their might be something on them that is." "How reassuring?" Voiced Tristan in a Sarcastic tone. "Shut you're trap Tristan, before I send you there alone with only a pocket knife and Luger p08 with 2 magazines! You're also scaring your squad mates!" Screamed Master Sergeant Jeremiah, continuing his debriefing. "Now where was I? Oh yeah! I probably should have told you all this before talking about the life in this new world, but to ease all your fears, we've found signs of life in the form of both small, and large primitive human made settlements. So if theirs any fierce beasts, which there are, you should be able to handle them considering you all are using weapons with several times the power of simple cannon balls and arrows-" "Sorry to interrupt you master sergeant, but what kind of creatures should we expect to see, and or fight?" Asked Corporal Rahim, slightly reassured by the fact he wasn't defenseless, but still skeptical. "You're lucky, because I was just getting to that. On October 24th CIA and Pentagon satellites took a couple...interesting photos of multiple large creatures with the appearance of dragons from ancient folklore, the Pentagon has categorized these dragons threat level by their length, dragons that are 200 ft (60 meters) or lower are CAT-1's, dragons that are 500 ft (152 meters) or lower are CAT-2's, dragons that are 900 ft (274 meters) or lower are CAT-3's, anything above 900 ft are CAT-4's but we've yet to spot any yet. Fortunately we've spotted no dragon-like life-forms where you'll be landing, but we have spotted a massive species of bear that are the size of the M30A3 Vercingetorix Heavy tank the army uses, and it's all White so it camouflages with the surrounding snow, so keep your eyes out and your head on a swivel." Answered Master Sergeant Jeremiah, continuing with the debriefing. "Of course there are more creatures the satellites took photos of, but they aren't a threat to you since you'll be landing on a beach hundreds, if not thousands of miles away from them, but that doesn't mean y'all are scot free either, because again, this is an entirely new world unlike our own so keep an eye out and your head on a swivel. But you know that, so I'll finish this debriefing so you all can get ready to disembark." Pulling a projector and a screen from somewhere off to the side, Master Sergeant Jeremiah turned on the projector and it showed a satellites image that was zoomed in just enough to make out various places, such as city lights and a dark forest. "Okay men, you see that large coastal city there? Well we're going to be landing 88 miles (141 kilometers) North of that city, because soon the Department Of Commerce is planning on using this city as a point to start trade relations with them, we're just here to make a foothold for the United States in this new world. But they'll only arrive when WE make first contact, but I still don't know how we'll do that. Anyone have any ideas?" The room stayed silent, causing Sergeant Major Jeremiah to chuckle before continuing with the last part of the debriefing. "Alright, this is the last part, promise. As you know you all are going to need an Area of Operations to work effectively, but don't worry you won't have to build trenches or underground tunnels, instead all of you will be staying somewhere more luxurious. Only the best for the United State's most prized explorers. You all will setting up your AO in what the Pentagon thinks is an abandoned castle of some kind, this castle in particular is 78 miles (125 kilometers) North East inland. When you guys land and make sure the Assault Crafts leave safely, I need you all to start making your way here as fast and inconspicuous as possible, a waypoint marking it's location, as well as yours will be displayed on your HUD (Head's up Display) and Mini-map, this goes for ground units and vehicle operators. When you guy's make it there you'll receive back up from multiple Seal Team 7 teams and U.S. army regiments equiped with WHA-91 Sceech Owls and other vehicles. Understood?" "Yes sir!" Was the resounding response Master Sergeant Jeremiah received, responding with "Good, now go prepare, you'll be leaving soon." After Sergeant Major Jeremiah said this the 115+ Marines started gathering the equipment they would need, placing it in the 4 logistics trucks that would be accompanying them on this mission. Soon enough the vehicles they would be taking were loaded on the Assault Crafts, the first to be loaded being were the 3 M3A4EV Mark-2 Lance Bradleys, the second were the 7 M1130AF Mark-3 Patton Strykers, the third being the 8 Humvee EVs, the fourth being 2 MX2A1 Eagle Eye Reconnaissance tanks they received specifically for this mission. This equipment loading of course didn't include the 5 M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abrams because of it's obvious amphibious capabilities, the 5 tanks would provide overwatch as well as take any munitions fired at the Assault Craft, providing ample protection for the Assault Craft as it makes it's way towards it's location. Soon enough, the 3 Assault Craft were loaded with all the equipment and supplies they would need, saying their goodbyes to the crew of the ship [U.S.S. Photosphere] the Marines entered their respective vehicles on the Assault Crafts, and then they were off into the unknown. It would take about 30 or so minutes before the Assault Craft hit the shore, so the Marines took this time to talk amongst themselves and catch up on events that interest them, like politics, economics, culture, etc. "Hey Nathan, how do you think things are going back home, ya' know, in the United States?" Asked Tristan Summers, knowing damn well that his friend somehow knew about the events unfolding in the United States, it was just something that he was capable of doing and no one knew why, so might as well take advantage of it. "Well it's what you'd expect, there are riots in every major city in the United States from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, to Miami and everything in between, it's an overall cluster fuck. But it's not like it wasn't expected, because the usual bunch of mentally challenged retards popped out to seize the moment, far left ideologues, anarchists, Marxists, and a plethora of other useful idiots trying to stage a violent government overthrow and play it off as minorities rioting." Responded Nathan Reeds in an irritated tone, the needless violence pissing him off. "I should've expected that really, my bad, though, I'd expect people like us to be called upon if the situation is as bad as you're insinuating." "Well, the U.S. government can't just call upon the military for fringe leftists setting affordable housing on fire and attacking suburban neighborhoods while playing it off as a revolution, yes we made an oath to protect the United States from all threats foreign and domestic, but they actually have to be legitimate threats that federal police, local police, and national guard can't handle by themselves." "Well, that must mean our Boys in Blue have everything under control." "Welp it's not like they're an actual threat...well that's not totally true, they're only a threat when they're in large numbers and attack people who aren't, can't fight back, or over the age of 60 and 70, but let it be anyone else and they're crying for police protection." Remarked Nathan, getting a few chuckles before the intercom came on a few seconds later. "[Intercom] Okay ladies, according to the GPS we're currently 20 miles from the Drop Zone, so prepare to disembark." "Speaking of GPS, weren't all GPS systems down for about 3 days? Why all of a sudden they're all up and running now?" Asked Frederick, currently petting Sunshine on the head. "That's easy, all satellites that are operated by the Air Force, CIA, NASA, the Pentagon, or any other government agency using satellites have this system called Immediate Satellite Protection and Land Surveying System, or SPLSS for short. The system itself turns off any satellites within the range of any powerful nuclear weapons or EMPs, while also creating a gravitational dome to protect the satellites from any heat, particles, or piece of debris coming it's way. Remember when the large White Light engulfed our convoy back in the Arctic, well it's thought by NASA that when the light engulfed the satellites the SPLSS system mistook the light as a nuclear blast, after the fact all of the satellites started mapping the planet because of protocol." Responded Tristan, more than happy to answer the question because of his vast knowledge of space faring vehicles. "Protocols?" "Well, the plan for the SPLSS system was to shield satellites from nuclear and conventional EMP weapons, the point being that they would all work in tandem to create, and continue to update an accurate picture of the planet for military use. Of course now the system has less of a use because of the redundancy of nuclear weapons, but the threat of conventional EMP's are still very prevalent so the system hasn't worn out it's use. Good thing too, because who knows how long it would've taken for the satellites to make a map without it." As the troops talked inside the Strykers and Humvees Marco Stain, Melvin Everest Lara, and Lorenzo Coleman were talking whilst eating an assortment of candies. "When we arrive at the castle, you guys wanna go exploring?" Asked Coleman, excited by the prospect of exploring an ancient ruin in another world, he was already imagining what artifacts could be within the castle walls. "Absolutely! Imagine exploring an abandoned castle in a totally new world, imagine the shit we'll find! Gold, emerald, sapphire, and even diamonds could be in that castle! What about you Marco?" Responded Melvin in his usual happy tone, taking Coleman's thoughts and putting them into words, catching him off guard. "Ustedes están demasiado emocionados por esto. It's just going to be an old abandoned castle, nothing special is going to be there, I guarantee it." Responded Marco, uninterested in the whole exploration idea. "Oh c'mon Marco, stop being a wet blanket and lighten up a little. I bet if you were to explore with us you'd have fun." Responded Melvin in his usual tone, only now instead of happiness and excitement it was full of pride and obligation. "Yeah, it'll be fun, promise." Said Coleman, trying to convince Marco to accompany them on their little adventure. "Ustedes son como niños." Said Marco, unbeknownst to him Melvin was currently studying the spanish language to better understand him, instead he was now able to understand every backhanded comment and insult. "Oh you little-" Is what Coleman heard as he opened a bag of gummy worms, the bag itself concealing what was said after that point, it wasn't long after that a multitude of loud bangs and thuds could be heard from the MAWTS-1 (Mounted Advanced Wireless Transmissions Systems), so he turned of the only system connecting him with the turret and said "everything's probably fine" as he ate his gummy worms. Soon enough the Assault Craft hit ground, the ground being ice 34 feet (10.3 meters) thick which easily supported the immense weight of the Assault Craft and it's cargo. The cargo itself, being made up of 27 vehicles, unloaded onto the ice 3 minutes after the Assault Craft's, an LCAC-888, skirt performed a deflating motion and put the Assault Craft in a position to unfold it's loading ramp. After this action, the 27 vehicle convoy got into a defensive position with the logistics trucks and Humvee-EVs at the rear and armored vehicles at the front, as well as a couple infantry units scattered around the vehicles. The reason for the convoy to get into this position was to give the LCAC-888s ample time and protection to leave the area safely, after another 3 minutes the 2 LCAC-888's closed their loading ramps and their skirts performed an inflating motion, after these actions were performed the 2 Assault Craft left the frozen, icy coast and disappeared behind the fog that concealed the 9 ship strong amphibious assault fleet from prying eyes. When the convoy was sure that the Assault Craft were a safe distance away, able to see their location through the fog using the MMSCH (Modular Multi System Connection Helmet) with the AFUTS (Automated Friendly Unit Tracking System) through the Helmet's neuralink, they took a good look at their surroundings and were thunderstruck by what they saw, all of what Master Sergeant Jeremiah said being true, 300 foot (91 meters) tall trees two hundred and twenty feet (67 meters) taller than the M500A1C SEPV2 GunGallago land cruiser, with branches more than 88 feet (26 meters) long laced with Light Purple leaves 15 inches (38 centimeters) in width, and 18 inches (45 centimeters) in length. This of course paled in comparison to the trunk of the tree which spanned a whopping 45 feet (13 meters) thick, the roots that pierced the ground and saw the light of day being 77 inches (195 centimeters) thick, it was thought that even thicker ones lay beneath the surface. When the convoy was on the cusp of entering the forest the waypoint came up on everyone's HUDs (Heads Up Display), it was at that moment that everyone in the convoy was traveling in a different direction from where the waypoint was placed, they were traveling 60 degrees in the opposite direction of the abandoned castle. So in response the convoy changed direction and was now properly traveling in the direction of the waypoint, as the convoy made it's way through the forest it only exemplified how massive these "Mega-Spruces" actually were, despite each tree being separated by what was a 70 foot (21 meter) gap, their branches were still able to touch each other and formed natural bridges. 'I wonder if there's any animals that live up there? Like this world's version of birds and stuff.' Said Alan internally, his eyes studying the vast landscape that blocked any assemblance of light that laid beyond it, the Purple Light of the Moon only piercing through small fractures that the gargantuan branches couldn't mask. The extreme darkness wasn't a problem for the armored vehicles and infantry units of the convoy, thanks to the MDONVCS (Modular Digital Optical Night Vision Camera System) that you can find embedded in all Exo-suit helmets currently in service with the USMC, US Army, USN, and USAF; as well as inside armored vehicles and remote controlled gun optics. The MDONVCS system is one of the best, if not the best Gen VIII night-vision devise used by any modern military, the MDONVCS can multiply the smallest amount of light by 50,000 and minimise light glare while showing the world in full color so it's wearer can effectively see the environment they're in, and since the MDONVCS is majority software instead of hardware it comes at a low cost to the soldier since the system uses the 5,000 FPS cameras that are already equipped on the helmet. Needless to say the MDONVCS is extraordinarily useful in environments like this, not only to effectively maneuver in said environment but also be able to spot enemy combatants first, giving U.S. forces the capability to engage unknowing enemy forces and win. Systems like the MDONVCS when paired with other software/hardware systems like MMSCH, AFUTS, and AHUTS (Automated Hostile Unit Tracking System), HONVBS (Hostile Optics and Night Vision Blinding System), and HMITR (Helmets Mounted Infantry Tracking Radar) offer the United State's armed ground forces First See, First Shot, and First Kill capabilities against near pier forces. But in the off chance the United States finds itself interlocked in a battle against the forces of yesteryear, like when the USMC engaged ZDK (Zimlip Daseeta Kingdom) forces in the North pole, that don't have the latest and greatest software/hardware systems, than U.S. forces are equipped with Software and hardware like HBSTS (Heart Beat Sensor Tracking System), WRPS (Wearable Rocket Propulsion System), and MIRTS (Modular InfraRed Tracking System) to properly engage them in combat. These systems are, much like every other system embedded on U.S. military Exo-suits, all connected via neuralink on the wearer's helmet for ease of use. Since every system equipped on the Exo-suits, whether it be for combat against near pier or obsolete forces, are linked together they can all be utilized and be wirelessly connected to systems not exactly connected to the wearer's Exo-suit, systems like ALG (active laser guidance) and ARSS (Automated Rifle Sights System) can be activated and used in tandem by the wearer with a single thought, creating the ultimate fighting force that, when paired with other military assets [Aircraft, Armoured Vehicles, Naval Vessels, etc], is almost unknowable. Opening the door for Pure Domination. As the convoy was 2 miles into their trek to the abandoned castle an intense amount of rustling could be heard coming from the south, as it got closer one of the Marines, a Cpl named Alexander O'Gallagher, used his HBSTS and MIRTS to find out what was heading their way and what he saw absolutely terrified him. 60 to 70 unidentifiable creatures swinging and jumping from branch to branch were currently racing in the direction of the convoy, in the ensuing seconds Cpl Alexander spotted the creatures he began to raise his rifle, a CH2M16A1 coil gun, and fired three 2 round bursts of 5.56 APCT rounds which reached 5,589 feet per second (1,703 meters per second/3,810 mph/6,132 kph). Currently 2 5.56 APCT, or Armor Piercing Crimson Tip, rounds were flying at supersonic speeds towards the unknown creature, the bullets themselves being made of a Tungsten core surrounded by a layer of Gold-J as to not fragment or exit the target, the theory being that the tough and heavy build of the bullet wouldn't fragment or exit the target. Once the 5.56 APCT enters the body it deforms due to the mass amount of force applied to it, making the round tumble within the intended target, turning their insides into what can only be seen as "jellified-meat." The APCT is so good at making good communists that it has adorned a name within the United States armed forces: "Commie-Begone," but jokes aside there's plenty of other rounds currently in service with the United States military, some being smart bullets and others being smartly engineered kinetic penetrators like the APCT round. Getting back to the scientific-discovery-to-be about to get it shit pushed in, once the first round pierced the creatures skin it hit directly on what was it's 2nd heart, after going completely through the heart it continued for about an inch before tumbling up and back towards the creatures 3rd heart, tearing through it before it finally stopped. The second round however pierced the creatures stomach, shredding what was it's small intestine, jettisoning up into the pancreas, stomach, lungs, and went straight out of the creatures right shoulder. After taking the herculean blows the 8 ft (2.4 meter) tall creature, which at first didn't appear all too large when the Corporal saw it, fell as it missed the branch it jumped towards before it was shot and struck multiple other of the large branches as it fell back to the earth below. As the creature hit the snow below, it's Glowing Pink blood splattering around it, it's brethren scattered in panick as their friend was taken from them by a seemingly unknowable force. The creature itself fortunately didn't suffer a long and painful death, because once both bullets made contact the creature was killed almost instantly, but as said creature was laying lifeless on the floor several of the Marines walked up to examine it. "What the fuck...did...you kill Alexander?" Asked Staff Sergeant Nathan Reeds, confused and slightly frightened at the creature in front of him. "Sir I-I-" Responded Corporal Alexander, stuttering over himself. "It's fine, it was a...mistake." As the Marines examined the creature they were astonished, the creature itself resembled that of a Baboon, only bigger and more muscular, with 4 large muscular arms accompanied by 2 large legs that were also muscular. Adorned on the end of each of the 6 limbs were 6, long, 3 jointed, taloned fingers that reached 9 inches (22 centimeters) in length, the talons as sharp as knives. The blood and retinas of the creature was Pink, and it's teeth, much like it's talons were sharp as knives, even the smaller teeth were sharp. "Haha...yeah, I'm getting back into the Humvee, feel free to join me." Said Tristan, who just barely joined his colleagues. "Soooo...do we take this with us?" Asked Alan, remembering the whole science aspect of this operation. "Well it'd only make sense. Alexander, Frederick, bring this thing back to the third logistics truck, and hurry, this place gives me the heebie-jeebies." Demanded Nathan as he looked above with a shaken and uneasy look, his command would be met with a "YES SIR" by both Alexander and Frederick. After Frederick and Alexander put the body in the logistics truck and got into one of the Humvees, the convoy started back up again, now at a faster pace due to the fact the infantry units were now not on the ground, but in the vehicles. At the pace the convoy was going now it would take an hour or so for the convoy to arrive at the waypoint, by then it would stil be dark and allow these new explorers to set up camp. Soon enough the convoy would arrive at the castle, and was it amazing, according to satellite images the castle was 600 square feet with walls that reached 40 feet in height, enough room for a group of explorers to set up shop. After a couple of seconds of staring at the door one of the M1A5's forced it open, surprisingly meeting zero resistance, as the door opened it revealed a courtyard inside and than another door that led into the castle itself. The convoy than entered the castle and closed the doors behind them because they aren't rude, after closing the large door behind them the same M1A5 Abram's that opened the last door proceeded to do the same with the next, having the same result. As the door opened it revealed a extravagant throne room with large rooms to the left and right of it, when examined the rooms were smaller than the throne room but big enough to store multiple vehicles. This castle was perfect. "Exploration! Exploration! Exploration!" Said both Melvin and Coleman as they carried Marco away with them to explore the castle, Marco screaming "Please, I want to live! I want to live!" To set up the camp and park the vehicles took around 20 to 30 minutes maximum, allowing ample to for the Marines to do what Marco, Melvin, and Coleman were doing and explore, sleep, or check the vehicles or equipment. As of right now, all the Marines had to do was notify the U.S.S. Photosphere about their arrival, and wait for back-up to arrive." "Okay men, who wants to go exploring?" Asked Nathan with a child like smile. "Here's to the families that live in the reality of this video, and to the ones that didn't make it back home" - Justin Moore | Country Musician Author's Note All Empire of Rising Suns Army (ERSA) branches Solar Guard: The Empire of Rising Sun's Equunian Solar Guard commonly used ERS as a first line of defense against anything that threatens the mighty Empire wether it be foreign or domestic, these threats could be anything from Changeling Militias, the CDF (Changeling Defense Force), monsters, cryptids, and Heathens. Depite this massive list the Solar Guard is, and will always be, first line of defense and usually doesn't finish a battle alone, but it happens. Sun Chasers Corps: Despite the popularity of the Sun Chasers among Colts and young stallions, their operations and overall role within the ERSA is largely unknown to the general public, this includes date of creation, operations, reason for creation, and who they're meant to fight against. Many ponies in the Empire of Rising Suns theorized that they were an auxiliary force created to aid the Solar Guard in long term battles, but this couldn't be further from the truth, although the idea of the Sun Chasers Helping the Solar Guard isn't wrong considering the Solar Guards role, but their mean reason for existing is to protect the ERS from his Elevated Immanence, the God King of the mountains titans and ruler of the Highlands, a place populated by mountain titans that reside within mountains, watching over land that has been claimed by His Elevated Immanence. Heat Dancers Division: Much like the Sun Chasers, the Heat Dancers can aid the Solar guard in engaging conventional threats often faced by kingdoms like the ERS, but that doesn't take away from the fact they were formed for a very specific task. The task in question being very similar to the Sun Chasers, only instead of dealing with massive mountain titans the Hot Dancers dealt with elemental Demons and Orks, more commonly known as the Lavademons and Iceorks. Sharing another commonality with the Sun Chasers, the Heat Dancers are also highly secretive and the general public doesn't know much about them, but unlike the Sun Chasers, they aren't as popular. Sunrise Detachment: The Sunrise Detachment, much like the last two branches, is highly secretive with its operations and missions, but that's where the similarities end, because the general public does have a good understanding of why they were formed and who they combat. Formed in 2552 the Sunrise Detachment was created to combat the ever growing threat of attacks from paid mercenary groups like the Shadowbolts, which were often used by nations to destroy or disrupt their enemies military outposts, government buildings, and civilian out posts. Brightest Guard: Sister force to the Solar Guard, the Brightest Guard responds as a secondary fighting force. On Bukastillo continant, Ponderosa Pine trees are extremely sought-after because they have the uncanny ability to absorb large amounts of raw magic throughout it's life, even when cut down, cut into pieces, or made into items like furniture or kitchen ware. Much like the Malbrown Miteus the Ponderosa Pine grows exclusively in the New Luner Republic, it's properties being tightly controlled by the nation, only being exported to close allies like the Empire of Rising Suns, Vageta Temi Mima Dominion, and many others because of ideological differences, but the tree is very rare which is another factor it's tightly in why it's tightly controlled. In loving Memory of... Detective Sandra Y. Adrian Detective I Gerard A. Ahearn Detective James John Albanese Chief of Detectives William H. Allee Detective Sixto Almonte Detective Luis Gustavo Alvarez Sergeant Alex W. Baez Police Officer Curtis Joseph Bako Police Officer Karen E. Barnes Detective Thomas J. Barnitt Police Officer Ronald G. Becker, Jr. Detective Aslyn A. Beckles Police Officer James A. Betso Sergeant Gerard Thomas Beyrodt Police Officer Derrick Bishop Police Officer Scott R. Blackshaw Police Officer Frank M. Bolusi Deputy Chief Steven Joseph Bonano Sergeant Patrick J. Boyle Police Officer Thomas Gerard Brophy Lieutenant Rebecca A. Buck Police Officer James M. Burke Captain Carmine C. Cantalino Police Officer Audrey P. Capra Police Officer Madeline Carlo Detective Megan K. Carr-Wilks Detective Joseph A. Cavitolo Police Officer Yolanda Cawley Sergeant Christopher M. Christodoulou Police Officer Peter D. Ciaccio Lieutenant Steven L. Cioffi Sergeant Charles J. Clark Police Officer Daniel Charles Conroy Sergeant John Gerard Coughlin Sergeant Patrick T. Coyne Detective Christopher Edward Cranston Detective Angel Antonio Creagh Sergeant Michael Sean Curtin Detective Kevin Anthony Czartoryski Police Officer John D'Allara Police Officer Anthony D'Erasmo Detective Annetta G. Daniels Police Officer Vincent G. Danz Sergeant Garrett S. Danza Detective Michael Kenneth Davis Police Officer Anthony DeJesus Deputy Chief Vincent A. DeMarino Police Officer Michael O. Diamond Detective Corey J. Diaz Detective Leroy Dixon Police Officer Kenneth Xavier Domenech Police Officer Jerome Mark Patrick Dominguez Police Officer Stephen Patrick Driscoll Police Officer Renee Dunbar Police Officer Robert M. Ehmer Police Officer Mark Joseph Ellis Police Officer Otto R. Espinoza Detective Pedro Esponda, Jr. Police Officer William P. Farley Police Officer Robert Fazio, Jr. Detective Luis G. Fernandez Sergeant Paul Michael Ferrara Police Officer Keith A. Ferrara Police Officer John P. Ferrari Police Officer Edward M. Ferraro Inspector Donald G. Feser Detective Carmen M. Figueroa Police Officer Alexander Figueroa Police Officer Nicholas G. Finelli Detective Stuart F. Fishkin Police Officer Edward J. Fitzgerald Lieutenant Jeffrey W. Francis Sergeant Gary M. Franklin Detective Sean Patrick Franklin Police Officer Scott N. Gaines Captain Barry Galfano Police Officer Thomas J. Gallagher Sergeant Michael J. Galvin Police Officer Deborah A. Garbutt-Jeff Police Officer Matthew J. Gay Police Officer Judy Ann Ghany- Barounis Police Officer Anthony C. Giambra, Jr. Detective Peter "Pietro" Gianfrancesco Detective James Thomas Giery Sergeant Rodney C. Gillis Captain Edward Charles Gilpin Detective Charles Gilbert Gittens, Jr. Detective Michael E. Glazer Police Officer James Junior Godbee Detective John E. Goggin Police Officer Robert C. Grossman Police Officer Dave E. Guevara Inspector James Guida Sergeant Charles R. Gunzelman Police Officer Diane F. Halbran Police Officer Michael J. Hance Police Officer Anthony R. Hanlon Sergeant Claire T. Hanrahan Police Officer Raymond Harris Detective Kevin George Hawkins Police Officer Joseph F. Heid Police Officer Robert Bernard Helmke Detective Michael R. Henry Detective Alick W. Herrmann Detective William J. Holfester Police Officer Richard G. Holland Detective Nathaniel Holland, Jr. Detective Steven Hom Police Officer Demetrias Hopkins Detective Charles James Humphry Sergeant Michael Vincent Incontrera Sergeant Wayne A. Jackson Police Officer Richard Jakubowsky Police Officer Cheryl D. Johnson Police Officer Paul J. Johnson Police Officer Louise M. Johnston Sergeant Scott Johnston Police Officer Robert W. Kaminski Police Officer Charles M. Karen Detective William D. Kinane Police Officer William J. King Police Officer Ronald Philip Kloepfer Police Officer Gary Lee Koch Police Officer Kelly Christine Korchak Police Officer Fred J. Krines Detective John F. Kristoffersen Detective Stephen T. Kubinski Police Officer Thomas Michael Langone Detective Robert F. Larke Sergeant Mark Lawler Police Officer James Patrick Leahy Detective Michael Lawrence Ledek Detective Jeffrey A. Lee Police Officer Andrew J. Lewis Detective Christian R. Lindsay Lieutenant Luis A. Lopez Police Officer Richard Lopez Detective Thomas J. Lyons Police Officer Frank Gerard Macri Police Officer David Mahmoud Police Officer Shaun M. Mahoney Detective John J. Marshall Sergeant Robert P. Masci Police Officer Vito S. Mauro Police Officer Gary Gerald Mausberg Lieutenant Jacqueline McCarthy Police Officer Brian Grady McDonnell Police Officer Patrick Thomas McGovern Sergeant Colleen A. McGowan Captain Edward Joseph McGreal Sergeant Michael J. McHugh Police Officer Denis Reid McLarney Police Officer Christopher Shawn McMurry Lieutenant Jennifer Meehan Police Officer Gregory V. Melita Detective Tommy L. Merriweather Detective Mark Mkwanazi Lieutenant Brian S. Mohamed Deputy Chief James Gerard Molloy Detective James W. Monahan Detective Robert A. Montanez Detective Michael P. Morales Captain Dennis Morales Detective John K. Muller Sergeant Patrick P. Murphy Lieutenant Paul Murphy Sergeant Edmund P. Murray Sergeant Anthony Napolitano Police Officer Mark J. Natale Police Officer Robert J. Nicosia Detective Maureen M. O'Flaherty Sergeant Terrence Scott O'Hara Sergeant Donald J. O'Leary, Jr. Lieutenant Carlos J. Ocasio Police Officer Jason Howard Offner Detective Edwin Ortiz Police Officer Robert Ortiz Police Officer Robert V. Oswain, Jr. Police Officer Joseph Cavanaugh Pagnani Police Officer Allison Marie Palmer Lieutenant Phillip E. Panzarella Detective Joseph Paolillo Police Officer William G. Parker Police Officer Marie Ann Patterson-Bohanan Captain Ronald G. Peifer, Sr. Police Officer Angelo Peluso, Jr. Police Officer John William Perry Detective Philip T. Perry Police Officer Glen Kerrin Pettit Detective Joseph L. Pidoto Sergeant Louis R. Pioli Captain Peter L. Pischera Police Officer Francis Thomas Pitone Police Officer Frank J. Pizzo Lieutenant Christopher M. Pupo Assistant Chief Michael V. Quinn Detective Andrea Renee Jacqueline Rainer Police Officer Moira Ann Reddy-Smith Police Officer Christine Anne Reilly Detective George Clay Remouns, Jr. Lieutenant Gerald Rex Lieutenant Robert Daniel Rice Detective Claude Daniel Richards Detective Ronald A. Richards Detective Roberto L. Rivera Police Officer Lawrence J. Rivera Police Officer Peter O. Rodriguez Detective Joseph M. Roman Lieutenant Kenneth W. Rosello Lieutenant John Charles Rowland Sergeant Timothy Alan Roy, Sr. Lieutenant James D. Russell Detective John A. Russo Sergeant Michael W. Ryan Lieutenant James E. Ryan Police Officer Patrice Marie Ryan-Ott Detective Thomas Santoro Sergeant Stephen P. Scalza Sergeant Jacqueline C. Schaefer Detective James A. Schiavone, Jr. Detective Joseph Edward Seabrook Police Officer Peter M. Sheridan, Jr. Lieutenant Marci Simms Detective Basilio A. Simons Detective Andrew L. Siroka Sergeant Harold John Smith Captain Scott V. Stelmok Detective Christopher Strucker Police Officer Ramon Suarez Sergeant Barbara J. Sullivan Police Officer Robert S. Summers Detective Traci L. Tack-Czajkowski Police Officer Paul Talty Police Officer Richard E. Taylor Sergeant Edward Doyle "Ned" Thompson Detective Sally A. Thompson Detective William B. Titus, Jr. Police Officer Martin Tom Police Officer Reginald Umpthery, Sr. Police Officer Santos Valentin, Jr. Detective Harry Valentin Police Officer Manuel Vargas, Jr. Detective Dennis J. Vickery Police Officer John F. Vierling, Jr. Detective Joseph Vincent Vigiano Police Officer Perry T. Villani Police Officer Matthew S. von Seydewitz Sergeant Michael B. Wagner Police Officer William T. Walsh Lieutenant William H. Wanser, III Detective Thomas P. Ward Police Officer Walter Edward Weaver Detective Thomas Francis Weiner, Jr. Police Officer Ronald Evan Weintraub Detective Richard H. Wentz Detective Jennifer A. Williams Police Officer Wade Jason Williams Detective Robert W. Williamson Inspector Richard Daniel Winter Police Officer Kenneth W. Wolf Police Officer George Mon Cheng Wong Detective John T. Young Detective James Zadroga Police Officer Robert A. Zane, Jr. Trooper First Class Eugene Kenneth Baron, Jr. Trooper First Class Walter Greene, Jr. Detective Mark S. Gado Police Officer Kathleen O'Connor-Funigiello Police Officer Brian R. Abbondandelo Police Officer Charles Dennis Cole, Jr. Police Officer Peter Francis Curran Police Officer Peter Martino Police Officer Paul J. McCabe Police Officer James V. Quinn Lieutenant Michael P. Shea Sergeant Christopher A. Vidro Police Officer Walter L. Mallinson Corporal Harvey Snook, III Sergeant James Thomas Farrell Detective Stephen John Mullen Sergeant Dennis Wallace Reichardt Police Officer Christopher Amoroso Police Officer Maurice Barry Police Officer Charles Barzydlo Lieutenant John J. Brant Police Officer Liam Callahan Lieutenant Robert Cirri Police Officer John Mark Cortazzo Police Officer Clinton Davis Police Officer Donald Foreman Police Officer Gregg Froehner Police Officer Thomas Gorman Police Officer Uhuru Gonja Houston Police Officer George Howard Police Officer Stephen Huczko, Jr. I nspector Anthony Infante Police Officer Paul Jurgens Sergeant Robert Kaulfers Police Officer James W. Kennelly Police Officer Paul Laszczynski Police Officer William James Leahy Police Officer David P. LeMagne Police Officer John Lennon Police Officer John Levi Police Officer James Lynch Captain Kathy Mazza Police Officer Donald McIntyre Police Officer Walter McNeil Police Officer Mark J. Meier Director of Public Safety Fred V. Morrone Police Officer Joseph Navas Police Officer James Nelson Police Officer Alfonse Niedermeyer Sergeant Vincent Joseph Oliva Police Officer Pavlos D. Pallas Police Officer James Parham Police Officer Dominick Pezzulo Police Officer Bruce Reynolds Police Officer Antonio Rodrigues Police Officer Richard Rodriguez Chief James Romito Police Officer John Skala Police Officer Walwyn Stuart Police Officer Michael Edmund Teel Police Officer Kenneth Tietjen Police Officer Steven John Tursellino Police Officer Nathaniel Webb Police Officer Michael Wholey And Many, Many More... Map of Bukastillo V1 Alan Dedric Church is not mine, he belongs to Souls_USA. Remember, if you spot any mistakes, please notify me.
Prologue: The Unseen Piller of ChangeAuthor's Note Hello my faithful audience, this is the start a my test story for me to improve my writing style, so constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. But remember, no hostility, treat your fellow humans with respect. Also, many aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and space craft won't have URL's to go with them, so bare with me and use your colorful imagination. P.S. If their are any errors, please notify me. Thank you and enjoy. P.S. Alan Dedric Church is not mine, he belongs to Souls_USA. Prologue: The Unseen Piller of Change "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves" -Abraham Lincoln | 16th president of the United States Equunian time: 3023, October 12th, 0115 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0115 hours Location: Crystal Empire, Eastern woods of Vicwy City U.S. perspectives: none Equunian Perspectives: Prince Sombra Hollanbow, queen Chrysalis Tubeauty Munozmane, princess Marcela Grawave Munozmane Entering the snow covered forest east of Vicwy and exiting the snowy plains that surrounded the city, Marcela looked to her right and stared at the city as its gorgeous lights slowly faded away, leaving only the moons natural light light Gray, as well as the dark Purple glow of the dust clouds that surrounded it. Turning her head to the left Marcela looked at her mother, who wore her normal iron shoes, crown, and neck peace that were adorned with beautiful emeralds that complemented the non-reflective dark Gray of the metal regalia. Looking at her mother a little longer, Marcela moved on further left and looked at the unbearably handsome prince Sombra Hollanbow, who was kept locked up in the castle for most of his life by his father king Sibeauty Rosemane Hollanbow when his mother, queen Phantasia Hollanbow, had unfortunately passed away to an illness that's still not fully understood. But don't get it twisted, everyone in Equestria knew prince sombra existed, but so little was known about him that rumors and myths started to form around his very existence; myths and rumors that ranged from the very bizarre, to very sinister. Until about 2 years ago when Sombra snuck out of the castle by convincing the head of palace security that his father allowed him to roam the city streets after 20 years of being locked up in the castle. Upon walking out of the palace and being in full view of the cities population, Sombra had swaths of ponies gather around him as he walked through the city streets, many of them mares gawking at his muscular physique and handsome looks, and to the animosity of king Sibeauty, news of him reached every pony kingdom in Equestria. News of prince Sombra even reached the New Lunar Republic, and the Empire of Rising Suns, along with many other powerful kingdom's as well. Not long after, king Sibeauty started getting letters from these kingdom's leaders, expressing their happiness to finally meet the prince and how they are coming to visit the castle to see Sombra in person. This of course didn't sit will with King Sibeauty, but he couldn't just say they couldn't come to the palace because that would tarnish the good name of the crystal empire, so he allowed them to come despite how much he really didn't want to. But he did get some satisfaction when he told his son Sombra about the various leaders arriving, because Sombra wasn't at all excited about it either. But since both Sombra and his father have a great father-son relationship, both decided to just get it over with and go on with their lives, of course with some major differences. When the day came to meet the leaders of each kingdom, Sombra wanted to stay in his room and wait out the whole event and just roam the city streets when it finished, but he knew he couldn't do that; he couldn't just make all those King's and queens come for nothing. So he stallionned-up and stepped into the party hall for all the guests to see him, upon stepping inside the large room Sombra spotted many notable faces, Empress Celestia Solar Collinaphima and her sister Queen Luna Crescent Collinaphima, Princess Mi amor Cadenza Collinaphima and her Coltfriend Shining Armor Mavaca, Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca and her little dragon friend Spike Mavaca, King Kokawhite Jikinigner and his wife Queen Flovous Jikinigner, along with their daughter Princess Trixie Tolafia Jikinigner. Those were all the notable ponies Sombra could spot, the rest were all just leaders of splinter Kingdom's that didn't have the influence the larger ones had. Putting up his best party face Sombra walked forward and addressed the crowd, and nothing, nothing came of his addressing but stares from mares with bedroom eyes, all of which were either princesses younger than he, or queens that were either married or much older than him. Depending on one's perspective it could've been an eventful night, but not for Sombra, for him it was just another boring party, except he was supposed to be the reason for the party. Except he was literally quiet the entire time, the only ponies he talked to were mares, and it seemed like every other stallion his age felt intimidated, which made Sombra feel awful for something he couldn't control. Some of the mares Sombra spoke to were Queen Celestia and Luna, who appeared to have some kind of rivalry with each other. Which made sense since both commanded very powerful empires that rivaled both the Crystal Empire and the Artral Lacenpierre Dominion. But Luna was allot more physical at times when compared to her sister, but that's to be expected from a warrior queen like Luna, who regularly joined her guard's in battle against rival kingdom's. Celestia on the other hand was much more reserved and only touched if she was allowed, which again would be expected from a mare who was more focused on style and class than battle and honor. At least that was the case until Sombra started to say his farewells to all of the guests, because when he moved on to celebrate he received a large hug from her that lasted more than twelve seconds, luckily for sombra nopony other than Twilight and her friends were there. The two mares were pleasant to be around, and brightened up Sombra's outlook on the whole party. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your outlook on the situation, the time Sombra spent talking to Luna and Celestia didn't change his outlook on their two nations, because both for 5,000 years still allowed the legal use of slavery of the youngest species on Equus: The Changelings, a species created by their father, Emperor Watsonical Dophire Collinaphima, for the sole purpose of being slaves. Of course Watsonical is long dead, that's made evident by his two daughters ruling over two separate fragments of his once great kingdom, the Luva Northca Husava Kingdom. This super kingdom was ruled by Emperor Watsonical for more than 5,000 years, his reign only ending about 1,000 years ago when his two daughters inherited his kingdom, spawning both the New Lunar Republic, and the Empire of Rising Suns. As Marcela continued to look at Sombra she didn't realize he'd already seen her and was looking back at her, once she noticed this she started to blush heavily, which made him giggle slightly. This unintentional teasing of her daughter caught Chrysalis's attention, she was well aware of Sombra's good looks, as well as how her own daughter had a crush on the young prince. Of course Sombra didn't have the same feelings towards Marcela as she had towards him, he was 22 years old and she was 13, which was a massive 9 year age difference, and even then he most likely wouldn't have any interest in her if they were the same age. "Hmm, Sombra you are aware Marcela has a crush on you?" Chrysalis carefully whispered into Sombra's ear while Marcela wasn't looking. This of course made him blush in return, knowing now that even young foal where attracted to him made him feel a bit...off. "I-I'm sorry for the inconvenience Ms. Chrysalis, let us continue our trek without any hindrance." Responded Sombra, wanting to get that damming idea [foal and fillies being attracted to him] out of his head. "That's what I thought." Responded Chrysalis with a smug grin. Continuing to walk through the dimly lit forest, all of them refused to say a word until they reached their destination, and that's going to take an hour and a half to do. So for now they'll just have to make due with the purple light of the moon to keep them company, because when they arrive at their destination they won't be able to see it. The place the 3 royals were heading was an abandoned castle that was left when Sombra's grandfather, King Sullivanett Bennettkor Hollanbow, was stripped of power and replace with his son more than 1,007 years ago. At the height of his powers King Sullivanett was usually on the side of the nobility and rarely cared for his subjects, but behind the scenes he often funded research for knew ways of utilizing magic in warfare for combating the Luva Northca Huvasa Kingdom, along with many other kingdom's that existed then, but not now. These research projects would be finished, and when the Crystal Empire declared war on a nation known as the Thioel Benabral Republic to test the new magical weapons and to gain more territory. But the Thioel Benabral Republic wasn't at all defenseless against the Crystal Empire because they too where studying knew forms of magic weaponry, which vibrantly evened out the playing field for these two kingdoms. This war, along with the new forms of weaponized magic got the attention of a very renowned magic expert, who was the teacher to both Luna and Celestia when they were mere fillies, known as Starswirl the Bearded, his full name was Starswirl Clafang Kosdson and he was born to a very wealthy noble family. When he heard about the conflict and the magic being used in it, he decided to travel to the Crystal Empire and have a meeting with King Sullivanett, he was of course denied a meeting and sent back home. Fortunately Sullivanett was stripped of his power in a military coup that his son, prince Sibeauty Rosemane Hollanbow, planned for over 2 years when he was in the Royal Crystal guard. When he was deposed by his son, Sullivanett disappeared from Equestria and was never found by anypony again, many still speculate that he still lurks somewhere in Equestria, waiting and biding his time so he could have the right moment to invade and take back the Crystal Empire and soon, conquer Equestria. But for now the only things left of his reign are the ruins and fragments of the weaponized magic that is still loosely used by every kingdom in Equestria that is capable of magic, but that doesn't mean that his weaponized magic is totally forgotten because a good portion of it is still within Crystal Empire secret archives, just waiting to be used to defend it's nation once more. This of course didn't sit well with every other kingdom in Equestria because none of them enjoyed the thought of a lone nation possessing weapons more capable then their own, so please and deals from neighboring kingdoms to share their secrets, or to destroy them were proposed. Obviously King Sibeauty and the Crystal Empire didn't cave into their demands and to this day, the Crystal Empire still holds its secrets. But of course not all of the research into magic was for combat superiority on the battlefield, because allot of it was research into magic capable of creating a portal between this dimension, and others capable of sustaining biological life: like ponies. Unfortunately for Sullivanett this project was never finished because of the conflict with the Thioel Benabral Republic, he put almost all resources towards the war effort that he saw the project as useless for the time being, postponing it for when the war was won, as we know this never happened. Fortunately for the project Sibeauty saw the great potential in it and continued funding, soon enough a spell was concocted for the possible transportation of objects, materials, and possibly, living things from other dimensions to this one. The spell has been under extreme secrecy ever since its creation in 2847, and subsequent up grade in 2989, so much so that the magineers responsible for creating it were all killed as to not have it being found out, especially since the public knowledge of a spell capable of transporting things from other dimensions to this one could start a continental war with every nation in Equestria interested in the possibility of having unlimited resources for whatever endeavor they may have. Though, every time this spell has been used it failed at bringing back anything, but that was when under the use of one pony with base level knowledge on magic, it was only when the spell was modified to be used by multiple users with a much greater level of knowledge on magic was when it started to pump out favorable results. Small objects like pieces of wood, metal necklaces, small knives, and cigars would come from using the spell; this unfortunately was the extent of the objects the spell could amass. So by 2999 the spell, which was now named "Onoza," wasn't having tests being ran on it anymore because it was seen once again as useless, but was still kept under lock and key as to not allow any other kingdoms to somehow perfect the spell and use it for themselves. At least those in the Crystal Empire's who were aware of it thought it was useless, but not Chrysalis, who was informed by Sombra and his father about the spell in 3012, who saw extreme potential for it to help her and her subjects. Getting straight to work on modifying the spell with the smartest of her subjects, Chrysalis spent the last 10 years of her life modifying the spell for when it is finally put to use, it won't fail. Hopefully. The whole plan for the spell was to use it to teleport a mighty warrior, or warriors from their dimension to this one in hopes they could help free the Changeling's from their shackles. But of course a flurry of unintended consequences could come out of using the spell, such as something coming with the warriors from their dimension, which could be a good or bad thing. But that's only if something comes with them, which may still not happen. Finally arriving at the abandoned castle the three royals prepared themselves to use the heavily modified spell for the first time in 10 years, so anything can happen, and since safety can't be insured no promises can be made. Upon stepping inside the dimly lit castle entrance, Sombra lit up his horn using light magic and casted it in a 360 degree radius, the light reaching 8 feet in length. Continuing through the castle halls the three royals made their way towards the tallest tower, at least the tallest one still standing, and prepared to activate the spell. Each one knew the words they had to recite in their heads for it to work, each one of them practiced for the past week for this very moment, of course without using their magic. Standing in a circle Chrysalis, Marcela, and Sombra closed their eyes, readying their magic they started chanting the words that activated the spell in their heads, soon after a small kickball sized orb of pure unadulterated magic appeared in the middle of the 3 ponies, as the orb hovered in place it started changing colors at an accelerated rate. The first color being red, then white, and finally blue; all in that order. If you were outside of the castle at this time it would seem like a laser light show was happening in the highest tower, a laser light show that ended 6 seconds after it began. Which seems like a very sucky laser light show. When the spell ceased and they all opened their eyes to see if the spell worked, there was no hero or hero's, but a mere flag. Upon closer inspection, the flag didn't resemble anything that a kingdom in Equestria had, no kingdom in Equestria had 13 stripes, 50 stars, or used the colors red, white, and blue in tandem like this flag did. But if this was a flag of an unknown nation in an unknown dimension, why was it here when this spell was specifically designed to teleport great heroes and not objects, especially objects as useless as a flag. Picking up the flag and folding it into a triangle, Chrysalis solemnly exclaimed, "It seems like the spell was a failure, not bringing us a brave warrior, but merely a flag of a nation we'll never see. Now this flag will be a reminder of my failure to free parts of my kind that are encased in the surly bonds of slavery with peace, it seems like war is the only way towards true peace." Leaving the castle and heading back to Vicwy city the 3 royals had no idea their spell had been successful, very successful. Because not only did they summon warriors, they summoned a whole nation that not only learned from its government's past mistakes, but was also rebuilding its influence once again, only now in doing so in secret. this nation was the United States of America, a nation once forgotten by its neighbors, at least for now. "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends" -Martin Luther King Jr. Equunian time: 3023, October 12th, 0155 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0155 hours Location: Empire of Rising Suns, Red Cul royal guard garrison U.S. perspectives: none Equunian Perspectives: Queen Celestia Solar Collinaphima, royal Sun Centurion Jostinky Drekavasquez, Spike Mavaca Standing on an elevated platform with Twilight and Spike, Celestia waited for her personal Candidate-class Heavy Cargo airship to arrive, which was adamantly named the E.R.S.S Dominance for its striking silhouette that at times blocked out the sun for small towns when docking to elevated landing platforms. The mighty airship was the largest cargo lifter among the pony kingdoms, only being rivaled in sized by the Stohai Tewi Griffin Territories Saturninity-class, New Lunar Empire's Loyal Ambiance-class, Artral Lacenpierre Dominions Zenith-class, and Asle Nato Republic's Masquerade-class, which were all military airships. Poking Celestia to get her attention spike asked, "Excuse me miss Celestia, but where exactly are we going?" Hearing Spike's question Celestia gave him an enduring smile and answered with, "Well my little spike, we're going to be traveling to the New Lunar Republic for talks of peace." "Bu-but miss Celestia, isn't she your sister? Why would you need to talk about peace with your sister when you two are family?" "Hmm, well that's a long story, a long story for another time my little dragon born. So for now I'll leave your mind to wonder." Responded Celestia, picking up spike and setting him down on her back and nuzzling him on the cheek, making him do the cute little giggle she enjoyed hearing. Celestia was always like another grandmother too spike, she took care of him when he was a mere hatchling as per the fact Twilight was busy with her studies of magic, making it easy for him to imprint on her, and her the same. But of course the time came for him to reunite with Twilight, which of course broke Celestia's heart because it was nice to have some company for once. But as Celestia continued to play with spike, she abruptly felt a surge of magic energy coming from the East, so Celestia took her attention from Spike and directed it towards the East. Casting a spell called "Bekora," it would allow her to locate a certain amount of magic she wished to focus on. The way the spell properly allowed a user to locate their desired source of magic was based on color, the desired source of magic was colored Tiffany while any other magic of minimal importance to the user is colored Yela, everything else would be colored Prussian. Staring at the East, Celestia could see the source of the magic that was bothering her senses, and it was huge. Celestia observed a massive pillar that reached into the sky and pierced what she thought was space, it than started pulsating massive rings that spread out across the sky and into the horizon, traveling out of view. Though, as Celestia looked farther East past the large pillar, she saw that the pulses emanating from the large pillar conjoined at a specific location past the massive storm clouds that bordered Bukastillo and the great unknown, seemingly gathering their energy into a single location like teleportation magic, only now at a much larger scale. But as soon as the massive pillar and pulses appeared, they vanished within the great unknown, like nothing ever happened. But one thing stood out to Celestia, the positioning. Coincidentally the pillar was within the boarders of the Crystal Empire, the biggest accepter of Changeling slave refugees other than the Astral Lacenpierre Dominion. This could possibly be the work of Chrysalis and her daughter, especially Chrysalis since she's been gone for the remainder of 2 years working on some sort of "secret project" using the remnants of one of Sullivanett's many magic projects. "Excuse me your highness, but are you okay?" Asked a voice behind Celestia. Looking behind herself Celestia spotted Jostinky Drekavasques, a loyal E.R.S. Centurion who grew up in a well off family in Canterlot, the capital city of the Empire of Rising Suns and the home of Celestia herself. Jostinky was a Celestial loyalist, and much like many other loyalists following the group mentality, her opinions on any subject changed based on Celestia's, though that wasn't entirely her fault because she was conditioned to be this way by her parents, who themselves were also Celestial loyalists. He wasn't necessarily allowed to think for herself, which is why her opinion on the Changelings weren't different either, she hated the Changelings deeply just because Celestia did. Though, Celestia's reasons for hating the changelings wasn't much different either, she was conditioned by her parents as well; especially by her mother, Empress Hydrallivan Elliophima Collinaphima, since they both had a close mother-daughter relationship. "Yes my loyal servant, I'm alright. Something just caught my eye. But after this meeting with Luna, I require a fleet of 11 Expeditionary ships, 2 iron clad warships, and 5 amphibious assault ships to travel to the Crystal Empire, and make their way East towards the great unknown, and make sure to send the largest of each class as well." Responded Celestia, looking in the direction of the Crystal Empire. "Yes ma'am." "If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live." -Martin Luther King Jr Equunian time: 3023, October 12th, 0115 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0115 hours Location: Earth, North Pole U.S. Perspectives: USMC Raider PFC Alan Dedric Church, USMC Raider SSgt Nathan Kadmiel Reeds, USMC Raider Sgt Tristan Summers, USMC Raider PFC Frederick Boyd Bowman, USMC LCpl Roman Zitomer Hahn, USMC LCpl Marco Stain, LCpl Melvin Everest Lara, USMC LCpl Lorenzo Coleman, Sunshine USMC military working dog Equunian Perspectives: none Travelling through the Arctic tundra, an armored platoon made up of 5 M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abrams, 3 M3A4EV Mark-2 Lance Bradley's, 7 M1130AF Mark-3 Patton Stryker's, and 8 Humvee EV's made their way through the freezing cold of the Arctic, easily braving the sub-zero temperatures like their drivers and occupants. For the M1130AF Mark 3's and Humvee EV's this day is going to be revolutionary, because it's going to be the first time both are used in combat, which means any new tech and materials put on the vehicles will be put to the test. But this mission isn't going to make any news headlines anytime soon, because it's top secret and the information will only go to USMC higher ups. However this mission isn't just about testing new tech and materials, it was also about covertly destroying enemy forces forming near Alaska and Russia, but as of right now Russian support was 3 hours out because U.S. intelligence miscalculated their time of arrival and allowed U.S. forces to advance much earlier than originally thought. The enemy themselves were Zimlip Daseeta Kingdom (ZDK) Army forces forming a base of operations in the Arctic for a planned invasion of Russia, which of course didn't sit well with the United States because it couldn't have its biggest military ally be invaded by an external power, especially since joint projects with top of the line tech like the Lockheed Sukhoi F/SU-79, ASB-808 Stoic Heart, and Sanders-class Amphibious attack submarine were within its borders. This of course would greatly compromise some of the secretive technology the United States utilises in its armed forces, but for this to go public would be a disaster for all 3 country's so secret military action by both Russia and the United States was taken. But of course this mission has its own set of risks as well, because if any of the advanced synthetic materials come into ZDK hands, that could seriously compromise almost everything U.S. ground vehicles are made of. Especially with materials in the M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abram or M3A4EV Mark-2 Lance Bradley's. Materials such as the Eskyx Cobham armor on the M1A5 Mark-1 turret, or the Vudril and Usnuytine spaced armor that makes up the Bradley's turret armor, but of course there's the Lospoalium armored body paneling placed on both the outsides of both vehicles. All these materials are 4, 5 times stronger than Steel and Tungsten, rivaling Graphene in durability, hardness, and shock absorption, and the best part about it is these materials, and many like them, are only used within the United States armed forces. It's pretty neato stuff. "Hey Alan, are those B/A-11's in the air yet?" Asked Frederick Bowman, a 22 year old Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps. "No not yet, those guys on the [U.S.S] Photosphere seem to be taking their damn time getting those birds in the air. They don't seem to realize that those birds are our only way of knowing wether ZDK forces are anywhere close. We're practically sitting ducks out here." Said Alan Dedric Church, a 25 year old Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps. "Dammit." Responded Frederick, turning on his ALG (active laser guidance) system that was built into his sniper scope, checking if their was an attack aircraft he could get permission to pair with, unfortunately their was nothing to connect with in a 500 mile (804 kilometers) radius. Frederick was worried, he knew damn well that whoever saw their target first would most likely win the fight, so he hoped to all hell that his platoon shot first. On the other hand Alan wasn't as worried as Frederick was, because despite his low rank when compared to his compatriots he was more than physically and mentally capable of taking on 5 or more targets at a time. Because unknown to all his colleagues Alan is a CIA GIO, or Ground Intelligence Operator for short. CIA GIO's are specialists in enemy tactic information gathering, normally being paired with normal Army or Marine regiments as "recruits" despite being trained to deal with more stressful situations. "[Roman's tank] Hostiles spotted at our 10 o'clock, 48 meters (157 feet) away. All IFV's release your infantry and prepare for direct combat as soon as possible, we have a great angle to attack from." Hearing the MAWTS-1 (Mounted Advanced Wireless Transmissions Systems) finish and turn off, everyone in the Bradley and Stryker's ran out of the rear of their vehicles and immediately heard the 130mm ETC (electrothermal chemical) cannons from the M1A5 Mark-1's and 20mm Coil guns from the M3A4EV Mark-2's, soon after the EPM-2 Deception missiles and full auto rail guns that's fired 5.56 cartridge projectiles on the Humvee EV's went off alongside the 30mm Coil guns on the M1130AF Mark-3's shredding whatever they were firing at. 20 seconds after exiting the IFV's and hearing the sound of multiple cannons, guns, and missiles flying towards their targets the 27 Marines waited for their next order, it came within mere seconds. "[Roman's tank] All infantry units fall back alongside the armoured vehicles and stay behind them for protection, there's a shit ton more hostiles coming over the snow hill 52 meters (170 meters) away." Following Roman's orders Alan and a couple of other Marines stuck to the right side of the Stryker they just came out of, like a smidgen of Clear Flex glue bonded them all together, forming a tight seal between the Marines and their vehicle that's sure to last. Standing in front of Alan, Frederick could hear the yells of commanders getting closer, then he heard the sound of engines, than a hand place itself on the snow. At that moment Frederick felt something he never truly felt before: Fear, fear greater than that of watching a scary movie, seeing your grades, or being in the dark, no, this...this was real fear. Real fear you felt when you see a car barreling towards you going top speed, or hearing the faint "click" of someone racking the sliding handle of a firearm behind you, or watching someone you love collapse in front of you and not knowing what may happen next, that kind of fear. Seeing the rest of the body come over the snow Frederick saw that the person wasn't wearing an exo-suit, MMSCH (modular multi system connection helmet), WRPS (Wearable Rocket Propulsion System), or MAWTS-2 (Mobile Advanced Wireless Transmission System), but looked like a ground soldier from the 3rd world war, and that was more than 60+ years ago. Though, before Frederick could see the face of the soldier he was gunned down by several Marines including alan, scaring the absolute living shit out him. "Holy shit, did anyone else see what was on that guy!?" Screamed Frederick, ducking on instinct when he heard rounds popping off. "See what?" Screamed another marine. "That guy, he didn't have an exosuit, MMSCH, MAWTS-2, or even a WRPS like us. He literally had the most barebones World War 3 type shit, what I'm saying was he had outdated equipment." "Which means?" Asked Alan. "It means that the Intel we got is wrong! We have the technological advantage, so we're not as outclassed as intel guys would want us to believe!" Alan was somewhat surprised by the sudden news because almost every 1st world country used exo-suit's in their militaries, and the ZDK was pretty first world from what he's heard. Of course he, and every other ground operator in the U.S. armed forces were trained to survive in the battlefield without an exosuit, but sometimes Alan would feel naked when not wearing one out in the field. However, Alan could see the superiority of all the tech that came with exo-suit's, and the exosuit itself had over everything else ground forces used on the battlefield. BANG...BANG...BANG Unfortunately Alan couldn't continue his inner questioning session, because as of right now the M1130AF he was sticking to was currently turning ZDK army troops into red mist, and it was getting overwhelmed. So in response Alan broke away from the armored vehicle he was sticking to and went prone on the snow, he proceeded to set his rifle to single fire and wait for more of the ZDK army troops to pop their heads over the snow, and he got exactly what he wanted. Soon enough ZDK army troops started popping their sorry little bodies over the snow, only to be dropped by Alan's CH2M16A1 coil gun, which was able to propel a projectile the size of a 5.56 round at 5,589 feet per second (1,703 meters per second/3,810 mph/6,132 kph) at a blistering speed of 521 rounds a minute, but it's propelling a projectile the size of the whole round, casing and all. Luckily Alan had the standard issue plastic quad-stack mag the USMC used, the magazine itself held 60 rounds of APCT (Armor Piercing Crimson Tip) 5,56. The first sorry motherfucker to get in between Alan's crosshairs immediately caught one in between the eyes, his head blowing up with the helmet following suit, soon after Alan racked up five additional headshots and one heart shot within the span of 7 seconds, still having enough ammo for 53 more kills. he ended up killing 18 ZDK troops, but he inevitably lost count because there was so many of them coming towards his position. Unfortunately this was short-lived because the entire mechanized platoon was already 24 meters (78 feet) behind him already, they were also making sure his position hadn't been swarmed yet. "Alan you deucedly brave dork, get your ass the fuck back here!" Screamed a familiar voice through Alan's MAWTS-2's, a very annoying voice that belonged to one of his 3 commanding officers, the one, the only: Tristan Summers. "And why would I do that?" Retorted Alan, only furthering the divide between him and Tristan. "Because if you stay there you're going to get swarmed, so get over here we'll cover you." Looking behind himself Alan saw how far the mechanized platoon had gotten without him noticing and just how much of a dilemma he was in, so he threw his well being out the window, and ran, ran towards the mechanized platoon as fast as his exo-suit equipped legs could care him. Unsurprisingly Tristan seemed to keep his word, because once he saw Alan get up and make a dash towards his direction he brought up his bullpup rifle and started marking targets, everyone else killing the targets marked with red triangles that had a little circle in the middle. The way he was able to mark targets was by fusing his ARSS (Automated Rifle Sights System) with his MMSCH by using the neuralink that binded him with all the exosuits systems, allowing him to use his brain waves to place the markers on their targets. The advanced technology, mixed with Tristan's training and combat knowledge made him a formidable foe to go up against, and you wouldn't necessarily think that upon first looking at him. He wasn't tall, Tristan was 6 inches shorter than Alan, 5,9, and had little freckles that complemented his Teal eyes, he wasn't that threatening and leaned more towards the cute side. That none threatening-ness fortunately didn't mean he couldn't get some quick kills either, because he set his FN SCAR-B1 ETC rifle to single shot and started downing ZDK troops, the powerful 7.62x54R round being fed to the rifle by the 30 round plastic magazines would make sure of that. The first ZDK troop to get face-fucked by the 7.62x54R got it straight through his body armor, causing shrapnel to break through his ribcage and then through his heart, coming out through his back and the bullet taking his spine with it. Once Alan was within 10 meters (32 feet) of the mechanized platoon he used the neuralink in his exo-suit to position the WRPS in a way that it would launch him forward, once set in place he allowed them to propel him with 62% power, which still was enough to slightly lift him off the ground and propel him forward at 64 kilometers an hour (39 miles an hour). he immediately went to his knees and slid on the snow towards the mechanized platoon, he than did a 180 and brought up his rifle like a complete BADASS. On the other hand Frederick and Nathan were in one of the M3A4EV Mark-2's taking out Sunshine from her cage, as well as helping her into her own exo-suit. "I haven't gotten around to asking you this, but what's it like being the son of Sinclair Martinez Bowman? I would imagine it would be pretty cool." Asked Nathan while strapping on the exo-suits legs onto sunshine's own. "Well, it's not as fun as its made out to be. I've never actually earned the respect I've gotten, when I first enlisted the drill instructors weren't as hard on me as they were to the rest of the recruits, putting less of a demand on me to put my all into everything I do. Which of course was prejudicial to my success, of course I've overcame that part of my life but I still resent the fact I had to go through it at all." Responded Frederick. "Oh...I wouldn't have ever imagined you thought about like that, I'm-I'm sorry I reminded you of that." "It's fine, talks like this are good for self reflection. So if you want you can ask me some more questions, I don't mind." "Okay hmm...do you hold it against your father that people treat you this way?" "No, not at all, I wouldn't hold any hate against him just because he did what was right for the country as-" "[Roman's tank] All infantry units, their are two M3A4EV Mark-2's traveling East to create an opening for a flanking maneuver, all other armored vehicles will follow me West to keep the eye of the enemy on us. Now hurry we only have this small window to get this done, so let's move, move, move!" Luckily for Nathan and Frederick Sunshine was already in her exo-suit, ready for combat. "Well, I guess we'll continue this at a later date?" Asked Nathan, who unfortunately didn't receive a response. Soon enough the M3A4EV Mark-2's along with the Marines were traveling East in a wide turn towards ZDK forces, on the other hand Roman and the rest of the armor were engaging ZDK forces in an attempt at keeping eyes on themselves for the infantry to do a bamboozle. "IFV, 4 o'clock, load HVEEP (High Velocity Extreme Explosive penetrator)!" Screamed Roman through his MAWTS-1's. "HVEEP round hot, you're clear to shoot!" Screamed the louder. "Found target, ready to fire!" Screamed the turret operator. "Wipe that shit stain of the face of the earth!" Screamed Roman. "With pleasure." Was the response he received. Soon enough the 105mm HVEEP round launched itself from the barrel of the M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abrams, and bored itself through the IFV's armor plating and exploded via a timed detonation, turning the occupants of the vehicle into charred pieces of what was a human being. Barely recognizable. Soon after the turret of the IFV flew of of the body of the vehicle because the ammunition was set ablaze by the HVEEP round that punctured the ammunition box, sending the turret 34 feet (10 meters) into the air, once it came crashing back down it fell on the heads of several ZDK troops; flattening them. On the other side of the armored formation an M3A4EV Mark-2 was peppering an LAV with its 20mm coil gun, killings it's occupants. "Lorenzo, go forward 13 feet (3 meters) and than stop." Commanded Marco, who was waiting for the quad missile pod on the right of the turret to fully extend. Once the missile pod was fully extended, Melvin readied the 4 HVEP (High Velocity Extreme penetrator) missiles and screamed through his MAWTS-1's, "HVEP hot, ready to fire, just give me the order!" Looking through his commanders sights Marco found the crew a second target, the ZDK's main battle tank the FKW8 Pyrrhus. The FKW8 was the Zimlip Daseeta Kingdoms newest and most advanced MBT, purpose built to go toe-to-toe with the the likes of the United States many, many tanks. Tanks such as the M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abrams, M1A5 Mark-2 Overlord lagged Abrams; M1A6 Mark-1 Choir Abrams, M1A6 Mark-2 Duet lagged Abrams; M22A1 Leo Cor Heavy tanks, M21A2 Mark-2 Commander MBT's, MX2A1 Eagle Eye Reconnaissance tanks, and M30A3 Vercingetorix Heavy tanks. The problem for FKW8 was that it didn't hold up to any of these tanks whatsoever, it didn't have the advanced systems or materials the United States was capable of putting on its tanks, as well as the advanced gun systems that U.S. tanks were outfitted with. But don't get it twisted, the FKW8 wasn't a bad tank by any means it was just not the right tank for the current year. It would've been great for the 2020's or 2030's, but not the 2090's, which was the decade it went into production. "Proper sighting...and Fire!" Commanded Marco, which made Melvin pull the trigger on the stick, in turn allowing the HVEP missile to go flying towards its target. Once the missile left its holding, it accelerated to 7,179 kilometers an hour (4,461 miles an hour) in the span of 3 seconds, taking 5 to actually hit its target. Hitting the tank, the missile easily broke the sound barrier and the tanks armor, turning it into a fiery mess of steel and aluminum that threw shrapnel in every known direction except down, killing every ZDK foot soldier within a 24 foot (7 meter) radius. "Good kill." Exclaimed Marco. Back East the two M3A4EV's and Marines were closing in on the ZDK, but as they continued forward something miraculous happened, Frederick's ALG was receiving signals from two B/A-11's that were within the area. They were asking for permission to pair with Frederick's ALG, which means this whole battle could be over within minutes. "Nathan, Tristan! I'm receiving signals from the B/A-11's sent to accompany us!" Screamed Frederick, getting the two other snipers in the group to check their ALG's as well, confirming that Frederick was telling the truth. "Yeah, Frederick's right." Said another sniper, immediately being followed by another screaming. "Yeah, he's telling the truth!" "Okay than, Tristan can you contact the armored division and inform them about our revaluation. I need Roman to back off the ZDK's armor, we need to make a clean targets for the B/A-11's." Commanded Nathan. "With pleasure." Responded Tristan before using MAWTS-2's to communicate with Roman. "Roman, there's two B/A-11's somewhere in the air, I'm going to need you to back off the ZDK's armor to provide them optimal clarity. Wouldn't want you getting hit with ATGM's yourself." "[Roman's tank] Understood, we'll be making our way out of the ZDK's line of sight, happy hunting." "Looks like we're clear to engage." Commented Tristan. 13 minutes later Looking over the small hill of snow, Frederick and the 2 other snipers in the platoon watched as the ZDK's ground forces were currently scrambling to either help the injured, or fix their broken vehicles. There were currently 56 ground soldiers along with 14 IFV's, 22 APC's, and 15 MBT's still remaining, which made up a total of 55 vehicles, it also didn't help that their used to be 78 ground vehicles and 81 foot soldiers. Unfortunately for them it was going to get worse, allot worse. "This is Quicklight 1 to Twinlight 1 and 2, I repeat this is Quicklight 1 to Twinlight 1 and 2 do you copy?" Asked one of the other 2 snipers. "[Twinlight 1] This is Twinlight 1 to Quicklight 1, Quicklight 1 we're currently traveling towards your current location to enhance the accuracy of the GAALB (Guided Anti tAnk gLiding Bomb). We'll be their 3 minutes, so it would be a great idea to start marking targets." "Good copy." Doing what was asked of them the three snipers started marking targets with their ALG's, but instead of a red triangle with a little circle in the middle of them like the ARSS system, instead the ALG system had a purple square with a teal X in the middle. After about a minute and a half of marking targets, all they had to do was wait, and wait they did. After the next minute and a half had passed they started to hear the audible "hissing" sound of the GAALB closing in on its target, knowing this the 3 snipers moved back just in case they were a bit off target. Fortunately they were not, unfortunately they hit the ground before the 3 snipers even turned their heads back, showing that the bombs were faster than they thought. The first bomb hit its targets, a group of tanks tightly packed together, and launched them 6 meters (20 feet) into the air like children's toys, ripping them apart in the process. The second bomb to strike it's target struck not a second later than the first, it's target? 9 APC's surrounded by mechanics trying to hastily fix their vehicles in case of another attack by the Americans, this of course was unneeded because unbeknownst to them, their fates were already decided. After 5 more explosions the whole of the ZDK's forces in the North Pole were dead, and their government was totally unaware of the whole ordeal. The mission was, by all means, a complete success. The only thing to do now was inform the others about the success of the mission, go back to the U.S.S. Photosphere and leave the North Pole and act like nothing ever happened. "Mission status: Successful, let's go home gu-what the hell?" Said Frederick as his body was turning a bright white glow. Looking to his left and right, Frederick saw the same happening to his colleagues, soon after they were engulfed by the bright white light. The same thing would be happening to Alan, Roman, Nathan, Tristan, Marco, Melvin, Lorenzo, and sunshine. But unbeknownst to them the U.S. governments, it's citizens, Navy, Army, Air force, and Marines were engulfed by the white glow as well. This would also include every military vehicle wether it be on land, sea, air, and space as well. Everything. At that specific moment in time, everyone that was awake to witness this event thought one of two things, that this was either their end, or the end of the world. No, it was the beginning not for them, but for many others. "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished: that will be the beginning. -Louis L'amour
Chapter I: Satellites of Change"We have met the enemy and they are ours" -Captain James Lawrence Equunian Time: 3023, October 12th, 0158 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0158 hours Location: Equus; Waters of the Bukastillo super continent, 66 miles [West] off the coast of the Vichristprus Republic U.S. perspectives: Gray Ghosts Squadron (GGS) commander F/A-21D pilots Rafael Key and Xander Parrish, GGS F/A-21 pilots Floyd Noble, F/A-21 pilot Aoife Blair, GGS F/A-21D pilots Warren Steel and Justin Barrett; CAPT Aiden Mayfield Bowers Equunian Perspectives: Vichristprus Republic trade fleet Captain Arical Castiniar, New Lunar Empire naval fleet Captain Zimrcia Viserters Battlemartin As the bright white glow faded off of the pilots bodies it revealed were they were, a seemingly endless Ocean complemented by a clear skyway with clean pristine clouds that littered the endless skyline that was in front of them. Which was a notable difference from the mess they were staring at mere moments ago, storm clouds that spewed lightning rods as far as the eye could see, sand and dead bushes for miles and miles, a literal wasteland. I'm talking about Australia. Though, the most striking detail about their new domain was the moon currently watching over them, it seemed to be allot closer than it was normally, but that wasn't the strangest thing about it because their were literal glowing purple clouds of dust around the moon. The clouds themselves were so big and bright that their light bathed the ocean in a marvelous purple, details of the purple moon clouds were clear as day on the oceans surface, so if anything disturbed the water it would be blatantly noticeable, which is what happened. Looking through their aircrafts with the Distributed Apature System (DAS) Warren and Justin saw several large craters forming in the water, after informing the rest of the squadron of the forming craters, shape started to form out of them, shapes that heavily resembled those of the hulls of several massive ships. Soon after several navy ships covered in the bright white glow that had engulfed the Gray Ghost Squadron (GGS) appeared in the craters, after several seconds the white glow dissipated and revealed the 14 ship fleet traveling through the water. The first ships to appear were the 2 Ravana-class amphibious assault fleet Supercarriers, the U.S.S. John Paul Jones (CVN 77) and her sister ship the U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason (CVN 78), both being built at the same time with the John Paul finished 2 months earlier than the Donald Francis, so it was stuck in the NASSCO shipyard based in the coastal city of Boumex located in Texas. The next 4 ships to manifest themselves were the Conscious-class heavy amphibious assault/missile Cruisers, the U.S.S. Jocko (BCGN 16) and his brother ship that finished the name of the person they were named after, the U.S.S. Willink (BCGN 17); the next ships were the U.S.S. Nightfall (BCGN 22), and U.S.S. Amor et Timuerunt (BCGN 38). The next 3 ships to appear were the Anticox-class Guided missile/escort Destroyers, the U.S.S. McCain (DDGEN 56), U.S.S. Lafayette (DDGEN 34), and U.S.S. Lavanda (DDGE 14). The last 3 ships to manifest were the Elligatia-class missile/air defense heavy frigates, the U.S.S. Fraser (FFADGN 88), U.S.S. Butio (FFADGN 73), and U.S.S. Baileshark (FFADGN 80). The fleet itself was still in formation with the Ravana-class supercarriers side-by-side with 2 of the Conscious-class cruisers guarding their left and right, 3 Anticox-class destroyers guarding the front of the formation, and the 3 Elligatia-class heavy frigates guarding the rear of the formation. The fleet was unofficially named "мимолетная НАДЕЖДА" (Fleeting Hope) by the Russian populace when it appeared in the Russian made film called "Мировая война 4" (World War 4) that took place in an alternate timeline were the world didn't unite under the U.N., and instead joined two differing factions known as the "Кооперативный Союз Наций" (Cooperative Union of Nations) and "Союз высших наций" (Allyship of Superior Nations). "[U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason] Gray Ghost Squadron what's your current status, over? We lost your signal when the white glow engulfed the fleet." "Our status is green, over." Responded Xander Parrish, the Gray Ghost Squadron commander and Essential Systems Operator (ESO) for the F/A-21D fighter jet he was currently sitting in. "[U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason] Understood Gray Ghost Squadron, but for the time being we're going to need you guy's to patrol the area 44 mile (70 kilometers) away from the fleet. We're currently trying to see if we can contact the United States, because we don't know if we're alone out here and we can't run any risks. But rest assured, you guys aren't alone out there because both White Skulls Squadron and Firebolt Squadron have now just appeared 600 meters (1,968 feet) behind the fleet." "Copy that, stay safe guys." "[U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason] God speed guys, god speed." Soon enough the 4 aircraft tilted 30 degrees to the right and started banking towards the east at 931 miles an hour (1,498 kilometers an hour/ 809 knots), quickly accelerating to 1,762 mph (2,835 kph/1,531 knots) within the span of 3 seconds, this was thanks to the 53,000 pounds of force that the Pratt & Whitney YF290 NE (nuclear energy) engines produced. Seconds later the 4 aircraft reached the 44 mile mark and tilted 50 degrees left, banking West towards the fleet, however they didn't get any closer and instead, orbited the fleet counterclockwise; providing a makeshift shield for any anti ship missiles coming their way. After 4 orbits around the fleet Aoife spotted a large assortment of ships 144 miles (231 kilometers) North with her aircraft's DAS system, and upon closer inspection they seemed to be Victorian era wooden ships with what seemed to be plates of metal armor that started from the hull upwards, spreading to both the Aft and Forward of the ship. After alerting the rest of the squadron Aoife made the DAS calculate the amount of ships that were in the fleet, and it counted 44 ships in total with 15 of them being some type of ironclad vessels. Looking further North the squadron spotted an even larger fleet of vessels, approximately 144 ships, traveling towards the first fleet while firing forward facing cannons. Examining the attacking ships, the DAS tried comparing them to other Victorian era ships that were in the United State's MTWDB (Military Tools and Weapons Data Base) and found nothing, the ships were so foreign that the computer struggled finding a match, yet so domestic that it knew exactly what to compare it to. The ships themselves were colored black, and comparably bigger than the ships they were attacking, with them being 40 meters (131 feet) longer and 15 meters (49 feet) wider. Massive rounded sails that glowed bright teal in the moonlight, at the top a flag adorned with a crescent that had a star in its center, along with wings on the crescent's left and right. "[U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason] Gray Ghosts Squadron, we're tracking a large assortment of ships in front of the fleet and your squadron, what's happening out their? Do you have eyes on them?" "Yeah we have eyes on them. I'm currently transferring the live feeds from our aircraft's DAS systems to you, because me describing the events transpiring in front of me wouldn't make any sense." Responded Parrish, sending the live feed from their aircraft to both the U.S.S. John Paul Jones and U.S.S. Donald Francis Mason. As the feed popped up on multiple screens on both carriers main bridge, they were met with the most primeval sight in the world, a literal Victorian era Naval battle. Except one side wasn't fighting, instead they just tried to out maneuver the colossal colored ships to no avail, slowly being eviscerated with every shot from the forward facing cannons. Upon further analysis, the ships that weren't attacking didn't seem to have any armaments, no cannons, only haphazardly placed armor plating. One of the ships in the fleet that was being attacked was zoomed in on by an ESO named Justin Barrett, this was most likely to see the occupants and identify who they were, which at first seemed like a great idea. Instead they were met with the bodies of scrambling Zebras and bug-like horses get annihilated by a wave of glowing Dark Blue arrows and cannonballs. One of the cannonballs missed the upper hull of the ship and instead hit one of the Zebras on the ship, going straight through his stomach with ease, taking his spine with it and splattering everything else...everything. "Should we help?" Asked one of the carrier crewwomen. At the current moment Captain Bowers went silent knowing full well that there was only two choices to choose from, but it wasn't the actions that would be made during either choice that worried him: it was the outcomes. If he were to help the...Zebras and attack the aggressor ships, than that could put his career in the USN at risk; if he were to not help the Zebras he would most likely lose the trust of his crew, the people he cared for, his family. There seemed to be only one choice, not two. "I Aiden Mayfield Bowers, Captain of USN fleet 81, better known as "Fleeting Hope" order the armed intervention of what's suspected to be an act of unneeded aggression towards a fleet of transport ships, which warrants a similar response. So now, let's show them the power of the U.S. Nav-" "Sir, 2 Loxias-Class nuclear powered anti aircraft/submarine guided missile battlecruisers have just manifested in between both fleets. The ships themselves are the...U.S.S. Combaticon (CCGNN 22) and U.S.S. Mr. Squidward (CCGNN 16), purpose. Built. War machines!" Zebra and Pony perspective Looking forward, Arical couldn't believe what had manifested in front of him, two incredibly large metal naval vessels had just appeared in the middle of his fleet and the New Lunar Republic's unintentionally saving him and many others from an onslaught of enchanted cannonballs. The ships themselves were 3 times the size of the New Lunar Republic's Night Hunter-class dreadnought, the literal flagship of the New Lunar Republic's Navy, unfortunately the gargantuan vessels didn't didn't have as many cannons as the Nights Hunter-class, but this seemed to be off set by its massive guns. At the forward and aft of the ship dwelled two massive boxes that had three cannons protruding out of them, the cannons themselves were 20 feet (6 meters) long and 16 inches (40 centimeters) wide; the guns actually resembled the ones many Ironclads had, only bigger and more exaggerated. On the sides of the ship resided what seemed to be door slabs with long rectangles etched into them, and placed at a higher position in between the two slabs was an oddly shaped box that had 5 small cannons in the shape of a rectangle, it was also elevated by two pillers and had a strange tumor-like protrusion on its head. But that wasn't the strangest thing on the ship, because further up it was equipped with several objects that resembles some kind of ball that had an all black square stuck on it. The ball itself was also elevated on its own piller and was constantly moving in a pattern, like it was scanning for something. Examining the ships further, Arical saw two strange Dragon-like Creatures perched behind the two aft cannons, along with them were many bipedal creatures that were around them untying ropes and detaching feeding tubes, some of the creatures even entered them, most likely being their trainers. Several seconds later the two ships started moving in the direction they were facing [East] and continued 300 feet (91 meters), as they did this they left both fleets utterly awestruck by the sheer speed they were achieving despite being unmoving mere moments ago. From a dead stop the gargantuan ships accelerated to 30 knots (34 mph/54 kph) within 50 seconds in unison, despite the fact they didn't have any sails so some other power source must be powering the mighty warships, like steam. 15 seconds later the 2 ships started turning left, grabbing the attention of both fleets and giving Arical the perfect view of the damage that was caused by the enchanted cannonballs, and to his surprise their was no damage at all, not a single scratch, leaving both fleets awestruck once again. Seconds before the 2 gigantic ships appeared there were over 4 dozen enchanted cannonballs launched at Arical's fleet, each cannonball was made out of Keglaetium, a metal 2 times stronger than iron that came from a tree called the Malbrown Miteus, an incredibly tall tree that grows only in N.L.R. territory. A direct hit from a Keglaetium cannonball would mean instant death for any wooden or metal naval ship, but these gargantuan behemoths didn't seem even the slightest bit bothered by it, and considering its alien look it wouldn't be at all surprising if it was created in another world, presumably one much more violent and hostile. "Captain, we're receiving transmissions from the two large metal ships!" Announced one of Arical's crewman manning the Crystalik Communications System (CCS), a CCS is a magic based communication system that centers magic pulses to communicate with other CCS systems, the way the CCS does this is by using multiple Rusalrris crystals charged with Fornmez, a stage-4 form of magic that produced sound waves that only flowed through the ears of the user and the persons the user wished to communicate with. The way Fornmez magic does this is still unknown but when paired with the magic absorbing Rusalrris crystals its capable of creating centered magic infused sound waves through a dimension unaccessible by the many inhabitants of Equus. Walking towards the CCS operator and his operating table, Arical saw the Rusalrris crystals projecting a rough 3D model of one of the metal ships along with what was its name, which was apparently U.S.S. Mr. Squidward. "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Unknown fleet, we're receiving word that you're being attacked by the aggressor fleet currently in front of you, it is also stated that you don't have any defensive weapons, is this true?" Stepping forward and opening his mouth Arical tried to speak, but he faltered, not knowing what to say to a possible alien species. "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Hello?" There was no special training for first contact. "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] I-is anyone there?" "Ye-yes those things are true, we were caught helping Changeling slave escapees by the New Lunar Republic, a kingdom that allows the ownership of Changeling slaves." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Understood, what weapons do these New Luner Republic ships have?" "For your normal run of the mill anti ship weapons, theirs both enchanted cannons and ballistas." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Enchanted?" "Yes sir." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Understood, please continue." "Getting into the more exotic anti ship weapons, there is the stage-8 spell called Carraphim, this spell can only be used when eight or more Night Hunter-class dreadnought's are in a fleet." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Are the ships in front of yours Night Hunter-class dreadnought's?" "Yes sir." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Okay, can you tell us what this...Carraphim spell does?" "The way it works is by the sailors on eight or more ships combine their magic, nightmare magic in their case, and create a Kraken sized monster to attack others ships only if the situation requires it. So if their fleet is loosing to another, the Carraphim will be activated, but it drains the energy of the users very quickly and will leave them physically drained." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Okay, is there anything else we should know about this spell?" "Well it can only be used by the Children of the night, AKA artificially horned bat-ponies." "[U.S.S. Mr. Squidward] Understood, I advise you to stay as far back as possible, things might get a little heated and we don't want you guys to get hurt." "O-okay." Battlemartin's perspectives On the opposite side of the spectrum Battlemartin was utterly stunned that his enchanted Keglaetium cannonballs didn't pierce its hull, they were made from one of the strongest metals known to the inhabitants of Equus, crafted by Queen Luna Crescen Collinaphima herself for the purpose of sinking any naval ship, even Ironclads. But these behemoths merely shook off the impacts as if nothing happened, as if they weren't affected at all. Other ships that have been hit by other cannonballs made out of different materials have usually been knocked off course, but these things didn't even move a centimeter from the 40 or so cannonballs that hit them. Though, as much as Battlemartin wanted to believe his cannons could pierce its hull, it did just manifest between his fleet and the slave smuggling fleet randomly, most likely coming from a dimension different from his own. Their look was a testament to this, an almost all light Gray exterior that seemed to turn into a red one further down, it also had a smooth look to it that differed greatly from the usual Ironclad iron plating. Then there were the ships armaments, 4 massive guns at the forward and aft, 2 at each side, and a plethora of other eccentric weaponry. Needless to say Battlemartin knew they could cause some serious carnage, and he wanted it for himself, he knew that if he had ships with the same capabilities as these he would dominate the seas, using its immense power to destroy any ship fleets helping Changelings escape slavery. In his eyes, those who helped Changelings were the lowest of the low, the scum of Equus. Why allow a species specifically made by the great Watsonical Dophire Collinaphima, the ruler of one of the greatest kingdoms in Equestrian history, to be free? It's utter nonsense. But suddenly Battlemartin started to hear the roar emanating from behind the two gargantuan ships, upon looking at their aft Battlemartin saw two massive strange beasts rising into the air with swiftness greater than the great dragon that served the prince of the Neri Thuatu Territories, named Rhaelmos Andrend, which surprised Battlemartin because it was three time smaller But this creature was nothing like a dragon, it's body was smoother and more sleek, it's wings were short and didn't flap, and it had this large lifeless eye that reflected the light of the moon. So Battlemartin tried comparing it to other large flying creatures in the Equestrian continent, but there was nothing to compare, this thing, much like the ship it inhabited, was totally alien to this world. Continuing to watch the creatures rise into the sky, Battlemartin noticed that they had two openings at the back and upper middle, both unleashing a stupendous amount of flames that reached 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length. As they continued to rise into the air they started to divert their path towards Battlemartin's fleet, completely passing it in seconds thanks to it's idiotic amount of acceleration, sending it from a measly 21 mph (33 kph/18 knots) to breaking the sound barrier (767 mph/1,234 kph/666 knots), something not even the fastest Thunderbolts or Shadowbolts could do. As they continued to fly in the opposite direction of Battlemartin's fleet that two beasts flew in formation alongside one another, just like the Thunderbolts. Continuing to travel for about 11 miles (6 kilometers) both creatures banked in opposite directions of each other while possibly traveling 1,000 mph (1,609 kph/868 knots), their speed alone sending a sense of fear through Battlemartin's fleet. Both creatures finished the banking maneuver and rejoined, now facing the direction of Battlemartin's fleet, traveling a speed once thought impossible by the Bat-ponies. Reaching 1,918 mph (3,086 kph/1,666 knots) the two creatures stomachs opened up like doors, as this happened 4 long metal rods ejected out of these openings and rocketed towards Battlemartin's fleet, reaching 3,134 mph (5,043 kph/2,723 knots) in a second and taking two more to reach the fleet and cripple it. Arical's perspectives The blast itself rivaled fables told of Starswirl and his Elements of Harmony, a weapon so powerful that it incapacitated his opponents in a single blow, rendering them to nothing but a statue. Only being restored to former grandeur when the process that turned them into a statue, is reversed by the same weapon that turned them into one. Ironic. The Elements of Harmony were also said to do other things, like give a user, or users, a boost to their physical, magical, and mental abilities. The blast was so powerful in fact that it launched several 75 ton (150,000 lbs/68038 kg) ships into the air like toys, others being crushed by the shock wave itself. But that wasn't the end, because as the two creatures flew by Battlemartin's fleet, they continued again for 11 miles and turned around to face the fleet again. Only now instead of launching metal rods from their stomachs, they launched them from their wings, and these rods were much larger than the last ones. The creatures then proceeded to do this three more times until the entirety of Battlemartin's fleet was destroyed, reducing one of the strongest navies on Equus into an assortment of broken pieces of wood floating around, it was an almost unreal image, something Arical thought he'll never see. "Whoever they are, they're on a league of their own." "Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change" -Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Equunian time: 3023, October 12th, 0212 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0212 hours Location: Equus; United States, US-Mexico border, 22 miles west of Laredo Texas U.S. perspectives: U.S. Army MP 2LT Jeremy Deavon Manowar, U.S. Army MP 1LT Joshua Richardson; tank commander Martin Gould Dyer Equunian perspectives: none Staring into the everlasting sea of Purple that was being lit up by a less than normal moon, a moon with massive purple clouds that most likely reflected the light from the sun and turning it into a dark purple by some unknown means. The waters themselves were where the US-Mexico border started, they then continued through where the country should've been. "Hey Joshua, h-how do you think the government's going to respond when the public finally found out about...this?" Asked Jeremy with his arms outstretched towards what was the US-Mexican border. "Well, I don't really know how the U.S. government will respond because there's nothing in the code book for disappearing countries. But I do know how the citizenry will react in...0500 hours." Responded Joshua, imagining cities with such a rich history like Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose up in flames. "Really, how?" "Riots, riots so big they'll put the 2043 New York riots to shame. Humans are very fragile creatures when faced with change, and this will be no different." "Oh...umm, so what does that mean for us?" Wondered Jeremy, worried about the condition that Fort Tempest will be in when they finally return. "Well...We'll get the occasional Anarchist Bastards thinking they're real tough with their home built Type-160 exo suits, ARXL coil rifles, and body armor from the 2020s; running towards a military base thinking they could stand up to a chance against a 22nd century fighting force." Answered Joshua, thinking about the incident at Fort Heart in Florida. It was a literal blood bath for the supposedly "well armed militia backed by communist ideals," and despite the fact they were the ones that shot first they still had the audacity to accuse the Marines of "committing war crimes against the American people" in spite of them starting the conflict, and forcing the hands of the Marines they attacked. "Let me guess, we're going to have to deal with it." Exclaimed Jeremy, thinking about the exact same thing that Joshua was. "Yup, we're going to have to deal with it. I also bet it'll appear CNN if any of them anarchists gets killed because he, or she, was a little antsy with their toys." "Well that seems like a very...CNN thing to do." The two friends shared a laugh as they imagined their shitty military photos appearing on the news as an anchor over exaggerates the events that transpired, you know, as news stations do. Having their faces plastered on every news station that preaches whatever type of anti-American propaganda they love to shout out would be hilarious, because sooner or later the actual story would come out and be told and the news would be ridiculed for pushing a false narrative. At least, that would be the case if they lived in a perfect world, but they don't. Oh well. "[Fort Tempest] 1Lt Richardson, do you copy? What's your guys's status, over?" Switching on his MAWTS-2's (Mobile Advanced Wearable Transmissions System), Joshua responded to the transmission he was receiving. "This is 1LT Joshua Richardson, our status is green, over." "[Fort Tempest] Oh thank god, we thought you guys weren't there." "Why?" "[Fort Tempest] Because half of our MP's that were in the field haven't materialized yet, so we're pretty limited in man power and security right now." "Ma-materialized?" "[Fort Tempest] Yup, apparently not all our units are here yet, seems like that white light needs time to buffer because officers keep appearing randomly all around the base, as well as Laredo." "Understood, do you want us to make our way to the base to beefing up your security forces?" "[Fort Tempest] That would be great, thank you." "No problem, so you guys soon." "So what's happening?" "We're going back to Fort Tempest, their security forces are low because most of their MP's haven't materialized yet." "Materialized?" "It's a long story, I'll explain on the drive back to base." Walking back to their HPAPV (High Performance Armoured Personnel Vehicle), a modified Brabus G63 Adventure XLP, the modifications themselves were engine modifications, armor (of course), and replacement body panels. The engine was a twin turbo V8 that made 800 hp (588 kW) and 1,000 Nm of torque, it was powerful enough that it rivaled most vehicles today, and it was released 80 or so years ago. Unfortunately the United States Marine Corps and Army didn't want "JuSt 800 HorSePoWeR" so the engine was modified to produce 1,200 hp (894 kW) and 1,500 Nm of torque, as well as rev up to 9,000 rpm, but of course those weren't the only modifications on the Brabus XLP. The body panels on the G63 Adventure XLP were replaced with Bloruim panels because the original panels were ordinary steel, so they wouldn't be able to withstand impacts from multiple 7.62x54R rounds traveling at 6,009 fps (4,097 mph/6,593 kph/3,560 knots). The Blorium by itself is an amazing upgrade for the vehicle, being a lightweight metal it took a massive load off the suspension. This was then supplemented by the clear aluminium that replaced the already heavy glass, unfortunately this raised the ride height of the G63, but that was easily fixed with some suspension tuning. Separate from the body paneling, was an optional outer layer of armor plating that could be easily replaced in the repair shop, or on the field. The armor was placed on the hood, doors, as well as over the rear wheels and was made of Lospoalium, the same armor plating used on the M1A5 Mark-1 and M3A4EV Mark-2, as well as many other platforms. As Joshua and Jeremy reached their HPAVP they heard the rumble of what seemed to be...tracks? Looking to their 8 o'clock their was a gargantuan cloud of dust picking up about 400 meters (1,312 feet) away, looking at the front of the dust cloud there were 10 massive M30A3 Vercingetorix Heavy tanks side by side. Not long after Jeremy spotted a large assortment of M29A1C Immortal Light Tanks scattered about with several MX2A1 Eagle Eye reconnaissance tanks, as they drove on they were all scattered haphazardly. Not long after Jeremy and Joshua spotted them, the tank formation started making their way towards their general direction while traveling at a 44 miles an hour (70 kilometers an hour) without slowing down, which of course made for a very comforting sight. "You think their going to hit us?" Asked Joshua. "No...they wouldn't do that, Right?" Answered Jeremy. "Let hope not!" Screamed Joshua as the horde of armoured killing machines slowed down and came to a stop, unfortunately he wasn't able to see it because his eyes were closed. "Hey guys. Guys...guys?" Said a voice emanating from the front of both Jeremy and Joshua. "God is that you?" Asked Jeremy, eyes closed as well. "I highly doubt a USMC tank commander would have the authority to be a god, son." Said another voice emanating from Joshua and Jeremy's front. "Yeah, why would god drive up to you two using a tank battalion?" Said another voice. Opening their eyes Jeremy and Joshua noticed that all the tanks had stopped, their crews climbing out of the tanks and placing themselves in full view of MP's. After the two MP's opened their eyes they were silent, not knowing what to say, fortunately the same couldn't be said for the tank commander. "Hey kid, can you tell me and my platoon where we are?" Asked the tank commander, pointing at Joshua. "Well sir, you're 22 miles west off the city of Laredo, home of Fort Tempest. "So we're in the United States?" "Yup, right at the border that separates the red, white, and blue Eagle from the green, white, and red Eagle." Said Jeremy. "Well I'll be damned, I thought that White light was me entering heaven. I damn near thought me and my platoon were dead, but it's good to know we're back home and not in some battlefield somewhere in Europe." Said the tank commander in a thick southern accent, not long after he took off his helmet and revealed a head of Gray hair and a face with an equally Gray mustache. "Wait...battlefield somewhere in Europe? Were you guys fighting against the Auvo Republic and H.A.T?" Asked Joshua. "Yep." Responded one of the other tankers. "Cool, but why are you guys not in Europe right now fighting H.A.T terrorists and the Auvo Republic?" Asked Jeremy. "Like I said before, the White light engulfed our platoon and poof, we were in the middle of the desert along with a thousand or so other tanks." Answered the tank commander. "Wait, their were other Americans teleported here?" Asked Joshua. "Yep, about 55 miles (88 kilometers) Northeast there's more than probably a thousand other tanks and aircraft that were engulfed by the White light and forcefully brought here, instead of being on the battlefield." "What kind of aircraft?" Asked Jeremy, which received a sigh from the tank driver. "Glad you asked because theirs an abundance of them, there are aircraft like the V-22 Osprey 2, CV-444 Albatross, RAH-66 Comanche, UAH-62 Éclat, UAH-122 Juvenile; FX/A-48B Queen Hornet, F/A-55 Ascender II's, F/A-60 Cutlass II's, a couple of A-14E Dire Wolf's, and a few of those new EFX-70 Panther 2's. "I guess someone likes aircraft." Said Joshua. "Oh you have no idea, the old man here loves anything that can lift itself off the ground, it's practically the only thing he thinks of. I'm surprised he didn't become a pilot, haha." Said the tank driver. "Haha, very funny." Said the tank commander in a sarcastic tone. Not long after Joshua activated his MAWTS-2 and contacted Fort Tempest. "Hey, you're not going to believe this, there's currently a huge gathering of U.S. Marines 55 miles (88 kilometers) northeast of my current location. Yeah, that'll be great, thank you." "Now who was that son?" "That was one of the comm operators at Fort Tempest, theirs currently 3 CV-30 and 2 CV-60 airships coming as support vessels. You guys are home now, no more war, at least for now." "Now that's what I'm talking about, YEE-HAW!" Screamed one of the other tank commanders in a thick southern accent, not long after he took out his M88 Rail-revolver and shot it in the air, the automated rounds exploding 800 meters (2,624 feet) in the sky. Soon after every else followed, firing their weapons in the sky and cheering to be home at last. "Excuse me sir, but I never got your name." Said Jeremy, looking at the tank commander. "Well, how about you tell me yours first son." Responded that tank commander. "My name's Jeremy Deavon Manowar." "Hm, a man of war I see." "Ha, yeah." "Well, time to keep my side of the bargain. My name's Martin Gould Dyer, or Marty like platoon calls me." "Martin Gould Dyer, that's a beautiful name." "Vickie is so fat that her baby pictures were taken via satellite" -John Cena Equunian time: 3023, October 12th, 0313 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0313 hours Location: Equus; United States, Guymon Oklahoma, NASA/USAF space facility Charles Duke Aeronautics laboratory/satellite control center U.S. perspectives: satellite operators Floyd Childress and Anish Gallo Equunian perspectives: none Looking at the live feed from the Theodosius UW-36 high altitude surveillance satellite, it's operators watched as an everlasting sea of blue dominated the area where cities like Moscow, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg were supposed to be. Over 6 million square miles of Russian land vanished, gone, and no explanation as to why. The reasoning for the UW-36 surveillance satellite was over Russia was for routine maintenance by the Russian space agency Roscosmos, NASA and USAF routinely worked with them to ensure that their satellites were always in pristine working condition so that if a threat would arise from problem nations like the ZDK, Tuismo Dominion, or United Arus Seyre Empire, the UW-36 and many other satellites like it would be able to stay in place above these nations and create a constantly updating map of the battle space for the U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, and other allied forces. Currently there are over 44 UW type satellites currently in use by the United States Air Force and NASA, and that's not including its sister satellite the Russian Merkuur MP-4, which was created alongside the UW in a joint project by the U.S. and Russia code named "crossroad" where they would develop separate satellites using technologies from both nations, creating separate satellites for them to use. The project itself was created in 2081 and finished in 2087, costing a total of 21,000,000,000 dollars in American currency or 1,534,352,400,000 rubles, it was also planned for the satellites to be used up until 2131. Despite all the advanced technologies the UW-36 currently has, it's being secretly replaced by another satellite project that could do what it could, and more. The project it self is called "Operation Blue Eyes" and it was tasked with creating 2 different satellites that could do the job of the UW-36 and MP-4, only better; the reason for this being USAF's constant demand for a satellite that was capable of creating a 3D image of the battle space, as well as track battle fleets in both the air and sea in real time. But that's not all of the requirements set for the project, because the satellite would also act as a OrBital Energy Transferal Station (OBETS) as well. Of course the United States already had several OBETS satellites, like the Turing S-4, Noether P-19, Edison IYY-1, Einstein JV-121, and Suno-41. 5 different types of OBETS satellites were currently in service in the United States, all of which power air bases/army bases, USN naval vessels, USAF areal carrier fleets, as well as the elusive areal supercarriers that would be unveiled later this year. But it's not the OBETS satellites being replaced because their vital to U.S. military infrastructure and are made solely out of indigenously designed U.S. technologies, despite this these satellites are going to get upgraded so they can transfer solar energy faster and more efficiently, allowing for any military vehicle with OrBital Energy coLlector Panels (OBELP) to collect energy at a much faster rate. But the replacements for the UW-36 is going to already have these upgrades placed in it as standard, so it's going to be able to make an accurate picture of the battle space that always updating, track battle fleets in the air and sea, but also supply clean energy to friendly forces. "He-hey Anish?" Asked Floyd, still looking at the live feed of what was Russia. "Yes sir?" Asked Anish, also looking at the live feed. "Put 36% power into the East facing thrusters, after 11 seconds increase thrust to 88%." "Understood, increasing power to 46%." 11 seconds later "Increasing power by 52%." It didn't take long for the UW-36 to reach mach 16 (13,000 mph/20,912 kph/11,296 knots) and cover a distance of 8,452 kilometers (5,251 miles) in 18 minutes, the equivalent to the space between Berlin and Shanghai if they were still in existence. Due to its shape it would brake apart if it were anywhere near the lower Mesosphere because of the ridiculous speed it was traveling, it wasn't made to operate in the air like the United States many, many hypersonic aircraft currently in service. Aircraft in that speed range can normally pierce through the air and withstand temperatures of 8,182 degrees Fahrenheit (4,527 degrees Celsius), these aircraft normally conduct high altitude high speed bombings, reconnaissance, or test missions for new aircraft engines and tech. After traveling another four to five thousand miles the satellite spotted a massive Pangea-like continent that was lit up with city lights, these lights were scattered all over the continent and varied in brightness depending on how clumped together they were, making for a very beautiful sight. After several seconds of watching the lights Anish got the idea of using the Lidar to make a map of the continent, as well as notify other UW-36 control teams to join using the FMMIS (Fast Multi Mission Information Systems) system that was equipped on all military satellites. After about 20 minutes the other 43 UW-36 satellites started appearing over the continent, about an hour later they received permission from USAF and NASA to start making a rough 3D map of the continent, this map would than be improved by satellites equipped with HPZC (High Precision Zoom Cameras), then sent to the Pentagon. In approximately 3 days and 7 hours the satellites would have a complete map, which would update every 40 minutes and give the United States an accurate look of this new continents biomes, cities, and in due time: It's people, but to get everything in complete detail other vehicles have to be used. Vehicles like the HTV-3X and HTV-2X, SR-21, and TR6 would be used to accurately determine it's biomes, cities, and people down to a science. But it's too soon to guess wether the United States will declare a Tier-3 Reconnaissance campaign, so satellites and high altitude photography might be the only ways of mapping this continent. So all that can be done is wait, because there's the possibility that whoever resides in this continent poses a threat to the United States National Security, but only time will tell. "See me as your moonlight and you're the sky, I'm the satellite orbiting through your night" -Bodhi Smith Author's Note So, how are you guys liking the story? P.S. please tell me if their are eny error, thanks.
Chapter II: Sign Of a Collision"For me, there's something very romantic about going and looking at the stars and trying to photograph spy satellites" -Trevor Paglen Pony time: 3023, October 12th, 0334 hours Human time: 2098, October 12th, 0334 hours Location: New Lunar Republic, city of Najanla, Manto Giapere Palace U.S. perspectives: none Equunian perspectives: Queen Lunar Crescent Collinaphima, Queen Celestia Solar Collinaphima, Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca, Spike Mavaca Looking through the telescope in her observatory, Luna searched the infinite sky for passing comets and asteroids before the incoming rainstorm that was scheduled to arrive blocked her view, unfortunately she wasn't having much luck with that. So she decided to leave the observatory and return another day, at least until she spotted some strange object in the upper Mesosphere traveling at a ridiculous speed. Trying to set the telescope on the object Luna struggled to keep pace with it, the lense becoming shaky every time she was about to get a clear look at it. It didn't take long for her to become frustrated and almost give up. Queen Luna wasn't a stranger to easy frustration, as a matter a fact, it's what she's known for. Prince's, princesses, kings and queens all know of the sovereign of the moons short temper, the same temper that has led to the death of the brother of Princess Trixie Tolafia Jikinigner of the Artral Lacenpierre Dominion, Prince Zimwatson Mocked Jikinigner, just a mere 14 months ago. The death of Prince Zimwatson is one steeped in controversy, being an advocate for the freedom of the Changelings race he was very unliked by Luna and many of her loyalists, as well as many other royals from kingdoms with great influence, and others with limited influence. But the difference between Prince Zimwatson and other advocates for the freedom of the Changelings like his sister, Prince Flash Sentry Rossano, and Prince Blue Blood Collinaphima is how vocal he was about it, he wasn't scared to confront anypony about how heinous the act of slavery was, which is what he did to Luna. 14 months ago Zimwatson met with Luna at the city of Obright Newcynton in the New Lunar Republic for a meeting between leaders, the meeting itself being about trade routes between their two kingdoms, but Zimwatson was going to use the meeting as a way of convincing Luna to abolish slavery in her kingdom, and possibly get other kingdoms to do so as well. But when he brought it up Luna became frustrated, as if she heard it a hundred other times from a hundred other ponies. Soon enough the meeting ended up being a huge screaming match between the two royals, shouting obscenities at each other it didn't take long for both to reach their breaking points. But Luna reached hers faster. Unsheathing her sword Luna swung at Zimwatson's head, in response Zimwatson brought up his sword and blocked the strike, catching the attention of the guards in the room that were already very stressed by the arguing. Jumping backwards Zimwatson placed himself 11 feet (3 meters) away from Luna so he could anticipate any movement she or her guards make, to amplify this he casted a spell named Forubima which used the brain waves of the user, enabling them to locate and track other ponies movements in real time using their magic signature. In pryor iterations of the Forubima spell it was extraordinarily difficult to see anything that didn't have a magic signature, fortunately Zimwatson was using the latest Iteration of the spell, Evansano Forubima, that was made by the Earth-pony known as Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca alongside her Colt-friend Prince Flash Sentry Rossano of the Norrial Niaru Republic. The Evansano Forubima spell colors anything with a magic signature in Indian Red and everything else in Abalone, but it didn't mask the details of every other surface and instead amplified their details using a Lime color. Keeping her distance Luna prepared to attack from Zimwatson's rear, but when she did he dodged the attack and inturn hit her in the ribs with his hind legs, causing her to stumble backwards and fall over. After Luna fell one of her Bat-pony guards lunged at Zimwatson with his sword, unfortunately for the guard Zimwatson was already four steps ahead of him, because as the Bat-pony closed in on him Zimwatson turned his body 55 degrees to face the guard and slashed the bat pony twice on his chest, finishing him of with a swift stab to the throat. As the Bat-pony guard choked on his own blood his colleagues charged at Zimwatson with spears, but much like their dead colleague Zimwatson was already several steps ahead of them. Waiting for them to close the distance Zimwatson's horn glowed Rosewood in preparation for casting a spell, as the guards passed 4 meters (13 feet) Zimwatson used a spell called Foreficent which was created by King Sibeauty Rosemane Hollanbow for the express purpose of putting holes into ponies by manifesting 2 centimeter thick, 5 foot (1.5 meter) long crystal spears and launching them at 1,306 kilometers an hour (812 miles an hour). As the two spear wielding guards got within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of Zimwatson he activated the Foreficent spell, in a third of a second 5 Washark crystal spears manifested out of thin air, floating in air for another second the Washark spears accelerated to 502 miles an hour (806 kilometers an hour) before hitting the Bat-ponies, easily shredding them and their Glunor armor. Going through the Bat-ponies like a hot knife through butter the Washark spears dissipated as to not make unnecessary damage, leaving the room in an eerie silence. Not to long after Zimwatson felt a searing pain in his upper back that only seemed to get worse and worse, looking behind himself he saw Luna, her sword in the place where the growing pain was. "Excuse me, Queen Luna?" Asked a voice behind Luna, startling her. "Ah...oh, it's just you Surcruz, you startled me." Said Luna, looking at her loyal bodyguard and friend, Surcruz Lopexia Shizver. "Oh, I'm sorry my Queen, I just wanted to inform you that your sister, Queen Celestia, has arrived for the peace talks." "Mmm, understood, just give me a couple minutes, I'm...doing something...for research." "Yes my Queen." As Luna watched Surcruz leave the room she got back to looking at the strange object, which was now completely still and unmoving, a stark contrast from the ludicrous speeds it was reaching seconds ago. If a Pegasus were to actually reach those types of speeds it would take minutes, if not hours to slow down to a stand still and not be torn to shreds because of the crushing force on the body, and that's only if a Pegasus were able to reach those speeds at all. Most Pegasi max out at 429 kilometers an hour (267 miles an hour/232 knots) because of their wing shape and strength, while Pegasi like the ones in the Wonderbolts, Shadowbolts, and Luna's very own Nightshades max out at 838 kilometers an hour (521 miles an hour/452 knots), but due to recent events a Wonderbolt named Rainbow Dash Olataylor was able to break the 885 kilometer an hour (550 mile an hour/477 knots) limit and reach 967 kilometers an hour (601 miles an hour/522 knots) less than a month ago in something called a "Sonic Rainboom." Looking at the object Luna was dumbfounded by how complex it was, it had a multitude of reflective surfaces, antennas, and to top it all off with a shiny bow, a metal structure. Nothing about the object looked like Equus's natural satellites that orbited the planet, that would mean this thing was a one in a million natural meteor or comet shape, or it was artificially made by something, and it's most likely the ladder. But for now, the Queen herself couldn't worry about this oddball object, wether it be hostile or not, because the meeting with her sister takes a greater importance in Luna's heart then an artificial satellite. But that didn't mean it held no importance. 11 minutes later (0345 hours) Stepping into the meeting room there was only 2 out of 12 ponies and a baby dragon at the table, the first pony being Queen Celestia of course, the second pony being Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca, the baby dragon being her adopted brother Spike Mavaca, and the other 10 ponies that weren't at the table being Celestia's Solar guard. Walking towards the table with 10 of her very own Sunfall guards behind her Luna stared at Celestia with a blank expression, sending a sense of uneasiness through her own guards, as well as Celestia's. As Luna sat down at the table, the blank expression that littered her face disappeared into a little smile. "Sister, can I tell you about something I've seen while in the observatory?" Asked Luna. "Why yes siste-" Before Celestia could finish her answer, she was interrupted by Luna. "Alone." Exclaimed Luna, leaving a sense of shock through everyone in the room, even her own guards. After the shock factor of Luna's words wore off Celestia's guards stood ready to defend her, because both Queen's had a long history of trying to kill each other over the simplest things since they both took over the kingdom of their father, Emperor Watsonical Dophire Collinaphima, after his death a millennia ago. Ever since conception the two sisters would argue about anything and everything, wether it be about the brightness of the Moon compared to the Sun, which Prince was more handsome, who was better at magic, etc. But this was something all siblings did at some point or another, but the cute disagreements ended when they both took over their fathers kingdom after his death, because the pressure of ruling over a massive kingdom weighed heavily on the two new Queen's, causing them to lash out at each other when disagreements arose. Disagreements only got more violent as time when on, to the point where innocent souls were lost any time the sisters argued about anything, wether it be something significant or insignificant. This was further amplified when Luna and Celestia discovered their ability to control the area the sun and moon inhabited at any given moment with the help of their tutor, Starswirl Clafang Kosdson, causing their already strained relationship to be worsened with the unnecessary ability to control Equus's natural satellites. Fortunately for the inhabitants of Equus this ability was stripped from the sisters 3 years after they discovered it by some unknown force, unfortunately for the exact same inhabitants of Equus the force that stripped the sisters of their ability decided to punish them, because during the short time they lost their ability mass natural disasters started to break out along the East and West Coast, along with places further inland. Tsunamis, earthquakes, fires, and mass hysteria spread all over the Bukastillo super continent like wild fire, which was fitting because their were plenty of those. But this was 967 years ago, and almost every nation on the Bukastillo continent have either fallen and been replaced by new nations, or have recovered and become stronger as a whole. This long stretch of time has of course led to speculation on the sisters damned ability, and out of that came many theories, many of them being dubious at best, others being plausible. The most famous of these theories being the Rotational Equus Theory, which states that the sisters didn't actually rotate the sun and the moon but instead, made Equus spin making it seem like the sun and moon was orbiting Equus. This theory also proposes that the Sun doesn't orbit Equus, but instead Equus orbits around the sun in an elliptical orbit, this also formed the foundation for a theoretical force holding everything together. This theoretical force was partially named after the magic researcher that created it, an Earth-pony named Fletiniar Kenano Jorwave. Fletinirum is what the theoretical force was officially named, this was in 2563, two years before Fletiniar died of old age. This long stretch of time allowed for Celestia and Luna's loyalists to denounce the theory as nothing more than fantasy, the most notable of these critics is Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca, Celestia's close friend, royal advisor, and former student. When asked about the theory, Twilight said "There's no proof that this theory holds any grounds in reality, why would the Sun not rotate around Equus? Because it has some fictional ability to hold things in orbit? Such utter nonsense." "Now now, everypony just calm down." Said Celestia, trying to calm everyone in the one. "I'm sure she has a perfectly legitimate reason as to why she wants to talk with me alone, isn't that right sister." "Yes I do, but the information I want to share with you sister is confidential. So no other pony may hear it besides you and I." Responded Luna. "Well, I guess that's reasons enough. Twilight, may you lead the guards outside please." "What!?" Screamed Twilight at the thought of leaving her beloved queen with a violent war lord. "Have you forgotten how violent Queen Luna gets when angry! Why would we just leave you with her...unguarded!?" "Oh Twilight, I'm perfectly capable of defending myself if anything were to go awry." Responded Celestia. "Bu-but, she's dangero-" "Yeah Twilight, Celestia isn't some defenseless princess, she's capable of holding her own in a fight." Interrupted Spike. "Well sister, seems like you do have some sense in your kingdom after all." Commented Luna, getting a laugh from Spike. "Hey!" Screamed Twilight. "Now now, everypony calm down. Twilight, may you escort the guards outside now?" Asked Celestia. "Fine, but don't scream for help if you get attacked." Said Twilight as she and the guards exited the room. "Guards, may you follow Twilight and the Solar guard." Said Luna as Twilight was leaving the room. "Yes sire." Said the head guard in his low raspy voice as he left the room with the rest of the Sunfall guards. "So sister, what did you want to tell me again?" Said Celestia, summoning two cups of chocolate milk. "Fighter pilots have ice in their vains. They don't have emotions. They think, anticipate. They know that fear and other concerns cloud your mind from what's going on and what's you should be involved in" -Buzz Aldrin | Apollo 11 astronaut Pony Time: 3023, October 16th, 1550 hours Human time: 2098, October 16th, 1550 hours Location: Equus; United States, South Dakota, USAF air base Flamewarden aeronautical research base, 544 miles (875 kilometers) East of Rapid City U.S. perspectives: TR6A Talos pilots Juan Peck and Kelly Blake, TR6A Talos pilots Liam Oneill and Amina Hensley; commanding officer Darren Cooper Equunian perspectives: Queen Celestia Solar Collinaphima, Princess Twilight Sparkle Mavaca, Thunderbolt 2nd Lt Rainbow Dash Olataylor, Thunderbolt 1st Lt Soarin Greence, Princess Rarity Lewisuka Coxwave Walking outside of the barracks and towards the LSHBE (Large Subterranean Hanger Bay Elevator), the four pilots found 2 TR6A Talos's waiting for them in the rain, it's infused radar absorbent body glistening in the mix of water and light that was bathing it. "Look at this, never seen a sight this beautiful huh?" Asked Juan, nudging his colleague Kelly on the shoulder. "You're talking to the person who witnessed the birth of his son 5 months ago, so yes it's the most beautiful thing I've seen in awhile." Responded Kelly. Getting closer to the TR6A's the four pilots stood in attention as they're commander officer, Darren Cooper, walked towards them, in back of him was several maintenance personnel collapsing ladders that led up to the aircrafts missile/bomb bay doors and retractable CMG-88 multi barreled coil guns, this could either be weapon readiness maintenance for an impending battle, or just regular maintenance that so happened to include the aircrafts weaponry. All four pilots hoped it was the latter. "Okay gentlemen, and lady, the Pentagon has tasked USAF with a LARO (Low Altitude Reconnaissance and Observation) mission, which USAF has so generously...dumped onto us. But it's not without reason." Exclaimed commander Darren in a prideful tone. "Oh no." Said Amina. "As you know full well all variants of the TR6 haven't been used in the field at any point since it entered service a good 8 months ago, and with the advent of the bright as fuck light that sent us here in the first place we're given a chance to test our new toys." "Sounds cool, but it seems like...there's a few things missing from the equation. Who are we going to be testing the TR6's on? Where are we even going? Stuff like that." Asked Juan. "I can only answer the 2nd question, 1st question being the reason why we're even doing a LARO mission in the first place, because there's apparently a massive land mass to the North that was spotted by several Theodosius UW-36 satellites 4 days ago. The Pentagon wants to know what's on this land mass and wether it's inhabited by any intelligent life." "So let me get this straight, USAF wants us to go to a place where no other human has ever set foot, may contain hostile life that might be capable of damaging or downing our 123,300,000 dollar aircraft, because they want to see how it performs in the field?" Exclaimed Kelly, questioning the legitimacy of the mission he was participating in. "Yes." "What!" "C'mon Kelly, what's the worst that could happen." Said Amina as she walked towards one of the TR6's with her co-pilot Liam close behind. "Yeah, stop overthinking it, we'll be fine" said Juan walking towards one of the TR6's. "If anything goes wrong on the mission, I'll take full responsibility Kelly." Said Darren, walking passed Kelly and towards the control center. Soon enough all four pilots were in the two 519 foot (158 meter) wide aircraft and prepared for takeoff. As the two TR6A's started to hover it's 5 landing gear retracted into its body, allowing for the aircraft to position itself North and disappear into the night, leaving everyone to hold their breath. They would keep it held until it reached the Northern land mass, we're more questions lie waiting for its arrival. 1 hour, 29 minute (1719 hours) later Cruising at an altitude of 13,000 feet (3,662 meters) the two TR6A's flew at Mach 7.52 (5,776 mph/9,295 kph/5,019 knots) and in around 2,000 miles or so they would both divert their path and head in two different directions, taking them to two different areas the United States government was currently interested in viewing. After that they would activate their Adaptive Aerial Cover System (AACS) because the sun would be coming up within the hour, and these gentle giants couldn't afford to be spotted because that could send the local population into a panic. If their is a population to send into a panic that is. Of course, activating the AACS has its drawbacks. When traveling at any speed above Mach 2.86 (2,197 mph/3,535 kph/1,909 knots) that would make the AACS lose it and start flashing random colors like Teal, Purple, Red, and a plethora of other colors that it flashed in no particular order, this was due to the pressure the Cluinyx panels felt when going above Mach 2.86, not being sufficient enough to shield the electronics from the killing force. This was true for all three variants of the TR6, leaving them vulnerable to almost every air superiority fighter across the globe, luckily this problem will be ironed out soon since 2 months after the TR6A, B, and C entered service 8 months ago research into materials more suited in the role of pressure absorbance than Cluinyx began. Almost all of the materials on all three variants of the TR6 were man-made, none of them coming from Earth at all, unless you count the clear Aluminium windscreens or Graphite infused tires, but you could argue that those materials were made through material science, henceforth not actually coming from the Earth. This fact only receives more confirmation by the materials used to make the radar absorbent coating that was infused into the body paneling, which was confirmed to be from space and not be made up of any material disclosed to the public, man made or not. Going away from the subject of advanced materials science and into Electronic attack and tracking, the TR6 family of aircraft have some of the best around. For the U.S. Air Force and Army there was the TR6A Talos, which wasn't as heavily armed as it's Bravo and Charlie counterparts, but has the most capable and advanced avionics out of the three; having built in AULS (Automatic Updating Lidar System) at multiple points around the aircraft, allowing for it to have a 3D model of the battle space, as well as track every troop, vehicle, aircraft, or helicopter within a 1,552 mile (2,497 kilometer) radius, the AULS does this by pairing its own systems alongside the DAS's (Distributed Aperture System) 360 degree field of vision, the HBCTA's (Heart Beat/Circulatory Tracking Apparatus) ability to track living things with a pulse, the MTWDB's (Military Tools and Weapons Data Base) and it's massive list of weaponry, and the AN/APG-909 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) Radar and it's advanced capabilities. This extreme sensor fusion allowed for the TR6A to track, command, inform, and help friendly forces with mission objectives, as well as track and attack hostile forces that pose a threat to friendly forces or civilians. For the USMC and USN there is the TR6C Poseidon, which is more heavily armed than it's Alpha and Bravo counterparts, but has the least powerful computing systems out of the three. Being made primarily for seaborne operations the TR6C was outfitted with a multitude of munitions it uses to kill enemy navies, some it shares with its brothers and sisters, others not so much. Gravity missiles/bombs (AGM-18B LRASM/ASM-N-33X Dapper Widow), Acroilium particle lightweight/heavyweight torpedoes (Mark-88 Mod 8 CBASS/Mark-4 Mod 4 CBASS), Ship Busting Satellite Guidance Systems (SBSGS), Submarine Busting Satellite Guidance Systems (SBSGS-2), point defence lasers (PDL-12), Small Explosive Drone Swarms (SEDS-12 Hell storm), and a multitude of weapons it uses alongside friendly forces to suppress and kill the enemy. Despite having inferior computing power than it's siblings, it was still able to track, find, and kill an array of targets at once, but unfortunately it wasn't capable of tracking anything with a pulse because it doesn't employ HBCTA, so it could only see living things in thermal or infrared imaging systems. In use by the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marines the TR6B Hephaestus is the most unique out of the 3, and is made for a very specific role in the United States armed forces that's been made crucial in recent decades, the Airborne Attack Laser Platform, or AALP for short. The United States already fields AALP platforms like the ACXL-33 Quadralifter, AC-86 Death Darling, AC-87 False Stork, and the B-4B Necromancer, which is a AALP variant of the B-4 Necromancer. Commonly, cargo aircraft are used for AALP aircraft, excluding the TR6B and B-4B of course, because of their ability to stay hundreds of miles away from the battle field for hours on end without refuelling. AALP's are also categorized as attack aircraft like the AC-180 and it's predecessor the AC-130, but unlike those aircraft AALP's don't perform aerial artillery on enemy ground forces, but instead destroy enemy aircraft from extremely far distances with its long range lasers, this helps lighten the load on friendly aircraft and ground forces while putting a strain on enemy forces. As the two TR6A's broke away and headed on two separate paths, they activated their AACS and slowed down significantly, Mach 2.55 (1,956 mph/3,148 kph/1,700 knots) to be exact. By the time both reach their destinations the sun would be shining bright and bathing it's light on anything it sees, so despite the AACS's flaws, it's needed to maintain visual stealthiness. In other words, it's going to be a long trip. Time jump: 3 hours 13 minutes Perspective jumps: multiple Location: Empire of Rising Suns, City of Canterlot Time: 1932 hours Perspectives: Human/Equunian Sitting at her desk, Celestia thought about the object her sister showed her 4 days ago as she looked through a book called "Flying Creatures of Equus," which is a massive encyclopedia on every known living creature capable of flight on the Bukastillo continent. Unfortunately for her there wasn't any known creature capable of flying as high as 62 miles (99 kilometers/327,360 feet/107,826 meters) in the air without dying of asphyxia, this simple fact was unfortunately proven when a female Pegasus named Cunninghamolga Prookie broke 37,900 feet (11,551 meters) and suffocated, entering a free fall towards the ground at 250 kph (155 mph), dying on impact. Celestia was left stumped, no known flying creature on Equus resembled what her sister showed her, but Celestia had a theory. Coincidentally Luna saw the object the same day as Celestia saw the massive piller that formed in the great unknown, so by chance both of these sightings could be connected in some way, it's just a matter of finding out how. As Celestia thought some more she wondered if Chrysalis had anything to do with the unnatural satellite and massive piller, it has been uncovered that Chrysalis and her Changeling magineers have been trying to develop a spell to help free her subjects from serfdom. Maybe a meeting between her, Prince Sombra, and Twilight and Spike could surface some questions, either that or threats of war. At this point, anything to get some answers, because the appearance of these two mysteries could be a sign of something, big. "Celestia?" Said a feminine voice from behind, catching her off guard. "Ye-yes?" Asked Celestia, looking behind herself only to spot a Light Purple Earth-pony standing in the entrance to her private library, "Oh, it's just you Twilight, what may be the problem?" "The air show is going to start soon, and Dash said she would try and perform another Sonic Rainboom, she's been practicing a whole week for it!" said Twilight in an enthusiastic tone. "Than we have not a minute to wait!" Proclaimed Celestia with a enthusiastic voice as well. Walking out of her private library and into the hall where Twilight was, Celestia remembered something important she had to do, or to be more exact, something someone else had to do. "Twilight dear, do you know where Tinselree is? I require her to clean my private library, it's gotten rather dusty the last few days." "I'm right here my queen." Said a voice coming from further down the hall, getting closer the individual behind the voice revealed itself. A 3 foot, 8 inch tall female Changeling named Tinselree with a Gray coat, green eyes, and a maid uniform walked from further down the hall and up to Celestia and Twilight. "What commands may you have for me my Queen." "You've been rather forgetful these past few days Tinselree, if you keep this up you'll be severely punished." Scolded Twilight. "Now now Twilight, it's just a simple mistake." Explained Celestia, looking from Twilight to Tinselree Celestia said, "Thank you Tinselree for coming on such short notice, the library has been very dusty lately, and I would love for you to clean it for me." "Yes my Queen." Responded Tinselree, bowing in front of Celestia before entering the library. "Now Twilight, let us go and observe the airshow from one of the many balconies overlooking PonyVille." Cooed Celestia as she and Twilight walked from her private library to one of the many balconies that littered Canterlot palace, once they got far enough away from any Changeling servants Twilight asked Celestia a question, "Why would you allow the servants to make so many mistakes without punishment? They'll think you're soft and might stage a revolt, remember how your mother, Empress Hydrallivan, gained the scar on her neck." "That was because she was cruel, she treated her servants as property instead of fully functioning individuals capable of thought. They're not livestock they're living beings." Responded Celestia. "But that's exactly what they are! Changelings aren't like you and I Celestia, they were bred for the purpose of serving their creators, us ponies, they aren't anything other than our, us as the ponies of this nation, property!" "Twilight, if you're going to become this kingdoms next ruler, than you must understand that life comes into existence in many different ways, just because the Changelings were created by an...alicorn like I, doesn't mean they're worth less than I." "Than why not just set them all free if they're worth so much?" Said Twilight in a frustrated tone. "It's not that simple Twilight, the people who condone their serfdom would be furious at that type of direct action and either stage a military coup or all out revolution, you know very well a majority of our military is made up of ponies of fully support their serfdom, wether it be individual soldiers, commanders, or generals a majority of them think their slavery is right and just because it helps fuel our nations industrial might. "Than how was the Crystal Empire and Artral Lacenpierre Dominion capable of doing it?" Asked Twilight with a tinge of genuine curiosity. "Because at the time those kingdoms freed their Changelings servant populations, they were already having a decline in nationalized industry, the privatization of coal, iron, and gold mines; cart, ship, and carriage production lines; and businesses led to owners freeing any Changeling that was serving the kingdom because, well, their serfdom wasn't needed. This was also supplemented by a smear campaign of anything that used unpaid Changeling labor by the crown, who strategically used posters, news paper headlines, Crystalik Communications System (CCS) transmissions, and public stands to demonize anypony that uses unpaid Changeling work. Unfortunately for our dear nation we didn't make such plans to sway public opinion on unpaid Changeling labor and private ownership, and now we're stuck with the fact our nation is in possession of 200,000 Changelings who work nationalized factories, mines, and kitchens. This inevitably leads to mental, physical, and sometimes sexual abuse of Changelings by individuals that run those areas." Answered Celestia in a somber tone. "I was unaware of these kinds of things, why don't more ponies know this?" "Because when these things happen they aren't reported, when reported nothing's done about it. The abuse of Changelings is a simple estimate, many experts agree that the numbers are much, much greater, but to put it simply, they don't care." Answered Celestia in a same somber tone. After Celestia and Twilight finished their talk, they walked the halls in silence until they reached their destination, a balcony overlooking PonyVille. Looking at the moderately sized town they felt a surge of happiness fill them; this was it, this is what was going to make today worth it. Unbeknownst to Celestia and Twilight there was a 519 foot (158 meter) wide, 219 foot (66 meters) long behemoth of human engineering hovering 1,000 feet (304 meters) in the air, it's stability more than that of any Pegasus. Human Perspective "Command this is Delta one we're currently over the OZ (Operations Zone)." Announced Juan as he allowed Darren and the rest of the command center to see through his MPACS (Multi Platform Aerial Camera System), HBTCA, and DAS. "Excellent Delta 1, we can commence LARO now." Hovering at 1,000 feet, the DAS and HBTCA started identifying and tracking every living thing in a 500 mile (804 kilometer) radius, these things included rabbits, foxes, wolves, wild cats and a lot of other animals in the surrounding woods around the medium sized town, but that wasn't a strange sight to witness because the HBTCA and DAS would normally track animals. This unfortunately didn't explain the strangest part, in the town there weren't any humans, instead there were small miniature horses that didn't pass 5 feet, many of them didn't even surpass 3 feet 9 inches, the tallest one in the little town was on a farm full of apple trees and was 4 feet 5 inches, but that was it. These miniature horses could be seen doing tasks that would generally be seen in cities in the United States, exchanging goods and services through currency, using and creating tools, cooking and baking, all things found in an intelligent society only now instead of humans, it's now miniature horses. "H-hey command, are you...recording this?" Asked Juan with a confused tone in his voice, adding to the overall confusion through the two pilots, as well as command. "All cameras are recording at clear 1080p, we're getting everything." "C-cool." Since the MPACS allowed for one camera to be controlled manually at a time, that gave Kelly the ability to use the cameras to observe individual targets of interest that weren't on a kill list, or as of right now, individual miniature horses that look cool. Making the cameras do close ups on individual horses, Kelly was able to spot wings and horns on some of them, and for some odd reason these extra appendages were useful to these miniature horses. This was true for the horses with wings, being able to fly and hover without a problem despite technically not being supposed to. In the Eastern part of the small town there seemed to be a small airbase with a dirt runway, really WW2-ish, except their were no aircraft, hangers, or fuel trucks, just a runway, and some winged horses with jumpsuits on. "He-hey Kelly, what was that one mythological animal with a horse body and bird wings?" Asked Juan, staring at a rainbow winged Pegasus with the MPACS. Answering the question, Kelly said "I think their called Pegasus, and the horned ones are unicorns, I think." "Why are they so small though?" Asked Darren with a sense of confusion, because he and his family bred and sold horses, ponies, and to a lessor extent, donkeys and in all that time none of them were as small as these ones. "I legitimately don't know." Answered Kelly. Equunian Perspective/34 minutes later (2006 hours) Sitting down with a pair of binoculars Twilight and Celestia wasted time by spotting random ponies before the show started, as well as when Twilight's friend, Princess Rarity Lewisuka Coxwave of the Phisanetonia Iristan Doneager Kingdom, is supposed to arrive. Despite this the Flamboyant princess was running late, most likely being held up via her own militia, during large events like gala's hosted by kingdoms Princess Rarity would usually get as well dressed as possible to display her craftsmanship skills, which in all honesty were superb, but this would hold her up because of her wide selection of dresses. But considering how late she's probably going to be, Twilight would probably have to spend a portion of the show without one of her dearest friends, and instead spend it with her mentor, friend, and gracious Queen. Or maybe she wouldn't. Hearing the door open behind her, Twilight looked to her rear to see Rarity being let into the room by two Solar Guards, her dress itself was as gorgeous as it was complicated. Which made sense since she took so long getting here, probably because she had some difficulty putting the dress on. "Rarity! What took you so long to?" Asked Twilight, making her way towards Rarity. "I'm sorry darling, but this dress was very difficult to put on. Me and my servants couldn't figure out a way to put it on, it took us forever and a day to do so." Said Rarity as Twilight trapped her in a hug, Rarity reciprocating the gesture. "Let's join Celestia, we're passing time by using binoculars to spot random ponies we've met, I'll get you one." "That sounds wonderful!" Exclaimed Rarity as she and Twilight went to the balcony. Rainbow Dash Olataylor and Soarin Greence perspective "Hey Soarin, are you doing anything later?" Asked Rainbow Dash. "Nothing really, why'd you ask? Did you miss me? Was I gone for to long?" Responded Sorian, reminding Rainbow Dash of when he left to help train ERSAF (Empire of Rising Suns Air Force) in aerial combat with other flying creatures, mainly Changeling flyers. "Nah, I knew you'd comeback, and besides you're a soldier," said Rainbow Dash, continuing with "It's your duty to defend this country. Celestia knows I couldn't do that." "What makes you say that?" "Because I'm not made for fighting, that's your job. I'm made for pure speed." Answered Rainbow Dash with a tinge of pride in her voice. "I always thought I was a mixture of both speed, and combat prowess." Responded Sorian. "Well yes, but I'm faster." "Oh really? Someone does a Sonic Rainboom once and thinks they're hot stuff." "Yup, I'm pretty famous now." "Being famous doesn't mean your an expert, rookie." "Hey!" "Well it's true!" "Hey, knock it off and get into position! The show is starting soon!" Said an annoyingly similar voice to Rainbow Dash's ears, her commander, AirBoss Spitfire Viseryoung of the Wonderbolts. "Yes ma'am!" Screamed Sorian, getting into position. "Why aren't you getting into position 2nd Lt Olataylor!?" Yelled Spitfire. "No, no reason." Said Rainbow Dash, passing Spitfire and joining Sorian in the squadron formation, which was currently a Battle-Spread that would turn into a Ladder formation once the squadron reached 520 feet (158 meters) high. "You can't keep acting like this Olataylor, you're going to have to step up and take that stick out your rear, because you're just a rookie. You're nothing like the mares and stallions here, so cool it!" Scolded Spitfire, embarrassing Rainbow Dash in front of the rest of the Wonderbolts. Fortunately for Rainbow Dash the embarrassment didn't last long, because the horn that signalled the start of the show blared like a siren, and like a race horse when the barrier goes down they started down the runway, but instead of immediately bolting the Wonderbolts simply started to walk with wings spread, slowly speeding up until they started running at full speed. Not long after, they were off. Speeding through the sky at 415 miles an hour (667 kph/360 knots), the Wonderbolts switched from being in a Battle-Spread to Ladder formation, giving PonyVille and Canterlot a clear view of them from 520 feet in the air, as well as giving the invisible giant from down high a clear view as well. Human perspectives It's been 20 minutes since these massive crowds gathered in the middle of this small town, Darren started to think that the ponies saw the TR6A and was about to call off the whole operation, at least until they heard a mass amount of cheering. Not a second after the DAS and HBTCA started to track ten living things 520 feet in the air, travelling 667 kilometers an hour, these creatures were without a shadow of a doubt alive, otherwise it wouldn't come up on the HBTCA and DAS. Making one of the MPACS look at what the HBTCA and DAS were tracking, and as the MPACS laid it's clear aluminium eye on the bogies, it was very clear that the ponies with the jumpsuits that were on the makeshift runway on the Eastern side of the town. Opening up the possibility of being discovered by this new civilization early, but this could easily be counteracted by gaining altitude, but that's only if these jumpsuit wearing ponies don't gain altitude either. Luckily, it seemed like these Pegasus didn't have plans on gaining altitude, because the current scene looked like an air show, meaning that gaining altitude wouldn't please the crowds as staying low would. Climbing to 1,567 feet (477 meters) Juan and Kelly put a significant distance between them and the Pegasus Airshow, and without alerting them to their presents. At least that was until a massive boom was heard, seconds after that screaming followed along with a signal alerting that the AACS just went down, allowing everyone to gaze upon the flying beast. "Darren the AACS just shut down! We've been spotted!" Screamed Juan. "I know, something produced a shockwave with a top speed of 3,007 miles an hour (4,839 kph/2,613 knots). When it hit you guys it completely fried the AACS." Responded Darren. "Fuck!" Screamed out Juan "Let's get the hell out of here!" Yelled out Kelly, cutting out the engines and making the 519 foot aircraft drop a 1,000 feet (304 meters) out of the sky within 6 seconds, in that 6 seconds the TR6 did a complete 180 and accelerated to 5,890 mph (9,479 kph/5,118 knots) back to the United States. "Well, that escalated quickly." Commented Darren. Twilight, Celestia, and Rarity's perspective As Celestia watched her beloved Wonderbolts jettison through the sky with the speed of Falcons, maneuverability of Hawks, and the confidence of Eagles she felt an aura of pride fill her heart, knowing full well that her Kingdom, much like many others, was a force to be reckoned with. 7,000,000+ Pegasus, 3,000,000+ Unicorns, 9,000,000+ Earth ponies, 13,000+ Wonderbolts, 7,023 Fornshaw level alicorns, 1,200 Pontirera level alicorns, and 600 Hamiblex level alicorns currently in the ranks of the Empire of Rising Suns, the 3rd largest military on Equus. But of course leadership is important, no kingdom can function without it, and currently the ERS has two Hilliel level Alicorns [Celestia and Cadance], the strongest of all alicorns levels, currently in command of the country, and if Twilight finishes the first half of her studies it'll have 3. The official military might of ERS isn't the only thing defending this great nation, because independent militias with patriotic ponies of every type in its ranks protecting the nation from any threat, foreign or domestic existed, and they aren't anything to be scoffed at. Needless to say, this made Celestia have a sense of pride for her great nation, and that's alright. Continuing to watch the Wonderbolts speed through the sky, Celestia spotted a lone Wonderbolt separating from the formation, curious to see who this mystery Pegasus was, she used binoculars and was surprised to find that it was Rainbow Dash. Not long after Celestia realised what was about to happen, and braced herself. Soon after a semi transparent rainbow sphere formed around the lone Wonderbolt, in the split second the sphere came into existence it expanded in every conceivable directions, doing so at a speed no living thing could reach. As the Rainbow Sphere hit a portion of the sky something strange started to appear in the sky, it switched to various colors like Teal, Purple, and red until it stopped and left the sky clear for a split-second, after that a massive creature as black as night manifested above PonyVille, it's form easily visible in the Blue light of day. The size of the creature being massive, it's total width being more than half the size of PonyVille while being no taller than a regular house, if anypony tried to make anything in resemblance to this creature and have it fly, there's no doubt in Celestia's mind that it would fall apart the moment it got off the ground, and that's if, emphasis on 'if,' it got off the ground. Yet here it was, hovering high in the air, it's sturdy build holding under the pressure of what seemed to be several 1000 tons of pure beast. It didn't even hover in the same way that Pegasus and Griffin's did, it didn't flap it's wings to maintain level flight, as a matter of fact, it didn't have any wings to flap because it's entire body was just one giant wing, so it just hovered in the air with no distinguishable reason as to how. Interrupting her own thoughts Celestia's eyes widened, the massive creature just dropped out of the sky and was falling towards PonyVille, descending rapidly while in a total Flat Spin. "Oh my, it's going to crush the town!" Screamed Rarity, breaking her shocked silence at the sight of such a massive creature. Watching the creature in a total Flat Spin the it wasn't going to recover from, Celestia realised there was nothing she could do to stop the immanent carnage that was about to unfold once the beast hit the ground, so she braced yourself. But no matter how hard she tried, her eyes were glued to the creature as it fell towards the ground, 5 seconds of sheer dispense and agony until the lives under the large beast were lost. Or so she thought, because once the creature did a full 180 it rocketed away at a speed faster than Rainbow Dash's expanding sphere, much, much faster. Rainbow Dash and Sorian's perspective In utter disbelief at what she was looking at, Rainbow Dash lay frozen in the air staring at what her Sonic Rainboom created, a massive creature that resembled the monsters in her comic books. Massive, overreaching monsters with no weaknesses, that's what this thing looked like, and it terrified Rainbow Dash because in those comics the monster always won. "Hey Dash, you know what that thing is?" Said Sorian from behind Rainbow Dash, startling her. "I-I don't know, it just appeared in the sky after I performed my Sonic Rainboom." Said Rainbow Dash, her eyes still glued to the creature above. "Well it looks wicked. I like it's overall look, gives me Magi-fi vibes, like a massive Hawk or Eagle covered in Enchanted Armor made of a material unknown to our world." "Well, I guess you're right about that, it does look pretty cool." Looking at the massive creature, Rainbow Dash realised that it didn't have actual wings, but instead was one large wing that was capable of staying in the air without any assistance, almost as if it wasn't affected by the Fletinirum affect. At least until it started falling out of the sky and, barreling towards the ground below while in a flat spin, the same ground that held bleachers full of ponies who came to watch the airshow. "Oh my Celestia!" Screamed Rainbow Dash heading towards the massive creature as it dropped, but before she could do anything drastic, Sorian pulled her back. "What are you doing!?" He screamed. "It's going to crush them!" Argued Rainbow Dash, Trying to release herself from Sorian's grasp. "And what are you going to do!? Fight it!? We have no idea what that thing is capable of, what it's thinking, or what it's going to do next! If it's plan is to crush the town, you could bet that one singular Pegasus isn't going to stop it!" Looking back at the massive creature as it fell it seemed like time slowed down for Rainbow Dash, because she knew that Sorian was absolutely correct, she couldn't do anything to a creature of this size, especially when it's strong enough to not fall apart under the sheer wait of its own body. Now the only thing Rainbow Dash could do was wait, wait for the screams to stop and hope to Celestia that at least a few ponies survived the crushing blow. At least that was until it did a complete 180 a couple hundred feet off the ground and jetted in opposite direction it was facing, doing so at a speed that makes the Sonic Rainboom look like fillies play. To say that Rainbow Dash was gobsmacked by what she saw was an understatement, the feeling of inadequacy fresh in her head as she realized that she wasn't the fastest anymore, this being solidified by a sound that Rainbow Dash didn't hear from Sorian, even when she did the Sonic Rainboom. "W-wow." "My dad tried to educate me about implicit bias and systemic racism with his belt, and I thought at the time, he had beaten the racism out of me, but unfortunately that wasn't the case" -John Doyle | Cancelling Myself Just to Feel Something Author's Note This is it, chapter 2, which according to FIMfiction is the third chapter, but that's okay. Remember if you spot any mistakes just tell me in the comments, and take care.❤
Chapter III: Strangers to This Brave New World"People are supposed to fear the unknown, but ignorance is bliss when knowledge is so damn frightening" -Laurell K. Hamilton | The Laughing Corpse Equunian time: 3023, October 28th, 0702 hours Human time: 2098, October 28th, 0702 hours Location: Crystal Empire; South Grand Te Train Station, Vicwy City U.S. perspectives: None Equunian perspectives: Prince Sombra Hollanbow, Queen Chrysalis Tubeauty Munozmane, Princess Marcela Grawave Munozmane, Prince Blueblood Collinaphima, Prince Flash Sentry Rosanno Sitting in the 2nd to last seat in the 1st class train cart, Bluelood looked outside at the pure white snow as it poured on the ground like frosting on a cake, it reminded him of war, the Crimson Red color of blood as it stained the snow. Shining armor was such a fool, thinking he could engage Crystal Guard Regiments made entirely out of Changelings, solely because he thought they wouldn't be able to compete with a "superior fighting force." Unfortunately for Shining Armor this wasn't any normal Changeling Crystal Guard Regiment, these were STEC (Snow Threat Eradication Corps) Legions, a highly trained fighting force specialized in winter combat against foreign combatants that pose a significant threat to the Crystal Empire's people, military, or government; unfortunately for Shining, his fighting force embodied all of this. But don't get it twisted, the STEC Legions wasn't the first to confront Shining Armor's 436 Pony strong fighting force, because he had to plow straight through an abundance of new recruits that didn't even spend a month as a Crystal Guard, but this whole catastrophe didn't start off like a massive blood bath. Initially Shining Armor was tasked with hunting down Changeling escapees that were reported by the Liasopbrook Coal site a day before. It was suspected that the Changelings, a family of five, were traveling to the border that separated the Crystal Empire and the Empire of Rising Suns seeking to cross it and gain protection from the Crystal guard, because it was well known to Changelings that the Crystal Empire was very accepting of Changeling refugees by the government, and it's people. Unfortunately for Shining, the Changeling family was already being transported to the nearest city, Xebor City, by the Crystal guard so they can receive their citizenship and proper schooling enrollment for assimilation before he was even within 20 miles of the border, needless to say he wasn't happy. Using the sheer size of the fighting force at his disposal he stormed through the border, intending on capturing the Changeling family and any other Changeling brave enough to stop his crusade. Expectedly he ran into some resistance, but instead of running into seasoned Crystal Guard Legions they were met with new recruits with little or no experience against an actual fighting force. It was also evident that these inexperienced Crystal guard Legions didn't have any alicorns, while Shining did, 3 Fornshaw level Alicorns to be exact. By the time Shining's fighting force ripped through 5 legions and the Crystal Empire was aware of his presence, they sent out 2 Legions of STEC forces to intercept the rogue fighting force and either fully eradicate them, or drive them out of Crystal Empire territory. Funnily enough, the Crystal Empire seemed to want to add salt to a wound that wasn't open yet, because the 2 STEC Legions were made up of nothing but Changelings that, upon winning, would put a considerable dent in the moral of ERS Solar guard. Soon enough, the STEC Legions, both made up of 50 soldiers, found the rogue fighting force and ambushed them with ranged weapons like enchanted spears, long bows, and javelins, catching them off guard. Of course this ambush didn't last long, because as fast as the STEC Legions started their attack they ceased it just as quickly, doing so to maintain maximum mobility over the enemy while their camouflaged armor still had an affect on their stealth capabilities in combat, enabling them to maintain an edge over the rogue fighting force. It didn't take long for Shining Armor's fighting force to lose a good portion of its soldiers, being picked off by a superior fighting force more adapted to cold climates, as well as being able of using said environment to their advantage. After the whole ordeal, only 44 ponies belonging to the ERSA royal guard, including Shining and 1 critically injured Alicorn, made it out of that snowy desert and back to the Empire of Rising Suns alive. Well, that's not totally true, because many were heavily injured, succumbing to their wounds at the hospital days later, leaving behind Wifes, Marefriends, and fillies. Overall the whole ordeal was an embarrassment to the Empire of Rising Suns, putting a considerable the dent in the morale of Celestia's very own Solar Guard, as well as sending echos of failure to other branches in the Empire of Rising Sun's army. 3 days after the whole ordeal, Prince Blueblood Was sent to the Crystal Empire to get back any surviving Solar Guards who were captured, as well as reclaim any relationship the two nations still had. Upon arriving Blueblood was guarded by what was allegedly the same STEC Legions that fought with Shining Armor's fighting force, soon after the STEC Legion escorted Blueblood through the White Desert that surrounded a good portion of the Crystal Empire, and brought him to the location where the battle took place, and it was horrifying. The freshly deceased bodies of Royal Guard ponies frozen in time, almost as if they just took their final breath moments ago, frozen blood stained the snow in the shape of interconnecting branches that connected their bodies in a twisted show of brotherhood, their bonds stronger than death. The sight made BlueBlood's stomach curl and forced him to back away, his eyes tearing as he turned his attention towards the Changeling general who hugged him tightly, apologising for bringing him to a place like this. Despite Blueblood working in a military position, he never experienced actual combat because his job laid in logistics and supplies management, or in other words, he makes sure the troops have everything they need to fight at their maximum potential. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing neither, because Blueblood takes pride in his work, as well as a job well done. This great dedication garnered respect and praise from family, friends, and allies alike, as well as the attention of a certain fashionista unicorn princess who put great dedication in her work as well, except hers was with dresses and various other clothing but the dedication was still there. Despite all the good things that have happened throughout Blueblood's career in the service, he was never prepared for what he saw that faithful day 2 years ago, the grim scene still echoing in his encephalon to this day. Since then, Blueblood hasn't been able to look at snow without picturing Crimson Red branches staining it's white color, though, Blueblood has gained control over how much it can effect him but it's still there, killing any good mood he had at the time. NOOOOHEERRR "Hmm, seems like this is my stop." Exclaimed Blueblood as he got up from his booth and grabbed his belonging with his magic, surrounding them in a Light Blue aura and putting them in his saddle, their importance immeasurable. Within the saddle, laid a folder that itself contained instructions on how to perform new experimental battle spells from defensive to offensive, all of which were secretly created by magineers who received their funding from Blueblood for use by Chrysalis's Martirms Guard, as well as a spell purpose made for only Bat-ponies that was stolen from the New Lunar Republic Army, which will be reverse engineered by Changeling magineers for use by the Changeling Defense Force (CDF) in any future conflicts. Exiting the train car Blueblood looked around to see if he could spot Queen Chrysalis and her daughter Princess Marcela, because they planned for a meeting about how the modified "Onoza" spell did in its first use, the letter they sent him sounding urgent. After a bit of looking around, Blueblood spotted the Queen and her daughter and went towards them, "Marcela, how's life been treating you?" "It's been great!" Commented Marcela in a cheery tone, sounding happy to see Blueblood once again. "Well isn't that amazing." Said Blueblood patting Marcela on the head. "What about you Chrysalis, how have you been." "Can't complain, however I have been feeling a little down the past few days." Responded Chrysalis. "Why is that Chrysalis?" "I'll tell you when we reach the palace, Sombra and Flash are waiting for our arrival." "Sounds like a plan." Time jump: 15 minutes (0717 hours) Sitting down across from each other, Sombra and Flash Sentry talked with each other as they waited for the arrival of Chrysalis, Marcela, and Blueblood. "How's your relationship with Twilight? Has anything exciting happened between the two of you?" Asked Sombra, saying "exciting" in a very sensual tone while placing his hoof on his chin. "Well no, I haven't gotten Twilight to change her mind on the whole...slavery issue, but I won't give up." Responded Flash Sentry, giving a hopeful smile. Realizing Flash Sentry's innocents was shielding him from the obviously suggestive question, Sombra proceeded to try and explain what he meant. "Flash, you know that's not what I meant, right?" Staring at Sombra with a confused look Flash took a few seconds to realise what he meant, after the sudden realization Flash's face lit up bright pink, he than proceeded to say "Safe for work man! Safe for work!" While covering his face with his hooves. Seeing the full meaning of what he said slam into Flash like a train, Sombra bursted out laughing, the look on Flash's face being absolutely priceless. While Sombra was laughing his lungs out and Flash was a blushing mess, Chrysalis, Marcela, and Blueblood were greeted by chaos great enough to rival Discord and his cronies, Prince Sombra was on the floor laughing and Prince Flash Sentry was covering his head and blushing heavily, the whole scene was a giant mess. "Hmm, well...how do you do Sombra?" Asked Blueblood, trying to subvert the aura of awkwardness in the room. "I'm... *giggle* I'm... *giggle* great, how... *giggle* about you?" Responded Sombra, the laughter slowly dying down. "I've been great, obviously not as great as you, but great nonetheless." "Forgive my sudden interjection but my curiosity has reached its peak, so if I may ask, what happened when we were gone?" Asked Chrysalis, a single eyebrow raised. "What happens in this room, stays in this room Chrissy, those are the rules." Responded Sombra, who just made the rule at that moment. "That's not a real rule! You just made that one up!" Said Marcela. Getting up, sombra responded to Marcela's interjection with "Hey, I'm Prince of this Kingdom, therefore I make the rules." "That's not how being a ruler works-" before Marcela could finish her rebuttal, she was interrupted by her mother, who said "Now now, everypony just calm down, we must not lose sight of what we gathered here for." "Ohhhh, I forgot that! How did the spell perform!?" Asked Flash Sentry, jumping out of the blushing mess he was and back into his regular self. "Before Sombre and I tell you about the spells result, I need to show you all something." "And what may that 'something' be?" Asked Blueblood. "Patients my dear friend, patients. Marcela, can you get mommy the Object that appeared when we used the spell?" "Yes!" Said Marcela as she ran out of the room, going to retrieve the flag that appeared when they used the Onoza spell for the first time. As Marcela walked out of the room to retrieve the flag, Chrysalis walked towards the table and took a seat, "I'm assuming you all are aware of all the anomalies activity that has been happening around the continent, am I correct?" "Yeah, I've heard about them, the massive ships that saved Captain Arical's fleet, the unnatural satellites lingering above Bukastillo, and the creature above Canterlot. Why do you ask?" Responded Flash. "Because as you know, myself, Sombra, and my daughter Marcela very much did use the Onoza spell, and at first we thought it hadn't worked." "But ever since its first use, these anomalies happenings have been, like the one's you've mentioned Flash, more and more frequent, each anomaly being different but having one similarity." Said Sombra continuing Chrysalis's monologue, as well as throwing down some colored photos, all of which showcased a different flying creature, all of them alien in their appearance. "They've all adorned a symbol that Chrysalis and I speculate has a connection with this flag." Said Sombra as he looked back at the door, which was opened by the young alicorn Princess Marcela, who was holding a round pipe shaped object in her mouth. Grabbing the object from Marcela's mouth with his magic, Sombra's said "thank you Marcela, this is much appreciated." "You're welcome Prince Sombra." Responded Marcela. Splitting the pipe in two, Sombra took a rolled up piece of cloth from the split pipe and unrolled it on the table, setting it neatly next to the photos of the mighty beasts. "This flag," said Sombra, continuing with "This is the flag, in all its Red, White, and Blue glory." "It is very appealing, where did you get it?" Asked Blueblood, adoring the colorful flag. "When Chrysalis, Marcela, and I finished performing the Onoza spell, it was laid spread at our hooves in the center of the room, most likely taken from whatever dimension we summoned it from." "If that's the case, than what nation did it come from?" Asked Flash Sentry. "That I do not know, but one thing I'm sure of is that this nation is here, and that their arrival is upon us." "What makes you so sure?" "Look at the pictures, all of them bare a startling resemblance to each other. They took place at the edge of the storm that separates us and the great unknown, they all bare a similar symbol on either their wings or body, and are extremely strange in appearance." "Yes, yes they very much are." Commented Blueblood picking up the third picture and examining it, the picture depicting 4 large and strangely shaped creatures in a Trail formation heading towards a large vessel shrouded by the storm clouds that bordered Bukastillo and the great beyond, the massive silhouette of the vessel being lit up by the lightning behind it. "Oh hey, this one looks like one of Twilight's little projects. Actually no, it looks more like a Dragonfly than anything else." Remarked Flash Sentry picking up the first photo, the photo itself depicting one large flying beast landing on the back of an infinitely larger vessel that was heading towards the great beyond, on this vessel was a multitude of other creatures that littered the upper deck. "I must ask Sombra, where did you acquire these photos?" Asked Chrysalis, looking at a photo that depicted a flock of 5 large birds Flying in a Echelon Formation, the birds themselves heading towards the storm that bordered Bukastillo and the great beyond. "They were provided by the crowns fishermen, they normally fish near the Storm that surrounds Bukastillo, so it was a no-brainer giving them high quality photography cameras to take pictures of anything they considered strange." Said Sombra, continuing with "But that doesn't take away from the fact my father suggested this idea far before the Gargantuan Crow was spotted over Canterlot, several day's before it was spotted actually." "Wait, you knew about these massive beasts before the Gargantuan Crow was spotted over Canterlot? Why didn't you say anything?" Asked Blueblood in a tone that was a mixture of confusion and betrayal. "No no, of course not, we only sent them because we heard about the encounter that Captain Arical had with the mighty vessels. But I will admit, these sightings have only begun after the beast was sighted above Canterlot, and they've been growing ever since." "Why do you think that is?" Asked Flash Sentry, looking at the last photo, which was a picture of a larger version of the beast in the third picture. This one possibly being an adult, and the ones in the third picture being children. "Yeah sombra, what does it mean?" Interjected Marcela. "In my opinion I think they're, whoever they are, preparing for first contact, and when they arrive we must be prepared for anything, but also be compassionate and welcoming. These beings were sucked out of their homes to fight our battle, so if they're angry, we must be willing to understand for their anger is justified." "I keep forgetting these creatures were sucked out of their home, I can only imagine what that feels like, being taken away from your family just to fight a battle you had no part in starting. Are we in the wrong here?" Asked Chrysalis, questioning wether or not using the Onoza spell was a good idea. To this question everypony didn't know what to say, except Sombra, who gave an unmoving response while looking out the window, "I-I don't know..." "Ideological subversion or psychological warfare changes the perception of reality to such an extent that despite the abundance of information, no one is able to come to sensible conclusions in the interest of defending themselves, their families, their communities and country" -Yuri Bezmenov | Ex-KGB Agent and Soviet Defector Equunian time: 3023, October 28th, 1806 hours Human time: 2098, October 28th, 1806 hours Location: Vageta Temi Mima Dominion; Tis Tinmond Castle, Capital city Grand Terchil U.S. perspectives: None Equunian perspectives: Princess Radiant Hope Hallola, Queen Amore Variona Collinsania "Yes Queen Amore, you called for me?" Asked Princess Hope as she opened the door to Queen Amore Variona Collinsania's private domicile, the room where the sole leader of the Vageta Temi Mima Dominion resides when she wishes to think. "Yes my dear student, take a seat next to me." Responded Queen Amore, staring at the setting sun through the window. As Hope sat next to her Amore asked, "How are you feeling?" "I haven't been feeling too good lately, I've been worrying more and more, especially with all those beasts sightings in the North." "How do you know those beasts sightings are real? They could all just be the noncoherent ramblings of fisherponies who've been stuck at sea for far too long." "Well, Sombra told me that the fisherponies were employed by the crown, and have no reason to lie about such a thing." "Hmm maybe, maybe. But I do find it strange that these sightings have occurred only after the giant creature appeared over Canterlot, do you think they're related." "They might be, but considering how little information we have on the 'unnatural satellites, the gargantuan crow, and the mysteries fleet' there's no way to tell. I just hope whatever these things are, they aren't hostile, because I could only imagine the type of damage these creatures can cause just by their descriptions." "I think Celestia sent me a picture of the 'Gargantuan Crow,' let me get it." Said Queen Amore reaching into her little baggy, getting the picture and quietly remarked "Here it is" as she used her magic to give Radiant Hope the photo, Hope grabbing it with her magic. "I understand why they named it after a bird, but why a Crow?" Asked Hope. "I think it was because the creature was colored Black, and fun fact, for the first two days nopony could figure out what the creature actually resembled, that was until a reporter who was writing an article on the events for the Canterlot Journal was given the name by an anonymous Thunderbolt." "Hmm, that makes sense, is it also true that this creature was extremely massive and didn't flap it's wings to stay elevated." "That is correct, almost everypony in the area it was spotted said it just stood in place, unmoving and unaffected by any outside force. But one thing I find quite interesting was how it manifested in air, jettisoning to what's said to be a truly abysmal speed once it realized it was spotted, l-like it was trying to maintain an aura of stealth for some unknown reason." "What if it was a scout?" Speculated Radiant hope, entertaining the idea that it was collecting information for any future endeavor that may take place in Bukastillo. "What?" Said Queen Amore as she turned her head to face Hope, tilting it slightly as she gave Hope a look of confusion. "Yeah, what if the beast seen over Canterlot was a scout doing areal reconnaissance, examining the terrain for future military purposes. Maybe all the creatures sighted in the North are doing the same, scoping out the best area to make an amphibious assault with their massive ships. Imagine it, an alien nation of strange beasts assaulting the Crystal Empire's, as well as every other country on the Northern coast from beyond the Great Unknown with whatever weapons those massive beasts government equips them with." "I'm starting to believe that these creatures invading isn't what you're worried about, it's about what they can do, the damage they can do and to be more specific, the damage they can do to ponies, and to be even more specific, a particular pony." "What do you mean?" Asked Radiant hope, wondering what her beloved Queen was hinting towards. "Oh you know, that handsome Prince you've been friends with since you were a filly, in fact I remember specifically that you were his only friend since King Sibeauty wouldn't let his beloved son exit the castle at any time." "Are you talking about Prince Sombra? Of course I care about him, but he isn't the main reason I'm worried about those beasts, he couldn't be..." "Oh no, I know that Prince Sombra is the main reason you're so afraid of these beasts capabilities, you should know Hope that Princess Me Amor Cadence Collinaphima isn't the only one with the ability to use Love Magic. I can sense your immense love and passion for him whenever he and his father visit the castle, and it's a very distinct type of love as well, love that's been repressed for years." Said Queen Amore as she circled hope, continuing with "I've sensed this love within many mares over my 500 year rule, and it's all been the same. Young mares that have close friendship with equally young colts build those friendships over years, bringing those friendships into their adulthood's, but soon enough these mares would form feelings for their bestest friends and see them in a different light, a much more intimate light." "But how does that have anything to do with the strange beasts and their capabilities? Yes I love Sombra, but only as a brother and friend and not a lover, that I'm sure of! There's much more important things concerning this situation in the North than damning thoughts of ecstasy about my best friend, like their motives, place of origin, and capabilities!" Screamed Princess Radiant Hope, trying to repress her feelings in that moment and hoping that her Queen's words weren't true, but deep down she knew they were. "Oh save me the excuses Hope, I know what my magic is telling me, and it's telling me that you're in love with Prince Sombra." Responded Queen Amore. "I'm not, I swear!" "Yes you are! I've seen the way you look at Sombra, the way your beady little eyes make their way across Sombra's body, specifically his hind legs, chest, and waist. You're more than interested in your friend Hope, and the sooner you come to terms with that, the better you'll feel." "Okay, I am! I'm in love with my best friend, I admit it, but I'm failing to see how this has anything to do with the beasts in the North." "It doesn't, because the anomalies in the North is not what I called you for, I-" "Than what did you call me for?" Interrupted Princess Hope as she laying down, fiddling with her hooves, "Why did you call me?" "*sigh* I could sense your love for Sombra, as well as your fear of the beasts in the North from the south side of the castle where your room resides, these two emotions went hand and hand and I became worried, so I called for you." Replied Queen Amore, laying down next to her dear student. "But what about the beast sightings?" "Forget about that for now, right now you need to focus on the things that matter." "My love for Sombra...matters?" "To an extent...yes, but right now what matters the most is your health, and if you're super worried about these-...these beasts hurting your beloved prince that could have a detrimental effect on your health, both physically and mentally. So instead of focusing on the beasts in the north, focus on how you'll get Sombra in your-" "Amore!" "Sorry, sorry haha. But I'm serious you know." "I'm well aware." Jabbed Hope staring out the window, "Is there anything else you wanna talk about?" "Do you know what active measures is?" "No, what is it?" "Well, Active Measures is a form of Ideological Subversion, it has 4 steps. Demoralization, Destabilization, Crisis, and last but not least, Normalization. "What is this Ideological Subversion used for? Is it a military tactic to get information from unwieldy prisoners of war?" "No, Ideological Subversion is a way of destroying a countries economical system, government, culture, and pride without using a single Long-bow and trebuchet. The ultimate tactic." "How are you able to accomplish such a mountainous feet? This seems like something that would be in the latest "Mare of The Night" comic book." Said Radiant Hope confused by her Queen's words, she knew her Queen was exceedingly intelligent but would she be able to take on such a large undertaking? Something like this seems like it would take weeks, months, maybe even years of planning to accomplish effectively. "Well that's the thing, I along with the leaders of several other nations already did the planning for this mountainous operation 45 years ago, and we're already on the Third Step-" "Wait wait, can you explain to me all Four Steps before you go on?" Interjected Hope, getting rather confused. "Oh sorry, must have gotten ahead of myself there, just got a little excited." Responded Queen Amore. "I could tell." "Now, the first step in Ideological Subversion is Demoralization, which is when you shape a nations public opinion away from it's core values, this is accomplished by Undermining a nations culture with something that your nation finds paramount wether it's helpful to them or not, just as long as theirs a constant stream of propaganda being fed to them." "How do you get them to digest this propaganda?" "Glad you asked, because there's a complete answer to your question. We'd get this propaganda to them in 3 ways, schools, elementary through high school; educational lectures, colleges and CCS (Crystalik Communication System) signal stations; and informational posters. But remember, it doesn't matter wether this information is inherently true or beneficial to the nation you're trying to subvert, just as long as they eat it up and believe it. These tactics are most affective on unsuspecting fillies not old enough to know better, but of course there's always going to be those outliers with nothing going for them in life, so they gravitate towards this propaganda and get indoctrinated by it only because it makes them feel like they're important and distracts them from their uninteresting, mundane life. These types have garnered a name among those familiar with Active Measures." "What is it?" "'Useful idiots' is what they're called, because since they're easily manipulated they can help push the Subversion process further, this can be detrimental to the nation facing Subversion when these 'Useful idiots' are large in numbers." "What happens when these...'Useful Idiots' are large in numbers?" "It makes the Demoralization process faster, allowing for the second phase, Destabilization, to start." "What happens in this phase?" Asked Princess Hope, a single eyebrow raised. "We're breaking bonds, Destabilization is about getting the citizenry to distance themselves from the institutions that protect and govern them, creating an aura of distrust within the nation facing Ideological Subversion. This is done by creating propaganda that portrays Law Enforcement and military in that nation as filthy bastards with no remorse, in this type of propaganda they're never portrayed as helpful, loving, or caring; in fact it's always the opposite, they're always portrayed as hateful, evil, and unmoving monsters with no soul, while the opposite is true for violent criminals and lowlifes who are glamorized and romanticized-" "That's not true, there isn't any nation on Bukastillo where it's population idealizes it's criminals and demonizes it's protectors, there can't be." Interjected Princess Hope, seeing her Queen's description of this supposed mega-plan to be impossible and mere fiction. "Are you positive about that assessment?" Asked Queen Amore, preparing to ask Hope another question. "Of course I am, there isn't any civilized society on this planet that would be so foolish." Responded hope. "Earlier you were making a comparison between Active Measures and some comic book series...oh, what was it?" "Mare of The Night?" "Yes, yes that one, isn't it about a criminal who steals priceless items? Doesn't she often get into violent altercations with law enforcement and the military for...obvious reasons?" "Y-yes, but sh-she's just-" "She's stealing from museums for her own gain, than murdering innocent police and military ponies because they, justifiably, try to stop her from stealing from said museums. Tell me Hope, do you think that type of pony is the right role model for young mares and stallions? Because if so, the propaganda is working." "Well-I-I don't think it has the much of an af-f-f-fect on them, it's mere fiction." "Oh really? Because just a month ago 3 young stallions in the Astan Dorizer Dalia Republic tried to attack and KILL Danti Labo Guards, losing obviously, for the mere fact that they were guarding Prince Flash Sentry Rosanno, and if my memory serves me right, Prince Flash Sentry is rather anti-Changeling slavery." "I'm failing to see the correlation you're trying to make." "Oh This is so frustrating...Okay, if my memory serves me right, in the comic book Mare of The Night there is an entry that portrays Changelings as monstrous individuals with no soul, the comic itself even stating that they were 'Changeling Escapees.'" "How do you even know this, I thought you didn't like comic books?" "I sneak into your room at night when you're asleep and read them." "What?" "Stay on topic!" "Okay, okay yes you're right, there is a chapter that vividly states that, but that doesn't mean that the situation in the Astan Dorizer Dalia Republic and the comic book series have a correlation. The reason for the attack could've been anything!" "In the rooms of one of the three young stallions there was found to be an abundance of Pro-Changeling Slavery Propaganda, among this propaganda there was copy of 'Mare of The Night', this copy being the one where they portray Changelings as monsters. Despite their still being an investigation, authorities have speculated that he was the leader." "Weren't any other chapters belonging to the series found?" "Yes, one where the main protagonist executes a police pony outside of the museum she stole from for, oh ya' know, STEALING priceless historical artifacts!" "Bu-but she needed that artifact t-to open the tomb of Sumnambula-" "I'm aware of the plot of that specific chapter, but that doesn't make the protagonist's actions any less cruel and unjust, and it certainly doesn't take away from the fact media like this can and will influence the thoughts and opinions of generations, young and old." "But a single comic series couldn't invoke the cultural change of two, three, maybe four generations." "Of course not, that's why there's layers to the propaganda, some some subtle, others not so much. The comic is just a part of the puzzle, a small part of the puzzle, but a part of it nonetheless. That you must agree with." Despite listening to every word her queen said from start to finish, hope still found herself doubting even the sheer possibility of something like this being possible, let alone even happening now, in real life. But still, Queen Amore's words for some reason made sense, were logical and had proof, so maybe her Queen's words are correct, Hope would have to continue listening to find out. "Alright I'll concede, I'll concede. I agree." "Good, because that takes us to the Third Step, which is evidently the most violent and dangerous to any country facing Ideological Subversion: Crisis." Exclaimed Queen Amore. "What happens in Crisis?" "Glad you asked, because I have a few examples to give you a better picture, but I'll explain what happens during the Crisis Stage first. In and of itself Crisis is unneeded violence in the name of a cause that doesn't justify it, at least that's what it looks like to anyone that isn't living within the same circle jerk of those causing the violence, of course, this violence doesn't go unnoticed by opposing individuals who inevitably take up arms and fight for their countries founding ideals alongside their nations government, inescapably leading to Civil War. Do you want to know what group starts the Crisis process?" "Who?" Responded Hope, her curiosity peeking. "None other than the Useful Idiots that were dumb enough to digest the propaganda that started this process in the first place, and despite the fact they have the full force of their nation's government and patriotic citizens baring down on them, despite it, they still win. Wanna know why?" Answered Queen Amore, being as descriptive as possible so hope could understand. "Why...?" "Because the Demoralization and Destabilization process made their numbers grow to an exponential rate, when it comes to it Active Measures isn't about staging an all-out-war on your enemy, it's about getting their people to do it for you. Because after the whole ordeal finishes you can come and waltz in and seize power, and nopony will stop you because everyone who would've stood up to you and posed a threat is gone, because they either fled for refuge or died during the fighting. I'm gonna tell you this now Hope, you'll never be able to destroy an individuals sense of patriotism when it reaches the point of no return, that type of love for a nation can't fade or die once it's affected an individual, wether it be Pony, Griffin, or Minotaur, you can only kill the individual it's infected." "Is that the reason so many who are Pro-Changeling Slavery denounce patriotism within nations that grant the Changeling species freedom?" "That is exactly the reason my dear, patriotism within these nations is extremely dangerous because it disseminates, festers, spreads it's Anti-Changeling slavery verity like a pumped up virus. Yuck!" "What about those who aren't fighting, those who remain neutral during this event?" "Cowards, cowards all of them. They turn their backs on their country and their fellow countrymen so they can avoid the wrath of a small minority of social rejects, if they would take, and excuse my language, their heads out of their asses and fight for the founding ideals that made their nation what it is, but they're cowards, nothing more. When it comes down to it Princess Hope the side that starts a "revolution" in a nation that doesn't need it are, yes, large in numbers, but are the minority when it comes to the nation's population, this is also true for the patriotic individuals backed by their nations government because despite the backing they're in small numbers as well." "You seem so angered telling me this, every detail seemingly adding to it, I thought you were Pro-Changeling Slavery?" Asked Princess Hope, feeling like she was seeing a part of her Queen she hasn't before, it actually quite interesting. "If I'm going to be totally honest with you my dear student, I'm not Pro-Changeling Slavery, far from it actually, but given my status as ruler of a Kingdom that uses Changelings slave labor, as well as has them work in nationalized industry and commerce, I know things about the Changeling species only a select few know." Responded Queen Amore, getting up and leaving Hope's side, she than proceeded towards the door and stopped once she was about to open it, looking back she said "Come with me Princess Hope, I want to show you something." It didn't take long for Radiant Hope to scramble back to Queen Amore's side, soon enough they exited the room and went to the right of it, heading towards the east-wing of the castle, this took a little while, 30 minutes at most. After the two royals reached the east-wing of the castle they descended into its lower levels, to be more specific, floor -5; the infamous floor -5 of the Vageta Temi Mima Dominion's Tis Tinmond Castle is shrouded in mystery, many speculating on wether it exists at all, and if it does, on what it's purpose is. Many ponies have speculated that within the walls of the fabled floor -5, everything from powerful weapons, secret documents on creatures from Bukastillo's past, to the spell book of King Rusalmorgan Collinsania, the adoptive father of Queen Amore Variona Collinsania. Unbeknownst to the theorists all of these were true to some degree, at least the one about King Rusalmorgan's elusive spell book is, but it's elusive contents aren't what Queen Amore brought Radiant Hope to see, but something that is equally, if not more important. what hope would be shown would shatter her world view, and her life as she knows it. "This is what I wanted to show you, Hope." Announced Queen Amore as she and hope came upon a door without a handle or lock, the door itself being made of what seemed to be thick stainless steel, on the steel was basic renditions of Queen Chrysalis's private guard standing at attention, between them was another basic rendition, only this time of Queen Chrysalis. As the two royals stood in front of the door Queen Amore proceeded to charge up her magic, her horn glowing a Bright Teal, soon after Amore struck the door with her magic, causing a bright flash that, upon going away, revealed the door to be open. The two entered the room and shut the door behind them, in the room there was a cabinet on the floor with a slightly torn Journal on it, the cabinet itself being exactly 2 ft (0.6 meters) tall and 15 inches (38.1 centimeters) in width. The metal the cabinet was made of was rather cheap-ish, a far cry from what the door and room was made of. The room itself was made of a thick concrete, about 1 ft, 5 inches (0.3 meters, 12.7 centimeters) thick with a steel outer shell that's 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) according to what Queen Amore told Radiant Hope. Ideo-lo-gy. "What's in it?" Asked Radiant Hope, her eyes glued to the cabinet. "History." Responded Queen Amore, continuing with "It contains the secret history of the Changeling species, every significant event, every monarch, every hero lay hidden in the pages within this cabinet." "Secret...'history?'" "Yes, but for now I'll only show you what, in my opinion, is the most important piece of information there is: The beginning of what would be, their end." Said Queen Amore opening the cabinet with her magic, going through the folders until she found the right one, pulling it out upon finding it. "The beginning...of their end?" Said Hope, caught in a whirlwind of confusion. "Yes, for this story in Changeling history we're traveling 6,000 years in the past and farther, figuratively of course, because at this time 8,000 or so years ago there were 7 nomadic Changeling clans spanning between 500,000 to 800,000 Changelings strong that roamed this vast land unopposed for 2,000 or so years, probably more. Leading these 7 Changeling clans was one Changeling Alicorn each-" "Like Queen Chrysalis!?" "Yes, like Queen Chrysalis. Now where was I? Ah yes, I know: Each of these Changeling Alicorns act's as a monarch of sorts for the clan, being a source of morale, encouragement, and hope for the clan. These clans were, as I said before, nomadic and never stayed in one place for to long and since they were nomadic they often stumbled upon villages and small castles and would spark up trade with them for the basic necessities like food and raw materials, often to the benefit to the village or castle-" "That sounds amazing!" Interjected Hope a second time, but Queen Amore wasn't all that mad, actually she was delighted that her student was showing such interest in this most important topic. "Yes it was amazing, but of course as you know my dear student everything isn't always cookie cutter, because despite these 7 factions having a great relationship with settlements they traded with, they often went to war with each other to steal supplies or to assert their dominance in that specific area, and sometimes these villages would become the battlefield. This of course had a reason, because some settlements often pledged allegiance to certain factions they traded with, causing opposing factions to try and appeal to them instead, sometimes these appeals worked and settlements loyalty waned, sometimes they didn't and the settlements remained strong in their loyalty." "What happened if they didn't change their loyalty?" "Most of the time the opposing faction trying to appeal to the settlement would leave, of course in a foul mood, but would leave nonetheless. That was unless the Changeling faction that the settlement was loyal to was currently within the borders of the settlement, than they would confront the opposing faction, and 9 times out of 10 they would engage in bloody combat, and often the opposing force would use the settlement as leverage to win the battle. This was done by either capturing the settlement and seizing it's resources for themselves, or capturing enough of the settlements occupants that you could hold them for ransom, getting the opposing force the settlement was loyal to too give you needed supplies for their safe return." "Why did these factions fight? Weren't they apart of the same species? It'll only seem logical to create trade deals with each other to grow strong bonds and accumulate more wealth." "Why do all nations and opposing groups fight? Ide-olo-gy, ideology is the driving factor for everything a nation, people, and clans much like the Changeling does, which is I and many others formed Active Measures around Ideological Subversion, because we knew that replacing a nations founding principles with something radically different would brake the nation. But I think you already knew that, so I'll get back on subject. Each of the 7 Changeling clans had totally different cultures, the cultures forming different ideologies that often times clashed, the only thing that each of these 7 clans had in common was the need to trade but that was ingrained in their very being, trading is what made them Changelings, and unfortunately it was the cause of their downfall." "Downfall...?" "Yes, the Changeling species evolved through trade and fused it through their very being, even today it's very prominent in Changeling culture, which is why they were enslaved. You see Hope, 6,000 years ago there was a group of Unicorns who gathered in a place still not known, one of these individuals bringing a young Pegasus filly who's name is also unknown, this filly would act as the antecessor to all Alicorns living today-" "Even the Celestial Sisters?" "Yes, even the Celestial Sisters, because this meeting was made by a group of Unicorns with a first-class understanding of magic that wanted to crush the 7 Changeling clans, but they couldn't do it themselves [because they were immense pussies] despite their immense power, so they needed a "hero" who would do it for them. That's why they gathered there, so they can combine their immense power into one super pony, a super soldier if you will, to lead their armies of like-minded individuals." "You're just telling me how they're going to defeat them, not why." Voiced Radiant Hope, aching to know why these ponies hated the Changelings. "Easy, because through their extensive trading the Changeling species encouraged settlements they traded with to try and produce more items to trade with, like spices, perfumes, gold, jewels, luxury textiles, Ponderosa pinecones, etc etc. But for settlements that pledge loyalty to a certain clan they would often compete and creating better weapons, armor, potions, and spells for their respective clans. This created competition between the settlements and sometimes, certain settlements would fall short of demand and fall behind, it's occupants leaving for better and brighter futures and causing the village or castle to fall in disrepair. You can even find remnants of these castles and villages now, but let's get back on topic because, as you may know if you connected the dots, this created a fierce hatred among those who lived in these failed settlements-" "And they began to plan their revenge." "Yes, but not only that, because as time pressed on and their numbers grew they created their very own ideology in opposition to the one of the Changeling's, one where they believed that everypony should be equal at all points, no matter the profession of said ponies or work ethic. Where janitors would be paid the same as doctors, farmers having their land seized, businesses big and small are seized from their owners and nationalized, the very same owners killed for even deciding to do something with their lives, within time the ponies in opposition to the Changeling's became worse than them and didn't even notice. But that's just history now, I merely wanted to tell you why Changeling's are so despised in kingdoms like ours." "Remember when you were telling me about Active Measures and we were on the Third Step?-" "Ah yes, I remember telling you I had examples of the Crisis Stage in action, would you like to see them?" Exclaimed Queen Amore, now interrupting Princess Hope. "No no, I believe you now, I just wanna know the last step." Responded Hope. "Well, the last step would be Normalization which is simple and straightforward, basically it's getting the general public used to the new ideology you've thrusted upon them, this process takes about 5 or 10 years fo complete, maybe 20 if the population is exceptionally resistant, but the crisis stage should've already taken care of most of that." "Alrighty than, one more question." Exclaimed Princess Hope. "Ask away." Responded Queen Amore. "How do we stop it?" "I always knew you were the best choice to be my successor." "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free" -Ronald Reagan | 40th president of the United States Equunian time: 3023, October 29th, 1101 hours Human time: 2098, October 29th, 1101 hours Location: Crystal Empire; 88 miles (North) from Coastal City San Wydron U.S. perspectives: USMC MSgt Jeremiah Juarez, USMC Raider PFC Alan Dedric Church, USMC Raider SSgt Nathan Kadmiel Reeds, USMC Raider Sgt Tristan Summers, USMC Raider PFC Frederick Boyd Bowman, USMC LCpl Roman Zitomer Hahn, USMC LCpl Marco Stain, LCpl Melvin Everest Lara, USMC LCpl Lorenzo Coleman, USMC Cpl Rahim Mahoney, Sunshine USMC military working dog Equunian perspectives: None Standing next to his M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abram's 1stLt Roman Z. Hahn was speaking to one of the young guns that proved their medal in the North pole battle, and if Hahn's memory served him right, this was the same guy who used his WRPS (Wearable Rocket Propulsion System) to jettison himself away from approaching enemy forces and into a better firing position. The young gun 1stLt Hahn was talking to was Cpl Alan Dedric Church, the kid who was able to pull off the quick maneuver that saved his life, the conversation between the two was rather mundane, being about the lives they had before they joined the United States Armed Forces. For Hahn he joined the USMC at age 34 after he and his girlfriend, now wife, after they had their first born and were still living in the NCR (New Chinese Republic) when it was still waging it's war with what was left of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party). He wanted his son to have a future in a country that wasn't currently facing any conflicts, out of options he joined the U.S. Armed Forces and applied for the "Family Initiative" which gave soldiers who joined the U.S. military a chance to bring 5 people into the United States with the cost of them serving in the US's military for 5 years, he and his family ended up being accepted and his family moved to the U.S. safely. Hahn ended up staying in the USMC and turned it into a full-fledged career, remaining an Abram's commander for 16 years, at first starting out with the prior model, the M1A4 Superior Abram Sep VX until 2095 when the M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abram's and M1A6 Mark-1 Choir Abram's tanks entered service, the M1A5 going to the Marines and the M1A6 going to the army, after 2097 almost every M1A4 was upgraded to either of the two tanks, depending on the branch of course. While serving all of the money Hahn was paid went to his wife and son's college degrees, his wife becoming a Defense Attorney and his son Joining the CIA, it would be an understatement to say that Hahn was proud of his family. Hahn loved his job, the sweet rush of blowing up the same commie scum that forced his home into a hundred years of turmoil, watching their tanks, APCs, and IFVs get torn to shreds by the might of a superior countries engineering was an amazing feeling. But he knew that despite all the training and high tech equipment this job was a dangerous one, so sooner or later hahn would have to retire and let some young gun like Cpl Alan take up the mantle and send some hate to those dirty commies, he just hopes it's later rather than sooner, he'll like to send them some hate for a little while longer. This was exemplified by Hahn's performance at the North Pole battle, him and his crew hurled a HVEEP (High Velocity Extreme Explosive Penetrator) at a ZDK IFV, turning it and it's occupants into swiss cheese. Rolling back [my foreskin] the topic back onto the M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abram's and M1A6 Mark-1 Choir Abram's tanks, which are evidently the most advanced tanks in the US's vast arsenal, made out of the newest and most advanced materials and technology the United States could offer. The M1A5 and M1A6 are similar in an assortment of ways, such as the material built into the frontal and side armor of the turret, which was made up of spaced plates of Eskyx and Voblil that sandwiched a metal foam made of Pakrium with graphene filling that paired favorably well with the Abram's Cobham armor, covering it; the material built into the upper and lower armor on the main body's frontal armor was Vudril, and much like the turret armor was spaced and had metal foam with a graphene filling; and the material built into the side armor that partially covered the treads was Lospoalium with the same layout as the main body's frontal and turret armor. To add to the mass amount of protection the M1A5 and M1A6 had, they both employed the Immortal EMA (Electro-Magnetic Armor) and ADS (Active Defense System) Active Protection System's produced by General Electric, using them as a first defense against any anti-tank projectiles coming the tanks way. Starting off with General Electric's Immortal EMA Active protection system, which works by having two plates separated by insulating material, one plate being grounded and the other not, when a Projectile penetrates the armor it creates a circuit between the two plates, disrupting it. The EMA systems would typically be placed on the lower frontal armor and sides of the main body under the Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) as another layer of protection incase the projectile penetrates the ERA. To make sure the projectile doesn't hit at all, there's another system in General Electric's Line of products called the Immortal Active Defense System or Immortal ADS, the ADS worked by using sensors with a 360 degree field of vision around the vehicle, the sensors scanning multiple areas 44 meters (144 feet) in length in mere milliseconds while determining wether a projectile will hit it or another friendly vehicle, sending that data to that vehicle as well as other vehicles around it, if their are any, to maximize the effectiveness of the ADS. Of course, as any good tank enthusiast knows, the best way to not be killed on the battlefield is to not be spotted at all. This can be done in a multitude of ways, some high tech and ultra affective like the Polish PL-01 and it's advanced stealth Technologies, others simple and mundane but still effective, which is what the United States employs. In 2088 the Pentagon opened a program called Next Generation Affordable Light Noise Suppression Program, or NGALNSP for "short," which was put in place to either research new ways to suppress noise on all armoured vehicles in the USMC and U.S. Army, or possibly improve on existing technologies. This program of course enlisted the help of multiple research agencies, such as DARPA, PGVRC (Pentagon Ground Vehicle Research Center), and USAVR (United States Army Vehicle Research Center); multiple companies, such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Oshkosh, and General Dynamics; and a center for study, Carnegie University. With such a team assembled multiple technology demonstrators emerged in the first 18 months of the program, the first being the MLNSC (Multi Layer Noise Suppression Capsule), which was basically a box with 3 layers made of 2 materials that surrounded most of the engine, the outer and inner layer of the MLNSC was made of an early iteration of Carbon Fiber-R, which was an ultra light and thin but strong variation of the material Carbon Fiber that could withstand high temperatures for extended amounts of time, this was used to decrease the material in between the outer and inner layers of Carbon Fiber-R, which was a thick layer of heat resistant foam composite that deafened any noise that penetrated the inner layer. The second technology demonstrator produced by the program was the new material called Compound-MR, which is basically an advanced form of rubber with the strength of steel, the idea being that since rubber is softer and much lighter than steel or titanium it would kick up less dust and make less noise if made into tank treads, it was found that the new treads reduced noise production by 30% and dust kicked up by 9% while also increasing traction. The third technology demonstrator produced was the LLHAC (Light Layered Heat Absorbent Coating), which aimed to lower the possibility of being detected by reducing the overall heat signature of the vehicle it was applied to, for the coating to be most affective at least 5 layers needed to be applied, most recent iterations now only need 3. These three technologies were further research upon for the next 3 years of the NGALNSP program, entering service late 2093, being applied to almost every armored vehicles that wasn't electric in the USMC and U.S. Army, performing with flying colors. Unfortunately this is where the similarities between the M1A5 and M1A6 end, but since the roles of the Army and Marines are incredibly different, it justifies the need for a similarly built vehicle with slight differences. One of these differences being the main cannon, for the Marines they have the Convair M908MX Bravo 130mm rifled ETC (Electrothermal Chemical) Cannon, which worked by using a Plasma Igniter to activate the ammunition's propellant, this increased the accuracy and velocity of the rounds, the rounds themselves capable of reaching Mach 5.8 (4,461 mph/7,179 kph/3,876 knots), increasing its overall performance and killing power. On the other hand the Army has the Convair M888MVG Excalibur 122mm Rail Gun, which worked by accelerating a projectile using electromagnetic forces, like a coilgun but better, the M888MVG was capable of propelling the rounds to Mach 11.9 (9,182 mph/14,777 kph/7,978 knots). Another aspect that differentiated the M1A5 from the M1A6 was it's ability to travel in water, yes an 'Abrams' tank variant is capable of going into deep water without sinking, well this is because there are 6 small anti gravity systems on the tanks belly to keep it from sinking, from their it would use it's treads to maneuver. "Yeah, I only knew my father until I was 11, after that it was just me and my mom." Said Alan in a solemn tone. "Oh, di-did he..." Said Hahn, struggling to finish the sentence. "Oh no no, he was slain in the line of duty while responding to a code 104 at, of all places, my school. A bunch of left-wing anarchists decided my school was the place to stage a terror attack using propane canisters full Soman Gas, their aim being to inspire others like them to rise up and stage a government overthrow, fortunately fate had other plans." "What happened?" Asked Roman, wanting to know more about this seemingly forgotten piece of American history. "Well, the school itself called the cops because a group of 8th graders noticed the 6 guys unloading the canisters, at the time not knowing who these men were and their intentions. Give or take 3 to 5 minutes later 4 patrol cars with 2 officers each arrive at the scene, the notion being that these guys were the ones responsible for luring kids to their car and kidnapping them, among these officers was my father..." Said Alan pausing for a moments, continuing. "One thing led to another and the 8 or so officers on scene confronted these guys and they started arguing, the anarchists saying that the officers didn't have the right to tell them to leave because it wasn't city property, and instead property of the earth or some other socialist bullshit." "Seems like something those types would say, while I still lived in China, in the NCR not CCP, I encountered one of these socialist types stealing, her excuse being practically the same." "Hehe, well than you understand the situation, but getting back to what happened. One of the anarchists thinks it's a good idea to pull a Glock G80 out of his waist band, well one thing leads to another and he's on the ground with a big hole where his left eye used to be, which I find kind of ironic. In the first, give or take, 6 seconds of the gunfight 2 of the anarchists were gun down, this is not including the guy who grabbed his firearm of course, but unfortunately one of those bastards were able to hit my father in his right shoulder, causing intense bleeding, but of course that action wasn't without consequence because the ensuing gun battle would end the lives of all but 1 of the anarchists." "Was you're father given medical attention?" "Yes, but by that time it was already to late...*sigh* the adrenaline of the gun battle got his heart pumping and, well, he bled to death." Answered Alan, again in a solemn tone. "I'm so sorry." Responded Hahn, looking down to the ground to avoid eye contact. "Don't worry, justice was served." "How?" "Well the only dude to survive the ordeal was given to the CIA for questioning, the 'questioning' itself included 'mostly peaceful torture techniques to gain critical information' as said by the CIA when questioned by CNN." "Sounds like the CIA was taking jabs at CNN for that time when they referred to those riots in 2020 as 'mostly peaceful.'" "Bingo, right on target!" Exclaimed Alan making Hahn laugh, continuing on with the story. "After they cracked the guy, he spilled the info on about 16 compounds people like him were using around the United States, the dude than 'mysteriously' kicked the bucket while in prison. After the fact the CIA got a couple of SAD (Special Activities Division) and GIO (Ground Intelligence Operator) teams to cooperate with local police departments around the compounds to gather intelligence on them, leading to the eventual raiding of the compounds, and most importantly, the capture or neutralization of its occupants." "This sounds like something big, why haven't I heard of this?" "Were you in active service in 2084?" Asked Alan. "Yeah." Answered Hahn. "That explains it." The two men proceeded to share a laugh, soon enough the loud speaker went off, notifying everyone on the carrier [U.S.S Photosphere] of the impending amphibious landing about to take place: Operation First Kind. "[Intercom] All personal Participating in Operation First Kind Must report to the aft of the ship for a debriefing, you'll be disembarking within the hour." "Well, guess that's our cue." Said Alan. Time jump: 12 minutes (1113 hours) "Okay men, I'm going to need you all to understand that this isn't any normal run-of-the-mill Amphibious Assault, we aren't fighting commies, we're not fighting insurgents, we're not killing human traffickers, and we certainly aren't BLOWING ANYTHING UP! understood!?" Screamed Master Sergeant Jeremiah Juarez, receiving a loud consentaneous "YES SIR" from the 115+ men currently in front of him. "Good, because the land you all are going to be 'assaulting' is all to different from our own, with only a few similarities present, this presents an assortment of challenges that may come up in the foreseeable future. This is why I need you all to be on you're best behavior, I need professionals on this mission not kids, the United State's citizenry is counting on you wether they know it or not. This is why you've all received training using various camera and sampling equipment, you're not only going to be establishing a foot hold on this new world for the United States, but doing critical science work, I.E. collecting samples for scientific research." Said Master Sergeant Jeremiah, finishing with "any questions?" "Yeah um, what types of creatures can we find in this 'new world,' and how do we know they're not hostile? If they are, how do we fight them? If their is anything in this 'new world' that is." Asked Tristan Summers, skeptical on wether this operation was even a good idea. "Yeah Master Sergeant, what if there's some Eldritch monstrosity on that big hunk of earth that tares us limb from limb, you could be sending us on a suicide mission for all we know!" Exclaimed Corporal Rahim, a 23 year old man of Arabic descent who was, justifiably so, skeptical of the mission as well. This got the entire room of Marines talking about what creatures may, or may not be on the large continent. "Now now, NASA, the Air Force, CIA, and the Pentagon's satellites haven't picked up anything that we can't handle, or anything along the lines of an Eldritch monstrosity, but their are things that'll keep you on you're toes." Reassured Master Sergeant Jeremiah in his...own special way, continuing with the things they could expect when they landed. "One of the lesser examples of weird shit that inhabits this super continent, is what scientists at the Pentagon are calling the 'Mega-Spruce,' a 300 foot (91 meter) tall tree that is similar in appearance to spruce trees, only with Light Purple leaves that start 60 ft (18 meters) from its base. But still, be cautious around these, because if they aren't hostile their might be something on them that is." "How reassuring?" Voiced Tristan in a Sarcastic tone. "Shut you're trap Tristan, before I send you there alone with only a pocket knife and Luger p08 with 2 magazines! You're also scaring your squad mates!" Screamed Master Sergeant Jeremiah, continuing his debriefing. "Now where was I? Oh yeah! I probably should have told you all this before talking about the life in this new world, but to ease all your fears, we've found signs of life in the form of both small, and large primitive human made settlements. So if theirs any fierce beasts, which there are, you should be able to handle them considering you all are using weapons with several times the power of simple cannon balls and arrows-" "Sorry to interrupt you master sergeant, but what kind of creatures should we expect to see, and or fight?" Asked Corporal Rahim, slightly reassured by the fact he wasn't defenseless, but still skeptical. "You're lucky, because I was just getting to that. On October 24th CIA and Pentagon satellites took a couple...interesting photos of multiple large creatures with the appearance of dragons from ancient folklore, the Pentagon has categorized these dragons threat level by their length, dragons that are 200 ft (60 meters) or lower are CAT-1's, dragons that are 500 ft (152 meters) or lower are CAT-2's, dragons that are 900 ft (274 meters) or lower are CAT-3's, anything above 900 ft are CAT-4's but we've yet to spot any yet. Fortunately we've spotted no dragon-like life-forms where you'll be landing, but we have spotted a massive species of bear that are the size of the M30A3 Vercingetorix Heavy tank the army uses, and it's all White so it camouflages with the surrounding snow, so keep your eyes out and your head on a swivel." Answered Master Sergeant Jeremiah, continuing with the debriefing. "Of course there are more creatures the satellites took photos of, but they aren't a threat to you since you'll be landing on a beach hundreds, if not thousands of miles away from them, but that doesn't mean y'all are scot free either, because again, this is an entirely new world unlike our own so keep an eye out and your head on a swivel. But you know that, so I'll finish this debriefing so you all can get ready to disembark." Pulling a projector and a screen from somewhere off to the side, Master Sergeant Jeremiah turned on the projector and it showed a satellites image that was zoomed in just enough to make out various places, such as city lights and a dark forest. "Okay men, you see that large coastal city there? Well we're going to be landing 88 miles (141 kilometers) North of that city, because soon the Department Of Commerce is planning on using this city as a point to start trade relations with them, we're just here to make a foothold for the United States in this new world. But they'll only arrive when WE make first contact, but I still don't know how we'll do that. Anyone have any ideas?" The room stayed silent, causing Sergeant Major Jeremiah to chuckle before continuing with the last part of the debriefing. "Alright, this is the last part, promise. As you know you all are going to need an Area of Operations to work effectively, but don't worry you won't have to build trenches or underground tunnels, instead all of you will be staying somewhere more luxurious. Only the best for the United State's most prized explorers. You all will setting up your AO in what the Pentagon thinks is an abandoned castle of some kind, this castle in particular is 78 miles (125 kilometers) North East inland. When you guys land and make sure the Assault Crafts leave safely, I need you all to start making your way here as fast and inconspicuous as possible, a waypoint marking it's location, as well as yours will be displayed on your HUD (Head's up Display) and Mini-map, this goes for ground units and vehicle operators. When you guy's make it there you'll receive back up from multiple Seal Team 7 teams and U.S. army regiments equiped with WHA-91 Sceech Owls and other vehicles. Understood?" "Yes sir!" Was the resounding response Master Sergeant Jeremiah received, responding with "Good, now go prepare, you'll be leaving soon." After Sergeant Major Jeremiah said this the 115+ Marines started gathering the equipment they would need, placing it in the 4 logistics trucks that would be accompanying them on this mission. Soon enough the vehicles they would be taking were loaded on the Assault Crafts, the first to be loaded being were the 3 M3A4EV Mark-2 Lance Bradleys, the second were the 7 M1130AF Mark-3 Patton Strykers, the third being the 8 Humvee EVs, the fourth being 2 MX2A1 Eagle Eye Reconnaissance tanks they received specifically for this mission. This equipment loading of course didn't include the 5 M1A5 Mark-1 Lance Abrams because of it's obvious amphibious capabilities, the 5 tanks would provide overwatch as well as take any munitions fired at the Assault Craft, providing ample protection for the Assault Craft as it makes it's way towards it's location. Soon enough, the 3 Assault Craft were loaded with all the equipment and supplies they would need, saying their goodbyes to the crew of the ship [U.S.S. Photosphere] the Marines entered their respective vehicles on the Assault Crafts, and then they were off into the unknown. It would take about 30 or so minutes before the Assault Craft hit the shore, so the Marines took this time to talk amongst themselves and catch up on events that interest them, like politics, economics, culture, etc. "Hey Nathan, how do you think things are going back home, ya' know, in the United States?" Asked Tristan Summers, knowing damn well that his friend somehow knew about the events unfolding in the United States, it was just something that he was capable of doing and no one knew why, so might as well take advantage of it. "Well it's what you'd expect, there are riots in every major city in the United States from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, to Miami and everything in between, it's an overall cluster fuck. But it's not like it wasn't expected, because the usual bunch of mentally challenged retards popped out to seize the moment, far left ideologues, anarchists, Marxists, and a plethora of other useful idiots trying to stage a violent government overthrow and play it off as minorities rioting." Responded Nathan Reeds in an irritated tone, the needless violence pissing him off. "I should've expected that really, my bad, though, I'd expect people like us to be called upon if the situation is as bad as you're insinuating." "Well, the U.S. government can't just call upon the military for fringe leftists setting affordable housing on fire and attacking suburban neighborhoods while playing it off as a revolution, yes we made an oath to protect the United States from all threats foreign and domestic, but they actually have to be legitimate threats that federal police, local police, and national guard can't handle by themselves." "Well, that must mean our Boys in Blue have everything under control." "Welp it's not like they're an actual threat...well that's not totally true, they're only a threat when they're in large numbers and attack people who aren't, can't fight back, or over the age of 60 and 70, but let it be anyone else and they're crying for police protection." Remarked Nathan, getting a few chuckles before the intercom came on a few seconds later. "[Intercom] Okay ladies, according to the GPS we're currently 20 miles from the Drop Zone, so prepare to disembark." "Speaking of GPS, weren't all GPS systems down for about 3 days? Why all of a sudden they're all up and running now?" Asked Frederick, currently petting Sunshine on the head. "That's easy, all satellites that are operated by the Air Force, CIA, NASA, the Pentagon, or any other government agency using satellites have this system called Immediate Satellite Protection and Land Surveying System, or SPLSS for short. The system itself turns off any satellites within the range of any powerful nuclear weapons or EMPs, while also creating a gravitational dome to protect the satellites from any heat, particles, or piece of debris coming it's way. Remember when the large White Light engulfed our convoy back in the Arctic, well it's thought by NASA that when the light engulfed the satellites the SPLSS system mistook the light as a nuclear blast, after the fact all of the satellites started mapping the planet because of protocol." Responded Tristan, more than happy to answer the question because of his vast knowledge of space faring vehicles. "Protocols?" "Well, the plan for the SPLSS system was to shield satellites from nuclear and conventional EMP weapons, the point being that they would all work in tandem to create, and continue to update an accurate picture of the planet for military use. Of course now the system has less of a use because of the redundancy of nuclear weapons, but the threat of conventional EMP's are still very prevalent so the system hasn't worn out it's use. Good thing too, because who knows how long it would've taken for the satellites to make a map without it." As the troops talked inside the Strykers and Humvees Marco Stain, Melvin Everest Lara, and Lorenzo Coleman were talking whilst eating an assortment of candies. "When we arrive at the castle, you guys wanna go exploring?" Asked Coleman, excited by the prospect of exploring an ancient ruin in another world, he was already imagining what artifacts could be within the castle walls. "Absolutely! Imagine exploring an abandoned castle in a totally new world, imagine the shit we'll find! Gold, emerald, sapphire, and even diamonds could be in that castle! What about you Marco?" Responded Melvin in his usual happy tone, taking Coleman's thoughts and putting them into words, catching him off guard. "Ustedes están demasiado emocionados por esto. It's just going to be an old abandoned castle, nothing special is going to be there, I guarantee it." Responded Marco, uninterested in the whole exploration idea. "Oh c'mon Marco, stop being a wet blanket and lighten up a little. I bet if you were to explore with us you'd have fun." Responded Melvin in his usual tone, only now instead of happiness and excitement it was full of pride and obligation. "Yeah, it'll be fun, promise." Said Coleman, trying to convince Marco to accompany them on their little adventure. "Ustedes son como niños." Said Marco, unbeknownst to him Melvin was currently studying the spanish language to better understand him, instead he was now able to understand every backhanded comment and insult. "Oh you little-" Is what Coleman heard as he opened a bag of gummy worms, the bag itself concealing what was said after that point, it wasn't long after that a multitude of loud bangs and thuds could be heard from the MAWTS-1 (Mounted Advanced Wireless Transmissions Systems), so he turned of the only system connecting him with the turret and said "everything's probably fine" as he ate his gummy worms. Soon enough the Assault Craft hit ground, the ground being ice 34 feet (10.3 meters) thick which easily supported the immense weight of the Assault Craft and it's cargo. The cargo itself, being made up of 27 vehicles, unloaded onto the ice 3 minutes after the Assault Craft's, an LCAC-888, skirt performed a deflating motion and put the Assault Craft in a position to unfold it's loading ramp. After this action, the 27 vehicle convoy got into a defensive position with the logistics trucks and Humvee-EVs at the rear and armored vehicles at the front, as well as a couple infantry units scattered around the vehicles. The reason for the convoy to get into this position was to give the LCAC-888s ample time and protection to leave the area safely, after another 3 minutes the 2 LCAC-888's closed their loading ramps and their skirts performed an inflating motion, after these actions were performed the 2 Assault Craft left the frozen, icy coast and disappeared behind the fog that concealed the 9 ship strong amphibious assault fleet from prying eyes. When the convoy was sure that the Assault Craft were a safe distance away, able to see their location through the fog using the MMSCH (Modular Multi System Connection Helmet) with the AFUTS (Automated Friendly Unit Tracking System) through the Helmet's neuralink, they took a good look at their surroundings and were thunderstruck by what they saw, all of what Master Sergeant Jeremiah said being true, 300 foot (91 meters) tall trees two hundred and twenty feet (67 meters) taller than the M500A1C SEPV2 GunGallago land cruiser, with branches more than 88 feet (26 meters) long laced with Light Purple leaves 15 inches (38 centimeters) in width, and 18 inches (45 centimeters) in length. This of course paled in comparison to the trunk of the tree which spanned a whopping 45 feet (13 meters) thick, the roots that pierced the ground and saw the light of day being 77 inches (195 centimeters) thick, it was thought that even thicker ones lay beneath the surface. When the convoy was on the cusp of entering the forest the waypoint came up on everyone's HUDs (Heads Up Display), it was at that moment that everyone in the convoy was traveling in a different direction from where the waypoint was placed, they were traveling 60 degrees in the opposite direction of the abandoned castle. So in response the convoy changed direction and was now properly traveling in the direction of the waypoint, as the convoy made it's way through the forest it only exemplified how massive these "Mega-Spruces" actually were, despite each tree being separated by what was a 70 foot (21 meter) gap, their branches were still able to touch each other and formed natural bridges. 'I wonder if there's any animals that live up there? Like this world's version of birds and stuff.' Said Alan internally, his eyes studying the vast landscape that blocked any assemblance of light that laid beyond it, the Purple Light of the Moon only piercing through small fractures that the gargantuan branches couldn't mask. The extreme darkness wasn't a problem for the armored vehicles and infantry units of the convoy, thanks to the MDONVCS (Modular Digital Optical Night Vision Camera System) that you can find embedded in all Exo-suit helmets currently in service with the USMC, US Army, USN, and USAF; as well as inside armored vehicles and remote controlled gun optics. The MDONVCS system is one of the best, if not the best Gen VIII night-vision devise used by any modern military, the MDONVCS can multiply the smallest amount of light by 50,000 and minimise light glare while showing the world in full color so it's wearer can effectively see the environment they're in, and since the MDONVCS is majority software instead of hardware it comes at a low cost to the soldier since the system uses the 5,000 FPS cameras that are already equipped on the helmet. Needless to say the MDONVCS is extraordinarily useful in environments like this, not only to effectively maneuver in said environment but also be able to spot enemy combatants first, giving U.S. forces the capability to engage unknowing enemy forces and win. Systems like the MDONVCS when paired with other software/hardware systems like MMSCH, AFUTS, and AHUTS (Automated Hostile Unit Tracking System), HONVBS (Hostile Optics and Night Vision Blinding System), and HMITR (Helmets Mounted Infantry Tracking Radar) offer the United State's armed ground forces First See, First Shot, and First Kill capabilities against near pier forces. But in the off chance the United States finds itself interlocked in a battle against the forces of yesteryear, like when the USMC engaged ZDK (Zimlip Daseeta Kingdom) forces in the North pole, that don't have the latest and greatest software/hardware systems, than U.S. forces are equipped with Software and hardware like HBSTS (Heart Beat Sensor Tracking System), WRPS (Wearable Rocket Propulsion System), and MIRTS (Modular InfraRed Tracking System) to properly engage them in combat. These systems are, much like every other system embedded on U.S. military Exo-suits, all connected via neuralink on the wearer's helmet for ease of use. Since every system equipped on the Exo-suits, whether it be for combat against near pier or obsolete forces, are linked together they can all be utilized and be wirelessly connected to systems not exactly connected to the wearer's Exo-suit, systems like ALG (active laser guidance) and ARSS (Automated Rifle Sights System) can be activated and used in tandem by the wearer with a single thought, creating the ultimate fighting force that, when paired with other military assets [Aircraft, Armoured Vehicles, Naval Vessels, etc], is almost unknowable. Opening the door for Pure Domination. As the convoy was 2 miles into their trek to the abandoned castle an intense amount of rustling could be heard coming from the south, as it got closer one of the Marines, a Cpl named Alexander O'Gallagher, used his HBSTS and MIRTS to find out what was heading their way and what he saw absolutely terrified him. 60 to 70 unidentifiable creatures swinging and jumping from branch to branch were currently racing in the direction of the convoy, in the ensuing seconds Cpl Alexander spotted the creatures he began to raise his rifle, a CH2M16A1 coil gun, and fired three 2 round bursts of 5.56 APCT rounds which reached 5,589 feet per second (1,703 meters per second/3,810 mph/6,132 kph). Currently 2 5.56 APCT, or Armor Piercing Crimson Tip, rounds were flying at supersonic speeds towards the unknown creature, the bullets themselves being made of a Tungsten core surrounded by a layer of Gold-J as to not fragment or exit the target, the theory being that the tough and heavy build of the bullet wouldn't fragment or exit the target. Once the 5.56 APCT enters the body it deforms due to the mass amount of force applied to it, making the round tumble within the intended target, turning their insides into what can only be seen as "jellified-meat." The APCT is so good at making good communists that it has adorned a name within the United States armed forces: "Commie-Begone," but jokes aside there's plenty of other rounds currently in service with the United States military, some being smart bullets and others being smartly engineered kinetic penetrators like the APCT round. Getting back to the scientific-discovery-to-be about to get it shit pushed in, once the first round pierced the creatures skin it hit directly on what was it's 2nd heart, after going completely through the heart it continued for about an inch before tumbling up and back towards the creatures 3rd heart, tearing through it before it finally stopped. The second round however pierced the creatures stomach, shredding what was it's small intestine, jettisoning up into the pancreas, stomach, lungs, and went straight out of the creatures right shoulder. After taking the herculean blows the 8 ft (2.4 meter) tall creature, which at first didn't appear all too large when the Corporal saw it, fell as it missed the branch it jumped towards before it was shot and struck multiple other of the large branches as it fell back to the earth below. As the creature hit the snow below, it's Glowing Pink blood splattering around it, it's brethren scattered in panick as their friend was taken from them by a seemingly unknowable force. The creature itself fortunately didn't suffer a long and painful death, because once both bullets made contact the creature was killed almost instantly, but as said creature was laying lifeless on the floor several of the Marines walked up to examine it. "What the fuck...did...you kill Alexander?" Asked Staff Sergeant Nathan Reeds, confused and slightly frightened at the creature in front of him. "Sir I-I-" Responded Corporal Alexander, stuttering over himself. "It's fine, it was a...mistake." As the Marines examined the creature they were astonished, the creature itself resembled that of a Baboon, only bigger and more muscular, with 4 large muscular arms accompanied by 2 large legs that were also muscular. Adorned on the end of each of the 6 limbs were 6, long, 3 jointed, taloned fingers that reached 9 inches (22 centimeters) in length, the talons as sharp as knives. The blood and retinas of the creature was Pink, and it's teeth, much like it's talons were sharp as knives, even the smaller teeth were sharp. "Haha...yeah, I'm getting back into the Humvee, feel free to join me." Said Tristan, who just barely joined his colleagues. "Soooo...do we take this with us?" Asked Alan, remembering the whole science aspect of this operation. "Well it'd only make sense. Alexander, Frederick, bring this thing back to the third logistics truck, and hurry, this place gives me the heebie-jeebies." Demanded Nathan as he looked above with a shaken and uneasy look, his command would be met with a "YES SIR" by both Alexander and Frederick. After Frederick and Alexander put the body in the logistics truck and got into one of the Humvees, the convoy started back up again, now at a faster pace due to the fact the infantry units were now not on the ground, but in the vehicles. At the pace the convoy was going now it would take an hour or so for the convoy to arrive at the waypoint, by then it would stil be dark and allow these new explorers to set up camp. Soon enough the convoy would arrive at the castle, and was it amazing, according to satellite images the castle was 600 square feet with walls that reached 40 feet in height, enough room for a group of explorers to set up shop. After a couple of seconds of staring at the door one of the M1A5's forced it open, surprisingly meeting zero resistance, as the door opened it revealed a courtyard inside and than another door that led into the castle itself. The convoy than entered the castle and closed the doors behind them because they aren't rude, after closing the large door behind them the same M1A5 Abram's that opened the last door proceeded to do the same with the next, having the same result. As the door opened it revealed a extravagant throne room with large rooms to the left and right of it, when examined the rooms were smaller than the throne room but big enough to store multiple vehicles. This castle was perfect. "Exploration! Exploration! Exploration!" Said both Melvin and Coleman as they carried Marco away with them to explore the castle, Marco screaming "Please, I want to live! I want to live!" To set up the camp and park the vehicles took around 20 to 30 minutes maximum, allowing ample to for the Marines to do what Marco, Melvin, and Coleman were doing and explore, sleep, or check the vehicles or equipment. As of right now, all the Marines had to do was notify the U.S.S. Photosphere about their arrival, and wait for back-up to arrive." "Okay men, who wants to go exploring?" Asked Nathan with a child like smile. "Here's to the families that live in the reality of this video, and to the ones that didn't make it back home" - Justin Moore | Country Musician Author's Note All Empire of Rising Suns Army (ERSA) branches Solar Guard: The Empire of Rising Sun's Equunian Solar Guard commonly used ERS as a first line of defense against anything that threatens the mighty Empire wether it be foreign or domestic, these threats could be anything from Changeling Militias, the CDF (Changeling Defense Force), monsters, cryptids, and Heathens. Depite this massive list the Solar Guard is, and will always be, first line of defense and usually doesn't finish a battle alone, but it happens. Sun Chasers Corps: Despite the popularity of the Sun Chasers among Colts and young stallions, their operations and overall role within the ERSA is largely unknown to the general public, this includes date of creation, operations, reason for creation, and who they're meant to fight against. Many ponies in the Empire of Rising Suns theorized that they were an auxiliary force created to aid the Solar Guard in long term battles, but this couldn't be further from the truth, although the idea of the Sun Chasers Helping the Solar Guard isn't wrong considering the Solar Guards role, but their mean reason for existing is to protect the ERS from his Elevated Immanence, the God King of the mountains titans and ruler of the Highlands, a place populated by mountain titans that reside within mountains, watching over land that has been claimed by His Elevated Immanence. Heat Dancers Division: Much like the Sun Chasers, the Heat Dancers can aid the Solar guard in engaging conventional threats often faced by kingdoms like the ERS, but that doesn't take away from the fact they were formed for a very specific task. The task in question being very similar to the Sun Chasers, only instead of dealing with massive mountain titans the Hot Dancers dealt with elemental Demons and Orks, more commonly known as the Lavademons and Iceorks. Sharing another commonality with the Sun Chasers, the Heat Dancers are also highly secretive and the general public doesn't know much about them, but unlike the Sun Chasers, they aren't as popular. Sunrise Detachment: The Sunrise Detachment, much like the last two branches, is highly secretive with its operations and missions, but that's where the similarities end, because the general public does have a good understanding of why they were formed and who they combat. Formed in 2552 the Sunrise Detachment was created to combat the ever growing threat of attacks from paid mercenary groups like the Shadowbolts, which were often used by nations to destroy or disrupt their enemies military outposts, government buildings, and civilian out posts. Brightest Guard: Sister force to the Solar Guard, the Brightest Guard responds as a secondary fighting force. On Bukastillo continant, Ponderosa Pine trees are extremely sought-after because they have the uncanny ability to absorb large amounts of raw magic throughout it's life, even when cut down, cut into pieces, or made into items like furniture or kitchen ware. Much like the Malbrown Miteus the Ponderosa Pine grows exclusively in the New Luner Republic, it's properties being tightly controlled by the nation, only being exported to close allies like the Empire of Rising Suns, Vageta Temi Mima Dominion, and many others because of ideological differences, but the tree is very rare which is another factor it's tightly in why it's tightly controlled. In loving Memory of... Detective Sandra Y. Adrian Detective I Gerard A. Ahearn Detective James John Albanese Chief of Detectives William H. Allee Detective Sixto Almonte Detective Luis Gustavo Alvarez Sergeant Alex W. Baez Police Officer Curtis Joseph Bako Police Officer Karen E. Barnes Detective Thomas J. Barnitt Police Officer Ronald G. Becker, Jr. Detective Aslyn A. Beckles Police Officer James A. Betso Sergeant Gerard Thomas Beyrodt Police Officer Derrick Bishop Police Officer Scott R. Blackshaw Police Officer Frank M. Bolusi Deputy Chief Steven Joseph Bonano Sergeant Patrick J. Boyle Police Officer Thomas Gerard Brophy Lieutenant Rebecca A. Buck Police Officer James M. Burke Captain Carmine C. Cantalino Police Officer Audrey P. Capra Police Officer Madeline Carlo Detective Megan K. Carr-Wilks Detective Joseph A. Cavitolo Police Officer Yolanda Cawley Sergeant Christopher M. Christodoulou Police Officer Peter D. Ciaccio Lieutenant Steven L. Cioffi Sergeant Charles J. Clark Police Officer Daniel Charles Conroy Sergeant John Gerard Coughlin Sergeant Patrick T. Coyne Detective Christopher Edward Cranston Detective Angel Antonio Creagh Sergeant Michael Sean Curtin Detective Kevin Anthony Czartoryski Police Officer John D'Allara Police Officer Anthony D'Erasmo Detective Annetta G. Daniels Police Officer Vincent G. Danz Sergeant Garrett S. Danza Detective Michael Kenneth Davis Police Officer Anthony DeJesus Deputy Chief Vincent A. DeMarino Police Officer Michael O. Diamond Detective Corey J. Diaz Detective Leroy Dixon Police Officer Kenneth Xavier Domenech Police Officer Jerome Mark Patrick Dominguez Police Officer Stephen Patrick Driscoll Police Officer Renee Dunbar Police Officer Robert M. Ehmer Police Officer Mark Joseph Ellis Police Officer Otto R. Espinoza Detective Pedro Esponda, Jr. Police Officer William P. Farley Police Officer Robert Fazio, Jr. Detective Luis G. Fernandez Sergeant Paul Michael Ferrara Police Officer Keith A. Ferrara Police Officer John P. Ferrari Police Officer Edward M. Ferraro Inspector Donald G. Feser Detective Carmen M. Figueroa Police Officer Alexander Figueroa Police Officer Nicholas G. Finelli Detective Stuart F. Fishkin Police Officer Edward J. Fitzgerald Lieutenant Jeffrey W. Francis Sergeant Gary M. Franklin Detective Sean Patrick Franklin Police Officer Scott N. Gaines Captain Barry Galfano Police Officer Thomas J. Gallagher Sergeant Michael J. Galvin Police Officer Deborah A. Garbutt-Jeff Police Officer Matthew J. Gay Police Officer Judy Ann Ghany- Barounis Police Officer Anthony C. Giambra, Jr. Detective Peter "Pietro" Gianfrancesco Detective James Thomas Giery Sergeant Rodney C. Gillis Captain Edward Charles Gilpin Detective Charles Gilbert Gittens, Jr. Detective Michael E. Glazer Police Officer James Junior Godbee Detective John E. Goggin Police Officer Robert C. Grossman Police Officer Dave E. Guevara Inspector James Guida Sergeant Charles R. Gunzelman Police Officer Diane F. Halbran Police Officer Michael J. Hance Police Officer Anthony R. Hanlon Sergeant Claire T. Hanrahan Police Officer Raymond Harris Detective Kevin George Hawkins Police Officer Joseph F. Heid Police Officer Robert Bernard Helmke Detective Michael R. Henry Detective Alick W. Herrmann Detective William J. Holfester Police Officer Richard G. Holland Detective Nathaniel Holland, Jr. Detective Steven Hom Police Officer Demetrias Hopkins Detective Charles James Humphry Sergeant Michael Vincent Incontrera Sergeant Wayne A. Jackson Police Officer Richard Jakubowsky Police Officer Cheryl D. Johnson Police Officer Paul J. Johnson Police Officer Louise M. Johnston Sergeant Scott Johnston Police Officer Robert W. Kaminski Police Officer Charles M. Karen Detective William D. Kinane Police Officer William J. King Police Officer Ronald Philip Kloepfer Police Officer Gary Lee Koch Police Officer Kelly Christine Korchak Police Officer Fred J. Krines Detective John F. Kristoffersen Detective Stephen T. Kubinski Police Officer Thomas Michael Langone Detective Robert F. Larke Sergeant Mark Lawler Police Officer James Patrick Leahy Detective Michael Lawrence Ledek Detective Jeffrey A. Lee Police Officer Andrew J. Lewis Detective Christian R. Lindsay Lieutenant Luis A. Lopez Police Officer Richard Lopez Detective Thomas J. Lyons Police Officer Frank Gerard Macri Police Officer David Mahmoud Police Officer Shaun M. Mahoney Detective John J. Marshall Sergeant Robert P. Masci Police Officer Vito S. Mauro Police Officer Gary Gerald Mausberg Lieutenant Jacqueline McCarthy Police Officer Brian Grady McDonnell Police Officer Patrick Thomas McGovern Sergeant Colleen A. McGowan Captain Edward Joseph McGreal Sergeant Michael J. McHugh Police Officer Denis Reid McLarney Police Officer Christopher Shawn McMurry Lieutenant Jennifer Meehan Police Officer Gregory V. Melita Detective Tommy L. Merriweather Detective Mark Mkwanazi Lieutenant Brian S. Mohamed Deputy Chief James Gerard Molloy Detective James W. Monahan Detective Robert A. Montanez Detective Michael P. Morales Captain Dennis Morales Detective John K. Muller Sergeant Patrick P. Murphy Lieutenant Paul Murphy Sergeant Edmund P. Murray Sergeant Anthony Napolitano Police Officer Mark J. Natale Police Officer Robert J. Nicosia Detective Maureen M. O'Flaherty Sergeant Terrence Scott O'Hara Sergeant Donald J. O'Leary, Jr. Lieutenant Carlos J. Ocasio Police Officer Jason Howard Offner Detective Edwin Ortiz Police Officer Robert Ortiz Police Officer Robert V. Oswain, Jr. Police Officer Joseph Cavanaugh Pagnani Police Officer Allison Marie Palmer Lieutenant Phillip E. Panzarella Detective Joseph Paolillo Police Officer William G. Parker Police Officer Marie Ann Patterson-Bohanan Captain Ronald G. Peifer, Sr. Police Officer Angelo Peluso, Jr. Police Officer John William Perry Detective Philip T. Perry Police Officer Glen Kerrin Pettit Detective Joseph L. Pidoto Sergeant Louis R. Pioli Captain Peter L. Pischera Police Officer Francis Thomas Pitone Police Officer Frank J. Pizzo Lieutenant Christopher M. Pupo Assistant Chief Michael V. Quinn Detective Andrea Renee Jacqueline Rainer Police Officer Moira Ann Reddy-Smith Police Officer Christine Anne Reilly Detective George Clay Remouns, Jr. Lieutenant Gerald Rex Lieutenant Robert Daniel Rice Detective Claude Daniel Richards Detective Ronald A. Richards Detective Roberto L. Rivera Police Officer Lawrence J. Rivera Police Officer Peter O. Rodriguez Detective Joseph M. Roman Lieutenant Kenneth W. Rosello Lieutenant John Charles Rowland Sergeant Timothy Alan Roy, Sr. Lieutenant James D. Russell Detective John A. Russo Sergeant Michael W. Ryan Lieutenant James E. Ryan Police Officer Patrice Marie Ryan-Ott Detective Thomas Santoro Sergeant Stephen P. Scalza Sergeant Jacqueline C. Schaefer Detective James A. Schiavone, Jr. Detective Joseph Edward Seabrook Police Officer Peter M. Sheridan, Jr. Lieutenant Marci Simms Detective Basilio A. Simons Detective Andrew L. Siroka Sergeant Harold John Smith Captain Scott V. Stelmok Detective Christopher Strucker Police Officer Ramon Suarez Sergeant Barbara J. Sullivan Police Officer Robert S. Summers Detective Traci L. Tack-Czajkowski Police Officer Paul Talty Police Officer Richard E. Taylor Sergeant Edward Doyle "Ned" Thompson Detective Sally A. Thompson Detective William B. Titus, Jr. Police Officer Martin Tom Police Officer Reginald Umpthery, Sr. Police Officer Santos Valentin, Jr. Detective Harry Valentin Police Officer Manuel Vargas, Jr. Detective Dennis J. Vickery Police Officer John F. Vierling, Jr. Detective Joseph Vincent Vigiano Police Officer Perry T. Villani Police Officer Matthew S. von Seydewitz Sergeant Michael B. Wagner Police Officer William T. Walsh Lieutenant William H. Wanser, III Detective Thomas P. Ward Police Officer Walter Edward Weaver Detective Thomas Francis Weiner, Jr. Police Officer Ronald Evan Weintraub Detective Richard H. Wentz Detective Jennifer A. Williams Police Officer Wade Jason Williams Detective Robert W. Williamson Inspector Richard Daniel Winter Police Officer Kenneth W. Wolf Police Officer George Mon Cheng Wong Detective John T. Young Detective James Zadroga Police Officer Robert A. Zane, Jr. Trooper First Class Eugene Kenneth Baron, Jr. Trooper First Class Walter Greene, Jr. Detective Mark S. Gado Police Officer Kathleen O'Connor-Funigiello Police Officer Brian R. Abbondandelo Police Officer Charles Dennis Cole, Jr. Police Officer Peter Francis Curran Police Officer Peter Martino Police Officer Paul J. McCabe Police Officer James V. Quinn Lieutenant Michael P. Shea Sergeant Christopher A. Vidro Police Officer Walter L. Mallinson Corporal Harvey Snook, III Sergeant James Thomas Farrell Detective Stephen John Mullen Sergeant Dennis Wallace Reichardt Police Officer Christopher Amoroso Police Officer Maurice Barry Police Officer Charles Barzydlo Lieutenant John J. Brant Police Officer Liam Callahan Lieutenant Robert Cirri Police Officer John Mark Cortazzo Police Officer Clinton Davis Police Officer Donald Foreman Police Officer Gregg Froehner Police Officer Thomas Gorman Police Officer Uhuru Gonja Houston Police Officer George Howard Police Officer Stephen Huczko, Jr. I nspector Anthony Infante Police Officer Paul Jurgens Sergeant Robert Kaulfers Police Officer James W. Kennelly Police Officer Paul Laszczynski Police Officer William James Leahy Police Officer David P. LeMagne Police Officer John Lennon Police Officer John Levi Police Officer James Lynch Captain Kathy Mazza Police Officer Donald McIntyre Police Officer Walter McNeil Police Officer Mark J. Meier Director of Public Safety Fred V. Morrone Police Officer Joseph Navas Police Officer James Nelson Police Officer Alfonse Niedermeyer Sergeant Vincent Joseph Oliva Police Officer Pavlos D. Pallas Police Officer James Parham Police Officer Dominick Pezzulo Police Officer Bruce Reynolds Police Officer Antonio Rodrigues Police Officer Richard Rodriguez Chief James Romito Police Officer John Skala Police Officer Walwyn Stuart Police Officer Michael Edmund Teel Police Officer Kenneth Tietjen Police Officer Steven John Tursellino Police Officer Nathaniel Webb Police Officer Michael Wholey And Many, Many More... Map of Bukastillo V1 Alan Dedric Church is not mine, he belongs to Souls_USA. Remember, if you spot any mistakes, please notify me.
