Crestfallen Soldierby Dishonor20ChaptersPrologueAwakeningNightmares Patient 2854Just Following OrdersOffersDescisonsThe Invitation Familiar Faces ProloguePrologue The lights were flickering ahead of me I continued to walk down the hall. The only way to go was forward the quarantine barriers blocked the other path to the government section of Titan Station. I looked at my rigs holographic map I was coming up to T-intersection . I was going to have to go left, I reached the intersection. Like my mom always said look both ways I looked to my right nothing to my left nothing. I started walking down the left path when I heard the worst noise I’ve ever heard, it had come from behind me I turned around to see hundreds of necromorphs, I nearly pissed my self. They noticed me they were now charging directly at me I turned around ran as fast as I could . Those damn things were gaining ground on me fast I needed to do something or I’d be ripped to shreds. I saw a support beam holding up the ceiling. While running I took my grenade belt off and activated all my pules grenades and threw them at the pillar. The screams of necromorphs right behind me now. The grenades exploded and sent me flying through the air, smack into a wall my ears were ringing, head pounding, and vision blurred from the pain. A piece of shrapnel embedded its self in to my right thigh I ripped it out, then I looked around for necromorphs there were none to be found. I used a med-pack to heal my self, my rig was blue once more. I didn't have a weapon to defended my self with. I looked around and saw a store a few yards away, lucky for me martial law was declared so I could get my self a weapon and armor. I walked up to the store “Welcome Earth Defense Force Sargent Austin Schroeder.” said the stores cold automated voice. I opened the stores inventory menu; pulse rifle 0 credits, pulse rifle ammo 0 credits, pulse rifle grenades 0 credits, military suit 0 credits. I got the pulse rifle and ammo and one rifle grenade, then the stores display menu lifted up and the doors on the back of the store opened up I knew what to do. I turned my back to the store and walked backwards the magnets did the rest. My back was being held in place by a magnetic force. A blinding light forced me to shut my eyes, and I started to feel a slight tingling sensation through out my whole body. The light started to fade along with the tingling sensation the door opened, and magnet released. I looked down at myself the suit was on. I always wondered how the hell it worked, but I didn't question it. As a walked out the stores display started to lower. I I turned back to face the display I went to med-packs, out of stock, “damn,” I mumbled to my self. My rig was blue but that could change very fast when dealing with necromorphs. Then I heard a slight ping come from my rig I had received a massage from my friend I played the message, “if your getting this then my rig has flat lined'”he said with sorrow in his voice. “I wanted you to know all the paths to the government section of Titan Station have been closed off, I also wanted you to know that you have been the best friend a man could have, since the 2nd grade I’ve counted you as a brother you have always been there for me” I heard the screams of necromorphs in the recording “ I'm going to take as many of these bastards with me as I can,” I heard the activation of pulse grenades, then a loud bang the recording stopped after that. “I'll miss you to brother” I said while tears were sliding down my face. “tears aren't going to bring him back,” I said allowed. I'll heard banging against the rocks from the cave in I caused. Rage flowing threw my veins now these bastards just killed my brother. Necromorphs started pouring through the newly opened hole I opened fire on them, if they got to close I used stasis on them it made shooting them a hell of allot easier. To conserve ammo I picked up there bladed arms from the dead ones with telekinesis and threw them at there friends I pined a few of them to the wall and the floor. Then they were on me before I could react, one stab-ed me to the left of my stomach I came down with my gun as hard as I could. I broke the arm clear off. I threw a stasis around the necromorphs near by. I ripped the blade out of my stomach along with the stab I felt cuts through out my whole body. I looked up and saw brute charging at me I knew I was done for. I loaded the grenade rifle shot. I noticed There was a window to my right. It looked off into space I lifted my pulse rifle and fired the grenade. Me as well as the necromorphs were sucked into space, my rifle was ripped from my hands. I knew I would't make it. I closed my eyes for what I thought was the last time. I felt a warm tingling sensation through out my whole body, I opened my eyes, and was greeted by a bright light. This couldn't be right I know that I didn't deserve to go to heaven or where ever good people went when they died. The light and the feeling stopped, and then came the feel of vertigo. I hit the ground with a thud “damn,” I said through clenched teeth. I looked around me what I was seeing made no sense trees, and blue skis. These things I was seeing were rare even on earth. Then the pain came back as if wanting me to no that I wasn't dead. My head was spinning, and my heart was pounding. I looked at my rig it was red and dropping. I thought I was done for. Then I heard talking nearby it was English to, I couldn't make out what they were saying, but it was very close, and it was my only chance of survival. I stood up to fast I felt like I was going to vomit, and the pain was on the threshold of unbearable.If I even had a chance of survival this was it. As I was about to came out from behind the trees I lowered my mask. “Help” I yelled as loud as I could , then I saw them horses pink, yellow, purple, orange, white, and even cyan. The last thing I muttered before I passed out was ,“what the fuck.” Ponyville 2 hours ago “Twilight hurry up,” yelled Pinkie Pie. “ I'll be right down,” Twilight replied. Twilight and her friends were going on a picnic.Twilight and all her friends except for Rarity had arrived. "late as usual" said an annoyed Rainbow Dash. "There she is" Pinkie Pie said hopping up and down. Rarity was dressed up for the occasion. Fluttershy set the picnic blanket down. "Sorry i'm late" Rarity said while setting out the food in delicate and orderly manner. A bright light flashed from the forest. “what was that” Rainbow Dash asked with a surprised look on here face. “I don't know sweet heart,” A.J. Replied. Then something walked out from behind trees “help,” the creature yelled. The creature was massive it was as tall as Celestia, the creature was wearing some type of armor. The creature looked at Twilight and her friends and said something they couldn't make out and feel to the ground. The creature was injured it had cuts all over it. “it needs help,” Fluttershy said. “agreed” Twilight said, “are you sure it could be dangerous,” Rarity said. “it needs our help we can't let it die,” Fluttershy said concern in hear voice. “were taking it to the hospital,” Twilight said. When Twilight and her friends arrived the doctors didn't even know what to do. They managed to stop the bleeding and set the creature in its own room. luckily there was no one around when they took it to the hospital. Spike sent a letter to princess Celestia detailing what had happened. Now it was just the waiting game would the creature die, if it woke up what would it do, Twilight thought of all the outcomes, but they couldn't be answered until something happened. "Twilight" Shining Armor said with a smile on his face. Twilight was surprised to see her brother here. They hugged each other "also I brought a guest," Shining Armor said looking behind him. "Princess Luna," Twilight said bowing her head. "Easy Twilight," Luna said smiling. "Were here to see the creature you found," Luna said. "We think it may be a human, from the details spike gave us," Luna continued. "A human," Twilight said, humans were only urban legends here in Ponyville. Twilight train of thought was cut short by nurse Redheart. "its up the creature is up." Then Twilight noticed some-pony at the end of the hall listening in on there conversation, it was Lyra. Lyra noticed Twilight had seen her she took off. The things Lyra heard "a human here in Ponyville," Lyra said excitedly allowed Lyra had to meet it. Twilight didn't have time to chase after her, there were more pressing matters such as the creature. The question who was going to talk to it. AwakeningAwakening “We should go check on the creature,” Shining armor said. “I don't think we should all go in at once, the creature might feel overwhelmed if we all went in at once,” said Luna. “Luna has a point,” Twilight added, “But if it is human then we all need to be in there if it goes on a rampage,” Shining Armor said with concern in his voice. Human were just an urban legend in Equestria but they were know to be very aggressive, very intelligent, and very dangerous. They were even known kill each other, if you believe in the legends. Twilight's train of thought broken by her brother “I don't think it would be a good idea for you to go in Luna,” said Shining Armor. “And why is that,” Luna said with annoyance in her voice. “Your taller than me and Twilight,” Shining Armor replied. “He has a point,” Twilight said. “Then I'll go in,” Shining Armor said, “I think Twilight should be the one,” Luna said looking at Twilight. “No she couldn't stand up to the creature, and if anything happened I would never forgive myself,” Shining armor said. “I can handle myself brother,I appreciate the concern,” Twilight said. “Fine, but if it dose anything stupid yell for help, and I'll personally return it to were it came from,” Shining Armor said with concern in his voice. “Be careful Twilight, if you need anything we will be right outside the door” Luna said. "Nurse Redheart is there anything else you can tell us?" Twilight asked. "The creature has something attached to his back and arm." Nurse Redheart said "you didn't remove it." Shining armor asked surprised. "We couldn't its literally attached to him there are needles in his back and arm," Nurse Redheart. " Can you take us to it's room." Luna said, Nurse Redheart nodded. _ You are now fallowing Austin Schroeder I opened my eyes and was greeted by a blinding light, my eyes adjusted quickly. Was that sunlight I was so use to artificial light. I looked around and saw that I was in a hospital, the white walls the beep of an EKG machine, and the sterile smell were all tall tail signs of a hospital. Was every thing that just happened, a dream. A pony walked in the room, damn guess it wasn't a dream after all. She took one look at me and ran out the door slamming it shut. My rig was still on my back it was yellow at least I was stable. I checked my rig's connection, but there was none to be found. I noticed that my telekinesis was still attached to my arm a long with the stasis field generator. All the needles were still in place, that is one thing that sucked about military gear it was always attached to you with surgically implanted needles. I noticed a pitcher of water on the table across from me. This would be a good way see if my telekinesis sill worked. I lifted my arm a jolt of pain hit me, but it was nothing compared to necromorphs. To my surprise the telekinesis worked, I brought the water over to me. I sniffed the clear liquid no smell that was a good sign, but if it was poised so be it. I chugged the pitcher down greedily the liquid had no taste so I could safely say it was water. It was a refreshing to have some water after all the running I had to do. I placed the pitcher of water back were I got it from. Then I heard the door handle turning. In walked a purple pony I studied it, as it studied me. It had a horn in the dead center of it's head. What was this place I was in, unicorns what other secrets could this place hold. It stepped toward me cautiously, “can you understand me,” the creature asked me in perfect English also it was obviously female. I nodded my head slowly. “My name is Twilight Sparkle” said the creature. “Can you tell me yours please,” she asked taking another step forward. “My name is Austin Schroeder,” I said. “Good to meet Austin,” Twilight said taking yet another step closer. " I have a question were am I?" I asked "Your in Equestria." Twilight said with a look of confusion " you don't know how you got here." she asked . "No, but I'm grateful I came here when I did though," I said " Whys that." Twilight asked. " One word, necromorph" I said. " A what," she said with look of pure confusion. " Its better you not know," I replied. " I have question for you know." Twilight said. " What is that thing on your back," she was staring at my rig. " Oh that's my rig it stands for Resource Integration Gear." "What dose it do," asked Twilight. " It has multiple uses such as," I open up my holographic map. Twilight looks at it with awe, her eyes were wide open, and her mouth went slack as if she has just received a huge surprise. I closed the map " That was incredible how did you do that!?" Twilight asked with extreme excitement in her voice. " If you want the truth, I don't know how it works, but one of the scientists back home probably knows." I said. " Were is back home," she asked. I was surprised she caught that " Well I was born on Earth, but I only lived on it for a few years before me and my family moved," I said. " Were did you go after that? " she asked. " Well we went to a bunch of different planets," "wait!" Twilight interrupted " You moved to different planets." she said " Yes it was very common for humans to do that now." I said. She had the look of awe on her face again. " This is incredible," she said with excitement in her voice again. Her horn started to glow I was a clipboard and a pencil floating over to Twilight. " How are you doing that," asked surprise now in my voice. She looked at me with confusion " unicorns use magic surely you must know," she said. " We don't have unicorns were I come from." I said " Were did you come from again," she said with a clipboard and pencil at the ready. " The milky way galaxy," I said. She scribbled down something on her clipboard. She was about to ask me another question, but she was interrupted by knock at the door. Another pony walked on the room this one was taller than Twilight. It was pure white except for a mark on it's flank. " This is my brother Shining Armor," Twilight said. " Hello," I said. He stared at me for a few second " Hello," He replied " I have a few questions for you," he said. " Okay but your sister was already asking me questions," I said. " Yes, but my questions need to be answered as soon as possible," he said. Twilight had look of annoyance in her face. " What is that thing on your back and why can't we remove it," he asked in a demanding tone. " Its my rig, and it has needles attaching it my spine and skin." I replied. Twilight's face cringed at what I said. " Also what is this," he said while lifting something up with his horn. It was my Knife I thought that it would have been ripped of when I was sucked into space. " We found it on you when my sister brought you to the hospital." he said with anger in his voice " What were you going to do with it," he asked. From the way he asked he knew exactly what it was. " I'm a soldier for Earth defense force that's just my standard issued knife, I promise I wasn't going to hurt anyone. Hell I don't even know how I got here I promise." I said. " Your a soldier," he asked curiously " Yes why?" I asked " Because I'm one to." he said with something that sounded like pride. " So you do you swear by your honor you won't hurt anyone," he asked. " As long as I'm not attacked you have my word I will not harm any one here." I said. " Alright that is all I needed to know," he said as he walked out the door. " I'm sorry about that," Twilight said. " He was concerned for his country and his sister, I'm sure he meant well." I replied. " Ya, but I'm capable of handling this my self." she said. " Where were we something about rockets if I remember." I changed the subject. Her eyes opened up widely again. The clipboard and pencil floated up from the table again. I knew Shining Armor was just looking out for his sister. Nightmares Nightmares Nightmares After what felt like hours Twilight finally ran out of questions about rockets. “ Alright that is all I needed to know,” she said as she placed the clipboard down. After all those questions I was finally done. Then I heard the door handle start turn. Shining Armor walked in followed by another pony this one taller then he was, and it had dark blue fur. It also had a horn and wings...Wait! Wings what was I going to see next. You know what I'm not gonna even ask. I looked over to see Twilight bowing in what I guess was respect. “ Its alright Twilight,” the pony said. I could tell it was female from it's voice. The blue pony looked at me “ My name is Princess Luna,” she said. “ My name is Austin Schroeder,” I said. At least I know what government type they have. Then I noticed something about Luna her hair moved as if there was wind in the room, but there was none. Not even a slight breeze. They have magic here so I guess any thing is possible. “ So how did you end up here in Equestria?” Luna asked. “ It just sort of happened.” I said deciding not to tell them about the necromorphs. I had told Twilight there name, but not what they were. It was for the best. “ That is very strange, and you have no idea how it happened?” Luna asked, from her tone she knew I wasn't telling her something. “ I wish I did, but I have no idea how it happened or why it happened.” I said almost pledging. “ Okay I believe you,” Luna said “ But that doesn’t tell us how you got so injured,” she said. No one asked me that question yet “ I was in a bad fight, and got injured there was not much to it.” I said. They didn't need to know about the necromorph outbreak. “ He is a solider were he's from,” Shining Armor added. “ Perhaps, but what was it that you were fighting I've never seen injuries like those before.” Luna said. She was not about to let this go. “ I was fighting other humans,” I said. Twilight had a look of shock on her face “ humans fight each other,” Twilight said. She was obviously surprised by the news. “ I'm sure it works the same way here doesn’t it?” I asked. “ We have not fought each other for hundreds of years,” Shining Armor said. “ You are very different from humans, but that's something to be proud of,” I said. “ why is that ?” Luna asked. “ I'd rather not talk about it.” The way I said it made it to obvious I was hiding something. I was hoping it would deter her from asking another question.“ I understand,” Luna said. It worked, “ You must be tired.” Luna said. I was in fact tired, but I haven't said anything out of respect. “ We'll leave you alone,” Luna said before I even got to say anything. All three ponies walked out of the room. I rested my head against the pillow, and closed my eyes. Sleep fell upon me quickly. “ He's not telling us every thing, ” Luna said. “ I know, but there is nothing we can do about it,” Shining Armor added. “ He seems like a nice guy,” Twilight said. “ Looks can be deceiving you both should know that,” Luna said. Reminding Twilight and Shining Armor of the Changeling attack. “ Even if he is hiding something there is no way to find out,” Twilight pointed out. “ I can go into his dreams and find out,” Luna said. Both Twilight and Shining Armor had a look of surprise on there face. “ You can do that?” Twilight asked. “ Yes, but I'll need both of you to help.” Luna said. Luna explained how they all needed to combine there magic so Luna could enter his dreams. “ Isn’t this invading his privacy, and also I thought dreams were completely random, ” Twilight asked “ Yes, but there are always based off of memories, and it needs to be done. We must make sure he is not a threat to Equestria.” Luna said. “ I still think this is a bad idea,” Twilight said. “ It's our only option,” Luna objected. All three of them went into the room. Austin was out cold, and the room was completely silent except for the occasional snoring from Austin. “ Alright are you ready,” Princess Luna whispered. Twilight and Shining Armor nodded. All three of there horns lit up. There was a bright flash and after the light subsided. Twilight and Shining Armor noticed Princess Luna was on the ground asleep. Austin Schroeder I saw the beginning of my recurring nightmare. It always started out happy with memories of my childhood. I saw the years I spent in school and the friends I made while in school. Then when high school came around the dream always seemed to slow down. As if rubbing it in my face that those times were gone. These were some of the best years of my life. I saw me in my football uniform. I loved playing that sport. Then I saw my graduation me and all my friends getting our diplomas the smiles on our faces and our families faces. I wish I could back to those times. Then the dream slowed down even more. It was the day I enlisted in the Earth Defense Force. On the bus ride there getting yelled at by the drill Sargent. Getting there getting buzz cuts, and getting yelled at again. I was use to getting yelled at by the coaches during football practice, but still that was nothing compared to this. After I finished basic training I was sent to mars for Sapper training. After I finished I was finally a soldier for Earth Defense Force. The pride and honor I felt was indescribable. I only wish I knew what I was getting into to. I was then sent to Scorpio 6. Even after all the fighting on the planet during the Resource War. They had managed to plunge them selves into another civil war. It was are job to stop it why it was young, but I had to miss my sisters graduation. It hurt me knowing I wouldn't get to see my little sister graduate, but I had a duty to uphold. The dream slowed even more. It was know moving at real time or what felt like real time. The cargo plan landed with a sudden and violent jerk. I was thrown forward. Thanks for the please buckle your seat belt sign. Then again I was on a cargo plane. I stood up the back of the plane opened up. Me and other soldiers began to unload from the plane. I was to meet a person from my squad at the base's airfield. I was greeted by a man “ always expected to see in the military,” he said speaking directly at me. “ You probably don't remember me with this haircut,” he said smiling. His voice sounded very familiar “ Dillon ?” I asked. “ You got it,” he said laughing. “ Never expected you to be in the military,” I said. “ Neither did I,” he said his smile vanished. “ Oh I’m sorry I didn't know,” I said in an apologetic tone. “ Its fine,” he said smiling again. “ So what do you do?” I asked. “ Me I'm a hacker, or technical specialist as the military likes to call it.” He said “ ya you were always good with computers,” I said. “ So what about you?” He asked “ me I'm just a Sapper.” I said “ A what ?” he asked. “ A combat engineer,” I said laughing. He never understood anything about the military ever since middle school. I had to teach him everything. “ So how have things been ?” I asked. “ Good, after my term is up I'm going to purpose to my girlfriend.” He said “ That's great!” I said. “ Ya, how about you ?” he asked “ Same old same old,” I replied. “ Didn't your sister graduate this week ?” he asked. It almost felt like a punch to the gut. “ Ya,” I said somberly. He noticed he struck a nerve “ sorry I didn't know,” he said. “ Its alright,” I said. Something had slipped my mind until now “ are you the person I'm spouse to meet ?” I asked. He gave me a look that made me feel like an absolute dumb ass. “ NO! I'm just so happen to be standing at the airfield when your plane arrived,” He said in a sarcastic tone. We both let out a loud laugh. “ Let me show you around the base,” he said. We both walked around the base talking about what happened after we finished high school. Then we stopped in front of one of the barracks. “ This is were our squad is housed.” He said “ Lets go meet them,” I said. We walked in the barrack. There was three men standing in circle. They all looked over at me the largest of the group stepped forward. He was huge at least 7 feet tall. He had piercing green eyes, and a very straight face. He was now in front of me smiling. “ The names Johnson how bout you,” he said raising his hand for me to shake. I did, and he nearly crushed my hand “ My names Austin,” I said with a hint of pain in my voice. He released his death grip on my hand. “ So I guess your the squads leader,” I said. “ Nope I'm the squads medic,” he said in his deep voice. He had a very country accent. Another man stepped forward he was around my height. Which was 6'5 he started to raise his hand for me to shake. I shook his hand. “ My name is Andrew, and I'm the squads leader.” He said as he looked at me with bright blue eyes. I looked at the last member of the squad. He just gave me a quick glance and returned to what every he was doing. Johnson leaned in next to my ear. “ That's James he ain’t much for talking.” Johnson said. “ So if were done with introductions we should get some rest,” Andrew said. “ What? Its still bright out, and we haven’t even gone over the invasion plan yet.” I said “ We don't get the invasion plan until tomorrows briefing, and the reason its sunny is because days here on Scorpio 6 last for a week.” Andrew said. As he talked each squad member fell into a bed. There was only one left so I decided it was my bed. It was above Johnson's bed. I woke up the next morning from Johnson's loud yawning. I was always a light sleeper. We all got dressed in our uniforms, and we walked out side. We were walking towards a large compound in the middle of the base. After the long briefing about what were suppose to do. Which was put a fast end to the civil war on Scorpio 6. Each squad was given there assignments. My squads assignment was to destroy a refinery. It would cause a major blow to the enemy, or the Unitologists is what people called the rebels. The Unitologists have always hated EarthGov, and everything EarthGov stands for. I wasn't a Unitologists, but I had a few friends that were. We were to be deployed by helicopter a mile away from the refinery. Thankfully the reports said there was to be very little resistance. It was going to be a get in get out mission. I only wish that were the case. ------- Authors notes Sorry I haven't published something in awhile. I had a lot of matters that required my assistance. Also if you see any errors please point them out. Also if there something you want to see in future chapters please feel free to speak your mind. I also wish to thank every one who has pointed out my mistakes. Unfortunately I've been running solo on this with no editor. I also want to thank you all for you support. Patient 2854We arrived at the helicopter the thing was damn tank. It was outfitted for military duty. Jet engines a heavy pulse rifle on the open side, and to top it all off the armor was the thickest I've ever seen. “ You the guys I'm suppose to be flying in?” a men asked from behind. He was wearing a military pilot uniform. We all introduced our selves except for James “ Nice to meet you all my names Cory.” The pilot said. “ Well lets get going.” the pilot said with a smile on his face. Andrew looked at a chart that he was given. “ Austin your on the gun the rest of us will be sitting.” he said. He folded the chart up and put in one of his pockets. We all loaded on the helicopter. The pilot was the last to get on. Every one took there seats I stood behind the gun. The pilot started the engines. The noise was deafening, I put up my mask it had sound blocking technology. The helicopter took of the ground, and the door on the side started to close. The only thing that was opened up was the gun and me. I felt a tap on my back it was Andrew he pointed to his head, and held up three fingers. I changed my masks frequency to channel three. “ Can you hear me?” Andrew asked. “ Ya,” I replied. “ Good,” Andrew said. “ You guys should hear this,” Cory said with concern in his voice. “ We need help were pined down by Unitologist forces!” the soldier said with fear in his voice. “ Your call sir,” Cory said he was referring to Andrew. Andrew look like he was pondering the idea. “ They need our help sir,” Johnson said. “ Fine lets go give them a hand,” Andrew said. “ Roger that,” Cory said. The helicopter changed course heading to the soldiers location. “ There right on top of us! ” The soldier said almost yelling in fear. “ Hang on were almost there,” Andrew said. The helicopter came around a building. What I saw was a war zone I saw EarthGov troops taking heavy fire from the Unitologists. There was hundreds of Unitologists advancing slowly on the soldiers. How could this be there was to be little to no resistance. All the EarthGov soldiers could do was fire blindly at the advancing army. There were was no retreat for the EarthGov soldiers they were in a choke point. There looked to be only one way in and one way out. “ Weapons free!” Andrew yelled. I pulled down on the guns trigger. The gun responded immediately. I was firing on the Unitologist forces. Unitologists started falling left an right some of them we cut in half. This weapon was a monster of a weapon. I kept firing on the Unitologist ranks. They started to fire at the helicopter now. The bullets pinged harmlessly on the side of the helicopter. I kept taking Unitologists down. I stopped firing once there was nothing left moving on the battlefield. Then I heard a noise from the mic. It sounded like cheering I looked down to see the EarthGov soldiers cheering, and hugging each other. They must have been close to getting over run. “ Damn good shooting,” a soldier said through the mic. “ We'll handle it from here thanks for the help.” he said very happily. I looked back over at the battlefield. Dead bodies littered the ground, blood was every were. I felt like I was going to be sick. Andrew took notice to this. “ I was either them or you, ” he said. This was the first time I've ever killed someone. I started to feel better as the helicopter flew away from the battlefield. The image of all the dead bodies popped in my head again. I thought to my self it was either them or me. I cleared my mind of the thought I needed a clear head. The next thing I knew an alarm was going off in the helicopter. “ Shit! ” Cory yelled “ Hang on tight! ” he said. The helicopter jerked side ways. I saw the missile that was locked on us. It fallowed the helicopter's evasive maneuvers to near perfection. Another alarm went off in the helicopter I saw a second missile coming straight for us. Then I heard pinging against the side of the side of the helicopter. It almost sounded like rain. Then I saw javelins bouncing off the side of the helicopter. Then Yet another alarm went off. A third missile was now locked on us. Cory lunched flares only one missile went for the flares. The other two were still on our ass. “ Hang on! ” Cory said again fear in his voice. I was firing blindly at the buildings. We were taking fire from every side. Then a javelin hit me in the shoulder I was thrown off the gun. The javelin priced my armor, and came out the other side. The pain was indescribable. Johnson came over to me. He ripped the javelin out of my shoulder. He gave me a med pack. The pain subsided quickly, and I got back on the gun. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I ignored it, and continued firing. The missiles still right on us. The helicopter was right above the ground. The first missile hit, and then the second one did. I was thrown out of the helicopter. I hit the ground full speed and rolled. If it wasn't for my armor I would have died, but I was in even worse pain then I when I was shot with the javelin. I saw the helicopter crash only a few hundred feet in front of me. I tried to stand up, but I couldn't. I saw my squad coming out from the downed helicopter. I heard Dillon Say something “ Were the hell is Austin!? ” he yelled. “ I saw him get thrown from the helicopter. ” Andrew said. “ The pilots dead sir, ” Johnson said somberly. “ Damn! ” Andrew said furiously. Shoots rang out from all around. “ This is our last stand men lets show these bastard what EarthGov soldiers can do. ” Andrew said. I was crawling towards them. I lowered my mask the breathing regulator was damaged from the fall. Then a javelin gun round hit Dillon in the chest I heard his rig flat line. “ NO!” I yelled. He had some much to live for, and these bastards just took that all away from him. Tears were pouring down my face Johnson noticed me he ran over to me. He handed me his pulse rifle. He then began to drag me I fired at the Unitologists that were now storming our position. He stood me up, and grabbed Dillon's pulse rifle. I saw his lifeless body on the ground. I was going to make these bastards pay. I was just in immense pain, but I didn't seem to notice it anymore. I reloaded my rifle and opened fire again. Then a javelin round hit me near my stomach. I flew back with it, and was pined to the side of the helicopter. I pulled at the javelin, but to no avail. The only thing I could do was walk forward. The pain was unbearable as soon as I was free from the javelin I fell down. I saw a pool of blood start to form around me. I couldn't even lift my head up. I saw Johnson go down, and heard his rig flat line. I had to stand up and fight for my fallen friends. Rage and sadness drove me now. I stood up and stared firing again. The Unitologists were right on us now. I kept firing until one gun butted me from behind. I fell down with a thud. I saw James get swarmed, and he was knocked unconscious. Andrew pulled out his knife and was fighting them hand to hand. He was about to get swarmed when I saw him activate the pulse grenades on his bandolier. Some tried to run away, but were caught in the blast. The explosion forced me to close my eyes when I opened them again he was gone. There was nothing left of him left. I lost almost my whole squad, and I hadn't died yet. I stood up and drew my knife. It was the only weapon I had left. Luckily for me the person standing over me was knocked down from the explosion. He saw me and he was about to raise his weapon. When I grabbed his arm with my free hand, and plunged the knife in with my other hand. The look on his face was one of pure terror. I had stabbed him in the chest. I watched as the life faded from his face. I watched as the color fade from his eyes, and blood trickled down his lip. He was dead, and I was the one who took his life. Did this make me any better then the men who had just killed my friends. Someone turned me around, and punched me square in the face. I was knocked out cold. I woke up in a prison cell it was freezing cold. I was on a bed my armor had been removed, and I was only in my uniform. I felt near were I was shot. There was bandages over the injury. In fact bandages covered my entire torso. I looked at my rig yellow I was stable. Someone had obviously wanted me to survive. My head was throbbing it felt like someone bashed it against a wall. I looked around the room and saw a motionless figure on the bed next to me. Was it James? “ James, ” I said my voice was dry and raspy. The motionless figured turned to face me. It was James. He has tears flowing from his eyes. He was still shocked from what had happened. I felt bad for him, and then images from the battle flashed through my head. I had to force my self not to cry. “ We all knew what we signed up for,” a voice said in my head it sounded harsh and cold hearted. “ But we just lost our friends.” another voice said this one sounded kind and caring. I shook my head, that hit to the head must of done more then I thought. I sat up which required all my strength. I heard footsteps coming towards me and James's cell. “ We don't have many prisoners left sir.” a voice said from down the hall. “ We will have to just make due then won't we.” This persons voice sounded a lot more refined then the other one. They stopped in front of me and James's cell. One was wearing a fancy clothes and the other one was waring armor. “ Hello my name is George. ” the one in the fancy clothes was talking. Me and James both stayed silent. “ Please try and be civilized.” George said smiling. I wanted to kill him already. Me and James continued to stay quiet. “ Fine I guess we have to do this the hard way.” George said his smile growing even wider. He unlocked the door, and the man standing next to him raised his weapon. He looked over at James then he looked to me. George was standing in front of me. “ I think we'll start with you.” he said looking over me. I wanted to punch him square in his face, but something told me that wouldn't end well for me. He looked over at James who was still crying. He frowned “ We will start with you.” he said looking at me again. “ It looks like James is still recovering from yesterdays secession.” What did this bastard do to him. I was about to stand up when I felt a needle plunge into the side of my neck. I couldn't move “ The sedative should keep you complaint.” George said. He motioned for the guard to come over. The guard put me in wheelchair that was out side the cell. I was being wheeled down a long hallway. I was wheeled into a pure white room with a wooden table and two chairs on each side of the table. They left the room. I started to get control of my muscles again. They came back in. I was still very weak the person in armor moved me to one of the chairs and strapped my arms down. “ Shall we get started,” George said smiling widely My arms were still pined strapped to the chair. “ So whats your name.” George asked. I remained silent, I wasn't even about to tell this bastard my name. “ Fine if you insist to be stubborn.” George said signaling the soldier. The soldier put down his weapon, and proceed to crack his knuckles. I knew what was coming next. He delivered a punch to my stomach. It almost made me throw up. “ I'll ask you again what is your name?” George said still smiling. I remained silent again. The soldier hit me in the side of my face, and in the gut. George singled him to stop. “ Are you willing to talk yet?” he asked. “ I hope you burn in hell!” I responded harshly. “ Such language.” he said laughing. “ This shall not go unpunished.” he said. He gave the soldier a signal. The soldier pulled out his knife. This was not good I thought to myself. He cut the bindings on my left arm. He put my left arm on the table. I was tried to fight back, but I was to weak. He held my hand down with his free arm. He raised the knife, and slammed it down on my left hand. I yelled in pain tears flowing down my face. He left the knife in my hand and walked back to were he was standing. George was laughing like and looked like he was about to cry from it. I felt like I wanted to give up. I lost almost my whole squad, and I was going to die here. “ Your to weak I'm taking over.” A voice said it was harsh and cold. It was the voice from earlier. I couldn't feel anything anymore. I couldn't control anything anymore, it was like watching a movie. George was still laughing and the soldier was standing by the door. I broke the bindings holding my right arm. Then I ripped the knife from my left hand. I wasn't doing this. It was like a horror movie. The solider made a move for his weapon. I threw the knife straight into his throat. He gasped for air. I went over to him and ripped the knife out of his throat. He fell to the ground. His rig flat lined. I looked over to see George's face filled with fear. I walked to him slowly, he was on the ground backing away slowly. I still couldn't control what I was doing. He was backed up into a corner. “ Not so fun is it!” I shouted. This wasn't me. I walked over to him. I dropped the knife. I put my right hand behind his head, and my left hand on his lower jaw. “ Looks like your going to hell sooner then you expected aren't you.” I said the look on his face was one of pure horror. With a quick thrust of my left arm. I heard hideous and dreadful crack come from his neck. He was now looking backwards. His rig then flat lined. I grabbed the knife from the ground. I walked out of the room without grabbing the fallen soldiers rifle. There was a guard at the end of the. He wasn't wearing any armor. I walked behind I put my left hand over his mouth and pulled him to me. I plunged the knife into his chest, and then I quickly dragged him back to the room I was just in. I placed his body down. I walked back out, the prison wasn't heavily guarded. If I encountered any guards I would quickly eliminate them, and hide the body. This wasn't me though. I reached the prisons control center. I killed the guards inside with no problem. Then I released all the cells. I heard cheering from all around me. “ My jobs done now, take care of your self.” A voice said in my head, it was the one from earlier. I had control of my body again, and the pain hit me again. I saw a emergency storage room. It required a power node to open. I looked around and saw one lying next to one of the computers. I picked it up and places in the circuit panel next to the emergency storage room. The door opened up to show med packs and weapons. I grabbed all the med packs I could. I used all of them, my rig was green which meant I was in good condition but there was still a hole in my hand, but I could barley feel anything. I grabbed a rifle and some ammo for it. I walked to James cell, he was still in there. I knew he would still be here. He was still in the same position when I left. I walked over to him he looked up. His eyes widened not in surprise but in fear. I looked down at myself I was covered in blood. “ Its me Austin don't you remember me?” I asked. He nodded his head. “ Come on I going to get us out of here.” I said. He stood up, and walked over to me. We walked out of the prison, and we kept walking until we reached the EarthGov controlled side of Scorpio 6. We had to sneak past countless Unitologist forces but we made it. We walked up to a group of soldiers. They all raised there weapons, they noticed our uniform. They then lowered there weapons. I got James to safety like I told him I would do. I fell to the ground if I woke up good, and if I didn't so be it. Patient Report Patient 2854 Name: Austin Schroeder Age: 20 Sex: Male Iris color: Blue Hair Color: Dark Brown Height: 6'5 Weight: 265 Race: Caucasian Medical Report When the patient arrived at EarthGov controlled side of Scorpio 6 his clothes were covered in blood. He had broken ribs, and a hole through his left hand. Also he has extensive injuries to his torso. Which included javelin wounds to his right shoulder, and to the right of his stomach. From what the other person accompanying him told us he was thrown from a helicopter. It is by a miracle that he survived, and was still able to walk. They were held in captivity for two days. On the second day Austin woke up, and there was some sort of prison break which allowed them to escape. What caused the prison break is still unknown. We will keep him under medically indued coma until he has healed. Psychological Report Once the patient healed we took him off anesthesia. The patient woke up a few hours later sweating obviously shook up. I asked what was wrong the to which patient responded “ There dead there all dead.” he was talking about his squad. I told him about the other member of his squad. He seemed relived by the news. Given his emotional state this was good. I not going to question him today he still seems pretty worn out. He had nightmares again last night. I asked him about the nightmares. He just sat there quietly not saying a word. I could tell he was holding back tears. I asked him did he know anyone in the squad. He only knew one person prior to coming to Scorpio 6. It was his friend Dillon they knew each other since middle school. I asked a few more questions, but he was still trying to hold back tears. I decided to stop questioning him for the day. The Patient had nightmares again. The patient is obviously suffering from PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I decided to ask him how he escaped. He looked like he didn't know how to answer the question. What he told me shocked me. He said someone took control of him, and saved him form dying or getting seriously injured. Schizophrenia is most likely the cause of this, but he said it was like watching a movie. Normally a person would have blackouts, and not remember anything they did when they blacked out, but his case was different. He also said the other side willingly gave him control back. I asked him if the voice had said anything to him since he woke up or has he blackout. He answered no to both questions. It was strange, his other side seemed like it only wanted to protect him from danger. He asked me how the civil war was going. I told him the civil war on Scorpio 6 hasn't got any better. We were still taking heavy losses. Then EarthGov decided to cut their losses and bombed the entire Unitologist controlled side flat. The civilian loss of life is still rising, but its estimated to be in the millions. He looked relived but also upset. I decided it would best to stop my questions for the day. He had more nightmares. I told him this is the last day he had to spend in the hospital. He didn't seem to care much. I worry if these nightmares continue he would become completely apathetic to anything happening to him. I decide to give him a prescription for his Schizophrenia and PTSD. I could only hoped they would stop his nightmares. Doctor Bradley Andres. I finished looking at my patient report as my shuttle docked at Titan Station. I was redeployed to Titan Station in the days fallowing. I still was suffering from nightmares, but the voice had remained quiet since Scorpio 6 maybe the medicine dose work. I got off the shuttle. I knew a few people who lived here one of them was my best friend since 2nd grade John Clark. I told him I would be coming to Titan Station. He was going to meet me at the stations space port. I saw him approaching me “ John!” I said smiling. “ Austin!” He said smiling too. We shook each others hand. “ Its good to see you man how have you been?” he asked “ I've been doing good how about you?” I asked. I didn't want him to worry about me so I with held the truth. “ Good I got a job a CEC the pays good.” he said. I had to get settled in my new apartment. “ Can you show me were the apartment district is?” I asked. “ Sure thing man.” he said. We were walking to the apartments when a group of Unitologist saw me. I was wearing my EarthGov uniform. They walked in front of us “ look at this butcher,” One of them said. “ How many of children did you kill murderer!” another yelled. I was out there risking my life to save these people, and this is how I'm treated. “ Shut your damn mouths!” John said. “ The baby killer has a friend!” one of them said. A group was gathered around us now some were Unitologists and others were in military uniforms. I was starting to get angry. One of them noticed this “ What are you going to do Dog!” he said. “ Every soldier who died on Scorpio 6 deserved what they got.” He said. I remembered Dillon and my squad. I snapped I punched the guy right in the face. I felt his nose break from the punch. His friends were about to rush forward. Then all the other people in military uniforms stood behind me. His friends backed off. I started to move forward and so did the people behind me. We were trained to fight hand to hand they weren't. The man I punched was in the ground crying over his broken his nose. The police arrived, and placed them selves between us and Unitologists. The mans who nose I had broken stood up. “ I was assaulted by that man.” he was pointing directly at me. “ I don't care who started it, but it stops now.” He said harshly. The Unitologists left and so did the man whose nose I broke. The officer seemed to relax. “ I hate those guys.” he said now smiling. “ My brother in the military, and he said after what happened at Scorpio 6 every Unitologist has been acting this way to him.” the officer said. “ I wanted to let you teach those guys a lesson, but that would just lead to more problems.” He said sighing. “ I wish you all the best of luck.” he said walking off with his group of police officers. The dream always ended here, but not this time. It was five months later. I just woke up in my apartment I remember this day. This was the day the necromorph outbreak happened. I remember this because it was freezing cold when I woke up. If I was correct I would stand up, and turn the TV on, and there would be nothing on. I watched myself do this. It happened only a day ago and its already in my dream. I heard a noise that wasn't in my dream before. It sounded like whimpering. The dream was now lucid. I could control what I did. Had someone tried to go in my dream. Those idiots I thought to myself. I tried to force myself to wake up. No luck then I tried to change the dream, but still no luck. I knew what was coming next. I heard a scream from down the hall. I needed to wake up and fast. I didn't want one of those ponies to see a necromorph. I was thinking of what to do. An idea came into my head maybe I could shock my self awake. I went over to the table next to my bed and grabbed my pistol. I had abandoned it early on during the outbreak. It did absolutely nothing to necromorphs, it didn't even phase them. I really hope this idea worked or the pony who was watching my dream's would be scared for the rest of there lives. I put the gun to the side of my head. I pulled the trigger bang! I woke up almost immediately my eyes were greeted by sunlight. I was forced to blink . I looked around the room. I saw Shining Armor he wasn't in shock and then I looked and saw Twilight she looked Fine. I looked around and saw Luna I found out who went in my dreams. Just Following OrdersI was angry, and I had every right to be. She went in my dreams, and found things out about me I didn't even tell my parents, but she reminded me of James sad and scared. A part of me wanted to be pissed off, but another part of me felt sad for her. Twilight saw I was awake. Then she looked at princess Luna. Her eyes widened she ran over to Luna. “ Princess are you okay?” concern was in her voice and her eyes. Shining Armor ran over to Luna. Luna looked up at me she had tears in her eyes. I sat up, she started to move towards my bed. Shining Armor looked at me with anger and confusion. Luna was next to my bed I turned to face her. Twilight was standing right next to her. Luna wrapped her hooves around me. Was this a hug and what did it stand for. They seemed friendly enough for me to take it to be a good thing. I sat there awkwardly until she broke the hug. “ Are you okay?” I asked I didn't know how to treat the situation. She still had a few tears falling from her eyes. “ I'm sorry.” She said. What was she sorry for, was it going into my dreams, or was she sorry for me. “ No one should have to live that kind that life.” There was my answer, but how did she know it wasn't just a bad dream. Then again it was in chronological order. Also what was I going to say. Should I sugarcoat it, or dull it down, or even ignore the problem. Sugarcoating it would be difficult, and ignoring the problem would only lead to more problems. “ Look it was my decisions that got me there don't feel sorry for me.” I said. “ Did you chose to go into war?” she asked. She was angered by my response. “ No, but I was just following orders.” I replied. “ So was losing your friends an order then?” she was angered further by my second response. “ That was out of my control, and there was nothing I could do about it.” I replied I had to force myself to remain calm. How could she think I would ever want to lose my squad. She noticed she struck a nerve “ I'm sorry I didn't mean to...” she was at a lost for words. “ Its fine, but what's done is done.” I said. She looked upset from the answer. “ But you... took your own life.” she had a few more tears flowing down her eyes. What was I going to do. Should I tell them about the necromorphs, or should I just let them think I killed myself. I didn't know what to do. “ Is this why you didn't tell us how you got here?” she asked . “ Ya.” I said as sadly as possible I made my decision. “ Listen I'm better now I won't try anything like that again I promise.” I said trying to make her feel better. It worked she seemed to calm down. “ Listen what you saw was just the bad parts of my life I had good times also.” I said. She took a deep breath and exhaled she calmed down a good bit since the beginning. I thought about giving her a hug but part of me rejected the idea. So I just sat there. She looked over at the clock on the wall. She let out a sigh “ I have to get back to my duties.” she said a little shaken“ I'll be back tomorrow.” she said walking out the door. All I can do is hope she didn't have nightmares, and I hated hoping it implies you have no control over the matter. I looked over to see Twilight confused and sadden by what she just heard. “ What happened?” she asked with concern in her voice. I wondered why they were so concerned for me. I thought about what would have happened if they came to my universe. All outcomes I thought of would not end pretty. I guess I should be happy there not malicious. Twilight snapped me out of my daze. “ Are you willing to tell me what happened?” she asked. “ No.” I said bluntly. She looked like she was about to protest, but was interrupted by Shining Armor “ Twilight I need to talk to Austin alone.” he said. Twilight looked at me I gave her a nod, and she walked out of the room. “ Are you willing to tell me?” he asked. He didn't look angry anymore. I think he would be able to handle it. I told him everything up to the point were “ I killed myself.” He had a saddening look on his face. Good thing theirs a huge difference between seeing something, and being told about it. “ Something doesn't add up.” he said. “ How did you get so cut up?” he was smart, but I couldn't tell him. “ Listen I would tell you if I thought you could handle it.” I said. “ What do you mean by that?” he asked “ Just trust me on this.” I said. He was thinking about what to do “ Fine.” he said reluctantly. I noticed the sunlight outside fade quickly then moon light was shining in the room. I was confused how it happened, but after all that happened, should I be surprised. Shining Armor looked outside “ Its getting late I'm heading out. Also I will tell Twilight you need your rest. Also there are some guards outside the door if you need anything just shout.” he said “ Thanks.” I said as he walked out the door. I was tired after all that just happened. I rested my head on my pillow, and like always sleep came quickly for me. The dream picked up were it left off. I woke up in a freezing cold apartment room. I stood up and flicked on the TV. Static just as I knew what would happen. This time the dream wasn't lucid so I had to watch this nightmare unfold. I heard a scream from out side my door. The scream startled me I thought some one was getting robbed. I walked out side my room. A woman came running from behind the corner. She saw me and reached out for me. The next thing I knew a blade was sticking out form her stomach. She gave a blood curling scream. She was pulled behind the corner I ran inside and grabbed my pistol. I saw the thing that killed the woman. It had blades coming out from it's shoulders. It whole body looked mangled and deformed. “ What the hell!” It scared the living shit out of me. I raised my pistol and proceed to fire at it. The thing didn't even flinch. I had just put ten bullets into it and it didn't even flinch. It charged directly at me. The thing was incredibly fast. I rolled to the right just it time to avoid the blade like limbs that were going to slash me apart. I Sprung back to my feet. I was behind it now I grabbed the blade like limbs and kicked it's leg as hard as I could. It was on its knees. I put my foot on its back and pushed as hard as I could against it's back. It was flailing I ripped one of the blade like limbs off. It was on the ground now I shoved the blade through it's back which pinned it to the floor. I was still alive, and flailing. I put my foot on the other blade like limb to stop it from flailing. I ripped the blade from it's back. Then I shoved it through the monsters face. It stopped moving after that. I looked around, and didn't see any more of them. I went back into my room. What the hell was that thing I thought to myself. I decided to change into my military uniform it might help me get farther then a civilian. I grabbed a extra mag for my pistol. I saw my knife sitting on a table I didn't know what it was going to do, but I grabbed it anyway. I checked my rig for messages. One had come from EarthGov saying martial law has been declared. Then I checked my orders. My primary orders was to aid in evacuation, and my secondary orders were to find Issac Clark and Nolan Stross, and kill them. What had they done to deserve death. I wondered to my self. Maybe they were the ones responsible for this. I looked back down at the creature that laid there lifelessly. Another message popped up on my rig. It was John Clark he was asking if I had any idea what was going on. I called John “ John?” I asked. “ What the hell's going on!” he yelled. “ I don't know.” I replied. “ There are soldiers outside my door telling me to go to the evacuation shuttles.” he said fear in his voice. “ Trust me get there as fast as you can.” I said. “ What about you.” he said concern in his voice. “ I'll be fine just go to the evacuation shuttles.” I said. “ Alright I'll head over to the shuttles.” he said as he ended the call. I had to get to the military base. I walked carefully I watched my back, and my corners. I saw the body of the woman that the creature killed. She was missing her head and one of her arms. I saw her decapitated head only a few feet away “ What the fuck.” was the only thing I could say I felt like I was about to puke. I saw a few more of those monsters coming. I decided to hide rather then fight them. Once they passed I got the hell out of there until. I saw a group of soldiers standing in front of a group of Unitologists. There were about 25 Unitologists, and six soldiers. The soldiers saw me approach they all raised there weapons. They noticed my uniform and lowered there weapons. “ Shit man you scared us!” one of the soldiers yelled. “ Who's the ranking officer?” I asked. One soldier stepped forward “ Corporal Bradly Sir.” “ Were is your Sargent?” I asked. “ He's dead.” one of the soldiers said somberly. “ We should be asking you the same.” Bradly said. “ I don't have a squad, but I'm Sargent Austin Schroeder.” I said. “ You don't have a squad.” Bradly said confused. “ Well no I was suppose to be redeployed days ago, but I'm still here I was also to get a new squad once I was redeployed.” I said. “ I have something to ask you why have you stopped these people.” I said pointing to the Unitologists. “ Were waiting for our orders.” Bradly said. It made sense the brass was probably tied up with those damn monsters. “ I heard the soldiers rig's ping they looked at there messages. Some of them stared at the message with disbelief. “ Whats wrong?” I asked. One of the soldiers showed me there message. It said to kill the crowd of Unitologists. “ This can't be right can it?” one of the soldiers asked. “ Let me call Command.” I said. I called command center, and I walked away from the group of people, and I then told command all that happened, but I was interrupted “ Command we were just given an order to execute a group of Unitologists.” Bradly said speaking. “ Sargent Austin Schroeder I'm putting you in charge of the squad you found.” the man said. I was shocked. “ And the order stands the Unitologists are responsible for whats going on here.” Command ended the call. We Were given an order to execute unarmed Unitologists. My mind was fighting it self. “ Forget command let's let these people go they didn't do anything.” Bradly said. “ Are you joking they caused the outbreak of Necromorphs.” another soldier said. So that's whats those monsters were called. “ There unarmed let them go.” A voice in my head said. “ Follow your orders.” another said it wasn't the voice from Scorpio 6. “ Are you going to really execute innocent civilians.” one voice said. “ We have an order follow it, besides these were the bastards who started this anyway.” The other voice said. “ Do whats right.” The kind voice said. “ You know what you must do.” the other voice said coldly. I snapped back into the real world. “ Sargent what should we do?” a soldier asked. “ Follow your heart.” the kind voice said. “ Your a soldier follow your orders!” the cold voice said. The cold voice was stronger then the kind voice. “ You can't be seriously considering this can you.” Bradly said talking to me. “ We'll follow order right sir.” Another soldier said looking to me. “ Don't do it” the kind voice said “ Follow orders.” the other said. I had to follow orders, but I couldn't kill unarmed people, could I. I had to make a decision “ We follow our orders.” I said. “ I guess war did change us.” the kind voice said, and with that I felt a part of me die. “ You made the right choice.” the cold voice said warmly. “ This isn't right!” Bradly yelled. “ It is the right choice.” another soldier said. Me and a few other soldiers walked up to the Unitologists. Bradly through his weapon down and walked in front of me. “ You going to have to kill me first.” he said “ Move Bradly.” a soldier said. “ You better make sure you kill me because if you don't I will find you and I will kill you.” Bradly said I knew he meant it. “ Corporal Bradly stand down!” I said in a voice that demanded obedience. “ Sorry Sir, but you can go to hell.” he said rebelliously. I raised my pistol to his forehead. “ Stand down now!” I yelled some of the soldiers looked at me with fear, what have I become. “ No!” he yelled with determination. I raised my gun, and pistol whipped him in the side of the head. He fell to the floor unconscious. The soldiers looked at me with a look of complete terror on there faces. “ Lets go” I said the soldiers followed with out question. We were standing in front of the Unitologists now. They all looked at me with fear on there faces. What have I become I thought to myself I raised my pistol. “ READY!” I yelled. “ You don't have to do this.” one of the Unitologists said. “ AIM!” “ Why are you doing this?” one of them asked “ Just Following orders.” I replied. The soldiers had there weapons raised. “ FIRE!” I yelled and with that me and soldiers began to fire upon the Unitologists. They all fired until they ran out of ammo. I looked at the pile of dead bodies that littered the ground. They all laid there lifeless, a huge pool of blood was starting to form. I went over to Bradly and picked him up and put him over my shoulders I dropped my pistol in the process, and just left it there “ Lets move out.” I said. We all made our way to the military evacuation zone. “ This is the last Shuttle Leaving all aboard.” A man said. We ran up to him. “ There isn't enough room for seven of you.” The man said. “ What there has to be.” I said. “ We only have room for six more.” the man said. “ So one of us has to stay behind.” I said. “ I'll do it.” I said. The soldiers looked at me with surprise. “ But Sir.” “ No buts just go.” I allowed one of the soldiers to take the still unconscious Bradly away from me. The soldiers loaded on the shuttle. The man was right behind them “ Listen I heard the Government side of Titan Station still has Shuttles coming in and out you should go there.” the man said “ I will thanks.” I replied as he loaded on the shuttle. I was alone. “ Come on throw your best at me, and just get it over with already!” I was yelling at some invisible force. I awoke in a cold sweat. Those final word played through my head. Had I brought this on my self? I shook the thought out of my head, and I looked out side it was still night outside, but I wasn't about to go asleep again. I looked around the room there were no ponies. I let out a sigh of relief, but I was hungry and thirsty. Shining Armor said there was some guards outside the door. I stood up I felt a little woozy a first, but I quickly gained my footing. They were just cuts and scratches no broken bones, but I was still sore. They kept my socks on at least. I walked on the cold tile floor to the door and turned the handle ever so slightly until the door was opened. I peeked outside the guard I was looking at looked like it was going to pass out. “ Hello.” I whispered. The guard looked at me then it's eyes opened widely. It had a look of surprise on it's face. “ Uh.” It had a deep voice so I guess it was a guy. He was wearing gold armor and had pure white fur. “ Can you get me some water please?” I asked. He looked at me still surprised “ If you want I could get it myself.” I said. “ Uh that's not necessary I'll go get it.” he said as he started to walk down the hall. The pain feels as if had subsided, but I decided not to put my body through the paces quite yet. I was still able to walk that's some thing to be happy about I suppose. I was always told be happy for the little things you had. I heard I knock at the door. It was the guard he had a pitcher of water. He had to turn his head almost sideways to hold. I grabbed it from him. “ Why didn't you just use a bucket it would have been easier, and why dose it have a handle as if it was meant for some thing with opposable thumbs or hands for that matter?” I asked. “ I don't know its always been that way.” he said. I wanted to start questioning him then I looked at the door handle it was meant for use by hand. What the hell was going on, but my stomach reminded me I was hungry “ I hate to ask, but could you get me some food.” I said. “ Like?” he asked. Horses or ponies as they were called were herbivores so some thing made of plants “ A salad.” I said. “ Alright.” he said as he walked down the hall for the second time. He came back with the salad I thanked him for it. I went over and sat on my bed the only thing lighting the room was moonlight. The salad contained Lettuce, tomatoes, diced carrots, croutons, and oh, dandelions. I ate everything but the dandelions. I set the near empty bowl on the table next to my bed, and I chugged the pitcher of water and set it on the table as well. I decided to examine my injuries. I left the bandages on. I just felt around then I felt were I was stabbed. A jolt of pain surged through my body. I retracted my arm quickly, the pain subsided after a few seconds. I looked at the clock I couldn't make out what it said. The numbers looked foreign to me, but if it was anything like a clock back home it was around midnight. I stood up and started to pace the room. I didn't want to fall back to sleep. Then the image of the Unitologists flashed in my head. My mind usually kept me from seeing images I didn't want to see while I was awake. The image stayed in my head what if they were innocent. Then I remembered that command said they caused it. Which one was true. I hated my mind it would contradict it self some times. Was it a lawful order. Hell did we even have a plan for those damned things. My mind was fighting its self again, but lucky for me no voices. Then I thought to my response “ Just following orders.” was this the right thing to do. I have heard of cases were people said the same thing. Some of the things they did were horrendous. I thought about it even more. Was it or wasn't it the right thing to do. “ The past is the past don't let it change the present.” It was the voice from Scorpio 6, but this time he didn't sound evil. He didn't speak anymore, but I knew what he meant. He was telling me to move on with my life. Although I was in a land I didn't know anything about, and I didn't know what was next. I had to do the one thing I hated to do. Hope. OffersI laid in my bed for a few minutes. I stood up, the last thing I wanted to do was fall back to sleep. I had a flash back of Titan Station, all those bodies I saw while going to the government section. A good amount of them were my fellow soldiers. Then the images of people that had covered there faces. I think they were Unitologists, but I wasn't sure. All I know is that I found a few messages saying “ Glorious convergence has started.” I shuttered at that thought of people actually wanting to become necromorphs. Then I found a few messages saying to cut off the limbs. Titan Station wasn't the best of places, but it never deserved that. There was a knock at the door. “ Come in.” I said. It was the guard from outside. He told me he was just checking if I was still awake, and then he walked out. Why would he be checking if I was awake. A feeling of paranoia started to wash over me. What if he was going to move me to an operating room, or he was going to steal from me. I cleared the thoughts out of my head. I was just being paranoid they weren't going to do anything, where they? The feeling of paranoia came back. I had to fight the thought out of my head. They haven't given me any reason to distrust them. “ One of them went into our dreams.” a voice said. The voice wasn't the one from earlier, but he was right. Luna did go into my dreams. “ You didn't listen to me back on Titan Station, but listen to me now. You know what would happen if they came to our universe just be glade they aren't like us.” it was the kind voice. I thought he was gone. He was right, things would be much different if they came to my universe. I had to trust him on this. I'm sure she only meant well by what she did. I looked at the clock it was around one by my guess. I was wide awake now I wouldn't be able to go to sleep, but I didn't want to stand up all night either so I sat back in bed. I stayed up until the sun rose high in the sky. It didn't take that long. As soon as the moon went down the sun came up. Why did night and day change so quickly here, but I didn't have time to think about that. I heard the door handle start to turn. In walked Shining Armor. He calmly shut the door behind him. I stood up I was tired of laying down. Shining Armor looked at me surprised he hasn't seen me standing up yet. I towered above him he looked a little nervous. “ So whats going on.” I asked nonchalantly. “ I was coming to see if you've gotten any better, but I've already got my answer.” They were only cuts except for the one stab wound. As long as I didn't do anything stupid they wouldn't reopen. “ So when will I be able to leave?” I asked Shining Armor. “ Today actually, I was suppose to judge if you were in good enough condition to leave.” I felt happy and scared at the same time I didn't know what to think. On one hand I was allowed to leave the hospital, and on the other hand I didn't have; food, shelter, or money. There was only one thing I could do, I swallowed my pride “ I don't have any money.” I told Shining Armor defeated. “ I figured that much your not even from this universe.” he said. “ You will be given 200 bits once you leave.” he said. “ Also I've come with an offer.” he said in a deadly serious tone. “ I want to offer you a position in the royal guard.” I had a hunch that is what he was going to ask, but is this something I wanted to do. First off I wouldn't be fighting humans which is what I was trained to do. Second if the gold armor was any indication about how advance there military was, I was not trained to use a sword in the military. I mean I knew hand to hand combat, but that's about all the training I had with melee weapons. Third I had to have a reason to fight, back home I was fighting for my government. Here what was I going to be fighting for, but on the other hand I would get; shelter, food, medical care, and money. Also I liked the discipline of military life. Shining Armor noticed I was considering his offer “ I'll give you sometime to decide, but I need an answer by the end of the day.” and with that he walked out of the room. Twilight walked in the room as he left. “ Hello.” she said “ Hi.” I replied. “ What did my brother have to tell you?” she asked. “ He told me I will be able to leave the hospital today.” I said. “ That's great news you'll be able to meet all my friends.” She replied happily. “ I don't know I might have to head off with your brother.” I said. “ Why?” she asked. “ Your brother offered me a position in the royal guard.” I said. She had a look on her face. She knew he was going to ask me to join the royal guard, that look was all to familiar to me. “ You knew he was didn't you?” I asked. “ Yes.” she replied. “ He's heard some of the legends about humans. How they are strong warriors, and also how vicious they are when it comes to combat.”she said. “ Why would he have need for me. You guys seem peaceful enough.” I said slightly confused. “ There was an attack on Canterlot a few months ago. The changelings were able to defeat most of the royal guard.” she said. I remembered reading something about changelings in school they were mystical creatures who could change there appearance. I wondered if me and Twilight were talking about the same thing. “ I see, I might have to take your brother up on his offer.” I said. “ No!” she shouted. I was surprised she even cared. “ Why not?” I asked . “ My brother views you as an advantage for the royal guard, but from what you told me you can teach me about human technological advances, which would greatly help us.” she said. I wasn't a scientists, but I still remembered some of the things I learned in school. “ I suppose, but I still need a place to stay.” I said. “ You could stay with me.” she said. At first I thought she was joking, but her facial expression told other wise. “ I couldn't I would be to much of a bother.” I said. I needed a place to stay, but I didn't want to impose. “ No you wouldn't be a bother at all.” she said. I needed to think my options over. “ I'll give you my answer at the end of the day.” Twilight left, but this time no one walked in after her. I looked at the clock, it was still early in the morning. A few hours later there was knock at the door. In walked Princess Luna. “ Hello.” she said. “ Hi.” I replied. “ How are you feeling?” I asked. “ Better, but I should be asking you the same question.” she said. “ I'm fine, I'm just glad I'm getting out of the hospital today.” I said. “ So what are you going to do after you leave?” she asked. “ Funny that you asked Twilight and Shining Armor both offered me some positions.” I said “ Such as?” she asked. “ Shining offered me a position in the royal guard. Twilight wants me to tell her about human technology.” I said. “ Which one will you chose?” she asked. “ I haven't decided yet.” I said. “ If you want I could find you a job in the royal court.” she said. A third option was now on the table. “ Why are you offering me such a high position?” I asked. “ You have lived through more than most ponies do in there lifetime.” she said. “ The job pays high, and you will be able to live in the castle.” she said. High pay and living in castle sounds nice, but it was a political job. If it was anything like human politics there was going to backstabbing, and everything was opened to the public. “ Also my sister would like to meet you.” she said. “ Who is your sister?” I asked. “ She is the ruler of Equestria.” she said with a hint of jealousy in her voice. How was she still a princess if her sister was the ruler. I decided not to ask. “ I need some time to think this over.” I said. “ Of course its a lot to take in.” she said. She walked out of the room. I looked at the clock it was around one. I didn't have a lot of time left. The main question is what was I going to chose? Authors notes Which offer would you guys like him to take. He will still meet other characters along the way, but I'm leaving it up to you guys to pick what Offer he takes. I would also like to thank you all for your support/ DescisonsIt was around three when there was a knock at the door. It was Shining Armor he was levitating an object. The object was my military armor. “ I brought you these.” he said pointing at the floating armor. “ Your going to be released at four.” I had an hour left in the hospital. I thanked him for giving me my armor, and with that he walked out of the room. I looked at the armor. The armor's auto repair function had worked. The Armor looked brand new. The auto repair function was a relatively new function in military armor. It was pretty common for engineers to have auto repairing armor though. The reason it took so long to get military self repairing armor was because if a soldier were to die someone could take his armor, but after suit malfunctions on Scorpio 6 it became standard issue. The armor wouldn't repair if it was torn to shreds though, luckily for me my armor was still in shape for it to be repaired. I put on the armor which took a few minutes. I remembered when I first got the armor. I could barely run in it, but now it feels like a part of me. I put the finale pieces on I raised my mask. I looked in the mirror the blue lights in the mask were one of the most visible features. I did a check on the armor, the breathing regulator was working. The climate control part of my suit was working. I wondered why the suit needed a climate control feature. I guess it was in case of extreme temperatures, so the wearer wouldn't die. I looked at the clock I had half an hour until four. I had to think of what to do. Shining armor offered me a job in the military, but I had already fought in a war, and I didn't want to do it again, but If they were under attack I would help out. Luna offered me a job in the royal court. I didn't want to get involved in politics, but the money would be nice. Also they seemed peaceful, and I think I would die before anything exciting happened. Twilight had offered me a place to stay in exchange for knowledge. What could I teach her. I could teach her about human weapons, but that would only lead to problems. If the need arose I would teach her how to make weapons. I could teach her about advance mathematics which is mostly pointless, but it is knowledge. One thing I knew is that I wouldn't be staying with her forever. I would eventually find my own place, or find away back home. I wish I could go back home, but something in my gut told me that wouldn't be happening. I hope my family would be okay. I wouldn't get to see my little sister graduate from collage, or get married. A tear slid down my face. I was glad I was wearing my mask I didn't want anyone to see me cry even if it was one tear. I cleared my mind, and looked at the clock. It was almost four I had to get ready. I walked out into the hallway. There were two guards outside the door who stood at the ready. “ This way sir.” one of the guards said. He started to walk down the hallway. I followed him, and the other guard was trailing behind me. We went into the main lobby. There were a few ponies in the lobby. They looked at me with awe. I still had my mask up so I probably looked pretty intimidating. I looked around the lobby. There was one pony in particular that stood out of the rest of the crowd. It was a unicorn it had a light aquamarine coat. It was sitting on beach like a human would. It was staring wide eyed at me as if I was the most amazing thing its ever seen, but the guard motioned me forward. We reached the front doors and he opened up the door. Outside was Luna, Shining Armor, and Twilight were all waiting for me. “ So have you came to a decision?” Luna asked. “ Yes.” I said they all looked expectantly. “ I have decided to take Twilight up on her offer.” I said. Shining Armor looked disappointed, Luna looked like she was okay with it. Twilight had a wide smile on her face. “ If you guys need anything I'm still willing to help out.” I said to Shining Armor and Luna. “ I appreciate that.” Luna said. “ As do I.” Shining Armor added. I knew he would call in the favor if he needed to. “ Shall we get started?” Twilight asked. Me and Twilight started to walk back to her house. I looked back Shining Armor was walking away, and Luna got on a near by chariot and it took off. The chariot was pulled by two pegasus. I looked back at the hospital and saw the aquamarine pony again. It was staring at me again I was wondering why it was doing that. Twilight looked where I was looking. “ Who is that?” I asked Twilight. “ That's Lyra Heartstrings she is obsessed with humans. Everyone thought she was crazy, well until now that is.” she said. I decided to wave at her. She looked like she was going to pass out. We finally arrived at Twilight's house. I lowered my mask. “ That's incredible.” Twilight said looking at my suit of armor. I looked around her house. It looked like a library. “ Why do you have so many books?” I asked Twilight. “ This used to be the towns library, and also I like to read.” that much was obvious. “ Let me get some things.” Twilight said as she walked into another room. I started to walk around the room. I picked a book off the shelf. I looked through the book. I couldn't make out anything. I guess I'll have to ask Twilight to translate. “ Hi.” someone from behind me said, but it didn't sound like Twilight. I turned around, but I didn't see anyone. “ Down here.” the thing said a little annoyed. I looked down and saw a reptilian like creature. “ Oh, hi.” I replied a little surprised to be seeing a creature like this. “ So what creature are you?” I asked “ I'm a dragon.” he said a little annoyed. “ Oh.” I said, I really hope I don't have to fight a full sized dragon like in mythology. “ What creature are you?” he asked. “ Me, I'm a human.” I replied. He looked a little shocked. “ Like the humans from legends that kill dragons.” he asked a little scared. “ No, not like those humans.” I said. He let out a sigh of relief. Twilight walked back in the room carrying paper and ink. It was going to be a long night. I decided to start with math. I could have shown her stasis, but I didn't know how to replicate that technology, or a lot of human technology for that matter. I started naming things off, she knew a lot of it already, but there were a few things I knew that she didn't. She didn't even get board when I was talking about circles. She found it fascinating that humans have discovered so many things about circles. She found charting tangents fun. I remembered when I was in school this was some of the most boring things I did. I taught her how to do some basic trigonometry. She enjoyed learning new things. I only wished I shared her enthusiasm. I have to learn to read there letters. The numbers were pretty easy to learn. They were the same back home, but they just looked different. 100 was still a one and two zeros just like back home. I decided to teach her about pi. At first she thought I was talking about actual pie. I laughed at that, but I told her about it wasn't the same thing. She found it extraordinary how much humans knew about math. I still didn't see where I would use it in the job world, but not much I could do now. Morning arrived pretty quick she had written everything I told her down. If I had shown as much initiative as she did when I was back in school, I would be a doctor by now. She said she had to sort it all out so I would have some time to my self. I hadn't slept for awhile. Then I remembered my recent nightmare. I could handle the ones of Scorpio 6, but necromorphs were a whole different story. I decided to go outside for awhile. I wondered what I was going to see today. Authors notes I would like thank everyone who commented in the last chapter. Also I'm opened to any suggestions for future chapters if you have any ideas. The Invitation The Invitation I opened the door to go outside, but I was stopped by Twilight. “If your going out you should take these.” she was levitating a bag of something. “What is it?” I asked. “Its 200 bits.” she said. Bits were the currency around here I thought to myself. “Twilight I couldn't take the money your already giving me a place to stay.” I said. “No its fine Shining Armor told us that the pony you choose would give you 200 bits.” she said. Shining did say that, but I couldn't take the money it would just feel wrong. Like staying at a friends place then asking them for money. “Twilight I couldn't, it wouldn't feel right.” I said. “Its fine just take the bits.” she said. “ Fine.” I said defeated there was no point in arguing about taking money. She levitated the bits into my hand. I closed the bag of bits in my hand. I then put the bits in my suit's side pocket. “Thank you Twilight.” I said. “It's no problem.” she replied. I stepped outside and raised my mask. I wasn't going to use the money unless I needed to. I saw a few stands off in the distance, that might be good place to start. I arrived in what I guess was the market district. Some of the ponies were staring at me. I felt dozens of eyes watching my movements. It didn't help that I towered above most of them. I took in my surroundings, most of the stalls sold only one thing. One stall only sold cherries, and another only sold carrots. I would guess most of these stalls were individually owned. I saw a bakery in the distance. The bakery looked almost like a ginger bread house. I felt my stomach rumble, I haven't eaten since the hospital. I wonder how much breakfast would cost. I started to walk towards the bakery. I felt the eyes of ponies following me as I walked to the bakery. I arrived at the bakery I looked inside the shop. Cakes lined the display shelves in the window. The most expensive one being only 20 bits, I was glad I learned the number symbols. I was deciding if I should go in. I started to play out the situations in my head. They might freak out thinking a monster was in there shop, and on the other hand they might refuse to serve me, although they didn't seem like the type to do such a thing, or they just serve me and life goes on. There was only one way to find out. I lowered my mask before I walked in. I walked in the bakery; there was a pink pony behind the counter. It had a very wide grin on it's face. The other pony was cream colored with a pink streak in it's mane. “Did you see the creature in town yesterday; It was talking with Luna, Shining Armor, and Twilight yesterday night?” the cream colored one said; I could tell it was female from her voice. “Now that he's out of the hospital I have to throw him a welcome party, OH! And I have throw him a get well party too.” the pink pony said, this pony was also female. Wait did she say she was going to throw me a party. She didn't even know me why would she show me kindness. “Maybe she has something to gain?” a voice in my head said; maybe she did have something to gain, but what? “There different from us maybe it just something they do for newcomers.” it was the kind voice. Maybe, maybe not I'll just have to find out. They still haven't took notice to me yet. “From what Lyra told me he was as tall a Celestia, and had glowing eyes.”The cream color pony said. “ Also that he walks on two legs, as opposed to four.” she added. “He's not from around here silly, that's why I'm throwing him a welcome party.” the pink pony said with a lot of enthusiasm. “Well I don't know, but I'll be back later to pick up my order.” the cream colored pony said. “Okey dokey lokey.” the pink energetic pony said. The cream pony turned around to walk out. She noticed me for the first time; her eyes opened widely. She started walking toward the door staring at me. She slammed into the door, and the pink pony busted out laughing. I have to admit it was pretty funny, but I didn't want to seem disrespectful by laughing. She shook it off and walked out the door, and was still starring at me from outside. I was the next person up “Here goes nothing.” I mumbled to myself. I walked up to the counter; the pink pony had a welcoming smile on her face. “Hi my names Austin.” I said. “Hi Austin my names Pinkie Pie.” she said very fast and energetically. “You must be new around here, because I don't recognize you, and I'm friends with everypony.” she said with the same enthusiasm. Something in my mind flashed; it was when I first arrived here. There were six ponies and this was one of them, and Twilight was another one, but who were the other four ponies. I guess I'll have to figure out later. Also wouldn't she recognize me; maybe she really wasn't there and I'm just seeing things. It also may be possible she forgot about the incident, or could be because my mask is down, anyway I had to think of something to say “Ya, I only got here a few days ago.” I said; as I looked at the menu on the wall. They writing style was different from back home, it almost looked like calligraphy. “So Pinkie what is today's special?” I asked, I really hoped they had a special or I was about to like an idiot. “Chocolate chip pancakes.” she said energetically, I wondered if she was always this energetic or was this part of her job. “ Sounds great I'll take that.” She nodded and walked into another room which I would assume was the kitchen. There were some tables by the door, I decided to take seat there and wait for her to come back out. When I sat down I realized how tired I was, I hadn't slept since the hospital. I saw the kitchen door open I stood up and walked to the counter. She set the plate on the counter which was about waist height. I reached in to my pocket “ How much will it be?” I asked. “ Consider it a welcoming gift.” she said with a smile. “ Well at least let me give you tip.” she looked confused by what I said. I put two bits on the counter and picked up my plate. “ What is this for?” she asked confused. “ It's money for a good job.” she still looked confused “ It's a human tradition.” I said. She looked like she understood. I walked to a nearby table and sat down. The chairs were more like benches and they were lower than normal human chairs, but they were still better than standing. I set my plate on the table. There was a napkin on the table with a fork, spoon, and butter knife. I eat my pancakes slowly, I didn't want to look uncivilized. It was hard because these were the most delicious pancakes I ever had. I was actually disappointed when I finished them off. I stood up and placed my plate and fork on the counter. “Thank you for the great breakfast.” I said. “It was no problem.” she said with a smile. I turned around to walk, but when I did she was in front of me, how the hell did she do that. “ I almost forgot to invite to your welcoming party tomorrow.” she said bouncing up and down. “You don't have to do that Pinkie Pie.” I said she's already done enough for me, but I was little curious to see what she would gain. “No its fine I throw one for everypony.” she said still bouncing. I decided to play along “Thank you Pinkie I'll be there.” as I finished my sentence she wrapped me up in a hug; what was it with them and hugs I hope this is something I don't have to get use to. She finally released me from her hug, "Be here around 12 in the afternoon." she said, and with that I walked to the door. “I'll see you at the party tomorrow.” I said as I walked out the door. I walked back into the market distract. I felt the eyes of ponies on me again, but I was thinking about something else. I had to go to a party tomorrow. I had no clothes besides my tattered uniform and my armor. I would just go in my armor, but also I needed to bathe. Also who was going to be at the party. I decided to leave the market district the feeling of ponies staring was starting to get to me. I was in a park like area. There were benches scatted around the park. I sat down at one of the benches. I felt worn out and tired I needed to get some sleep. I put up my mask. I didn't want to go to sleep in the park, I had to stand up, but I was to tired. I was just going to rest my eyes that's all. As soon as I closed my eyes I fell to sleep. I Was back on Titan Station in the transport hub right after my squad left. I should have asked one of my squad members for a gun. The man told me that the government sector still had ships coming. Deep down in my mind I knew I wasn't going to make it, but I was going to try. I looked at my Rig's map, the fastest rout was through a hospital, but that was a well populated route. There would be chaos in those areas, but the only other route was nearly twice as long, but it went through less populated areas. I decided to go through the less populated area. I decided to walk because if I turned a corner, and one of them was there I would be ripped to shreds. I walked through the door, there was a dead soldier lying on the ground. He still had his grenades on him, but his weapon was ripped to shreds. “ Rest in peace comrade.” I said as I grabbed his grenades. His eyes were opened they had look of terror in them. I closed his eyes it was sad to see to see one of your fallen brothers like this. I was about quarter of the way there when I saw a flying necromorph. There were bodies scattered around the area. I hid in a nearby shop. The flying necromorph latched on to one of the bodies faces. I saw how these monsters were born. I almost threw up it was disgusting see my fellow man turning into these things. I sat in the store silent until all the bodies were turned into those damn necromorphs. After all the necromorphs left I waited a few minutes to be sure. I wasn't going to let myself turn into one of those damned things. I would detonate the grenades before I died. I walked outside the shop watching my corners. I had to keep pushing forward. I was about half way there when I heard something big behind me. I ducked behind some signs. The necromorph I saw was larger then any necromorph I've seen yet, it didn't even look human. It looked like it's purpose was brute strength. It stopped and looked around, I had a hand on the grenades. I heard a scream from down the hall. The brute turned around and charged back. I ran forward I had to get out of this area. There was a door, I heard the brute charging at me now. The door was locked due to the lock down. The doors sensor scanned me, the brute was getting closer. I turned around and threw a stasis field around it. “Sargent Austin Schroeder, clearance granted.” the automated said as I ran through the door. The door closed behind me, and then the brute slammed into the door. The door was badly damaged, if it charged it again it would break. I ran there were a few necromorphs in front of me. I was sprinting, if one got in my way I would shove it out of the way. There was another door up ahead, I put a stasis field around the necromorphs behind me. I run up to the door, and this one wasn't locked I ran through the door, and it shut behind me. “That was to close.” I said to myself painting. I looked at my Rig's map all, but one route was blocked by quarantine barriers. The lights were flickering up ahead. I was coming up to an T-intersection. This was getting close to my arrival here in Equestria. I felt something touching my shoulder. It was still sunny out, I looked at what was touching my shoulder. A bird had landed on my shoulder. I started to move my left arm to wave it off my shoulder, but it flew off my shoulder.before I could. I wondered what time it was. All I knew is that it was still sunny out. I decided to head back to Twilight's house. I stretched as I stood up and let out a deep yawn. I started walking towards her house when the sun started going down. It when down in a matter of minutes, and as soon as it was down the moon came up. How did work I wondered to myself. I arrived at Twilight's house, and walked inside. She was sitting on the couch reading a book. “Hay, Twilight what are you reading?” I asked. “ A book on on mathematics.” she said. “The stuff you taught me aren't in any math books.” she said excited. “Do you know what that means!?” she said excitedly. “No, what does it mean?” I asked. “ It means the things your teaching me will be published in new textbooks. This will be my first book ever on the subject of math.” she said bouncing. “Alright then let me teach you some more things about math then.” I said. She had a wide smile on her face. “Are we going to do more tangents?” she asked excitedly. “No something new.” her smile grew even bigger hearing this. “What is it, will it allow it to travel through dimensions?” she asked. “No, but close its, Pythagorean theorem.” I said. I was going to have to ask her about the party later. She was too concentrated on learning about human mathematics. It was going to be another long night. Author's notes Sorry its been a long time since I've published anything. Like I said earlier I'm open to any ideas you guys want to see in the future chapters, feel free to speak your mind. Also I'm still with out an editor for the time. Thank you Familiar Faces Familiar Faces Familiar Faces After a restless night of going over mathematical equations, mostly Pythagorean theorem. The sun came up over the horizon and took it's place in the center of the sky. I looked at the clock it was six in the morning. I decided to set my Rig's clock to the current time. I opened up my Rig's menu, Twilight looked at it memorized. “How does it work?” she asked. “To be honest with you I don't know.” I replied. She looked a little disappointed by the fact. I decided to change the subject “So are you going to my welcoming party?” I asked. “Of course.” she replied. “So do you know who else is going?” I asked. “I know Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy are definitely coming to the party, but I think everypony is welcome to come.” she said. I was kind of hoping for a small party, but this will allow me to meet more people. I needed to get ready for the party. First off I needed a way to clean myself off. The shower in Twilight's house was to small, but my options were very limited. I also would have to change my bandages, but if I couldn't bathe I might as well put on clean bandages. “Twilight do you have any bandages I could use?” I asked. “Are you going to bathe?” she asked. “I might as well change my bandages ya know, but I would like to bathe, but your shower is to small.” I said. “I thought as much. There is a chemical shower in the basement you could use.” she said. “Really?” I asked. She nodded as she levitated some soap, and bandages my way. “Thanks Twilight your a saint.” I said as I walked into the basement. I took off my armor, it was cold down here. I saw the shower over in the far right corner almost out of view. Took off my clothes and got underneath the shower. The water was freezing cold, but its not like I hadn't taken cold shower before. I washed my body with a cherry smelling soap. Once I was done I let the cool air dry me off. I put on my new bandages, and then put on my clothes and armor again. Once I was done I took a look around the basement. There were a lot of strange machines around the room. Some chemicals lying on the shelf. I couldn't tell what they were, I would have to ask Twilight later. I decided it was time to head up stairs. I opened the door to the ground floor. Twilight was there putting the equations I taught her in a book. I looked a my Rig's clock it was 6:32 I decided to ask Twilight about the the people that were going to the party. A few hours later me and Twilight were walking to the party. From what she told me about her friends; Rarity was highly civilized and hated unclean things good thing I showered, and she was the element of generosity what ever that means. Also she told me that she owned a clothing store in town, she would be the one to talk to about getting new clothes. She also told me about Fluttershy, she was very timid, and loved animals Twilight called here the element of kindness. Then there was Applejack she and her family owned the Apple orchard outside of town. Twilight told me she had a bit of an accent, and she also called her the element of honesty I wondered why she called them elements. She also told me about her friends Rainbow Dash she was apparently very athletic, and Twilight called her the element of loyalty I'm noticing that she calls her friends elements maybe it was something they do here. We arrived at Sugar Cube Corner. I looked at my Rig's clock it was 11:50, we were a few minutes early. I knocked on the door, and Pinkie answered the door. “Hi Pinkie.” Twilight and I both said at the same time. “Hi Twilight hi Austin.” Pinkie said with the same joyful demeanor from yesterday. She also still had that wide smile from yesterday. “Come in you two. You two are the first to arrive.” she said. I walked inside the building, and there was a banner that said “Welcome Austin.” didn't I only tell her my name yesterday. Besides that the party looked great there was punch on the table, as well as some snacks. This was really kind of her, or maybe she is going to charge me for the party. I didn't know the answer yet, but I would just have to find out. “So Austin how do like your party so far?” Pinkie asked with her bright blue eyes on me, waiting for my response. “This is amazing Pinkie I never got a welcoming party like this before” I said. I was telling the truth I have never got a welcoming party like this because I've never got one. I didn't think it possible but Pinkie's smile got larger and I mean a lot larger. The next thing I knew I was on the ground with a pink pony bouncing on my chest. “How the...” in football I was trained to take and return a tackle from 300 plus pound person, but this pony got me to the ground in less then a second. “Dose that make us friends?” she asked with hopeful eyes. “Sure.” I said trying to get her off my chest. She stopped bouncing and started to shake. “Are you are alright?” I asked a little surprised by the thing happening on my chest. She took off like a rocket straight through the ceiling. “ WHAT THE HELL!” I said absolutely dumbfounded by what just happened. Twilight was just looking at me with a smile on her face. “Does that happen often?” I asked pointing to the hole in the ceiling. “Actually not as much as you'd think.” She said trying not to laugh. Another good question is how she going to land she wasn't a pegasus. Then I saw a little pink speck coming back down. I stood up and put my arms out to catch her. She landed right in my arms I almost fell on her but I fell to right of her. She was on her hooves before I was able to even put one foot on the ground, and how come I didn't have a dislocated shoulder or something. How did she land like it was nothing; a better question is how she does any of this. I got back on my feet the, and Pink pony still bouncing around. I saw Twilight's horn glow and next thing I knew the hole in the ceiling was patched up good as new. I have to admit that it was pretty impressive. There was a knock at the door. Pinkie was at the door before I could blink. How did she do any of the things she was currently doing is still a mystery to me. When she opened the door there where four ponies there; two pegasus, one normal one, and a unicorn. One of the pegasus was trying to hide behind the other ponies, but being bipedal gives you pretty good visibility. The one hiding behind the others had a pink mane and yellow fur. This pegasus matched the description Twilight gave me of Fluttershy. Also her behavior fit description as well. In fact they all matched the descriptions of Twilight's friends. The cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane was hoovering above the others. I think her name was Rainbow Dash. The white unicorn matched the description of Rarity. The orange colored one was wearing what looked to be a cowboy hat. She matched the description of Applejack. So these where Twilight's friends. They all looked oddly familiar. I sure I've seen them before, but where. They were all staring at me. Rainbow Dash looked like she was sizing me up as if I was a potential threat. Rarity was looking over my armor with fascination. Applejack seemed to be looking at me the same way Rainbow Dash was. Fluttershy wasn't looking at me she was hiding behind her mane. They all looked familiar I just couldn't place my finger on it. Rainbow Dash flew over to me, and started to circle me. “So Twilight what kind of creature was this again?” Rainbow Dash asked still circling me. “A human.” Twilight responded. “Is it friendly?” Applejack asked staring at me. “He sure is.” Pinkie said while standing on her two hind hoofs with a hoof wrapped around my torso. She was just standing by the door how did she get from there to here so quickly. “Pinkie you think everyone is friendly.” Rainbow Dash said now directly in front of my face. “So are you friendly.” Rainbow Dash said still in my face. “I'm friendly I assure you.” I said trying to convince her I was in fact friendly. “Do you Pinkie Promise?” Applejack asked looking at me questionably. What am I five again, but if it will gain there trust. They didn't even have fingers so how was this going to work. Might as well do the oath. I put my right hand over my heart and raised my left hand as if I was taking an oath. “Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” As I said that they all looked at me shocked. “What?” I asked looking between them. “That's not a Pinkie promise.” Twilight said. “Then what is?” I asked looking between them again. “ Alrighty Austin it goes like this. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Pinkie said going through the motions, and she literally stuck a cupcake in her eye. “And that's it.” She said pulling the cupcake off her eye. This was worse than before this is even more childish then the my version. I was almost 21 for crying out loud, but if it will help gain there trust. “Do I have to go through the motions to?” I asked feeling defeated. They all nodded “Fine. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” I said going through the motions as a did. Why can't I see out my left, and why does it hurt. I pulled my hand away and there was a cupcake in my hand. How the hell did that get there. My eye was burning with pain. The white unicorn levitated me a napkin. I wiped away the frosting from my eye. “Thank you ma’am” I said looking around the room for a trashcan. The rest of them were trying to hold in there laugh. Except for Rainbow Dash who was rolling on the floor laughing. “My and he has good manners.” The white unicorn said in a heavy accent. It reminded me of... George. Everything around me started to fade away. I was back in the prison on Scorpio 6. “Austin?” Pinkie asked tapping him in the stomach. He didn't move all emotion had left his face. Austin's eyes started to dilate much to the surprise of the ponies around him. “Hey buddy are you alright?” Rainbow Dash asked waving her hoof in front of his face. His vision never faltered from the unknown object he was staring at. He almost looked like he was staring at an object that was a 1,000 yards away. “Austin?” Twilight asked fear rising in her voice. “I think he just needs to sit down.” Rarity said trying to reassure the others and herself. “Is he alright?” Fluttershy asked saying her first words since she got here. “I don't know sugar cube.” Applejack said waiting for something to happen. Austin stood standing while the ponies where trying to figure out what to do. “Has he ever done this before Twilight?” Fluttershy asked looking into Austin's emotionless eyes. “No never.” Twilight said fear becoming ever more clear in her voice. She saw Austin as a friend, and she never wanted to lose a friend. “Fluttershy try using the stare on him.” Rainbow Dash said trying to find emotion in his emotionless eyes. “Okay, but only if you think it will help.” Fluttershy said flying in front of his face. She started to give him the stare; it worked on manticores and dragons so why wouldn't it work on him. His facial expression never changed, and he was still looking at the invisible object the others could not see. For the thing he was staring at could only be seen by those who have survived the horrors he's survived. Fluttershy landed looking distressed as if she has seen some unbelievable horror. “He's scared.” she said landing in front of him almost in tears . “How can you be so sure.” Twilight asked looking into Austin's eyes. Twilight noticed if you looked deep into his eyes you could make out one thing... Fear. “Its alright Fluttershy I'm sure he's fine.” Pinkie said wrapping a hoof around her friends neck. “What should we do now?” Rainbow Dash asked sounding concerned now. “Should we bring him to the hospital?” Rarity asked looking at her friends for any conformation. “He doesn't look hurt.” Applejack said circling him looking for any signs of injury. Little did Applejack know it was the injuries she couldn't see that were hurting him the worst. “I think we should inform the princess.” Twilight said looking at the rest of the girls. Most of them nodded in agreement. “Where am I.” Austin said looking at his hands. I had another flashback, I hate when happens. The flashback went up to the point when I got here to Equestria, but now I know where I've seen these ponies before. I would always be confused after an episode. Most people would tell me I would stare off into the distance when I had a flashback. It scared a lot of people back home. I began rubbing my eyes to get moisture back in them. I looked around the room and remembered where I was. I looked down to see all of the ponies from before staring at me intently. “Are you alright?” The orange one asked me. “I'm fine.” I said looking at the ponies in front of me. The yellow one from before was crying. What happened to her I wondered. “Are you sure?” Twilight asked with extreme concern in her voice. “I'm fine it was just a little flashback.” I said trying to dull what just happened, but in truth the fist few times I had a flashback I broke down. I was silent for days, and emotionless, but after a awhile I just learned to accept them. The doctors called it different names PTSD, shell shock, and combat fatigue. All I knew is that when it hit, it would hit hard. I learned to cope with it however. “But you looked so scared.” the yellow pony said a tear falling from her eye. This was the first time I heard her speak. “I wasn't scared.” I said, but in all truth I was scared, seeing everything again isn't easy. “Don't lie to me mister.” The yellow pony said giving me a look like something bad was about to happen. “Honest I wasn't scared.” I said giving her my best poker face. “In fact Pinkie lets get this party started.” I said looking at the pink pony who was all to happy to comply. She brought out a record player that played awful music, but it would work. The rest of the ponies were just looking at me shocked. “What. Lets not let one incident get in the way of the party.” I said. To be honest I didn't want them wondering why I had a flashback. Twilight gave me one of those you've got to be kidding me looks. Fluttershy looked at me with a look of disbelief. Applejack and Rainbow Dash just shrugged it off and continued as if nothing happened. I was going to like those two. Rarity looked at me with a bit of concern in her eyes. I went over an poured three glasses of punch. I walked over to the three of them. I handed one glass of punch to each of them. I didn't know how Fluttershy was holding it, but I was getting side-tracked. “See I'm fine honestly.” I said pouring myself a glass of punch. Twilight and Fluttershy didn't look happy with my answer. Rarity accepted my answer and walked over to join her other friends, It was only Fluttershy and Twilight left, it was time to play diplomat. “Listen is there anything I can do to convince you to that I'm telling the truth.” I looked at both of them with a smile. They both looked at each other thinking of something I could do. “Tell us what caused it to happen.” Twilight said looking at me. “It just happens randomly.” I said. They looked at each other and shook there heads. “Come on I'm telling the truth.” I said almost pleading with them. “Alright, but if it happens again we want to know the truth.” Twilight said. This was only a temporary solution it seemed. Oh well it bought me some time. The party went on until the sun went down. No one else showed up to the party. Which was fine by me because I didn't want to meet to many people or ponies as there called. “Its time for the party games.” Pinkie said Pulling out a bunch of random objects form out of nowhere. “So what game should we play first.” she asked looking at everybody. “I say we play truth or dare.” Twilight said looking directly at me. I knew exactly why she wanted to play truth or dare. She wanted to ask me about the flashback. It didn't matter what I picked she would either dare me to do it or make me tell the truth. Then again I could just bluff my way out of the question or dare. The rest of the ponies nodded in agreement with Twilight. “I'll start off.” Twilight said still looking at me. “Austin Truth or Dare?” she asked grinning at me. “I never said I was playing.” I said standing over by the food table. “Are you chicken?” Rainbow Dash asked giving me a sly smile. “That's it” I said sarcastic still standing by the food table. “Come on don't be a coward.” Rainbow Dash said. The others nodded in agreement all except Fluttershy. She finally nodded a little, or maybe it was just a sneeze “Et tu, Fluttershy?” I said looking at her with a smirk. “What does that mean?” Twilight asked generally interested. “Why don't you ask, and by the way I pick truth.” I said giving her a smile. I knew she couldn't resist the temptation of knowledge. She knew what Im was doing, and she didn't like it. “What was that thing that happened earlier?” she asked returning my smile with her own. Cleaver girl “It was just a medical condition.” I said telling the truth. “But what caused it?” she asked. “Sorry Twilight, but that's another question all together.” I said retuning the smile again. I turned to Pinkie “Truth or Dare?” I asked smiling. “Dare.” She said bouncing. “I dare you to change the game.” I said smile growing even wider. All the others gave me a deadpan look. “You can't do that.” Twilight said displeasure in her voice. “Sorry Twilight, but a dare is a dare.” Pinkie said looking through her pile of random assorted objects. She pulled out a bottle. I knew where this was going and I didn't like it one bit. “So the next game were going to play is spin the bottle.” Pinkie said placing the bottle on the floor. I let out a deep yawn “Sorry girls it looks like I'm too tired to play.” I said stretching to add emphasis. “SO you are a chicken.” Rainbow Dash said . “Yes, and now I'll be heading out.” I said walking towards the door. “You know Spike will be asleep and the door is locked.” Twilight said giving me a sly smile. “Then it looks like its a night out on the town for me.” I said reaching for the door handle. “Fine, Pinkie lets find something else to play since Austin here is being a coward.” Rainbow Dash said. “Right on target.” I said turning around. It didn't matter what they called me I've been called worse by my own species. “How about we play some real games.” Rainbow Dash said smiling. “Like?” I asked. “You would be to scared to play them anyway.” she said looking at me with a smirk. “Games like hoof wrestling.” Rainbow Dash said trying to look menacing; It failed miserably. If I could take a guess at what hoof wrestling was I would guess it was similar to arm wrestling. My suspensions were confirmed when Rainbow Dash and Applejack wrapped there hooves together, and began to struggle for control. Rainbow Dash started to push Applejack's hoof to the table. It looked like Rainbow Dash was going to win this one. Rainbow Dash was smiling with confidence. Applejack's suddenly got a wide grin. There hooves began to move to the other side of the table. Rainbow Dash's smile of confidence began to fade as her hoof got closer and closer to the tables surface. Rainbow Dash's hoof slammed against the tables surface with a loud thud. She looked shocked to say the least. “Sorry sugar cube, but I learned a few tricks since our last game.” Applejack said giving her friend a pat on the back. “So am I up next.” I said walking up to the table. Applejack and Rainbow Dash both let out a loud laugh. “So you think you can beat me?” Rainbow Dash asked hoovering at my eye level. “I don't know maybe.” I said. I didn't know how strong they where, but if they were like Pinkie I would be in trouble. “All right then lets make this interesting.” Rainbow Dash said giving me sly grin. I only raised my eye brow in response. “If I win you'll do what ever I say for a whole day.”She said confidence in her voice. “And if I win?” I asked. “You get the same deal, although you won't win.” she said placing her hoof on the table ready for the match. “Deal.” I said placing my elbow on the table and grabbing her hoof with my hands. She looked a little surprised. Weather it was my hand wrapped around her hoof, or the fact I accepted the challenge I did not know. “Ready.” she said. “Set.” she said as I tensed my muscles for the struggle. “Go!” she said as she started pushing down on my hand. I didn't let her have any ground. I kept my hand in the middle. My tactic was to wear her out then claim victory. Our hoof and hand stayed in the middle. She started to sweat a little. “Guess your not a weak as you look.” she said trying to push down on my hand, but I wasn't about to give her any inkling of victory. I started to push back with more force then she was applying. Her hoof slowly began to move closer to the surface of the table. She had a look of horror on her face. She was not expecting to lose. I used all my strength and slammed her hoof on the table. Once her hoof landed on the table she had a look of complete shock on her face. I knew she was thinking, how could I lose. I gave her a pat on the hoof. “You put up a good fight.” I said giving her a caring smile. “Ya you too.” she said never taking her eyes off the table. “So I guess I'm up next.” Applejack said walking over to the table. “Suppose so.” I said giving the table a pat. Rainbow Dash moved out of the way to let Applejack sit. I saw Rainbow Dash watching with extreme intent. I wrapped my hand around Applejack's hoof. “Ready.” I said preparing my muscles for the next struggle. “Set.” I said as I saw her do the same thing. “Go!” I said pushing down on her hoof. She was already losing. Wait she pulled a trick on Rainbow Dash I was going to have to finish this fast. I started to apply less pressure. Her concentrated face turned into a smile I knew what she was going to do next. She was going to put all her strength into it, and she did just as I hoped. As I fleet her put more strength into it I did the same. I halted her advance. She only gained about an inch before I stopped her advance. She would wait for the opponent to use there strength then use her own. It was an effective tactic, but it only worked if the opponent was not expecting it. So I started to apply more and more pressure on her hoof. Her started to move closer to the surface. It was time to end this I used all my remaining strength and slammed her hoof on the table. “Good Game.” I said giving the table a pat. “You too.” she said nodding. Rainbow Dash was looking at me with awe now. “I can't believe you beat both of us.” she said looking me over with new found respect. “You both put up a valiant effort.” I said giving them both a smile. “Also Rainbow Dash don't worry about being my servant for the day. You don't have to do it.” I said feeling good about myself. “You know I wouldn't be letting you of so easy right?” She said smiling at me now. “I know but there was a saying where I came from. Be the bigger person.” I said. “Person?” she asked confused. “Human terminology.” I said weaving off the question. I looked at my RIG's clock I was nearing midnight. All the ponies in the room were looking at the holographic display with awe. This would get annoying after awhile. “What is that.” Rarity asked. God her voice reminded too me much of George's. “This is a RIG.” I said messing around with the display. After I showed them all the features of the RIG they were impressed to say the least. The grandfather clock in the room started to go off. It was midnight already? “Well I should be heading back home.” Rarity said walking towards the door. I talked to her during the party about getting some new clothes. She said she would do it, and do it for free. I was going to head to her place tomorrow to get measured. I wasn't looking forward to it, but it was a necessary evil. Rainbow Dash and Applejack decided to head out as well. Me and Twilight were about to head, when Fluttershy approached us. She whispered something into Twilight's ear. “Austin where going to have to run by Fluttershy's house.” Twilight said looking at me. Fluttershy kind of looked like a softy despite her previous tone. “Fine by me.” I said walking towards the door. “Are you guy coming to the party tomorrow?” Pinkie asked giving us her world famous smile. “A party for what?” I asked. “To celebrate this party of course silly.”she said bouncing up and down. “We'll have to see Pinkie.” Twilight said opening the door with her magic. “It starts at one.” Pinkie said as we walked out the door. I thought that that pink pony was pretty weird I wondered if that was just me. The walk to and from Fluttershy's house was pretty uneventful. We arrived back at the library around one a clock. “I'm going to bed Austin see you in the morning.” She said walking up a flight of stairs. I wasn't tired yet the cake and punch saw to that. I literally ate so much cake Pinkie was impressed. Then again I hadn't eaten much before the party. I guess I was just going to be another long lonely night for me. Authors notes Sorry it took me so long to get another chapter out. Anyways I'm leaving it up to you guys to decide if he should or shouldn't go to Pinkie's second party. I would like to see what you guys think.
ProloguePrologue The lights were flickering ahead of me I continued to walk down the hall. The only way to go was forward the quarantine barriers blocked the other path to the government section of Titan Station. I looked at my rigs holographic map I was coming up to T-intersection . I was going to have to go left, I reached the intersection. Like my mom always said look both ways I looked to my right nothing to my left nothing. I started walking down the left path when I heard the worst noise I’ve ever heard, it had come from behind me I turned around to see hundreds of necromorphs, I nearly pissed my self. They noticed me they were now charging directly at me I turned around ran as fast as I could . Those damn things were gaining ground on me fast I needed to do something or I’d be ripped to shreds. I saw a support beam holding up the ceiling. While running I took my grenade belt off and activated all my pules grenades and threw them at the pillar. The screams of necromorphs right behind me now. The grenades exploded and sent me flying through the air, smack into a wall my ears were ringing, head pounding, and vision blurred from the pain. A piece of shrapnel embedded its self in to my right thigh I ripped it out, then I looked around for necromorphs there were none to be found. I used a med-pack to heal my self, my rig was blue once more. I didn't have a weapon to defended my self with. I looked around and saw a store a few yards away, lucky for me martial law was declared so I could get my self a weapon and armor. I walked up to the store “Welcome Earth Defense Force Sargent Austin Schroeder.” said the stores cold automated voice. I opened the stores inventory menu; pulse rifle 0 credits, pulse rifle ammo 0 credits, pulse rifle grenades 0 credits, military suit 0 credits. I got the pulse rifle and ammo and one rifle grenade, then the stores display menu lifted up and the doors on the back of the store opened up I knew what to do. I turned my back to the store and walked backwards the magnets did the rest. My back was being held in place by a magnetic force. A blinding light forced me to shut my eyes, and I started to feel a slight tingling sensation through out my whole body. The light started to fade along with the tingling sensation the door opened, and magnet released. I looked down at myself the suit was on. I always wondered how the hell it worked, but I didn't question it. As a walked out the stores display started to lower. I I turned back to face the display I went to med-packs, out of stock, “damn,” I mumbled to my self. My rig was blue but that could change very fast when dealing with necromorphs. Then I heard a slight ping come from my rig I had received a massage from my friend I played the message, “if your getting this then my rig has flat lined'”he said with sorrow in his voice. “I wanted you to know all the paths to the government section of Titan Station have been closed off, I also wanted you to know that you have been the best friend a man could have, since the 2nd grade I’ve counted you as a brother you have always been there for me” I heard the screams of necromorphs in the recording “ I'm going to take as many of these bastards with me as I can,” I heard the activation of pulse grenades, then a loud bang the recording stopped after that. “I'll miss you to brother” I said while tears were sliding down my face. “tears aren't going to bring him back,” I said allowed. I'll heard banging against the rocks from the cave in I caused. Rage flowing threw my veins now these bastards just killed my brother. Necromorphs started pouring through the newly opened hole I opened fire on them, if they got to close I used stasis on them it made shooting them a hell of allot easier. To conserve ammo I picked up there bladed arms from the dead ones with telekinesis and threw them at there friends I pined a few of them to the wall and the floor. Then they were on me before I could react, one stab-ed me to the left of my stomach I came down with my gun as hard as I could. I broke the arm clear off. I threw a stasis around the necromorphs near by. I ripped the blade out of my stomach along with the stab I felt cuts through out my whole body. I looked up and saw brute charging at me I knew I was done for. I loaded the grenade rifle shot. I noticed There was a window to my right. It looked off into space I lifted my pulse rifle and fired the grenade. Me as well as the necromorphs were sucked into space, my rifle was ripped from my hands. I knew I would't make it. I closed my eyes for what I thought was the last time. I felt a warm tingling sensation through out my whole body, I opened my eyes, and was greeted by a bright light. This couldn't be right I know that I didn't deserve to go to heaven or where ever good people went when they died. The light and the feeling stopped, and then came the feel of vertigo. I hit the ground with a thud “damn,” I said through clenched teeth. I looked around me what I was seeing made no sense trees, and blue skis. These things I was seeing were rare even on earth. Then the pain came back as if wanting me to no that I wasn't dead. My head was spinning, and my heart was pounding. I looked at my rig it was red and dropping. I thought I was done for. Then I heard talking nearby it was English to, I couldn't make out what they were saying, but it was very close, and it was my only chance of survival. I stood up to fast I felt like I was going to vomit, and the pain was on the threshold of unbearable.If I even had a chance of survival this was it. As I was about to came out from behind the trees I lowered my mask. “Help” I yelled as loud as I could , then I saw them horses pink, yellow, purple, orange, white, and even cyan. The last thing I muttered before I passed out was ,“what the fuck.” Ponyville 2 hours ago “Twilight hurry up,” yelled Pinkie Pie. “ I'll be right down,” Twilight replied. Twilight and her friends were going on a picnic.Twilight and all her friends except for Rarity had arrived. "late as usual" said an annoyed Rainbow Dash. "There she is" Pinkie Pie said hopping up and down. Rarity was dressed up for the occasion. Fluttershy set the picnic blanket down. "Sorry i'm late" Rarity said while setting out the food in delicate and orderly manner. A bright light flashed from the forest. “what was that” Rainbow Dash asked with a surprised look on here face. “I don't know sweet heart,” A.J. Replied. Then something walked out from behind trees “help,” the creature yelled. The creature was massive it was as tall as Celestia, the creature was wearing some type of armor. The creature looked at Twilight and her friends and said something they couldn't make out and feel to the ground. The creature was injured it had cuts all over it. “it needs help,” Fluttershy said. “agreed” Twilight said, “are you sure it could be dangerous,” Rarity said. “it needs our help we can't let it die,” Fluttershy said concern in hear voice. “were taking it to the hospital,” Twilight said. When Twilight and her friends arrived the doctors didn't even know what to do. They managed to stop the bleeding and set the creature in its own room. luckily there was no one around when they took it to the hospital. Spike sent a letter to princess Celestia detailing what had happened. Now it was just the waiting game would the creature die, if it woke up what would it do, Twilight thought of all the outcomes, but they couldn't be answered until something happened. "Twilight" Shining Armor said with a smile on his face. Twilight was surprised to see her brother here. They hugged each other "also I brought a guest," Shining Armor said looking behind him. "Princess Luna," Twilight said bowing her head. "Easy Twilight," Luna said smiling. "Were here to see the creature you found," Luna said. "We think it may be a human, from the details spike gave us," Luna continued. "A human," Twilight said, humans were only urban legends here in Ponyville. Twilight train of thought was cut short by nurse Redheart. "its up the creature is up." Then Twilight noticed some-pony at the end of the hall listening in on there conversation, it was Lyra. Lyra noticed Twilight had seen her she took off. The things Lyra heard "a human here in Ponyville," Lyra said excitedly allowed Lyra had to meet it. Twilight didn't have time to chase after her, there were more pressing matters such as the creature. The question who was going to talk to it.
AwakeningAwakening “We should go check on the creature,” Shining armor said. “I don't think we should all go in at once, the creature might feel overwhelmed if we all went in at once,” said Luna. “Luna has a point,” Twilight added, “But if it is human then we all need to be in there if it goes on a rampage,” Shining Armor said with concern in his voice. Human were just an urban legend in Equestria but they were know to be very aggressive, very intelligent, and very dangerous. They were even known kill each other, if you believe in the legends. Twilight's train of thought broken by her brother “I don't think it would be a good idea for you to go in Luna,” said Shining Armor. “And why is that,” Luna said with annoyance in her voice. “Your taller than me and Twilight,” Shining Armor replied. “He has a point,” Twilight said. “Then I'll go in,” Shining Armor said, “I think Twilight should be the one,” Luna said looking at Twilight. “No she couldn't stand up to the creature, and if anything happened I would never forgive myself,” Shining armor said. “I can handle myself brother,I appreciate the concern,” Twilight said. “Fine, but if it dose anything stupid yell for help, and I'll personally return it to were it came from,” Shining Armor said with concern in his voice. “Be careful Twilight, if you need anything we will be right outside the door” Luna said. "Nurse Redheart is there anything else you can tell us?" Twilight asked. "The creature has something attached to his back and arm." Nurse Redheart said "you didn't remove it." Shining armor asked surprised. "We couldn't its literally attached to him there are needles in his back and arm," Nurse Redheart. " Can you take us to it's room." Luna said, Nurse Redheart nodded. _ You are now fallowing Austin Schroeder I opened my eyes and was greeted by a blinding light, my eyes adjusted quickly. Was that sunlight I was so use to artificial light. I looked around and saw that I was in a hospital, the white walls the beep of an EKG machine, and the sterile smell were all tall tail signs of a hospital. Was every thing that just happened, a dream. A pony walked in the room, damn guess it wasn't a dream after all. She took one look at me and ran out the door slamming it shut. My rig was still on my back it was yellow at least I was stable. I checked my rig's connection, but there was none to be found. I noticed that my telekinesis was still attached to my arm a long with the stasis field generator. All the needles were still in place, that is one thing that sucked about military gear it was always attached to you with surgically implanted needles. I noticed a pitcher of water on the table across from me. This would be a good way see if my telekinesis sill worked. I lifted my arm a jolt of pain hit me, but it was nothing compared to necromorphs. To my surprise the telekinesis worked, I brought the water over to me. I sniffed the clear liquid no smell that was a good sign, but if it was poised so be it. I chugged the pitcher down greedily the liquid had no taste so I could safely say it was water. It was a refreshing to have some water after all the running I had to do. I placed the pitcher of water back were I got it from. Then I heard the door handle turning. In walked a purple pony I studied it, as it studied me. It had a horn in the dead center of it's head. What was this place I was in, unicorns what other secrets could this place hold. It stepped toward me cautiously, “can you understand me,” the creature asked me in perfect English also it was obviously female. I nodded my head slowly. “My name is Twilight Sparkle” said the creature. “Can you tell me yours please,” she asked taking another step forward. “My name is Austin Schroeder,” I said. “Good to meet Austin,” Twilight said taking yet another step closer. " I have a question were am I?" I asked "Your in Equestria." Twilight said with a look of confusion " you don't know how you got here." she asked . "No, but I'm grateful I came here when I did though," I said " Whys that." Twilight asked. " One word, necromorph" I said. " A what," she said with look of pure confusion. " Its better you not know," I replied. " I have question for you know." Twilight said. " What is that thing on your back," she was staring at my rig. " Oh that's my rig it stands for Resource Integration Gear." "What dose it do," asked Twilight. " It has multiple uses such as," I open up my holographic map. Twilight looks at it with awe, her eyes were wide open, and her mouth went slack as if she has just received a huge surprise. I closed the map " That was incredible how did you do that!?" Twilight asked with extreme excitement in her voice. " If you want the truth, I don't know how it works, but one of the scientists back home probably knows." I said. " Were is back home," she asked. I was surprised she caught that " Well I was born on Earth, but I only lived on it for a few years before me and my family moved," I said. " Were did you go after that? " she asked. " Well we went to a bunch of different planets," "wait!" Twilight interrupted " You moved to different planets." she said " Yes it was very common for humans to do that now." I said. She had the look of awe on her face again. " This is incredible," she said with excitement in her voice again. Her horn started to glow I was a clipboard and a pencil floating over to Twilight. " How are you doing that," asked surprise now in my voice. She looked at me with confusion " unicorns use magic surely you must know," she said. " We don't have unicorns were I come from." I said " Were did you come from again," she said with a clipboard and pencil at the ready. " The milky way galaxy," I said. She scribbled down something on her clipboard. She was about to ask me another question, but she was interrupted by knock at the door. Another pony walked on the room this one was taller than Twilight. It was pure white except for a mark on it's flank. " This is my brother Shining Armor," Twilight said. " Hello," I said. He stared at me for a few second " Hello," He replied " I have a few questions for you," he said. " Okay but your sister was already asking me questions," I said. " Yes, but my questions need to be answered as soon as possible," he said. Twilight had look of annoyance in her face. " What is that thing on your back and why can't we remove it," he asked in a demanding tone. " Its my rig, and it has needles attaching it my spine and skin." I replied. Twilight's face cringed at what I said. " Also what is this," he said while lifting something up with his horn. It was my Knife I thought that it would have been ripped of when I was sucked into space. " We found it on you when my sister brought you to the hospital." he said with anger in his voice " What were you going to do with it," he asked. From the way he asked he knew exactly what it was. " I'm a soldier for Earth defense force that's just my standard issued knife, I promise I wasn't going to hurt anyone. Hell I don't even know how I got here I promise." I said. " Your a soldier," he asked curiously " Yes why?" I asked " Because I'm one to." he said with something that sounded like pride. " So you do you swear by your honor you won't hurt anyone," he asked. " As long as I'm not attacked you have my word I will not harm any one here." I said. " Alright that is all I needed to know," he said as he walked out the door. " I'm sorry about that," Twilight said. " He was concerned for his country and his sister, I'm sure he meant well." I replied. " Ya, but I'm capable of handling this my self." she said. " Where were we something about rockets if I remember." I changed the subject. Her eyes opened up widely again. The clipboard and pencil floated up from the table again. I knew Shining Armor was just looking out for his sister.
Nightmares Nightmares Nightmares After what felt like hours Twilight finally ran out of questions about rockets. “ Alright that is all I needed to know,” she said as she placed the clipboard down. After all those questions I was finally done. Then I heard the door handle start turn. Shining Armor walked in followed by another pony this one taller then he was, and it had dark blue fur. It also had a horn and wings...Wait! Wings what was I going to see next. You know what I'm not gonna even ask. I looked over to see Twilight bowing in what I guess was respect. “ Its alright Twilight,” the pony said. I could tell it was female from it's voice. The blue pony looked at me “ My name is Princess Luna,” she said. “ My name is Austin Schroeder,” I said. At least I know what government type they have. Then I noticed something about Luna her hair moved as if there was wind in the room, but there was none. Not even a slight breeze. They have magic here so I guess any thing is possible. “ So how did you end up here in Equestria?” Luna asked. “ It just sort of happened.” I said deciding not to tell them about the necromorphs. I had told Twilight there name, but not what they were. It was for the best. “ That is very strange, and you have no idea how it happened?” Luna asked, from her tone she knew I wasn't telling her something. “ I wish I did, but I have no idea how it happened or why it happened.” I said almost pledging. “ Okay I believe you,” Luna said “ But that doesn’t tell us how you got so injured,” she said. No one asked me that question yet “ I was in a bad fight, and got injured there was not much to it.” I said. They didn't need to know about the necromorph outbreak. “ He is a solider were he's from,” Shining Armor added. “ Perhaps, but what was it that you were fighting I've never seen injuries like those before.” Luna said. She was not about to let this go. “ I was fighting other humans,” I said. Twilight had a look of shock on her face “ humans fight each other,” Twilight said. She was obviously surprised by the news. “ I'm sure it works the same way here doesn’t it?” I asked. “ We have not fought each other for hundreds of years,” Shining Armor said. “ You are very different from humans, but that's something to be proud of,” I said. “ why is that ?” Luna asked. “ I'd rather not talk about it.” The way I said it made it to obvious I was hiding something. I was hoping it would deter her from asking another question.“ I understand,” Luna said. It worked, “ You must be tired.” Luna said. I was in fact tired, but I haven't said anything out of respect. “ We'll leave you alone,” Luna said before I even got to say anything. All three ponies walked out of the room. I rested my head against the pillow, and closed my eyes. Sleep fell upon me quickly. “ He's not telling us every thing, ” Luna said. “ I know, but there is nothing we can do about it,” Shining Armor added. “ He seems like a nice guy,” Twilight said. “ Looks can be deceiving you both should know that,” Luna said. Reminding Twilight and Shining Armor of the Changeling attack. “ Even if he is hiding something there is no way to find out,” Twilight pointed out. “ I can go into his dreams and find out,” Luna said. Both Twilight and Shining Armor had a look of surprise on there face. “ You can do that?” Twilight asked. “ Yes, but I'll need both of you to help.” Luna said. Luna explained how they all needed to combine there magic so Luna could enter his dreams. “ Isn’t this invading his privacy, and also I thought dreams were completely random, ” Twilight asked “ Yes, but there are always based off of memories, and it needs to be done. We must make sure he is not a threat to Equestria.” Luna said. “ I still think this is a bad idea,” Twilight said. “ It's our only option,” Luna objected. All three of them went into the room. Austin was out cold, and the room was completely silent except for the occasional snoring from Austin. “ Alright are you ready,” Princess Luna whispered. Twilight and Shining Armor nodded. All three of there horns lit up. There was a bright flash and after the light subsided. Twilight and Shining Armor noticed Princess Luna was on the ground asleep. Austin Schroeder I saw the beginning of my recurring nightmare. It always started out happy with memories of my childhood. I saw the years I spent in school and the friends I made while in school. Then when high school came around the dream always seemed to slow down. As if rubbing it in my face that those times were gone. These were some of the best years of my life. I saw me in my football uniform. I loved playing that sport. Then I saw my graduation me and all my friends getting our diplomas the smiles on our faces and our families faces. I wish I could back to those times. Then the dream slowed down even more. It was the day I enlisted in the Earth Defense Force. On the bus ride there getting yelled at by the drill Sargent. Getting there getting buzz cuts, and getting yelled at again. I was use to getting yelled at by the coaches during football practice, but still that was nothing compared to this. After I finished basic training I was sent to mars for Sapper training. After I finished I was finally a soldier for Earth Defense Force. The pride and honor I felt was indescribable. I only wish I knew what I was getting into to. I was then sent to Scorpio 6. Even after all the fighting on the planet during the Resource War. They had managed to plunge them selves into another civil war. It was are job to stop it why it was young, but I had to miss my sisters graduation. It hurt me knowing I wouldn't get to see my little sister graduate, but I had a duty to uphold. The dream slowed even more. It was know moving at real time or what felt like real time. The cargo plan landed with a sudden and violent jerk. I was thrown forward. Thanks for the please buckle your seat belt sign. Then again I was on a cargo plane. I stood up the back of the plane opened up. Me and other soldiers began to unload from the plane. I was to meet a person from my squad at the base's airfield. I was greeted by a man “ always expected to see in the military,” he said speaking directly at me. “ You probably don't remember me with this haircut,” he said smiling. His voice sounded very familiar “ Dillon ?” I asked. “ You got it,” he said laughing. “ Never expected you to be in the military,” I said. “ Neither did I,” he said his smile vanished. “ Oh I’m sorry I didn't know,” I said in an apologetic tone. “ Its fine,” he said smiling again. “ So what do you do?” I asked. “ Me I'm a hacker, or technical specialist as the military likes to call it.” He said “ ya you were always good with computers,” I said. “ So what about you?” He asked “ me I'm just a Sapper.” I said “ A what ?” he asked. “ A combat engineer,” I said laughing. He never understood anything about the military ever since middle school. I had to teach him everything. “ So how have things been ?” I asked. “ Good, after my term is up I'm going to purpose to my girlfriend.” He said “ That's great!” I said. “ Ya, how about you ?” he asked “ Same old same old,” I replied. “ Didn't your sister graduate this week ?” he asked. It almost felt like a punch to the gut. “ Ya,” I said somberly. He noticed he struck a nerve “ sorry I didn't know,” he said. “ Its alright,” I said. Something had slipped my mind until now “ are you the person I'm spouse to meet ?” I asked. He gave me a look that made me feel like an absolute dumb ass. “ NO! I'm just so happen to be standing at the airfield when your plane arrived,” He said in a sarcastic tone. We both let out a loud laugh. “ Let me show you around the base,” he said. We both walked around the base talking about what happened after we finished high school. Then we stopped in front of one of the barracks. “ This is were our squad is housed.” He said “ Lets go meet them,” I said. We walked in the barrack. There was three men standing in circle. They all looked over at me the largest of the group stepped forward. He was huge at least 7 feet tall. He had piercing green eyes, and a very straight face. He was now in front of me smiling. “ The names Johnson how bout you,” he said raising his hand for me to shake. I did, and he nearly crushed my hand “ My names Austin,” I said with a hint of pain in my voice. He released his death grip on my hand. “ So I guess your the squads leader,” I said. “ Nope I'm the squads medic,” he said in his deep voice. He had a very country accent. Another man stepped forward he was around my height. Which was 6'5 he started to raise his hand for me to shake. I shook his hand. “ My name is Andrew, and I'm the squads leader.” He said as he looked at me with bright blue eyes. I looked at the last member of the squad. He just gave me a quick glance and returned to what every he was doing. Johnson leaned in next to my ear. “ That's James he ain’t much for talking.” Johnson said. “ So if were done with introductions we should get some rest,” Andrew said. “ What? Its still bright out, and we haven’t even gone over the invasion plan yet.” I said “ We don't get the invasion plan until tomorrows briefing, and the reason its sunny is because days here on Scorpio 6 last for a week.” Andrew said. As he talked each squad member fell into a bed. There was only one left so I decided it was my bed. It was above Johnson's bed. I woke up the next morning from Johnson's loud yawning. I was always a light sleeper. We all got dressed in our uniforms, and we walked out side. We were walking towards a large compound in the middle of the base. After the long briefing about what were suppose to do. Which was put a fast end to the civil war on Scorpio 6. Each squad was given there assignments. My squads assignment was to destroy a refinery. It would cause a major blow to the enemy, or the Unitologists is what people called the rebels. The Unitologists have always hated EarthGov, and everything EarthGov stands for. I wasn't a Unitologists, but I had a few friends that were. We were to be deployed by helicopter a mile away from the refinery. Thankfully the reports said there was to be very little resistance. It was going to be a get in get out mission. I only wish that were the case. ------- Authors notes Sorry I haven't published something in awhile. I had a lot of matters that required my assistance. Also if you see any errors please point them out. Also if there something you want to see in future chapters please feel free to speak your mind. I also wish to thank every one who has pointed out my mistakes. Unfortunately I've been running solo on this with no editor. I also want to thank you all for you support.
Patient 2854We arrived at the helicopter the thing was damn tank. It was outfitted for military duty. Jet engines a heavy pulse rifle on the open side, and to top it all off the armor was the thickest I've ever seen. “ You the guys I'm suppose to be flying in?” a men asked from behind. He was wearing a military pilot uniform. We all introduced our selves except for James “ Nice to meet you all my names Cory.” The pilot said. “ Well lets get going.” the pilot said with a smile on his face. Andrew looked at a chart that he was given. “ Austin your on the gun the rest of us will be sitting.” he said. He folded the chart up and put in one of his pockets. We all loaded on the helicopter. The pilot was the last to get on. Every one took there seats I stood behind the gun. The pilot started the engines. The noise was deafening, I put up my mask it had sound blocking technology. The helicopter took of the ground, and the door on the side started to close. The only thing that was opened up was the gun and me. I felt a tap on my back it was Andrew he pointed to his head, and held up three fingers. I changed my masks frequency to channel three. “ Can you hear me?” Andrew asked. “ Ya,” I replied. “ Good,” Andrew said. “ You guys should hear this,” Cory said with concern in his voice. “ We need help were pined down by Unitologist forces!” the soldier said with fear in his voice. “ Your call sir,” Cory said he was referring to Andrew. Andrew look like he was pondering the idea. “ They need our help sir,” Johnson said. “ Fine lets go give them a hand,” Andrew said. “ Roger that,” Cory said. The helicopter changed course heading to the soldiers location. “ There right on top of us! ” The soldier said almost yelling in fear. “ Hang on were almost there,” Andrew said. The helicopter came around a building. What I saw was a war zone I saw EarthGov troops taking heavy fire from the Unitologists. There was hundreds of Unitologists advancing slowly on the soldiers. How could this be there was to be little to no resistance. All the EarthGov soldiers could do was fire blindly at the advancing army. There were was no retreat for the EarthGov soldiers they were in a choke point. There looked to be only one way in and one way out. “ Weapons free!” Andrew yelled. I pulled down on the guns trigger. The gun responded immediately. I was firing on the Unitologist forces. Unitologists started falling left an right some of them we cut in half. This weapon was a monster of a weapon. I kept firing on the Unitologist ranks. They started to fire at the helicopter now. The bullets pinged harmlessly on the side of the helicopter. I kept taking Unitologists down. I stopped firing once there was nothing left moving on the battlefield. Then I heard a noise from the mic. It sounded like cheering I looked down to see the EarthGov soldiers cheering, and hugging each other. They must have been close to getting over run. “ Damn good shooting,” a soldier said through the mic. “ We'll handle it from here thanks for the help.” he said very happily. I looked back over at the battlefield. Dead bodies littered the ground, blood was every were. I felt like I was going to be sick. Andrew took notice to this. “ I was either them or you, ” he said. This was the first time I've ever killed someone. I started to feel better as the helicopter flew away from the battlefield. The image of all the dead bodies popped in my head again. I thought to my self it was either them or me. I cleared my mind of the thought I needed a clear head. The next thing I knew an alarm was going off in the helicopter. “ Shit! ” Cory yelled “ Hang on tight! ” he said. The helicopter jerked side ways. I saw the missile that was locked on us. It fallowed the helicopter's evasive maneuvers to near perfection. Another alarm went off in the helicopter I saw a second missile coming straight for us. Then I heard pinging against the side of the side of the helicopter. It almost sounded like rain. Then I saw javelins bouncing off the side of the helicopter. Then Yet another alarm went off. A third missile was now locked on us. Cory lunched flares only one missile went for the flares. The other two were still on our ass. “ Hang on! ” Cory said again fear in his voice. I was firing blindly at the buildings. We were taking fire from every side. Then a javelin hit me in the shoulder I was thrown off the gun. The javelin priced my armor, and came out the other side. The pain was indescribable. Johnson came over to me. He ripped the javelin out of my shoulder. He gave me a med pack. The pain subsided quickly, and I got back on the gun. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I ignored it, and continued firing. The missiles still right on us. The helicopter was right above the ground. The first missile hit, and then the second one did. I was thrown out of the helicopter. I hit the ground full speed and rolled. If it wasn't for my armor I would have died, but I was in even worse pain then I when I was shot with the javelin. I saw the helicopter crash only a few hundred feet in front of me. I tried to stand up, but I couldn't. I saw my squad coming out from the downed helicopter. I heard Dillon Say something “ Were the hell is Austin!? ” he yelled. “ I saw him get thrown from the helicopter. ” Andrew said. “ The pilots dead sir, ” Johnson said somberly. “ Damn! ” Andrew said furiously. Shoots rang out from all around. “ This is our last stand men lets show these bastard what EarthGov soldiers can do. ” Andrew said. I was crawling towards them. I lowered my mask the breathing regulator was damaged from the fall. Then a javelin gun round hit Dillon in the chest I heard his rig flat line. “ NO!” I yelled. He had some much to live for, and these bastards just took that all away from him. Tears were pouring down my face Johnson noticed me he ran over to me. He handed me his pulse rifle. He then began to drag me I fired at the Unitologists that were now storming our position. He stood me up, and grabbed Dillon's pulse rifle. I saw his lifeless body on the ground. I was going to make these bastards pay. I was just in immense pain, but I didn't seem to notice it anymore. I reloaded my rifle and opened fire again. Then a javelin round hit me near my stomach. I flew back with it, and was pined to the side of the helicopter. I pulled at the javelin, but to no avail. The only thing I could do was walk forward. The pain was unbearable as soon as I was free from the javelin I fell down. I saw a pool of blood start to form around me. I couldn't even lift my head up. I saw Johnson go down, and heard his rig flat line. I had to stand up and fight for my fallen friends. Rage and sadness drove me now. I stood up and stared firing again. The Unitologists were right on us now. I kept firing until one gun butted me from behind. I fell down with a thud. I saw James get swarmed, and he was knocked unconscious. Andrew pulled out his knife and was fighting them hand to hand. He was about to get swarmed when I saw him activate the pulse grenades on his bandolier. Some tried to run away, but were caught in the blast. The explosion forced me to close my eyes when I opened them again he was gone. There was nothing left of him left. I lost almost my whole squad, and I hadn't died yet. I stood up and drew my knife. It was the only weapon I had left. Luckily for me the person standing over me was knocked down from the explosion. He saw me and he was about to raise his weapon. When I grabbed his arm with my free hand, and plunged the knife in with my other hand. The look on his face was one of pure terror. I had stabbed him in the chest. I watched as the life faded from his face. I watched as the color fade from his eyes, and blood trickled down his lip. He was dead, and I was the one who took his life. Did this make me any better then the men who had just killed my friends. Someone turned me around, and punched me square in the face. I was knocked out cold. I woke up in a prison cell it was freezing cold. I was on a bed my armor had been removed, and I was only in my uniform. I felt near were I was shot. There was bandages over the injury. In fact bandages covered my entire torso. I looked at my rig yellow I was stable. Someone had obviously wanted me to survive. My head was throbbing it felt like someone bashed it against a wall. I looked around the room and saw a motionless figure on the bed next to me. Was it James? “ James, ” I said my voice was dry and raspy. The motionless figured turned to face me. It was James. He has tears flowing from his eyes. He was still shocked from what had happened. I felt bad for him, and then images from the battle flashed through my head. I had to force my self not to cry. “ We all knew what we signed up for,” a voice said in my head it sounded harsh and cold hearted. “ But we just lost our friends.” another voice said this one sounded kind and caring. I shook my head, that hit to the head must of done more then I thought. I sat up which required all my strength. I heard footsteps coming towards me and James's cell. “ We don't have many prisoners left sir.” a voice said from down the hall. “ We will have to just make due then won't we.” This persons voice sounded a lot more refined then the other one. They stopped in front of me and James's cell. One was wearing a fancy clothes and the other one was waring armor. “ Hello my name is George. ” the one in the fancy clothes was talking. Me and James both stayed silent. “ Please try and be civilized.” George said smiling. I wanted to kill him already. Me and James continued to stay quiet. “ Fine I guess we have to do this the hard way.” George said his smile growing even wider. He unlocked the door, and the man standing next to him raised his weapon. He looked over at James then he looked to me. George was standing in front of me. “ I think we'll start with you.” he said looking over me. I wanted to punch him square in his face, but something told me that wouldn't end well for me. He looked over at James who was still crying. He frowned “ We will start with you.” he said looking at me again. “ It looks like James is still recovering from yesterdays secession.” What did this bastard do to him. I was about to stand up when I felt a needle plunge into the side of my neck. I couldn't move “ The sedative should keep you complaint.” George said. He motioned for the guard to come over. The guard put me in wheelchair that was out side the cell. I was being wheeled down a long hallway. I was wheeled into a pure white room with a wooden table and two chairs on each side of the table. They left the room. I started to get control of my muscles again. They came back in. I was still very weak the person in armor moved me to one of the chairs and strapped my arms down. “ Shall we get started,” George said smiling widely My arms were still pined strapped to the chair. “ So whats your name.” George asked. I remained silent, I wasn't even about to tell this bastard my name. “ Fine if you insist to be stubborn.” George said signaling the soldier. The soldier put down his weapon, and proceed to crack his knuckles. I knew what was coming next. He delivered a punch to my stomach. It almost made me throw up. “ I'll ask you again what is your name?” George said still smiling. I remained silent again. The soldier hit me in the side of my face, and in the gut. George singled him to stop. “ Are you willing to talk yet?” he asked. “ I hope you burn in hell!” I responded harshly. “ Such language.” he said laughing. “ This shall not go unpunished.” he said. He gave the soldier a signal. The soldier pulled out his knife. This was not good I thought to myself. He cut the bindings on my left arm. He put my left arm on the table. I was tried to fight back, but I was to weak. He held my hand down with his free arm. He raised the knife, and slammed it down on my left hand. I yelled in pain tears flowing down my face. He left the knife in my hand and walked back to were he was standing. George was laughing like and looked like he was about to cry from it. I felt like I wanted to give up. I lost almost my whole squad, and I was going to die here. “ Your to weak I'm taking over.” A voice said it was harsh and cold. It was the voice from earlier. I couldn't feel anything anymore. I couldn't control anything anymore, it was like watching a movie. George was still laughing and the soldier was standing by the door. I broke the bindings holding my right arm. Then I ripped the knife from my left hand. I wasn't doing this. It was like a horror movie. The solider made a move for his weapon. I threw the knife straight into his throat. He gasped for air. I went over to him and ripped the knife out of his throat. He fell to the ground. His rig flat lined. I looked over to see George's face filled with fear. I walked to him slowly, he was on the ground backing away slowly. I still couldn't control what I was doing. He was backed up into a corner. “ Not so fun is it!” I shouted. This wasn't me. I walked over to him. I dropped the knife. I put my right hand behind his head, and my left hand on his lower jaw. “ Looks like your going to hell sooner then you expected aren't you.” I said the look on his face was one of pure horror. With a quick thrust of my left arm. I heard hideous and dreadful crack come from his neck. He was now looking backwards. His rig then flat lined. I grabbed the knife from the ground. I walked out of the room without grabbing the fallen soldiers rifle. There was a guard at the end of the. He wasn't wearing any armor. I walked behind I put my left hand over his mouth and pulled him to me. I plunged the knife into his chest, and then I quickly dragged him back to the room I was just in. I placed his body down. I walked back out, the prison wasn't heavily guarded. If I encountered any guards I would quickly eliminate them, and hide the body. This wasn't me though. I reached the prisons control center. I killed the guards inside with no problem. Then I released all the cells. I heard cheering from all around me. “ My jobs done now, take care of your self.” A voice said in my head, it was the one from earlier. I had control of my body again, and the pain hit me again. I saw a emergency storage room. It required a power node to open. I looked around and saw one lying next to one of the computers. I picked it up and places in the circuit panel next to the emergency storage room. The door opened up to show med packs and weapons. I grabbed all the med packs I could. I used all of them, my rig was green which meant I was in good condition but there was still a hole in my hand, but I could barley feel anything. I grabbed a rifle and some ammo for it. I walked to James cell, he was still in there. I knew he would still be here. He was still in the same position when I left. I walked over to him he looked up. His eyes widened not in surprise but in fear. I looked down at myself I was covered in blood. “ Its me Austin don't you remember me?” I asked. He nodded his head. “ Come on I going to get us out of here.” I said. He stood up, and walked over to me. We walked out of the prison, and we kept walking until we reached the EarthGov controlled side of Scorpio 6. We had to sneak past countless Unitologist forces but we made it. We walked up to a group of soldiers. They all raised there weapons, they noticed our uniform. They then lowered there weapons. I got James to safety like I told him I would do. I fell to the ground if I woke up good, and if I didn't so be it. Patient Report Patient 2854 Name: Austin Schroeder Age: 20 Sex: Male Iris color: Blue Hair Color: Dark Brown Height: 6'5 Weight: 265 Race: Caucasian Medical Report When the patient arrived at EarthGov controlled side of Scorpio 6 his clothes were covered in blood. He had broken ribs, and a hole through his left hand. Also he has extensive injuries to his torso. Which included javelin wounds to his right shoulder, and to the right of his stomach. From what the other person accompanying him told us he was thrown from a helicopter. It is by a miracle that he survived, and was still able to walk. They were held in captivity for two days. On the second day Austin woke up, and there was some sort of prison break which allowed them to escape. What caused the prison break is still unknown. We will keep him under medically indued coma until he has healed. Psychological Report Once the patient healed we took him off anesthesia. The patient woke up a few hours later sweating obviously shook up. I asked what was wrong the to which patient responded “ There dead there all dead.” he was talking about his squad. I told him about the other member of his squad. He seemed relived by the news. Given his emotional state this was good. I not going to question him today he still seems pretty worn out. He had nightmares again last night. I asked him about the nightmares. He just sat there quietly not saying a word. I could tell he was holding back tears. I asked him did he know anyone in the squad. He only knew one person prior to coming to Scorpio 6. It was his friend Dillon they knew each other since middle school. I asked a few more questions, but he was still trying to hold back tears. I decided to stop questioning him for the day. The Patient had nightmares again. The patient is obviously suffering from PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I decided to ask him how he escaped. He looked like he didn't know how to answer the question. What he told me shocked me. He said someone took control of him, and saved him form dying or getting seriously injured. Schizophrenia is most likely the cause of this, but he said it was like watching a movie. Normally a person would have blackouts, and not remember anything they did when they blacked out, but his case was different. He also said the other side willingly gave him control back. I asked him if the voice had said anything to him since he woke up or has he blackout. He answered no to both questions. It was strange, his other side seemed like it only wanted to protect him from danger. He asked me how the civil war was going. I told him the civil war on Scorpio 6 hasn't got any better. We were still taking heavy losses. Then EarthGov decided to cut their losses and bombed the entire Unitologist controlled side flat. The civilian loss of life is still rising, but its estimated to be in the millions. He looked relived but also upset. I decided it would best to stop my questions for the day. He had more nightmares. I told him this is the last day he had to spend in the hospital. He didn't seem to care much. I worry if these nightmares continue he would become completely apathetic to anything happening to him. I decide to give him a prescription for his Schizophrenia and PTSD. I could only hoped they would stop his nightmares. Doctor Bradley Andres. I finished looking at my patient report as my shuttle docked at Titan Station. I was redeployed to Titan Station in the days fallowing. I still was suffering from nightmares, but the voice had remained quiet since Scorpio 6 maybe the medicine dose work. I got off the shuttle. I knew a few people who lived here one of them was my best friend since 2nd grade John Clark. I told him I would be coming to Titan Station. He was going to meet me at the stations space port. I saw him approaching me “ John!” I said smiling. “ Austin!” He said smiling too. We shook each others hand. “ Its good to see you man how have you been?” he asked “ I've been doing good how about you?” I asked. I didn't want him to worry about me so I with held the truth. “ Good I got a job a CEC the pays good.” he said. I had to get settled in my new apartment. “ Can you show me were the apartment district is?” I asked. “ Sure thing man.” he said. We were walking to the apartments when a group of Unitologist saw me. I was wearing my EarthGov uniform. They walked in front of us “ look at this butcher,” One of them said. “ How many of children did you kill murderer!” another yelled. I was out there risking my life to save these people, and this is how I'm treated. “ Shut your damn mouths!” John said. “ The baby killer has a friend!” one of them said. A group was gathered around us now some were Unitologists and others were in military uniforms. I was starting to get angry. One of them noticed this “ What are you going to do Dog!” he said. “ Every soldier who died on Scorpio 6 deserved what they got.” He said. I remembered Dillon and my squad. I snapped I punched the guy right in the face. I felt his nose break from the punch. His friends were about to rush forward. Then all the other people in military uniforms stood behind me. His friends backed off. I started to move forward and so did the people behind me. We were trained to fight hand to hand they weren't. The man I punched was in the ground crying over his broken his nose. The police arrived, and placed them selves between us and Unitologists. The mans who nose I had broken stood up. “ I was assaulted by that man.” he was pointing directly at me. “ I don't care who started it, but it stops now.” He said harshly. The Unitologists left and so did the man whose nose I broke. The officer seemed to relax. “ I hate those guys.” he said now smiling. “ My brother in the military, and he said after what happened at Scorpio 6 every Unitologist has been acting this way to him.” the officer said. “ I wanted to let you teach those guys a lesson, but that would just lead to more problems.” He said sighing. “ I wish you all the best of luck.” he said walking off with his group of police officers. The dream always ended here, but not this time. It was five months later. I just woke up in my apartment I remember this day. This was the day the necromorph outbreak happened. I remember this because it was freezing cold when I woke up. If I was correct I would stand up, and turn the TV on, and there would be nothing on. I watched myself do this. It happened only a day ago and its already in my dream. I heard a noise that wasn't in my dream before. It sounded like whimpering. The dream was now lucid. I could control what I did. Had someone tried to go in my dream. Those idiots I thought to myself. I tried to force myself to wake up. No luck then I tried to change the dream, but still no luck. I knew what was coming next. I heard a scream from down the hall. I needed to wake up and fast. I didn't want one of those ponies to see a necromorph. I was thinking of what to do. An idea came into my head maybe I could shock my self awake. I went over to the table next to my bed and grabbed my pistol. I had abandoned it early on during the outbreak. It did absolutely nothing to necromorphs, it didn't even phase them. I really hope this idea worked or the pony who was watching my dream's would be scared for the rest of there lives. I put the gun to the side of my head. I pulled the trigger bang! I woke up almost immediately my eyes were greeted by sunlight. I was forced to blink . I looked around the room. I saw Shining Armor he wasn't in shock and then I looked and saw Twilight she looked Fine. I looked around and saw Luna I found out who went in my dreams.
Just Following OrdersI was angry, and I had every right to be. She went in my dreams, and found things out about me I didn't even tell my parents, but she reminded me of James sad and scared. A part of me wanted to be pissed off, but another part of me felt sad for her. Twilight saw I was awake. Then she looked at princess Luna. Her eyes widened she ran over to Luna. “ Princess are you okay?” concern was in her voice and her eyes. Shining Armor ran over to Luna. Luna looked up at me she had tears in her eyes. I sat up, she started to move towards my bed. Shining Armor looked at me with anger and confusion. Luna was next to my bed I turned to face her. Twilight was standing right next to her. Luna wrapped her hooves around me. Was this a hug and what did it stand for. They seemed friendly enough for me to take it to be a good thing. I sat there awkwardly until she broke the hug. “ Are you okay?” I asked I didn't know how to treat the situation. She still had a few tears falling from her eyes. “ I'm sorry.” She said. What was she sorry for, was it going into my dreams, or was she sorry for me. “ No one should have to live that kind that life.” There was my answer, but how did she know it wasn't just a bad dream. Then again it was in chronological order. Also what was I going to say. Should I sugarcoat it, or dull it down, or even ignore the problem. Sugarcoating it would be difficult, and ignoring the problem would only lead to more problems. “ Look it was my decisions that got me there don't feel sorry for me.” I said. “ Did you chose to go into war?” she asked. She was angered by my response. “ No, but I was just following orders.” I replied. “ So was losing your friends an order then?” she was angered further by my second response. “ That was out of my control, and there was nothing I could do about it.” I replied I had to force myself to remain calm. How could she think I would ever want to lose my squad. She noticed she struck a nerve “ I'm sorry I didn't mean to...” she was at a lost for words. “ Its fine, but what's done is done.” I said. She looked upset from the answer. “ But you... took your own life.” she had a few more tears flowing down her eyes. What was I going to do. Should I tell them about the necromorphs, or should I just let them think I killed myself. I didn't know what to do. “ Is this why you didn't tell us how you got here?” she asked . “ Ya.” I said as sadly as possible I made my decision. “ Listen I'm better now I won't try anything like that again I promise.” I said trying to make her feel better. It worked she seemed to calm down. “ Listen what you saw was just the bad parts of my life I had good times also.” I said. She took a deep breath and exhaled she calmed down a good bit since the beginning. I thought about giving her a hug but part of me rejected the idea. So I just sat there. She looked over at the clock on the wall. She let out a sigh “ I have to get back to my duties.” she said a little shaken“ I'll be back tomorrow.” she said walking out the door. All I can do is hope she didn't have nightmares, and I hated hoping it implies you have no control over the matter. I looked over to see Twilight confused and sadden by what she just heard. “ What happened?” she asked with concern in her voice. I wondered why they were so concerned for me. I thought about what would have happened if they came to my universe. All outcomes I thought of would not end pretty. I guess I should be happy there not malicious. Twilight snapped me out of my daze. “ Are you willing to tell me what happened?” she asked. “ No.” I said bluntly. She looked like she was about to protest, but was interrupted by Shining Armor “ Twilight I need to talk to Austin alone.” he said. Twilight looked at me I gave her a nod, and she walked out of the room. “ Are you willing to tell me?” he asked. He didn't look angry anymore. I think he would be able to handle it. I told him everything up to the point were “ I killed myself.” He had a saddening look on his face. Good thing theirs a huge difference between seeing something, and being told about it. “ Something doesn't add up.” he said. “ How did you get so cut up?” he was smart, but I couldn't tell him. “ Listen I would tell you if I thought you could handle it.” I said. “ What do you mean by that?” he asked “ Just trust me on this.” I said. He was thinking about what to do “ Fine.” he said reluctantly. I noticed the sunlight outside fade quickly then moon light was shining in the room. I was confused how it happened, but after all that happened, should I be surprised. Shining Armor looked outside “ Its getting late I'm heading out. Also I will tell Twilight you need your rest. Also there are some guards outside the door if you need anything just shout.” he said “ Thanks.” I said as he walked out the door. I was tired after all that just happened. I rested my head on my pillow, and like always sleep came quickly for me. The dream picked up were it left off. I woke up in a freezing cold apartment room. I stood up and flicked on the TV. Static just as I knew what would happen. This time the dream wasn't lucid so I had to watch this nightmare unfold. I heard a scream from out side my door. The scream startled me I thought some one was getting robbed. I walked out side my room. A woman came running from behind the corner. She saw me and reached out for me. The next thing I knew a blade was sticking out form her stomach. She gave a blood curling scream. She was pulled behind the corner I ran inside and grabbed my pistol. I saw the thing that killed the woman. It had blades coming out from it's shoulders. It whole body looked mangled and deformed. “ What the hell!” It scared the living shit out of me. I raised my pistol and proceed to fire at it. The thing didn't even flinch. I had just put ten bullets into it and it didn't even flinch. It charged directly at me. The thing was incredibly fast. I rolled to the right just it time to avoid the blade like limbs that were going to slash me apart. I Sprung back to my feet. I was behind it now I grabbed the blade like limbs and kicked it's leg as hard as I could. It was on its knees. I put my foot on its back and pushed as hard as I could against it's back. It was flailing I ripped one of the blade like limbs off. It was on the ground now I shoved the blade through it's back which pinned it to the floor. I was still alive, and flailing. I put my foot on the other blade like limb to stop it from flailing. I ripped the blade from it's back. Then I shoved it through the monsters face. It stopped moving after that. I looked around, and didn't see any more of them. I went back into my room. What the hell was that thing I thought to myself. I decided to change into my military uniform it might help me get farther then a civilian. I grabbed a extra mag for my pistol. I saw my knife sitting on a table I didn't know what it was going to do, but I grabbed it anyway. I checked my rig for messages. One had come from EarthGov saying martial law has been declared. Then I checked my orders. My primary orders was to aid in evacuation, and my secondary orders were to find Issac Clark and Nolan Stross, and kill them. What had they done to deserve death. I wondered to my self. Maybe they were the ones responsible for this. I looked back down at the creature that laid there lifelessly. Another message popped up on my rig. It was John Clark he was asking if I had any idea what was going on. I called John “ John?” I asked. “ What the hell's going on!” he yelled. “ I don't know.” I replied. “ There are soldiers outside my door telling me to go to the evacuation shuttles.” he said fear in his voice. “ Trust me get there as fast as you can.” I said. “ What about you.” he said concern in his voice. “ I'll be fine just go to the evacuation shuttles.” I said. “ Alright I'll head over to the shuttles.” he said as he ended the call. I had to get to the military base. I walked carefully I watched my back, and my corners. I saw the body of the woman that the creature killed. She was missing her head and one of her arms. I saw her decapitated head only a few feet away “ What the fuck.” was the only thing I could say I felt like I was about to puke. I saw a few more of those monsters coming. I decided to hide rather then fight them. Once they passed I got the hell out of there until. I saw a group of soldiers standing in front of a group of Unitologists. There were about 25 Unitologists, and six soldiers. The soldiers saw me approach they all raised there weapons. They noticed my uniform and lowered there weapons. “ Shit man you scared us!” one of the soldiers yelled. “ Who's the ranking officer?” I asked. One soldier stepped forward “ Corporal Bradly Sir.” “ Were is your Sargent?” I asked. “ He's dead.” one of the soldiers said somberly. “ We should be asking you the same.” Bradly said. “ I don't have a squad, but I'm Sargent Austin Schroeder.” I said. “ You don't have a squad.” Bradly said confused. “ Well no I was suppose to be redeployed days ago, but I'm still here I was also to get a new squad once I was redeployed.” I said. “ I have something to ask you why have you stopped these people.” I said pointing to the Unitologists. “ Were waiting for our orders.” Bradly said. It made sense the brass was probably tied up with those damn monsters. “ I heard the soldiers rig's ping they looked at there messages. Some of them stared at the message with disbelief. “ Whats wrong?” I asked. One of the soldiers showed me there message. It said to kill the crowd of Unitologists. “ This can't be right can it?” one of the soldiers asked. “ Let me call Command.” I said. I called command center, and I walked away from the group of people, and I then told command all that happened, but I was interrupted “ Command we were just given an order to execute a group of Unitologists.” Bradly said speaking. “ Sargent Austin Schroeder I'm putting you in charge of the squad you found.” the man said. I was shocked. “ And the order stands the Unitologists are responsible for whats going on here.” Command ended the call. We Were given an order to execute unarmed Unitologists. My mind was fighting it self. “ Forget command let's let these people go they didn't do anything.” Bradly said. “ Are you joking they caused the outbreak of Necromorphs.” another soldier said. So that's whats those monsters were called. “ There unarmed let them go.” A voice in my head said. “ Follow your orders.” another said it wasn't the voice from Scorpio 6. “ Are you going to really execute innocent civilians.” one voice said. “ We have an order follow it, besides these were the bastards who started this anyway.” The other voice said. “ Do whats right.” The kind voice said. “ You know what you must do.” the other voice said coldly. I snapped back into the real world. “ Sargent what should we do?” a soldier asked. “ Follow your heart.” the kind voice said. “ Your a soldier follow your orders!” the cold voice said. The cold voice was stronger then the kind voice. “ You can't be seriously considering this can you.” Bradly said talking to me. “ We'll follow order right sir.” Another soldier said looking to me. “ Don't do it” the kind voice said “ Follow orders.” the other said. I had to follow orders, but I couldn't kill unarmed people, could I. I had to make a decision “ We follow our orders.” I said. “ I guess war did change us.” the kind voice said, and with that I felt a part of me die. “ You made the right choice.” the cold voice said warmly. “ This isn't right!” Bradly yelled. “ It is the right choice.” another soldier said. Me and a few other soldiers walked up to the Unitologists. Bradly through his weapon down and walked in front of me. “ You going to have to kill me first.” he said “ Move Bradly.” a soldier said. “ You better make sure you kill me because if you don't I will find you and I will kill you.” Bradly said I knew he meant it. “ Corporal Bradly stand down!” I said in a voice that demanded obedience. “ Sorry Sir, but you can go to hell.” he said rebelliously. I raised my pistol to his forehead. “ Stand down now!” I yelled some of the soldiers looked at me with fear, what have I become. “ No!” he yelled with determination. I raised my gun, and pistol whipped him in the side of the head. He fell to the floor unconscious. The soldiers looked at me with a look of complete terror on there faces. “ Lets go” I said the soldiers followed with out question. We were standing in front of the Unitologists now. They all looked at me with fear on there faces. What have I become I thought to myself I raised my pistol. “ READY!” I yelled. “ You don't have to do this.” one of the Unitologists said. “ AIM!” “ Why are you doing this?” one of them asked “ Just Following orders.” I replied. The soldiers had there weapons raised. “ FIRE!” I yelled and with that me and soldiers began to fire upon the Unitologists. They all fired until they ran out of ammo. I looked at the pile of dead bodies that littered the ground. They all laid there lifeless, a huge pool of blood was starting to form. I went over to Bradly and picked him up and put him over my shoulders I dropped my pistol in the process, and just left it there “ Lets move out.” I said. We all made our way to the military evacuation zone. “ This is the last Shuttle Leaving all aboard.” A man said. We ran up to him. “ There isn't enough room for seven of you.” The man said. “ What there has to be.” I said. “ We only have room for six more.” the man said. “ So one of us has to stay behind.” I said. “ I'll do it.” I said. The soldiers looked at me with surprise. “ But Sir.” “ No buts just go.” I allowed one of the soldiers to take the still unconscious Bradly away from me. The soldiers loaded on the shuttle. The man was right behind them “ Listen I heard the Government side of Titan Station still has Shuttles coming in and out you should go there.” the man said “ I will thanks.” I replied as he loaded on the shuttle. I was alone. “ Come on throw your best at me, and just get it over with already!” I was yelling at some invisible force. I awoke in a cold sweat. Those final word played through my head. Had I brought this on my self? I shook the thought out of my head, and I looked out side it was still night outside, but I wasn't about to go asleep again. I looked around the room there were no ponies. I let out a sigh of relief, but I was hungry and thirsty. Shining Armor said there was some guards outside the door. I stood up I felt a little woozy a first, but I quickly gained my footing. They were just cuts and scratches no broken bones, but I was still sore. They kept my socks on at least. I walked on the cold tile floor to the door and turned the handle ever so slightly until the door was opened. I peeked outside the guard I was looking at looked like it was going to pass out. “ Hello.” I whispered. The guard looked at me then it's eyes opened widely. It had a look of surprise on it's face. “ Uh.” It had a deep voice so I guess it was a guy. He was wearing gold armor and had pure white fur. “ Can you get me some water please?” I asked. He looked at me still surprised “ If you want I could get it myself.” I said. “ Uh that's not necessary I'll go get it.” he said as he started to walk down the hall. The pain feels as if had subsided, but I decided not to put my body through the paces quite yet. I was still able to walk that's some thing to be happy about I suppose. I was always told be happy for the little things you had. I heard I knock at the door. It was the guard he had a pitcher of water. He had to turn his head almost sideways to hold. I grabbed it from him. “ Why didn't you just use a bucket it would have been easier, and why dose it have a handle as if it was meant for some thing with opposable thumbs or hands for that matter?” I asked. “ I don't know its always been that way.” he said. I wanted to start questioning him then I looked at the door handle it was meant for use by hand. What the hell was going on, but my stomach reminded me I was hungry “ I hate to ask, but could you get me some food.” I said. “ Like?” he asked. Horses or ponies as they were called were herbivores so some thing made of plants “ A salad.” I said. “ Alright.” he said as he walked down the hall for the second time. He came back with the salad I thanked him for it. I went over and sat on my bed the only thing lighting the room was moonlight. The salad contained Lettuce, tomatoes, diced carrots, croutons, and oh, dandelions. I ate everything but the dandelions. I set the near empty bowl on the table next to my bed, and I chugged the pitcher of water and set it on the table as well. I decided to examine my injuries. I left the bandages on. I just felt around then I felt were I was stabbed. A jolt of pain surged through my body. I retracted my arm quickly, the pain subsided after a few seconds. I looked at the clock I couldn't make out what it said. The numbers looked foreign to me, but if it was anything like a clock back home it was around midnight. I stood up and started to pace the room. I didn't want to fall back to sleep. Then the image of the Unitologists flashed in my head. My mind usually kept me from seeing images I didn't want to see while I was awake. The image stayed in my head what if they were innocent. Then I remembered that command said they caused it. Which one was true. I hated my mind it would contradict it self some times. Was it a lawful order. Hell did we even have a plan for those damned things. My mind was fighting its self again, but lucky for me no voices. Then I thought to my response “ Just following orders.” was this the right thing to do. I have heard of cases were people said the same thing. Some of the things they did were horrendous. I thought about it even more. Was it or wasn't it the right thing to do. “ The past is the past don't let it change the present.” It was the voice from Scorpio 6, but this time he didn't sound evil. He didn't speak anymore, but I knew what he meant. He was telling me to move on with my life. Although I was in a land I didn't know anything about, and I didn't know what was next. I had to do the one thing I hated to do. Hope.
OffersI laid in my bed for a few minutes. I stood up, the last thing I wanted to do was fall back to sleep. I had a flash back of Titan Station, all those bodies I saw while going to the government section. A good amount of them were my fellow soldiers. Then the images of people that had covered there faces. I think they were Unitologists, but I wasn't sure. All I know is that I found a few messages saying “ Glorious convergence has started.” I shuttered at that thought of people actually wanting to become necromorphs. Then I found a few messages saying to cut off the limbs. Titan Station wasn't the best of places, but it never deserved that. There was a knock at the door. “ Come in.” I said. It was the guard from outside. He told me he was just checking if I was still awake, and then he walked out. Why would he be checking if I was awake. A feeling of paranoia started to wash over me. What if he was going to move me to an operating room, or he was going to steal from me. I cleared the thoughts out of my head. I was just being paranoid they weren't going to do anything, where they? The feeling of paranoia came back. I had to fight the thought out of my head. They haven't given me any reason to distrust them. “ One of them went into our dreams.” a voice said. The voice wasn't the one from earlier, but he was right. Luna did go into my dreams. “ You didn't listen to me back on Titan Station, but listen to me now. You know what would happen if they came to our universe just be glade they aren't like us.” it was the kind voice. I thought he was gone. He was right, things would be much different if they came to my universe. I had to trust him on this. I'm sure she only meant well by what she did. I looked at the clock it was around one by my guess. I was wide awake now I wouldn't be able to go to sleep, but I didn't want to stand up all night either so I sat back in bed. I stayed up until the sun rose high in the sky. It didn't take that long. As soon as the moon went down the sun came up. Why did night and day change so quickly here, but I didn't have time to think about that. I heard the door handle start to turn. In walked Shining Armor. He calmly shut the door behind him. I stood up I was tired of laying down. Shining Armor looked at me surprised he hasn't seen me standing up yet. I towered above him he looked a little nervous. “ So whats going on.” I asked nonchalantly. “ I was coming to see if you've gotten any better, but I've already got my answer.” They were only cuts except for the one stab wound. As long as I didn't do anything stupid they wouldn't reopen. “ So when will I be able to leave?” I asked Shining Armor. “ Today actually, I was suppose to judge if you were in good enough condition to leave.” I felt happy and scared at the same time I didn't know what to think. On one hand I was allowed to leave the hospital, and on the other hand I didn't have; food, shelter, or money. There was only one thing I could do, I swallowed my pride “ I don't have any money.” I told Shining Armor defeated. “ I figured that much your not even from this universe.” he said. “ You will be given 200 bits once you leave.” he said. “ Also I've come with an offer.” he said in a deadly serious tone. “ I want to offer you a position in the royal guard.” I had a hunch that is what he was going to ask, but is this something I wanted to do. First off I wouldn't be fighting humans which is what I was trained to do. Second if the gold armor was any indication about how advance there military was, I was not trained to use a sword in the military. I mean I knew hand to hand combat, but that's about all the training I had with melee weapons. Third I had to have a reason to fight, back home I was fighting for my government. Here what was I going to be fighting for, but on the other hand I would get; shelter, food, medical care, and money. Also I liked the discipline of military life. Shining Armor noticed I was considering his offer “ I'll give you sometime to decide, but I need an answer by the end of the day.” and with that he walked out of the room. Twilight walked in the room as he left. “ Hello.” she said “ Hi.” I replied. “ What did my brother have to tell you?” she asked. “ He told me I will be able to leave the hospital today.” I said. “ That's great news you'll be able to meet all my friends.” She replied happily. “ I don't know I might have to head off with your brother.” I said. “ Why?” she asked. “ Your brother offered me a position in the royal guard.” I said. She had a look on her face. She knew he was going to ask me to join the royal guard, that look was all to familiar to me. “ You knew he was didn't you?” I asked. “ Yes.” she replied. “ He's heard some of the legends about humans. How they are strong warriors, and also how vicious they are when it comes to combat.”she said. “ Why would he have need for me. You guys seem peaceful enough.” I said slightly confused. “ There was an attack on Canterlot a few months ago. The changelings were able to defeat most of the royal guard.” she said. I remembered reading something about changelings in school they were mystical creatures who could change there appearance. I wondered if me and Twilight were talking about the same thing. “ I see, I might have to take your brother up on his offer.” I said. “ No!” she shouted. I was surprised she even cared. “ Why not?” I asked . “ My brother views you as an advantage for the royal guard, but from what you told me you can teach me about human technological advances, which would greatly help us.” she said. I wasn't a scientists, but I still remembered some of the things I learned in school. “ I suppose, but I still need a place to stay.” I said. “ You could stay with me.” she said. At first I thought she was joking, but her facial expression told other wise. “ I couldn't I would be to much of a bother.” I said. I needed a place to stay, but I didn't want to impose. “ No you wouldn't be a bother at all.” she said. I needed to think my options over. “ I'll give you my answer at the end of the day.” Twilight left, but this time no one walked in after her. I looked at the clock, it was still early in the morning. A few hours later there was knock at the door. In walked Princess Luna. “ Hello.” she said. “ Hi.” I replied. “ How are you feeling?” I asked. “ Better, but I should be asking you the same question.” she said. “ I'm fine, I'm just glad I'm getting out of the hospital today.” I said. “ So what are you going to do after you leave?” she asked. “ Funny that you asked Twilight and Shining Armor both offered me some positions.” I said “ Such as?” she asked. “ Shining offered me a position in the royal guard. Twilight wants me to tell her about human technology.” I said. “ Which one will you chose?” she asked. “ I haven't decided yet.” I said. “ If you want I could find you a job in the royal court.” she said. A third option was now on the table. “ Why are you offering me such a high position?” I asked. “ You have lived through more than most ponies do in there lifetime.” she said. “ The job pays high, and you will be able to live in the castle.” she said. High pay and living in castle sounds nice, but it was a political job. If it was anything like human politics there was going to backstabbing, and everything was opened to the public. “ Also my sister would like to meet you.” she said. “ Who is your sister?” I asked. “ She is the ruler of Equestria.” she said with a hint of jealousy in her voice. How was she still a princess if her sister was the ruler. I decided not to ask. “ I need some time to think this over.” I said. “ Of course its a lot to take in.” she said. She walked out of the room. I looked at the clock it was around one. I didn't have a lot of time left. The main question is what was I going to chose? Authors notes Which offer would you guys like him to take. He will still meet other characters along the way, but I'm leaving it up to you guys to pick what Offer he takes. I would also like to thank you all for your support/
DescisonsIt was around three when there was a knock at the door. It was Shining Armor he was levitating an object. The object was my military armor. “ I brought you these.” he said pointing at the floating armor. “ Your going to be released at four.” I had an hour left in the hospital. I thanked him for giving me my armor, and with that he walked out of the room. I looked at the armor. The armor's auto repair function had worked. The Armor looked brand new. The auto repair function was a relatively new function in military armor. It was pretty common for engineers to have auto repairing armor though. The reason it took so long to get military self repairing armor was because if a soldier were to die someone could take his armor, but after suit malfunctions on Scorpio 6 it became standard issue. The armor wouldn't repair if it was torn to shreds though, luckily for me my armor was still in shape for it to be repaired. I put on the armor which took a few minutes. I remembered when I first got the armor. I could barely run in it, but now it feels like a part of me. I put the finale pieces on I raised my mask. I looked in the mirror the blue lights in the mask were one of the most visible features. I did a check on the armor, the breathing regulator was working. The climate control part of my suit was working. I wondered why the suit needed a climate control feature. I guess it was in case of extreme temperatures, so the wearer wouldn't die. I looked at the clock I had half an hour until four. I had to think of what to do. Shining armor offered me a job in the military, but I had already fought in a war, and I didn't want to do it again, but If they were under attack I would help out. Luna offered me a job in the royal court. I didn't want to get involved in politics, but the money would be nice. Also they seemed peaceful, and I think I would die before anything exciting happened. Twilight had offered me a place to stay in exchange for knowledge. What could I teach her. I could teach her about human weapons, but that would only lead to problems. If the need arose I would teach her how to make weapons. I could teach her about advance mathematics which is mostly pointless, but it is knowledge. One thing I knew is that I wouldn't be staying with her forever. I would eventually find my own place, or find away back home. I wish I could go back home, but something in my gut told me that wouldn't be happening. I hope my family would be okay. I wouldn't get to see my little sister graduate from collage, or get married. A tear slid down my face. I was glad I was wearing my mask I didn't want anyone to see me cry even if it was one tear. I cleared my mind, and looked at the clock. It was almost four I had to get ready. I walked out into the hallway. There were two guards outside the door who stood at the ready. “ This way sir.” one of the guards said. He started to walk down the hallway. I followed him, and the other guard was trailing behind me. We went into the main lobby. There were a few ponies in the lobby. They looked at me with awe. I still had my mask up so I probably looked pretty intimidating. I looked around the lobby. There was one pony in particular that stood out of the rest of the crowd. It was a unicorn it had a light aquamarine coat. It was sitting on beach like a human would. It was staring wide eyed at me as if I was the most amazing thing its ever seen, but the guard motioned me forward. We reached the front doors and he opened up the door. Outside was Luna, Shining Armor, and Twilight were all waiting for me. “ So have you came to a decision?” Luna asked. “ Yes.” I said they all looked expectantly. “ I have decided to take Twilight up on her offer.” I said. Shining Armor looked disappointed, Luna looked like she was okay with it. Twilight had a wide smile on her face. “ If you guys need anything I'm still willing to help out.” I said to Shining Armor and Luna. “ I appreciate that.” Luna said. “ As do I.” Shining Armor added. I knew he would call in the favor if he needed to. “ Shall we get started?” Twilight asked. Me and Twilight started to walk back to her house. I looked back Shining Armor was walking away, and Luna got on a near by chariot and it took off. The chariot was pulled by two pegasus. I looked back at the hospital and saw the aquamarine pony again. It was staring at me again I was wondering why it was doing that. Twilight looked where I was looking. “ Who is that?” I asked Twilight. “ That's Lyra Heartstrings she is obsessed with humans. Everyone thought she was crazy, well until now that is.” she said. I decided to wave at her. She looked like she was going to pass out. We finally arrived at Twilight's house. I lowered my mask. “ That's incredible.” Twilight said looking at my suit of armor. I looked around her house. It looked like a library. “ Why do you have so many books?” I asked Twilight. “ This used to be the towns library, and also I like to read.” that much was obvious. “ Let me get some things.” Twilight said as she walked into another room. I started to walk around the room. I picked a book off the shelf. I looked through the book. I couldn't make out anything. I guess I'll have to ask Twilight to translate. “ Hi.” someone from behind me said, but it didn't sound like Twilight. I turned around, but I didn't see anyone. “ Down here.” the thing said a little annoyed. I looked down and saw a reptilian like creature. “ Oh, hi.” I replied a little surprised to be seeing a creature like this. “ So what creature are you?” I asked “ I'm a dragon.” he said a little annoyed. “ Oh.” I said, I really hope I don't have to fight a full sized dragon like in mythology. “ What creature are you?” he asked. “ Me, I'm a human.” I replied. He looked a little shocked. “ Like the humans from legends that kill dragons.” he asked a little scared. “ No, not like those humans.” I said. He let out a sigh of relief. Twilight walked back in the room carrying paper and ink. It was going to be a long night. I decided to start with math. I could have shown her stasis, but I didn't know how to replicate that technology, or a lot of human technology for that matter. I started naming things off, she knew a lot of it already, but there were a few things I knew that she didn't. She didn't even get board when I was talking about circles. She found it fascinating that humans have discovered so many things about circles. She found charting tangents fun. I remembered when I was in school this was some of the most boring things I did. I taught her how to do some basic trigonometry. She enjoyed learning new things. I only wished I shared her enthusiasm. I have to learn to read there letters. The numbers were pretty easy to learn. They were the same back home, but they just looked different. 100 was still a one and two zeros just like back home. I decided to teach her about pi. At first she thought I was talking about actual pie. I laughed at that, but I told her about it wasn't the same thing. She found it extraordinary how much humans knew about math. I still didn't see where I would use it in the job world, but not much I could do now. Morning arrived pretty quick she had written everything I told her down. If I had shown as much initiative as she did when I was back in school, I would be a doctor by now. She said she had to sort it all out so I would have some time to my self. I hadn't slept for awhile. Then I remembered my recent nightmare. I could handle the ones of Scorpio 6, but necromorphs were a whole different story. I decided to go outside for awhile. I wondered what I was going to see today. Authors notes I would like thank everyone who commented in the last chapter. Also I'm opened to any suggestions for future chapters if you have any ideas.
The Invitation The Invitation I opened the door to go outside, but I was stopped by Twilight. “If your going out you should take these.” she was levitating a bag of something. “What is it?” I asked. “Its 200 bits.” she said. Bits were the currency around here I thought to myself. “Twilight I couldn't take the money your already giving me a place to stay.” I said. “No its fine Shining Armor told us that the pony you choose would give you 200 bits.” she said. Shining did say that, but I couldn't take the money it would just feel wrong. Like staying at a friends place then asking them for money. “Twilight I couldn't, it wouldn't feel right.” I said. “Its fine just take the bits.” she said. “ Fine.” I said defeated there was no point in arguing about taking money. She levitated the bits into my hand. I closed the bag of bits in my hand. I then put the bits in my suit's side pocket. “Thank you Twilight.” I said. “It's no problem.” she replied. I stepped outside and raised my mask. I wasn't going to use the money unless I needed to. I saw a few stands off in the distance, that might be good place to start. I arrived in what I guess was the market district. Some of the ponies were staring at me. I felt dozens of eyes watching my movements. It didn't help that I towered above most of them. I took in my surroundings, most of the stalls sold only one thing. One stall only sold cherries, and another only sold carrots. I would guess most of these stalls were individually owned. I saw a bakery in the distance. The bakery looked almost like a ginger bread house. I felt my stomach rumble, I haven't eaten since the hospital. I wonder how much breakfast would cost. I started to walk towards the bakery. I felt the eyes of ponies following me as I walked to the bakery. I arrived at the bakery I looked inside the shop. Cakes lined the display shelves in the window. The most expensive one being only 20 bits, I was glad I learned the number symbols. I was deciding if I should go in. I started to play out the situations in my head. They might freak out thinking a monster was in there shop, and on the other hand they might refuse to serve me, although they didn't seem like the type to do such a thing, or they just serve me and life goes on. There was only one way to find out. I lowered my mask before I walked in. I walked in the bakery; there was a pink pony behind the counter. It had a very wide grin on it's face. The other pony was cream colored with a pink streak in it's mane. “Did you see the creature in town yesterday; It was talking with Luna, Shining Armor, and Twilight yesterday night?” the cream colored one said; I could tell it was female from her voice. “Now that he's out of the hospital I have to throw him a welcome party, OH! And I have throw him a get well party too.” the pink pony said, this pony was also female. Wait did she say she was going to throw me a party. She didn't even know me why would she show me kindness. “Maybe she has something to gain?” a voice in my head said; maybe she did have something to gain, but what? “There different from us maybe it just something they do for newcomers.” it was the kind voice. Maybe, maybe not I'll just have to find out. They still haven't took notice to me yet. “From what Lyra told me he was as tall a Celestia, and had glowing eyes.”The cream color pony said. “ Also that he walks on two legs, as opposed to four.” she added. “He's not from around here silly, that's why I'm throwing him a welcome party.” the pink pony said with a lot of enthusiasm. “Well I don't know, but I'll be back later to pick up my order.” the cream colored pony said. “Okey dokey lokey.” the pink energetic pony said. The cream pony turned around to walk out. She noticed me for the first time; her eyes opened widely. She started walking toward the door staring at me. She slammed into the door, and the pink pony busted out laughing. I have to admit it was pretty funny, but I didn't want to seem disrespectful by laughing. She shook it off and walked out the door, and was still starring at me from outside. I was the next person up “Here goes nothing.” I mumbled to myself. I walked up to the counter; the pink pony had a welcoming smile on her face. “Hi my names Austin.” I said. “Hi Austin my names Pinkie Pie.” she said very fast and energetically. “You must be new around here, because I don't recognize you, and I'm friends with everypony.” she said with the same enthusiasm. Something in my mind flashed; it was when I first arrived here. There were six ponies and this was one of them, and Twilight was another one, but who were the other four ponies. I guess I'll have to figure out later. Also wouldn't she recognize me; maybe she really wasn't there and I'm just seeing things. It also may be possible she forgot about the incident, or could be because my mask is down, anyway I had to think of something to say “Ya, I only got here a few days ago.” I said; as I looked at the menu on the wall. They writing style was different from back home, it almost looked like calligraphy. “So Pinkie what is today's special?” I asked, I really hoped they had a special or I was about to like an idiot. “Chocolate chip pancakes.” she said energetically, I wondered if she was always this energetic or was this part of her job. “ Sounds great I'll take that.” She nodded and walked into another room which I would assume was the kitchen. There were some tables by the door, I decided to take seat there and wait for her to come back out. When I sat down I realized how tired I was, I hadn't slept since the hospital. I saw the kitchen door open I stood up and walked to the counter. She set the plate on the counter which was about waist height. I reached in to my pocket “ How much will it be?” I asked. “ Consider it a welcoming gift.” she said with a smile. “ Well at least let me give you tip.” she looked confused by what I said. I put two bits on the counter and picked up my plate. “ What is this for?” she asked confused. “ It's money for a good job.” she still looked confused “ It's a human tradition.” I said. She looked like she understood. I walked to a nearby table and sat down. The chairs were more like benches and they were lower than normal human chairs, but they were still better than standing. I set my plate on the table. There was a napkin on the table with a fork, spoon, and butter knife. I eat my pancakes slowly, I didn't want to look uncivilized. It was hard because these were the most delicious pancakes I ever had. I was actually disappointed when I finished them off. I stood up and placed my plate and fork on the counter. “Thank you for the great breakfast.” I said. “It was no problem.” she said with a smile. I turned around to walk, but when I did she was in front of me, how the hell did she do that. “ I almost forgot to invite to your welcoming party tomorrow.” she said bouncing up and down. “You don't have to do that Pinkie Pie.” I said she's already done enough for me, but I was little curious to see what she would gain. “No its fine I throw one for everypony.” she said still bouncing. I decided to play along “Thank you Pinkie I'll be there.” as I finished my sentence she wrapped me up in a hug; what was it with them and hugs I hope this is something I don't have to get use to. She finally released me from her hug, "Be here around 12 in the afternoon." she said, and with that I walked to the door. “I'll see you at the party tomorrow.” I said as I walked out the door. I walked back into the market distract. I felt the eyes of ponies on me again, but I was thinking about something else. I had to go to a party tomorrow. I had no clothes besides my tattered uniform and my armor. I would just go in my armor, but also I needed to bathe. Also who was going to be at the party. I decided to leave the market district the feeling of ponies staring was starting to get to me. I was in a park like area. There were benches scatted around the park. I sat down at one of the benches. I felt worn out and tired I needed to get some sleep. I put up my mask. I didn't want to go to sleep in the park, I had to stand up, but I was to tired. I was just going to rest my eyes that's all. As soon as I closed my eyes I fell to sleep. I Was back on Titan Station in the transport hub right after my squad left. I should have asked one of my squad members for a gun. The man told me that the government sector still had ships coming. Deep down in my mind I knew I wasn't going to make it, but I was going to try. I looked at my Rig's map, the fastest rout was through a hospital, but that was a well populated route. There would be chaos in those areas, but the only other route was nearly twice as long, but it went through less populated areas. I decided to go through the less populated area. I decided to walk because if I turned a corner, and one of them was there I would be ripped to shreds. I walked through the door, there was a dead soldier lying on the ground. He still had his grenades on him, but his weapon was ripped to shreds. “ Rest in peace comrade.” I said as I grabbed his grenades. His eyes were opened they had look of terror in them. I closed his eyes it was sad to see to see one of your fallen brothers like this. I was about quarter of the way there when I saw a flying necromorph. There were bodies scattered around the area. I hid in a nearby shop. The flying necromorph latched on to one of the bodies faces. I saw how these monsters were born. I almost threw up it was disgusting see my fellow man turning into these things. I sat in the store silent until all the bodies were turned into those damn necromorphs. After all the necromorphs left I waited a few minutes to be sure. I wasn't going to let myself turn into one of those damned things. I would detonate the grenades before I died. I walked outside the shop watching my corners. I had to keep pushing forward. I was about half way there when I heard something big behind me. I ducked behind some signs. The necromorph I saw was larger then any necromorph I've seen yet, it didn't even look human. It looked like it's purpose was brute strength. It stopped and looked around, I had a hand on the grenades. I heard a scream from down the hall. The brute turned around and charged back. I ran forward I had to get out of this area. There was a door, I heard the brute charging at me now. The door was locked due to the lock down. The doors sensor scanned me, the brute was getting closer. I turned around and threw a stasis field around it. “Sargent Austin Schroeder, clearance granted.” the automated said as I ran through the door. The door closed behind me, and then the brute slammed into the door. The door was badly damaged, if it charged it again it would break. I ran there were a few necromorphs in front of me. I was sprinting, if one got in my way I would shove it out of the way. There was another door up ahead, I put a stasis field around the necromorphs behind me. I run up to the door, and this one wasn't locked I ran through the door, and it shut behind me. “That was to close.” I said to myself painting. I looked at my Rig's map all, but one route was blocked by quarantine barriers. The lights were flickering up ahead. I was coming up to an T-intersection. This was getting close to my arrival here in Equestria. I felt something touching my shoulder. It was still sunny out, I looked at what was touching my shoulder. A bird had landed on my shoulder. I started to move my left arm to wave it off my shoulder, but it flew off my shoulder.before I could. I wondered what time it was. All I knew is that it was still sunny out. I decided to head back to Twilight's house. I stretched as I stood up and let out a deep yawn. I started walking towards her house when the sun started going down. It when down in a matter of minutes, and as soon as it was down the moon came up. How did work I wondered to myself. I arrived at Twilight's house, and walked inside. She was sitting on the couch reading a book. “Hay, Twilight what are you reading?” I asked. “ A book on on mathematics.” she said. “The stuff you taught me aren't in any math books.” she said excited. “Do you know what that means!?” she said excitedly. “No, what does it mean?” I asked. “ It means the things your teaching me will be published in new textbooks. This will be my first book ever on the subject of math.” she said bouncing. “Alright then let me teach you some more things about math then.” I said. She had a wide smile on her face. “Are we going to do more tangents?” she asked excitedly. “No something new.” her smile grew even bigger hearing this. “What is it, will it allow it to travel through dimensions?” she asked. “No, but close its, Pythagorean theorem.” I said. I was going to have to ask her about the party later. She was too concentrated on learning about human mathematics. It was going to be another long night. Author's notes Sorry its been a long time since I've published anything. Like I said earlier I'm open to any ideas you guys want to see in the future chapters, feel free to speak your mind. Also I'm still with out an editor for the time. Thank you
Familiar Faces Familiar Faces Familiar Faces After a restless night of going over mathematical equations, mostly Pythagorean theorem. The sun came up over the horizon and took it's place in the center of the sky. I looked at the clock it was six in the morning. I decided to set my Rig's clock to the current time. I opened up my Rig's menu, Twilight looked at it memorized. “How does it work?” she asked. “To be honest with you I don't know.” I replied. She looked a little disappointed by the fact. I decided to change the subject “So are you going to my welcoming party?” I asked. “Of course.” she replied. “So do you know who else is going?” I asked. “I know Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy are definitely coming to the party, but I think everypony is welcome to come.” she said. I was kind of hoping for a small party, but this will allow me to meet more people. I needed to get ready for the party. First off I needed a way to clean myself off. The shower in Twilight's house was to small, but my options were very limited. I also would have to change my bandages, but if I couldn't bathe I might as well put on clean bandages. “Twilight do you have any bandages I could use?” I asked. “Are you going to bathe?” she asked. “I might as well change my bandages ya know, but I would like to bathe, but your shower is to small.” I said. “I thought as much. There is a chemical shower in the basement you could use.” she said. “Really?” I asked. She nodded as she levitated some soap, and bandages my way. “Thanks Twilight your a saint.” I said as I walked into the basement. I took off my armor, it was cold down here. I saw the shower over in the far right corner almost out of view. Took off my clothes and got underneath the shower. The water was freezing cold, but its not like I hadn't taken cold shower before. I washed my body with a cherry smelling soap. Once I was done I let the cool air dry me off. I put on my new bandages, and then put on my clothes and armor again. Once I was done I took a look around the basement. There were a lot of strange machines around the room. Some chemicals lying on the shelf. I couldn't tell what they were, I would have to ask Twilight later. I decided it was time to head up stairs. I opened the door to the ground floor. Twilight was there putting the equations I taught her in a book. I looked a my Rig's clock it was 6:32 I decided to ask Twilight about the the people that were going to the party. A few hours later me and Twilight were walking to the party. From what she told me about her friends; Rarity was highly civilized and hated unclean things good thing I showered, and she was the element of generosity what ever that means. Also she told me that she owned a clothing store in town, she would be the one to talk to about getting new clothes. She also told me about Fluttershy, she was very timid, and loved animals Twilight called here the element of kindness. Then there was Applejack she and her family owned the Apple orchard outside of town. Twilight told me she had a bit of an accent, and she also called her the element of honesty I wondered why she called them elements. She also told me about her friends Rainbow Dash she was apparently very athletic, and Twilight called her the element of loyalty I'm noticing that she calls her friends elements maybe it was something they do here. We arrived at Sugar Cube Corner. I looked at my Rig's clock it was 11:50, we were a few minutes early. I knocked on the door, and Pinkie answered the door. “Hi Pinkie.” Twilight and I both said at the same time. “Hi Twilight hi Austin.” Pinkie said with the same joyful demeanor from yesterday. She also still had that wide smile from yesterday. “Come in you two. You two are the first to arrive.” she said. I walked inside the building, and there was a banner that said “Welcome Austin.” didn't I only tell her my name yesterday. Besides that the party looked great there was punch on the table, as well as some snacks. This was really kind of her, or maybe she is going to charge me for the party. I didn't know the answer yet, but I would just have to find out. “So Austin how do like your party so far?” Pinkie asked with her bright blue eyes on me, waiting for my response. “This is amazing Pinkie I never got a welcoming party like this before” I said. I was telling the truth I have never got a welcoming party like this because I've never got one. I didn't think it possible but Pinkie's smile got larger and I mean a lot larger. The next thing I knew I was on the ground with a pink pony bouncing on my chest. “How the...” in football I was trained to take and return a tackle from 300 plus pound person, but this pony got me to the ground in less then a second. “Dose that make us friends?” she asked with hopeful eyes. “Sure.” I said trying to get her off my chest. She stopped bouncing and started to shake. “Are you are alright?” I asked a little surprised by the thing happening on my chest. She took off like a rocket straight through the ceiling. “ WHAT THE HELL!” I said absolutely dumbfounded by what just happened. Twilight was just looking at me with a smile on her face. “Does that happen often?” I asked pointing to the hole in the ceiling. “Actually not as much as you'd think.” She said trying not to laugh. Another good question is how she going to land she wasn't a pegasus. Then I saw a little pink speck coming back down. I stood up and put my arms out to catch her. She landed right in my arms I almost fell on her but I fell to right of her. She was on her hooves before I was able to even put one foot on the ground, and how come I didn't have a dislocated shoulder or something. How did she land like it was nothing; a better question is how she does any of this. I got back on my feet the, and Pink pony still bouncing around. I saw Twilight's horn glow and next thing I knew the hole in the ceiling was patched up good as new. I have to admit that it was pretty impressive. There was a knock at the door. Pinkie was at the door before I could blink. How did she do any of the things she was currently doing is still a mystery to me. When she opened the door there where four ponies there; two pegasus, one normal one, and a unicorn. One of the pegasus was trying to hide behind the other ponies, but being bipedal gives you pretty good visibility. The one hiding behind the others had a pink mane and yellow fur. This pegasus matched the description Twilight gave me of Fluttershy. Also her behavior fit description as well. In fact they all matched the descriptions of Twilight's friends. The cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane was hoovering above the others. I think her name was Rainbow Dash. The white unicorn matched the description of Rarity. The orange colored one was wearing what looked to be a cowboy hat. She matched the description of Applejack. So these where Twilight's friends. They all looked oddly familiar. I sure I've seen them before, but where. They were all staring at me. Rainbow Dash looked like she was sizing me up as if I was a potential threat. Rarity was looking over my armor with fascination. Applejack seemed to be looking at me the same way Rainbow Dash was. Fluttershy wasn't looking at me she was hiding behind her mane. They all looked familiar I just couldn't place my finger on it. Rainbow Dash flew over to me, and started to circle me. “So Twilight what kind of creature was this again?” Rainbow Dash asked still circling me. “A human.” Twilight responded. “Is it friendly?” Applejack asked staring at me. “He sure is.” Pinkie said while standing on her two hind hoofs with a hoof wrapped around my torso. She was just standing by the door how did she get from there to here so quickly. “Pinkie you think everyone is friendly.” Rainbow Dash said now directly in front of my face. “So are you friendly.” Rainbow Dash said still in my face. “I'm friendly I assure you.” I said trying to convince her I was in fact friendly. “Do you Pinkie Promise?” Applejack asked looking at me questionably. What am I five again, but if it will gain there trust. They didn't even have fingers so how was this going to work. Might as well do the oath. I put my right hand over my heart and raised my left hand as if I was taking an oath. “Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” As I said that they all looked at me shocked. “What?” I asked looking between them. “That's not a Pinkie promise.” Twilight said. “Then what is?” I asked looking between them again. “ Alrighty Austin it goes like this. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Pinkie said going through the motions, and she literally stuck a cupcake in her eye. “And that's it.” She said pulling the cupcake off her eye. This was worse than before this is even more childish then the my version. I was almost 21 for crying out loud, but if it will help gain there trust. “Do I have to go through the motions to?” I asked feeling defeated. They all nodded “Fine. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” I said going through the motions as a did. Why can't I see out my left, and why does it hurt. I pulled my hand away and there was a cupcake in my hand. How the hell did that get there. My eye was burning with pain. The white unicorn levitated me a napkin. I wiped away the frosting from my eye. “Thank you ma’am” I said looking around the room for a trashcan. The rest of them were trying to hold in there laugh. Except for Rainbow Dash who was rolling on the floor laughing. “My and he has good manners.” The white unicorn said in a heavy accent. It reminded me of... George. Everything around me started to fade away. I was back in the prison on Scorpio 6. “Austin?” Pinkie asked tapping him in the stomach. He didn't move all emotion had left his face. Austin's eyes started to dilate much to the surprise of the ponies around him. “Hey buddy are you alright?” Rainbow Dash asked waving her hoof in front of his face. His vision never faltered from the unknown object he was staring at. He almost looked like he was staring at an object that was a 1,000 yards away. “Austin?” Twilight asked fear rising in her voice. “I think he just needs to sit down.” Rarity said trying to reassure the others and herself. “Is he alright?” Fluttershy asked saying her first words since she got here. “I don't know sugar cube.” Applejack said waiting for something to happen. Austin stood standing while the ponies where trying to figure out what to do. “Has he ever done this before Twilight?” Fluttershy asked looking into Austin's emotionless eyes. “No never.” Twilight said fear becoming ever more clear in her voice. She saw Austin as a friend, and she never wanted to lose a friend. “Fluttershy try using the stare on him.” Rainbow Dash said trying to find emotion in his emotionless eyes. “Okay, but only if you think it will help.” Fluttershy said flying in front of his face. She started to give him the stare; it worked on manticores and dragons so why wouldn't it work on him. His facial expression never changed, and he was still looking at the invisible object the others could not see. For the thing he was staring at could only be seen by those who have survived the horrors he's survived. Fluttershy landed looking distressed as if she has seen some unbelievable horror. “He's scared.” she said landing in front of him almost in tears . “How can you be so sure.” Twilight asked looking into Austin's eyes. Twilight noticed if you looked deep into his eyes you could make out one thing... Fear. “Its alright Fluttershy I'm sure he's fine.” Pinkie said wrapping a hoof around her friends neck. “What should we do now?” Rainbow Dash asked sounding concerned now. “Should we bring him to the hospital?” Rarity asked looking at her friends for any conformation. “He doesn't look hurt.” Applejack said circling him looking for any signs of injury. Little did Applejack know it was the injuries she couldn't see that were hurting him the worst. “I think we should inform the princess.” Twilight said looking at the rest of the girls. Most of them nodded in agreement. “Where am I.” Austin said looking at his hands. I had another flashback, I hate when happens. The flashback went up to the point when I got here to Equestria, but now I know where I've seen these ponies before. I would always be confused after an episode. Most people would tell me I would stare off into the distance when I had a flashback. It scared a lot of people back home. I began rubbing my eyes to get moisture back in them. I looked around the room and remembered where I was. I looked down to see all of the ponies from before staring at me intently. “Are you alright?” The orange one asked me. “I'm fine.” I said looking at the ponies in front of me. The yellow one from before was crying. What happened to her I wondered. “Are you sure?” Twilight asked with extreme concern in her voice. “I'm fine it was just a little flashback.” I said trying to dull what just happened, but in truth the fist few times I had a flashback I broke down. I was silent for days, and emotionless, but after a awhile I just learned to accept them. The doctors called it different names PTSD, shell shock, and combat fatigue. All I knew is that when it hit, it would hit hard. I learned to cope with it however. “But you looked so scared.” the yellow pony said a tear falling from her eye. This was the first time I heard her speak. “I wasn't scared.” I said, but in all truth I was scared, seeing everything again isn't easy. “Don't lie to me mister.” The yellow pony said giving me a look like something bad was about to happen. “Honest I wasn't scared.” I said giving her my best poker face. “In fact Pinkie lets get this party started.” I said looking at the pink pony who was all to happy to comply. She brought out a record player that played awful music, but it would work. The rest of the ponies were just looking at me shocked. “What. Lets not let one incident get in the way of the party.” I said. To be honest I didn't want them wondering why I had a flashback. Twilight gave me one of those you've got to be kidding me looks. Fluttershy looked at me with a look of disbelief. Applejack and Rainbow Dash just shrugged it off and continued as if nothing happened. I was going to like those two. Rarity looked at me with a bit of concern in her eyes. I went over an poured three glasses of punch. I walked over to the three of them. I handed one glass of punch to each of them. I didn't know how Fluttershy was holding it, but I was getting side-tracked. “See I'm fine honestly.” I said pouring myself a glass of punch. Twilight and Fluttershy didn't look happy with my answer. Rarity accepted my answer and walked over to join her other friends, It was only Fluttershy and Twilight left, it was time to play diplomat. “Listen is there anything I can do to convince you to that I'm telling the truth.” I looked at both of them with a smile. They both looked at each other thinking of something I could do. “Tell us what caused it to happen.” Twilight said looking at me. “It just happens randomly.” I said. They looked at each other and shook there heads. “Come on I'm telling the truth.” I said almost pleading with them. “Alright, but if it happens again we want to know the truth.” Twilight said. This was only a temporary solution it seemed. Oh well it bought me some time. The party went on until the sun went down. No one else showed up to the party. Which was fine by me because I didn't want to meet to many people or ponies as there called. “Its time for the party games.” Pinkie said Pulling out a bunch of random objects form out of nowhere. “So what game should we play first.” she asked looking at everybody. “I say we play truth or dare.” Twilight said looking directly at me. I knew exactly why she wanted to play truth or dare. She wanted to ask me about the flashback. It didn't matter what I picked she would either dare me to do it or make me tell the truth. Then again I could just bluff my way out of the question or dare. The rest of the ponies nodded in agreement with Twilight. “I'll start off.” Twilight said still looking at me. “Austin Truth or Dare?” she asked grinning at me. “I never said I was playing.” I said standing over by the food table. “Are you chicken?” Rainbow Dash asked giving me a sly smile. “That's it” I said sarcastic still standing by the food table. “Come on don't be a coward.” Rainbow Dash said. The others nodded in agreement all except Fluttershy. She finally nodded a little, or maybe it was just a sneeze “Et tu, Fluttershy?” I said looking at her with a smirk. “What does that mean?” Twilight asked generally interested. “Why don't you ask, and by the way I pick truth.” I said giving her a smile. I knew she couldn't resist the temptation of knowledge. She knew what Im was doing, and she didn't like it. “What was that thing that happened earlier?” she asked returning my smile with her own. Cleaver girl “It was just a medical condition.” I said telling the truth. “But what caused it?” she asked. “Sorry Twilight, but that's another question all together.” I said retuning the smile again. I turned to Pinkie “Truth or Dare?” I asked smiling. “Dare.” She said bouncing. “I dare you to change the game.” I said smile growing even wider. All the others gave me a deadpan look. “You can't do that.” Twilight said displeasure in her voice. “Sorry Twilight, but a dare is a dare.” Pinkie said looking through her pile of random assorted objects. She pulled out a bottle. I knew where this was going and I didn't like it one bit. “So the next game were going to play is spin the bottle.” Pinkie said placing the bottle on the floor. I let out a deep yawn “Sorry girls it looks like I'm too tired to play.” I said stretching to add emphasis. “SO you are a chicken.” Rainbow Dash said . “Yes, and now I'll be heading out.” I said walking towards the door. “You know Spike will be asleep and the door is locked.” Twilight said giving me a sly smile. “Then it looks like its a night out on the town for me.” I said reaching for the door handle. “Fine, Pinkie lets find something else to play since Austin here is being a coward.” Rainbow Dash said. “Right on target.” I said turning around. It didn't matter what they called me I've been called worse by my own species. “How about we play some real games.” Rainbow Dash said smiling. “Like?” I asked. “You would be to scared to play them anyway.” she said looking at me with a smirk. “Games like hoof wrestling.” Rainbow Dash said trying to look menacing; It failed miserably. If I could take a guess at what hoof wrestling was I would guess it was similar to arm wrestling. My suspensions were confirmed when Rainbow Dash and Applejack wrapped there hooves together, and began to struggle for control. Rainbow Dash started to push Applejack's hoof to the table. It looked like Rainbow Dash was going to win this one. Rainbow Dash was smiling with confidence. Applejack's suddenly got a wide grin. There hooves began to move to the other side of the table. Rainbow Dash's smile of confidence began to fade as her hoof got closer and closer to the tables surface. Rainbow Dash's hoof slammed against the tables surface with a loud thud. She looked shocked to say the least. “Sorry sugar cube, but I learned a few tricks since our last game.” Applejack said giving her friend a pat on the back. “So am I up next.” I said walking up to the table. Applejack and Rainbow Dash both let out a loud laugh. “So you think you can beat me?” Rainbow Dash asked hoovering at my eye level. “I don't know maybe.” I said. I didn't know how strong they where, but if they were like Pinkie I would be in trouble. “All right then lets make this interesting.” Rainbow Dash said giving me sly grin. I only raised my eye brow in response. “If I win you'll do what ever I say for a whole day.”She said confidence in her voice. “And if I win?” I asked. “You get the same deal, although you won't win.” she said placing her hoof on the table ready for the match. “Deal.” I said placing my elbow on the table and grabbing her hoof with my hands. She looked a little surprised. Weather it was my hand wrapped around her hoof, or the fact I accepted the challenge I did not know. “Ready.” she said. “Set.” she said as I tensed my muscles for the struggle. “Go!” she said as she started pushing down on my hand. I didn't let her have any ground. I kept my hand in the middle. My tactic was to wear her out then claim victory. Our hoof and hand stayed in the middle. She started to sweat a little. “Guess your not a weak as you look.” she said trying to push down on my hand, but I wasn't about to give her any inkling of victory. I started to push back with more force then she was applying. Her hoof slowly began to move closer to the surface of the table. She had a look of horror on her face. She was not expecting to lose. I used all my strength and slammed her hoof on the table. Once her hoof landed on the table she had a look of complete shock on her face. I knew she was thinking, how could I lose. I gave her a pat on the hoof. “You put up a good fight.” I said giving her a caring smile. “Ya you too.” she said never taking her eyes off the table. “So I guess I'm up next.” Applejack said walking over to the table. “Suppose so.” I said giving the table a pat. Rainbow Dash moved out of the way to let Applejack sit. I saw Rainbow Dash watching with extreme intent. I wrapped my hand around Applejack's hoof. “Ready.” I said preparing my muscles for the next struggle. “Set.” I said as I saw her do the same thing. “Go!” I said pushing down on her hoof. She was already losing. Wait she pulled a trick on Rainbow Dash I was going to have to finish this fast. I started to apply less pressure. Her concentrated face turned into a smile I knew what she was going to do next. She was going to put all her strength into it, and she did just as I hoped. As I fleet her put more strength into it I did the same. I halted her advance. She only gained about an inch before I stopped her advance. She would wait for the opponent to use there strength then use her own. It was an effective tactic, but it only worked if the opponent was not expecting it. So I started to apply more and more pressure on her hoof. Her started to move closer to the surface. It was time to end this I used all my remaining strength and slammed her hoof on the table. “Good Game.” I said giving the table a pat. “You too.” she said nodding. Rainbow Dash was looking at me with awe now. “I can't believe you beat both of us.” she said looking me over with new found respect. “You both put up a valiant effort.” I said giving them both a smile. “Also Rainbow Dash don't worry about being my servant for the day. You don't have to do it.” I said feeling good about myself. “You know I wouldn't be letting you of so easy right?” She said smiling at me now. “I know but there was a saying where I came from. Be the bigger person.” I said. “Person?” she asked confused. “Human terminology.” I said weaving off the question. I looked at my RIG's clock I was nearing midnight. All the ponies in the room were looking at the holographic display with awe. This would get annoying after awhile. “What is that.” Rarity asked. God her voice reminded too me much of George's. “This is a RIG.” I said messing around with the display. After I showed them all the features of the RIG they were impressed to say the least. The grandfather clock in the room started to go off. It was midnight already? “Well I should be heading back home.” Rarity said walking towards the door. I talked to her during the party about getting some new clothes. She said she would do it, and do it for free. I was going to head to her place tomorrow to get measured. I wasn't looking forward to it, but it was a necessary evil. Rainbow Dash and Applejack decided to head out as well. Me and Twilight were about to head, when Fluttershy approached us. She whispered something into Twilight's ear. “Austin where going to have to run by Fluttershy's house.” Twilight said looking at me. Fluttershy kind of looked like a softy despite her previous tone. “Fine by me.” I said walking towards the door. “Are you guy coming to the party tomorrow?” Pinkie asked giving us her world famous smile. “A party for what?” I asked. “To celebrate this party of course silly.”she said bouncing up and down. “We'll have to see Pinkie.” Twilight said opening the door with her magic. “It starts at one.” Pinkie said as we walked out the door. I thought that that pink pony was pretty weird I wondered if that was just me. The walk to and from Fluttershy's house was pretty uneventful. We arrived back at the library around one a clock. “I'm going to bed Austin see you in the morning.” She said walking up a flight of stairs. I wasn't tired yet the cake and punch saw to that. I literally ate so much cake Pinkie was impressed. Then again I hadn't eaten much before the party. I guess I was just going to be another long lonely night for me. Authors notes Sorry it took me so long to get another chapter out. Anyways I'm leaving it up to you guys to decide if he should or shouldn't go to Pinkie's second party. I would like to see what you guys think.
