(This Chapter is where you will determine your character's gender, past, present, and attitude. Vote in the comments section of what you want your character to be
And be sure to read this if you haven't already)
Accessing Alliance Data Banks……
ID: ******
Password: *********
Welcome Commander
Retrieving Personal Information……
*ERROR*
*ERROR*
*DATA CORRUPTION DETECTED*
*RECONSTRUCTION FAILED*
*BEGIN MANUAL RECONSTRUCTION*
Please Enter your Gender
- MALE
- FEMALE
Please Enter Callsign
- ICE
- BLAZE
- JOKER
- DARE
- KARMA
Confirm Pre-Military History
- ELITIST: Your family has a military history that dates back to the first invasion, with knowledge passing down from father to son. You were raised all of your life to prepare you for the military, having gone to a military school for your learning. Following the Family tradition, you enlisted at age 18.
- STREET RAT: You were born and raised on the streets of Coronet, the bustling Capitol of the Alliance. You have much Vice and violence, and you partook in more than you’d like to think about. At age 18, After a deal that went south, you enlisted in the Alliance Military in hopes of Escaping your past.
- IMMAGRANT: You at one time lived in the New Lunar Republic. Your family had been very wealthy, and had chosen to take a cruise vacation with all your friends along when you were a teenager. During this cruise, a band of pirates took the ship, slaughtering all of your family and friends while you remained hidden. You would have died as well, if not for a passing Alliance Patrol. You watched the daring sailors and Marines defeat the pirates without taking a single loss before they rescued you and returned you back to the Republic. Filled with awe and thankfulness, you Immigrated to the Alliance and Enlisted at age 18.
Confirm Military Record
- HARDENED: You fought hard during your time in the Service. After many years of hard work, you slowly climbed the ranks from Enlisted Man to Officer, having to earn every scrap given to you.
- PILOT: During basic training, you were found to have an aptitude for aircraft. After over a year of training, you became a pilot in the Alliance, impressing man with your skill. Though you still love to fly, you took a promotion that gave you a command position.
- SPECIAL FORCES: During your time in Boot Camp, you quickly impressed your instructors, so much they recommended you for Special Forces. After passing the requirements, you went around the world, honing your elite skills. You went back to regular military when offered a command position.
Confirm Psychological Profile
- DEFENDER: Throughout your career, you’ve proven to be selfless, showing your men that you wouldn’t ask them to do anything you wouldn’t do. You put your men first, and in return, they give you their respect and Loyalty.
- RUTHLESS: You’ve been called cold, calculating, and determined. You see the objective clear as day, and nothing will stop you from getting it done, no matter the cost. Although your demeanor makes people wary around you, they know to call you when they need a job done right.
- WILEY: Many find you unpredictable. Former commanding officers have described you with words such as “Random”, “Sporadic”, “Psychotic”, “Insubordinate”, “Borderline Suicidal”, and “Hyper-lethal.” These are all big words that all say the same thing: You do crazy things. A lot. The things you do help win battles, but it makes your commanders wonder whether to Promote you or have you court-marshaled. Instead, they just slap medals on your chest and kick you off to your next assignment. To some, you’re a hero, to others, you’re a menace, but to all, you seem completely insane.
FORWARD: The Lunar Princess
Luna sat in her desk, sipping her tea and studying the pamphlets brought to her.
It was late at night, but that didn't bother her, she was the princess of the night after all.
One thing that was different was the room she was sitting in. Unlike her sister, she never liked the grand and immaculate throne rooms. Rooms like this suited her better. She could sit comfortably and get work done, without all the grandeur of the Solar Empire.
She was about to go get more tea, when the monitor on her desk beeped.
A single message appeared.
Fowl of Fire, Clear?
Luna hesitated a moment, then used her magic to make the reply.
Yes
Now, it would start.
She had given Phoenix the authorization to commence the attack.
It was sort of hypocritical of her to make the first move to declare war, considering the NLR had been founded in protest of the last war.
But she felt like she had no choice.
The Alliance Navy was getting aggressive, even more than usual, pressing on the borders and taunting Republic ships.
War was inevitable, and she had chosen to launch a per-emptive strike on the Alliance, to gain the advantage ealy in the war.
She only hoped it was the right choice.
Prologue: One Hell of an Alarm Clock
Sleep.
It didn’t matter what branch of the military you served in, sleep was an invaluable thing.
You had barley arrived in your new Quarters in Coronet before you had decided to crash. It had been a long week, to say the least, with you having to run all over the Mainland to complete your Minuteman training, you had gone through several grueling physical examinations, more mind-numbing written tests, and seen more drunk driving and sexual harassment prevention videos than all your time in the Armed Forces combined, quite a feat considering you had to watch them at least twice a month.
But you had done it, you had been the only one out of a whole training unit with twenty other soldiers to pass every test. You wanted to feel a sense of pride at this accomplishment, but you were just simply happy it was all over.
You had read over the message that Colonel Davis had sent you several times during the short flight to Coronet, even in your tired state, you didn’t want to miss anything important.
But all that didn’t matter now, as you were in the blissful hold of sleep. The bed of your quarters was much more comfortable than others you had slept on, but whether that was a perk of being a Minuteman or if such plush was standard in the capital city, you couldn’t say for sure.
It was much better than anything you’d ever had really, since you’ve had to sleep in uncomfortable cots of enlisted soldiers many times, and even when you got a bed of your own, your sleep was usually interrupted by drills in the middle of the night that made it impossible to get a decent sleep.
But that was also why you were such a light sleeper.
You were awoken by shaking, and your tired mind began to wonder if there was a small earthquake occurring. Sounds outside your quarters began to come to your ears, as base personnel began scurrying around.
“Why are they running drills so early on a Sunday…” You mumbled to yourself. You slowly rise out of bed, and reach for the radio that you had placed on the nearby nightstand. You activate it, determined to find out why the base Commander was so hell bent on making sure you didn’t get your well deserved rest, when another voice blasted over it.
“-Mergency! I repeat, eleven nine nine Emergency!” The man on the radio screamed. “They have gunships! GUNSHIPS!”
Your eyes suddenly snap open, recognizing the code even in your exhausted state. Eleven Nine Nine was an emergency code used by military and law enforcement to let everyone know that there was an attack on the Mainland.
An Attack on Coronet
You hear the bases emergency sirens begin to blare, as you rush to put your new combat gear on.
“Ain’t no rest for the Wicked….”
The streets were absolute chaos.
Civilians were screaming and running in every direction, trying to get away from the enemy that seemed to be coming from everywhere. Emergency services were trying to direct them on evacuation routes, but the Republic Forces would quickly catch on, blocking the streets and taking prisoners.
You were currently sprinting down the Stock-exchange street, rushing from defensive position to barricade, trying to keep up the spirits of weary defenders, piecing together what was happening around the city, and doing your best to rally a formidable force to drive the NLR Troops out of the Capital City.
You were met with little success. So many in the Command structure were dead or MIA, Alliance soldiers were running around the city, unclear of their orders and cut off from communications while panicking civilians were everywhere.
As you ran, you were also speaking into your radio, trying to contact the last known commanding officer within Coronet.
“No,” You say impatiently, loading your rifle as you moved. “I’m trying to reach Major Reagan, the Marines said-”
“Incoming INCOMING!”
You dive for cover behind a nearby pillar, as a New Lunar Republic Raven-Class gunship makes run down the street, machine guns blazing and missiles firing, taking out a police cruiser being used for cover by a couple of militia-men. Once the helicopter was away, a police officer shouted.
“Look out! They’re attacking the barricade!”
You swear under your breath, sliding behind a large cement road-block that was part of the barricade. Looking over your cover, you spot a group of NLR soldiers, both human and pony, moving down the street sides and sticking to cover. You put the rifle to your shoulder and pull the trigger, firing the weapon in several steady bursts. You were rewarded with one of the attackers stumbling to the ground, blood seeping from his chest. The rest of the Republic soldiers returned fire, making a suppressing pattern that made everyone on the barricade take cover. These guys were good, better than normal soldiers. As the bullets banged off your concrete cover, you became vaguely aware that a voice was responding to you over the radio.
“What was that? I didn’t copy!”
You turn to a crouch, listing intently to what was being said.
“Well then who’s next in Command?”
Your eyes widen in shock.
“What do you mean I am?!”
Before the soldier on the other end could respond, one of the Police Officers manning the baradade shouted,
“There’s too many of them!”
One of the soldiers next to you falls, victim to Republic gunfire. Your heart is now pounding in your chest, and blood is roaring in your ears.
“Fall back!” You order, not that it mattered. The Militia force that had been on the defensive was now fleeing for their lives.
You mutter something about how undisciplined such a force was, until you catch sight of something that makes your blood run cold. The NLR Gunship had returned for another attack, and was now headed your way.
Your training suddenly clicked, along with a basic human action to do in such a danger; you ran for your life.
It wasn’t like the panicked flight of the others, it was a crouch run, staying in cover from the Republic troopers as you moved to a nearby building. You kick the door in, rushing inside as you hear the screams of the militia as they were mercilessly gunned down by the helicopter’s guns. You wince at the sound, but know there’s nothing you can do for them now.
The building you enter is a large warehouse, one with many boxes and supplies that looked they belonged in offices or schools.
For the moment, it looks clear; and you take the moment of peace to catch your breath.
The reality of the situation finally settles on you.
Coronet is under siege…. I’m in command of coordinating the defense…. And all our forces are either scattered or dead…. A great first day on the job.
Before you can actually decide what to do next, your radio comes alive.
“This is Colonel Davis to any Alliance Command Officers in Coronet, do you copy over?”
It’s takes a few heartbeats before you recognize the name as the same man who had sent you the message before you arrived in Coronet.
“Colonel, It’s me,” You mentally facepalm yourself, realizing he wouldn’t know you by your voice. “The new Minuteman.”
“Holy shit, you’re still alive kid?” He asks. ”Well, that’s the first piece of good news I’ve heard all day. What’s the situation down there Commander?”
“Not good,” You reply, making a major understatement. “Command structure has gone to hell, our units are all scattered, and the NLR’s got us surrounded.”
“Who’s in charge down there?”
“I am, apparently.” You say, making no effort to hide the bitterness in your voice.
“Well then,” Davis replies. “I guess you can consider this your first job as a Minuteman. Are you wearing the uniform that was issued to you?”
“Yes sir.”
“Activate the small screen right above your left wrist.” You raise an eyebrow, and look at the area that the Colonel had instructed. Sure enough, a small computer screen was visible on your sleeve. You press the button, and it hums to life. At first, it’s just a white screen, but it suddenly comes into focus, showing a detailed map of your surrounding area and streets, a green arrow showing your position.
“This is your Tactical Map Display,” Davis explains. “All of your tactical information will show up here. Everything from friendly units, hostile forces, objectives, and available fire support. You can also give your units direct orders using the touch screen. Gotta love the tech us Minutemen are given, eh?”
Though you wouldn’t admit it, you were dutifully impressed, it was more high tech than anything else you’ve used in the field.
“Alright, down to business.” The Colonel’s voice turns serious. “Reinforcements are on the way, but you need to hold off the Jackboots until then. There’s a squad of Rangers near your position, your first objective is to link up with them. I’m marking a waypoint on your TacMap now. Remember, our forces are stretched to the limit here, so the Rangers are all you’ve got for now.”
A blue dot appears on the screen, just a block away from your own current position.
“Understood sir, I’m moving now.”
You started forward, now feeling a surge of energy with the knowledge of this new technology. You quickly reach the other end of the warehouse, and crouch beside a window. Outside, a small Republic Patrol is taking a small break from battle. From what you can see, there are two Earth ponies, one Unicorn, three Pegasi, and a human Lieutenant.
According to your TacMap, the Rangers are in the building right across the street, though you can’t see them.
“The Rangers are currently hiding in that building,” The Colonel’s voice comes to your ears “Units that are in hiding will not engage enemy forces unless specifically ordered to.”
You bring your radio up, opening a channel to the Rangers.
“Smoke ‘em.”
The other building suddenly lit up, as the Soldiers opened fire on the unsuspecting Lunars. The opposing troops never stood a chance, mowed down in a hail of bullets before they could even raise their weapons.
Once all the firing stopped, four camouflage-garbed humans came out of the opposing building, armed with M-4’s. Once you’re sure the coast is clear, you walk out to join them. The lead Ranger saluted,
“We’re ready for orders Commander.”
“Good.” You switch channels on your radio. “Colonel, I’ve rendezvous with the Rangers.”
“Nice work, I think you’ve got the hang of the TacMap now, sorry your training had to be in the field. But on the bright side, I managed to find you some more support.”
Two more blue dots appear on your TacMap, and you look down the street to see a pair of heavily armored vehicles approaching.
“These two beasts are Challenger Tanks, a little outdated, but they should do just fine.”
Fine? At the moment, the two heavy tanks were the most beautiful things you’d ever laid eyes on.
“But, with every speck of good news, there is… well OTHER news. One of our Bradley APC’s is engaged with an enemy platoon about one click north of your position.”
“By itself?”
“No, it seems that another group is assisting the transport but we haven’t been able to raise them. They could be Militia.”
“Alright, we’ll head up there and lend a hand.”
“Commander be advised, a Lunar light armored unit is approaching from the Southeast, they might be moving to flank you.”
You consider your situation for a moment, then bring up your TacMap, ordering your two tanks to engage the armored unit.
“Roger that Commander,” One of the Tanks replies. “We’ll kill ‘em.”
As the tanks move to execute the order, you motion to the Rangers.
“Squad, on me, let’s move.”
You move your small force with surprising speed, as you head toward the position of the fighting.
You round a corner to see the fighting…
Then you stop suddenly, shocked. What you were seeing didn’t make sense.
You saw ponies fighting… other ponies?
On one side you saw the NLR platoon, the Equines clad in their dark colors.
But next to the APC, fighting off the Republic forces were other Equines, except these were wearing the uniforms and colors of the Alliance.
Before you could think too much about it, you hear Colonel Davis’s voice over the radio.
“Commander, I’ve managed to scrap you a Predator Drone, it’s overhead and ready to provide fire support.”
You decide to put the Mystery aside for now, as the symbol of the Predator appears on your TacMap. You press it, and a whole new overhead view of the battle comes on-screen, with red squares signifying enemy soldiers.
Testing the device, you gingerly press the screen on an area with red squares. Suddenly, a missile flew down from the sky, exploding right in the middle of an NLR squad. You’re taken aback for a moment, shocked at what had just happned.
“Good hit,” Davis Comments. “Looks to be about three kills.”
You quickly compose yourself, then fire another missile.
“Wow, looks like ten-plus KIA’s. Nice job.”
Now the Lunars were starting to pull back, their moral broken due to the death raining from above.
“Hit them one more time,” One of the Rangers smirked. “For good measure.”
Smiling a bit yourself, you send down one more missile on top of your retreating enemy.
“Nice. Seven-plus kill, Nice work. We gotta recall the Predator to re-arm, so it will be unavailable for fire support.”
“Copy all.” You say.
Now that the Lunars had fallen back, You were able to contemplate the mystery of your new friends.
One of them, an Alabaster Unicorn with blue hair and a pair of sunglasses, approach you.
“Hey man,” She said, smiling. “Thanks for the help.”
“No problem….” You say cautiously.
“I’m Captain Scratch,” She says, giving a half hearted salute. “Pony Auxiliary Corps of the Alliance.”
“She’s telling the truth Commander,” Davis says, making you wonder if he’s constantly monitoring you. “She’s on our side.”
Ponies who aren’t trying to kill me? You think. Never thought I’d see the day…
“Pleasure to meet you Captain.” You say.
“Aw, just call me Vinyl,” The Mare says, waving dismissively. “I never was one for titles like that.”
“Uh, ok Vinyl, what’s the status of your unit?”
“Well, you got here just in time. There’s about twenty of us in total, plus the APC we, uh, ‘borrowed’.”
“Are you combat ready?”
“Hell ya we are!” Vinyl pumps a hoof in the air. “Just say the word, and we’ll help ya take down these Nighttime Bozos.”
You were about to say yes, when your radio buzzed.
“Commander, we have a situation.” It’s the Colonel. Again. “We have a large number of civilians trying to get out of the city, but a Republic force is moving to intercept them. If you send Captain Scratch to help, the civilians will be able to get out of the city without a problem. If you take her along, the civies will be defenseless, but you’ll have extra support.”
“It’s your call Commander.”
- Let’s go kick ass! (Take Vinyl as Co-Commander)
- No, we have to make sure the Civilians get out safely. (Send Vinyl to help Civilians)
A Messege from The Colonel
Incoming Transmission...
Identification: Colonel Riley Davis
Message Playback
"Hello Commander.
First, I would like to congratulate you on your promotion, I remember my first Officer Position, and it certainly wasn't easy.
I haven't been able to read over your file yet, but when I do, I will contact you for a personal meeting. I personally look forward to it.
I assume you're curious as to your position, so I'll try to explain.
You are officially what we call, a 'Minuteman'. You will not have any one unit that responds to you. Instead, you will have to move around the world at a moments notice to lead units. You will not be bound to any one branch either, you will command everything From Marines to Battleships to F-22's.
Understand while this position is an exciting one, it is also one that carries heavy responsibility. Your actions and choices will have considerable impact on the specific theater of battle, as well as the war as a whole.
Yes, you read that correctly. You will have choices to make.
As a Minuteman, you will have a front row seat on the frontlines, and Alliance Command will trust your judgment when they need something decided.
By these decisions, people will react to you differently, both enemies and allies, and through your actions, you may gain more allies or enemies.
You could have your enemies have the deepest respect for you, but your fellow commanders despise you. You could be a hero to your men, or be a cold hearted demon who doesn't care so long as you get victory.
Just know that this can, and will, alter the course of the war.
So choose carefully.
No Pressure.
Now, you're probably wondering who I am.
I'm Colonel Riley Davis.
But you will refer to me as 'Colonel' or 'Sir'
I've served in the Alliance Marines ever since I was eighteen, which I heard was the same age that you enlisted in. Funny how us former enlisted men have a tendency to stick together.
I will be your Commanding Officer while you're in the field, as well as your eyes and Ears when it comes to intelligence.
But don't think I'll just be sitting on my Lazy ass, I'm also a Minuteman, so we might get to fight alongside each other on the front lines.
For now, make yourself conformable at your new quarters in Coronet, and enjoy the many benefits of being an officer in the Alliance Military
I'll be by to see you soon.
