Soulless World

Earth. Home to a race called “Humans” a race of sentient beings capable of creating such beauty and wonders of engineering and culture. But is equally capable creating such horrors and atrocities to their world and themselves.

Since the dawn of Man. Man has adapted and always moved forward thru hardships and dark days. From sticks and stones to raining fire, blanketing the skies with smoke, to watching a single city be erased from existence from a single atom. Humanity has created such atrocities that have left the Earth forever scared. But In the ashes of war and destruction Humanity bands together to create such wonders of an endless imagination to life striving forward and bring a new day for a life not yet born. From towering skyscrapers that touch the sky itself, to the advancement of knowledge of the stars of other solar systems and worlds of beauty not yet seen by the eyes of man.

In the year of 2023 the nation of Russia signs an economic and diplomatic pact with the former Soviet republics reuniting the USSR. With a new plan the new Soviet Union reaches a golden age of prosperity of the economy and Soviet culture and most importantly the Soviet Military boomed as well creating the most powerful military the history of mankind has seen. As the United States begins to crumble under debt and endless internal wars of those that want their own right to make decisions. A once great nation is reduced to shacks and threats from other powers rising.  The USSR sends economic and military help to jump start the American economy. With this the US and the USSR made an Alliance to defend each other and most importantly stop the true threat of the Earth a new radical alliance called the Holy Empire.

In 2046 the Holy Empire began to accumulate more and more land and with their new Religious views of a whole new religion based on finding and being assimilated into god hood to rule a new and fresh world and to mold it into creation as our world was before. The Two Superpowers Join to stop this new threat but due to political road blocks and not having a declaration of war. The Allies and this new Imperial threat start what will be the tensest and bloody Cold War not seen for almost a century. Not just the threat of war is the only reason keeping the world from experiencing a bloody war but the fact that there is a force that lingers in the shadows of this world a shadow that can out burn any explosive, can out race any bullet, can out erase any city or nation from existence, a shadow that only few can harness and control a shadow that defies the laws of physics and logic, a shadow newly discovered but older than the Earth itself. Some call it magic but to a scientific mind it’s an unknown energy that can be used to power cities and create new wonders, or can be used to kill every living thing on this world. Unable to be controlled by technology. This power can only be controlled by a very small amount of people that did not know they had this power until it manifested in them giving them the ability to do anything. But all this comes at a price a price that can destroy them if used too much. The Empire seeks to control it as their way of life and that it must lead to a gate to their religious future they will not stop until it is theirs.

Meanwhile China and Japan are at war with each other and the Korean Communist Republic or formally North Korea. With the threat of nuclear war even more active than before and the actual use of the weapons on standby. Humanity might fall victim to war and self-annihilation. With The United Nations barley holding together anymore, giving the USSR more authority and becoming the one nation able to hold its own and fight overseas for the freedom of nations to choose their own way of life and their freedoms. Throughout the European Nations more and more support for Soviet intervention for the war with the Holy Empire as they begin to lose more and more Capitals to the Empire.

The Fields of man that once made the civilizations of early man to thrive and become a race to behold have now become soaked in the blood of their offspring. With the body count rising in the wars around the world the threat of a full blown Third World War rises every day to split Humanity down the middle one for self-right the other for the religious zealots of a power to render humanity into self-slavery.

Equestria… A nation so very powerful but very peaceful, A nation with a military capable of conquering the world they live on but a military made for its self-defense and to help those in need for peace and freedom. Equestria is the oldest nation on the world called “Solace” A world scared of ancient wars of 5 thousand years but has been spared the horrors of true total war.

With three major powers and one raised from ashes again only one brings trouble to the otherwise now peaceful world. The Griffon Kingdoms a nation of battle hardened city states finally united under one banner but even with a high king devoted to keep his nation under one flag and have peaceful out comes has very little control and is easily out voted for any situation he is given by the smaller leaders of each individual city state. Wishing for continued peace with Equestria he needs the land Equestria has been very fortunate as for the other nations not so easy.

Equestria holds very stable land and very fertile lands for crops and clean water supplies. Giving it the envy of the world. As for Earth’s geology its stable for full planetary life even when it has the hiccups of volcanic activity. Solace isn't very stable volcanic activity is very common along with high doses of radiation from weak Ozone layers in certain areas around the world. The planet is only 1 billion years old and started life at a very early age. But even with this a deadly form of magic residue covers old ruins and ancient civilization that set the seeds for the nations of there today. In all Equestria has been very fortunate in the world of chaos but also holds hope for a more peaceful world that has yet to face the threat of man and its war machines. But the main question still remains what lies beneath our feet buried by the sands of time, Forgotten and lost and what secrets it holds waiting to be found?

Western Brazil

South America

April 21,2066

“ALL RIGHT GIRLS LISTEN UP! We have a High end mission no gossiping about or telling that girl on how you saved the world at the bar to get your dick wet! We move in five! Gear up and get your war faces on!” Came the orders from the Sargent of this squad I was given as thank you for the help but let’s see how far they go.

I was given a folder on this new temple in the South American jungle but it appears there is a high grade unit of Holy Templar's. A special ops group that are ruthless killers with no remorse for life or death, more importantly don’t fear death as well. Witch in turn I’m here. A member of the Hell Knight Program. A Program that takes young children from ages from 5 to 10 and trains them to be killers that obeys any order given at any moment and time. There aren't many of us but it’s a multinational thing under the guidance of the Soviet Spetsnaz and American Special Forces. None the less we are trained killers from a young age and never stay with one unit for long mainly taking lone wolf missions.

“Hey Capt. we are almost there you ready?” said the Sargent as he walked over to me in the drop ship as I sat there starring at my boots.

“Yes I am what about your men?” I asked.

“There about as ready they will ever be” as he walked over and sat down next to me. ”I read your File…well about as much as I could that wasn't black ink didn't see your name must be classified well I tell you the truth that scares the hell right out of me.”

“Well if you’re asking my name you know I can’t tell you and that’s all I can say” I said as I checked my Assault Rifle for any problems.

“Well I can tell you’re all work and no chit chat but I have a bad felling on this one this doesn't feel right not very well told and not enough info” He had right to be worried.

“Seems like just another day to me“ I said as I got a few extra clips but in all truth I could feel it in my gut that this mission was ether going to go FUBAR or something world shaking will go down.

“Hmm I don’t know if you remember me but I remember you back in London you gave the order for me and my men to go secure the LZ and wait for the chopper that never came. Then Royal marines came rolling back into town when you destroyed that damn mobile fortress that was walking around town” the Sargent said as he looked at his rifle as well.

“Yes I remember that one but I didn't do it alone I had some help” I sat up and looked at him. Couldn't have been more than 30 and he seen more war than a soldier from 60 years ago. “You know that even if they don’t have a giant mech here that there is a chance that none of us will make it out not even me.”

He looked at me with the best face he could that didn't show fear but I see the fear in his eyes. “I really hope they don’t have another mech I’m done with those can’t stand the things especially the Harbinger class they have way to many energy guns” even with my special training in seeing thru peoples psyche to tell if they are lying or not I think anyone could tell he had a deep fear of mechs. wonder why?

“So you lose someone close thanks to a mech?” I asked

He looked back down and stared at his rifle for a minute. “Yeah lost my wife a while back she was in Cairo when they launched their damn join us or die campaign first time mechs would be used in a war and it vaporized the town and then they went and started digging under it for what?”

What they found is an underground city over 20000 years old older than the Egyptians and any human settlement in that area but unfortunately we couldn't let them have that so the entire G1 Hell Knight unit witch was 15 of us went in and destroyed the complex and boy was it a beautiful explosion nothing but a crater now. Blamed the whole thing on the space elevator they had there and it was partially the truth as well but we were never there and avoided a war while getting away with blowing up a damn city. The only people in the city were their scientist and a large military excavation crew apparently they have been digging up lost ruins for a long time now believing the past held their future… the sad thing is it was true.

“I know of that but don't let it get to you it can get the team and yourself killed.”

“Yeah you’re right well the DZ is a few minutes away let’s get this artifact and get out!” He got up and walked out to the other end of the giant transport ship and started yelling at his men. Something about them showing the enemy who are the toughest men around. Then the ship started to slow and descend.

I grabbed my ‘war pact’ a big metal backpack that can carry all your supplies and ammo and equipment meant for making a camp wherever needed any environment. I also put my helmet on but unlike a normal trooper helmet it covers the whole head. It has no visible visor but a metal face plate but on the inside screens and other visual lights flared up. It was bio-metrically and plugged into my armor suit. A very heavy suit made especially for me and me only. It plugged into my spine and nerve system so it could move with me and felt weight less well to me any ways. It too was black but had a dark blue stripe on my shoulder with a gold star as a patch painted on it indicating my nation I am from. I’m from the Alaskan Federation which gained independence in the second American civil war. After that they joined the Alliance with the USSR shortly after that the US joined as well.

I got up and started walking into the cargo bay when I heard someone call me my name over the head set com, a rough voice began to speak.

“Your mission priorities have changed I am downloading two new files into your hard drive on your war pack you are not to access those files until I tell you too. And now you’re wondering who I am well I am your new best friend and I need no introduction because we've met before”

The radio went back to static I immediately contacted Command and waited for a response then it picked up “Channel Secure State Identity Code”

“HK04Alpha2036”…. “Hello? Captain you need something?” The lady on the line said.

“Yes have there been any new developments for the mission?”  I asked knowing the real answer.

“No it’s go in get the Artifact and get out… Why are you asking?” She said that almost as if I was stupid.

“No reason never mind but I’m going to keep this channel on I’m at the DZ anyways switching back to squad coms” I switched back just to get into the middle of a conversation of the squad I’m with

“Hey all I’m saying is this drop is sketchy and not enough info on it, less than usual!” Corporal Mike said

“Hey MIKEY MOUSE SHUT THE BOX!” and there was the Sargent yelling at his men again

“Hey Sarge do you think they really do have magical powers now and can shoot lightning out?” asked the rookie Private Thaners.

“Hey Rookie I know for a fact that is not true so endless we are here to chit chat them to death get your cocks ready and get ready to jump.”  The sarge yelled right before the giant metal door on the side of the drop ship opened and we hear over the intercom

“Green Light Boys!” at that moment the squad jumped out of the ship and rolled on the ground in a small clearing. I just jumped and landed on my feet thanks to my full body armor it felt like I jumped off a couch but to them it was 6 feet off the ground just enough for the ship to quickly take back off.

“All right! Ladies group up Thaners take point Mikey watch our ass let’s move we got to get to that target before sun down let’s move girls.” Sargent Heartlers said as the squad marched into the thick forest I just walked next to them watching the tree line for anything that is out of place.

************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Two hours latter.

“so how many do you think there is? looks like twenty.” Said private Thaners.

“Thirty. Not including Absolution…” I thought out loud without realizing it.

“Wow… Thirty Templars and Absolution…Wait! Who the Hell is Absolution?” Said Mikey man I hate that man he is going to get us caught with that mouth of his.

“Can it Mikey! But for once you did say something that makes sense who is Absolution?” Sargent surprised me with that one but also had me.

“Absolution is a mad man with too much ambition and rank. He gets too much funding for his archaeological digs throughout the world… also responsible for the Cairo and Panama attacks all for some digs.” I didn't give them any real info other than Cairo. “But let’s get that artifact out and hopefully take out Absolution but he won’t let this go easy I have reason to believe that he isn't going to let go of this find easy since it’s never been discovered before now.”

“Who found it?” Private Thaners said in an almost fearful voice.

“They did.” Man I really am getting tired of all these questions.

“He’s right men let’s do this, Sunshine I want you on that hill over there on the east looks like a good vantage point, Mikey and Thaners take the west approach, and Sparky you’re with me we go in from the front, and last but not least Captain can you keep them off of us and do what you do kill the bastards.” Sargent Heartlers said with more of a what to do with you tone of voice when he told me what to do. Although he could give real orders to me but his plan did make it for me to do that.

As they split up I moved up to go down the center but not too close to the Sargent. I needed to draw the attention to me instead of them I can take the bullets with my armor but I hope they keep those heavy gunners off and I can kill the smaller guys… I hope this works.

“Sarge I’m in position I can see the guards only fourteen in total the rest must be inside, but in the center is a group of eight, a good rocket or grenade would kill them in one shot they seem to be reading something in the center should we take the gamble now?” said LC Ushokan

“Fire in the hole men light them up and give them hell” just as the sarge said that he threw a frag grenade right into the group of soldiers that where talking with one another. BOOM! the group was ripped into pieces with shocked guards turning around.

Time slowed down as I raised my rifle aimed and four shots fired out and four men dropped I stood up and walked forward firing two more shots and the last two men fell with half a head. Time sped up again as the rest of the team ran up from there spots to secure the outside of the temple and converged on the door to the temple.

I walked up grabbing a dead guard and took his card key and swiped it on the door panel opening the door and walked in. The group walked in behind me. Rifle raised I descended down the stairs in a single file until we entered a chamber with flood lights aimed at the walls lighting up the whole room. A massive room with carvings of an ancient life and culture a history on the walls a beautiful room with a door on the other side. But as I looked at the doorway stood the man that has been terrorizing the world in order to find god hood in his own image to destroy whatever is in his way “Absolution” I growled out aiming my rifle at his head.

“So good to see you again Captain oh how I have missed our little talks and arguments… but as you can see you are too late as we speak the device we found is charging up I can already feel the power pulse throughout my veins it would be a shame if you miss it. But I’m needed to create a new world and mold it for the future of mankind. Oh do play nice I don’t want to be interrupted.” He said wile straightening his white trench coat and turned to walk away but before I could pull the trigger his guards stepped in front of him and started opening fire on me and the group.

They took cover behind a downed pillar. I could hear the Sargent yell something but I didn't catch what he said as bullets rained down on me from heavy guns. I turned and jumped into a pillar and reloaded my mag and got ready to unload it when my squad opened suppression fire and Mikey shot a rocket at them killing the enemy. I ran forward into the room just as I heard the men behind me yell in pain as they got shot up from behind as 2 more troopers entered behind us.

But too late to turn I need to destroy that artifact. I just barley ran through as the doorway turned into a wall. A massive stone that was meant to be a door crashed behind. I looked up from the ground and seen a huge glowing blue round energy with a stone ring around it. But before I could get up I was immediately thrown against the wall. When I stood back up There 6 ft. in front of me was Absolution. He looked a lot different his eyes where glowing red and looked like lightning was zapping out of his eyes. Before I could react he swung his hand to his left and I was flung by an unseen force into a wall cracking the huge stone wall. I got back up but was in a lot of pain even through my armor I was getting bruised up and feeling my bones be smashed by pure force my right arm wasn't working the mechanics of the armor hydraulics where damaged something I could repair but needed time.

Unfortunately I have no such freedom at the moment. As I got back up I found myself floating. “Any last words you soulless savage?” he said right before he threw me into the ground harder than ever before crushing my arm but I still got up still, but before he could throw me again I grabbed my .45 hand gun and fired into his knee twice. He screamed in pain as his leg was nearly torn off by the two rounds that exploded into his knee but he tried to stand back up but before he could I tackled him putting a combat knife right through his gut ripping his innards up. Before i realized I ran into him and we both ended up jumping right into the giant blue energy device. Everything was black but I could still feel the air around me, I felt like I was being sling shotted a million miles per second but then the suddenly I was flown into a wall. Everything went black again.