“Every life has a choice, every choice begets a decision, and every decision defines a character. You understand that, correct?” A single soldier stood on top of a large base, staring down across the vastness of the desert.
“Yeah, Far-Strider. I do. The question is, do you know your role in what has happened?” Another soldier approached Far-Strider from behind, a large box strapped to his back. Far-Strider reached behind, pulling out a box that folded into a large sniper rifle. As he held it, his duster blew in the wind, his hood just barely revealing the thick gas mask that covered his face.
“Sergeant, I do. I'm the lookout. Considering that there are so few of our strongholds left, those bugs are having a hard time finding us. If there's one thing humanity has that the bugs don't, it's resourcefulness.” Far-Strider peered through the scope, watching a convoy speed towards the base. “The next group is here. I really want to know what the 'expedition' everyone has been talking about is. I mean, they're going to need soldiers, but I do want to know, especially since Doc Chevalier was called from Orion Base to work on it.” Far-Strider continued to focus on the convoy. “Four, five, six. Yep, that's the last one. They said four trucks, plus an escort and a troop transport.” Far-Strider stood up, stretching his back as he watched without the scope.
“Far-Strider, what is going on that so many personnel are needed at this base?”
“To tell you the truth, I don't know. Come on, let's get below. Maybe General Hugh knows.”
The inside of the base was massive. Every time Far-Strider saw it, it never ceased to amaze him. The structure was designed with an alien invasion in mind, protected with the strongest metals and elements available to man during the war. Far-Strider whistled, staring up at a workman welding a patch plate on one of the vents.
“They get in through our air vents usually, don't they?” Far-Strider stared down at a soldier that had approached.
“Usually, Francis. It's just how they think. I have to admit, however, that it's a working tactic. They pushed us back, and no matter what anyone says, they know fighting. You know the bugs they send at us? The human-looking ones?” Far-Strider was motioning with his hands, showing approximately size and shape.
“Yeah, I know them. Atraksi grunts. They're little more than simple drones, no brains, just wiring and machinery linked to a living brain. It's an abomination.” Francis and Far-Strider moved together, weaving through workmen moving packages, repairing the base, or otherwise making themselves busy. An elevator at the end of the hallway with a sign above that read “General's Office” was their destination.
“Hey, Francis! Check this out!” Far-Strider looked up to see an Atraksi bug drone staring down at him. “The holographic camouflage is almost ready- ah, there it goes again. Let's rework the circuits again, Alex! Maybe we'll figure it out?” The scientist dropped down from the wall, the image of the bug flickering around him.
“Stupid eggheads. He's just glad my rifle's safety is on, or he would have felt the shot. I hate those bugs.” Far-Strider shoved his hands in his pockets, marching towards the elevator. Francis sprinted, catching up quickly.
“They really hit home for you, didn't they?”
“I said don't ask the last time you asked. Don't make me repeat myself.” Francis sullenly nodded, letting the rest of the walk be silent as they arrived at the elevator. “Computer, Floor 12, General's Office.” A loud beep was heard, the doors flying open like the wind. “All right. Let's get going. VIKI is going to have a field day with whatever they're cooking up in the basement, Francis.”
“No, no, no! You put that wire in there, and that wire here! Get it right, you imbeciles!” A balding scientist stood in the centre of a large white room, ordering his subordinates around on an alien looking ring. “The Conduit must be prepared if the trip is to succeed! We only have one set of coordinates, and the fusion generators can only support one try right now, so we have to get this right!” A door opened, Far-Strider waltzing in.
“Hey, Chevalier. What's cooking now?”
“Far-Strider, I do not have much for your concerns or any pleasantries. We have spent the better part of five years exploring this device so we can send the expeditionary team through. Five hundred people, the best of their fields. Soldiers too, for guarding.” Far-Strider walked around, staring at the various computers and controls.
“You do realize that you have that lead there in the wrong place?”
“What?” Chevalier stared down at his hands, where a wire was that was missing its port. “Oh. Silly me.” He corrected himself, glaring at Far-Strider. “What do you want?”
“Just the news, Doc. I don't care for pleasantries, just the specifics. What's the expedition for, and why was I never told?”
“One, the expedition is to find ourselves allies against the Atraksi, and two, you're a lookout, not a general. Ask Hugh about it.” A window appeared from one of the walls, General Hugh staring down at Far-Strider in dismay.
“Far-Strider, come up here, now. I want to speak with you.”
General Hugh stood at the window, staring down at the alien device. Far-Strider stood beside him, watching the general's movements.
“It took us five years to figure out how to interface that machine with our fusion generators. There are five fusion reactors here at this base, and all they can do is power one use of this Conduit.” He turned to Far-Strider, no expression on his face. “I know you don't believe me, Michael, but it's the truth. Now, we never told you about the expedition, since if someone got captured, the Atraksi would know, and would immediately attack with one of their roving Redoubt Capitol Ships. Only ten years ago, and we were just scratching the surface on interplanetary travel, too. Ten years later, we're cracking reality itself. How far we have come in such a short time.” Hugh watched the scientists again, smiling as they finished. “You're a part of the expedition, Michael. The list came through from Chevalier himself.” Michael Far-Strider was absolutely shocked.
“M-Me, sir? But I don't know! I'm just a sniper, not a soldier-”
“Snipers are soldiers, and you're one of the best. There are five hundred already. You'll be the five hundred and first.” He chuckled, staring down at the scientists again.
Above the surface, bases around the world transmitted radar data to the secret complex in the Sahara desert, alerting them of two Cruiser-class Atraksi Redoubts searching the desert.
An alarm buzzed on Hugh's arm. He stared down, reading the warning.
“Two Cruiser-class ones. Not the big ones, but they still have the particle drivers. Those can punch right through our base deflector fields. Far-Strider, get to the briefing room. The Conduit will be moved to the primary cargo bay when it is ready.” Hugh bowed out, taking the elevator to the surface. Far-Strider stared down at the Conduit.
“Beautiful, is it not? Too bad you might die.” Far-Strider stared behind him, watching as a more dark-coloured version of himself stood beside him.
“If I had told anyone about you being in my head, they would have hospitalized me, or worse, turned me into a Mecha-Pilot. You know how crazy those guys are.” The Dark-Strider laughed.
“Just remember, I'm you, albeit the better half.” The soft, maniacal laughter of Dark-Strider faded away as he did. Michael stared down at the Conduit once more. He started towards the briefing room, smiling as he wondered just what it did.
The meeting had already started by the time Michael entered the room. Chevalier was explaining the inner workings of the Conduit, to which most of the group was nodding and taking notes. The rest were falling asleep. Michael smiled. Scientific advances were an interest of his, dating back to a long time before. As Chevalier gave up the floor to another, a military man, Michael silently groaned. Most of what they said to the soldiers was military junk about serving humanity and protecting the upper caste with their lives. He had seen enough of the upper caste to know that they were no one he wanted to protect, even if it meant that he would die.
“Greetings, my fellow soldiers. As many of you know, humanity is fast becoming a dying breed. As the kind Doctor Chevalier has so generously stated, the Conduit is our key. But into where, that, oh, that is the question. It has the power to rend space-time, to open gateways into alternate worlds, alternate Earths. We will find a safe haven. Our mission objectives are as follows. One, establish a forward base. Two, locate resources needed for survival. Our ration packs may last a long time, but eating standard issue MRE packs are not ideal for long-term survival on another planet. We discovered that with the test flight of our former interplanetary flagship, the Icarus. They survived, but many of them died. The crew was happy that the colonists were able to terraform Mars so quickly. It's unfortunate that soon after the Atraksi appeared, they lost contact. We assume them all dead. Three, locate materials to construct a low-power generator, and locate some iridium. I don't want to have to explain this again, but the iridium is what we use to construct our portable field generators, and if you can get some up and running, the forward base will be almost impregnable. Four, locate sentient life. If it is advanced enough, we can request their assistance against the Atraksi. All efforts on this side will be poured into restoring the Conduit once it is used so that we can contact you from the other side. We will also attempt to reverse-engineer a more archaic version of the Atraksi Conduit, creating a way to keep the linkway online, instead of shutting it down and risking complete isolation. You are all dismissed. Find your team leader, civilians. Soldiers, you are to report to the armory, and acquire your new weapons. That means you, Far-Strider. I know how much you love your sniper rifle, but you need something new now.” The military man walked off the stage, stepping lightly and fast. Michael stared as he walked out, confused.
“How did he even notice me? I'm all the way at the back”
The armory was abuzz with activity as soldiers gathered new weapons and armour. The scientific branch of the United Earth Coalition had not only been studying the Conduit, they reverse-engineered Atraksi weapons for the use of human hands. Michael watched as a younger soldier walked out with a much more archaic human laser rifle. He shook his head in disbelief.
“Why do they never kid in the military? Ten years, and it still hasn't happened.” The lady at the counter waved him forwards, smiling at Michael.
“Far-Strider, you have been issued the new XMu-2 Laser Sniper Rifle. Its small design will be perfect for you.” She lifted a box out, handing it to Michael. He stared at her in confusion.
“It's a box. Where's the gun?” The lady took it from him, flicking her wrist. A sniper rifle slid out, unfolding from the impromptu “case” it was in. “Okay, now I'm impressed. The boys in research really do love me, don't they-” A sudden explosion off to his left cut the rest of his sentence off. Two young cadets ran out, their pants still on fire.
“I really wish they would not mess with the fission grenades. Even though the blast radius is small enough that they are not too dangerous, they still poison the surrounding area with radiation.” She turned back to Michael, who was now staring at her in wide-eyed shock. “They are in your loadout. Command's not taking any chances. Even if we poison the ground, we need to defend ourselves. I wish I was going. The chance to see an alternate Earth! What an adrenaline rush!” She fell over, smiling. Michael shook his head, taking the fission grenades and clipping them onto his belt.
“All right. Well, I'll leave you to your fangirl emotions.”
When Michael entered the main staging area where they were all to embark on their mission of great importance, he noticed the armour of several Covert Operations soldiers. Their black armour and gas masks were unmistakable. Why they were involved in this mission, instead of fighting the Atraksi in their own ships, was puzzling. The civilians wore heavy radiation suits, detailed with a stencil of the Science Branch of the United Earth Coalition. He shook his head, sighing.
“Those eggheads won't even know how to survive a day without the soldiers. If there are hostile elements beyond the Conduit, I don't want to be the one picking up scientist bits.” Michael shuddered, moving towards the front. There had been a mission through an enemy-held Conduit with scientists. It had not been pretty. He nodded to Doctor Chevalier, who nodded to another group of scientists, ones not decked out in the heavy radiation suits of the civilian teams. Several switches were pulled down, hard, the lights dimming as the Conduit spun up. The human tech sparked as a small portal appeared, growing larger as more power was applied from the fusion generators. Chevalier was staring at Michael, who was wide-eyed in shock. The ground was shaking, various items that had not been secured being rumbled off of nearby tables.
“The Conduit is ripping through the fabric of reality! Hopefully we can stabilize it when it gets large enough!” The energy of the Conduit caused the ground to not just shake, but ripple as reality itself was breached.
On another world, more peaceful than the one that was forcing its way through, equines trotted around, smiles abounding as the sun shined down. Each hurried about some pre-ordained task. That was until the sky fell. The sky itself rended open, a huge black portal opening far from the small town. The equines galloped around, screaming, the strange portal moving and changing size.
“All teams! The portal is stabilized! Get through with your equipment now!” The Covert Ops leaped through first, followed by several teams of scientists, engineers, and labourers carrying large amounts of equipment and materials. Michael nodded to Chevalier, who leaped through. A heavy shudder ran through the structure above him, something attempting to break through. A klaxon somewhere sounded.
“Fusion reactor leak! Engage magnetic containment fields!” Michael took a deep breath, running headlong through the portal before the upper floor collapsed, burying the portal, and ruining equipment that was specifically designed for the Conduit.
On the other side, the Covert Ops teams had already set up their positions, guarding the clearing the group now found themselves in. The engineers had already begun the setup of the portable field generators, while the labourers had begun constructing various short walls for defensive measures and weaponry. Two tents were already up, with scientists setting up inside. Michael flew through, landing flat on his face, sliding a few feet before the portal closed behind him. He stood up, staring at the portal. Someone was still inside. As it closed, the person's head was severed from his body, the decapitated head flying directly into a scientist's faceplate. The screams permeated Michael's helmet, even though sound-cancellation measures had activated. He stared at the twitching scientist, her faceplate a mess as she lay there. He shook his head, sighing.
Two equines entered the forest, curious as to what the portal was. As they approached the site where it had been pinpointed to be, it disappeared. Nighttime had begun to fall, and beams of light permeated the darkness, swinging wide as if searching. Staying out of sight, they muttered to each other in a language not easily understood as they studied the strange creatures. A little white rabbit bounced off of the head of one, startling her into catching it. It hopped directly into the path of one of the beams of light, a laser sight tracking it as it slowly backed up.
“Sir, movement!” A pulsed-laser rifle trained on the tiny creature that had shown itself in the clearing. The Covert Ops trooper steadied when he saw it was just a rabbit. “Just local wildlife sir-” A cream-coloured pegasus-like equine entered the clearing, startling several more troopers into aiming their weapons at it. “We may have a hostile!” Michael had been monitoring their radio channels, following their conversation.
“Remember, if it's hostile, shoot it.” The troopers nodded, laser sights flickering on and aiming at the pegasus equine cowering in the beams of their flashlights.
The other equine in the bushes could see that the strange creatures in black meant the other equine harm. Before they could fire their weapons, it just suddenly appeared in front of them, a horn on its head glowing a similar colour to its lavender coat. A large field suddenly appeared, blocking the laser shots as if they were nothing.
“Sir! They appear to have some sort of shield technology! All troopers, fire on the intruders!” The combined laser fire of the Covert Ops troopers began pushing what was assumed to be a credible shielded threat back from the clearing. Almost suddenly, the two equines, along with the rabbit, disappeared in a strange cloud of smoke. “They've disappeared, Far-Strider! Recommend immediate defensive set up.” Michael reviewed footage from one of the trooper's helmet-cams, watching the field. He had never seen anything like it. It meant, unfortunately, that they would have to be extremely careful when locating a power source to replace the portable power packs that everything ran on. They would last for a short while, but not long enough for a long-term engagement.
“Follow the recommendation. These equines seem very intelligent, but hostile. We must complete the defensive bubble fields on the low walls to give extra cover. Get everything together. If those eggheads have the time, get them to erect an Electromagnet Tower. We'll need that to throw off any scans from the enemy.” Michael sat back in his chair inside what had become the command tent, staring at the footage replaying over, and over. Equines with technology that advanced? He doubted it. “There has to be a more simple explanation.” He turned on his radio, signaling one of the Covert Ops troopers. “We may need to interrogate these species. From the helmet-cam, I noticed they spoke to each other, although quietly. Capture one, if you can. Mount an expedition in the morning. For now, everyone must get some sleep. X-1, X-2, you're on first watch with me. R-1, R-2, R-3, you're on second. Remaining troopers, you're on third watch.” He leaned back in his chair before standing up, unpacking his XMu-2 rifle. Stepping out of the tent, he watched as the scientists moved into temporary shelters that the engineers and labourers had finished constructing. Troopers X-1 and X-2 stood at the ready, shining their lights around. “Well, first contact with another alien species, and they're hostile. What a surprise.” He flicked his light on, shining it around. “First watch. Well, everyone have a good sleep tonight, because tomorrow is not going to be as pleasant as I hope it will be.”
2 - Rules of Engagement [Rewrite]
2 - Rules of Engagement [Rewrite]
Michael sat in front of a bank of monitors. Cameras had been erected around the camp, waving side to side to complete the scanning coverage area. The Covert Ops patrolled behind the bubble fields, their laser sights darting back and forth as they scanned the forest around the clearing.
“First contact. Computer, replay cam footage from the night prior.” Two days ago, they had arrived on the strange alternate Earth. First contact had been with a very intelligent equine race. However, hostilities had already arisen. The footage played back, displaying the field that the unicorn, a nickname Chevalier had given the one, projected. It was not unlike a SpecOps bubble field portable shield. He replayed it two more times, trying to identify technology that they might have. Unsatisfied, he picked up his radio, clicking it on until it hissed quietly. “Chevalier, send the captain of the Covert Ops into the surveillance tent. I would like to have a word with him.”
“You got it, Far-Strider.” A few minutes later, one of the Covert Ops troopers entered the tent, his rank denoted by a yellow line down the middle of his helmet.
“Captain Roger Delores, sir. You wanted to see me?' Michael turned to face the captain.
“Delores, we need to know more about our surrounding area. Now, the last scientist that had been coming through the portal two days ago before the incident, he had our drone equipment, which means we're stuck with our eyes, ears, and helmet-cams. Remember the rules of engagement when we are dealing with new species. Stay out of sight, keep your distance, and if one decides to attack, incapacitate and capture. Bring X-1 and X-2. Our group should stay small in order to avoid detection.” Delores nodded, quietly removing himself from the tent.
Michael stood out in front of the small squad he had picked. Delores stood with his laser rifle, an extra battery strapped to his vest. The other two had picked up, from the armory tent, two older projectile weapons hanging from their shoulders, two extra magazines strapped to their vests. Captain Delores stood at attention, X-1 and X-2 watching the area.
“All right. Well, I am going to assume that Captain Delores has briefed you, so I'll make this short. We are going to survey the surrounding area, making note of any settlements. Be warned, the inhabitants may be hostile.” Delores and the two troopers nodded, their weapons out and ready. “Also, if you're attacked, conserve ammunition. Delores, your laser rifle only has a limited charge. Don't overuse it.” The four soldiers saluted each other, moving out through the underbrush while the other Covert Ops troopers covered the areas that the three had left open.
The forest was quite... dark, for one, with very little in the way of underbrush, a stark contrast to the outer areas. Flashlights clicked on as the squad scanned the area.
“Delores, radio in.” Michael stared at a strange plant that looked like poison oak, an extinct plant on Earth, except with blue spots.
“Delores here. I've encountered more of the plant over here as well. Permission to switch to wide-beam and burn through?” Michael knelt down, staring closer. A couple of the plants had patches of lavender fur stuck to them.
“There is fur stuck to this one patch. Lavender, like our 'friend' from a few days ago. Delores, permission granted. X-1, X-2, meet up with Delores. The last thing we need is our people to be affected by the rash from such a plant.
“Roger sir. Moving to location.” Michael stood up, flicking his rifle back into its case. Attaching it to his belt, he jogged to meet up with Delores, who had already begun burning away the poison oak with his rifle. Fog rolled in under their feet, smoke from the burned plants rising like wisps from the ground. A swath showed through the fog as it thinned out to mist. Michael flipped out his rifle and sighted in the target, relinquishing his aim when it was only a newborn deer wandering through the forest.
“Cancel firing positions. It's just a baby deer.” Michael fumbled with the end of his rifle, removing the flashlight. Re-securing it to his back, he shined the flashlight around, the light glinting off of several surfaces. One appeared to be a sort of metallic substance. “Delores, am I to assume you have your metallurgic scanner on your person?” Delores nodded, removing a small device with two probes attached.
“Be careful, sir. For all we know, that could be sulfur, and the probes could set it off. Lost an entire squad to that once.” Delores whistled as his flashlight waved through the darkness. “Darker than the inside of an Atraksi hive.” A shadow zipped through the underbrush, the bushes barely visible to the squad. “Michael-”
“I saw it. Weapons live, people. Something's watching us.” X-1 was standing still, leaning against a tree when something grappled onto his leg.
“What the-” With a small gasp, he was gone, X-2 shining his light wildly around.
“1! Captain Delores-” Without so much as a warning, X-2 was gone. Delores backed up to Michael, his eyes wide.
“Far-Strider, something out-of-the-ordinary is happening. X-1 and X-2 are not near their posts, and their weapons are still on the ground. Lights are on still, too.” Michael nodded, holding the two probes close to the metal.
“I know. Something's moving in the bushes.” The scanner beeped, various information types displayed on the screen. “Metallic substance identified as 40% iron, with 35% copper, and 25% uranium.” He whistled. “Collect enough of this stuff, we could build ourselves a small power plant. What do you think, Cap- Delores?” Michael was all alone, standing in a dark forest. He flipped out his rifle, aiming around. He tapped the side of his mask, the eyes lighting up as he glanced around. “Gotta love night vision.” The area around was lit up like a Christmas tree, radiation at unusual levels. “That's... disconcerting. Captain Delores?” A small object impacted his shoulder as he attempted to locate Delores. Turning his head, he found a small dart imbedded in the soft tissue of his arm. As he removed it, he suddenly felt lethargic. “Sedative. Wonderful.” With that, he collapsed, his last view before slumber an image of dark shapes surrounding him.
Loud noises and a bright light woke Michael from his slumber. A large campfire was blazing, with various equines in golden armour sharpening weapons, eating, or otherwise behaving like a small military company. Delores stirred beside him.
“Sir, why are we upside down? Oh, we're tied like that.” Michael turned to Delores, his glare shutting him up. The camp stopped and stared at the two, watching their every move. Michael tried his best to whisper without moving his lips.
“Captain, whatever you do, don't you dare alert them to us being conscious.” An equine, white in colour with a blue mane, trotted over.
“Hvem er du?” Delores and Michael stared at each other.
“Is it... speaking in Danish?” Michael smiled, biting his lip.
“I would laugh, but they might think I mean them harm!” Unable to control himself any longer, he let out his mirth, his raucous laughter echoing throughout the camp.
“Hvad er så mormonst?” Delores stopped, Michael staring at him.
“Huh. I don't know what's funny, the fact that he's speaking in an Earth language, or the fact that we know what language it is, too!” Delores began to laugh as well, his laughter echoing as Michael rejoined the mirth.
“Hold on a second, Delores! Let me get the translator working!” Michael moved his hands to his belt, where a small box was located. “Let's try again.” He fiddled with it, until it began to transmit his speech into Danish.
“Du tror du- you are so funny, huh? You shot at my sister, you idiot!” Delores and Michael stopped laughing, the realization hitting them.
“Delores? Why do I have a feeling of sudden doom?” The equine stared at them.
“I can understand you! But, how?” Michael stared down at him, motioning at the ropes.
“Maybe if you cut us down, instead of making us pass out from blood pooling in our craniums, we could, maybe, enlighten you?” The equine nodded to two guards, spears levitating to the ropes. “Without cutting my foot off, perhaps? I do need it.” Michael was cut down with a swift slice, his head impacting the soft earth. Delores fell on his face, his nose sticking in mud. Michael pushed himself off the ground, staring around. He turned to help the captain to his feet, motioning to the equine.
“Oh, all right.” They followed him into a white tent, where several equines gathered, their coats of varying shades of colour.
“So, let me get this straight. You two are from a planet called Earth.” The equine they had met introduced himself as Shining Armour, the captain of the equines that stood outside.
“Yeah.”
“And you're here to find potential allies against this enemy...” He stared down at a folder that had been translated for him by Delores into Danish. “The... 'Atraksi?' What are they, exactly?” Michael leaned forward, his head close to Armour's.
“Let me tell you about them. They are some of the most despicable creatures in the entirety of the universe. They plague upon hapless civilizations to eat away, destroying what they are. We came here to either find allies, or a new home for the remnants of humanity.” Michael spat at the ground, disgust in his eyes.
“What do they look like?” Delores took the floor for that.
“Insectoid, about our height when we stand up, and very, very aggressive. If they think you are going to attack, even if you are sleeping, they will attack you, kill you, then consume your lifeless corpse.” Michael stared open-mouthed at Delores. “I watched them do it to one of my squads. Bastards.” They shook their heads, staring at Armour, whose mouth was also aghast.
“T-they eat the dead?!” His faced turned green for a few seconds. “I think I'm going to be sick.” Michael held up his hand.
“Not on our count, you won't. My name is Michael Far-Strider, a sniper in the employ of the United Earth Coalition. He is Captain Delores, of the Covert Ops arm of the military.” Michael leaned back. “As I will reiterate once more, we did not mean your sister harm. We assumed she was hostile when she... what did she do, as you say?”
“Teleported in to save her friend.”
“'Teleported' to save the other equine-”
“We just call ourselves ponies. Equine is too formal.” Michael nodded. Delores reached inside his jacket, withdrawing another folder.
“This is the info on resources we need for our survival. If we can get the ones near the middle of the list, right there.” He put his finger down below the title that said seeds. “We can begin to grow our own food. That means sustainability, and that means a long-term base of operations.” Delores closed his eyes, thinking of something he wished he had.
“So, along with your device that 'detects' metal, you need seeds, and labour assistance?” Michael shrugged.
“There are five hundred of us. Our base may seem small, but currently, we need to expand, most likely underground as per UHC military protocol. It's for protection. Now, another thing. If the Atraksi find their way here-” Armour stared right at Michael.
“We can deal with them. We're not defenseless.” Michael chuckled at that.
“You fight with weapons that wouldn't even make a dent in the carapace of an Atraksi warrior! How do you expect to be able to fight with them on an equal footing?” Armour backed off, realizing Michael's point. Michael raised his index finger, pointing at himself first, then Delores. “However, with the help of our scientists and engineers, we could prepare you for such an event. It might come very soon, however, seeing as the Atraksi can detect whenever we attempt to reverse-engineer their technology.” Armour stood up.
“You come here, and just insult my troops?! We are not some kind of simple weaklings!” With that, he blasted from his horn a powerful beam, incinerating a small patch of grass. Michael flexed his fingers, staring at the patch of grass.
“That.” He pointed to Armour's horn. “Brings me to another question. Just what on Earth are you doing, and how does it work?” Armour stopped.
“Wait, you don't know? Everypony in Equestria knows what magic is!” Michael snorted. Delores had been drinking water from a small cup, spraying it out from his nose as he choked.
“What?!”
“Are you kidding me?! Magic? That's just myths and fairytales! It's gotta be something else-” Michael was interrupted by a bright flash of light. A familiar lavender unicorn stood outside, with a very... large... white... pegasus unicorn cross. “Well, we are officially screwed, Far-Strider.” The hybrid and the unicorn walked in.
“Yes, Princess, they said that they had captured them and- brother!” She flashed on the table, her horn pointed at Michael and Delores. “Get away from them!”
“Hey! Wait! We're not here to harm you!”
“Twilight! These are not hostiles! They were following their own rules for war-” The hybrid stood at the edge of the room.
“Twilight Sparkle, you are over-reacting to a simple situation. Let them explain themselves.” Twilight backed down, but kept her apprehensive state about her.
“And that's pretty much how it works for us. We're not a very trusting race, as you can tell.” Delores was about to continue when two guard ponies dragged two familiar humans in.
“We found... your friends. They're dead as far as we can tell.” Michael stood up, inspecting the bodies. He reached to their necks, stopping when he saw what killed them. He ripped their dogtags off, holding them tightly in his hand.
“It's X-1 and X-2... and it's worse than I expected.” He stripped the suit off of X-1, revealing bleached bones. “Something liquefied their very flesh, like acid.” He punched the ground. “I never even knew who they really were.” Delores pulled their masks off, holding one to Michael.
“Far-Strider, keep it together. As long as the camp is still intact, we should be fine, right?” Michael nodded. “Princess Celestia, if you are able, would you spare some guards? We do not know these woods all that well, so it would be appreciated if we had some sort of guide.” Celestia nodded, several guards hoisting their weapons. “Michael, pray to God that whatever killed them has not killed our expeditionary force, or we are screwed.”
Author's Notes Not Working:
So, rewritten. Anyways, criticism is welcome.
