//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Ace Combat: Shadows of Equestria // by The Sergeant //------------------------------// The scientists didn't intend to change the world today. As far as they were concerned, they were tinkering with mechanical parts to see whether or not they would make it five feet without falling apart. No knew about these experiments yet, since they were carried out in a remote area of the Equestrian coast. Princess Celestia had specifically asked for several scientists from different countries within the Solar Empire to work on the project, and determine whether there was a future for the three devices the scientists worked on day and night. The jeep, a wheeled, motorized contraption that, if finished, would be able to drive along roads and replace the archaic carriages. It was the first device the scientists had received. The Biplane, a bi-winged aircraft with wings and tail that reminded everyone of the mythical Fenix Dragon, and was one of the most troublesome automatons the scientists had ever seen. Most of the time the engine failed to start, or the plane wouldn't get off the ground, or would get off the ground but crash several seconds later. Then there as the Submersible, a submersible craft that could stay underwater for twelve minutes. All of these devices were submitted by enthusiastic inventors who wanted to improve the world in their own small way. It wouldn't be small any longer. Today was a day that would change the world forever. The scientist in charge of the progress, a middle-aged grey haired Unicorn, gave the order for the day's testing to begin. Slight improvements had been made on all of the devices, and he wanted to see exactly what had changed. The Submersible had been given new bilge pumps, the biplane's engines had been outfitted with a new coolant mixture and the jeep was given a sturdier set of tires. He sat back and watched the Jeep's test begin. The Jeep was driven by a volunteer for exactly twenty five minutes until it was low on fuel. The young driver drove up to the receiving area and stopped the Jeep several feet off target, to his embarrassment. Excited, they tested the Biplane. A female Pegasus familiar with the simple controls was picked to pilot the craft. The 10 feet long bi-winged craft soon took off and flew gracefully over their heads for ten minutes before landing. The Submersible still stayed underwater for twelve minutes, but that couldn't be helped. By now the Scientists were scribbling messages to the Princesses, making sure to take down every detail and how the devices could be improved further. (50 years later) "Ladies and Gentlemen," A Changeling Colonel said to an assorted group of Equestrians, Griffons, Changelings and Zebricans outside the Solar Empire Capital of Canterlot. "I, Colonel Kirov, and my associates at Sukhoi Aviations are proud to tell you that we have perfected the newest craft in our Aerial Production line. I present to you..." He pressed a signal button, and at once a large shadow blotted out the sun. The surprised crowd looked up and saw a plane hovering several hundred feet off the ground. Immediately, the plane descended, touching down behind Kirov. "...The Su-49 Sideswipe." The Sideswipe boasts VTOL capabilites and sustained flight. It can hold 50 missiles, 2000 rounds of bullets and has a range of 2,500 miles." The crowd immediately started chattering amongst themselves, and a blonde maned unicorn raised a hand. Kirov immediately recognized General Dinky Hooves, one of Celestia's trusted generals. She had quite the accomplished career in the Solar Empire, and was fast approaching 60 years of age. "Colonel Kirov, My Princess would honestly give Sukhoi Aviations 100,000 bits for the Su-49 Sideswipe and other aircraft suitable for Imperial Pilots." General Dinky said, to which some of the crowd turned to her in astonishment. Kirov stared at her sympathetically. "General Dinky, I appreciate the offer, but unfortunately Princess Luna has paid me nearly quadruple that amount two weeks ago for the next fifteen aircraft classes to enter production." Dinky glared at him. "Sorry." Kirov said sheepishly. --- That evening, Celestia was trying to get answers out of Luna. The N.L.R Leader had swiped sixteen plane classes, and she wanted to know why. Luna was staring out the bedroom window while a visibly frustrated Celestia stood in the doorway. The candles lighting the room gave it a gloomy effect. "Luna, you can't be serious. The Empire has relatively antique aircraft, and we needed new Sukhoi aircraft." Luna sighed. "Sister," she started, "Your pilots are unfamiliar with Sukhoi's aircraft. My pilots have been flying theirs for several years and know exactly how they work. If your pilots are able to understand how Sukhoi's aircraft works, you would need to purchase several dozen Su-28 training planes." Celestia scoffed. "That may be the case, sister, but this matter of you bribing Sukhoi to give you the Su-49 and the following fifteen aircraft? That's ludicrous! Why would you do that?" Luna walked over from the window and stood three feet away from her sister. "Dassault, The Republic's main Aircraft Designer has halted all shipments for reasons unknown. The N.L.R needs new aircraft. Sukhoi's were the most promising." Celestia uncharacteristically growled in frustration. "This incident with your designer only adds more the the fact that you're unfit to rule the N.L.R territories." Luna was angered by the insult. "How I run my territories is of no concern to you! You run your Empire and let me run mine! The Business relations between me and Dassault are none of your business." Celestia remained silent. Luna continued. "I'm going back to my castle in Aurelia tomorrow morning. If that is all, sister, please leave." Celestia turned and walked out the door, using her magic to slam it with enough force to rattle the vase next to Luna's bed. Neither of them had noticed a pegasus hovering in the darkness outside the window, a Pegasus who had been eavesdropping on their conversation. A Pegasus from a Corporation that neither of them had dealing with. A Corporation that was very intereste din the events to come. And Luna didn't hear the pegasus mutter to herself, "...And so it begins..." Ace Combat: Shadows of Equestria