//------------------------------// // The Test. // Story: SIEG EQUESTRIA! // by Macross84 //------------------------------// It was another flawless sunrise if Celestia do say so herself. She raised, and set the sun for so long that it has pretty much become second nature to her. Golden clad hooves clicked across the floor from the balcony at the top of Canterlot Castle as Celestia's multihued mane, and tail floated across the tile. Her night's rest has been pleasantly peaceful, and Celestia hoped that today would be peaceful as well. She had an idea of what would be on her itinerary, but she would have to look at it to be sure of the specifics. Celestia had no idea how different this day would be. Coming downstairs for a light breakfast, she was greeted with an unusual sight. Luna pacing around the breakfast table muttering to herself. "Good morning, dear Sister. It is pleasant to see you. Will you join me for breakfast?" Celestia asked as she glanced at the table to see where the scroll of her daily appointments would normally be waiting for her. However, strangely, the scroll was absent this morning. To think that she had nothing scheduled for the day was absurd. A growing suspicion started to wriggle at the back of Celestia's mind. A suspicion that Luna would confirm. "There is no time, Sister. I've taken the Liberty to clear your schedule today. An incident has occurred while you were taking your respite the previous evening, and it requires our attention." Luna explained. Celestia looked at her sister with growing worry in her eyes. "A dragon has attacked Ponyville in the night." Luna stated to the shocked gasp of the Solar Diarch. Luna could see the worry that Celestia had for her little ponies, but also the grave worry for one recently ascended purple Alicorn. "Why wasn't I awoken?" Celestia asked with a bit more edge in her voice than she meant to. Celestia was almost a second mother to Twilight Sparkle, and cared deeply for her student. Her care blossomed to include Twilight's Friends, the Bearers of Harmony. They, along with Twilight, have saved Equestria from many threats. "Because Sister of mine, as the Celestial Sisters, we have responsibilities, and duties that trump even our own personal feelings, and fears. Duties that can not be simply "put off"." Luna replied with a hint of the weight that she, and Celestia bore from their positions of power. "I have sent a company of my best Guards to assist the Bearers in this crisis immediately upon receiving Princess Sparkle's Letter. However, it would appear that the situation resolved itself before they could arrive on scene." Luna explained. She could already hear the question her sister was about to ask even before Celestia could open her mouth. "The Dragon was already slain upon their arrival." Luna stated. "Slain!? Surely you mean subdued, yes?" Celestia asked. "Slain" was such a harsh, yet clinically clean term of ending a creature's life. It was something Celestia didn't like to do. Yet, she had to do just that many times in her long reign as punishment for the very gravest of crimes. Still, it was something she wished to avoid if she could. "No sister, slain. The Dragon has been killed, and its head removed." Luna stated as she approached Celestia. Luna seem the more cold of the two sisters. A given, perhaps, as Luna was the Diarch of the Night. "However, we've wasted enough time. We must make haste. The chariot awaits to take us Ponyville. I'll explain more on the way as I received a report from Captain Calm Night of what transpired there from eyewitness accounts shortly before sunrise." Luna stated as she started to make her way out of the Chamber, Celestia quickly trotting to catch up. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ponyville was buzzing as Michael's Zaku lowered him to the ground via voice commands. While the Mobile suits were far from autonomous, they were capable of simple commands by registered pilots. Michael was a bit nervous as he could see the many eyes upon him. Sure he had a 17 meter tall robot behind him, but still. it was very disconcerting to be stared at so intently. The Ponies jockeying for position to see this strange interloper into their midst. "It is alright, Mr. Black. No pony is going to hurt you." Fluttershy assured as she could see, and sense his hesitation. Black didn't bother with correcting Fluttershy for his rank as many other NCOs would have done. Michael was a bit more laid back, and it didn't really matter at this point. He merely nodded as he let the butter colored Pegasus lead the way. Fluttershy just barely reached his hip, and it was a little difficult to find a pace that would match hers without pushing her, or feel like a lumbering neanderthal. She would lead him over to a group of five Multi-colored ponies, and Michael had to wonder if the normal colors for a Horse or Pony didn't apply here, where ever here was. He stopped about 15 feet away as Fluttershy covered the rest of the distance. "This is Michael Black. He is a Hoo-myn." Fluttershy said with wonder in her eyes at meeting a new "Creature". Michael smiled as he was introduced, and was about to say something, but the paling faces of the other ponies alerted him that something was gravely amiss. To the other ponies, Michael's teeth were fairly alarming. They were sharp teeth, predatory teeth. Michael was carnivore. Carnivores were fairly common around Equestria. Diamond Dogs, Griffons, Dragons, as well as several other beings ate, and enjoyed meat. While, on a whole, the relationships were relatively peaceful, new carnivores were always treated with some caution until it was determined if the're a threat or not. It would be the Purple Pony with wings, and what looked like a fairly sharp horn on her head that would be the first to step forward. As she did, a couple of the guards tensed up, their weapons at the ready. Being outnumbered, and "outgunned" Michael didn't make any hostile moves. Fluttershy was nice enough, and this purple one didn't seem hostile either. As she approached, she had to crane her neck up to look at him. She opened her mouth to speak when three small bundles of energy suddenly darted out, and ran towards him. They were each approximately the size of a medium-large dog. The three newcomers skidded to a halt right in front of Michael, and looked up at the strange creature that found his way into their town. Their eyes grew wide as they tried to comprehend everything they just seen. Bursting with that youthful exuberance that made children so adorable. "Whoa!" They all breathed in unison. "Tarnation yer ginormous!" The yellow pony with a bow tie in her mane declared with an adorable southern twang. It reminded Michael of a mechanic at the base that was originally from Texas Colony, and spoke very similarly. "Wow, a giant that came out of a giant! That's like....." A small pony with pure white fur, and soft purple, lavender, and white mane started to say, but couldn't seem to come up with an appropriate ending to the statement. Though she wouldn't be left hanging for long. "GIANT-CEPTION!" The one filly with a tomboyish mane shouted excitedly a she hopped into the air, her tiny wings buzzing like a hummingbird to try, and keep her aloft as gravity slowly brought her back down the ground. She flashed the cheekiest grin she could to her friends. The other two simply looking at her for a moment before putting their hooves to their faces. The very next moment, they opened a floodgate of questions for Michael. Questions like "Where are you from?", "What are you?", "What is that you came out of?", and every other question that could pop into their heads, and out their mouths. Michael was quickly becoming overwhelmed with it all as he held up his hands in a surrendering gesture. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold your....uh, never mind. Calm down, please." He stated as he slowly knelt down before the three little fillies. Taking a posture that was eerily similar to the one that the Zaku was in. Before the conversation could be carried out any further, the three fillies each took on a purple aura as they were levitated back behind the purple unicorn-pegasus looking pony. "Girls please, this is a highly delicate, and monumental encounter. This First Contact could effect all of Equestria." Twilight chided the three. Though the smile on her face showed that she wasn't angry with them, more amused really. Michael had to bite his lip to keep from laughing as every single sci-fi movie involving aliens, and first contact popped in his head. The three fillies were more than willing to voice their disapproval of being torn away from the interesting creature. They all let out with a chorus of "Awwwww, No Fair!" in protest as they were set on the ground just in front of the others. Rarity was quick to come up behind, and take over for Twilight. Keeping the three back while the Bearer of the Element of Magic tried to speak. With that distraction out of the way, Twilight turned her attention to the stranger, Michael Black, once more. Since he was still knelt down, it was easier for her to look at him, and she didn't feel as intimidated. "Greetings, and Welcome to Ponyville. I'm Twilight Sparkle. My friend, Fluttershy, has told me your name was "Michael Black". Can you please tell us more about yourself." She requested. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The royal Chariot was speeding across the sky, surrounded by a company of Solar, and Night Guards. Celestia was finding it very difficult to believe what her sister has told her. An enormous green giant simply charging out of the Everfree forest to do battle with the Dragon!? It sounded something like a pack of fillies, and colts would think of. Yet, she knew that her sister, nor any of her guard, would create such a wild tale, even in jest. That worrying knot in the back of her mind continued to grow as the chariot couldn't go fast enough. Sure, they could have teleported, but there was still very little known about the situation. Arriving by Chariot was thought to help prepare the Diarchs for what they'll find. Yet, nothing could truly prepare them for that. As they came upon Ponyville, both Princesses let out a startled gasp at the huge hulking monstrosity in among their beloved ponies. The Chariot came into a long banking descent over the town as the princesses mentally composed themselves. This was going to be a very interesting encounter. "Prepare yourself, Luna. We do not know what we'll find." Celestia spoke softly to her sister. The Diarch of the night nodded. The scene was a shock to her system as well. Since being imprisoned in the moon for a thousand years. Luna was still trying to catch up with all the advances that the world had undergone in her absence. However, nothing she encountered prepared her for this. "Understood." Luna replied simply as her eyes were fixed upon the Giant. The Chariot would come to a landing, the wheels creaked against the ground. The guards quickly came around, and formed a defensive ring around the two Rulers of Equestria. Normally Celestia wouldn't have the guards be so defensive, but the situation at hand was far from normal. From the group of ponies, Twilight sparkle quickly approached. Celestia's face lite up seeing that her student was safe. The Guards were quick to let the new Alicorn through. The two came as close to embracing as propriety would allow. Luna smiled to see that her sister's cherished student was safe. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From the moment the two new arrivals touched down, Michael was on edge. Even from the distance he was, he could tell they were the rulers. He could literally feel it. It made the hair on his arms, and the back of his neck stand up. The Zabi family claimed nobility, and distinction, but what Michael was looking at with these two new arrivals was Majesty incarnate. It reminded him when he first arrived in Europe, and saw the Matterhorn in Switzerland. It was an awe inspiring sight. These two were just like that Mountain. It was very frightening. It was the power they exuded. While the denizens of Equestria were quite used to it, being surrounded by it all the time, Michael has never felt it it before, and he was at quite the loss to know what to do, or say. He had difficulty swallowing a rather large lump in this throat as he watched Twilight talk with these two rather amiably. "Hey big Fella, relax. It is not like they're going to banish you to the Moon, or something." Rainbow Dash joked with a snicker. Applejack was quick to try, and shush Rainbow Dash with a deep hiss. The randomness of the comment snapped Michael out of his daze, and he turned to the Cyan colored pony with the Prismatic Mane. Rainbow Dash is what he remembered that Twilight pony calling her. a fitting name since her mane color was like a rainbow, and she seemed chopping at the bit for some action. Though her comment caused him to tilt his head to the side. "What's wrong with the Moon? My family, and I lived there for about four years when I was in Middle School." He stated with a confused tone. The ponies within earshot looked at him suddenly Some thinking he was a liar, others too surprised to really say anything. "You wanna run that by us again?" AppleJack asked as she looked hard at Michael. She was of the Former group that believed he was lying, and being the Element of Honesty, she was determined to see if he was, in fact, telling the truth. "I spent a couple of years living in Von Braun on the moon. Not a bad place, if you don't mind living underground. Just gotta know where not to go." He stated with a shrug, though he was thankful that his attention was taken away from the two Rulers. Though his peace would be short lived. MICHAEL OF BLACK. COME FORTH, AND PRESENT THYSELF! A loud booming voice rumbled across the area like a peal of thunder. Michael's head snapped around to see who called his name. Expecting a robed being with a beard, and long shaggy hair to be descending from on high. Yet what he saw was the dark blue colored pony with the same features as Twilight looking directly at him. Her, and the Large white one's mane, and tail were fluttering in some unfelt breeze. "Shit." he mentally thought before he started to approach. Michael put on a strong, and proud face. He was a soldier in the noble Zeon Military. On top of that, he was among the Elite, a Mobile Suit pilot. He strode right up to the two Diarches, trying his best to ignore the disconcerting feelings simply being close to them gave him. Once he was ten feet away, he brought his heels together as his left hand came to the seam in his pants. His Right, snapping up to his right eyebrow. Eyes forward, and his back straight. he gave the crispest military salute he could since Basic Training. "Sargent Michael Black. Principality of Zeon Terrestrial Occupation Forces European Theater 43rd Mobile Suit team." he stated with a crispness that was pure military. The two Alicorns looked at this creature that displayed respectable military bearing. That made him more worrisome. If he is military, than his threat level went up. Celestia, and Luna shared a glance to each other, a glance that had Twilight curious. "Please follow us. We wish to talk to you, in private." Celestia stated with a business like tone. One that broached no disobedience. "Understood." Michael replied. With the amount of power they gave off, he didn't think he could make it to his Zaku should he decide to make a run for it. Besides, where would he go? He knew for a fact that he wasn't on Earth, or any of the Colonies anymore. So for the time being, he would have to play nice. Twilight fell in with the group, curious as to what they were going to talk about. The Glance that Luna, and Celestia shared also had her worried. Though they only got a couple of steps before Celestia stopped. "My Dear Twilight, I'm afraid you can not come." Celestia stated with a soft motherly voice. She was protecting Twilight. "Why should she not come, Sister mine?" Luna asked. "Is she not a Princess too? Even if only recently ascended. She now shares in on the duties that you, I, and Cadence now share. She has every right to come with us for this. She must see what being an Alicorn truly means." Luna stated. Celestia was about protest, albeit politely since they were in front of the others, but Twilight spoke up. "Please Princess. If I'm to be an Alicorn, I need to know what responsibilities it entails. Otherwise I'll never truly find my place." Twilight stated as she spread her wings to show that she was ready. Celestia saw that she was fighting a war on two fronts. She let out a soft sigh before lowering her head, and smiled at Twilight. "You're right. Sometimes it is hard to remember that you're not my faithful student anymore." Celestia stated warmly. Twilight smiled back at her, and the four continued their walk towards Twilight's Tree Library. During their pause, Michael listened, and tried to process what was going on. "Recently ascended? What did that have to do with being a princess?" He thought as he followed the three Equines to a large tree with windows. After everything he seen so far, he was starting to wonder if there would be anything that would surprise him. Once in the Library, and the main floor was secured from any outside snooping. Luna turned upon Michael, and gave him a cool glare. "You will submit to my inquiry. Make no attempts to veil your true intentions in falsehoods." She stated with a forceful tone as her horn began to glow. Michael didn't even get to do, or say anything before he suddenly collapsed onto the ground much like a marionette with its strings clipped. Winding up in a very undignified Heap. "MICHAEL!" Twilight gasped as she moved to help, but was stopped when Celestia extended her wing to stop her. "Why did she do that!?" Twilight asked. She looked up at her teacher with confusion, and anger. How could Luna, and Celestia treat Michael this way!? He saved Ponyville for crying out loud! "This is the darker side of Ruling, Twilight. Something that, if I could have helped it, you would have never had to witness. Luna, and I often have to take steps to ensure the safety of our beloved little ponies." Celestia explained though she didn't expect Twilight to understand. She continued to look upon her sister, and this strange "Hoo-myn" as Twilight told her he was called. She could feel the very disapproving glare from Twilight Sparkle. Twilight grumbled something under her breath before using her magic to at least lay Michael on his back. Being careful that she doesn't hurt the new arrival. Celestia, and Luna couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in Twilight for her consideration. Soon, a blue aura surrounded MIchael's unconscious form as Luna knelt down beside him, and closed her eyes. She was delving into his mind. Through it she could see what he knows, and learn more about him, and his race. What she saw defied belief. Great wonders of technology, and innovation. She saw Cities with Skyscrapers that eclipsed Manehatten. Communication devices that allowed people to talk to others on the other side of the world in an instant. The more she saw, the more in awe of these Humans, as she learned, she became. They even managed to leave their world, and settle on their moon. They also made artificial worlds where millions of people could live in happiness. Long Cylinders that spun in space. The Cities built on the interior walls to simulate gravity as the object spun. These Celestial Cities, these "Space Colonies", Luna wondered how many centuries it would be before her ponies were capable of such feats. Twilight, and Celestia watched with interest as Luna's face constantly shifted and she would mutter words of praise like "Amazing!", and "How did they do that?". Twilight looked at Celestia with hopefully eyes. So far, it was looking like Luna was pleased with what she was seeing. Though, as they watched, they saw the shift as her face twisted in fright, and horror. The pleasant images she saw were quickly being overshadowed with horrors of The One Year War. Such Death, and hatred that Luna was forced to witness. These Humans slaughtering each other with almost a festive glee. It was horrible. Very horrible. Their war was on a scale that Luna, even at her height of being Nightmare Moon, couldn't believe. It spread across an entire planet, and even the space around it. How could these beings kill each other so easily!? One particularly impressionable scene she saw was when Michael was fighting in a south German town. He was making his way down a side street in his Zaku trying to flank a group of GMs that was making a push on his teammates position. All around the Zaku's feet regular infantry were scrambling with their minor skirmishes. Trying to route out Federation soldiers with Anti-MS weaponry. As the Zaku came to an intersection, Michael poked the MS's head out, and looked down the Street to make sure it was clear. With so much Minovsky particles in the air, Radar was pretty much Useless. Something quickly caught Michael's eye. It was a young girl standing in a dark puddle by two bodies. She was bawling, the Zaku's mics picking up her wails of anguish "MUTTI~, VATI~!"* She cried at the top of her lungs, her face twisted in devastation as Michael realized that the Puddle she was standing in was blood, and the two bodies must've been her parents. He opened his mouth to call out to her, and tell her to run when suddenly her head snapped to the side. The very next instant, her body went limp, and she simply collapsed upon the other two bodies. An errant bullet snuffing her life like a breeze snuffing the flame of a candle. Yet another victim of the One Year War. Michael simply let out his breath as he turned his Zaku down the street, and started to walk. Taking care to step over the bodies, and not upon them. War was cruel, and unfair. It leaves nothing but death, and destruction in its wake. Its presence was everywhere, all around. enveloping good people, and making them do horrible things. Perhaps the most horrible of all, It rips the humanity from Man. Even with the Hardships of war, Michael still tried to cling desperately to his Humanity, and some semblance of honor. He, and Luna, witnessed just how cruel humans can be to one another, but at the same time, she saw acts of kindness. Though very rare, and far in between in this war. Michael was charging across a field following his Lieutenant after a successful ambush of a Federation tank column. The tanks lay smashed, and burning as the surviving crews were fleeing on foot towards the tree line. Over his tac-net, Michael could hear the Lieutenant cackle manically, "Run! Run! Run! You're all nothing but insects, and I'm going to crush every one of you!" he shouted as he cut one young soldier from the rest, and was stomping just behind him. Terrorizing the poor bastard, and laughing. Michael grimaced as he couldn't believe what he was about to do. He gave his controls sticks a sharp jerk. Intentionally throwing his Zaku off balance, and right into the Lieutenant's machine. Nearly toppling both machines. "DAMMIT BLACK! What Hell are you thinking!?" The Lieutenant shrieked. Michael had to take a moment to clear the stars from his vision, and think of an excuse. "Sorry El Tee. The knee joint slipped or something." He quickly called back, and was rewarded by a string of curses as he watched the young soldier disappear into the tree line. The more Luna witnessed, the more she felt her sanity slipping away. One or two acts of kindness hardly did anything to wash away all the violence, death, and cruelty she had to witness. However, the worst was yet to come as she saw an image that left her mentally reeling. her mind simply could not process the Hate, and Malice that it took for a people to do this, particularly to their own kind. It was so horrific, and yet she couldn't turn away from the image that were playing itself out all around her. Humans weren't the great beings as she originally thought. They were Monsters! Horrible, violent, barbaric Monsters. Before she could tear herself from Michael's mind, The image would flash before her eyes, and haunt her dreaming hours for many days to come. Luna's eyes snapped open, and she let out a rather undignified whinny as she quickly shot to her hooves, and thrashed her head around wildly. She was trying to forcibly remove the images from her mind. Those horrible, bloody images. Celestia rushed to her side. Luna was only a filly when Celestia last saw her act like this. She quickly wrapped Luna in one of her wings. "Luna it is okay. It is okay. You're safe. You're here with Twilight, and I." Celestia whispered softly as she nuzzled the back of Luna's neck. She could hear Luna's heart pounding in her chest. It sounded like it beating drum. Twilight was shocked to see such a reaction from the normally unflappable Diarch of the night. Sure, Luna had some trouble with Nightmare Night, but she was normally so Strong, and cool. Twilight wasn't sure what she could do to help. Tentatively, she took a couple of steps forward. "W-Will she be okay?" Twilight asked quietly, barely above a whisper. Celestia didn't answer, she simply tried to help Luna to calm down. After a few minutes of cooing to her sister, Celestia broke her silence "Yes, she'll be okay." she replied to Twilight with a gentle smile to calm the worried Alicorn. "Tell me Sister, what did you see?" Celestia asked softly. Luna took a couple of deep breaths as she calmed herself down. "They are monsters!" She breathed as she turned her gaze away from the the sleeping Human on the floor. "They destroy, and kill each other so easily. It is like a game to them." She continued as she screwed her eyes shut. Yet, she can still see those images. Twilight, and Celestia shared a glance. It was particularly hard to believe for Twilight. While she hadn't had a chance to talk with Michael overly long, he did seem like a nice enough fellow. Celestia took a deep breath, and thought a moment. For the last Thousand years she wanted to harbor a mentality of "Love, and Tolerance" to all creatures. There were incidents that shook that belief, but Celestia wanted to believe that deep down everypony was good. She closed her eyes, and let out her breath. "I'll Test him. To see his true nature." She told the two. "I want you both with me as witnesses." She explained as she stood up, and approached Michael's sleeping form. Celestia knelt down at the human's head. Luna, and Twilight would come, and kneel down at either side. First Celestia's horn started to glow, then it was followed by both Luna, and Twilight's. The three colors mixed, and started to envelop Michael's body. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outside, the Cutie mark crusaders were rushing around the base of the Tree library, peeking into all the windows. They wanted to know know what was going on. Yet, every window they looked into they only found empty rooms. "Do you think they've gone upstairs?" Scootaloo asked as she looked to the other two. That answer would come in the form of Rainbow Dash. "Nope, nothing upstairs either." The cyan colored pony explained with a frustrated grunt. Her curiosity was driving her up the wall. She was dying to know what was going on in there. "Really darling. I'm sure the princesses put up some sort of anti-paparazzi spell to keep nosy little ponies from snooping. Really, I do must ask them to teach me that spell for when I have high value clients visiting my boutique." Rarity stated as she sauntered over, once again earning her the rapt attention of one pre-adolescent purple Dragon. "Oh come off it Rarity. I know you're just as curious as I am about what is going on in there." Rainbow huffed as she looked at the stunningly beautiful Unicorn as she approached the group. "Be that as it may, I also know where not to stick my nose. It is simply rude to snoop." Rarity stated as she gave Sweetie Bell, and her friends a disapproving stare. The three young filly looked down, ashamed. "Well, what ah wanna know is, where in tarnation it came from. ah ain't never seen the likes of this here Michael feller, nor 'is big green whosits." Applejack stated, showing she was quite curious as well. Rarity let out an exaggerated groan of frustration. "We will just have to wait and see, Apple Jack. The Princesses know what they're doing, and we have to have faith in their judgement." She stated before fixing the Farm pony with a sultry glance. "Though, if you are that bored. Perhaps a new Wardrobe, and Makeover?" She offered sweetly. AppleJack's ears flopped down as the color drained from her face. "N-no, that's 'ight. Ah don't need no make over." Applejack stammered out as she backpedaled away from the fashionista. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Micheal was slowly making his way down a corridor. Just beyond the walls, the sound of intense battling could be heard. Guns and beam weapons and beam sabers all echoed like a violent screaming metal concert between hundreds of different bands. Micheal could feel the vibrations from the fighting outside in his very bones and in the pit of his chest. His pistol was drawn, and he moved slowly, not sure of what was about to pop out at the bend just in front of him and not wanting to take any unnecessary risks. As he made his way down the corridor, Michael couldn't help but feel like he was being watched. He would constantly find himself looking over his shoulder, expecting something to be behind him. Yet he would see nothing every time. The corridor quaked violently when a bomb, or artillery shell got too close, Causing Michael to brace himself against the hard concrete wall. He was close, so very close. If he could accomplish this mission, then the war could come to a close much, much sooner. The fighting would stop and the Zeon would get their independence and the Feddies could rebuild their homes and this war would be a memory. As he reached the Intersection, there was a wooden door with light coming out from beneath the crack of the door. Michael threw himself to one side of it, pressing tightly against the wall, and mentally prepared himself for what he was about to do. His finger was off the trigger, but poised to act at a moment's notice. With a deep breath, Michael turned, and kicked the door down. The world seemed to slow to a crawl as he drew a bead on the one person in the Room, General Revil. General Johann Abraham Revil, the great leader of the Earth Federation Space Forces. If Michael could take him out, it would greatly shake the resolve of the Federation Military, and cause them to falter. Falter enough for the Zeon war machine to finally finish this war or maybe even make them sue for peace and bring this destructive conflict to an end. Michael was ready, and willing. He had his gun drawn upon Revil's chest. His finger pulling back the trigger. He could feel it. Victory was so close. The end of this mad War was so close. Hundreds of thousands will be spared with the ending of this one life. All it would take was one quick pull of a trigger and the old man’s heart would stop. "Grandpa, Grandpa!" A spritely voice called out as a young girl darted out from behind the door, and clung to Revil's pant's leg. She couldn't have been older than 6 years old. The old man tried to shoo the young girl away or pull her behind him, but she started bawling and squeezing his leg tighter. "No, No! Don't hurt Grandpa!" She cried as she struggled to keep hold of her grandfather's leg. Tears streaming down her cheeks, and soaking the officer's khaki pants. Michael had a clear shot. He could easily kill the General without harming the girl. ‘But, she would see it all.’ Micheal thought. His heart racing as the fighting outside got louder and the sound of Federation mobile suits seemed to increase in number. Michel felt his hand shake as his eyes darted between the general and the girl. She would see him killing her grandfather. She was too far too young to understand the politics behind the death, and would only know that someone killed her Grandfather. Even if she grew up to understand it, this moment would forever haunt her, seeing her grandfather gunned down before her own eyes. A small part of Micheal asked him if that even mattered. It’s not as if she were a child of Zeon, there were plenty of children who had likely seen worse so far. But the shouting and pleading of the girl made him feel filthy. Michael's finger still held the trigger as he fought another war within himself. He was a Soldier of Zeon, and this was the enemy commander, he believed in his cause and that demanded that he do everything in his power to defeat the Federation. It was one life versus many. He could save so many lives on both sides if he killed the General. Many parents and children forced to fight could go home and live their lives. However, Michael couldn't decide if that justified killing this little girl's grandfather in front of her. It would have been something if the old man was trying to use her as a shield, but he was trying to get her to run to safety, and to the frightened girl the safest place was with her family, with the General. After what felt like an eternity, Michael lowered his gun. He couldn't do it, he couldn't take the General's life in front of the young girl. No sooner than the barrel was clear of the two people, the door on the other side of the room burst open as a squad of Federation soldiers rushed in, and raised their weapons. "PROTECT THE GENERAL!" could be heard as the last thing that Michael saw was the small flash of the muzzles on the ends of the rifles before darkness. Everything felt so numb, so horribly numb afterwards. Micheal wondered if this was death, a dark abyss and a terrible sensation of numbing until he lost his mind. ‘Fine then. I have no regrets.’