Friendship is Magic: The Covenant War
Chapter V
Broken Arrow
Location: Main Headquarters, Equestrian Royal Army, Celestia Line Occupied-Free Territories Border, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542) the next day
Before the war the area of where the Celestia Line had been full of rolling fields filled with the finest grasses and farms in Equestria. Now every where one looked all they could see was an endless wasteland of devastation, both sides now living in mud that in some cases was up to their abdomens, all of which had been caused by the peagsus ponies attempts to by time with torrential downpours, which while successful in delaying the Covenant assaults, had also hindered the Ponies own attempts to muster for a counter attack or defense. A small price to pay if it bought the Ponies even a few more hours. But it meant more Ponies were being taken off the line with Trench Hoof and other illnesses. Shell craters caused by Covenant plasma shells, catapult boulders, and pony magic, dotted almost every single inch of the battlefield, some flooded to the point a Pony or Covenant warrior couldn't cross in full armor without being pulled down and drowned. Only a few dead trees or a bombed out houses scattered here and there reminded both sides of what had once been. Broken armor, arrows, spears, Plasma Rifles, Needlers and the occasional shattered Covenant war machine littered the area now known as No Pony's Land. The stench of decay hung in the air, the entire battle field was littered with hundreds of dead Ponies and dozens of dead Covenant whose bodies were in various states of decay.
The screams of the dead and dying filled the air as the covenant Banshees flew overhead, unleashing their plasma missiles at the pony guard towers protecting the front line. From his position at the command post behind the line Shinning Armor hung his head as flames enveloped an area of at least a mile. A few minutes earlier he'd been inspecting that very area, he saw the bright smiles of confidence on the guardsponies, many with their spears stained with the blood of covenant raiders unlucky enough to taste Equestrian steel.
He watched as a handful of pegasai guards took to the air to pursue the enemy, yet like before the Covenant fighters were simply too quick, though they managed to score a few hits on one of the Banshees with a lightning bolt. Shinning Armor couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his troops, they'd managed to halt the enemy and held out this long against a superior foe. As long as the Celestia line held there was still hope the war would be over quickly.
It had been the same since the Covenant had first begun attacking the Celestia Line, The few artillery pieces, Wraiths and Banshees the Covenant had initially sent south would pound the Pony positions, punching small holes in the Pony lines where Shinning Armor's shield wasn't protecting it and Covenant raiders would then charge forward and occupy them only to be pushed back by a counter attack that always seemed to cost the Guard more then it did the enemy. While these small victories seemed to be miniscule; to the Ponies they were a godsend. Yet the size of the raids and the sporadic nature of the artillery fire seemed odd.
"Something's not right," Shinning Armor said, under his breath, "they have us outgunned why aren't they attacking in force? It's like they're waiting for something."
“Pardon me sir,” one of his aides inquired, yet Shinning Armor didn’t respond, he was lost in his thoughts, his promotion to commander in chief was something he'd dreamed of since his days at the Academy. But the reality wasn't what he'd expected.
Confusion and division filled the ranks of his subordinates. Few actually gave him the benefit of the doubt and obeyed his orders. Others out right refused to follow his orders not to attack the Covenant lines and instead led their divisions into death traps. Still others proved too cautious, cowardly or inexperienced to be anything more then a hindrance in the long run.
Then there were those who simply couldn't take anymore. "The Others", that's what the Guardsponies called them. Mares and stallions who eagerly volunteered to stay behind or had just arrived at the line, thinking they would be the one to drive the final spear into the Covenant's heart. Then came their first taste of battle, the scream of enemy plasma as it soared toward the line. The screams as a hundred Ponies were set afire when the round exploded, the roar of the enemy soldiers as they charged towards the line like a tidal wave. For many it was too much they simply ran, how far Shinning Armor could only guess but others had to be carried off the line for their own good, their minds completely spent, their cutie marks faded or warped into a twisted mockery of what it had once been.
But Shinning Armor had his orders from Queen Luna herself, defend the Celestia Line at all costs, and he had to make do with the ponies he had. His time at the Celestia Line had showed him that what the Covenant lacked in numbers they made up for in technological might and a sheer fanaticism the likes of which Ponykind hadn't seen since the days of Discord. Many of the Ponies couldn't tell if the Covenant warriors were acting out of fear of their leader or if they were completely out of their minds. Who ever this Covenant commander was he knew how to be patient, to wait and wear his enemy down, tactics that were proving to be all too effective. At first it seemed the line would hold and the Royal Army would be able to gather its forces for a counter-attack and drive the Covenant from Equestria.
But that was before the Covenant launched their great offensive in the North, which had resulted in the loss of large swaths of territory, and large numbers of Guardsponies, catapults, ballistas and had climaxed in the Fall of Baltimare. Everyday the Covenant army opposing them grew in size and strength, while his own became weaker. Fewer and fewer refugee trains were making it to the south, and those that did bore fewer and fewer mares or stallions wiling to stay behind and defend the line, and those who did were only able to be taught the bare basics of archery, offensive magic or spearponyship. Many proved to be too anxious to take their revenge on the enemy that had driven them from their homes and charged forth into No Ponies Land only to be cut down by Plasma cannons or one of the numerous cloaked Sangheili that patrolled the wasteland. But Shinning Armor admired their courage, some had managed to reach the Covenant line and inflict a few casualties, including some of the cloaked Sangheili since their cloaks meant they didn't have their shields.
Much of the Crystal Empire's Imperial Army, had been diverted to defending the northern towns and cities and the border between Equestria and the Empire after reports that a second Covenant army was advancing from Philydelphia towards the Crystal Empire had been confirmed. The few Imperial troops to arrive at the Celestia Line had been quickly deployed to the battle lines as soon as they disembarked from the transport. Many hadn't lived long enough to see their second sunrise on the Celestia Line.
"Send the Hoofshire Guard to plug the gap that bombing run created," Shinning Armor said, as he turned to head back to the large command tent.
"With all do respect General Armor," a red and blue pegasus said, "wouldn't it be wise for us to pull back and establish a new defensive line. Most of our units manning the front are fighting bravely but they're barely holding on as is." Shinning Armor stopped in his tracks. He didn't want to admit it, but the sights and sounds of the battlefield were taking their toll on him as much as his guardsponies. The Covenant now had more and heavier artillery pieces opposing them and the constant artillery and air attacks had finally taken their toll on his shielding spell, he was now too weak to even attempt casting it again. Relegating creating shielding spells to the 18th Unicorn Division, Barnstorm Guard. Shinning Armor couldn't help but express pride in the Unicorns, they endured the shelling like true guardsponies.
Yet the pride he felt was mitigated by other problems affecting not just him but all the Ponies manning the line. They'd barely slept or eaten anything in the last week and it was taking its toll on them. They'd barely withstood the last Covenant raiding party that had attacked the line. Food and water on the line was becoming scarcer by the day, what little food there was was being rationed, and was barely enough to keep the guard units manning the line going. Water was being collected from any source, be it from a stream behind the line to flooded shell holes.
"No," Shinning Armor finally replied, "we have our orders. The longer we can hold on here the longer the cities and towns to the south have to mobilize their guard divisions."
"General if we don't pull back there won't be much of a guard left to defend Equestria," the pegasus said, angrily. Shinning Armor sighed, this was the part of his new job that he hated the most. Dealing with subordinates who thought they knew everything.
"If we pull back Colonel there won't be an Equestria to defend," Shinning Armor replied.
"Is that your decision then General," the Colonel inquired, with an angry look in his eye.
"Yes Wind Storm it is," Shinning Armor replied. Before Col. Wind Storm had a chance to reply a blue Earth Pony came racing out of the tent.
"General," the pony said, producing a small note.
"What is it Iceskate?" Shinning Armor inquired.
"General Neighal requests your presence at once," Iceskate replied, trying to catch his breath, "he said it's urgent."
"Thank you " Shinning Armor said, turning to face his entourage, "we'll have to continue this later."
Location: Command Tent, a few minutes later, Celestia Line, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542)
Shinning Armor put his head down on the desk, as he listened to what his second in command had to tell him.
“By order of Her Royal Majesty Queen Luna, General Shinning Armor is hereby removed from command of the Royal Guard forces manning the Celestia Line, and is ordered to immediately return to Canterlot for reassignment.” Neighal said, with a smirk to his face. For Neighal this was the moment he’d been wanting since the war began. For Shinning Armor it meant one thing, Neighal, would assume command of the Celestia Line.
"It seems the Queen has finally wised up." Negihal said, in his typical snobbish tone.
"Finally putting a real General in charge instead of some wanna be prince."
Neighal was a pure white Unicorn with a graying brown mane. His cutie mark consisted of two swords mounted on a shield. He was easy to spot since he was always dressed in the bright silver and gold uniform of a General, covered in medals earned by his ancestors, medals dating back to the Great War, a war he never fought in. He'd spent much of the time at the Celestia line living the good life in nearby Shiregrad, bragging about his grand plan and how he'd earned the medals on his armor, and had never seen the Covenant in action nor how ruthless they could be towards Ponies they had deemed unfit for life, primarily the Pegasai and Unicorns. Shinning Armor poured over the note what seemed to be a thousand times, the general in him wanted to remain with his fellow Guards, his family away from home. Yet he was the commander in chief of all of Equestria's forces should he fall or be captured the entire Royal Guard could collapse. But to put an incompetent like Neighal in supreme command of the Celestia Line was suicide.
Yet he had managed to save Canterlot itself form a Diamond Dog siege years ago, and that victory had given him many powerful allies on the council and in the court including some who held Queen Luna's ear, and the threat of his resignation had forced the Queen to name him Shinning Armor's second-in-command.
"More like the Queen was desperate” Shinning Armor said. Shinning Armor had never forgotten that Neighal had issued stand down orders to the Guard units in Canterlot when the Changlings launched their invasion only to take all credit for defeating Chrysalis and her army.
Shinning Armor may have not been a general for long but he'd heard all of Neighal's boasts before. It didn't take Starswirl the Bearded to know Neighal's plans were nothing more then empty boasts designed to win prestige. The Wonderbolts had made a similar promise to overwhelm the enemy with sheer airpower and a massive tornado, Spitfire had left with 500 Pegasi, the entire Wonderbolt contingent...only 20 ever returned and over half of them were so badly wounded they'd be laid up for months. He'd been at the front, he'd seen some action and had begun to understand the Covenant's mindset. The Covenant were fanatics, warriors to their very cores, who would fight to the death for every square inch of ground, and at the moment they held the advantage both in terms of technology, and the fact that all they had to do was defend their occupied ground and wait for the rest of their army, while the Ponies wasted their strength trying to break it.
"General are you sure this is wise," Shinning Armor inquired, as the first batch of catapults and the Unicorns who would use them for the grand offensive were off loaded from the first of many trains that had arrived at the Celestia line from the South. "The enemy have been flying air strikes and aerial reconnaissance almost daily,"
"You're no long in charge General Armor," Neighal snapped, holding his head up in disgust, "had the Queen permitted me to implement my plan we would've won this war in a heartbeat, but no she decided to sell Equestria out to another alien faction." Shinning Armor was confused, this was the first he heard that there was a second alien faction on Equestria, and one that was wiling to ally itself with Ponykind.
"But it doesn't matter," Neighal smirked, "once my offensive takes shape the Covenant will be begging for peace," he pointed to the lead train of a column that had just finished unloading elements of the Coltinvile, Barnstorm, Jewel City, and Las Pegasus Guards and more catapults and ballistias for the grand offensive, "there's your train your highness, now why don't you run back to Canterlot where you belong the front is no place for a Prince."
Location: Royal Bedchamber, Canterlot Castle, later that night, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542)
The night always held special significance for Luna, the stars, the moon all held beauty and mysteries all their own. From the moment she was a filly Luna had always felt that she was the only one who truly understood the night's beauty. She had always longed for friends to share that beauty, to explore the vast mysteries of the darkness she loved. Something that had cost her dearly a thousand years ago.
Luna awoke from a nightmare she'd hoped to never experience again. For the entire night she'd been probing the Humans dreams, searching for any evidence of treachery or anything that might be of value to Ponykind. It was a lesson her sister had taught her well. "The mouth may lie, but the dream always tells the truth." Luna gazed at her beloved night from her bedchamber. Like the crew of the Midway, Luna had been wiling to show trust to them, but only so much despite Luna agreeing to allow the Humans the chance to train the Ponyville and Cloudsdale Guard Divisions she'd insisted that a Pony General be allowed to share command.
Then there was the increasing vocal faction in the Council and Court who believed the Humans should be turned over to the Covenant in exchange for an armistice. Others still said the Humans were no different then the Covenant, conquerors who sought to make Equestria part of their already vast empire.
Yet as Luna probed the dreams of some of the Humans she saw a society that wasn't so different from their own. Despite their warrior culture, and a history that had never known harmony as Ponies knew it. Humans still understood and valued friendship as much as Ponies did. In many ways the crew of the Midway weren't just soldiers or friends they were a family. Their bonds of friendship growing stronger as they faced greater and greater trials at the hands of their enemies. Other dreams had revealed that through out its history Humanity had built towering cities and had created magnificent works of art, music and science they dreamed dreams that helped them build starships like the Midway that carried their people to the stars beyond their homeworld. While Ponies were content with the ways things were Humanity was never content, always desiring to know and discover more.
Then came the Covenant, thousands of ships each with the firepower to reduce a planet to a wasteland with one goal: convert or destroy. In her dreams Luna wanted to intervene, to do something to stop the attacks but all she could do was watch as entire worlds were burned and their populations were either put to the sword or fought back with all their might only to be wiped out by the Covenant's fleet.
"How," Luna wondered, "how could any species not only endure so much hardship but also emerge victorious and even stronger when faced with defeat?"
Yet there was one soldier, Lt. Alex 201 whose dreams Luna found interesting, from the moment he was a child he'd been trained to be a soldier. He and his SPARTANS were living weapons nearly unstoppable killing machines fitted with the most advanced battle armor the UNSC could produce and fused with chemical and cybernetic enhancements that elevated them to physical perfection. Soldiers able to challenge the fearsome creatures the Humans called Elites, the pride of the Covenant army, challenge them and win. In her mind Luna couldn't help but wonder if it was possible to reverse engineer the SPARTAN program for use on Ponies..
Her thoughts soon turned to the dreams of the few Covenant Sangheili she had probed and what she saw was a nightmare. An entire planet reduced to cinders for defying the Covenant's iron fisted theocracy, the sight of the Sangheili standing over the bodies of their defeated enemies, Human militia and marines who were wiling to surrender only to be butchered like cattle. Then she saw them, three small creatures in hover chairs who, with a simple wave of their hand, ordered the world glassed; an example to all worlds of the fate that awaited those who dared to defy the Covenant's will.
Luna was shocked that any creature could be so full of hate and hold life in such low regard that they would order the destruction of an entire planet and not shed a tear. It was almost as if it amused them to watch entire worlds burn. But to their followers these creatures were living gods, their masters who controlled their very existence. She could sense how much many of the Covenant hated them for what they were being forced to do in the name of the Covenant's faith, but none dared speak, knowing full well the penalty for questioning their leaders.
Once again Luna was forced to grasp what McAffee had called the big picture. Humanity and Ponykind now shared more then a common enemy, they were fighting a war for their very survival. A war that was capable of bringing out the best and the worst in all involved. To honor the wishes of these rouge councilponies would condemn not only Humanity but Ponykind as well to extinction. No matter what the Council decided Luna would not condemn a race that had come to their aid to oblivion in exchange for a peace with an enemy that intended to enslave or exterminate her people.
Location: Camp Cole (West Field, Sweet Apple Acres), Ponyville, Free Territories, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542)
"We had this conversation last night Granny. I'm not a filly any more," Applejack said, as she finished packing her saddlebag. The elderly green mare looked at her granddaughter with a gaze that reflected both sadness and concern.
"It's going to be hard enough with Big Mac enlisting," Granny Smith replied, "I just can't figure out why you're also. Nether of y'all have the cutie marks for being in the Guard."
"The Mayors of Ponyville and Clousdale put out a call last night that any mare and stallion who can bare arms," Applejack said, "is to report to the west field."
“Yet y'all could get a deferment too help on the farm,” Granny Smith replied.
“I can't,” Applejack said, lowering her head. “As the element of Honesty I can't just sit here and do nothing while Equestria is burning and our kin are suffering.”
"So you thought it would be just dandy if both you and Big Mac went off and got yourselves killed," Granny Smith replied, "What about Sweet Apple Acres? Who will run the farm while you two are away?"
"I already talked to Cousin Hayseed and Cousin Applesteed," Applejack said, the tone of her voice becoming more annoyed, "They said they'd be happy to look after things while Big Mac and I are away," Granny Smith was about to form a reply when Applejack cut her off, "I know what you're going to say Granny, but ma place is with the other elements helping Equestria."
"And running Sweet Apple Acres and taking care of Applebloom isn't helping Equestria?" Granny Smith inquired. Applejack froze, this was a question she knew was coming but had prayed Granny Smith wouldn't ask.
"Y'all weren't at the train station Granny," Applejack replied, lowering her head, "y'all didn't see them Ponies and Buffalo coming in, the pain they were in, y'all didn't hear their screams. Sweet Apple Acres will live on as long as there's one Apple with the spirit to rebuild once this war ends. But Applebloom, I'm wiling to do what ever is necessary to make sure," she turned to look at her grandmother, "she, you, Big Mac, and the rest of our kin don't end up like those Ponies at the train station." Granny Smith simply lowered her head.
"If that's your decision then I can't stop you," she turned to look at her granddaughter, tears filling her eyes, "Try to understand I'm old Applejack, I know I don't act like it but I feel it in my heart. I've already had to bury your pa, my only child. No matter how much I want that to change my heart couldn't bare the thought of enduring it again." Applejack remained silent she remembered the last time she'd ever seen her parents. She was only ten and Applebloom had just been born. Her mother had been out gathering Zap Apple seeds near the Everfree Forest when she vanished. In desperation her father organized a search party, only one of the stallions returned and told Granny what had happened, they had found her mother's half eaten carcass leaving no doubt that she'd been attacked by a pack of timber wolves. But while returning to Ponyville they were attacked by the same pack. Her father elected to stay behind to distract the wolves while the others attempted to make it back to Ponyville, only it didn't work. Her father was killed almost instantly and the pack soon attacked and killed nearly every pony in the search party.
"At least Pa didn't just sit around doing nothing," Applejack snapped, it was then she heard a sob come from her grandmother. She turned just in time to watch as a tear rolled down her wrinkled cheek.
"Granny I'm sorry," Applejack said, as she embraced her grandmother, "I didn't mean it to sound like that." Granny Smith simply smiled.
"It's alright Applejack," Granny Smith replied, wiping tears from her eyes, "it's just that when you're as old as I am it becomes harder to let go of the past. Autumn Gold was just like you as stubborn as a mule but he had a heart of gold and not a day goes by where I don't think about him," she let out a sigh, "but you're right Applejack your pa didn't just sit around doing nothing when those Timber Wolves took Mayflower." Applejack simply smiled as she embraced her grandmother.
"Just promise me y'all will come back," Granny Smith said. Applejack froze for a moment. Even before meeting Twilight, and learning of her status as the element of honesty she'd always valued honesty. But how could one be honest when the honest answer would only cause more pain then a simple lie that kept the spark of hope alive?
"I promise I'll come home," Applejack said. Granny Smith hung her head, as a smile crossed her face.
"You always were a terrible liar," Granny Smith said. Applejack simply smiled and the two shared a simple laugh before Granny Smith changed the subject. "Have y'all told Applebloom?" Applejack remained silent as she looked out the window at Applebloom and her friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, debating how helping the Humans with training the Ponyville and Cloudsdale Guards would earn them their cutie marks, before they raced to their clubhouse to watch the procession of Ponies that were arriving.
"No," Applejack replied, lowering her head, "not yet."
"You know you'll have to," Granny Smith said, sadly.
"I know it's just," Applejack replied, lowering the blinds, "but how do you tell somepony who looks up to you goodbye and that you might not be coming back?"
Location: Camp Cole (Sweet Apple Acres), Ponyville, Free Territories, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542), an hour later
The sounds of the Equestrian national anthem echoed through the gathering morning light as the Ponyville Guard band played on, interrupted by the roar of the Pegsai from the Fire Bolts and Lightning Bolts Air Divisions as they scouted for inbound Covenant air strikes between Ponyville, Cloudsdale and Canterlot. Their orders were to raise the alarm if out numbered and then engage in quick hit and run raids in order to slow the enemy down.
Even if the enemy wasn't encountered it was hoped by the loyalists in Canterlot the presence of Pegasi patrolling Equestria's skies would boost moral, and ease some of the fear and uncertainty that had fallen across Equestria in the wake of Princess Celesita's death.
Hundreds of Ponies from Ponyville and Cloudsdale all clad in armor in various states of upkeep filled the west field. Weapons ranged from spears and lances to bows and arrows. Some having been grabbed from the local museum, and others were dug out of old rusted chests in attics, in order to arm the large number of volunteers and draftees.
Hanging from the entrance to the Midway's hanger bay were two large signs, hung the night after the party. One was purely propaganda: TO ARMS ALL FREE PONIES OF EQUESTRIA. The other though consisted of a single word: INVICTUS. Along the full length of the Midway Human SPARTANS, ODSTS and Marines took up position with a Warthog or Scorpion every three spaces, each clenched an assault or battle rifle. Their orders were simple keep order and watch for anything suspicious from the Ponies, rumors were already circulating that there were Covenant sympathizers within the council if not the Royal Court.
From their club house nearby three little fillies watched the procession as more Ponies arrived. For Applebloom it was the single largest gathering of Ponies she'd seen since the last Apple Family reunion.
"Look at them all," Applebloom said, as she and her two friends looked through a pair of binoculars at the massive line of Ponies who had reported to Sweet Apple Acres to enlist in the newly formed division. Often time they spent the time gazing at the Human Marines, they'd heard Humans didn't have Cutie Marks but some did, some were in the shape of a fanged skull, biting down on a Covenant Elite with the words for Harvest written below it. Others were simply words like Death From Above or To High Charity. Others had carved kill streaks in their armor with the words Death to the Covenant Revenge For New Constantinople below it. Yet there was something odd about the soldiers the Humans referred to as SPARTANS, they always seemed to be by themselves preferring to be with their squad, and were never seen with out their weapons which ranged from standard combat knives to Flame Throwers decked out with the face of a grinning shark. The CMC had heard other Humans talking about the SPARTANS saying they were mentally unstable. Robots who followed orders even if the orders were flawed or immoral. But the greatest praise the SPARTANS got from the Midway's crew was that they won battles, victories much needed in the war.
"Oh look," Scootalooo added, turning her attention back to the gathering Ponies "there's Rainbow Dash. Betcha those Covenant losers are going to turn tail and run at the first sight of her."
"And there's Rarity," Sweetie Belle said, still surprised that Rarity had actually been drafted. Sweetie Belle turned to her friend, "You see Big Mac any where Applebloom?"
"Nah," Applebloom replied, "so how did Rarity react to being drafted.”
"Something about the Guard overstepping their authority yet the army needing a Pony with style," Sweetie Belle said, smiling,
"Applebloom," a familiar voice said from below, "I need to speak with ya." It was Applejack. Applebloom's swallowed hard, in her mind she hoped Applejack was just checking up on them, but the tone of Applejack's voice told her it was more serious.
Slowly Applebloom and her friends made their way onto the clubhouse's balcony. Below them was Applejack, her head turned away as if to avoid eye contact with her sister, and a pair of saddle bags on her back.
"Yes sis," Applebloom said, meekly. Applejack hesitated, telling Granny Smith she was leaving to enlist with Big Mac had been the easy part, but breaking the news to Applebloom would be a whole different story.
"I," Applejack said, picking at the ground with her hoof, trying her hardest to form words, "I just wanted to say goodbye." Goodbye, that one word felt as though somepony had plunged a stake right through her very heart. Applebloom's already big eyes began to overflow with tears.
"You mean," Applebloom replied, trying her hardest to hold back her tears, "you're leaving too?"
"I'm afraid so," Applejack said. By now tears were flowing from Applebloom's eyes.
"But why Applejack?" Applebloom asked. Applejack remained silent for a few moments, she wanted to tell her sister about everything she'd seen at the train station, the suffering, the pain, but decided against it. After what felt like an eternity Applejack formed a reply.
"It's something I have to do," Applejack replied, "I hope one day you'll understand Applebloom. But for now I need you to be strong and help Granny and our cousins out around the farm."
"I don't want you to go," Applebloom said.
"I'm sorry," Applejack replied, "once this storm passes I promise you I'll come home." A smile crossed Applebloom's face, yet for Applejack she felt her heart leap into her throat as once again the thought that there were times when the honesty she valued more then anything only caused more pain then a lie that gave hope to those who needed it the most.
"Pinkie Promise," Applebloom asked, between sobs.
"Cross my heart hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye," Applejack replied. Before making her way to join the countless other Ponies who were reporting to Camp Cole. In the eyes of an adult the answer was simple the Covenant had invaded Equestria, killed their Princess, burning their cities, farms and towns to ashes and killing anypony who were in their way and the Humans were offering to unite with the Ponies against a common enemy and maybe give both the UNSC and the Kingdom of Equestria a chance to win this war.
But in the Applebloom's tear filled eyes, she couldn't grasp how two different societies could hate each other so much they were wiling to fight to the death. Worse she began to fear that very same hatred was rubbing off on her sister.
Location: Bridge of UNSC Midway, Camp Cole, Free Territories, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542)
Twilight was fast asleep, her head covered by stacks and stacks of papers containing all kind of scientific formulas, philosophical and military theories, all destined for the throne room in the morning. Her first night on the job and she'd spent it talking with Elita about anything that Queen Luna might find interesting. In the process she'd filled up enough note cards to fill the first floor of the Ponyville library. The only sound that snapped Twilight out of her dream were the sounds of Admiral McAffee and Captain Ryan talking.
"You're sure about this," McAffee inquired.
"Checked and double checked," Ryan replied, "We have at least eight weeks worth of ammunition, spare parts, and food left from our original nine."
"The food issue can be solved by trading and hunting," before McAffee had a chance to finish his statement Twiight cut him off.
"No way you are not hunting and killing any animals we Ponies protect," Twilight shouted, despite her disheveled look, her voice never sounded so serious.
"We may have no choice," McAffee replied, crossing his arms, "Napoleon once said an army marches on its stomach, and given our typical diet fruit and vegetables alone might cost us in the long run."
"That adds to our ammunition and spare parts problem," Ryan added, "without resupply or reinforcements Elita estimates the Division could last about a few weeks without aid against a full Covenant onslaught." McAffee paused for a moment, before turning to Twilight.
"You might not like what you're about to hear," McAffee said, "but we have no choice," he turned to Ryan, "activate the Distress Beacon." Twilight felt her heart leap into her throat.
"Distress beacon," Twilight said, in shock, "as in something that will alert more Human or Covenant ships to Equestria's location," her face suddenly turned serious, "the Queen will not approve."
"I know that Twilight," McAffee replied. "I'll take full responsibility for what ever happens. Pray to Celestia and God that the Queen understands, and the UNSC picks up our distress signal before the Covenant does." With that he turned and left the bridge, leaving Ryan and Twilight alone. Twilight began to feel her trust in the Humans erode, maybe Luna's fears about this alliance turning into a military occupation weren't so baseless after all.
"It's the price of command," Ryan said, as she turned her attention to a technician monitoring the Midway's reactors. "Officers have to see the big picture. For grunts like the rest of the crew, and you non-officer ponies you're just expendable cogs."
"But that's," Ryan cut her off
"That's the way of war," was all Ryan said.
Location: Camp Cole, Sweet Apple Acres, Free Territories, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542), a few minutes later
McAffee and Twilight made their way into the glistening sunlight, joining Rhodes and Twilight's other friends on the gangway. Before them was a seemingly endless stream of Ponies from both Ponyville and Cloudsdale. McAffee remained silent, as he motioned for Rhodes.
"Why are Twilight's friends here?" McAffee asked
"Something about them being the representation of harmony and friendship," Rhodes replied, "either way they're significant to this world's culture and religion. Denying them a spot with our leaders could be seen as an insult."
"That maybe so," McAffee said, "but once training commences I expect them to be treated like any other recruit."
"Yes sir," Rhodes replied, he'd served with McAffee long enough to know that he hated treating recruits differently because of family connections or birthrights.
McAffee turned his attention to the mob of recruits before him, he'd been in this position a million times before, and like always it felt like he was sending them to the slaughter house.
"Good morning," McAffee began, clearing his throat, "I am Admiral William McAffee of the United Nations Space Command. I am the commanding officer of all UNSC personnel assigned to the cruiser UNSC Midway and Camp Cole, and until the arrival of my Pony counterpart with whom I am to share command of this division, I am also the commanding officer of the 1st Joint Human-Pony Division," he paused to scan the crowd before him, "it is a great honor to see you all here today. It is my greatest hope that the same sense of loyalty, honesty, friendship, and honor which has united our peoples will one day free your world and restore peace to this galaxy." A cheer roared up from the crowd, "It is my hope that when you complete your training you will understand the true meaning of the Midway's motto: INVICTUS we will produce a division that will show the Covenant that Equestria, will not fall without a fight," an even louder cheer roared up from the crowd.
"Yet," McAffee continued, his voice becoming more serious, "the road ahead of us, the road that will one day lead to victory will not be easy. I want all of you to turn to the Ponies next to you," one by one the Ponies looked left and right, "chances are that by the time victory comes one or both of those Ponies will be dead or seriously wounded," this time there was no cheering or applause only silence, "there will be no dishonor for those who wish to leave. But for those who stay remember it will be in the memory of our fallen comrades, of your fallen Princess and friends that we will weather the storm that has descended on your world, and it is my greatest hope that when the day comes that the flags of Equestria and the UNSC fly over the Covenant carrier this division will be there together. A symbol of unity, hope, trust and above all friendship. MAY CELESTIA BLESS US ALL." He turned to face Rhodes, "Gunnery Sgt. Rhodes assume command."
"Yes sir," the gruff Marine said, saluting before turning to the mass of ponies with a gaze that was anything but friendly.
"I am Gunnery Sgt. Rhodes," Rhodes began, his voice sounding anything but the gentle and friendly tone the Ponies were use to, "I'm your senior drill instructor. Now I only have three rules. Rule #1 you're no good to me dead. Rule #2 I expect the first and last words I hear from your filthy mouths to be SIR and Rule #3 I expect you to follow my orders to the letter. DO you get me?"
"Sir, yes sir," the crowd replied, in unison but with a hint of fear to their voice.
"In that case welcome to the 1st JPH Division." Rhodes replied, he then turned his attention to the five Ponies who had joined Twilight and the Admiral on the gangway.
"You five report to your respective companies." The five Ponies exchanged confused looks.
"Uh sir," Rarity said, "the five of us are rather unique," Rhodes soon cut her off.
"I don't care if you're Lord Hood's personal guards," Rhodes said, "you're in my division, and there is only one boss in my division and that's me. Now you five can either report to your companies or to the brig am I clear?"
"SIR YES SIR," the five Ponies said in unison.
"Uh Sergent," Twilight interjected, "was that really necessary?”
“If you've got a problem with the way I run things,” Rhodes replied, “take it up with the Admiral.”
Location: Camp Cole, Sweet Apple Acres, Free Territories, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542), an hour later
The division had been given an hour free time for breakfast. Some chatted with the Humans in the hopes of getting to know their allies better, others simply remained silent, McAffee's speech running over and over again in their minds. By the time the Division had reassembled at least fifteen had decided to return home. Those that remained had assembled in an open field not far from the Midway, and at Sgt. Rhodes request, in full armor and with all their weapons.
"Attention," Rhodes shouted, catching the Ponies off guard. Quickly the Ponies scrambled to attention, often tripping over their own weapons. As Rhodes and two other Marines appeared the Ponies attempted to snap to attention as quickly as possible. Rhodes remained silent as his gaze swept over the lines of Ponies, slowly he began to go through the ranks inspecting his new recruits. From the gruff look to his face it was clear to nearly all present he was anything but impressed with the Ponyville and Cloudsdale Guards.
"What's your name Private," Rhodes said, as he inspected the armor of a Pegasus.
"Sir Private Thunderlane sir," Thunderlane replied. Rhodes remained silent for a few minutes as he inspected Thunderlane's armor, compared to many of the other Ponies Thunderlane's armor was one of the better, only showing a few nicks and some rust.
"Armor in poor upkeep," Rhodes said, "weekend pass denied."
"I don't get why we're out here on the inspection ground," Caramel whispered, "My Cousins with the Jewel City Guard on the Celestia line, we should be up there helping them."
"I know the feeling," Cherry Fizzy added, "all I want to do is cut loose and plow this spear into the first Covie I see." It was then Rhodes shot them a cold gaze, it was clear he'd heard everything. Rhodes didn't say anything as he grabbed Caramel's spear. Almost instantly causing the wooden handle to break.
"Plow a spear into a Covie," Rhodes said, turning his attention to the whole Division, "That's all the enemy is to you, some green skinned tentacled cartoon drawn by some cartoonist back home to sell toys. But the Covie I know, the Covenant warrior, he's been at war since you were still learning to use a spoon. He's a combat veteran, an expert with all manner of weapons and in all forms of tactics. He is fearless, merciless in battle and never takes prisoners. The Covenant warrior doesn't care if he lives or dies as long as he takes you and as many of your comrades with him," his gaze turned back to Caramel and Cherry Fizzy, "Make fun all you want Private, but don't ever underestimate the enemy's desire to put you and your buddies into an early grave nor their determination to see your entire species extinct." With that Rhodes tossed the broken spear to the ground.
"Weekend passes revoked for a month," Rhodes continued down the line of Ponies, needless to say his impression of the new division was even less then it had been before the altercation with Caramel and Cherry Fizzy.
"When was the last time this spear had any kind of maintenance," Rhodes asked, as he grabbed a rusted spear from a light blue unicorn.
"Sir,' Lyra said, trying to keep herself from loosing her balance, "Not since the Year of Shinning Sun 1600." Rhodes lowered his head.
"Weekend pass denied," Rhodes said, as he made his way to the front of the Division. "I wouldn't take this rusted piece of junk into combat if it was the last weapon in the galaxy. Before you can know or kill Covies you first have to learn to properly maintain your armor and weapons or they'll be scrapping your charred remains off the battlefield with a spatula am I clear recruits?"
"Sir yes sir," the division said in unison.
“Right now all I see are a bunch of lazy slobs,” Rhodes continued, “is there no one here who's prepared?”
“Right here,” Rainbow said, as she stepped forward, wearing brightly colored rainbow armor.
“Private what is that?” Rhodes inquired.
“The Rainbow Special,” Rainbow added, “Gotta let the Covies know who took them out.”
“Private Dash,” Rhodes said. “You will not be going into battle dressed like a barber's pole.”
"Now wait a minute," Rainbow said, flying up into Rhodes' face, "no one talks to Rainbow “Danger” Dash like that."
"Private you've got to the count of three to return to ranks," Rhodes replied, angrily, "or I'll unscrew you're head and use it for football practice." Rainbow couldn't help but laugh.
"If you can catch me," Rainbow said, mockingly, "You're talking to the best flier, no best pony in Equestria."
"Is that a challenge Private Dash," Rhodes said, crossing his arms, "well we're going to have to do something about that ego," his gaze swarmed across the gathered division,
"Because of Private Dash's outburst, the poor upkeep of your equipment and the lack of respect for your Commanding Officer the entire division is denied any pass until further notice or in emergency cases, and since Private Dash seems so eager to prove herself and Privates Caramel and Fizzy seem to like to talk the entire division will be running the Grinder, in full combat gear TWICE" he waved his arm in the direction a large mile long obstacle course some of the Midway's engineers, Big Mac and Applejack had set up the night before, consisting of worn tires, climbing towers at least 15ft, climbing ropes and nets that required either climbing over or crawling under, walls for scaling, hurdles, balance beams, swinging ropes, and then there was the Pit: a mud coated pit a few yards long and wide enough for four ponies to pass shoulder to shoulder however the top was covered by barbed wire coated with animal guts from the Midway's butcher shop and on either side were two machine guns.
"Any attempt to fly or use magic," Rhodes continued, "The entire division starts from the flag and keeps going until it’s done perfectly. Any refusal to preform a required obstacle and the whole division runs the course until nightfall. Am I clear?"
"Sir," a nervous tone came up from the crowd, "yes sir."
"Then what are you maggots waiting for let's move move move," Rhodes shouted. The Ponies remained silent as they charge towards the obstacle course at full gallop. At first the division seemed to fair rather well when they came to the first batch of obstacles, a series of hurdles that ended in a balance beam. Most managed to navigate the obstacles with little or no problem but one, a bright yellow pegasus with pink hair and pink butterfly cutie marks, seemed to have trouble navigating the simplest obstacle.
At first Fluttershy seemed to do well, she managed to clear the first batch hurdles but then she came to the first balance beam and froze in her tracks. The haunting chants of
"Fluttershy, Fluttershy can hardly fly," filled her head with fear in its purest form
"MOVE IT MAGGOT," Rhodes shouted from the side, as other Ponies raced by with no problem. Those who tried to stop and help Fluttershy up were chewed out even harder, and ordered to leave her behind. Slowly Fluttershy regained her footing and continued the course. For the rest of the course the mocking voices of the fillies who had bullied her in flight school would never leave her mind. She tried with all her might to drown out the mocking, yet every obstacle seemed to become harder and it wasn't just her. By the half way mark, which required the recruits to swing over a large pond, many of the Ponies were gasping for breath as the combined weight of their poorly maintained armor and weapons and natural exhaustion began to show. Yet they continued, determined to complete the course at any price. But then there was Fluttershy.
The moment she came to the swinging rope the memories of the taunting and bullying of flight school came back a hundred fold. The laughter and mocking grins as she struggled into the air only to crash into the first cloud she saw. Then the pranks began, tripping, stuffing her into a locker. The only pony who ever stood up for her had been Rainbow Dash, but even Rainbow's confidence couldn't stop what happened next. It began as a routine landing with Fluttershy the last in line to attempt the landing, however what no one had noticed was somepony had smeared grease on the runway and when Fluttershy landed she hit the grease smear at full speed and spun out of control into a near by hanger. The instructor hurried to make sure she was okay but the students taunts and laughter became unbearable, all Fluttershy could remember from that awful day was running off with Rainbow not far behind trying to calm her down.
"PRIVATE," Rhodes shouted, snapping Fluttershy out of her trance, "YOU GOT FIVE SECONDS TO GET ON THAT OBSTICAL OR I'LL TIE YOU TO IT AND USE YOU FOR PADDLEBALL."
"sir," Fluttershy said, a small tear running down her cheek, "I can't sir."
"WHY NOT," Rhodes roared, "ARE YOU A COWARD OR SOMETHING?" that was the final straw, Fluttershy turned to Rhodes, completely in tears.
"YESSSSSS," Fluttershy screamed, as she ran off towards her cottage.
"The rest of you carry on," Rhodes said, as he followed the yellow Pegasus. At first Rainbow tried to stop him but a Marine stepped in front of her.
"Let him go," the Marine said.
“Why should I,” Rainbow replied.
"It's not the first time the Sarge has over stepped his bounds," the Marine said.
Location: Fluttershy's cottage, edge of the Everfree Forest, Free Territories, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542), an hour later
Fluttershy leaned against the door of her cottage, completely in tears. Her animal friends did all they could to try and comfort her. But it had little effect. Why couldn't she be brave like Rainbow Dash or the others? Why did this have to happen? Why did the Covenant and Humans have to come and lay waste to her peaceful world? All were questions that floated through Fluttershy's grieving mind.
"Thank you all," Fluttershy said, managing a small smile, "but it doesn't solve my big confidence issue." It was then she saw a familiar figure approaching, it was Sgt. Rhodes.
Almost at once Fluttershy wanted to run and hide, but the Marine's commanding presence made her freeze with fear.
"What happened out there Private," Rhodes inquired, his voice sounding nothing like the threatening monster he'd been back at the course. Fluttershy remained silent, fighting back both her tears and her own fear of the Human.
"I I I," Fluttershy said, in tears, "I lost my courage sir. When I was a filly at flight school all the others teased and laughed at me because I couldn't fly well, and on the obstacle course, seeing those obstacles, hearing you shouting it brought back those memories. The longer I ran the more afraid I became until..." Rhodes stopped her mid sentence.
"Whether we're Pony or Human we're all scared," Rhodes said, kneeling in front of Fluttershy, wiping a tear from her eye, "I've been a Marine for years and every time I go out on a mission I'm scared. Every day I pray that this war will just stop or this next mission will be the last."
"But sir Rainbow Dash isn't afraid of anything," Fluttershy replied, "me I just want to go home and hide in my closet with my teddy bear until the Covenant leave."
"Bravery," Rhodes said, stroking Fluttershy's pink mane, "real bravery isn't the absence of fear. It's being able to act in spite of fear. You can choose to run and hide until the storm passes, but eventually the storm will find you and eventually you'll have no place left to hide and you'll have to take a stand." Fluttershy remained silent as Rhodes wiped away her tears. Slowly Rhodes turned to leave.
"Sir," Fluttershy inquired, catching Rhodes off guard, "why did you tell me all that?"
"Because you remind me so much of my daughter," Rhodes said, for the first time Fluttershy noticed a small tear roll down the Marine's cheek.
Location: Covenant Frontline positions, Celestia Line Free-Occupied Territory Border, the next day Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542)
An eerie quiet had settled across the front, neither the Covenant nor their Pony adversaries made much in the way of movements except for small scale raids or the occasional artillery shot. For the Ponies it was a much needed respite, General Neighal's grand offensive was due to start in six hours. The last report from the Pegasai sent out to scout the lines had been that the Covenant seemed to be digging in. Maybe the upcoming offensive would work after all or the Covenant had finally exhausted their supplies.
But that was wishful thinking the previous day the first Wraiths and lead troops of Thel's army advancing from Baltimare reached the Celestia Line. By now Thel himself and more then half of his army had reached the Celestia Line.
"Shipmaster," A Sangheili Captain said, saluting Thel, as he dismounted his Wraith, "it's an honor...." Thel cut the Covenant officer off.
"Dispense with pleasantries Captain," Thel said, "we're on a tight schedule the Arbiter wants our forces to begin the advance into the South immediately."
"Shipmaster," the officer replied, "The Heretics here have been proving quite problematic. They're either stubborn or desperate."
"Or more clever then we desire to believe Captain," Thel said
"I'm afraid I don't follow Shipmaster," the officer replied, with a confused look.
"We're the stronger power technologically but the Heretics have the advantage of numbers," Thel said, crossing his arms, "With the carrier's communications still being repaired any delay or loss hurts us more then the enemy. Unless we change our battle plan we'll be overwhelmed by sheer numbers."
"What would you suggest Shipmaster," the officer inquired
"The enemy has seen our forces in battle," Thel replied, "they've seen the Unggoy and Kig-Yar who aren't true believers break and run when their leader falls. We can turn this weakness to an advantage, have all Sangheili and Mgalekgolo pulled back behind the main lines." The look on the officer's face became confused.
"Shipmaster I'm afraid I don't understand," the officer said, with a hint of concern to his voice, "our scouts report the heretics are amassing large amounts of heavy artillery and troops. Would it not be in our best interest to attack now, while the enemy is still preparing their defenses, rather then withdrawal?"
"Only to allow them to withdrawal deeper into their home territory," Thel inquired, "no captain we've broken their bodies now we break their spirits. This battle ends today." The officer remained silent he knew full well the price awaiting him if he questioned his superiors decision. The officer made his way to one of the Wraiths and began to issue the orders for the pull back to begin.
"When are you coming," Thel said to himself, as he gazed out over the shell cratered wasteland.
Location: Pony Frontline, Celestia Line, Occupied-Free Territories Border, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542) an hour later
General Neighal had arrived back at the Celestia Line earlier that day after having spent the past week finalizing the plans for his grand offensive. He'd been waiting for the last week for the final piece of his plan to arrive, 600 Stallions clad in dark blue armor from head to hoof, with their faces completely obscured by a steel mask carved in the shape of a snarling dragon and adorned with bright. red jewels They were the Immortals, 10,000 of the most elite Stallions and Mares in the Royal Guard tasked with not only protecting Queen Luna and Crown Princess Cadence, but also the numerous palaces and royal tombs that dotted Equestria.
For the Ponies who manned the front line the arrival of the Immortals had helped boost the moral and enthusiasm the Guardsponies had for the upcoming assault. However Neighal had other plans. The whole reason he'd requested the deployment of an Immortal detachment had been to serve as Blocking Ponies, Ponies handpicked to remain behind in the trench and fire on any Ponies who retreated.
Neighal was sitting in his command tent, surrounded by four Immortals. He gazed out at the muddy, shell scared landscape before him. The sun was covered by a thick haze caused by the smoke rising from the battlefield. For the better part of the day Neighal had been pouring over messages from the Council in Canterlot requesting that the offensive be postponed pending a review by General Armor or claiming that he'd promised more then he could deliver. Requests Neighal simply brushed off as defeatism.
"Commence firing," was the only thing Neighal had to say as he charged his horn with bright red energy a few seconds later he unleashed a bright stream of red light into the sky, the signal to begin the assault. All along the line Unicorns and Earth Ponies finished making last minute preparations for the barrage. Just as Neighal's signal faded the catapults and ballistas opened fire. Within the space of a few moments the boulders and arrows found their marks, slamming into the Covenant lines, smashing Shade Turrets and any Ghosts or Wraiths that hadn't been pulled back.
"Excellent," Neighal said, as he peered through his binoculars at the Covenant line. A huge plume of dust obscured the enemy emplacements yet in Neighal's mind the initial barrage had done its job.
"Fire at will, infantry will advance within the hour," Neighal ordered. Neighal's order quickly filtered down the line, as fast as they could the catapult and ballista crews readied their weapons for the second barrage. One by one the catapults and ballistas were made ready and one by one they opened fire. As the catapults and ballistas began pounding the Covenant lines constantly the infantry in the trenches sharpened their spears and horns, waiting for the order to go over the top. For the infantry the minutes felt like hours, especially for the freshly arrived Guard Divisions. Every so often one of the Ponies would pier through one of the small observation holes, which had been dug in the side of the trenches, in order to observe the results of the bombardment.
On the opposite side of No Pony's Land, the Covenant lines had become obscured by a thick haze of dust and mud tossed up by the impacts of the projectiles. Every so often the haze would be shattered by the streaks of plasma from a Covenant carbine or sniper rifle, while most of the shots impacted harmlessly on the breastworks, a few found their marks, passing through one of the observation holes and striking the Pony on the other side either right in the eye peering through the hole, or on the side of the head, sending blood and brain onto any Pony that was unlucky enough to be close by. Scattered across No Pony's Land were countless spears and boulders that had failed to find their marks, creating small makeshift hills. Yet some found their marks, striking the Covenant line, crushing or impaling anything that was underneath them when they landed.
Within the Pony lines, an eerie silence had fallen over the Guardsponies waiting for the order to go over the top, a silence that was only broken by the occasional murmur from one of the Guardsponies or the chirping of a small bird flying over head. But the worst sounds for the Ponies was the screams of dead or dying Covenant. As the barrage continued the minutes felt more like hours, for the Guardsponies manning the trench line all they could do was wait for zero hour.
The Guardsponies lined up, three rows deep at wooden ladders that led over the top. As the final minutes to zero hour ticked by General Neighal's last minute orders were handed out to the leaders of the various Guard Divisions who would be making the charge.
"Bombardment has exceeded expectations. Infantry is to advance across No Pony's Land at a walking pace, and exploit any breach in enemy lines. Failure to comply with or change the plan will be dealt with severely. Any and all attempts at retreat will be punishable by death." Rumors had been circulating through out the Pony lines that some of the Guard Division officers had complained to General Neighal that his plan hadn't been properly shared with any of the ground commanders, and the dust thrown up by the barrage made it impossible to get an accurate view of what the results were, that he'd promised the Queen and the Council more then what the Guard was capable of delivering. Yet their protests fell on deaf ears, those who were lucky were reminded that his plan had been approved by the Council and the Queen herself had named him to take command from General Armor. The unlucky ones whose voices echoed decent the loudest were removed from their commands and replaced by Stallions and Mares hoof picked by General Neighal himself.
When zero hour finally came, there was only silence that felt as though it would never break, one by one the Guardsponies who would be part of the first wave placed their front hooves on the ladders. In the trenches Sergeants and Squad Leaders did their best to calm the fears of the stallions and mares under their command, the looks to their eyes did little to ease most of the fear the recruits felt. For all this would be their first taste of combat in more then a millennium, the seconds ticked by and the fear of the upcoming assault filed the ranks, yet every Pony be they mare or stallion was expected to do their duty and defend Equestria to the death. It was then the sound the Guardsponies manning the trenches had feared echoed through the lines, the whistles. In peacetime they were little more then children's play things or something to announce a sporting event. But now, for many of the Stallions and Mares waiting to go over the top it was one thing...a death sentence.
The shouts of the officers were silent as their Guards Divisions made their way up the trench ladders and into to No Pony's Land. The sight before them was unlike anything seen in Equestria since Queen Morning Glory's war with the Griffins or even the Great War. Mud and shell holes as far as the eye could see, pot marked every so often by small patches of green and flowers. Slowly as more columns made their way out of the trench the silence of No Ponies Land became eerie, some of the more experienced Ponies told the freshly arrived recreates to keep one eye pealed for any wavy lines, a sure sign that there was a cloaked enemy near by and to keep the other focused on the few trees left in the mud covered landscape. Once they were in No Ponies Land there was no turning back, walking pace right to the Covenant trenches. Those where Neighal's orders, yet fear filled the ranks of the Ponies, fear of invisible enemies and enemies hidden in trees and shell holes waiting to pick them off one by one. They didn't have long to wait a Covenant beam rifle fired point blank at the advancing Ponies shattering the skull of a Centurion of the Coltinvale Guard. No sooner had the centerurin's body hit the muddy field the Guard's Unicorns unleashed a torrent of magic at the tree, shattering what little was left. Revealing the body of a Kig Yar sniper who had lashed himself to the tree, ready to give his life for the great journey. For most it began to seem like Neighal's boasting wasn't so baseless after all. As the dust began to clear the damage to the Covenant line was apparent blood from crushed or impaled enemies filled the muddy trench. Shattered gatling lasers and Shade Turrets littered the enemy trench line every ten feet.
Yet as the Ponies approached the enemy line something didn't feel right where were the Giants and the Covenant fighting vehicles? To this point victory for the Royal Guard had come at the skin of their teeth. So why was this so easy? While Neigahl continued to boast of his victory the feeling that the Guardsponies were walking into trap was growing. As they came closer and closer to the Covenant line the only attacks had been from small plasma pistols, needlers or the occasional sniper hidden in one of the many bombed out trees or shell holes. Then the officers in front of the advancing column gave order...CHARGE. With the fury of a storm thousands of Guardsponies raced towards the panic stricken Unggoy and Kig Yar, spears held out, eyes alight with fury ready to take their revenge on their tormentors once and for all.
For the Covenant on the receiving end of the charge the seconds felt like an eternity as the panicked soldiers struggled to aim and fire their weapons accurately. The few that had managed to man some of the rapid-fire plasma lasers quickly returned fire on the charging column, though most of the shots from the scattered Covenant defenders missed, others found their marks, punching through the golden armor the Guardspony's wore, often melting it to their flesh once it had passed through before tearing into the Pony's body shattering numerous blood vessels and hollow organs. Others simply tore the fore and hind legs off of the Pony they struck. Earth ponies unleashed a torrent of arrows, most of which fell harmlessly to the ground, while others found their marks striking the unarmored parts of the Uggnoy and Kig-Yar. It seemed like an eternity but the Ponies managed to enter the first trench, and the fighting soon degraded to Hand to Hoof combat. Spears and horns tore into the Covenant ranks. Whenever a Covenant soldier tried to turn one of the Shade turrets or rapid-fire plasma lasers onto the attacking Ponies they were pounced upon by Earth Ponies, who made short work of the lightly armed guns, shattering them with their powerful bucks, the same bucks which also were used to rupture the internal organs of the Covenant gun crews.
Back at the Pony command post Neighal was going over the first messages to come in from the attacking Guards Divisions. Most were simple confirmations that the attacking units had reached the Covenant lines and were engaging the enemy. Others though were requests.
"General," one of Neighal's Unicorn orderlies said, "The 115th Pegasai regiment of the Coltsdale Guard Division requests permission to slow advance and secure their flanks."
"No, inform Commander Messerschmitt that she must continue the advance," Neighal replied, "we are only going forward is that clear lieutenant?"
"Crystal sir," the orderly said, saluting.
"General," another orderly added, "the Hoofington, New Canterlot, and Red Pony Guard Divisions report enemy resistance beginning to crumble. They're requesting additional forces to follow through."
"I'm afraid we just don't have the forces to spare," Neighal replied, "inform the commanders that once resistance begins to crumble they are to follow through regardless of losses."
"If I may speak General we have 600 Immortals that could easily reinforce the front," the orderly replied. Neighal remained silent for a few moments before finally speaking.
"The Immortals are tasked with ensuring the discipline of the Guard is strong enough to guarantee the success of the Offensive," Neighal said, "to send them into combat when we need to make sure cowards and traitors are punished for their actions is a worthless gesture." The orderly hung her head, it was typical of Neighal, he always believed discipline alone would carry the day, even if it pushed his Ponies to the breaking point.
As Neighal made his way outside contempt with the way the offensive had been going. As far as he was concerned the battle was won and he'd be back in Canterlot by this time tomorrow, hailed as a conquering hero.
From his observation point on a near by hill, Thel watched as the Pony Guards crossed through the second line of Covenant trenches. Many of his subordinates were insisting that he reconsider his orders to move the Sangheili and all of their support away from the lines and move the heavy units back to the front to prevent a breakthrough. Thel however remained silent, so far all was preceding as he had hoped.
The first Ponies were soon through the Covenant lines, their armor and bodies covered in mud and blood. Yet their eyes were alight with thoughts of victory, they'd accomplished what countless attacks had failed to do they'd broken through the enemy lines as far as they were concerned the invaders were in retreat and now the way north was open. Cries of "To the north," echoed through the Pony ranks as they gazed upon the Occupied Territories. With all speed the Guardsponies who'd broken the line began their trek towards the Covenant rear and the Occupied Territories. For the Covenant though this was the moment they'd been waiting for, from hidden positions Covenant Fuel Rod crews and Mgalekgolos readied their cannons for firing.
As the advancing Ponies closed in, the Covenant heavy weapons troops opened up. Showering the advancing Guardsponies with high explosive fuel rods and incendiary gel. Followed by the guns of numerous Wraiths roaring to life, hurling white hot plasma into the Pony ranks. One by one the shots found their marks, Ponies were blown apart, many loosing legs or becoming coated in blood that was a mixture of their own and their neighbors, others had had their fore or hind legs blown clear off by the force of the blast. They were the lucky ones, those who found themselves facing down a Mgalekgolo's energy cannons or a Wraith Plasma mortar were only identified by small pieces of armor that had been blown off by the blasts. For those caught in the path of a fuel rod or energy cannon, the heat from the gel fused their armor to their bodies. Others had entire parts of their bodies burned clear off, leaving only half of a corpse behind. Others took direct hits from Plasma mortars fried from the waiting Wraiths. For the Ponies caught on the wrong end of the mortars, it was over in a few seconds, survivors only finding a few broken pieces of armor scattered across the area. Others who caught the end soon found half of their bodies lit on fire, fusing armor and weapons to their bodies and hooves. As the Ponies drew closer the Wraiths opened up with their top mounted gattling turrets and their forward mounted heavy plasma cannons. As the white hot plasma and fuel rods tore into the Pony ranks, cutting numerous Ponies to pieces. At the sight of their comrades agony panic began to set in, some continued their advance to the north, expecting to break through the Covenant lines, others however began to fall back in the face of the Wraiths and Fuel Rod crews.
From his command post behind the advance Neighal erupted in a fit of a rage, his only order were for the Immortals where to open fire on any retreating ponies. "Discipline and order were the keys to winning battles," that was Neighal's motto, and discipline and order were kept only when cowards and traitors were made examples of. Many of the Immortals remained frozen, the thoughts of having to fire on their own comrades was something that went against everything the Guard, and especially the Immortals stood for. Yet they had their orders from the Queen herself. “Until the battle was over they were under General Neighal’s command.” The Unicorns focused their magic on their bows and fired a single volley. The Ponies who had been wounded in the Covenant ambush found themselves being struck down one by one by their own forces. Arrows tore into the bodies of wounded Ponies killing some almost instantly, those helping the wounded back to friendly lines weren't spare either. Numerous Ponies whose only crime had been trying to save the lives of their wounded comrades were either badly wounded or killed by the barrage.
"Cowards and traitors this is General Neighal," Neghial shouted, "you have five minutes to turn around and rejoin your comrades on the road to glorious victory. Failure to do so will result in your immediate execution for cowardice and treason." Some of the Guardsponies turned back to join their comrades, others however took their chances with the Immortals.
"General Neighal is that really necessary," an orderly inquired.
"Discipline and order lieutenant," Neighal replied, "loose one and the battle is lost," a smile crept over his face, "still a few bad apples won't deny us our glorious victory." No sooner had the order left his mouth, the Immortals hurled a stream of spears at the wounded and retreating Guardsponies. The Immortals motto "One Shot One Kill," was well earned the spears found their marks, killing their targets almost instantly others however simply wounded the retreating Ponies, unable to bring themselves to kill a fellow Pony even if ordered.
At the front the Guardsponies charged towards the Wraiths, which hadn't moved since the first volley. Most of the Wraiths had fired off a few bursts from their secondary armament, a mounted plasma turret, joined by a host of Covenant small arms, plasma pistols, carbines, needlers and worst of all the fuel rod cannons tore into the charging Ponies from every conceivable angle
Since the early days of the Pony Empire the Pegasai had not only served as stewards of the weather but also the backbone of the Royal Guard training the original Guards in the Pegasai art of war, an art that had evolved little in the centuries since the Empire's fall. Now that they were free of the confines of the trenches the Guard was able to employ its most effective offensive technique, the phalanx. A square of sixteen Ponies marching towards the enemy, the lead Ponies holding their spears out in front while the Ponies behind them held theirs in ready. Behind the main phalanx marched Unicorns, whose mission was to use their magic to create a mobile shield in front of the advancing phalanx.
For centuries the phalanx had carried Ponykind to many victories from the civil war through the Great War. Yet despite the successes many Pony generals failed to see the numerous flaws in the technique, the vulnerability of the flanks to an ambush or counter attack, the tightly packed ranks making it difficult for single Ponies to maneuver in order to dodge an incoming attack and the vulnerability of the Unicorns to magical fatigue, having to constantly move the shield to deflect incoming attacks, a flaw first pointed out by General Steel Wing during the Great War after half of his phalanxs were destroyed by Griffin spearman attacking from the air at the Battle of Gallaping Gorge.
A flaw that was proving disastrous for the advancing Ponies. From all sides Kig-Yar snipers picked off Unicorns and stragglers weighted down by their wet armor, other Unicorns simply collapsed from magical fatigue and when the Unicorns fell so too did their protective shields. Fuel rods and Plasma shots from Mgalekgolo, Wraiths and Ghosts ripped through entire phalanxes, killing most if not all the Ponies in the columns, the survivors either becoming coated in the blood and guts of their former comrades or horribly burned by white hot pieces of armor. Wounded Ponies fell to the ground, their flesh torn apart by Plasma or shrapnel, limbs severed their beautiful coats covered in blood and burns, large portions of their armor fused to their bodies by the heat of exploding fuel rods, impacting plasma and exploding needlers. Other Ponies were trampled when their Phalanxs broke and began to retreat, owing to the tightly packed columns
Despite the pounding their force had taken the majority of the Guardsponies continued their charge towards the Covenant lines. The remaining Unicorns began to focus their magic on the Covenant Wraiths, although it put an even greater strain on a Unicorn's ability to use magic, the Unicorns managed to flip over two of the attacking Wraiths, crushing the turret gunner and exposing their weak under armor. Earth Pony spearponies took advantage of the situation, leaping onto the crippled Wraiths and with all their strength managed to kick off some of the armor panels, exposing fuel lines and electrical wiring. With all their strength, the spearponies thrust their spears into the fuel lines and wiring setting off a chain reaction that soon turned the two Wraiths into flaming wrecks.
Eventually the Ponies achieved their objective, making contact with the Covenant lines.
Yet just as the spearponies began jabbing at the Covenant soldiers, energy swords suddenly roared to life as numerous Sangheili warriors decloaked. One by one the Pony spears shattered upon impacting a Sangheili shield, robbing the Ponies of their long range defense. Many Earth Ponies resorted to bucking, finding that one good kick was able to take down the Sangheilis shields, giving them a brief window to try and take down the towering aliens, the few remaining Ponies who had spears were able to make quick work of any shieldless Sangheili, however most were only able to buck hard enough to cripple the Sangheili. Though the Royal Guard was willing to fight, the combined technological might of the various Covenant races proved too much for the Guard to handle. Kig-Yar snipers picked off the remaining Unicorns with ease, as the shields protecting the Pony phalanxes fell, the Sangheili charged forward, energy swords grasped tightly in their hands, and supported by assault cannons and Wraiths. With one mighty swing an energy sword was able to slice through the armor and body of a Pony with little effort. Slowly the Covenant began to push the Royal Guard back, leaving a trail of mangled bodies behind them. Though the Guard continued to fight on bravely, the sheer weight of their casualties began to take its toll, for every Covenant soldier the Guard was able to cripple or kill five or ten Ponies would fall, moral and discipline in the Pony ranks began to fail as entire phalanxs broke and ran. The few Ponies that chose to stand and fight were quickly dispatched as the Covenant pushed the Guard back towards their original line.
From his command post, Neighal could hear the cries of retreat as the Pony offensive broke down. From his vantage point Neighal could make out the shapes of his retreating Guard units. Many of the Ponies, weighted down by their wet armor became trapped in the mud where they were easy prey for the advancing Covenant troops. Others were so panicked stricken that many fell into one of the many water filled shell holes that dotted No Ponies Land where they were pulled down by their armor, others still fell victim to the advancing Covenant armor.
"Fire at the cowards," Neighal shouted, at the Immortals and for the first time in the whole offensive the Immortals refused to carry out Neighal's orders. They had been effective when a few Guardsponies retreated, but not the entire Royal Guard.
"What are you waiting for," Neighal shouted, "Once we restore discipline we'll have them beaten." None of the Immortals responded, a few even climbed out of the trenches and joined the retreat. Seeing Immortals, the unshakable personal guards of the Royal Family, turn and run did little to restore confidence in the crumbling Guard units.
"Fire now," Neighal shouted, yet just as he finished shouting his command, the entire trench line was rocked by a massive explosion, as a Covenant plasma shell struck the trench line, setting fire to the Immortals that remained behind, as well as most of the catapults and balistas and knocking Negihal to the ground. Slowly Neghal regained his footing, and gazed out over the sight before him. Dozens of Pony bodies, some blown completely apart others chard beyond recognition, littered the smoke filled trench. From the smoke Neighal could make out the image of a Guardspony staggering towards his command post. At first he thought it was a survivor, until the Pony came into view. The entire left side of his face was gone, leaving nothing more then a blood covered skull, most of his armor and helmet had been fused to his body, the left side of which had lost most if not all of its skin and white fur leaving behind a mash of muscle, tendons and organs that looked as though they were only held in by his melted armor.
"General," the dying Pony said, as he grabbed Neighal, "please help me..."
"Get back," Neighal shouted, shoving the dying Pony back. Just as the Pony began limping towards him again Neighal grabbed a spear, which had been blown into his tent by the blast, and plunged it into the Pony's chest, killing him instantly. Neighal staggered back, as the Guard's body hit the ground, bumping into one of his orderlies.
"General," the orderly said, "the whole front's collapsed, the enemy has broken through and is threatening to encircle the entire Army." Nieghal didn't know how to respond, how could his great triumph had failed?
"Take me to my train," Neighal finally said.
Location: Nieghal's private car, en route to Canterlot, Year of Luna 0001 (Earth Year 2542), an hour later.
The news was something Neighal had not wanted to hear, the entire Celestia Line had been encircled and was in the process of surrendering to the Covenant. The look to his face was one of disbelief and fear. He'd promised the court, the council and even the Queen herself that his offensive would deliver victory, instead it had led to disaster. The Celestia Line had fallen and the Covenant was now advancing towards Canterlot. Every mile the train passed was like a clock ticking down to his execution, this time there were no connections he could make that would save him from Luna's wrath.
"General," one of his aides said, handing him the latest reports from the Celestia Line, "it's over the last troops manning the line have either surrendered or fled." Neighal's white coat looked paler then before.
"What can I do?" Neighal asked, trying to hold back tears.
"There are two choices open to you sir," the aide said, "One face Her Majesty's wrath like a Stallion. Or two," he placed his spear on the table, "take the cowards way out and save Her Majesty the trouble." With that the aide took his leave. Leaving Neighal alone, gazing at the spear through tear filled eyes.
Stay Tuned for Chapter VI: The Storm Breaks