The Southern Expedition

by Ponelover

1st July, 2018

“Is that all of em?” Captain Felix asked. Curious as to how his routine operation suddenly got a turn towards the military, it all came as a blur to the captain after the attacks on Paris. Ah yes, the Paris attacks. That really ticked off the French people myself included, but I never thought that it would end up like this he thought as more tanks and military vehicles are being loaded into his Roll on Roll out ship.

His ship is arguably the only one with an actual purpose of being a RoRo, the other ships like the Piana, Calais Seaways, Corse and the Bretagne were effectively Ferry ships with the ability to carry cars. And with that most of the load is carried out with the Pelican, he is already seeing the Leclerc tanks being loaded up as the entirety of the 12th Cuirassier regiment is being loaded into his ship.

“Captain?” a voice was heard as Captain Felix turns his head around. Only to look relieved as it is his second mate, Joaquin Roux.
“Yes what is it Joaquin?”
“I was ordered by the Colonel of the 12th Cuirassiers that the ship was to assume final checks before regouping at these coordinates. He told me that’s where France’s newest carriers are rallying.”
“Let me see that,” replied the Captain as he took the note and examined the coordinates, the French departure from earth really did a number on navigation coordinates as Geographic coordinators went scrambling alongside the remnants of the ESA to chart out a whole new planet from scratch. It took a couple of months but thanks to the invention of the modern computer and satellite imaging. It didn’t take long before commercial shipping began resuming from using star charts to standard coordinates again. Still a bitch to learn though, damn planet’s slightly smaller than earth so most sailors are still getting used to this new system uuuugh. He thought as he plugged the coordinates into the computer and it shows a position just a couple of kilometers south of Toulon.
“Alright, are the tanks loaded Roux?”
“Yes sir.”
“With the crews?”
“The crews are boarding the Piana and the Bretagne sir. All ships will be ready in 15 minutes”
“Well those troops just got exclusive treatment before being sent to the battlefield. Anyway, order the crew to start preliminary checks for the ship. I want the Pelican ready in 15 minutes tops.”
“Aye aye sir.”

There are many things Solaria...err Harmony has seen that stretch the limits of imagination, she could see a being feeding out of disorder and chaos (well not directly, the interaction between she herself and the elements were a it iffy at best), she has seen a tyrant unicorn claiming the Crystal Empire as his own realm of slavery and many other things that just adds up to her experience.

But nothing could prepare her for what seems as an arrival of both her old enemies and an entirely new nation without any access to magic but is able to challenge said enemy into what seems to be a standstill.
“It seems that the world has gone mad” she said to herself as she used an….odd looking tablet, using a ‘stylus’ (essentially an artificial pen) to scroll down in what is desribed as a ‘detailed summary’ of the history of Equestria and to a lesser extent modern France.
“It is fascinating isn’t it?” a voice said behind her.
“Yes it is Luna, how could an entire nation be transported from their world to ours? Is there some kind of deity we don’t know of yet?”
“Even to this day we still don’t know mother, their arrival even confuses the humans as well. But let’s not dwell in politics so soon mother, I’m still rejoicing the fact that you’re still alive after all these years” Luna replied as she snuggled her mother once more. Harmony has to admit that Luna still retaining her lovable attitude even after millenia is very lovely.

“What did you expect when you saw me Luna? A walking carcass?” replied Harmony which is met with a laugh from the night Princess “I do however regret the fact that my whole body has changed”
“Ha! So what? You are still the same mother I saw during my early years and the same mother who bravely fought her own husband for the good of everyone, if anything you should deserve respect from all of Equestria, and you know how myself and my sister thought highly of you after the incident in Everfree City right?” Luna replied.
“But anyway, it’s good having you back again. I need to go to sleep so farewell, at least for now.” said Luna as he left Harmony’s study.
“Always the lovable Luna, and to think that she succumbed to this.......nightmare, even I couldn't understand how she got no appreciation for her millennia of hard work” as she shook her head and resumed her studies.

So France was occupied by a country called ‘Germany’ in the second World War and the Germans instituted…..oh my stars, and to think that this country is willing to help us in this time of need, that is selflessness you must admire thought Harmony as she starts reading about the France’s occupation in the second World War.

Twilight Sparkle just finished her training on blood magic. Yes blood magic, how in the world did I manage to master such complex arts? Ley line tapping, dark magic and now blood magic. It’s like Celestia is preparing me for war!!!. Twilight shuddered at that very thought, Celestia sending me to war? I know where my loyalties lie but I don’t think a bunch of forbidden spells would be enough and what would happen to myself? I'm not psychologically ready for the rigors of combat! I might breakdown and then I need to get treatment which might take years and-

*knock* *knock* *knock*

“Yes come in” said Twilight as she closed her book and was greeted by…..Princess Celestia herself.
“P p p p princess!!! What are you doing here?!?” asked Twilight as she hurriedly bowed in front of the Solar Diarch.
“No need for that Twilight, and please rise” replied Celestia. “How are your studies? I trust that you have mastered at least one art by now correct?”
“Three actualy,” replied Twilight “I’m still having a hard time comprehending how I mastered such complex magical arts so fast. Mastering a normal spell takes months of training to actually work out, I mastered three forbidden arts in a month!”
“Well I did design the book to be as easy and accessible as it could be. And I did enchant the book with a rapid learning spell...” Celestia skittishly replied, knowing that Twilight doesn’t like the rapid learning spell at all.
“W-wait, you mean that you enchanted the book with THAT spell?!? Princess you know how much I dislike that spell! It takes the joy of learning right out of learning itself!!!!”
Celestia could only blush in embarrassment and replied with only a blush and a sarcastic laugh. “W-welll…..let’s just say that affairs of the state trumps my student’s preferred learning style.”
Twilight could only offer a sigh as a response, honestly she couldn’t be mad at Celestia. She always has the purest of intentions despite being playful and a bit......annoying now and again.

“Playfulness aside, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the base planning for the next battle?” Twilight asked.
“Oh I’ve done that just this morning Twilight, decided to tell the general that I wanted to visit my most prized student. He decided to let me off for a while” replied Celestia as she viewed the new living quarters that housed Twilight for the time being.
“It is a bit cozy here isn’t it?”
“I know it is a bit….small for your tastes princess but I’m fine, you wanna go to the city? Oh! Maybe we can go to Mount Ross and I can show you how much I’ve progressed!!”
“That would be wonderful Twilight. But first, there is something I wanted you to hear” replied Celestia, she knew that this will come but she’s confident that Twilight will rise to the challenge.
“What is it princess?” Twilight beamed, anticipating probably a praise for her hard work or something along those lines.
“While for one I must praise your hard work my faithful student. I and my human allies have tasked you with something you’re not familiar with and not only did you meet our expectations you’ve exceeded said expectations just like last time.”
“W-why thank you princess, I’m grateful”
“And with that i’m heavily considering to elevate you into the title of duchess.”

Silence

Twilight couldn’t believe what Celestia just said, A-am I hearing it right? Duchess? Why should I of all ponies be a duchess?
“E-excuse me Princess, but I think I heard that incorrectly. Did you just say duchess?”
“Why yes Twilight, I’m heavily considering to elevate your position to duchess.”
“B-but why? I haven’t done anything besides helping a bunch of science teams and studying your book. The only major thing I did was bring Princess Luna back and help against the initial Changeling Invasion…...On second thought I think I can see your reasoning” as Twilight facehoofed, knowing her contributions to Equestria is more than enough to land her a very powerful position in Canterlot.
Celestia could only chuckle in response. “As I’ve said, this decision is not set in stone so don’t get your hopes up, anyway. You said you wanted to show me something right?”
“Oh yes!! We need to go to the edges of Mount Ross to do that, it’s unsafe showing my forbidden magical skills (at least to the majority of Equestrians) in the middle of town isn’t it?”
“Yes, that is very true Twilight” replied Celestia as Twilight’s horn lightens up, transporting both the Princess and the (maybe) soon to be duchess to the edges of Mount Ross. Ready to let Twilight showcase her newfound magical skills. Sorry for undercutting you in such a way Twilight. But I need you to do something very-very important for me when the time's right.

“Captain on the bridge!!” shouted a seaman as the Captain of the PA2 Carrier Suffren, Captain Olivier Blanchard entered the bridge, currently one of two (three if you count the Napoleon) French Carriers, heck the only operational Aircraft Carriers on Equus.
“At ease everyone, comms officer! Status report!” shouted the Captain.
“Captain, most of our escorts have arrived, we are now about to initiate roll call sir”
“Then proceed Officer”
“Roger that, all escort ships this is the Suffren. Proceed to identify your name for the roll call”
“This is Jean Bart, reporting in”
“Montcalm, reporting in”
“This is the Aconit, all systems are ready sir”
“Surcouf here. We’re good to go”
“This is Terrible, ballast tanks working as intended. We’re ready”
“Perle here, we’re currently tailing the Terrible but we’re ready too”
“Sir, all ships have reported in. The fleet is ready.”

“Good, now we wait for the civilians to arrive. What’s the ETA for the arrival of the Pelican and the other Civilian ships?”
“10 minutes and counting sir”
“Understood, order all ships to hold tight. We need to bring those ships safely down south, I don’t want another incident like the one that hit Auvergne to happen”
“Aye aye sir!”

“Is that the last of the planes Jacques?” Air Marshall Sakuya Takasumi asked, she was one of the few JSDF servicemembers that was taking a leave in France when the event happened. She was immediately scooped up by Marine Nationale, given a crash course in French and was promoted to Air Marshall after the recruitment office has reviewed her files. Some work this is, I thought it would be like the JMSDF where I would go into the field and oversee it from there but apparently the French did stuff differently here. Meh the pay's good so I won't complain.

“Yep, that is all 36 Rafales counted and ready. Armoury’s also checked alongside fuel tanks. We’re ready to deploy at a moment’s notice Marshall Sakuya”
“Good, I’ll file it in to Captain Blanchard. And get back to work.”
“Of course Marshall Sakuya.”

“Sir, we have positive contact with the MN Pelican, the Piana, the Calais Seaways, the Bretagne and the Corse”
“This is MN Pelican Captain Felix Dupont. We’re ready to go at your orders sir.”
“Roger that, Captain Olivier, orders sir?” asked the comms officer. In reality he knew what the Captain is going to say next, Admiral Daphne has given clear orders for the task force to move at once when they have joined in with the transport group.

“You know your orders men. Launch CAP flights immediately and let’s get this show on the road. Comms, inform all other ships to stay in formation with the Suffren, and set course for Port Aux Francais helmsman”
“Aye aye sir, setting course for Port Aux Francais and the Southern Continent” replied the helmsman.

“Roger that Captain, all ships all ships this is the Suffren. Set your course to Port Aux Francais and maintain formation, keep weapons on standby at all times and maintain communications with Combat Air Patrols, over and out”

Secretary Frost Walker was rushing through the city, her horn holding what appears to be a huge stack of formal paperwork. “Now where is Nes’Kledan’s house?!? I need to meet him!” screamed the secretary in frustration as she searched and searched through the housing district of the former Alicornian Capital.

Through some bout of sheer luck (and also with the help of a helpful Zebra) she managed to find his penthouse. Exhausted but still determined, she knocked on the door and was greeted with the sight of the leader himself.

“Ah Frost Walker! come in come in, do you have any promising news?” replied the leader as Frost Walker was welcomed to a rather comfy little penthouse.
“Yes, I have some very encouraging new Nes, have you heard about our allies in Equestria? that one creature named Ahuitzotl?”
“Why yes, what about it?”
“It seems he has fulfilled his part of the deal and is about to depart to the Zebrican jungle to lay low. Look at this” as Frost Walker hands over a piece of paper to the leader of the resistance.
“Hmmm, so Ahuitzotl really did follow his end of the deal and coordinated the attack. Well done for him. If he makes it here then ensure that he is compensated accordingly.”

“Understood sir. Permission to ask something sir?”
“Permission granted.”
“How’s the war going sir? Did we have any success in breaking the humans? I heard that this war is rapidly turning into a massive sea and air campaign.”

Nes really had to think his answer through, not wanting to give an impression that they are doing as poorly as they are. There are many ways to interpret the results from the field. On one hoof our attack on the Auvergne and the National Assembly surely would boost morale, but on the other hoof. The destruction of the Sun Gun, the wrecking of Neshira’s army and the attack on Alicornia are not really indicators that we are fielding a successful campaign….hmmmm

“I will give no illusions to you that so far the reclamation is being hampered by Celestia’s newfound allies. They are giving us a very hard time and their mechanical abilities effectively cancels out our magical mastery.”
“Oh so we’re losing?”

“Well Not really, because although these ‘humans’ are powerful, they are not all knowing and the attack on the Auvergne shows. If anything this war is only beginning and we’re definitely not out of the fight, the foundries in Manshira is still producing war material after all.”

“Oh…..I kinda thought that we were about to lose, the attack on Alicornia really did a number on the nation’s morale”
“Yes it did, and I’m planning to tell the entire nation that we’re not out of the fight just yet, but that’s something for another time. And I think you should go back to work”
“Oh….uh of course Mr Nes, see you later!” replied Frost as she closed the door and went back to work.

“Faster Twilight Faster!!!” shouted Celestia as she shot another bolt of Solar Magic at the exhausted unicorn. What is once a short trip to showcase her student’s magical abilities turned into a training/sparring session with the Princess herself, and she has to admit that despite being a bit of a shut in, Twilight is holding her own really well for a mock battle.

“Understood princess!!” shouted Twilight as she casts a teleportation spell, avoiding the beam and responding with sending dark magic blasts, with dark shadowy tentacles racing through the Princess, only to be shot down by blasts of solar magic as the Princess casts a teleportation spell herself, setting up runes in her next position.

“Twilight, you might want to be careful” said Celestia as she smirks and launched herself to the Purple Unicorn, her rune propelling her launch and her wings enhancing said strike.

“Way ahead of you Princess” replied Twilight as she casts a magical bubble shield enhanced with Direct Infusion from the ley lines. And as predicted, the shield held firm, bouncing the Solar Princess and throwing Celestia off.

“And now you’re mine!!” shouted Twilght as the Unicorn shot a burst of purple magic bolts to the still dazed Princess and it hit home. Shooting down the Solar Diarch as she calls for time out.

******

“I must admit Twilight.....you are becoming pretty proficient in fighting. Where did you learn such techniques?” asked the Princess, curious to find out Twilight becoming proficient. Managing to beat her during that sparring match. Next time Celly, do NOT underestimate Twilight. She’s not the adorable student you took under your wing now......she’s something else entirely.

“Oh that’s simple Princess, you included possible combat techniques in the book you gave me, it details how to use Ley Lines, Dark Magic and Blood Magic in combat. I’ve even tried it myself......against an imaginary foe of course.”

“Is that it? I never thought you could learn that way Twilight. It’s more specifically meant as a guideline used by the instructor, it appears my most prized student is even smarter than I thought.”

“Oh hehehe, it’s nothing Princess” replied Twilight as she teleported a bottle of water and drank it’s contents. It appears I have underestimated you again Twilight, I would like you to be by my side when the final battle occurs. It would certainly be beneficial to have such a talented Unicorn by my side.

“Anyway, Twilight. Have you given thought about your elevation to duchess? It is a highly privileged position and nobles are willing to sacrifice mane and hooves for. It would be an honor to have my most faithful student by my side”

“Oh uh…..On one hoof, I really don’t want to dissapoint you Celestia and I’m willing to impress you even more by accepting the offer…..on the other hoof…”
“Yes Twilight?” replied Celestia, her warm smile never leaving her face.
“On the other hoof, I’m…...kinda bad in politics, I mean I watch politics from your point of view everytime but a good student must study all possible angles of interpretation and I’m afraid my relationship with you could…..cloud my judgement, there’s also the fact that I’m not experienced enough, not tall enough and not hmpf?”

Twilight was suddenly silenced by Celestia’s hoof touches her mouth. “Twilight, I understand your concerns and I’m happy to mentor you in the arts of Politics, yes sometimes my judgements are not perfect and that is why I have my dukes and duchesses to help me make better decrees, that is why I want you to accept this position Twilight. I recognized potential in you ever since your entrance exam and it seems that my faith has not been misplaced.”

Twilight could only respond with a long and wide ‘huh?’ as she tried to phase in each letter Celestia just said. I never thought I need to encounter this in my life…...me being a duchess alone is crazy enough, but the fact that Celestia is encouraging me to join is both exciting and scary at the same time…..hmmmmm.....how should I answer this?

“I…..I think I need to think about this for much longer.” Replied Twilight, she is unable to make a decision because she doesn’t know whether or not being a duchess is what she wanted to be or not. There’s also the fact that Celestia is still considering the offer herself…...so maybe I could think about this more before I made the decision.

“Alright then. Would you mind teleporting us back to the city?” responded Celestia.
“Uh…..ah of course!!! sorry Princess!!” replied Twilight as her horn lights up.
Celestia could only chuckle. No matter how smart nor how strong you are, you are always adorable dear Twilight.

“Is the coast clear Omar?”
“What do you mean clear Ahmed? The coast has been clear for a long time, now get off my case and move your ass!!!” shouted the commander as the group exits the van and starts moving into the harbor. They are mostly safe from any wannabe hero cop for now but being in a foreign 1st world country while being a terrorist usually don’t turn out very well. If we can make it to the boat then at least we can make to New Sartre, then we can just blend in with the Equestrian population and take our war to Equestria itself…..assuming Ahuitzotl kept his part of the deal.

The van that has brought them throughout France is finally reaching it’s end, the group dismounts from the vehicle and rapidly proceeded to secure the docks. “Make sure everything is safe enough for extraction, I don’t want any nasty surprises.” ordered Omar as the team moved to secure the docks, silently taking down security guards and making ready for extraction.

“Okay boss, docks are clear, further orders?”
“Just sit tight and wait for Ahuitzotl, he should be somewhere near-”
“Oh just get on with it Mr Omar, this is Ahuitzotl by the way. Move your soldiers to the Quai de la Marine, I have a boat ready to go to New Sartre”
“Understood, you heard Ahuitzotl men move!!!” ordered Omar as his group is moving as fast as he could to the designated extraction point. Little did he know a certain pegasus is watching from the skies above.

******

“Looks clear boss, now where is-”
“I’m right here!!!” shouted Ahuitzotl as an armored boat docks into the Quay, and a bunch of Ponies moved in to secure the area.
“Okay boys let’s move! get your asses into the damn boat before-”
“Oh I don’t think so!!!” as a Pegasus arrived, Ahuitzotl could recognize that coat color a mile away.
“What?!? Daring Do?!?!?” shouted Ahuitzotl as his mood turns foul very fast.

DGSE agents began rapidly unloading from their black vans as Operation Mad Jester officially begins, surveillance cameras and undercover agents assigned at rest stations had observed, tracked and studied the movements of these terrorists. And the only reason why these terrorists got this far is because command suspected something must be up if they’re willling to risk it all just to get to Le Havre.

“Remember men, we only maintain radio communications only. No shouting or any sudden movement until the firefight begins. Is that understood?”
“Understood Agent Catherine”
“Good, I already have an Eqeustrian informant relaying us information, she’s now performing reconnaisance on the activities of these terrorists. Standby for further orders and get into position”

And with that the black ops agents start moving like clockwork. Sniper emplacements were set up, ambush points were created and the local Marine Gendarmerie is alerted on the issue and is now on standby.

“Uhh hello? Is this radio working?” as Agent Catherine grabs the radio in clear annoyance.
“Next time Daring please be more quiet, what do we have on the terrorists?” asked the lead Agent
“They’re arriving at the docks as I speak. Are your agents ready? I need to make my grand entrance whent he time’s right…..you know the rest right?”
“Ugh why do I agree to this? yes I know, you make your grand entrance, tackle and fight Ahuitzotl on the ship while our agents move in to gun down the rest, And yes I do have snipers ready”
“Good...oh look they’re coming in” as the agent heard a vehicle noise entering from the dock entrance.
“Yep they’re here, standby for further orders” replied Agent Catherine
“Understood”

******

“Say...did you miss me Ahuitzotl? I heard you’ve been doing some stuff in Zebrica right?”
“Just….get her!!!” shouted Ahuitzotl as both Ponies and Terrorists aimed their guns and spells onto her. Only to be killed simultenously as DGSE sniper teams shot home.
“Shit sniper!!!” shouted Omar as all hell broke lose.
“W-what!!! Quick get to the boa-”
“Oh I don’t think so Ahuitzotl!!!” shouted Daring as she tackled Ahuitzotl to the ground and the whole setup was revealed.

“Goddamn agents!!” shouted Omar as he and whatever’s left of his team is fighting DGSE agents from seemingly everywhere, shots are ringing throughout the dockyard as the firefight begins.
“Omar!! This is really bad we need to move back to the HRK!!” as his good friend Ahmed was shot down by one of the DGSE agents present.
“Ahmed!!! Ugh FUCK YOU DGSE!!!” as he responded with a roar of gunfire, gunning down whatever DGSE agent he can see.
“Mehmed!!! Provide covering fire we’re going to move to boat and get the fuck outta here!!!”
“Roger that boss!!” replied Ahmed as he fired wildly with his assault rifle, distracting the DGSE agents as Omar rushed onto the boat, turns the engine on and signals everyone for extraction.

Lead Agent Catherine can already see the situation unraveling and she cannot accept these terrosits leaving France just like that “The Terrorists are getting away!!! Captain Fabian, you’re cleared to engage the enemy!”
“Understood Catherine, all patrol ships move in!!!” as the Marine Gendarmerie ships moved in towards the quay, fully intent on blocking the enemy ship’s escape.

Meanwhile, at the Quay

“Trust me Ahuitzotl…..you do not want to get on that ship”
“Well bite me Daring” as both figures fight it out, Daring managing to launch a hoofpunch on Ahuitzotl’s face but he retaliates, using his tail hand to punch Daring’s gut. I’m starting to enjoy this Daring, perhaps we can do this all day thought Ahuitzotl as both figures traded blows amidst the gunfight.
“Ahuitzotl!!! You wanna get your ass killed or what?!? Let’s get outta here!!!” shouted Omar as Ahuitzotl groans in annoyance.
“Okay fine!!!” Ahuitzotl responded as he punched Daring in the face before retreating back to the boat. Dodging bullets all the way.

“Move this darned ship move!!!” shouted Omar as the group desperately tries to escape the firefight. And as Omar looked to the water, his heart sank as he looked towards the multiple patrol boats closing in on him.
“This is the Marine Gendarmerie!!! Stand down now or prepare to be fired upon!!”
“Ugh...might as well fight my way out as he nodded one of the plotters, his partners understanding this unloaded their RPG 29’s, aimed them at one of the patrol boats and shoots it. The explosion could be heard throughout the harbour and the patrol boats, realizing that the enemy is not intending to surrender lay down a hailstorm of bullets into the ship. Immediately killing the Man carrying the RPG and a bunch of other troops before closing in with RAID teams on the ready.

At this point Omar knew that this setup has got all of his team fooled and with one bullet remaining on his Assault Rifle, he knew that being taken alive could damn mean a fate worse than death for him and he did the predictable.
By the time RAID teams have entered the bridge the dead body of Omar could be seen laying on the Helmsman’s chair, the RAID policemen could see he killed himself and rounded up the rest. Operation Mad Jester has been successful, With Ahuitzotl, 2 terrorists involved in the plot and other ponies associated with Ahuitzotl has been captured.

And with another job well done, Daring nods her head to Lead Agent Catherine after giving back the radio headset she borrowed and went off, awaiting another adventure to come to her. Ohhhhh man!!! This is definitely going in my latest novel….Daring Do and the Brave New World…..ohhh I like the sound of that title as she flew back to Paris, fully intent on catching her flight back to Canterlot to write her newest book.