The year was 2034.

Equestria has reached a new stage in its development. Towns, cities, metropolises spawned virtually everywhere, from the northern Crystal Mountains to the southern Macintosh Hills.

A Golden Age for Ponykind. Airships trawled the skies, bring commerce and leisure across Equestria.

That was until 2047.

Equestria has fragmented,
mentally,
politically...

And physically.

We called the event... "Drift".
A massive, unstoppable wave of pure Magical Flux energy, coming from places unknown. This has destabilized the very core of Equestria, its heart.

After hours of earthquakes, volcanic activity and destructive weather, the land suddenly snapped. Some fractions rising high up, most plunging down into a infinite abyss. What remains seems to be held up by residual gravitational anomalies from the sickly core of Equestria.

Ponykind was decimated. Millions were lost when the ground fell. Those who live now find their homes on these floating islands, called "Atolls".

Capitalizing on the destruction and chaos caused by the Drift, a Totalitarian Government, only known as "SPHERE", has risen up, completely overthrowing what was left of the Royal Throne. Armed with advanced weaponry and sky-based Warships, it wasn't long until they set their sights on the Atolls. One by one, the islands fell under their control, many without a fight.

It's been nearly fifty years since the Drift. All Atolls now belonged to SPHERE, all bent to their will, all in slavery.

Except they missed a few.

On the outskirts of SPHERE territory, drifting upon the very edge of knowledge, lies these free Atolls, containing Pirates, Rebels and the like.

Easy game for such a powerful entity right?

But remember...

These are the Uncharted Skies...

"... And then, blam! Outta nowhere, these four planes just roll out of the cloud deck, spitting death and wiping out the Thunderhead swarm that was killing our planes!"

Orion rolled her eyes, keeping her attention focused forwards and weaving her Sky Corsair in and out of the rock field, occasionally bumping and sending a floating rock spinning away, shield shimmering. Somewhere off in the distance, another aging Sky Corsair waited for her, hovering..

"Then, just as they fly past my formation, I see their tail insignia. I really didn't believe my eyes, but it is true. They're the Ghost squadron! You gotta believe me, Ri!"

"Oh come on, Nocturne. Ghost squadron is just a myth. You probably just encountered the friendliest band of well-armed pirates, that's it." Orion waved a hoof, dismissing her friend's wild tale. "And I told you I don't like that nickname already!"

Just then, a shadow flittered across her raised hoof.

"Believe it if you want, but I'm telling the honest truth! Anyway, are you done? The rock field looks clear from my angle."

Orion didn't answer. She was too busy wrenching the control stick, sending her Sky Corsair into a step left dive. A sudden flash of light and a loud boom later, the rocks around her all detonated into shards, peppering her shield.

A wild look, and she spotted it. The lone Thunderhead drone, soaring through the rocks, chasing her. It's Lightning Cannon discharged again, destroying another rock next to her.

"Bogey encountered, singular Thunderhead drone, going for dispatch. Nocturne, stick outside and watch for any swarms." Orion said quickly into the radio, before engaging the RCS and flipping over, flying backwards.

Her dual chainguns chattered, sending bullets down the path of the drone. They all missed, and the drone zipped past her, spinning midair to spray her shields with a hail of lightning.

Orion was shaken in her seat, her jet shuddering from the impact. "Sonofabitch!"

The RCS ignited again, flipping her upright and chasing the drone.

Welcome to the Rebel Raiders: Uncharted Skies RP!

Feel free to contribute in the olden ways of our original RPs!
In this RP, you will play as the Rebels of the Unknown Territories, fighting against the mighty forces of SPHERE!

At the end of each week, I will evaluate the actions of you guys, and will adjust enemy concentrations, the storyline and the movement of our units!

You will all start out a bog-standard pilots, flying a mish-mash of random planes. Each plane is unique to you, as you invent your own planes!
For example, my unit flies the Sky Corsairs, light fighters that sport Missiles, Dual Chainguns and have exceptional maneuverability due to RCS Thrusters, allowing them to flip over and fly backwards. They also have light shield generators.

As the RP goes on, your pilots may be promoted if you have preformed enough, with the maximum accolade of being offered a position in Ghost Squadron! I will PM you to tell you if you have been promoted.

The main point of the story is to rip trough to the Canterlot Atoll and destroy SPHERE Headquarters.

RULES:
1) No superweapons right off the fricking bat. Which means no lasers, no multi-fire missiles, no nukes, no... Yeah, you get the point.
2) Stay in character, no sudden Ace-of-aces shit.
3) It ain't always sunshine and rainbows at the end.

Creating PLANES:
1) Basic armament until later on.
2) Will have shields. Shields will deflect damage until they collapse, leaving you to your plane's armor. Shield recharges slowly.
3) Anything else, PM me and clear with me first. I'm fine with you having a COFFIN system, so long as you can provide sufficient reason to get one and clear with me.

(This RP will be on hold when Smoers restarts his one in late(?) December. For now, have fun!)

Ok sounds good. But I'm sitting in bed on my phone against my parents wishes at one in the morning. So yeah. Character creation tomarrow after school (expect good ole Sky Dust again:)).

2239148 Fighter aircraft/pilots only?

2239214

Your choice, but nothing too boring, huh?

2239314
Yes! Smuggling ahoy.
I shall shed exposition on the grimdark underbelly of this world, or my title is not Commissar!

2239148

Haven't you played Rebel Raiders? Multi fire missiles are the special weapon of the first plane!

Also, Dibs on the YV-21.

2239148>>2239168>>2239214

"Sky Destroyer Wolfram to Aquila Squadron. Commence your First Sortie. Initiate patrol sweep over Bounty Atoll. Capture any Airships found and escort them to us, over." The orders from the Officer aboard Wolfram crackled through Aquila Leader, Flight Sergeant Natsumi Kanade's ears.

"Acknowledged, Wolfram. Raider Squadron Aquila commencing patrol." She said as she piloted her YV-21 into the blue skies above the Atoll. "Aquila 3,4, Take the left side. 5,6, you take the right. Aquila 2, you're with me. We got the center."

"Roger." The F6Es and the F/A-12s around her split off to patrol for any Civilian flights carrying supplies. The Raiders were a scourge on the Atolls, picking on the weak. Sphere had 'dubbed' them a threat to the peace. Rubbish, they benefited from The Raiders terrorizing the populace. Aquila was a new squadron, comprised of 6 pilots from various atolls. The Raiders could also be called Mercenaries. They would take jobs, and they would do it, provided they got a handsome award.

Wolfram was an Avenger-class Destroyer, One of SPHERE's common airships. The Raiders had received it after they fulfilled a very important mission for SPHERE.

"Natsumi. Civilian AE-63 Airship near the Atoll. IFF has it as the Crystal Sun, A Mineral Supply ship." Frostbite, an F6E pilot and Albireo 3, said.

"A good catch by any other name. Attention, Crystal Sun." Natsumi broadcasted on their Radio Frequency. "We are here to claim your Crystal Stores. We will escort you to our Boarding Ships immediately. Attempt to run and you will be destroyed." She said as the 6 planes formed a circle formation around the airship.

"Raider PIG!" The Crystal Sun's Captain shouted as several AA guns on the Airship opened fire.

"Armed Airship! Break!" Natsumi yelled, but by the time her squad got the order, Aquila 2, 3, 4 and 6 had been destroyed.

"Wolfram to Aquila. Break away and return immediately."

"...Roger, sir." Natsumi said as she and the F6E piloted by Aquila 5, Erika Katomi, sped off, the taunts of the Crystal Sun echoing through their headsets before they switched them off.

"Crystal Sun to any nearby planes. Raider Squadron attempted to attack us. Uh...Sky Corsairs 25 miles out on Vector 160, could you mind helping us pursue these scavenging mongrels?"

2239148>>2239168>>2239214>>2240048

Apologies, but before I create an entry into this, I need an answer for this question.

What kinds of aircraft will we be able to use? With what kind of starting weaponry? 'Cause I'm curious if we can start with piston-powered aircraft, Helicopters, or with early/mid/current jet-age aircraft.

2242403

I believe it's sci-fi. Think Fenrir-style planes.

2239168>>2239214>>2241740>>2242403

Still in the tangle with the Thunderhead drones, Orion's Sky Corsair slid through the rock field, hot in pursuit. The drones were fast and agile, moving in and out of Orion's FOV. At some time, another drone had joined in the fray.

"Nocturne, got a lock yet?"

"Working on it. Bugger's all over the sky."

Another glancing blow shook her craft. Orion's eyes were drawn to her shield bar, which flickered at 25%.

"Can't take much more of this, gotta split soon." Orion aimed again, firing off a couple of volleys. This hit the second drone, blowing the machine up.

"Got him. Firing!" A missile streaked in front of her, hitting the delicate wing of the other drone and sending it spiraling downwards.

"Splash is good. Buggering out now." The RCS thrusters fired, lifting the Corsair directly upwards very quickly, leaving the rock field in a spray of tumbling rocks.

"Crystal Sun to any nearby planes. Raider Squadron attempted to attack us. Uh...Sky Corsairs 25 miles out on Vector 160, could you mind helping us pursue these scavenging mongrels?"

"Roger, Crystal Sun. Turning Vector 314, will investigate." Orion formed up with Nocturne. As one, their third booster engine engaged and rocketed them along the trajectory.

They swept past the bow of the Crystal Sun a minute later, leaving it rocking in their wake.

Her radar read two retreating targets, flying at high speed away from them. They had gotten a good headstart, Orion seriously doubted that their aging Sky Corsairs could cope.

"Nocturne, pull off. We aren't going to catch them, not at this rate."

The two jets pulled away, soon winking off her radar. Orion huffed and slid open her visor, brushing a strand of her mane out of her eyes.

"RTB at this time. Let's go home."

Well, Rundown, the Sky Corsairs look like this:

Yes, drawing idea from BSG.

My main idea was that after the Drift, all Atolls had different parts and cobbled together jets quickly. Each Atoll will probably have a different jet style.

So yeah, feel free to invent your own jet. Just ask me and clear by PM before adding any tricks like Active Camo or Stealth, yeah?

2243644>>2242540>>2242403>>2239921

WupwupwupwupwupwupBOOM!

"WOOHOO!"

I exclaimed as one of the bolts from my laser cannons slammed into the Thunderhead drone, blowing it to shreds.

"That's number four! How bout you Buck?"

A Thunderhead drone dove past less than twenty-five meters in front of me, hotly pursued by my wingpony, Buck Sword, who was belching red lasers from his four-cannoned four-winged F/A-132 Starkiller. I watched as a laser hit and promptly demolished the Thunderhead.

"That's four for me as well mate!" Came the Trottingham (Aussie) accent. "I'm loving these laser cannons though! Quite a bit more effective than 'ole chainguns."

It was true. These fighters were top of the line. They were rumoured to have been found on a crashed and buried alien spaceship. They were speculated to have be starfighters, though what appeared to have been a life-support system and faster-than-light drive had been removed. With a few patch-ups according to a set of schematics, we had fixed them up for combat.

Now we had functioning models, and boy was I loving them! They had fairly powerful shields with a good recharge time, more-so than most other common models of shield. The four laser cannons on the tips of the wings had a good rate of fire and would tear though most armour. And the thrust vectored engines allowed almost unparalleled speed and agility, obviously meant for combat in the vacuum of space. As well, the wings could be swung apart up and down to improve speed or agility. And don't even get me started on the avionics and sensors. But like all weapons of war, it had at least one drawback, and in the Starkiller it was the energy. The original design had a miniature nuclear reactor, but because of the scarceness of uranium, they had to swap it for large batteries and fuel tanks, and thanks to the energy and fuel consumption of the shields, laser cannons and engines, this severely shortened the flight time available before we would need to RTB to refuel.

I glanced around and spotted the 'X' shape of the wings on Buck's Starkiller in front of me.

"Come on Buck. Let's RTB."

"Copy Pegasus one. Lead the way."

If you guys hadn't noticed, I took the uncreative way out.

Yeah, its a T-65 X-wing. You got a problem with that?
And if you were a huge Star Wars fan like I am, then you will know that it has quite a similar performance to many fighter jets. (And I cleared it with Calamity) (And Buck Sword will always have an Aussie accent, no matter what RP he's in)

2245042 2241740 2243644

Captain Asclepius Fist rubbed his tired eyes as yet another sonic boom shook the Droméas' bridge.

"Seems like they've been stepping up patrols lately." Noted his Pilot, Rainy Days.

Captain Fist grunted noncommittally as he watched the pilots soar in the sky above, approaching a large transport ship.

"Think it has anything to do with the increase in rebel activity?"

Fist sighed quietly before speaking.

"It really doesn't matter why, It's just more delays for us."

Rainy Days hummed slightly and nodded.

"How much longer do you think they'll be up there?" They watched as the large group of what he assumed to be pirates were decimated by their quarries' AA missiles and point-defense guns.

The Captain couldn't help but let a smirk travel across his beak.

"Not long at all."

Sure enough, the pirates broke off the engagement and began to flee.

"Spin em' up and get us out of here, grí̱gora tó̱ra !"

The Rainy Day's 'Aye aye, sir' was lost in an energetic flurry of movement as he powered up the onboard reactor.

The large hunk of metal lifted out of the clearing where they were hiding and to began to pick up speed, still skimming the treeline.

"Prepare to dive in three... Two... One..."

The crew braced themselves for the inevitable lurch as the Cargo Hauler dove beneath the small nameless atoll, the magnetic field reversing in polarization as they dropped lower.

"Level out and continue course for Manehatten Atoll, I'm going to check on the cargo." Captain Fist rose from his seat and made his way off the bridge.

Fifteen. Fifteen Celestia damned years since I've seen home.
And what have I accomplished since then?
Fell in love, fought in a war? Every creature out here has a similar story. I need to do something.

The Captain was torn from his incredibly lazy exposition midlife crisis introspection by walking face-first into a bulkhead. He glanced around quickly to ensure his dignity was still intact, seeing that his altercation was un witnessed he hurried to the cargo bay.

He halted briefly to return the salute the pair of Security Officers guarding the cargo bay were offering, before strolling past them and into the cluttered expanse.

The Captain made a beeline for one particular group of crates.

He grunted as he moved over one of the heavy metal boxes full of standard supplies, allowing access to what appeared to be mundane wooden boxes.

A hundred-some M355 Pony-friendly assault rifles, guess the rebs are organizing a party.

Fist removed the false top and whistled, running his talons over the weapons contained within.

Still pristine.

Before he could do more the intercom crackled to life.

"Captain, you're required on the bridge."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good god I'm tired/

The Droméas looks somewhat like a mostly-unarmed version of the Vulture from Halo Wars or the Dragon from Avatar.

[Armament]
[2] Point-defense guns
[Minor ECM]

[Crew]
[1] Captain
[1] Pilot
[2] Security Officers
[1] Corpsman
[2] Engineers

2245042>>2243644>>2247015
... So we have Colonial Vipers, Vultures and X wings. I await the Enterprise.

Yes, Natsumi is a self insert. Yes, the OCs I added are Human.

"Dammit. Most of my squad's down, Wolfram." Natsumi groaned.

"Aquila 5 here. I'm leaking oil and my shields are gone." Katomi added.

"Wolfram to Aquila. There is a SPHERE destroyer in you area. Callsign's Cinigrad. It's the same class as ours. Land there immediately and report to General Viktor Radec."

"Why?" The two pilots asked.

"They've asked us to integrate into their ranks. Say we've been doing a good job... Keeping the peace."

"Acknowledged, Wolfram." They said as they landed on the Cinigrad. They would be in the air again the next day.

'Accepted into Sphere, eh? Thank God, I was fed up with playing the tough girl. I won't mind what happens next, so long as I get a nice cheque at the end of things. After all, my family's depending on the money I make.'

Natsumi thought as she got out of her plane, thinking of her financially challenged family at home. She saluted General Radec, who smiled.

"Welcome to SPHERE, Flight Lieutenant Kanade."

2247020>>2247015>>2245042>>2242403

Music drifted across Orion as she entered the club. She was still wearing her flight uniform, with the helmet clipped to her flank, all which garnered a few smiles and greetings. As uncivilized as the SPHERE made the outer Atolls seem, they still respected those who went out to fight for their freedom.

"Hey, Orion. Good flight?"

The barkeep leaned across the chipped counter, dropping a cup containing a rose-colored liquid in front of Orion.

"I guess, Rockfort. Bagged two in the rock fields today. They're getting more nosy, it's not going to be long before they realize that those floating rocks are geodes. And that those are our income." Orion picked up the cup, and sipped at the strong mix of Vodka, Rose syrup and some of Rockfort's own brew. A soft warm feeling quickly overtook what was left of her fatigue, yet leaving her alert.

"I can only assume you'll go after them like a vulture?" Rockfort turned to tend to a passed out worker next to Orion, shaking him slowly and getting his buddies to shift him away.

Orion spun the empty cup idly, watching the lights reflecting off its surface. "What else can I do, Rockfort? I'm no good at anything other than picking fights."

"You could always settle down, have a family? You know, the other day, I saw this stallion..." Orion silenced him with a hoof.

"Hush, Rockfort. I know you are like my father, and you always have my best interests in grasp, but you, Nocturne and Raven Atoll are my family. That's good enough for me." Orion moved the hoof away, turning back to twirling her cup. "I've had too many serious lifeblood attachments already, and look what happened to them."

Just then, the door burst inwards. Five unruly pirates barged in, shouting and intimidating the current patrons. A particularly buff one, with three pistols strapped to his chest, moved to the front, and went right up to the bar, not too far from where Orion sat, spinning her glass. The tinkling of the spinning glass was the only sound in a silent bar.

"'Ello, barkeep." A strong odor emanated from the pirate.

Rockfort nodded politely back. "Good morning. How may I help?"

Beneath her flight suit, hidden from view, Orion found a firm grip on her stool. She automatically eyeballed the pirate for a second, labeling him as 'Leader'.

"You see, we 'ere find ourselves in dire need of... Resources, and if you'd be so kind as to allow us to... Requisition yours..." He gestured to the till. Rockfort followed his gesture, and shook his head, letting out a short laugh.

"You think this is funny?" Leader cocked a pistol and held it out. Orion's cup span faster, turning into a round top, even though her other hoof gripped the stool.

"Yes, I suppose you've never been to Raven Atoll." Rockfort sighed. "You haven't got our official welcome nor have read the rules."

The pistol trigger tightened. "You half-assed jackshit rules don't apply to us. Now give me the cash."

"No, your right. Our rules don't apply to you." Rockfort turned to Orion. "So they won't save you from her."

Orion suddenly stopped spinning the cup. Silence took hold once again.

"The prissy mare?" Leader laughed a bellowing roar, before wiping tears from his eyes. "You really do think this is a joke. What's she gonna do, taunt me with Fancy until I drop?" He put a hoof on Orion's shoulder.

She shrugged the hoof off and pushed it back. The stout pony staggered, and for a single moment, everyone in the room paused.

"Don't touch me." Orion turned to look, flaming red irises drilling holes in Leader.

Then he surged back, grabbing at Orion's shirt collar. "You...!"

This time, there was no remorse as Orion gripped the hoof and twisted it. Viciously. "I said, don't touch me." She didn't ask, she stated it. Like it was a fact.

Another smart-ass pirate swore and lunged forward with a sword. "We can do whatever we want, bitch!"

Orion calmly leaned backwards, avoiding the over-eager swipe. She pulled the Leader with her, pinning the second pirate under his body as she toppled off her barstool. Orion let go of both hooves, left the two in a pile, picked up another barstool and hammered both into submission.

"Anyone else?" Orion raised her fore hooves to her chest in a defensive fashion, dropping the stool.

Something snapped. A pirate thrust himself with a punch forward, coming into contact with air. Orion grabbed his hoof, pulled him closer to her, and slammed his face into the sharp edge of the bar. He fell back, face a bloodied mess.

"Anyone else who isn't an incompetent load of deadweight?" Orion turned back, shifting her hind hooves, bracing for a charge. The two left looked uncertain, but she predicted they would attack together.

They came slowly, encircling. Orion's eyes flicked left and right, watching both. The rest of the patrons were quiet.

The pirate to her left screamed and charged. Emboldened, the right one followed his lead.

Orion flapped her wings, lifting upwards quickly. The two bashed together in an ungainly fashion, stopping to righten themselves. That was before Orion folded her wings, plummeting with deadly accuracy and slamming her hind hooves into the top of their heads, driving both down and cracking their skulls against the floor.

Orion leaned down, whispering. "Welcome to Raven Atoll. I hope you enjoy your stay." She stole a set of Recognition Keys from Leaders belt, before punching him in the face for good measure.

"Did you have to slam his face into my bar? That's mahogany, you know." Rockfort sighed.

"I'm sorry, I'll pay for it with the next haul." Orion pointed to the pirates. "Clean them up and send them on their way. I'm going to 'requisition' their ship."

2260665

"Michi, you shouldn't..." A cloaked being near the corner of the bar said to her companion, who was videotaping the fight at the till. "You're supposed to be spying for SPHERE, not messing around. I obliged you enough to go here in the first place."

Her dark-haired friend got up. "I am. That pilot's interested My superior. She may be the best pilot in our ranks. Pay the bill, Koyuki. I'm going recruiting."

Koyuki sighed, then took down the hood, showing her long white hair. "Yes, Lieutenant..."

Orion was looking at the pirate's ship when Koyuki caught up to Michi, standing a few metres behind Orion.

"Good evening, Orion-san." Michi called out.

2261335

The ship was not too flashy, sporting enough deck space for launching and recovering two Sky Corsairs. Orion feathered the Recognition Keys, sliding it from her neck pouch with a flick of her muzzle.

Entering the superstructure revealed quite a large hold, capable of easily hauling tons of cargo. Already, Orion found a crate of valuables, which she made a mental note of to return to the pirates soon. Another door yielded crew bunks, and beyond that, the engine room held a pretty decent engine.

Returning above deck, she set down a quest marker in the HUD for Nocturne to find later.

"Good evening, Orion-san."

Orion turned around, folding the Keys into a wing and regarding the human female which would have easily towered over her, were Orion not on the raised deck, two meters above the quayside upon which the two humans stood. Identifying her as not too big a threat, Orion relaxed slightly.

"Can't say I've seen you around Raven before. Who are you, and how may help you?" Orion knew better than to get off the ship, and stood blocking then gangway, stance slightly aggressive to stave off any ideas of boarding the ship by the two humans.

2261584

Michi smiled. "I am Second Lieutenant Michi Akizane. This is Corporal Koyuki Momono. We come on the behalf of SPHERE. We were impressed by the CQB combat you showed us in the Bar. Normally, we wouldn't do this, but SPHERE is always recruiting pilots. Think about it. Nice pay, good work, lots of missions around here.....?" Koyuki and Michi suddenly found themselves surrounded by the pirates from earlier.

"Uh oh." Koyuki mumbled.

At the same time, a SPHERE fleet was mobilizing hundreds of miles away from Raven. Several officers were briefing the pilots.

"In 5 days we will begin our push into the Free Atolls. The higher ups at Aurelia have decided that Raven will be an excellent F.O.B for our troops. The 180th Airborne will attack on Sunday, supported by the Warlock and Dagger Tank Battalions and our fleet. You will establish Air superiority and keep watch for the Ghost Squadron. That is all. Dismissed."

2247015

"...Not much, is it?" The SPHERE Pegasus said to his superior as they surveyed the Smuggling craft.

" Whether it is or isn't doesn't matter to us. Hide your armour, and get out that distress flare we got from The Raiders." The Pegasus did so. Any order from Sabrina, the Leader of SPHERE's Recon division, was to be followed without question.

"As I've said for the last fifteen times, the plan is this. You will fire the Flare. I will hide behind those rocks over there. If the ship lands, you will lure them over here, where i'll take the measures necessary to deal with them. Agreed?"

"Agreed, Colonel!"

"Well then," The black haired girl said to him. "Shall we begin?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Colonel." The Pegasus said, firing the flare as Sabrina hid behind the rocks, loading an M7A1 SPHERE Assault Rifle.

2247015>>2264482>>2261584

"Starship, Pegasus flight one, requesting landing clearance." I asked the flight controller as Buck and I circled over Star, the city of half a million that lived on top of the 113 square kilometre atoll.

"Pegasus flight one, Starship, cleared for landing." came the reply.

The two of us angled out over the east edge of the floating island, rolled inverted, and dove. We levelled out straight toward the rock face. Right before we impacted, two doors camouflaged as rock opened, revealing a tunnel carved out of the rock. We flew through the tunnel, the doors closeting behind us, until rock gave way to metal as we entered a large grey walled hangar.

I flipped a switch that turned my repulsorlift engines on for VTOL landing. My Starkiller slowed to a hover as I moved over to one side of the hangar and spun around before settling to the ground.

"Pegasus 1-1 landed."

"Pegasus 1-2 landed"

I began flipping switches and shutting down my fighter as a pair of F-133 Starblasters took off down the tunnel on the next patrol. I glanced around the hangar at the other fighters eight each per squadron, mentally listing off their names; F/A-132 Starkillers, including mine and Buck's, eight A-36 Starstrikers, which looked like large flying wings with a cockpit on one end and a group of laser cannons the other, B-72 Starbombers looking like a giant 'Y' from above, and F-133 Starblasters, small extremely nimble fighters that I was pretty sure we're the fastest thins in the sky but mounted no shields.

I took off my oxygen mask and helmet before undoing my straps and flapping my wings to get out of the cockpit. I flew over to Buck and landed beside him as he clambered down the ladder.

"Oi! Hey Sky. That was some nice shooting there mate!" He said as we started trotting towards the exit.

"Not so bad yourself dude. Come on, let's go get changed and head up to Star for some drinks eh?"

"Sure. Meet you at the lift in fifteen."

"Alright, see you then Buck." I said as we went our separate ways to our cabins.

As I made my way to my room I couldn't help but marvel at the alien engineering that made up this ship. They had discovered it while mining the atoll several months ago. Soon after they decided to use the ship as an underground base and barracks for the Star Security Force, of which I was part. We had managed to power up the anti-matter reactor, and some genius decided to hook up the power system in the ship to the Star's power grid. I can say that it certainly solved the power problem for the city.

I finally arrived at my cabin.

A-36 Starstriker

B-72 Starbomber

F-133 Starblaster

2262923>>2265539

"I am Second Lieutenant Michi Akizane. This is Corporal Koyuki Momono. We come on the behalf of SPHERE. We were impressed by the CQB combat you showed us in the Bar. Normally, we wouldn't do this, but SPHERE is always recruiting pilots. Think about it. Nice pay, good work, lots of missions around here.....?"

Orion tensed, already thinking about the light pistol which was strapped to her inner thigh. Once she heard to word 'SPHERE', she jumped the girls up the threat level.

She was about to make a witty remark when the pirates from before surrounded them. The leader stepped forward, climbing the gangway, whilst the others brutally grabbed the two humans, pinning them under eight hundred kilograms of dead weight.

Orion nodded politely to Leader. "I didn't expect you to be up so quickly."

"This day is so full of surprises, isn't it, Captain Orion?"

Something clicked. "Captain?"

"Code of this ship is whoever bested the last captain becomes the new captain." Leader turned around. "Makes mutiny easier."

Orion nodded, understanding now. "And as bosun, it is your duty to familiarize your dear captain with the names of her faithful lot."

"Well done. My name's Monfert, and..." Monfert ticked off the names of his... Her... new crew members.

Orion smiled. Just like old times.

"Bosun, get those two in the brig, and none of the crew are allowed access to them except me. Next, prepare to cast off, we are leaving Raven." Orion gave orders quickly even as she began walking off the control deck.

Monfert smiled and tugged his hat. Interesting girl... Well..

"YOU HEARD THE CAPTAIN! MOVE!"

Orion strapped herself into her Sky Corsair, which was already hooked up to the launch rails. The hustle bustle of the hanger was mainly attributed to the engineers, rushing about and preening the fifteen Sky Corsairs of Raven Atoll's air defense force.

As the jet was pulled along, another one fell in behind her. Nocturne was also busy checking his flight systems.

Orion took the time to relax. The trip was completely automated, up until the last jump, where she would take control. Otherwise, she was just another passenger for a roller-coaster ride.

Big double doors at the end of the hanger opened, revealing a roaring waterfall. After a quick burst of speed, the planes dove through the torrent, sliding along the rail. The ride brought them through a doozy of a cave system, filled with ups and downs, lefts and rights, otherwise inaccessible to any plane not on the Guidance Rail System, not even the tiny and agile Thunderhead drone. The cave widened as it approached the surface, sometimes breaching the surface. Sunlight flickered in the tunnel, and Orion gripped the control stick.

The ride launched them on the complete opposite side of Raven, out of a small, unassuming cave mouth in the side of the Atoll. The engines flared, and Orion rocketed away at MACH 2.

"Form up, Nocturne. We headed for the Zenith."

The ship came into view soon after, as Orion led the pair over the Atoll. Landing lights sprang on, and Orion guided the plane to a stop on the spacious deck. A lift door opened, and the plane was brought down into the launch room.

"Captain has the conn." Monfort stepped back, giving control of the ship to Orion.

2264482>>2266247>>2265539

Captain Fist hurried to the bridge to see Days putting them into a holding pattern above a. small atoll

"What's the situation?" The Captain's fatigue erased as he prepared for the worst.

"Distress flare, cap'n."

Oh thank Celestia- Wait...

"Out here, In the Diamond Dog Promontories?"

Days shrugged. "Apparently so"

"Any sign of a crash?"

"Nope, the dogs might have pulled it under though. They love to strip em' for parts."

"Right." Asclepius closed his eyes and ran his talons through the dark grey feathers on his head.

"I'll grab the doc and one of the mercs' and check it out, you stay up here for now."

"Right, wouldn't want the dogs to get their filthy paws on our cargo,or on my baby for that matter."

"What was that?"

"Nothing."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Droméas' airframe groaned and creaked audibly under it's own weight as it hovered close to the ground allowing the ground team to disembark before it sped back into a circular pattern around the atoll.

"Alright, let's move" Captain Fist drew his worn 9mm handgun, a relic from before The Drift.

"If the situation is as dire as you say, we must hurry on our way."

"Aye aye, sir!"

The Zebra medic and Human mercenary voiced their affirmatives whilst they unslung their weapons.

The team began their trek to the source of the flare, wary of dog ambushes.

2266247>>2266903

"When are you gonna tell them we mean no harm, Michi?" Koyuki asked.

"Shut up. Knowing Pirates, they'll rob us of everything we have and throw us over the side." Michi grumbled.

One of the pirates stood outside, listening to their arguing.

"Oh thank Celestia!" The Pegasus said as the three smugglers landed. "We were shot down earlier. The Diamond Dogs have my ship and my crew hostage! They're in the tunnel over here." He led them past the rock where Sabrina was. As they passed, she stepped out behind them.

"You know, Curiosity killed the Smuggling cat. We, on the behalf of SPHERE, are putting you under arrest. Corporal, restrain them."

That was the day Sabrina learned a valuable lesson not to provoke smugglers. 20 seconds later She and the Pegasus were out cold.

2268011>>2266903>>2265539

Orion listened for a couple more minutes, just sitting there on her haunches, staring into the cell. She barely moved a muscle, save the occasional blink or tail flick.

The tactic worked, as the two humans eventually shut up, and stared back at her.

"What's SPHERE doing in the Free Atolls?" Orion cut straight to the point. She still stared straight ahead, posture unchanging. If it was unnerving the two, it didn't show openly.

The two didn't respond, only looking at each other and around, anywhere but at the fiery mare at the gate.

Orion sighed. "Look, I don't know what you SPHERE folk think about me, but I'm probably not what you'd imagine."

"Firstly, I'm not a pirate," Orion's eyes finally wandered, rolling across her orbits. She raised her hooves and gestured imaginary quotation marks when she spoke. "So I won't, quote, 'rob us of everything we have and throw us over the side', unquote. Don't know where you got that idea from..."

One of the girls started to look sheepish.

"Secondly, I'm not a rebel. I don't openly want to 'Put down the evil dictatorship'." Orion winced as she realized what she just said. "So long as that dictatorship leaves the Free Atolls free, I'm fine with it."

Orion finally just pulled herself closer, going back to her original posture. "I'm just another Free Atoller, and Raven is my home. I'm declining the offer to join SPHERE."

No reaction.

"So... Can I drop you two off anywhere?" Orion asked sheepishly.

2274730

"Drop us off where? We have nowhere to go to. SPHERE hates humans. We get no pay for what we do. They use us as cxannon fodder." Michi started crying. "They go out of their way to kill us. An AE 63 was carrying 2000 civilians. SPHERE blasted them out of the sky. Our commander wasn't the same after that. She used to be easygoing and nice, Now she's just a tactician. Even General Radec hates SPHERE. Us humans have taken much abuse from them and we're fed up with it." Michi started sobbing hysterically and Koyuki explained.

"She lost her entire family on that airship, as did Colonel Sabrina."

"Colonel Sabrina?" Orion asked.

"Our commander. 22 years old. On the surface, she may seem like a SPHERE fanatic, but she loathes them just as much as the rest of us. Some humans Have joined the raiders, raiding SPHERE supply ships. On our Atolls, people talk of rebellion. The destruction of that airship was the last straw. It won't be long before we begin our rebellion. Sabrina will be joining them, and we will as well."

"This Sabrina," Orion asked. "Where can I find her?"

"She was on an anti-smuggling operation in the Diamond Dog Promontories with A SPHERE pegasus, really slimy and ruthless guy. I wouldn't be surprised if Sabrina broke his wings before throwing him off. She can be anywhere, so no one know who's responsible for the murders." Koyuki said.

"How?"

"She just can. Her mother was trained in the ways of the Ninja. Sabrina learned those ways, including Stealth."

"Indeed. I've been standing next to the door for the past five minutes." Sabrina said.

2277108

A cold draft flicked the tips of her tail, as a crewmate entered behind Orion, hidden from the two female's view. He dropped a box of cargo, nodded politely and left. However, as the door closed, Orion did notice that the sound of it hitting its 'Open' rail to the final 'Close' thump was extended by a fraction.

It's an aging ship, give it time. Orion reassured herself.

She found her confidence shaken when she realized that she should have suspected all along. As the new human, Sabrina, approached, Orion's eyes darted to the gun lying on the bench, ten feet away.

I can make the dash, easy... Her second bout of doubt.

One more step. The shoe-clad foot hit the deck.

Orion made the dive and roll, picking up the gun and hiding behind the table. When she looked back up, however, Sabrina was gone.

Maybe she comes in peace, maybe she wants to be friends, maybe she'll break my wings and toss me off this ship... Orion was sweating bullets, already jumpy. Her irises were pinpricks on the white orbs, obviously spooked by the idea of a rouge ninja.

Force of habit.

2265539 2268011 2274730
[Whenever ago]

Asclepius looked bemused by the newly KO'd two would-be assailants.

"Confidence is a good thing to have mikré, it's overabundance of it that kills you." The Captain lets out a low chuckle.

"I'm pretty sure they can't hear you, sir." The Human mercenary observes as he lightly kicks the Pegasus.

"It's the little things you learn to appreciate agóri mou."

The mercenary nods and smiles, not understanding in the slightest.

"So. What now, sir?"

"The scent of any blood will get the dogs riled up, and honestly it's not too important we kill them. Wouldn't be the first time I've seen the Pegasus either, though the Human is a new touch."

"Why, I wouldn't put it past them to-"Asclepius was cut off by the medic coughing and pointing to their adversaries.

" Erhm, right. We should probably get moving, shouldn't we?" The Captain smiled awkwardly.

"We'll just throw somewhere the brush and get going before the Diamond Dogs show up." He continued.

"Our opponents have met their match, now we just throw them into the thatch?!"

"Yes, now we must make haste."

"Whatever you say, I simply hope they do not take my head away." The Zebra now appeared a bit nervous.

"Don't worry doc, this wouldn't be the first time we did this!" The Human reassured as he patted him on withers, not making him feel better in the slightest.

One pair of SPHERE officials being hidden and a long trek later they were off and back on track.

"It's going to be night by the time we get there, Cappy." Rainy stated as Asclepius stepped onto the bridge.

The Captain's adrenaline had long since faded, and now he was tired once more.

"I don't suppose the resistance has a place they want us to land miles away from the city." Fist asked dryly.

The looks his pilot gave him told all he needed to know. The old Griffon ran a talon down the long scar on his beak.

He and his eldest crewmembers remembered in great detail the last time they'd 'toured' Manehatten at night.

No SPHERE MPs to be found... I just hope the Orange Family has forgotten our last 'little spat'.

(mikré - 'kiddo')
(agóri mou - 'sonny')

2278224

"Tsk Tsk Tsk. First rule of Combat, be aware of your surroundings." Sabrina's voice seemed to come from everywhere. "Second Rule, Know thy enemy. Third rule, treat everyone as expendable. Fourth Rule, never follow a stupid rule of succession Like this ship. A Virshian knows all these things. A citizen from Virshia is expected to bear arms when necessary, and its Forces to be trained in CQB conbat. Why else would The Kingdom of Virshia be the only territory that SPHERE thinks twice about subjugating? Well, You'll find that out. But this ship, is now the property of The Kingdom of Virshia." Sabrina directed her voice to sound like it was coming from the shadows near the door. As Orion swivelled around to face it, Sabrina walked silently out of cover, and hit Orion's Nerve Centres. As the Pegasus hit the floor, paralyzed, Sabrina sighed. " Rule Five. Never let your guard down."

2278236>>2278427>>2265539>>2242403

A starburst of pain burnt its merry way through the impact point, up and around Orion's body. Her body slumped, pistol dropping to a clunk. But even as she fell, Orion smirked internally.

You just broke rule two yourself. Four and five will follow shortly.

In her limited view, movement appeared in the edges of her vision. The sudden feeling of fur-on-wood assaulted Orion as she worked out that Sabrina was dragging her into a new cell.

Ugh... How do I get out of this mess? A sudden prickly feeling overtook her and the pins-and-needles poured over the paralyzed body. As a Pegasus, Orion's nervous system was redundantly built to recover from incapacitation quickly, a trait borne from the many unfortunate accidents and pilot errors back in the day. Orion began to flex in tiny increments, checking what couldn't move. The twitches could have passed off as feedback to the pain.

After two seconds, Orion ascertained that her entire left body was shut down. The right worked fine. As Sabrina let go of Orion's rear hoof to drop the "paralyzed" mare into the new cell, Orion struck.

But Sabrina, with cat-like reflexes, dodged to the side, the shot barely touching her uniform. Instead, Orion hit the wall, leaving a tangible dent of her hoof print. It was enough to trigger alarms, as the jail cell's walls detected a possible attempt at breaking out. The heavy metal gate slammed shut, trapping the two inside the cell. Orion's days with Dawn-class airships finally paid off.

In the second it took for Sabrina to recover, Orion got to her feet, tottering and leaning heavily against the wall as support. Her left was still recovering, although she had the rough motor support already.

Orion smiled, fully knowing that she could not possibly hope to take Sabrina on one to one. "Know thy opponent, you say?"

2278236, why not hook up with 2265539 for your line of the story? We'll meet back up soon, promise.

2278681 (Hm. Not a bad idea.)

2278755 (It's your call, your ship.)

2278681

The Pegasus always had a trick up her sleeve. Sabrina chuckled.

"Orion, Orion, Orion. Still feisty as ever, I see. Remember our sword fight in the Lapsis base? The initiation below the ruins of Concordia? Our meeting in Chandelier? Oh, how are those Colleagues of yours doing?"

2278755

So we have a Smuggler being hounded by a Crime Family, we have ships from Star Wars, We have Rock formations in the sky with crystals inside them.

Is this Rebel Raiders, or a random Rp with Star Wars and Storm Hawks thrown in?

2280227 Aaand I just realized what I've done. Dammit. I'll find another reason.

2280172>>2278795>>2278755

THUNK!

"AGH!"

The drunk pegasus cried out in pain after I bucked him hard in the face. I ducked under another swing from him before jumping to a hover and retaliating with several punches to the face before he fell over.

"I told you I wasn't interested!" I screamed in his face as he lay on his back.

I walked back over to the bar and sat down next to Buck again.

"Fucken perv."

"You got that right Shky." He slurred back

The pegasus stallion I had just beat up had been eyeballing my flanks half the night, before finally coming over to ask me to his house. You can guess my answer, which he wouldn't take and attempted to drag me away, and you know the rest.

I finished my Vodka (What? It takes a lot of alcohol to make me drunk) and began to help the fairly tipsy Buck towards the military base which had lifts to take us down to the ship and our quarters. Suddenly there was a sound like a fighter jet taking off but five times louder. I looked in the direction it was coming from–the side of the atoll with the launch tunnel. I watched in awe as a ship slightly smaller than a SPHERE destroyer flew up. I beamed.

"Buck you owe me twenty bits! They did get the corvette working!" I exclaimed watching it fly over.

It had a bank of engines in the back, eleven in all, stacked together. Moving forward from the engines the ship thinned into the main fuselage. First were a pair of coms and sensor dishes on top and bottom, with airlocks on the sides. Next was a slightly wider section which mounted two dual terbo-lasers on top and bottom as well as four quad-lasercannon turrets on the left and right sides of the centre part of the ship. Then it ended in a cylinder attached on the front sideways which housed the bridge.

"Damnit! OKs I'llsh pay you backsh at the barracksh mate." He slurred as we flashed our I.D. to the guard and walked into the base, making our way to the lifts that went down to the ship.

"Shee ya bright and early for the 0600 patrol Shky!" He said as I put him in his room before heading back to mine.

2278755 If your gonna do the thing then set it in-game 'tomorrow' morning.

2280227 I think it's the second one. I don't really know what the hell that game is about (I did a bit of research though).

And, yes the SSF have a CR90 corvette. And the buried ship is a MC80 Mon Cal cruiser. But they are both non-spaceworthy and the Mon Cal isn't even airworthy and the corvette has severely limited fuel.

2280512

I was referring to Storm Hawks the TV series.

2280172>>2280227>>2280507>>2280512

"What the hell are you talking about?" Orion stood up, ready for more. She drew a ceremonial knife from underneath her folded wing. "Whatever. I don't wanna have to fight you. In the end, I'm not, and probably never will be your enemy."

Sabrina braced for battle, arms coming up.

However, Orion dropped the blade, point-first. It embedded itself in the wooden flooring.

"You have one of two choices. One, pick up that knife, gut me, and take command of this ship. Two, ignore the knife, walk to the far wall and take a seat, and we'll talk business." Orion turned around, bracing herself. "You've already found out stunning doesn't work long. You could wrestle or smother me to death, with your height advantage, but that's just an extension of choice one."

Just then, a loud thump and a screeching sound came in from outside. The entire ship jostled.

"Thunderhead swarm, we need to launch fighters!"

"Your decision?" Orion asked one more time.

(Well, it's still a couple of 'nations' fighting against a Totalitarian government, which follows the concept of Rebel Raiders, even if warfare hasn't started yet.

The broken Atolls is to give reason for SPHERE to have huge warships that take to the sky. I made my reason for fighting probable, with the number of rock farms there are in Equestria. The ships themselves are just because we are too freaking lazy to design more, but I assure you they are all balanced in some way or another.

Oh, and although it does resemble Storm Hawks, I think it's Skyland I got most ideas from. Any relation to S.H. is purely coincidental.)

2282921

There was no one there. Orion looked at the two SPHERE officials, who shrugged. Sabrina, no, Shiori, had vanished.

"So! Our appearance has been in an alternate universe! Not to worry, Not to worry, Belka will rise again, That it will..." Shiori mumbled as she paced back and forth on the Destroyer. Mako and Dr. Foerster stood there, sighing. Shiori had changed back into her original form, the white haired egotistic villain we all know.

"The Lapsis affair was a joke. We were teleported to a place we have no familiarity with." Shiori said.

Mako held up a Storm Hawks DVD.

"NO, that doesn't count." Shiori sighed. "I wish Orin was here. She'd know what to do."

"You shot her in the head." Foerster pointed out.

"Oh yeah. Whoops."

"So," Mako started, stretching out on her chair. "Any idea on what we're supposed to do? Try to kill Orion again? She slammed a satellite into me the last time."

"And tried to turn me into a colander." Foerster added.

"Destroyed Chandelier, Shanked me in the stomach, Decapitated my robot, PISSED ME OFF......God, I hate her. She's no fun." Shiori flopped down in her chair, pouting.

"For you, Nothing's fun unless it's a curbstomp." Mako retorted.

"Quiet you. We'll let the thunder-whatever drones deal with her. But just because there's no kill like overkill, let's add a few Heat-seeking Missiles, AA fire, and a Ramming attack to the mix." Shiori grinned, before radioing the Belkan captain. "Head to Orion's ship. Ramming speed! I don't care if we take damage. I want her knocked out of the sky!"

2283071>>2280512>>2280507>>2242403

Orion fished for the keys through the gate, and unlocked the door. She then threw the keys into the next cell as she left the brig.

"You want to be on this ship for the next ten minutes? Make yourselves useful."

"Captain has the conn." Orion took the central dais, monitors surrounding her giving her a good view of the battle, almost COFFIN-like.

Orion had to admit. For former pirates, the crew were be very professional, almost as if they were on an actual ship of the navy, although those disappeared before she was born. The different stations were manned, even if the stations had been... personalized.

"Sitrep, bosun." Orion took hold of the two joystick-like control units hanging from the ceiling. Each corresponded to a bank of thrusters on each side of the Zenith, and maneuvers were achieved by a combination of deft controls. Although the awkward positioning meant that captains had to be in a bipedal pose.

"Mr Nocturne has launched and intercepted the Thunderhead swarm. Currently, our weapons are still spooling and warming up. Engines are at normal function."

"That many drones will need a Mothership. Have you detected one yet?"

"On the other side of the minor Atoll, we believe. Mr Nocturne just recovered."

The sound of roaring came from just outside the Command Center, as the Typhoon light gatling cannons burped lead at the solid swarms. At that range, there was no need to aim. Just unload and watch debris fall.

All the screens turned red. The large words 'MISSILE ALERT' painted themselves over the glow, indicating the offenders.

Orion jumped sideways, pulling the control sticks, and in turn the ship, across the dais. Zenith groaned and leapt sideways using a combination of monopropellant thrusters and thrust vectoring from the original banks. Two missiles soared past, fizzling out quickly.

One hit.

Orion let go of the controls as she was thrown forward by the impact. If she had held on, the ship would have gone full-speed into an Atoll.

"Damage Control, report! Radar, get me a heading and find the ship that fired those!" Orion took hold again, steering sharply to the left. A fin scrapped the rock, leaving a trail of sparks.

"Missile destroyed our rear-facing Mercury guns, no injuries reported. Armor took the brunt of the explosion." Orion cursed her luck. The Mercury Field Guns were long-ranged cannons, capable of disabling enemy ships in a couple of well-aimed piercing shots, good for covering escapes.

"Course plotted, ship tracked. She's firing more missiles!"

Orion leaned forward, pushing the engines as Zenith scrambled. The ship left the relative safety of the rock belts, entering the open airspace. At the last minute, she yanked the left stick backwards, totally reversing thrust and presenting the left broadside.

"Typhoons fire!" The chattering guns built a solid wall of lead, destroying the incoming missiles. Orion continued the turn, facing the enemy ship. It quickly resolved into a SPHERE battle-ready Dreadnought.

Zenith, as a Dawn-class warship, was smaller by at least half, but was faster and more maneuverable. Orion used this to her full advantage as she went full speed. Again, at the last second, She pitched downwards, going under and into the blind spot of the Dreadnought, emerging behind the ship with minimal damage.

"We cannot hope to outrun that Dreadnought, and my juking will only last for so long. We need a level field." Orion pulled away from the Dreadnought, creating space.

Monfort gestured. "I think that they'll have trouble in the rock field. That is your element, isn't it?"

The Zenith powered through the field, shunting rocks out of the way. Meanwhile, Orion wracked her head. Behind her, the Dreadnought lagged behind, bogged down by the rocks and its size.

"Bosun, any Mecurys online?"

"Two. Why?"

"Okay. Arm them with harpoon, high-tensile rope. Radar! Find me two rocks of a large size, in a Drift light gravity well."

For about half an hour, the Zenith avoided the Dreadnought, finding nooks and crannies to hide in as the monster floated past. But Orion's plan came to fruition as they found a Drift well.

Orion fired the engines once, which would draw in the Dreadnought like a fly to a light. At her signal, the Mercurys chuffed, tagging two rocks the size of the Zenith itself. Normally, the ropes would snap, but the well negated most weight to nearly zero.

The Dreadnought turned the corner behind her sneakily, almost as if to sneak up on an unsuspecting airship. Orion waited for it to come close, paying out about a kilometer's worth of rope behind her.

"If it's worth doing, it's probably worth overdoing." Orion muttered as the Dreadnought sneaked into the trap She pushed the throttle to max, and the Zenith's engines roared at full afterburner. Inch by inch, the ship dragged the two rocks forward.

By inertia and momentum, the two rocks would swing together and crush part of the Dreadnought.

Hopefully. Orion leaned on the thrusters, pushing the engines to the maximum. From the view of the Dreadnought, it might have looked like the Zenith had engine trouble and was easy pickings.

2287747

"Fire Turbolaser Cannons at the two rocks they've latched onto. The ones there and there," Shiori said, pointing to the rocks Orion had tagged. "After that, Gain Altitude and bring us out of the rock field. Blast it into oblivion. Send in our Fighters to shoot down that ship, if it survives the bombardment."

"Yes, Colonel!" The Captain said, the ship's guns targeting the rocks and blasting them into dust. The Destroyer gained Altitude, blasting rocks in its path, and emerged from the rock field.

"Now, Fire at the rock field. Alert the other Virshian destroyers in the area. That Pegasus thwarted our plans in our own universe. I will not let it happen here." Shiori ordered. The Destroyer continued to fire at the rock field, keeping Orion's ship bogged down. Half an hour later, Several Virshian destroyers arrived and opened fire at the Rock Field. Fifteen minutes later, the Rocks no longer existed. Orion's ship vacated the area as fast as it could, which was slow, since they had taken a pounding in the barrage. The Destroyers, now at full speed, launched their fighters, which chased the ship. At the same time, Shiori gave the order for all ships to open fire.

"Shiori Minase has certainly proved her worth." The Virshian Crown Prince said to one of his subordinates. "Orion Lightfeathers... Her family had certainly been a thorn in my side."

The Vershian Emperor was only 18, having ascended to the throne early, due to his father's unexpected demise.

"Your Majesty, pardon my interruption, but, does she even know her family?" The Woman he was speaking to, The real Sabrina, asked.

"Hmm...I suppose she doesn't, which is why she won't mind the fact that we had them killed long ago. I want to make a clean slate of it, Sabrina. The Good Colonel Minase has outlived her usefulness." The Emperor replied. "You still have your teleportation and telepathy?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Sabrina confirmed.

"...Sabrina, we've known each other for practically our entire lives. We're friends. I know the Ninja are Honour bound, but it feels weird to hear you talking like that."

"Erm, I acknowledge, Your Majes-- Erich." Sabrina Corrected herself, finishing her sentence rather lamely.

"Instruct the Destroyers we sent to aid Shiori to send Boarding parties to her shuttle. I want her and her Universe-displaced cronies sent down to the Core. Make sure to keep the Destroyer intact, ok? Those things are worth their weight in Gold. I have every faith in your Knowledge of the Ninja. You are to Kill The Belkans and Orion. Leave none alive."

"Yes, your Majesty." Sabrina bowed, before vanishing.

"...After a Decade knowing her, I still don't know how she does that." The Emperor Remarked.

2288115>>2280507>>2280512>>2242403

Orion leaned heavily on the controls, keeping the ship afloat and moving forwards. Around her, dust and screams filled the rooms, as everyone turned to being medics and helped out the injured. Everyone moved in slow motion, as if underwater. A strange and hollow ringing filled her ears, which she shook off as stress.

Minford shouted something at her. Orion turned to look, in a half-dazed state. He was saying something... but his mouth moved in slow motion.

"...Atoll...!"

Orion looked ahead. Funny, she didn't remember a large brown object in their way before...

Something clicked. Orion's senses returned to her, thrusting her violently back to speed. She hopped sideways and reduced speed, and Zenith got away with a badly scrapped side.

"Where are we?"

A loud explosion aft deck cut her off. "Boson has conn, you be careful."

"Okay. I have conn."

Orion turned and left, headed for the rear batteries.

The rear battery deck was a mess. Unspent rounds rolled everywhere, Broken Mercury guns lay rusting. The two last surviving ones were unmanned, gunners probably incapacitated.

No matter. A Mercury could be crewed by one pony. Orion stepped onto the small platform that allowed the gunners to rotate with the gun. The harness lay unbuckled, but it was a simple matter. The problem was the barding. Gunners wore encompassing barding, in case a shell detonated prematurely. In any case, Orion struggled to get into the thick barding.

In minutes, Orion was hooked in and she checked the large 120mm bored railgun. The magazine was not full, but fifteen shots could go a long way.

A massive scope dropped right in front of Orion's eye, giving her a good look at the pursuing forces. Even damaged, Zenith still kept quite the pace up, keeping a fair distance between the two parties.

Orion was about to make it bigger.

Aiming a little ahead and leading the first Destroyer, Orion breathed.

Her hoof clenched, and the railgun lobbed the waxen lump on its way.

The lump was actually still bullet shaped, but as it heated up, the wax melted away, releasing the internal flechettes. The flechettes flew on, dropping as they neared the target. But, lightweight as they were, they were inevitably sucked into the massive intakes.

"Surprise, motherbucker." Orion whispered as the revolving drum rotated a new shell in. This one was colored red for high-explosives.

The tiny things tumbled round inside the engine, each heating up to a point where they detonated, spreading even more shrapnel inside the engine.

The lead coughed smoke, and began to sink. Orion took the opportunity to lob the high-explosive right at the bridge. It detonated in a white flash as the outer coating sprayed white-hot phosphorus and coated the bridge windows, effectively blocking view and, where it broke through, instantly cremated any who touched it.

One down, and the rest stood back a bit. Orion took the opportunity to scavenge shots, and ended up with a Mercury with fifty shots left.

"Who's up next?" Orion traced a pattern on the platform with her ceremonial knife, keeping it at hoof.

2291985

A sword flashed through the air, hitting the console. It sparked, now useless. Orion turned around to Face the one who threw it, Sabrina. Meanwhile, The rest of The destroyers moved back and sent Boarding Parties to Shiori's ship.

2294434>>2280512>>2280507>>2242403

Orion bit down on the sword hilt, pulling it out of the console. A couple of slashes later, and her full-body barding became a vest, freeing up her legs and wings, but covering up everything else.

"Monfort, get us far away from the battlefield, fast as you please. The destroyers are... Preoccupied." Orion whispered into the radio as she picked up the sword again. Sabrina stood to the side, not moving, not attacking.

"Everything okay back there? We'll head towards Manehatten Atoll." The radio whispered back, at a volume even Orion had trouble hearing, even though she was two centimeters from it.

"I've got an unfinished battle. But knowing the her, she might try to run away with a metaphorical tail between her legs." Orion deliberately tried goading Sabrina, and it worked, but very barely. Orion could see a twitch.

"Shall I send a fireteam?"

"No, she'll want to take me one on one. Just, lock down the doors. Everyone of them, except when I engage them."

"Alright."

And then Sabrina vanished. Orion bit down and raised the sword.

"En garde." Orion mumbled around the hilt, backing herself into the corner. A tinkling to her right. Scattered shells rolled across the floor. Orion narrowed her eyes.

She's moving way too fast, I can't get a trace on her movement... I need an edge. Orion tightened her watch, knowing that the girl would strike, and soon.

And she did. Orion twisted her head, blocking the strike with the sword. But then Sabrina's other arm flashed out, armed with a dagger. She hit Orion's exposed right foreleg with enough speed to break the bone, twisting the embedded knife and yanking it out ferociously. She disappeared again. Orion let go of the sword to scream out loud, before forcing herself to cut it down to a whimper. She wrapped a bit of cloth to stem the bleeding, tying it off neatly. Even though she was vulnerable, Sabrina did not attack, which led Orion to believe that Sabrina thought of this as this was another game of "playing with food".

"Motherbucker!" Orion hissed through gritted teeth. Somewhere in the shadows, menacing laughter emanated. Picking the sword back up, Orion trotted gamely after it.

Orion paced around with her three good legs, always keeping her back to something, as the laughter drew her into the lower gunnery.

It was dark, dank, and lights flickered.

Orion shuddered, before venturing into the depths.

2295396

"Tch. Truly, a disappointment, Orion." Sabrina sighed. "I expected you to be a worthy opponent. That feeling was obviously misplaced. A ninja fights by honour. They must also obey orders. Normally I wouldn't kill a mare, but you've proven yourself to be no ordinary mare. That idiot Shiori, I presume you've met. She's not from around here. Alternate Universe. Apparently her and her buddies were disgraced by that universe's version of you. Shiori got stabbed in the stomach and fell into An Energy Vortex. She's served her purpose, so the Emperor has decreed she and her Faction be killed." She circled around the mare.

"Is that a fact, now? Sorry, I buzzkilled you." Both Mare and Human swivelled around to see Mako there, loading a M9 Pistol. "I got fed up with Shiori's fanatical speeches and the miserable life we have because of her. So I did for her what she did to my Friend Orin. Sure we didn't get along, but we were similar. We had no friends except each other."

"Is this getting somewhere?" Sabrina asked.

"Yeah. Sabrina, when I say you've seriously invited down the anger of Hell personified, I mean just that. The Orion I knew wasted a Space Station holding 150,000 soldiers even when her team was outnumbered 75,000 to 1."

Sabrina looked at the mare, then at Mako.

"...Fine then. Also, Orion?" Sabrina sighed.

"Mmm?"

The destroyer you dispatched did not belong to SPHERE. The Empire of Virshia is not affiliated with those idiots. In any way. SPHERE can't throw punches in a fair fight. so they resort to Terror and Brute Force.. Virshians fight with honour." She scribbled down a phone number and tossed it to Orion.

"That's my Phone Number. Call it if you need to."

"Wait..." Mako started. "You're leaving? Just like that?"

"I have no problem with you, Orion. If what Mako says is true, you may defeat SPHERE. However, you will need allies. I'd recommend finding a bit more." Sabrina vanished.

2295810

Orion snatched the slip from the air with a wing. As she stared at it, Sabrina vanished. The newcomer named 'Mako' put away her pistol. They stared at each other for a while, appraising one another.

"So..." Orion broke the silence. "Need anything?"

Mako stared at her.

"I have coffee." Orion ended lamely.

"Monfort, take conn. Guide us to Manehatten Atoll, and make a layover at Starship Atoll." Orion ordered, giving his the two controls. She stepped down to a small room at the back, where Mako was sipping some of the coffee that Orion had stashed away.

"Can we... You know, start at the beginning?" Orion stood to one side, grabbing a crystal pack from the cupboard.

"Hmm?"

"I have questions, you're probably my best source. Firstly, who are you? Secondly, what's this nonsense about dimensions and alternate kickass versions of me? And thirdly, how do you get onto my ship without me knowing?" Orion nursed the healing crystals, applying the shards softly into the wound.

Mako set down the cup. "Long story..."

"If you haven't noticed, this ship flies at twenty kilometers per hour. If its something we have, it's probably time." Orion winced, dropping the crystals involuntarily. She scrabbled around, picking up the bloodied shards, which was hard, with hooves. "We have time."

2280512 (Screw time, I'm limping in for that 0600 A.M. patrol.)
2280507 (Why not be flying past Starship Atoll at about the time I limp into Starship, then get attacked by SPHERE? Doesn't need no crime family, simple, easy.)

2295915

"So, This.... Universe I hail from. It was a bit more messed up than this one. Your Princesses had fought again, causing the sun to veer a bit too close to the planet. The Water evaporated, Irradiation happened, Things got messed up six ways from Sunday, essentially. I was a General in the Belkan Army, one of the factions unscathed by the...uhh...Scorching, for lack of a better word. You were a member of the Spectres, an Organisation well-equipped with Weaponry we didn't anticipate when we launched our...invasion. You repelled our initial attack, captured my fellow General Orin, lost your wings and your friend courtesy of Orin's hacksaw, took out a Mammoth Space Station, and 'killed' General Minase. It's a pity you didn't kill her. Whatever vortex got her screwed up her mind so much she went insane, well, as much as you can without being put into a padded cell. Oh, by the way, Alternate you slammed an Object from orbit into me. Not cool." Mako facepalmed a bit, realizing her story sounded ridiculous. "Is there any Tea here?"

2242403>>2296309>>2280507>>2280512

END FIRST OFFICIAL WEEK.

Report as follows:

Incursion status:
<1% (Manehatten infiltration by Droméas)

Enemy Readiness:
99%

Immediate threats:
SPHERE fleet headed to engage Raven Atoll.
SPHERE fleet headed to engage Starship Atoll.
SPHERE picket ships patrolling known smuggling routes.

Immediate events:
Zenith to dock at Starship Atoll for resupply.
Droméas stalled, due for docking at Manehatten Atoll.
Flux wave anticipated, prepare for extreme interference.

~END~

(Whatcha think? Good format?

The colored words belong in one of two categories, IFF or action.

Red means either enemy, or very important.
Orange means contested control, or significant.
Green means friendly, or not important.

Give me your thoughts, because this might become my goto format for any and all RPs which we may have later on in life.)

2309252

"General Radec. Starship Atoll On the nose. IFF reports an Armed ship attempting to land. 'Allied' Virshian fleet 250 miles out, boarding hijacked Starship. Should we send a request for assistance?"

"No. Virshia will fall, as will the pathetic Atoll in front of us. Contact the Gleipnir. Order them to fire SWBM barrage." RAdec said, turning around and marching out of the room.
"...What about the civilians on the Atoll, sir?"
Radec turned around, before walking out the door. "...Expendable."

Down below, in the Hangar bay, Airman First Class Osaka "Rookie" Kanade was gearing up for the attack. Unlike the rest of the more serious members of her squadron, Osaka was the spacy, odd, Cloud Cuckoolander of the squadron. Right now she was sitting on one of the benches in the rec room, staring into space.

"Arrow 13. Are you finally ready for this?" Arrow 1 asked. No response. "Osaka!" That got her attention.

"Airman First Class Osaka Kanade, Reporting for duty! Born on Virshia Atoll to loyal Imperial parents--"

"Osaka. This isn't Initiation. This is your first mission flying with the Arrow Squadron. And while any other Squadron lead would be a bit worried by the fact you're from Virshia, and therefore could be a potential spy, Five. Months of knowing you have told me that you're too endearingly..."

"HOPELESS!" A squad member called out. Arrow 1 winced.

"I'm not that hopeless, am I?" Osaka asked.

"No. You're helpful, kid. I'm just sorry you have to be a fighter pilot at your age. It's not a good profession for a 16 year old. But... You can be a good pilot when you want to, Osaka. Gear up. We're up in ten minutes."

"Yes sir!"

Ten minutes later, Arrow Squadron took off from the Cinigrad as part of The first Wave.

Yes, Osaka is pretty much Osaka from Azumanga Daioh.

Radec is obviously

2309344>>2309252

WOOOAAH!WOOAAH!

"ALL PILOTS TO YOUR AIRCRAFT! I REPEAT, ALL PILOTS TO YOUR AIRCRAFT! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!"

I flew at full speed to my Starkiller, plopping down in the cockpit and slamming on my helmet and hurriedly securing my straps.

"Pegasus squadron, radio check." I said as I powered up my fighter. "Pegasus 1-1, Slash here."

"Pegasus 1-2, Broadsword good to go." Said Buck as I began listing off the names of each pilot as they reported in.

"Pegasus 1-3, Blast copies." Lightning Crash, a pegasus stallion.

"Pegasus 1-4, Spitfire here." Rosy Skies, an unicorn mare.

"Pegasus 2-1, Tank ready." Big Tree, an earth pony stallion.

"Pegasus 2-2, Diver ready t' kick flank!" Thunder Dash, a energetic pegasus mare.

"Pegasus 2-3, Derpy good to go." Solar Shine, a unicorn mare.

"Pegasus 2-4, Kick ready and able." And finally Headstrong, an earth pony stallion.

I switched over to the control channel in time to hear the controller give 'Striker' squadron the clear and watched as the A-36s took off down the tunnel.

"Pegasus squadron, requesting takeoff clearance." I asked.

"Wait one Pegasus." Came the reply.

Just as the last A-36 took off the controller came back on the line.

"Pegasus squadron scramble!"

That was all I needed as I quickly brought my F-132 to a hover facing the tunnel before I slammed open the throttles and went tearing out towards the open sky.

"Starship control to all SSF forces! We have Total count of nine SPHERE ships approaching the atoll! They have made it clear that they are hostile! You are cleared to engage! The corvette will be joining you shortly. She's our ace in the hole. Give 'em hell guys!"

I watched as my squadron quickly fell into formation around me as we headed towards the hostile SPHERE ships.

"LET'S DO THIS!"

2312135

"Arrow 1 to Arrow Squadron, Arrow 13 in particular. Enemy Squadron approaching our forma---" 11 missiles later and most of Arrow Squadron was going down in flames. Osaka was struggling to maintain control of her YV 21, but eventually gave up and ejected over the atoll. Another two missiles later and the rest of Arrow Squadron was history. Osaka parachuted down and tumbled to a halt, breaking a leg in the process. She saw another plane, an F-132 (Pegasus 1-1) crashland nearby, hit by Arrow 6. The pony got out looked at her, and made her way over, scowling.

"...Hi?" Osaka asked nervously.

2309344>>2312579>>2312135>>2278755>>2242403

"This is the Zenith of Raven Atoll, requesting permission to dock, over." Orion handled the limping ship with care, as a rouge wind fluttered its guidance vanes.

Seconds passed. It evolved to minutes.

"Starship Atoll, this is the Zenith of Raven Atoll, requesting permission to dock, over?" Orion asked again, beginning to wonder.

"Zenith, message received. Uploading docking maneuvers and sending you coordinates. Dock when ready."

It was then she noticed the tiny specks launching from a recessed hole in the side of the Atoll. "Cameras, magnify and identify."

Zooming in revealed the strange spidery planes, which were nicknamed 'Starkillers'.

Orion ignored the jets, going about her business of guiding the ship in for docking. The entire deck groaned loudly as she edged the ship up snugly against the dockside.

"Monfort, please preform the necessary recruitment and get Zenith repaired. Will you need my help?"

Monfort smiled, his crooked teeth showing. "Naw, cap. I've got a couple of favors that I can pull in. Go ahead, tour the city. We'll be shipshape in five hours."

"Captain!" Orion turned to look behind her. A panting deckhand stood behind her, pointing out towards the region they just came from.

"Crow's nest spotted an enemy fleet, moving in at high speed! They seem to be engaging Starship Atoll!"

Orion shrugged. "How can we help? Our Sky Corsairs were built to take out the odd Thunderhead, not an entire fleet. We'll just have to take shelter and wait it out, I'm sure Starship can handle them."

Orion moved off, already beginning to regret her decision.

(Envisioning AC3 style towns here... But with more metal...)

"Starship has changed a lot, huh?" Nocturne noted, as the two walked down the bustling thoroughfare, still wearing light armored flight suits.

Orion nodded, doing a bit of window shopping. She spotted the odd trinket every now and then, stopping to admire it or enquire upon its price.

"Do you hear that?" Nocturne suddenly said, breaking Orion's conversation with a storeowner about a peculiar pistol.

Thanking the owner quickly, Orion backed out of the store. Her ears pricked up, also hearing the noise. Orion turned to face the source.

A soft whining, came from off Atoll, almost as if...

A sudden explosion created a deathly silence. In the distance, an entire section of town went up in flames.

"Nocturne..." Orion whispered. The stallion nodded. "We need to get off the street..."

Flapping wings, the two lifted off slowly, careful not to shock the tranced ponies. They got about ten meters before the scream went up, and everypony stampeded.

"We need to get to Zenith and get the freak outta here!" Nocturne shouted over the noise. Another section of town went up in flames.

Orion looked down at the streets below, filled with panicking ponies. "And what about them?"

Nocturne looked away. Orion knew the answer also, even though it chilled her heart.

Zenith already cast off, and intercepted the duo near the edge of the Atoll. Orion hurriedly took control from Monfort, beginning to guide the ship away. Behind them, about seventy percent of Starship burned.

"Celestia forgive my soul..." She whispered, seeing the carnage.

A sudden light in front of her drew her eyes back to the front of the ship. Orion barely had time to yank heavily on the control sticks and move Zenith to the side before a Destroyer took the place where she had once been.

The order for the Typhoons to fire slid to a stop on the tip of her tongue, as she spotted the hastily crossed out SPHERE symbol, replaced with a familiar symbol:

"Looks like Starship may survive this after all." Orion mused as the enormous Destroyer of the Combined Atoll Freedom Forces was joined by seven others.

"Zenith, state IFF, or we will shoot you down."

Orion hit the radio. "Hey, Uncle Lancer. You would shoot down you loving niece, would you?"

"Orion? Holy shit, I didn't think you had made it."

"What, what wouldn't I have made?" Orion asked Lancer, another pony from her past.

"You don't know? Raven was lost to SPHERE, and a lot of its defending pilots were shot down. I was so worried...."

Even as the radio crackled, Orion immediately thought of Rockfort. But she forced that though out of her mind. "I'll deal with that later. For now, you're facing up nine SPHERE ships with eight of CAFFs."

"We've got the element of surprise. You head for Manehatten Atoll, and stay out of this battle. Be careful, there are more ships flying around the usual."

The eight ships sunk below the cloud cover again, for all intents invisible to any and all eyes, both organic or electrical.

Orion waited for a full minute. "Nocturne, gear up. We're headed into that furball."