26
The dull, cold grey stone of the Changeling Hive was far from inviting at the best of times. The remains of a recent battle, the broken bodies and blood of a dozen warrior-caste Changelings, were littered around what could have reasonably been called a throne room. The Queen, lying against the wall she had been flung against, watched in fear and confusion as two of the warriors responsible for the destruction around her glared at each other.
“You monster,” the heavily-armoured stallion hissed, cradling an injured leg, supported by one of three similarly-armoured ponies. Despite a large number of assurances, the heavily enchanted metal had been close to useless against his former companion’s weapon.
“Really?” came the reply. “You call me a monster after what you nearly did?” The biped’s deep voice was muffled slightly by the face-obscuring helmet, but one could still clearly make out the tranquillity that was so out of place. “That’s not what we’re here for.”
“No, that’s not what you’re here for,”came the angry reply. “What I’m here for...” he hissed ominously as he rose to his hooves, horn glowing, “is to kill her. And you won’t stop me.”
“Magical power armour.”
“Hm?”
“Magical power armour,” Thomas repeated. “That’s what you’re wearing.”
“I’m not sure that’s the right term,” Shining Armour replied as they exited the forge area several hours later. Ironshod had insisted on investigating the Courier’s Saturnite plating and kevlar body armour. The captain was still fully encased in metal. “It actually doesn’t weigh anything.”
“Wait, really?” The Courier seemed more shocked about that than anything else so far. “And this stuff weighs about thirty pounds!” he exclaimed, gesturing to his duster and armour plating.
The unicorn chuckled. “It’s not weightless, but the enchantments make it feel that way.”
Thomas grumbled to himself as they entered the castle about the unfairness of the situation. “Being a ghoul doesn’t seem so bad any more...” he muttered.
Shining didn’t say anything. The last time he’d asked for clarification, on something called “F.E.V”, it had left a foul taste in his mouth and the possibility of nightmares. He had no intentions of making the same mistake again.
They attracted a large number of stares, from both servants and other guards. It was quite clear that this had been a very secretive affair, as more than a few thought it was nothing more than a set of animated armour. When they entered the throne room, Celestia listening to a noble’s droning, everything seemed to stop.
“I... I...” The stallion gawked at the pair, as did every guard. “Your highness, what is that?” No-one knew if he was referring to Shining Armor or the Courier.
The set of armour held a hoof outwards in a salute, forming a hundred-thirty-five degree angle with the floor. “Knight-Captain Shining Armor, your highness,” he said, his voice full of military devotion.
“Show-off,” Thomas muttered.
“I am here to report that the new Knight armour is fully functional and ready for field use,” the stallion continued.
That’s what that whole group of soldiers in that special armour is called, Knights. It was a prototype, it’s not like they could just give it to every soldier. Well, completely covered in metal like that, it was kind of intimidating. Don’t want to imagine an entire army of the fuckers. Then again, I’ve seen Elite Rangers, those guys are terrifying. Hey, last I checked, the Brotherhood needs power armour. Rangers don’t.
Celestia really didn’t appreciate us just walking in, either. So, me and the captain, we ended up being escorted out of there. I think she gave him an order, though, because he went back to the armory. I got intercepted by one of those purple-armoured ponies.
“She will see you now,” the bat-winged pony said.
“Thanks. What’s your name?” Thomas looked around when he didn’t get an answer and was a little worried to find that the pony had vanished. “Did one of them get my Stealth-Boys?” he wondered out loud. Deciding to go through his belongings later, he opened the door and walked in.
He’d been in Princess Luna’s room before, but now it was much more illuminated, allowing him to properly take everything in. Not that the extra illumination meant much, as it was still dark. “Luna?” he asked.
“Ah, Thomas, I am glad you could come.” There was a stiffness to her voice, one that told him what words didn’t.
“It’s about last night, isn’t it?” Thomas blinked. “Only last night? Wow. Feels a lot longer ago.”
“Yes, about that,” Luna muttered, rising from her bed. She opened her mouth several times, as though trying to find the right words, but gave up every time.
After close to five minutes of standing in awkward silence, the Courier sighed. “Luna, I was drunk. So were you. There’s nothing to be upset about.”
“But there is,” Luna argued. “I never meant for things to go that far.”
“Yeah, I kinda got that feeling,” Thomas replied uneasily. “I didn’t exactly want things to get to that point either.” He brought a hand to his face and laughed darkly. “Wow. I’ve slept with so many people and only now I actually care.”
Luna couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “How many...” She shook her head. “On second thought, I don’t want to know.”
“Look, can we talk about this later?” Thomas asked, looking uncomfortable. “I don’t want to be thinking about this when I get my Transportalponder back.”
The alicorn scowled at him. “Fine. But don’t expect to be able to dodge the subject again.”
“I don’t plan on it,” the man smirked, holding up his hands innocently. A second later, his face turned serious. “Look, I’ll need to know what I’m getting into. Where the Changelings live, what kind of resistance to expect, that sort of thing.”
“You’d be better off asking our intelligence staff, but I believe I can give you a rough overview.” Luna walked around her room and levitated a folder. “Understand that, until recently, the Changelings were ignored as relatively harmless. The attack on the wedding was the first sign of aggression ever recorded.”
“Wait wait wait, wedding?” Thomas tilted his head. This was the first he’d ever heard of any wedding.
“Yes, their queen led an assault on my niece’s wedding. It was only through her actions and those of her husband that they were repelled.” Luna shook her head. “I would have helped, but two dozen Changelings managed to stop me from getting there in time.”
Thomas pondered this fact. Evidently, these Changelings were much more dangerous than he had first thought. Then again, the same could be said of him. “Sounds like a challenge,” he muttered. “Who’s this queen?”
“Chrysalis.” Luna’s scowl returned. “A formidable foe, but she is likely weakened. Given how you fought against my guard earlier, I can’t imagine she’d be too much of a threat.”
“If she can use magic, one lucky shot is all it’ll take,” the Courier said darkly. “It probably won’t kill me, but I don’t have enough Radaway if things turn to shit.”
“All Changelings are capable of basic telekinesis, while the larger ones are known to utilise bolts of magic for offensive purposes.”
Thomas turned around slowly as he summed up all he had been told in one word. “Fuck.”
Oh man, did I regret going into that place. Absolutely nothing like that nest of Dogs I’d cleared out earlier. I’m amazed I didn’t drop dead of radiation poisoning when we were done.
Oh yeah, ‘we’. I had back-up.
The next morning, shortly after a breakfast cut short, Shining Armor introduced Thomas to the other ponies who would be joining them.
“Unicorns?” he asked. “Isn’t that dangerous?”
“I’ve instructed them about the risks. And they’re all willing to do whatever it takes,” the captain answered.
Before them stood three unicorns, wearing the full plate armour of the Knights. The only way to distinguish them at a glance was horn and tail colour. One had an ice-blue horn and a tail as white as fresh snow, the second had a red horn and a tail that looked more like fire than hair, while the third had a dark grey horn and a deep violet tail.
“I swear, this is like the Brotherhood all over again,” Thomas muttered.
Author’s Notes:
Can anyone guess what’s going on?
And yeah, writing in detail the salute that Shiny used in the first half of the wedding two-parter, it makes it feel like the freaking Nazi salute.
And yes, Knight-Captain. Not exactly a promotion, more like entering a Spec-Ops group while keeping your previous rank. If that makes sense.
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OOOOooooo, cannot wait to hear what happens in the hive.
No it doesn't make sense :/
Unless you mean like a lvl 50 player on blackops is the same as a lvl 50 player thats prestiged :/
Yay, new update!
Too bad Thomas doesn't have a sniper rifle, then he could just fight from a distance.
1167780
No, it just means he has been moved into a different group of specialisations, while still keeping his previous rank.
I predict heavy usage of Displacer Gloves or unarmed combat. Then again, the SMG and repeater is looking rather unused...
1167845
It's a carbine, and Thomas emptied a few mags of the SMG into the D Dogs.
Well this is going to be fun.dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/yay_red.png
You horrible tease.
1167853 Really? Always thought it said that he used a repeater. Never mind, thanks for telling me that
Honestly, all he needs is a Recharger Rifle/Pistol. I can't imagine Changelings have a high armor value. The lack of anti-rad medicine will cause problems though. Unless he gets a lovely little anti-magic enchantment of some form.
Seems odd that the Courier would stop Shining from blasting the Queen, he's all up on revenge, though... no clue if your allowing that the changeling war was essentially bloodless.
1167845
Gotta save the best for last... aka chrysalis
1167890
The Courier knows revenge better than anyone, true. After all, he did trek across a fucking desert to kill the man who tried to kill him.
But that also means that he knows what it can do to people.
Not sure what you meant by that second point, though.
keep'em commin!!!
1167901 - Well, Canon, nobody died during the Changeling War. Sure, people got injured somewhat but there were no fatalities on either side. You have them stomping into the Changeling hive and laying waste to everyone, a bit of an over-reaction that I can't see the Ponies making. Courier? Sure...
1167941
Ah.
Well, it's a kids show, so they can't say that losses were incurred.
Besides, taking things even slightly realistically, Changelings and ponies would have died when ponies put up enough of a struggle. I did mention in passing earlier that there were losses among the guard, though I never did say if they were just injuries or actual fatalities...
Suddenly, update. A short update, but an update. Do continue.
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fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/050/9/1/assault_rainbow_dash_by_salahir-d4qbjr7.jpg
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For some reason Thomas reminds me of this guy
images.wikia.com/starcraft/images/2/2d/Ghost_SC2_Head2.jpg
1167979
The one with Dash is closest, though in my mind it's more like a pony version of this.
Simple, to the point, and a little intimidating to have running towards you.
Don't mean to be stepping on stones or anything here, but can you make longer chapters? Like perhaps at the 2k or 3k mark? It's not you, I just feel like I burn through your updates too fast and then I get left with nothing to do.
1168138
Nah, I know what you mean.
Don't worry, next chapter will be filled with much bug-stomping.
Steel Rangers~
1168144
Thanks man, and it sounds great!
Only if Thomas had some heavy weapons, maby a minigun and the fatman.
1168063 who's that
1167979 The last one is impratical even by Space Marine standards
Guns > Everything.
The bullets can only be stopped if a pony/changeling/magic user can cast the spell fast enough... which I doubt. So, Guns > Plate armor, Power armor, Flesh, ponies. Changelings are in for a rough ride. Also, the traitor/pony who is trying to kill Chrysalis is gonna get pounded on...
This may not be much coming from a random commentator here, but I need to say it: this story entertains the hell out of me. As someone who first started the Fallout series with New Vegas (I was aware of the series from friendly stories about Fallout 3), it repeatedly impresses me how many references back to the world of New Vegas you've managed to pack into your chapters so far. Not to mention how The Courier in this story isn't exactly the Messiah, but certainly the running-gunning freelancer the Mohave needs. Your choice of how to portray him maximises the brutality of one story setting to the other, but still in a sarcastic and dark-humor laced way that forces entertaining reactions out of other characters from the MlP: FiM universe.
Also, interesting choice of having magic be the equivalent to radiation. The Courier has now has environment limitations, which is smart and appropriate. Also, again, kudos for not holding back on the blunt firepower The Courier carries with him with some cheap plot device or excuse. (Because, honestly, I love using the Ranger Sequoia to blow off heads like a .308 rifle from long distances. Revolvers are the most satisfying kills in that entire game, I do swear.)
Chapters are short, but it seems you update frequently enough that there should be no complaints.
Right now, 10/10 in my book. Keep up the good work.
Story feels too short. Still I like it. Can't wait to see if Crysalis ends up gping, "red eyed demon" and in a fetal position like her spy.
Hmm... Favorite Character hasn't been executed yet... Good sign.
Shining wants to execute favorite character... Bad sign.
Courier wants to stop Shining from executing favorite character... Good sign.
So it's two to one for good signs. I guess I'll keep reading than.
1168297 the ghost nit from starrcraft 1 and 2 his abilities starcraft 1 are cloak emp rocket and calling a nuke in starcraft 2 they are snipe cloaking and again the nuke thing
lore wise they're units trained from a young age due to they're psychic abilities they are one of the elite troops of the UED (united earth directorate) the confederacy (wich no longer exists) Terran dominion and Raynors raiders in starraft 1 but they get replaced with specters in the second one (specters are a better version of ghosts)
Everybody, hold your shit. I'm about to predict the future.
*takes deep breath*
Thomas and the Knights are going to enter the changling hive and fight their way to the throne room. Once there, Thomas is gonna want his stuff back, but Shining wants to kill Chrysillas. Thomas ends up shooting him in the leg to prevent this from happening, and the story continues from there...
Right?
i.imgur.com/4e9HU.jpg
>> tony1685- He should've gotten the rad child perk.
hmmm i wonder if the courior is gonna see how starved and desperate the changlings are. in the show chryslis claimed to do all that becuse she needed to feed her people. dosnt the couriour have a anti material rifle? its only the most powerful sniper rifle. it would be cool to see the courior make bullets tho. special magical bullets.
Courier + Luna forever!
Looking forward to more.
1169790
While your rate of regaining health increases the more your level of radiation does. You can still die of radiation poisioning once you hit a certian point (1000 RADs).
I would recomend the 'radiation absorption' perk. But even then, the perk is useless. Since the rate at which the radiation goes away is slow, and and being in a telekinetic field will put you at very lethal levels of radiation within a few seconds reguardless weather you have the perk or not.
...
I've got nothing useful to add here.
But here, have a video of Batman!
Surely this will add to some mood.
Shit, Shining is going to regret trying to kill Chrysalis.
Finally updated. (Yes, I realise I got here late...)
Not that I don't like Grinding Gears, it's just that I also love the Courier's dark humour and witty ways.
And the firepower hidden inside that small man.
Gonna be one helluva homecoming.
They should test the armour with the gun. See how powerful it really is.
i think the changlings need more holes. 10 mm holes to be precise.
Great new chapter.
1184493 well you might have to settle for 12.7 and 5.56 mm holesbecause that is all thomas has right now...
2081616and .44 and .45-75 gov. and .50
i suggest using Diner Bell (a hunter shotgun you get from the torn) and a Anti-Matter Rifle