Why we Fight
Celestia broke off from the rest of the group along with Joshua so that they may converse in privacy. As the seconds passed by, the Captain followed behind with his weapon still in its holster, and his Titan far behind in the town. They neared a tall patch of grass when Celestia finally stopped and stood still. Joshua saw her standing there and stopped as well. The two waited for the other to make a move for a few minutes, until Celestia turned to face Joshua, a stern look on her face.
"Why did you wait?" she asked distantly.
"Wait for what?" Joshua asked.
"Wait to save my little Ponies?" she asked, raising her voice slightly as she approached him. "Why did you let the Griffons attack? Why did you just let them spill my peoples' blood? Why did you let them kill the innocent Ponies of that town in cold blood?"
Joshua stared at her for a moment before even moving. With a deep sigh of regret, he reached up and removed his helmet, revealing short-scruffy brown hair and a pale face. He looked deep into her eyes before answering.
"So that you could trust us." he stated.
"Trust you?" she spat, moving closer to him. "How am I supposed to trust someone that would let the innocent die for no good reason? How do you justify their deaths? Tell me."
Joshua pondered her harsh words for a moment before shaking his head and sighing.
"Would you want to help someone that just out-right murders someone else for no good reason?" he asked, looking up to her.
Celestia peddled back a bit at the question, unsure of the angle he was going at.
"What does that mean?" she asked, narrowing her gaze at the Pilot.
"We did, in fact, know about the attack for a week before it occurred, yes. But, consider this from a different perspective. An alien race comes to a planet and sees multiple races that are just as intelligent as them, and sees that one intends to attack another. The ones the first aliens see is going to be hurt by the second one, and they have a week to prepare for it. The first one is oblivious to the attack, and if the aliens try to warn them, then they seem like the bad guys because they're accusing another race of an attack they haven't committed, and then the second species knows not to trust the aliens and knows how to prepare for their next attack. If the aliens were to attack the second species, then they look like they've just exterminated an entire species that hasn't done anything wrong, when in reality, they just saved the entire first species. If the second one is never seen to attack, and the aliens don't have proof, what's to stop the first species from accusing the aliens of being evil? Why would they trust a race that just wipes out others for no good reason?"
Joshua gestured to Celestia so that she may retaliate, but found her at a loss. He was right. If they just attack the Griffons, then her Ponies would see them as a threat, and never want anything to do with them. If they hadn't stopped the attack, then the Griffons would have looked to be the victims of a war-hungry race that only wanted to destroy. Instead, this Human had made a choice that let them see who was the enemy and who was to be trusted. The only question that she had now was...
"Why? Why do we trust you?"
"What does that mean?"
"You came here with weapons and soldiers, prepared for war. Why should we trust that you won't try to hurt us?"
"We just came from a massive war of our own in hopes of finding a source of fuel so that we can get back to fighting for ourselves. We have no quarrel with anyone outside our conflict."
"Then why do you fight?" she asked.
Joshua felt his heart almost stop at this point, thinking back to when he first signed up to be a Pilot. He had wanted to protect his family from tyranny and evil, and ended up becoming the very cause of their demise. He joined the Militia so that the IMC would pay back in blood, yet all he was met with were more that thought like he did, trying to be the best they could to protect the ones they loved. He was met with cold and unfeeling machines meant to kill the people of the Frontier before they could rebel, and sought out for one purpose now: to do something right, by just one.
He gazed back up to Celestia and spoke.
"Where I come from, there's a load of reasons why some men fight for the Militia. I first thought that they were all bandits and thieves and shit like that. I signed up with a military faction of the IMC, or Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation, to protect my home and my loved ones. I thought that I was doing good, you know? Yeah, not the case. Turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life."
At this, Joshua looked to the ground and sat down to tell his tragic tale. Celestia was confused by the gesture, but found herself sitting down as well, listening intently to the story.
"It was a few years ago, on my home planet, New Henoi, I was on a mission to protect some Heavy Anti-Air Cannons that were aiming at a Militia fleet. I was told that we were fending off a raid attempt, especially since they had a big Brick-class ship over the nearby city. My hometown, actually. So, I fought for the guns' positions, and after they took down the Militia ship, I learned that they weren't raiding the city, they were evacuating civilians. My parents and my little siblings died on that ship because I made the mistake to sign-up for the IMC. Later, I learned that because of my actions in the field, over 500 civilian ships were shot down from the Militia fleet, and we didn't need to worry about any more reinforcements in that sector for years to come. I got a fucking Medal for killing millions of innocent lives."
Joshua scoffed and brought out his weapon, eying the chamber.
"After I watched my family die, I vowed to do whatever I can to make sure that I do right by those who need help. That the IMC can get off our territory, and that the people of the Frontier can be free, once again. So that I can do at least one thing right for the right people. Just once, I could be seen as a fighter for the good guys. Like my little sister always thought I was, when I first signed up."
He placed the Auto-Pistol back in its place, and then looked back at Celestia.
"I... don't know what to say about that..." Celestia managed. "But, what about the rest of your people? This, 'Militia'? What about them?"
"I fight for the same reason those men and women in that town, on my ship, and across the entire Frontier. For something that we hold above all else, in Human culture." Joshua stood up and held his helmet out in front of him, staring into the Star-burst pattern. "Freedom. The right everyone has. To make your own decisions, make your own mistakes. That's how we learn. That's how we grow. We fight, so that we can choose what we do with our existence. So that others can make their choices, make their mistakes, learn from them, and become better for it."
Celestia came up next to him and eyed his helmet.
"And you fight so that this... IMC, doesn't?"
"They chose to take away that right from everyone in the Frontier. So that one day, we can be free from oppression, and tyranny. So that one day, we don't have to fight anymore. That they realize that we have the same rights to live the way we want to that they have, and we are willing to die for those rights. I fight so that so many others don't have to make that sacrifice. So that one day, we can finally live in peace."
Celestia looked up to his face to watch as a tear escaped the Pilot's eye, and felt herself fighting back tears as well. She moved away from him and began to respond to his answer.
"I must say, I am speechless. I never knew that you fought for such valid reasons. I had no idea that your kind was willing to go so far for what you believe in."
"It's been a part of us since the beginning of our recorded history. And I'll be damned if thousands of years of practice and protection of our core concepts are going to be taken away from us because of the material needs of a mining company."
"And for those reasons, you truly fight?"
"Of course."
"Then let me say this."
She turned towards Joshua and looked at his face as he held his helmet to his side. Celestia then extended a hoof to him.
"It would be an honor to accommodate those who fight for such a valiant cause. And for the record of the entirety of the Militia, and hopefully Humanity, know that Equestria and I consider you friends."
Joshua smiled lightly as he reached out and grabbed her hoof once more.
"It's an honor to be welcomed, for once, ma'am."
They held the gesture for a moment while they exchanged their smile, just as two powerful leaders solidify their understanding. After a few minutes of silence, the sky began to rumble above them. The clouds began to part as a massive shape began to descend out into the fields outside Ponyville. And when Celestia and Joshua looked to it, their hearts filled with something that they both knew they needed at this time in their lives.
Hope for a better future.
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That was quite sweet. It's hardly ever that we have a fic where a character stumps Celestia with a non-fatalistic truth and a "necessary evil" speech, and has her agree with them like Canonlestia would.
Also, ponies exploring spaceships!
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Well now... someone being IMC only to turn to Milita because of what happened. I really must applaud/salute you for this story. I also have enjoyed the game itself, even though it is not perfect.
Though I wonder if it's possible that this may eventually lead ponies to create these "titans" for themselves eventually... maybe it will, maybe it wont. But who knows?
Yep. Still follow the IMC.
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Because when people rebel, this is the aftermath.
4426399 I second all of that. This chapter was far better than I feared might happen when I first read what Joshua did in the previous one!
4426486
*Militia fleet arrives at your home world, a colony that has few IMC defenses but large fuel pockets, they treat the civilians with equality and respect for they are their main fuel provider, your family begins to change heart on the Militia and soon prefer them, reaction?*
4427109
Well let's see... I believe the militia are pointless rebels:
Ex. The IMC is a large empire. What do large empires need? That's right, Resources. What does this mean? It means planets with the most resources need to be sacrificed because supplies are needed to run the empire. Hence, the militia are rebelling BECAUSE they don't want the IMC to properly function. And rebellions like this is the reason why the IMC is stricter.
4427188
I played the campaign, beat the IMC, also the IMC killed civilians so fuck their empire! I live in America and this country was born from rebellion from a empire, I'm a patriot and I see the Militias cause justified.
"It's Liberty or Death!"
I'd rather fight for the right thing than be a drone of a corrupted empire.
Also, the Militia believe that the frontier is to be free, be it tyranny or democracy. If you try to control something that wants to be free you are going to have a fight or war on your hands. The IMC isn't an empire, they are a company that only cares for money, if they cared about what they were causing they would try to use diplomacy not force to get what they want, thus the Militia was created and fought the IMC.
4427188 Oh, hey! I know you! Okay, here we go, ghrmphhm!
--
--
An IMC fleet has just exited warp above one of their own worlds, virtually untouched by the Militia. The reason for their arrival on the barely defended planet? Resources. That, and an anonymous tip towards Militia presence on the planet. Of course, in true IMC fashion, they immediately commence Titanfall after discovering a skeleton-crewed Militia tanker ship refueling at the planetary refinery.
The Titans make landfall quickly, and proceed to destroy the entirety of the local city in search of hiding Militia forces, their pilots and Spectres viciously interrogating and executing any they believe to be affiliated with the rebellion. IMC forces then proceed to assault the tanker as it attempts to leave orbit, killing the five hundred civilians that had been rushed onto the ship in hopes of escaping the wrath of the imperialistic IMC.
Every single one of your family was executed on the mere prospect of treason, right in front of your own eyes, but they spared you. It is now your decision; remain loyal to the IMC, or shift allegiance to the Frontier Militia?
--
--
Also, the Militia wants to remove the IMC from a position of power, and replace it with something more akin to the 'democracy' of the modern United States.
4427256 Technically, they are an empire, because they have conquered multiple worlds that had defected to the Militia in order to prevent anyone from rivaling them in power. They are a monetary empire, one that is built entirely on capitalism and corporate greed.
Also, I see that you are indeed a patriot, but I hope you know what the US has done in the past? the stuff they teach in History class is literally only 34% of the whole story. They heavily edit and moderate the lessons in order to hide the horrors of what they did from students. Trust me, I'm in active service in the Air Force, and I know exactly what I'm fighting for.
Three examples of American inhumanity:
1. Hiroshima - civilian center with barely any armories or weapons factories. Targeted for the sheer terror tactics and to test the after effects of a nuclear bomb on a large human populous.
2. Nagasaki - culture center with the same amount of viable military targets as Hiroshima. Targeted for the same reasons as Hiroshima.
3. Dresden - massive culture center with less than three armories and four factories, not all of them weapons centers. Targeted for firebombing in order to show Germany that America is willing to directly attack their ancestry through the generations of their culture.
4427479
I know these things, and I take them seriously. What do you expect, we are human and our nature dictates that we conquer and explore new things. The atomic-bomb had been tested, but not on humans, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bomb and test sites. When I was young I was more than just a patriot, but after learning these things I'm a bit disappointed in my country.
I don't know why, but this country is paranoid and half the time thinks that other countries want (actually they do, mostly in the Middle East) to attack us. I know this due to some of my high-school friends blabbering about how they think the US is invincible. We aren't, an EMP (due to our military relying on tech more than manpower most of the time.) could disable us.
4427318
*clapping while crying tears of pride*
I couldn't have said it better myself.
4427479
4427109
Oi, I'm an american! I just see the IMC action just. Well besides spyglass. He's a dick.
4427665
Thank you, thank you! *takes a bow*
4427659
I'm glad you know these things. I remember hearing the exact same situation of "Murika iz invernserberleurbhlur, herpledurp!!" at my high school, to which I, the history-savvy second-generation Russian immigrant, replied with those same three examples I gave you, in the accent that I was stuck with.
Needless to say, those bastards called me a 'sick commie bastard,' and came up with a lie that I was planning to blow up the school. They got busted by my former Spetsnaz dad, and we sued their families and won. Yey.
4427695 Yeah.... fuck Spyglass. Still, I'm not gonna tell someone that their opinion is wrong, unless, of course, they're idiot Creationists. Still, let us agree to disagree. I hope to meet you on the battlefield. (PS4 or Xbox One?)
4427696
I'm the kind of American patriot that excepts any and I mean ANYone from different cutlers to appearances with open arms. It's nice to see someone from another country within our borders.
4427695
Nice to see we can agree on something, I also prefer bat-ponies and griffins over standard ponies, they are just plain speciest.
4427728 I was actually born in Brooklyn. My dad came from Russia.
4427701
*Snort*
I'm not rich sir. I only have three houses! Xbox 360.
4427740
Because... THESTRALS are better.
4427867 Neither am I, seeing as how I live directly on base in Utah. Xbox 360, planning on getting a PS4 later on.
4427877
Hmmm.. Perhaps a gamertag swap? We could have you lose to me sometime...
(I may be only a 4th gen but i'm pretty good!)
4427881 Hehe, sure. Here, or PM? I could kick your ass at Halo any day. I only get about.... 20 points per match on 4v4? That is on average. I had a massive streak going over the summer playing Reach with my friends, and I came in first or second, alongside my Tasmanian friend Brad. Also, CoD needs better gamers and not little kids below the age of fourteen, dontcha think?
4427937
Up to you... I suggest a page though because my PMs dont work
4428020 Sierra K116.
4428292
MASTERslayer10x
(Don't ask)
4428298
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................?
4428369
Je ne parle pas! Tu as stupide!
4428388 no, good sir, you are the idiot here!
4427871
4430158
FUCK! You can understand my code!
4431240 Meh, I have a couple of buddies that were stationed in France.
4431325
Double fuck! (Sent you a FR on 360 btw)
4431332 I'll get to it on friday. Too busy to be bothered today. Must. Finish. Reading my favorites!!!
When's the next chapter and when is Lyra about appear and nag the humans? I love it when Lyra does that
4440878
Both soon.
They are.
One day, someone on the Frontier will think "why don't I just contact the armed forces so they can sort this shit out?". Then the army and navy will stomp the shit out of the IMC (Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation, the Militia will disband, and the IMC will be broken up into numerous, new companies with new management and temporary government oversight.
Let me just clarify that I really do think you are a good author.
Things like description and details are fine in this story, and outside of fighting the ponies are really in-character as well. It's just exactly what I thought would happen did happen. The story forced in a needless war, and proceeds to suffer by turning the enemy into cardboard cutouts, the ponies into mindless fools, and the humans into even more mindless fools who also can't win a decisive victory even when literally every possible advantage is given to them on a silver platter. This story, like many of those other crossover fics with war settings, suffers from having really only one problem, except that problem is so titanic in size that it might as well be several major issues.
You know, even though I absolutely called it that the explanation would suck but Celestia would buy it anyway (because obviously the main character can't look bad despite everything he's done), that doesn't make me feel any better.
See, absolutely everything I was afraid of finally comes full circle with this explanation chapter. It is painfully obvious how stupid the captain was, but for the story to continue he needs Equestrian support. Now, obviously the best decision would be to simply have them either show evidence of the attack by doing the mind boggling action of taking pictures or video of the invasion fleet and showing Celestia the proof and then allowing her to look for herself undetected followed by the captain attacking the griffons far from the town, but then we couldn't have the awesome fight scene where he was protecting the ponies (by letting them die)! So instead, he coughs up an excuse a toddler could see through which obviously defeats Celestia's poor argument of him letting innocent ponies die.
In fact, this entire fight has set off so many of my pet peeves that I feel like pointing out exactly why every single thing he said fails completely.
This is him saying that there was no way for him to, in the week leading to the attack, take pictures/video of the fleet or tell Celestia and let her see them or literally anything that would easily expose the attack far before they got to the town.
This is redundant seeing as he literally just said the exact same thing, and this time it's just as dumb. I can think of countless ways right off the top of my head that they could have exposed the attack. They had everything handed to them on a silver platter: tech advantage, time advantage, surprise, enemy tactics, enemy plan, enemy weapons, everything. And they still couldn't stop the invasion before who knows how many innocent ponies died. *Slow Clap*
If he honestly thinks that the group he just saved would hate him for saving them, then he is quite possibly too stupid to live.
Of course he is, and of course she believes him. After all, she has apparently caught his plot-induced stupidity (actually, I think he just is that stupid since we don't have canon characterization for him like we do Celestia).