> H-44 GERMANIA
>  by Sanguine Blade
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Fate's Intervention
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equestria. A land of peace and harmony on the planet of Gaia. For over a millennium the area has been a symbol of stability. However that has been the case in the interior of Equestria. What the princesses don't speak of is the no  stop war waged over the sea. For centuries various group known as the  "Pirate Lords" have dominated the ocean forcing countries to pay tolls or risk raiding. Today was one of those days...

The sea was crisp and the port of Shetland was busy. Located in Southern Equestria, it was a harbor for trade  and a prime port for carnivores since it was one of the few places that meat was supplied to Equestria's meat eating inhabitants. Children played on the sand,  stallions unloaded cargo and the mares were keeping everything calm.

BOOM! CRACK!

A cannon ball smashed into the pier.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

More  cannon balls smashed came and smashed the wooden walls of the city. Alarm bells were sounded as a large fleet of ships were spotted coming towards the port.  dinghy boats hit the shore with creatures of various races pouring out.

"PIRATES! PIRATES!" Called one of the guards as they rushed to the scene swords clashed and griffon claws struck armor. The townsfolk were in a panic trying to evacuate. colts and fillies screamed for their mothers in the confusion. Soon the guards were forced to a fighting retreat to try and stall for evacuation, but it wan't enough. Stallions were executed where they stood and mares were tied up with foals caged up. As they were loaded onto the boats they could see one terrifying figure. A  stallion with a patch and scars all along his body. A tattered coat hung around his neck as he held a sword with a pistol in his other hand. his fur covered in dried blood stains.

The stallion just looked at the ponies before nodding and they were loaded up as the pirates started hurling torches into the city to set it alight.

The princesses arrived to an ashen port. Corpses lay strewn about and nothing was left. Not a single spec of food, not anything of worth...just ash and blood.

"TIa. What are we supposed to do?" Luna said putting her hand on her sister's shoulder.

"I don't know sister. seventy six ships...Seventy six ships in the entire Equestrian navy and we cannot catch the enemy. Our fleet is just too small and slow to catch them." Celestia said kneeling on the sand.

"Please guardians of Gaia.  Help us. Your people beg for your saving and need your guidance. Send us the means to fight back." She said as she started to cry. Luna picked up her sister as they walked back to the carriage.

A translucent figure saw this pleading from the ocean.

"I promise you  little pony. Your prayer shall be answered." the figure said before vanishing.



It was nearing the end of 1944. The Nazi Regime was losing battle after battle on all fronts. The German fleet was suffering and the surface fleet piratically ceased to exist. The main fleet had diverted to defend the Baltic. Two battleships were left in the entire main fleet. The Tirpitz, which was stuck in the port of Trondheim and her bigger cousin. This ship was H-44...GERMANIA.

"(Sir, we are en route to Trondheim.)" a crewman called out.

"(Good, our mission is right on schedule.)" said the admiral. This admiral was Admiral Hanz von Ravenmark of GERMANIA. His orders came from Der Fuhrer himself and were blunt to the point.

"Bring Tirpitz home."

"(Estimated arrival in Trondheim?)" Hanz requested rubbing his eyes from slight drowsiness. 

"(Sir, we  should arrive by dawn of tomorrow if we are lucky.)" the officer called back. It had been three days of dodging British ships to get just this close to the crippled Tirpitz. Soon they would escort her back through the sea to German ports in the Baltic for repair and combat in the area to stop the Red Wave.

"(Excellent open the internal radio. I shall tell our crew.)" Hanz said reaching for the internal radio to speak. "(My fellow Germans and brothers in arms. We are nearing the end of our mission. The Tirpitz waits for us to guide her home to defend the Fatherland. Come dawn tomorrow we will shake hands with the men of  Tirpitz and return heroes. For Germany!)" he finished turning of the radio as the men across the ship cheered for their work and their homeland. 

When the sun set beyond the horizon, Admiral went to his cabin to sleep. His room was sparse except for the necessities and a picture of his family before he set sail on GERMANIA. He kissed the tips of his index and middle fingers before touching them to the picture before falling asleep.

What he didn't realize was that the night was far from over...



Admiral James Duncan was considered an upstart by the Royal Navy. He was born a son of a soldier and quickly climbed the ranks. He was given command of HMS Lion the supposed solution to the German surface fleet despite his youth and all other candidates. He was patrolling with several others to intercept GERMANIA  on its way to the North Sea. Days of missing each other by mere minutes had passed and morale was low. 

"Admiral! Enemy ship on Radar!" A officer shouted.

"It it alone" He asked.

"Yes, its heading north from here." The officer replied.

"It's heading for the Norwegian coast. It has to be GERMANIA. Begin pursuit and inform all nearby ships! " Duncan called and the order was sent out to all of Royal Navy ships nearby.

"Sir we've got word from command. HMS Renown, Victorious, Berwick and three destroyers are moving towards pursuit.  More are on the way, but it will take time." The officer said.

"Soon. We shall send Adolf's damn ship to the bottom of the icy water." Admiral Duncan said.



The night was quiet for the crew of GERMANIA who slowly slunk through the waves. The ocean lapped at the hull as the crew kept eyes to the dark for signs of enemy ships. as the radar  operator was checking for pings on the radar. his eyes started to droop and head nodding off when a loud ping rang out.

PING....PING...PING

He looked at the radar to see a terrifying sight. Multiple blips showed up on the map and he slammed his hand onto the alarm.  The siren whined as it rang across the ship and then BANG!

Sploosh
Splash
Splash

The ship was getting hit from multiple sides.  Ten ships of varying classes and type were lobbing shells. The formation was covered by a smoke screen making it worse.
---
"Sir we are surrounded by Royal Navy ships!" an officer called. Ravenmark heard as he raced from his room to the citadel to give orders. 

"Target torpedoes at the fronts of the smoke screen and fire the main guns into the smoke itself!" He commanded. Torpedoes launched out towards the destroyers trying to create the smoke. This caused the destroyers to divert course and one got set a light by a secondary shell from the smaller guns.

A fire was seen in the smoke as a torpedo had gotten lucky to hit a random ship while the others were detonated by defensive fire by the British warships.

("Sir the smoke is clearing! One destroyer sunk and one cruiser burning!") an officer called back.

"Excellent.  have one gun target that cruise, the others are to target the closest large ship with the other three guns." Admiral Ravenmark ordered. 20 inch shells rang from the main guns the light cruiser that was on fire exploded by a magazine hit. another cruiser was bracketed with hits to the main turrets knocking them out of action.



"Admiral. We've lost a Z class and a Leander light cruiser has exploded. They've bracketed Berwick! right on the turrets themselves!" an officer called to Admiral Duncan.

"Damnit! keeps all main guns targeting the GERMANIA! have all torpedoes launch and tell the carrier to launch torpedo planes!" Admiral Duncan ordered.

"Aye sir. HMS Victorious is launching now." an officer called back.

'This big beast will fall just like Bismarck. To a volley of planes' Admiral Duncan thought to himself.



("Sir Torpedo barrage! from all sides!") an officer called.

("Full throttle on the engines! have secondaries fire at the incoming torpedoes!")  The ship roared forward to dodge the  torpedoes. As the ship escaped the main barrage of torpedoes, the sound of anti air batteries rang out.

("Sir, Enemy torpedo planes are closing in! We can't dodge all of them!") an officer called.

("Brace for impact!") Admiral Ravenmark said as Torpedoes hit the blisters causing the ship to rock. of the 7 fired from the planes, four struck but the damage wasn't going to sink GERMANIA. Many planes were shot down in a storm of bullets.

("Get repair crews to the holes and target the next vessel!") shouted Ravenmark. the front guns roared as another ship was pierced badly. A destroyer exploded and the small guns kept their aim at the skies to knock out further planes. Shells slammed into the hull making scorching hot holes in the side of GERMANIA.

("Multiple hits on us Sir! They've got us zeroed in!") an officer called. Admiral Ravenmark was furious at this. He was surrounded and only damaged four of the ten around him.

("Angle us towards the enemy 50 degrees!") the admiral called and the ship started angling and the shells aimed had now missed or ricocheted due to the angling of the armor. The guns fired more and knocked out the last destroyer and sunk another cruiser.



"Admiral the enemy has knocked out the last destroyer and sunk a cruiser. What should we do!" an officer called. Admiral Duncan was becoming infuriated at the GERMANIA.

'Why won't this devil die!' he thought as his ships were desperately trying to kill the beast.

"Tell ships to close the distance. and target their steering!" Admiral Duncan said.

"But why sir?!"

"DO IT!" Admiral Duncan yelled. After getting incredibly close, the GERMANIA had knocked out the Lion's guns and many of the other ships refused to charge and risk all their sailors dying. However, the Lion kept closing.



("Sir, the flagship is closing still!") an officer called.

("That admiral is insane! Focus all fire on that ship and turn us out of the path of that ship!") Admiral Ravenmark shouted. The ship was firing all its guns into the flagship but the ship was still speeding towards them and their ship was too damaged reducing the speed from 19 knots to 10 knots. The Lion was getting closer and closer.

"Brace for Impact" Admiral Ravenmark shouted.
("Prepare to die you damn demon of a warship!" ) Admiral James Duncan shouted.

SKCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH! 

The Lion smashed its bow into the enemy and a magazine exploded inside GERMANIA. The British warship reeled back from the bang as its front was tilted up and slid out from the hole the ramming had caused. A rain squall started hitting the area as the Lion slowly slunk away with barely enough of it left to not sink immediately.  GERMANIA started to list forward in the storm as large waves flooded the front decks.



Admiral Ravenmark awoke with his head bleeding. The crewman were being evacuated by his second in command.

"Sir we need to leave!" the officer called.

"No. I'm going down here. Its been an honor Klaus. You were a great officer." Admiral Ravenmark sat in his chair as the ship continued to list and the men evacuated. Of the over two thousand, a mere half survived to leave.

"It was an honor being your admiral GERMANIA. I'm just ashamed it had to happen so early my dear. I hope we meet again my lovely ship." Admiral Hanz Ravenmark said as the ship started to sink. As his sight faded, he felt the floor fading and his body seemed to be losing feeling.

'Guess heaven has come for us dear' he said.

If any of the ships of the enemy could see, they would have seen the ship and its admiral fading away in a column of light at the eye of the squall...



The translucent figure looked at the bright light in the sky of Gaia and smiled.

"The seas of Equestria shall be liberated at last. your prayer little pony is answered." the figure said. she teleported herself into the cabin of the large vessel and saw a figure on the ground. he figures eyes opened and put an ear to the figure's chest.

......nothing.

"No you can't die. Please." The translucent figure said trying to come up with a solution to the creature dying in front of her. Then an idea came. a circle was quickly embedded in the metal of the vessel and the figure began to chant.

"I beseech the power of Gaia. I ask the gates of Elysium to fuse this soul into this circle." The being said cutting her translucent form and letting glowing blood pour out onto the circle. "I offer the blood of an immortal in exchange for the soul of this creature to be sealed within this vessel. Heed my call and make it so!" the being finished and the circle glowed absorbing the blood and finally dimming into the melted seal of metal.

"Thank Gaia. My champion will live." the figure said as she vanished into the seal. She had a conversation to have with this champion of Equestria and Gaia as a whole
> Learning a New Life
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hanz opened his eyes to see a strangely luxurious place. The area was a cave with glowing moss scattered about. The water lapped at his ankles.

"So you are awake now." A melodic voice spoke. Hanz looked around searching for the person who spoke.

"Who are you?" He said while his eyes scanned the area. He looked to see the water around his ankles coalesce into a figure. She wore fine clothing and jewelry. She looked like a woman in her peak of beauty.

"I am Aquarius. You are wondering why you still live do you not?" Gaia said. Hanz nodded. "I brought you here. Well you and your companion." Gaia spoke.

"Companion?" Hanz said lowering his defense in confusion.

"Your ship. GERMANIA I believe." She replied and Hanz was frozen with shock/ "You see I have a request of you. You can say no and I'll send you to the afterlife." She continued. Hanz stood curious at why she kept his soul from moving to the afterlife.

"Explain and then i'll decide." Hanz said.

"You see Hanz. I have brought you to solve a problem for me. My oceans are flooded with evil beings who hide their ships on islands in my seas. Pirates are so out of control that noone can enjoy my seas because people are afraid of these pirate lords. I want you to fix that since your ship outclasses any other ship on the entire planet so people can live by the sea peacefully." Aquarius said.

"How am I to do this?" Hanz asked.

"Well you body was too destroyed to bring into my world. The only thing that I could do was fuse your soul to the nearest object...GERMANIA." Aquarius said and Hanz was so shocked he fell to his knees.

"I don't have my body anymore. This can't...be real." He said before shaking his head back into focus. " How am I suppose to crew a ship for you if I am a soul trapped in a ship?!" he shouted.

"You see. With your soul infused into the ship, you control all its systems at once. Radar, guns, scout planes can all be controlled by you. However, you will need teaching and I can do that." She then squatted down to look Hanz in the eyes. "I promise that I won't leave you trapped in the ship. I just can't give you anymore abilities at the moment because of the sheer magic required to bring you, the ship and infuse your soul. I will find a way to allow you to be a physical being again...I swear on my honor as a goddess." Aquarius said wiping tears away the were beginning to well up in Hanz's eyes.

"If I do this. I get a new life and a body back...right?" He said standing up and Aquarius nodded. "Then I promise to try and help free your sees of evil. I may have worked for Der Fuhrer, but that was just part of the job not my ideology." Hanz said smiling. 

"Excellent. Now I'm going to wake you up from my realm to where we are. Then teaching will begin." Aquarius said and the room faded away. Hanz could see the entire ship control room but he couldn't feel legs or hands. Then he heard a ping and felt the replying ping come back to his hearing. Aquarius could be heard in his mind.

'The first thing you need to do is learn to materialize your soul.' he heard

'concentrate on what your old body was. If your mind is clear then you will be able to manifest an ethereal form.'

Hanz did as she told and cleared his thoughts. As he did this, his spirit began to form into his old form.. He looked it over, but when he tried to touch the controls, his hand faded through.

'You are still just a spirit so you cannot touch corporeal objects. Now is to teach you how to carefully work the guns. Concentrate your mind on your arms.'

Hanz focused his mind to his hand and arms slowly feeling them become heavy.

'Your mind is connected to this vessel and so your senses are connected to it. By concentrating your mind the main guns can be moved. Move your arm for large turns and your hand is for finer adjustments such as  your wrist for up or down and fingers for very fine degree adjustments.'

Hanz nodded and move his arms slowly and he could hear the turrets cranking into position. "I can feel the movement as if they were my limbs. How do I fire them thought?" He asked.

'snap your fingers. So long as you mentally hold the guns in place, snapping the fingers will not interfere with the gun movement. Reloading will happen in your subconscious but that wont make the guns any faster than your crew could fire.'

"Okay so typical reload time was two and a half minutes long for the main guns which is fine because range gives me a time advantage." Hanz said. He focused his mind and snapped. 

BANG!

All the main turrets fired. Hanz looked out to see that he was anchored near a large island and the shells soared onward.  the sound of loud splashes as the shells hit the water in the distance.

'Excellent now you can protect the seas. I have supplied you ship with a map on the wall.'

Hanz looked at the rear of the pilot house to see a map on the wall with the major nations named and Xs on some islands.

'The X represent the main islands that pirates hang around. However, you will require allies to help locate these pirate lords. If you travel northwest for two days you shall reach Equestria. Two  days northeast is the Griffon lands. South east is Zebrica and south west is "The Untamed" since only scattered trading ports exist on the coast.'

"What is the best one to go for?" Hanz asked.

'Equestria is safest and their society has evolved well. They are very open to any being so long as you come in peace.'

"Then Equestria it is." Hanz said.

'Great. Now focus your mind to the direction you want to go and picture the speed at which you are traveling.'

Hanz cleared his mind and focused the ship towards the northwest at full speed.

'The engine will turn off only when you next fully control it. Turning will be done by moving your feet in the direction you want.'

With that Hanz let go of his concentration and let his soul return to the ship itself as GERMANIA gently moved on the seas towards Equestria. Little did they know that the trip there wasn't going to be without some...problems.
> The Battle off Neighyers Island
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the Southern seas sat the island of Neighyers. This island was known as an Equestria "Rest Port" or a port that they could restock before traveling further, but that was really its prime use. That is, until the Equestrian navy had decided that the island was perfect to help secure safe trade routes through the southern seas. A small fort was built on the highest point of the small port and a fence of spiked logs guarded the town that held the port itself. Today... Neighyers and its inhabitants would witness something truly memorable...



Captain Vulture was a cocky griffon. He was one of several captains employed by a Pirate lord. His mission was simple, survey the island of Neighyers with his ships and report back without engaging the Equestrian fleet. This frustrated him,but he had to follow orders.

"Sir. we are reaching our destination." a sailor said.

"Alright. Let's get this boring job out of the way so I can either get smashed, or back to smashing heads." Vulture grumbled. a crewman in the crow's nest opened his spyglass to observe the port. the garrison manned the walls and a small patrol fleet sat docked in the harbor.

"Seems about 500 garrison soldiers in the fort. Two galleons, one brig, and two small gunboats docked." The crewman called to Vulture. Vulture looked over his fleet. he had one galleon, four frigates and two brigs.

'Dammit. We outgun them and all we can do is play I spy!' the captain seethed in his mind. 'To hell with it!'

"All ships prepare for attack!" Vulture called out.

"But sir!" His second in command was about to question his orders, but Vulture's eyes just gave him a frozen glare. "You heard him! all ships ready for attack!" The second called out as griffons got into position for attack.



Hanz had been steaming towards Equestria throughout the night. Looking to the map he could see a small island belonging to Equestria.

"Aquarius. I believe I should see if I can make contact with the Equestrians on this island" He said putting his finger over the island on the map.

'It would be in your best interest to do so. If you can make contact with the garrison their then it could fast track your contact with the princesses.' Aquarius replied.

With a nod, Hanz started having GERMANIA turn towards the island. Neighyers



Captain Black Powder was given the posting of commanding Neighyers due to his older age. It was tradition that older naval officers of Equestria were given control of island forts so they could finish their time before retiring in a calm posting.

BOOM! CRRRACK!

The captain's office shook as cannon fire rocked the small fort. 

"Pirate attack!" called a soldier as the Captain stormed outside the office and flung open the doors. Fire was scattered about, cannon balls were lodged in walls and more rained down smashing through the stone fort.

"Dammit. All troops prepare the batteries for counter attack!"  Black Powder called as mares and stallion scrambled for equipment and started loading the for cannons. "FIRE!" and all the guns rang as the enemy used their speed to dodge the fort's mortars and cannon fire.

"Sir! the patrol fleet has been hit! They're on fire and can't sail!" a mare office called.

'Oh Tartarus'

"Well then. Best pray for a miracle" Captain Powder said.



GERMANIA was reaching viewing distance of Neighyers. The radar started pinging ships not far from the Island. Hanz concentrated and one of the AR 196 seaplanes flew off to scout. As he saw everything the plane did, he saw a horror. Fire and smoke were bellowing from the small island. loud bang rang out and the plane headed in the direction of the noise.

'Come on. What is causing this.' He thought. He looked at the sea and saw it. a small group of ships sailing black flags on tall sailing masts.

"Pirates. Well best act fast." He said and mentally told the the float plane monitor the ships. Hanz moved his arms into the direction of the enemy fleet. The guns tilted upward and he moved his hand into final position. Then...

Snap

BANG! 



Captain Vulture smiled manically as the fort burned and broke under his attack.

"Sir there's a large bird flying this way." a sailor called.

The captain looked at the "Bird and saw it was flying around them and a whirring sound could be heard as it passed over. Then a pop followed by a whizzing sound was heard.

CRACK! BABOOM!

The sea reared up violently. A ship was seen blown in half. Another was thrown violently by the sudden geyser of sea water. Vulture looked to see the bird fly over again, and then it started diving. The whirring got louder and...

bambambambambam!

Sailors on a nearby ship were hit by what looked like fire coming out of the "Bird" which looked like no bird in all of existence.

"Demon beast! we must retreat!"  sailors called as some of the ships started to turn away to run when  more whizzing rang out and then more large explosion rang. Two more ships were sunk and all but two were burning wrecks beyond saving. Vulture cawed loudly in anger.

"Retreat now!" he yelled and the last two ships turned and started fleeing. As they were, the man in the Crow's Nest turned his glass and saw something truly horrifying. A glistening beast slicing though the water like it were air. smoke wafting off of it from what appeared to be large smokey belches. The soldier fainted their and then upon seeing the monstrosity that had just killed so many. 



Captain Black Powder opened his eyes thinking the loud sounds were the death of his fort. However, when he looked over the wall, he saw the enemy was utterly smashed. Pirates clinging to life or floating in blood soaked water.

"What happened?" He asked looking around. He saw some large flying beast heading south. He pulled out his spyglass and saw a metal behemoth heading straight for his fort. His heart sank. However, he saw something he didn't expect...A white flag.

"This beast. Is asking for a parlay?" he mumbled to himself.

"What should we do sir?" A soldier asked.

"We best see what this is all about. If we don't accept it we could all be destroyed by that...thing. Raise the response flag." The captain said.



"Whew. They accepted Parlay." Hanz said as GERMANIA sailed towards the port. the horn rang out for miles as the vessel came towards the port.

'Remember. They are kind by nature so do your best not to scare them.' Aquarius said in his mind.

"Right. Here's hoping this works." Hanz said pulling the ship towards the docks.



The metal monster slid to a halt as anchors dropped into the water. Captain Black Powder and his guards were staring in awe and terror at the huge metal beast. Then the sound of s clang hit the dock and out stepped a being similar to a Pony , but had no fur except his head. He wore a perfectly clean outfit with a cap that said a word they couldn't understand. The creature stopped in front of them and held out his hand.

"Admiral Hanz Von Ravenmark of the Kiregsmarine Battleship H-44 GERMANIA. I wish to speak to you leaders."
> First Contact
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pastel...colored...equine humanoids. Hanz didn't know what he was expecting really when he planned to meet the soldiers of Neighyers Island. He stepped foot on the pier and walked towards the guards who were expecting him. Their faces bore confusion, curiosity and a twinge of fear in their eyes. 

'Best be a gentleman' he thought. He stretched out his hand for shake.

"Hello. I am Admiral Hanz Von Ravenmark of the Kiregsmarine Battleship H-44 GERMANIA. I wish to speak to you leaders." He said. The equines just stared at him with wide eyes.

"Who is your commanding officer?" Hanz asked and that seem to bring them back to Earth.

"I am the one in charge. Captain Black Powder Admiral at your service. Your...thing flew the parlay flag, so what do you wish to discuss?" Black Powder asked.

"I wish to speak with the nation's rulers and the best way to make first contact with your nation was meeting this garrison, but I saw the attack and its my duty to protect." Hanz said. Black Powder nodded.

"Well it is a pleasure to meet you. We are still far from Equestria proper though. If you would like, we can send a letter up to command to get you there. It will take time, but it would help from causing any...incidents or panic the citizens might have at seeing your vessel." Captain Black Powder replied.

'tell him to say you are come from Aquarius. The princesses will understand.

"Thank you.  Also please inform them that I am here from Aquarius. My...superior told me that it will help get their attention." Hanz said and Black Powder nodded.

"Very well sir. In the meantime we have a spare room in the fort we can give you. If that's alright?" Captain Powder asked.

"That will not be necessary. I am needed on my vessel and I've grown quite used to it, but I would not mind a look around the place." Hanz replied.

"Um,very well Sir Hanz. Private Mist!" Powder called out and a mare stepped forward. She was dressed in shiny armor with orange fur and red mane and tail. A pair of feathery wings protruded from her back out of holes in the armor and on the shoulders of the armor was marks of mist clouds with a light ray coming through barely.

"Yes Sir!" she responded.

"You are to show our guest around the island. No private areas, but other than that you are free to go anywhere he asks. clear?" he said.

"Crystal Sir!." She replied.She motioned for Hanz to follow and the two started walking around the port. They walked along the wall of timber and looked out at the stone fort on the northern tip of the island. They could see locals and garrison members trying to repair the stonework and remove cannon balls that were lodged in the building.

"How old is this fort anyway?" Hanz asked.

"Its quite recent actually. The timber wall around the port is supposed to be replaced with stone, but you know how paper pushers can be." Mist said.

"Ah yes. I remember that it took over a year for approval of GERMANIA and another three or so to get her finished." Hanz replied.

"I see. so what even are you?" she asked.

"I am a human and you are some winged pony?" Hanz said.

"I'm a Pegasus." She said slightly annoyed by the name winged pony.

"Ah yes now I see the resemblance. People where I am from write stories about Pegasi and unicorns all the time, but I've never see one until now." He replied.

The two continued through the town. Ponies would gawk at Hanz, but were a lot calmer since there was a guard escorting him. After a long day of walking, Hanz returned to GERMANIA to rest.



If one were to travel out into untraveled seas you would expect nothing. However, that is where many interesting things like to live. A large mountain sticking out of the water is one such thing. This mountain was home to Victor Valkenburg or as he was known Pirate lord of the Black Talons. For years, he had acquired wealth, respect and infamy among allies, and enemies.

Victor sat in his quarters planning other operations when-

"Sir! Master Valkenburg!" A voice called as a griffon ran into the room. He looked like he had just flown a marathon.

"What is it? You know I hate being disturbed." Victor said without turning an eye towards the griffon.

"Sir. Captain Vulture has returned form his mission." the griffon said.

"And? Whhy is such a routine scouting mission so important?" Victor asked.

"Sir. Only two ships returned. WE asked the crew and they said their escorts were obliterated." the griffon said. Victor turned slowly with hidden anger in his eyes.
-
"Where is Captain Vulture?" Victor said through a clenched beak.

"He is here to be sent in if you wish." The griffon stated.

"Bring him in....now" Victor said slowly. The griffon saluted and two guards came in with Captain Vulture in between them and the guards returned to outside the door.

"Sir i'm sorry for what happened I-i-I can't be more sorry for what-" Was all Vulture got out before being gripped by the neck by Victor.

"How did you fuck up such a simple order?" Victor said in a low angered tone.

"We were watching the fort like you asked, and we thought we could take it out so-" Vulture was slammed agaisnt the wall by Victor.

"That was not my orders! Now tell me how you lost my ships." Victor said throwing Vulture to the ground to breath.

"It was this strange beast. They had a beast that moved faster than any airship. It mowed us down where we stood and we were getting blown out of the water by something we couldn't see. I-it-it must have been some new vessel they don't want others to know about." Vulture stuttered out, and Victor stopped from about to crush the captain's throat.

"I will believe you this time Vulture." Victor said.

"Oh thank you si-"

"BUT! You still must face punishment." Victor said. He whistled and a guard came in.

"Take this man to the dungeon. He is to be castrated for insubordination." Victor said as the guard dragged Vulture away.

"No. No master Victor. Lord Victor no NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Cried Vulture as he was dragged out of the sight of VIctor Valkenburg.

'A new vessel huh? I must see this for myself.'

"Griffith!" Victor called and the griffon who interrupted him before came in.

"Yes sir?" he asked.

"Send our best scouts to fidn out about this "new vessel" Vulture spoke of."

"Yes sir!" Griffith said before saluting and leaving.

'Neighyers will pay for their actions and this vessel of theirs will be mine.' He thought chuckling to himself under his breath.
> A  Tumultuous Nightmare.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The night was peaceful for Princess Luna. She spent the nights monitoring the dream realm of all she could and was happy to see all ponies in good order. The dream realm appeared to her as a sea of black with white motes like the night sky itself.

'I wish all nights could be this peaceful' Luna thought to herself. As she searched through the dreams, she saw one that appeared strange. Each mote changed color from white dreams to black for an uneasy sleep.

"Who's dream is this?" she asked out loud before touching the sphere to connect.
----
Luna entered the dream and saw a city below her.

"I've never seen this city in Equestria." She said as she saw a parade below. Flying down she watched pony like beings marching down the street with some strange metal boxes rolling behind them and some black carriages moving on their own.

"Hail to Victory!"

"Hail to Victory!"

"Hail to Victory!" 

Was all Luna heard from the masses as strange flags waved, flowers were tossed to soldiers and people were doing some salute she did not realize.

"For the Fatherland!"

"For Adolf Hitler!"

"For the Future!"

She turned to see a stallion with short hair and mustache saluting back to the crowd. The parade stopped at a large arena where the mustached stallion took to a podium.

"People of the Fatherland! I thank you all for supporting the rise of our glorious nation! The path to Living Space begins with the home front with all of you!" The stallion said and the crowd cheered.

"I Would love to tell you all that the state has promoted the Hitler Youth education. Where all German boys and girls shall learn to be true Germans! In us is Germany! With us is Germany! Our cradle is Germany over all!" The crowd roared at this and Luna looked around to see who was the dreamer.

"He promised us so much." a voice said. She turned to see a mature stallion watching the spectacle. She was worried of being seen before remembering that she hadn't interacted with the dream to the point of the dreamer seeing her.

"Land, money, protection from global discrimination and yet...it was all a lie." The stallion said as the world morphed around him.



Hanz looked around him seeing the men dying around him. He had been a infantry man in Poland the day war began.

"Private!" a voice called. He turned to see his commanding officer as the machine guns rang everywhere.

"Sir!" he responded.

"You are to help hold down this position and provide cover fire!" he called.

"Yes sir!" Hanz replied back. A group of solders charged while he provided machine gun fire down the road. he kept shooting as the gun eventually jammed. As he tried to pry the jam loose, he saw the commander look back at him about to yell when he and some others were gunned down.

"MEDIC!" rang a voice from further away as bullets whizzed by Hanz who finally fixed the gun to begin firing again causing more soldiers to fall. A small object started flying towards him.

"GRENADE!" Hanz said ducking away.

BOOM!



"NO!" Luna jolted from her bed in a cold sweat. That stallion killing many with that weapon of his. The horrors going on all around them and the...explosion. She could still hear the shouts for medics and the bang of explosives.

knock knock "Luna?" a  voice asked from outside.

"Come in." she said shakily. In walked her sister in her plush nightgown.

"What happened sister. I hear you scream." Celestia asked sitting on the bed next to her sister. Luna looked at her with a sad face.

"There...there was a nightmare. A strange being had a truly horrifying nightmare of times gone by." Luna said holding Celestia to stop her shaking.

"Do you know the stallion?" Celestia asked. Luna shook her head.

"I've never met this being. He was similar to a stallion, but also different enough to say otherwise." Luna replied.

"What was his nightmare of?" Celestia asked looking her sister in the eyes. Luna barely uttered a single word.

"...war" 



"DUCK AND COVER!" Hanz said leaping off his bed holding his head over his head expecting an explosion. A minute later and he looked around to see he was safe on GERMANIA. Whilst he didn't need to sleep he slept to pass the time, and that nightmare shook him more awake then an assault pill user.

"It's not 1939 anymore. I'm safe...I made it." He said calming down. 

'Hanz? are you okay?' Aquarius asked.

"It's nothing, just...flashbacks." Hanz said.

'Are you sure? I told you I was here to help you.' Aquarius replied.

"Yes,yes I'm alright. just an isolated incident I assure you." Hanz replied getting back into bed.

'Okay then Hanz, but if it keep on I will intervene.' Aquarius said before fading back into his mind.

"Everything's okay...I'll be safe. The war isn't here...They aren't here" he shakily mumbled to himself before returning to unconsciousness.



A small ship filled with griffons were within scouting distance of the island of Neighyers looking for this "New Vessel". Vulture proclaimed existed. As they anchored out of range from the fort the griffon in the crow's nest pulled out his spyglass looking out into the dark ocean sea.

"Sir there's...something in the port." A voice called quietly and the captain pulled out his glass to see what the mate had seen. His glass slowly turned and stopped. There, stood a huge silhouette a good distance away. The vessel sat like a sleeping giant waiting to strike.

"That...the monster Vulture talked about exists. Look at the back." the mate said and the captain turned his glass to see some winged device sitting silent on the large vessel.

"Get us out of here now! We have to warn Lord Valkenburg immediately!" he shouted in a way that he tried to quiet it down. With that the sail ship slunk away into the dark seas to report back...
> Calming Minds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sun shone over Neighyers Island as Hanz materialized his form on board GERMANIA.

'Hans?'

"Aquarius?" Hanz asked.

'Yes. I believe you have a potential problem that needs to be fixed.'  Aquarius said.

"The ponies seemed fine to me. What's wrong?" Hanz said.

'Its a facade Hanz. Think about it, if you were invaded by a clearly superior force and out comes a figure who they don't know of that could possibly be hostile?' Aquarius retorted.

"Ah yes. You are right there and I need to show them that I'm on their side. That is why you brought me here." Hanz replied nodding in agreement.

'So what are you going to do about it?' She asked.

"Well, I guess the best way would be the way my father earned his first freinds" Hans remarked.

'Which was?'

"Talking over drinks" Hanz stated leaving his quarters.

'You can't drink. The only way you were able to even shake hands was me quickly teaching you how to focus parts of your form.' Aquarius said.

"You...do have a point. Still, getting someone else drinks is a kind gesture and true thoughts are more likely to slip out of loose lips." Hanz retorted walking to the deck.



Sargent Quick Shot was sitting at the pier when the strange...thing came off its vessel. He had done his best to not come off as threatening to the being who could easily obliterate the fort with one volley, but his paranoia was still very high whenever he saw "Admiral Hanz" as the being had addressed the captain. 

'What is that thing planning. Wait..its got a package' Quick shot thought looking close to see a small crate under its arm. When Hanz looked his way Quick Shot looked away while Hanz waved before walking off towards the fort.

'I've got my eyes on you' Quick shot thought before choosing to tail Hanz.



Hanz found his way to the Captain's office easily enough with the occasional direction from garrison members. Hanz gave a light knock on the doors.

"Come in." The Captain said from the other side. Hanz opened the door and Captain Black Powder looked up before standing up. "Oh its you Admiral Hanz. What is the problem?" the captain asked.

"Nothing. Look I know you are all probably worried about offending me, but its fine to admit you are scared. I brought a gift to ease tensions." Hanz said placing down the small crate.  Opening the top and pulling out a glass bottle.

"What is this?" Captain Powder asked.

"Its some soda. I didn't know if you allowed alcohol on the job here so this was the best I could do." Hanz said pulling out a bottle of his own. The captain took a sip before sighing relaxed.

"Tasty, whats it called?" The Captain asked.

"Coca-Cola. Not much of its left where I'm from due to rationing of sugar. Some lucky smugglers had them so our crew bought as many as we could. There is about a hundred left on the ship." Hanz said.

"Well I'll be honest. Many of us thought that you were sparing us to kill us yourself. This at least helps blow over some fears." Captain Powder said.

"Understandable in pirate infested seas, but I assure you I'm here to help. So how do you think I could ease your garrison?" Hanz asked.

"Well most of the people here are either competitive stallions or the occasional mare. So I bet if you show your mettle they won't care, but show you're also a gentle stallion to the mares on base." Captain Powder replied. Hans gave a nod then headed out leaving the small crate for the captain to enjoy. While Sargent Quick Shot continued to tail.



Private Strong Wind and many of the other garrison soldiers were on break in the dining hall. The room was a little boring with long wooden benches that everyone sat on eating the same slop day in and day out. 

creeeeak went the door as everyone turned to see the stranger that they had met the first day. No one said anything as he walked over to one of the tables and sat down pulling out a knife out of its pocket and began to raise it into the air.

'What's he doing?' the private thought as they saw the stranger whistle and then brought down the knife towards his open hand only for it to miss his fingers as he picked up speed not hitting his fingers while whistling. Once he finished, the thing threw his knife into the wall.

"Anybody want to try?" the being asked.

"What was that?" a voice asked.

"Its a game for masochists or knife experts." the creature replied.

"you think that's strength!" a soldier called stepping forward and putting his elbow on the table. "Let's see your arm strength." the soldier continued.

"oooooo no one beats Stone Wall in an arm wrestle." one private called. The stranger just walked calmly over and put his elbow down on the table.

"3...2...1...GO!" the being said as the wrestle started. Stone Wall tried to force the arm down but he couldn't knock him out. After a minute of stalemate the stranger shoved his arm forward and slammed Stone Wall's hand to the table. The room was dead silent....then.

"HA HA HA HA HA!" Stone Wall guffawed with laughter  before shaking hands with the being. "It's been a while since anyone has beaten me. How'd you do it?" Stone Wall asked.

"You have a lot of strength, but not eh endurance. Had you kept up that pressure over a longer period you would've had me."  The stranger replied.

"Of course. Most don't realize that at first. What's your name again... Hanz right?" Stone Wall asked.

"Yes. It was a fun challenge thought...Stone Wall I believe they called you?" Hanz replied.

"Aye I'm him but some simply call me Stoney or The Wall." Stone Wall replied.

"I was told you might've had second thoughts about me so what better way to ease the tension than with some displays of manliness?" Hanz said and some of the troops laughed at this.

"True true most stallions like to test one another's mettle round here. I think we'll get along just fine. So How's about a round of ale?!" Stone Wall shouted to the group who cheered.

"Actually, if your're willing to help carry it, I've got some officer's wine on GERMANIA." Hanz offered. Stone Wall Nodded.

"You heard him lads. Let's give 'im a hand at unloading the good shit!" Stone Wall shouted and some of the bigger troops followed to duo to GERMANIA to return with the booze. Things were finally calmed down for the garrison of Neighyers all except one.

'There is something he's hiding and I'm gonna find it.' Sargent Shout thought to himself before making himself scarce...



"You say this vessel is truly a threat?" Valkenburg said.

"Yes Sir. It is a metal monster that is a threat to our fleet if we don't eliminate it soon." one of the scouts replied. The group of scouts were shaking from what they had seen and Master Valkenburg stood from his chair.

"Very well. Gather together the best ships we have and we shall attack soon." Victor Valkenburg replied. The scouts simply nodded and dashed away. A fight was truly on the horizon.
> Arrogance Meets Reality
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Canterlot Castle, Celestia sat on the solar throne. The massacre from days past filled her with sorrow and regret. A entire port had been massacred on her watch. Ever since the Civil War against the followers of Nightmare Moon, the Pirate Lords had gained a monopoly on trade across the seas. The continued  attacks left countries unable to help each other as they crumbled from lack of foreign trade.

Knock Knock! came from the throne room doors.

"Enter" Celestia replied and in came a messenger pegasus saluting.

"Mam. Message from the island of Neighyers." The guard said removing a scroll from her bags.

"Thank you." Celestia replied levitating the paper to her hands and removing the seal.

To the Royal Majesties,
I Write to you reporting a recent conflict off the island of Neighyers.

'An attack?! Please be okay' she thought.

However, We were saved by a foreign vessel the likes of which does not exist.

'...interesting.'

The ship struck from miles away entirely encased in metal. Of the enemy two battered and burnt ships survived the battle to retreat. The person claimed they were an admiral by the names of Hanz von Ravenmark from Aquarius.

'Aq..Aquarius? This person speaks on her behalf?!' She thought.

He has proclaimed to want to speak with you and he has agreed to wait until allowed to come to the mainland. Please let us know what to do with this one. I highly recommend that this creature and his vessel are too valuable to just leave.

From,

Captain Black Powder of the Fort Neighyers garrison.

"Messenger!" Celestia called and the messenger perked up.

"Yes mam?" The mare replied. Celestia quickly scribed a letter and let it fade towards Neighyers in her magic.

"You have delivered some great news. You may leave" Celestia said. The mare bowed and left.

"Glaive!" Celestia called and in came a guard who bowed. "I need you to complete a mission for me."

"What would it be your majesty?"  Glaive replied.

"We are expecting a new ally in Baltimare and thus I need someone to bring them to me for a meeting." She said and the guard bowed again.

"Of course, I shall make my way immediately." Glaive responded before leaving the throne room.

'It seems are prayer will be answered' She thought smiling for the first time in days.



"Admiral Hanz!" A pegasus private called rushing over to Hanz.

"What is it?" Hanz asked.

"You've been given invited to the mainland at the port of Baltimare to meet the princesses." the private said.

"Thank you private. I shall set sail then and please tell Captain Black Powder that I thank him and you all for your kindness." Hanz said as he started heading to his ship.

"Are you sure that going alone will be right sir?" the private asked.

"It should be fine. Plus I'm use to having to sail alone due to wartime restrictions so I should be fine." Hanz replied as he left for the GERMANIA.  The mighty GERMANIA set out a long hoot from its horn before it slowly move away and out to see in the direction of Baltimare which Aquarius showed him on the map. Yet as the shipped sailed away, many of the garrison were worried for the admiral since no one sailed on their own, but they had no ships to spare so all they could do was hope.

"Good Luck and Fair seas Hanz and GERMANIA." Black Power said under his breath as he went to his office.



"Sir. The vessel has left Neighyers by itself." a cremate told Valkenburg. Victor grinned madly.

"Perfect. Get the fleet into position. We shall raze that thing to the ground once it reaches this point." Victor replied. Of his pirates he had assembled 80 ships of varying sizes to smite this beast. It would be his prize to claim.  

'No sane captain will take on a fleet with almost a thousand cannons combined against one vessel.' Victor thought as they waited for the enemy ship to arrive over the horizon..



Hanz kept an eye on the radar when he saw a large fleet appear on the radar system. 

'80 of them?! That is definet;ey nothing to just ignore. However, they lack range so I can already hit them from here.' He thought as he raised his hand as the main turrets turned towards the enemy that couldn't hit him, but he could hit them all he wanted.

Snap!

BOOM! Rang front four barrels. 

'If I remember even the farthest cannon shots with this technology was three miles.  I can strike from nearly ten times the distance, but my guns take two minutes to reload so their volleys have me slightly at a disadvantage since they have more guns they can keep up hits during my reloads. However, I can lower their chances even more." Hanz thought as the catapult swung into position for an Arado to take off. 'That should stall for time at least a little bit.' He thought as loud booms and explosions rang out indicating hits. Even a near miss could toss an enemy ship like a mere bath toy.

As the guns reloaded the ship came closer to the enemy blockade trying to stop GERMANIA. As the vessel closed it fired another salvo and once within thirty thousand feet, the smaller guns opened fire and started hitting ships whilst the Arado flew over trying to pin ships.  Finally the enemy started getting shot towards the ship. Cannon balls slammed into the metal and...nothing. Mere dents in the ships armor as torpedoes launched blowing up more vessels or simply punching holes due to the weakness of the wooden ship hulls.

As GERMANIA sailed on it did not stop to stay and fight. Despite the advantage, it was not a good idea to face the remaining fleet when the vessel could simply outrun them. So on Hanz and his ship raced through the shattered enemy fleet with the Arado returning to the ship to refuel.



Victor looked on to his shattered fleet. Such a mighty fleet that not even Equestria itself could match, was now in ruins. Of the 80 ship fleet, 50 were left but of that 20 were barely serviceable and only his vessel was unscathed. 

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Victor screamed from his ship. He stomped into his cabin and pulled out a scroll and began writing. 

"Let's see this devil of the seas face the might of the true Lords of the SEA!" he said writing out a letter that simply said...

EMERGENCY COUNCIL HAS BEEN CALLED
> Meeting the Local Royals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the citizens of Baltimare started their days a troop of royal guards arrived immediately heading to the docks. The confused and the curious followed the troops to the dock to see what was so important for members not of the garrison to arrive all of a sudden. The morning mist off the bay slowly burned away as a big silhouette could be seen at the far side of the bay. As the vessel came closer some pegasi tried to fly out to it for a look, but were halted by the guards. A horn rang out across the bay and made many ponies flatten their ears to block out the noise. The ship was shining and it shocked all who could tell it was made of metal of all things. Metal! That was considered impossible to most navy veterans. The ship slowly waded towards the shore and as it pulled along the key side, everyone was in shock to see just the size of this behemoth hundreds of feet long, taller wider than any ship in the Equestrian Navy. The guns were bigger than the princess in height and longer than several rooftops in Baltimare. As the ship opened  the guard watched a staircase on the side of the vessel was moved into place and tapped the pier with a thunk.

"Greetings!" A voice called as all the onlookers turned to see a biped walk carefully down the staircase. He stopped at the line of guards. "I come by order of Princess Celestia so fear not. I've come to aid you in the troubling situation at sea. Admiral Hanz Von Ravenmark  of the Kreigsmarine captain of H-44 GERMANIA." HAnz said holding his hand out to the guards, but no one grabbed it.

"You are to be escorted to Canterlot by order of Their Majesties Celestia and Luna of the crown of Equestria." A guard said with no inflection as if not a tinge of fear resided in them. Meanwhile the civilians looked in curiosity, fear, and even some looked away in disgust.

"Who is he?"

"Is he dangerous?"

"We don't need a Minotaur saving us."

"Stay away kids. That thing good harm you." And many other comments could be heard as the guards flanked Hanz on the way to the chariot for their new arrival. Hanz looked amongst the crowds of locals and did his best not to judge them for fears of him. 'Its just fear of the unknown. They mean no harm' He thought and Aquarius agreed in the back of his mind. As the group reached the end of the town Hanz was surprised to see the carriage and two pegasi hitched to it. 'Must be for speed or goodwill.' He thought looking at the opulent carriage. A guard opened the carriage door and he stepped inside.  The door closed and a hoof tapped the carriage. With a jolt the carriage moved and Hanz looked out the window to see the ground...getting smaller?

'...What?!' He thought looking out to see the carriage soaring through the blue sky.

'Truly beautiful' Aquarius said as Hanz jerked his eyes away from the glass ad to the floor with his eyes screwed shut. 'What's wrong Hanz?'

'Fear of heights. I might control my Arados, but I'm not physically in them.' He replied.

'Why the fear?' Aquarius asked.

'My A farming cousin of mine had a biplane he took me in and he was so reckless that I tumbled out mid flight into a haystack. Thank God he was flying low at that moment, but I've been scared ever since.' Hanz said. 'Didn't help that bombs rained from the sky everywhere in the Fatherland....my god the cries of...children.' Hanz shuddered as his mind flashed back to the first day the bombs hit his hometown.



It was a horrible day the day the bombs fell on his home city. While his home was outside of the city itself in the country it did not make things any better.  Hanz was on some time back to his home from the front when it happened. AS he came towards the city he saw planes fly over and squinted to check their markings. British and American...oh no. He floored the car as fast as he could but he was too late as the whistling sound of bombs started.

BOOM! BOOM BOOM! Came the horrid sound as the bombs screamed from the heavens. People ran to the bomb shelters, sirens wailed and what defense the city had rattled with gunfire. As the car sped along trying to get to his home a crater caused the car to fly into the air and landing with damaged wheels, but Hanz did not give a shit as he pushed the wrecked car to the end and as he saw his home...

BOOM! and the car skreeched to a halt. The house...mom,dad, uncle Erwin and little brother Hartman was just...gone. Hanz jumped out the side of the car and ran to the wreckage begging that the cellar had protected them. 

"Please be safe. Lord Please have spared them!" Hanz yelled as he shoved smoldering wood and shattered glass out of the way not caring that burns and cuts that came with his actions. He found the cellar door and flung it open only to a crushed a little toy plane was slowly turning to cinder before him. Hartman's toy.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! DAMN YOU WORLD! DAMN THE ALLIES! AND DAMN THE LUFTWAFFE FOR NOT DOING THEIR JOB!" Hanz screamed to the heavens as more booms rang out and he cried clutching the charred toy the whole time...



'Hanz? Hanz!' Aquarius shouted trying to snap Hanz back to reality. He did so looking around to see the carriage was stopped. The door opened to the carriage and a guard gestured to a door not too far off.

"This way." The guard bluntly spoke. Hanz shook his head and composed himself before stepping out of the carriage and towards the door. Following the guards up a few flights of stairs, Hanz was met with a large door that was opened by two guard stallions. Sitting on the thrones were two beings that Hanz could not believe existed. One was a beatiful, well built mare which was as tall as him pure white fur and a moving mix of colors. Next to her was a mare slightly shorter mixed with all the colors of the night with a starry flowing mane to go with it.

"Greetings. I am Princess Celstia and this is my sister Luna. I believe we have a lot to discuss"...
> A meeting of Lords
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Victor Valkenburg, Pirate lord of the Southern Luna Sea was stood on his flagship The High King heading to the Island of Marites(Mare-EE-tays). This was considered the Isle of the Barons where none of them could own it, but where all major conferences between the lords took place. AS The High King weighed anchor Victor looked into the bay to see a ship with a black heart flag. The whole vessel was covered in black rock looking substance and green ashesive could be seen holding the plates together.

"Looks like Lady Nymph made it here. Damn love sucker." Victor muttered to himself as he moved to board a row boat to the shore.  As he hit the shore he saw the changeling mare in question. She was taller than the average pony, but still shorter than griffons. Her wings were a dark shade of red with her black whole filled body and wings.

"Well if it isn't Victor the weakling." A young voice said. Victor turned to see "The triplets" as all the other pirate lords called them. The trio were all equestrian born with inversions of the same color scheme of rust red, grey and black. 

"Well if it isn't the shot triplets. Grape, Explosive and Standard...to think your parents were so unimaginative." Victor said with a smirk.

"Why you ass!" Explosive shot shouted while his twin siblings held him back.

"Hey no need to be rude now is there?" The triplets turned to see an Abyssinian walking up. 

"Who asked you Rain! You're nothing but a desert rat playing pirate." Explosive shouted. The sand colored cat merely ignored the insult.

"So why are we here?" Lady Nymph spoke having joined the group.

"I have been struck by a new demon of the waves. Of hundreds of ships my crew, and I barely limped out of the chaos and we weren't even a threat to it!" The griffon said slammin a pawed foot into the sand.

"And the reason we should care is because...what? Just because you lost ships doesn't men anything to us." Explosive shot replied.

"Because the ship headed for the Equestrian coast after it tore through my fleet. That's why its your problem runt." Victor replied. Explosive was about to respond when standard shot put a hand on her sister's shoulder.

"Calm Down Explosive. He's right, If this thing is in our territory, then we must assemble our fleets and strike."She said turning to Victor. "What else can you tell us about this ship.

"It was over 1000 feet and made of metal." Victor bluntly said. This made some tense up whilst others looked at him as if he was lying. "If you don't believe me then you will die, and I take such matter very seriously." Victor added. The triplets looked at each other before Grape Shot stepped forward.

"We'll keep an eye on anything happening and tell you all. If this threat is made of metal then its best we find a way to counter such a beast." Grape said and Victor nodded in agreement as did the others who had shown up for the meeting. The triplets then left to board their ship. Lady Nymph walked up to Victor as the trio departed.

"They're dead. Aren't they?" Lady Nymph said with a smirk.

"Knowing their recklessness yes, but it will provide a good distraction for the demon. I trust you two to actually get results done?" Victor said.

"But of course. I have eyes and ears in many places." Lady Nymph replied.

"And this metal beast cannot fly. We shall keep an eye out, but what about you?" The Abyssinian added. 

"I have to go to Minos. I have a plan, but it requires some resources not in my region." Victor said as he left the shore to head to the land of the Minotaurs, Minos. This war had just begun, and Victor would not be humiliated a second time.
> Real Talk
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Everyone this is Sanguine Blade. SO I got to explain some things. Before you start shouting "Where's H44?!" I must explain life has made things more difficult in regards to upload. First, I've arrived at college so that slows things down. Secodly, Ive been suffering a problem. See I'm reaching the end of my capabilities as a one man team. I have no others helping me with the stories and last time I wrote a blog requesting help noone answered. If you would like to help let me know. Third I need to know if you guys still want the series to go on and that requires more feedback then "Good Chapter" which gives me motivation, but doesn't explain what was good about it so please throw in your two cents(don't be a bastitch though). The current chapter Call of the Lords is in the infant stages. SO please read this and please respond.

Thank you,

Saguine
> Alternative Take(Baltimare Entrance)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 (Possible intro theme?)
As royal guard waited at the harbor, a sound came across the harbor as a lone Ship larger than an Ursa Major floated into the harbor. The people of the city watched in scared silence as the metal Goliath moved into the center of the harbor before laying anchor. A long low horn rang from the beast ship as a being stood at the front of the deck.  



'Now to do what I practiced with you in the dreams cape' Aquarius said in his mind. Hanz nodded before holding his right arm skyward before a vortex enveloped the ship.  The deck below him morphed and changed, but he did not fall. The turrets floated up before morphing and Hanz was enveloped in light with a final flash it was done.



The ponies rubbed their eyes of spots before a guard captain pulled out his spyglass and gasped. Their stood a six foot tall being  in an admiral's clothes, but there was something special. On his hands were two gauntlets that  had turrets as if shrunk off the metal goliath. Two more turrets lay on the epaulets of the coat. Torpedo tubes hung on a belt of the beings pants, and a pair of metal shoes supported him above the water.

"Greetings. I am Hanz Von Ravenmark. Admiral of H-44 Germania." the being said in front of them before bowing and offering a hand. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He finished...
> Talking with the Princesses
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

To Celestia and her Sister, this being was very equine,but also different at the time. His height, pale skin, and his very foreign uniform made him stand out, and this kept the guards on alert.

"Greetings your majesties, I am admiral Hanz Von Ravenmark. I, and my ship have arrived to speak with you on matters important to your kingdom, and all others." The being, now known as Hanz spoke. 

"Very well, but would you care to explain who sent you?" Celestia asked. She already knew the answer, but wanted to  make sure this was no falsehood.

"I was brought here by Aquarius, and was requested by her to solve the problem of uncontrollable piracy that affects all the nations on this world." came the reply, and the diarchs looked at each other before Luna motioned the guards to wait outside during this talk. 

"So you are the one that she sent to hear out our prayers. We are very aware of the problem Mr. Ravenmark, but we currently suffer a problem of naval deficiencies. You see, for the longest time, all fleets did was protect the coasts, and thus were rarely used to fight in open ocean." Celestia spoke.

"As you can see, this caused us to now lay catch up with these pirates, but the fleet is still going through improvements."Luna stated, and Hanz nodded in understanding. "We ask of your admiral Hanz, to assist us in our goal of fixing the problem." She finished.



Hanz nodded after hearing the two princesses out. 'In order for me to help them, i would need to see what I'm working with. Would they agree to allowing me this Aquarius?'

'They will be hesitant, but I can sense that they are willing to do what is necessary to help my champion of the seas.' replied Aquarius and Hanz closed his eyes in though before opening them again.

"I shall help you, but I know that even my ship needs aid in combat, no matter how powerful it is. Thus I need to see these ships that are being worked on, and I will need escorts when traveling. This is all I request and in exchange I will give you some basic inventions of my people to increase your ships capability." Hanz spoke, these "upgrades were nothing highly secretive, just better propellant, shell design, and the most basic metal ship concepts. In this case it was more of to bring the Equestrian Fleet up to a good enough standard that they could actually protect Germania during her mission. They would not be getting details on 20 inch rifle cannons diesel propulsion, aircraft, or anything that he considered German exclusive under patent protection.

"We thank you Mr Ravenmark. Your requests shall be met however, we also request that we be allowed to observe you personally as to make sure you are not wasting our time. I trust this to be agreeable?" Celestia replied. 

"I accept your majesties. On my honor as a German I will carry out my mission until it is completed." Hanz spoke  before bowing.

"That is good news. You shall be given access to the Horseshoe Bay Naval yard for your inspection, as this yard has the most capacity in the event that these designs of yours are deemed of quality to construct ships based on them. You shall stay the night here before heading to the yard tomorrow." Luna replied, and Hanz did agree that he was tired, and took them up on the offer of having an actual bed again.



"Alright do you have eyes on the vessel?" a sailor asked his comrade as they slunk there way into the bay in search of this alleged monster ship.

"Yes, and those birdbrains were not lying when they said the ship was a monster, its huge!" the scout said looking through his spyglass. The other sailor pulled out his spyglass and was in shock of the massive ship sitting in docks. Its black silhouette overshadowing their little dinghy. After a few moments, the duo rowed away back out of the bay to their ship, data in hand, to report to the triplet of Pirate lords that ruled the area. No one was allowed in these seas without their say so, and this was just the scouting portion of a much larger plan,... but that's another story...
> Germania Christmas Special(non canon): A new face
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hanz woke on Germania in a tossing sea. The vessel road the waves like an old locomotive on badly maintained tracks.  It seemed like he had entered a rough storm. Then a sound rang out through the horrid storm.

*Hoooooooonk....Hoooooonk* 'Was that....a horn. That's another vessel!' He thought as he started steering towards the sound and used his powers to sound his horn in response. 'They must be battling this horrid storm too.' he thought as he started seeing the sea waves slightly calm down as he could see a bright light. 'They must be in the eye of the storm!' he thought and blared his horn again.

*Hooooonk...Hoooooonk* went Germania's horn with a loud return of the other ship's horn. And suddenly the ship reached the light, and was welcomed with clear skies, and no clouds.  It was good to be out of the storms, but after a moment, Hanz realized something. Where was the ship calling for help?

*HOOOOOOOOOOOOONK* came the horn, and Hanz turned his view to see next to him pulled out a vessel. Hanz fell over in shock at the vessel pulling alongside, The ship was barely smaller than his in length,but that wasn't what stunned him. One of the ships turrets was pointed his direction and he was at a loss for words.

's...six guns? In one turret?!' He thought as the ship pulled to a halt near his vessel.

"This is USS Alaska Captain Aubrey Tillman.  We are here to answer your distress signal." A voice crackled over open radio frequency. This made Hanz freeze up. 'Americans? What are they doing in this world?1' he thought to himself before tentatively operating the radio.

"This is Admiral Hanz Von Ravenmark of Germania. I came searching for a distress signal, but no sign of it. I wish to talk under the flag of parley." Hanz replied, and the radio went silent save for the static of its activation.

"Permission granted, but if you try anything you'll  regret it." Tillman responded. Hanz then proceeded to head to the ship's main deck to meet this captain Tillman.  He looked to see a boat hook itself up to one of the dinghy cables, and Hanz used his powers to lift the boat to deck level. Who was in the boat shocked him.

"Greetings Admiral Von Ravenmark." she said. SHE ,as in a woman captain! Hanz had never heard of such a thing.

"Since when are women naval officers?" Hanz replied still confused.

"What do you mean, women have always been officers. When did men start being German officers?" Captain Aubrey Tillman spoke back.

"I think we aren't from the same place. In my world, men are the dominant gender, and we do the heavy work. " Hanz started. "I served in the Kreigsmarine until I was brought to a new world as the Champion of the Goddess Aquarius." Hanz continued.

"In my world its the exact opposite except I was brought to another world by the God Nerites to rid the oceans of bandits. I was working with this princedom, but I am suddenly here because of a storm." Tillman replied.

"That still doesn't explain why we're here." Hanz said, then a horn range out, and it was the same one as before. they saw a large ship steaming towards them, with large ship with three turrets sailing towards them complete with a pagoda mast and a large sun flag. without warning the ships guns opened fire on the duo of ships. Tillman used her power to get back to the Alaska and Hanz started maneuvering the Germania into a position to cross the T of this enemy ship. 

Both ships shook from the impact of enemy fire. 'I  don't get it what's going on here?" Hanz thought.

'Its a Rogue.' Came the voice of Aquarius.

'Rogue?' Hanz asked. 

'A champion that has broken their oath. When an oath is broken their mind is damaged. If they survive, they become mindless attackers who kill indiscriminately.' came the reply. As the the three ships exchanged fire, a loud rumble was heard overhead. Hanz looked up to see aircraft flying towards them.

'Damn, a carrier is here too?!' Hanz thought as AA batteries flooded the sky to hit the aircraft.  planes were weaving closer to the duo as others plummeted into the sea where their payloads exploded.  the Alaska threw shell after shell into the enemy ship whilst it sailed into secondary battery range. The hailstorm of gunfire was lighting up the enemy vessel when a explosion shook the bridge. A bomb had struck next to the vessel and the geyser of water gave the ship a shove.

BANG!BOOM! came the sound of a shell landing through the deck of the enemy vessel from GERMANIA and the shot was lucky enough to hit something important as the ship spewed fire from where it had been struck. "LIGHT EM UP!" Aubrey shouted as the 24 guns unleashed full broadside into the ship.  The gunfire was causing steam from the heat of the misses in the sea around the ships.

After half an hour of shellfire, the enemy Battleship began to slip beneath the waves, but the aircraft were still coming at the duo. Hanz launched an Arado seaplane to find the enemy carrier. 'let's see. It should be right...Ah!' Hanz gasped as he saw what the aircraft was heading toward. 'What What controls that thing' Hanz thought as he saw the carrier was no mere ship. It was almost double his own ship's size, and large aircraft were taking off and landing on its massive deck.

"Tillman adjust your guns up 10 degrees and aim to the West! My Spotter shows a massive carrier in that direction!" Hanz shouted over the radio as his 20 inch guns began to unload on the target.  Numerous 16 inch and 20 inch shells rained down on the massive carrier, but what they saw made their hearts sink. The ship had taken only light damage as the areas hit broke off to reveal another layer underneath.

"Wait a minute...Hanz I know this ship design. That's HMS Habbakuk!"Tillman said over the radio. "That ship has 40 feet of armor! We can't break her with the amount of shells we have." Tillman continued. '40...feet' Hanz thought as he froze with fear at this leviathan launching planes. 'There's no way we can penetrate that' 

"Tillman we've got to get out of here. WE need to turn back into the storm." Hanz replied

"How will that thing not follow us. How can we make sure we will get back to our homes?" TIllman replied.

"We've got no choice now quick!" the two ships then started turning to retreat as the carrier launched more planes. Bombs and torpedoes were filling the area around the vessels as the two turned int towards the storm. Germania even launched her torpedoes to intercept a few enemy torpedoes. As the two made ti in the enemy carrier was detected to be not following. "We made it!" Hanz said sighing with relief.

"Thank goodness. Well we best part ways." Tillman said over the radio. "See ya." she said giving a final honk of the horn before steering towards where she had entered the storm...



Hanz awoke in his bed looking around at his temporary room. 'Must have been a dream' He thought before rolling back to sleep. 'It was just a dream...right?'
> An Inspection and A Sabotage Attempt
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The flight back for Hanz was surprisingly comfortable. He had seen just how bad some pilots felt after a run, but this carriage didn't bounce around nearly as much as modern aircraft do. Magic Perhaps? it really didn't matter to him. As they returned to the bay that Germania rested in, he saw the major port system that truly sprawled through the area. 'It's no Blohm and Voss, but it still has impressive size to it.' He thought analyzing just what he could do with the base to bring this country's navy out of its technological deadlock. As the carriage landed Hanz stepped out to see a naval officer standing there to greet him and the Princesses, who had accompanied him to avoid any miscommunications between the navy and the Admiral. 

"Greetings your majesties. Am I correct in saying this stallion is the owner of that ship in the bay you rote to us about?" The officer said pointing to the Germania in the distance. "Yes Commander Sloop. This is Admiral Von Ravenmark. He is a...foreign naval adviser that we have allowed to survey the fleet docked here." Celestia said as Hanz offered a hand to shake the commander's.  "Well it's a pleasure to meet you Admiral. I hope you find the fleet up to standard." Commander sloop replied as the group walked into the yard. 

The complex was good in terms of equipment, but the fleet seemed disappointing. "How many ships does the Equestrian fleet own?" Hanz asked. Sloop turned around at this question "Three hundred sir and little over 140 of those are Sails of War." The commander replied. 'That must be their term for Ship of the Line.' Hanz thought. "Where are your most advanced ships?" Hanz asked. The commander pointed to a drydock in the distance. "Over there sir. That's where we are working on our experimental vessels. " Sloop said as the group headed towards the drydock.

'Hmm. They aren't as far off as I thought.' Hanz thought as he saw in the drydock a large ship with an iron hull, but wooden masts. "And this is your most advanced ship correct?"  Hanz asked looking to the commander who nodded. "Alright. I now know the base line of technology I'm working with. Where are the ship designers in this yard?" Hanz said looking at Sloop. "Oh over this way sir. " Commander Sloop said showing him to a large building that for a port of this size seemed like it didn't belong. It was a small wooden building which was dwarfed by other buildings in the area.

The Admiral and commander went inside and to the back to find the head of the design board. She was a rugged mare with a surprising amount of height to her, slumped over her desk. The admiral smirked at the commander before taking a breath. "RAUS!" He shouted in German which made the mare shoot up out of her chair and onto the floor. "Ow, damnit who's the wise-" she was about to yell but saw the commander and Hanz which caused her to snap upright. "Oh commander Sloop, what can I do for you?" She asked fixing her uniform and sitting back in her chair. "This is Admiral Ravenmark. He is a naval adviser from the princesses and he wished to see our ship design department." Sloop said as Hanz saw a paper had fallen to the floor and picked it up.

'Ah so they have the concept somewhat.' Hanz thought to himself as the two officers talked he looked at the design. It looked to be a blueprint of an iron hulled warship but with some form of crude steam engine, but their seemed to be ink marks crossing out the boiler. "Um sir?" Sloop asked which brought Hanz back to reality. "Madam can you tell me about this design." Hanz said handing her the dropped paper. "Oh this, it's nothing. I had been around steam locomotives as a filly because of the uncle and I wondered how could be get it on a ship?" The mare said. "Well your idea is sound, the problem is the boiler you are using.  You see a steam engine boiler is too low pressure to run a ship. Do you have a piece of paper?" Hanz asked and the mare showed him the nearby writing desk as he sketched out the boiler. After several minutes, Hanz had done his best to sketch out simple water-tube boiler design. "Here you go." Hanz said handing the design to the mare.

"This design. I think I've seen this is some factories in the area." the mare said. Hanz simply nodded. "Yes I thought your kind had water-tube boilers, but I just saved you a whole lot of hassle, labor, and deaths by bad designs." Hanz replied with a humble smile. Just as the mare was about to ask more questions a messenger burst into the room



Not far from the mouth of Horseshoe Bay, the Shot triplets(Standard, Grape and Explosive) had picked up reports on the metal monster, and they wanted to test the enemy's true might. 

"Hey you guys thinking what I'm thinking?" Explosive said to his siblings. "How can we? We aren't changelings." Grape said which received a giggle from Standard. "Remember the plan we used on that one griffon city?" Explosive asked. The others were slightly confused before realization dawned.

"Oooooh. You think that'll work on that monster?" Grape asked. "Well we'll only lose an old brig, those things are easy to steal." Standard replied to his sibling. With that the plan was set, and the triplets got to work.



"Commander! There's a vessel with no flags sailing into the bay." the messenger said. Sloop turned to the messenger and gestured the pony to lead the way. The group made it to the yard and Sloop looked through his spyglass, while Hanz used his abilities to see through his ship's gun sights. The vessel seemed to meander through the water towards Baltimare, but it seemed oddly close to his ship.

"Have they responded to signals?" Sloop asked, and the messenger shook his head in response. The vessel kept moving, but it seemed to drift closer and closer to Germania. Hanz moved his hands to turn the nearest turrets to the unidentified vessel. The ship sailed closer, and closer, but then they saw smoke start to billow from the ship. Hanz saw the ship veer directly on path with Germania and with one move fired the turret locked onto the ship. One shell was all it took before the vessel exploded in a great ball of fire and splinters. "Was- was that brig-" Sloop stuttered in shock. 

"It was a floating bomb. Its like fighting the brits all over again." Hanz sighed remembering the times the British had sacrificed vessel to stall the Kreigsmarine in France. What could have been serious damage to most fleets, was stopped by one man, firing one shell.



The Triplets had seen the whole thing through spyglasses. Their plan had been stopped by one gun. Everything was dead quiet...until
"WHAT THE FUCK!!!"
> Over 900 sub announcement!!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey there everyone. As you’ll notice my last announcement was deleted from the story list because I decided that request was a little to much so now I’m redoing it with a twist. There’s gonna be a contest! The tip four will have a spot in the next chapter so here are the new requirements

Ship name(or class name)
Length 
Width
Height
Displacement 
Armament ( still using cannons so the shells are measured by pounds ex 64 pounder canon)
Brief description of the ship be its captain or some of its battle record.
Now keep in mind it is still in early steam and late sail ships so you can use steam or sail. Armor can be iron back by wood like ironclads but the weapons cannot exceed 1890s naval technology  they than that have fun and I’ll tell you who wins by the 1000th sub
> The E Plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the attack the Princesses and Hanz decided to reconvene in a meeting room at the Naval Yard Office. Once they had all taken seats Hanz spoke.

"I'm going to be honest with you. The fleet is not terrible, but it definitely needs major reworking in terms of armor and weaponry." He paused to see if the Princesses would interrupt, but they did not. "However We don't have the time to suddenly take every warship out of service so, We have to work with what we have." Hanz continued.

"What do you propose to do to improve the fleet?" Celestia asked. "Well Your Majesties, the first step is the removal of any dead end designs or the selling of the eldest ships in the fleet." Hanz said. "Although any ships of significant historical purpose can be kept as museum pieces or training ships. I will give you my proposal within the week on how to fix the fleet." He said bowing to both mares before leaving. It would be from the tour of the Yard that the E Plan would be created.

Article 1- Vessels deemed inefficient by the naval command, shall be sold or scrapped unless the vessel holds high significance. In this event, the vessels shall be reassigned to training, transport duties, or become museums whose funds shall be used to add to the naval budget.
Article 2- All ships currently under construction are to be fitted out with steam engines and given iron plating to increase ship survivability. Any new designs shall be redesigned with iron plates and steam engines only. A new naval board shall be set up to oversee all new ship testing and research.
Article 3 - All current vessels shall be retrofitted with steam engines and armor plating(minimum of 2 inches), but in small groups so as to keep a large force still in service. Any vessels unable to perform, or cannot be given retrofits shall fall under the options given in Article One.  
Article 4- A New squadron of eight ships shall be place under the command of Admiral Hanz Von Ravenmark to act as a raider force and anti-piracy patrols.

The fleet size would stay as usual, but the fleet would be brought to modern standards. After a week, the E Plan was put into action under the Equestrian Naval Act. There were some who opposed the bill in favor of tradition, but they were too few to stop the act form being made law. Thus Hanz was given the record of what the ships in the Equestrian Royal Navy in order to decide what ships would form his new squadron. It took several days, but he selected his escorts.

First was the Crimson Jewel. She was a Skywarden class airship that was designed to attack from the air. While Germania did have her Arado Aircraft, only one could be in the air at any given time. Therefore, having the aerial superiority maintained by the Crimson Jewel would give the squadron an advantage, and when the ship need to land to refill its gas bags, it was designed to sail like a normal sail-ship.

The next vessel was the Princess. This ship was to act as the second "Ship of the Line" and provide main line support to the Germania if needed. She was a beautiful sail ship, but she was going to undergo the refit as soon as possible in order to be a better vessel. still her 92 gun broadside was no push over considering some of them were 60 pounder guns. However, Hanz had made sure to have the cannonball ammunition with his new "Shell" ammo that he had designed. The shells were not that advanced, just iron fashioned into a shell with a more pointed front.

Third was the Element of Loyalty. The ship was the youngest of the Equestrian made ships. It had been one of the few vessels to far finished to simply convert it on  the slipways. However, it was still given some improvements such as fewer, but larger cannons to increase her effectiveness in combat.
Fourth was the Equestria. She was built with many small cannons to go with its larger ones in order to keep up continuous fire. However, the smaller canons were stripped to make way for more main cannons, and to increase the ship's speed ever so slightly by removing some of the guns.

For smaller combat there were the twins ERS Sun and Moon. the two weren't nearly strong enough for front line combat, but they did work well when fighting together, and were able to sail circles around most other ships. They were given slightly better guns but speed was kept priority.

The Eldest vessel in the fleet was the Kirin. She was an armed cargo vessel gifted to the Equestrian Navy by the Kirin Empire in order to cement an alliance. The vessel was to act as the munitions ship as well as carrying other supplies. She was still to be left out of the main line of battle due to only having 20 cannons and to up the guns or add more would take away carrying capacity. With the squadron ready, the group sailed out of the harbor for their first patrol. Ready for whatever may come.
> Achievement: 1k views
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey there everyone. I have some important announcements and since no one has time for blogs I felt best to tell you here.
First, as you will see the story has indeed reached 1,000 views, and I cannot thank you all enough for being such loyal supporters of this series. Also, in case you didn't see, I thank all of you who submitted ship designs for the series, and I will still take proposal for later designs so don't feel discouraged to tell me. Second, I have some ideas that I would love to run by you all, and know your opinions.

Idea 1 is I have been considering at one point(in the future) to do a crossover of this series with Project 131. If you would like to ask for crossover I will gladly give you permission so long as I'm given credit, and that I am PM'd.  Idea 2, Recently I have been considering what to release next in terms of new stories. In regards to this I have some that will take a different approach. All three are based for in eastern television(anime), but two are going to be slightly more original with one of them involving the re-imagining of a previously shelved character.  Please let me know if you are interested to know more about these via commenting on this or Private messaging

Lastly, I am proud to announce a future date(to be decided) my first Collaborative work! I have been in contact with fellow author Scarfox9700 to bring y'all a new story.  In the past I found an intriguing story of  Adolf Hitler being reincarnated as the animal caretaker Fluttershy's body. This made me chuckle a bit and after remembering a certain nazi pony OC. We agreed to make a slice of life where Hitler is reincarnated in Equestria and slowly, via having the right friends and a better family, change his life...or should I say her life around.  WE decided to collab this to make sure that one of us didn't get all the flak for the idea.

Here's hoping the stories keep going. Did you enjoy the announcements? Any parts you want to know more about? Let me know by commenting or PMing me. 
Thank you, 

Sanguine
> IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 2!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

To all who like this series,
I am not cancelling it, but I am experiencing  writers block along with life being busy right now.  I cannot guarantee any updates to the story at the moment except that I will do my best to get at least one chapter before summer. I hope you all understand my predicament.

Til next time,
Sanguine
> Update
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Update



Hey everyone,
So recently my college has started online classes so that has been taking up a lot of my life rn. This is just a general update since many of yall are too busy to read blog posts. SO here are the things I want to discuss

What's Happening with H-44?
Don't worry, the series isn't canceled. Currentley I have an idea for a chapter but not much "meat" on it so to speak. The plot of the next chapter is that Hanz's raiding group sets out to start fighting the pirates with the goal being to resestablish a safe trading sea lane between Equestria and the other nations. The plan will be for them to sale from Horshoe bay east clearing out a safe zone for shipping to be reestablished between the Griffon Empire and Equestria.

Any suggestions to flesh out the adventure are welcome
Project 131 status?
Project 131 is currently in a state of hiatus as I am trying to figure out how to unite all the tanks together wihout sounding unnatural. So far the only ones that have motivation to go immediately are Verona, and her japanese companion. So finding a good reason for all of them to meet is difficult.

Any suggestions are welcome

New story ideas?
so as you probably have seen, I created the prototype collection for yall to read some potential story ideas and comment on them. My personal favorite right now is Armored Mecha Dreadnought, a mech story that I think some of you may like, and if you like a story enough I'll try to expand upon it. Currently, Armored Mecha holds the record for single longest chapter Ive made with its pilot being over 2500 words on its own.

Whelp thats all the updates for now. Hope you enjoy the stories and please check out Armored Mecha Dreadnought if you have the time. I really think fans of this series would enjoy it since it involves large metal creations going to war.

Till next time, This is Sanguine Blade signing off