1. The Rise before the Fall

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'Unity is strength... When there is teamwork and collaboration, Wonderful things can be achieved.'
- Mattie Stepanek

3...

2...

1...

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Billions of people across the solar system yelled out in their respective languages as the 22nd century ended, and the start of the 23rd began. Celebrations on Earth, Luna, Mars, and several outposts and stations across the solar system rang out, as people cheered for the beginning of another prosperous century for humanity. Massive parades are held in every capital across Earth, Solar Associated Treaty Organization marines and orbital fleets fire off their rifles and cannons in salute, with jets soaring overhead as they bring colors of Blue and White trailing behind them. Massive holographic displays appear across the world displaying images of the celebrations and the number of 2200.

In the United Nations Solar Alliance capital of Geneva, having been re-constructed after the Geneva attacks by the now destroyed Martian Resistance Coalition, the United Nations International Conference Hall currently has every seat filled with representatives of each UNSA member nation, from Switzerland to Russia, including the United Lunar Colonies and Martian Colonial Union. Along with the representatives, were the 'National Leaders', as they had been called. While all of the leaders of the UNSA's member nations were equal, including the ULC and MCU, these leaders led the strongest nations of the alliance, and as such, held more influence and control, so long as they did not abuse their power over the aliiance.

The first of the national leaders President Felix Stone of the United States of America.

Prime Minister Jack Maria of the United Kingdom of Britain.

President Pierre Monet of the European Union.

King Osas V of the Pan-African Federation.

President Alexi Markov of the Russian Federation.

Prime Minister Xi Mingzhe of China.

And finally Supreme Commander Haffaz Aladeen of the Middle East. While he was a dictator, he was more like a ceremonial dictator, because he wouldn't shut up if he didn't have the role of 'Supreme Ruler of all of the Middle East'.

The meeting was focused on the standard topics, mainly discussing politics, resources, trade, and further expansion across the solar system. However, when it was announced that a new scientific discovery had been made, a man soon entered the Conference Hall. A balding and grey-bearded German man in a red and white lab coat with the symbol of the UNSA Institute of Science etched onto it's shoulder, going by the name of Doctor Heinrich Keifer. Keifer was one of the greatest scientific minds of the 22nd and 23rd centuries, responsible for engineering the theory surrounding Zero Gravity as well as Fusion energy, and man on the cover of Times magazine for 2178, 2182, 2185, and 2193. The man was waved to by those within the many seats of the conference as he waved back, before pulling a blue holographic data pad as he spoke in his German accent.

"Leaders of the United Nations Space Alliance, I am glad to see you all here today, and I believe that we will not only be able to kick this new century off with a mere bang of celebration but possibly the greatest scientific discovery since the first prototype of the Thulmin Fusion Reactor was developed. If you would please turn your attention to the screen." A large holographic screen appeared, and soon it loaded the image of a rather large celestial object. An almost completely pitch black asteroid, and surrounding it was some type of purple energy, flowing out of the many holes and cracks within the space rock.

"This, is what we have dubbed the Mage Comet. It was detected by the Curiosity Array only a few hours ago, and as you can see, it is unlike anything the UNSA has ever seen, surpassing even the Hyper Comet we discovered half a century ago. While we have not been able to retrieve any samples, we have determined that the surface area is comprised of a mix of unknown metals and alloys of unidentified composition, whilst appearing to have a surface similar to dark obsidian or coal. What is truly the most interesting part, is the energy you can see flowing from it."

Keifer said as he touched his data pad and a new image appeared on the screen, displaying a readout of various calculations and energy readings, as the data was all neatly compiled. It was hard to explain due to its complexity, and mostly everyone except Keifer barely even understood it. "Utilizing the Curiosity Array's high energy frequency detector, we were able to identify the readings of this aptly dubbed 'Mage Energy', and I can sufficiently say without a doubt, it may be the most powerful source of energy I have ever witnessed in my entire career of science, surpassing even the most refined forms of fusion energy."

That statement caused several of the National Leaders and national representatives to begin murmuring to each other, obviously very intrigued. "Of course, we as of now have no clue how to properly replicate this energy, or know if it is even possible with our current technological or scientific understanding, but I am certain that through the use of the UNSA's innovations, we will be able to utilize this new energy for the benefit of all nations within this prosperous alliance." The many leaders in the conference hall, both man and machine, cheered Keifer as he nodded and exited the room.

After the conference, all of the national leaders returned to their nations, except for the National Leaders and LCU elected Councilwoman and Lunar Representative Elizabeth Mikala, as well as elected MCU Councilman and Martian Representative Zander Hoffman, who remained within the private meeting room of the building, before a synthetic voice with a male British accent. "Doctor Keifer wishes to see you all, may I let him in?"

Prime Minister Jack nodded. "Send him in, Bagley."

The door soon opened to reveal Doctor Keifer as he entered the room and took a seat. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed of a new update to the Mage Comet we recently discovered..."

President Alexi spoke to Keifer in his heavy russian accent. "Well then. Tell us, comrade, what is this new update?"

"Well... Das ist the problem mister Alexi... I believe you should come to the Opportunity Institute of Astronomy and see for yourself." Keifer said as he spoke in a more somber tone. The National Leaders looked at each other, before turning back as Felix spoke up to Bagley.

"Bagley, would you kindly prepare a transport to the Opportunity Institute?"

"Of course, I have already ordered personal transport and escorts to arrive on the central landing pad of the conference hall."

Felix nodded, before looking back to Keifer. "Lead the way, doctor."

The gentle hum of the fusion engine for the transport craft was one of the only things helping Felix to keep his mind clear right now as he sat in the VIP section, along with the idle chatter between his fellow leaders, the clinking of wine glasses, and the casual snoring of Aladeen right next to his seat, as the ceremonial dictator lay sprawled on the carpet floor due to having one too many drinks. Felix looked to see King Osas sitting across from him, no longer dressed in his more regal African robes, but was instead wearing a more professional and toned down black and white business suit, as the royal figure smiled up at the president before speaking in his African accent.

"My friend, what is the matter? You have not smiled once since the conference ended. Is it the close call of the elections?"

"Of course it was the close call, almost lost to dang Mariah Joseph. She may have good views and valid points about her plans, but I still don't get why she thinks restricting the second amendment will lessen crime. Not only have we had the lowest crime rates in history, but if prohibition taught us anything..."

"When you restrict something, people want it more," Osas said, lightly chuckling. "I have read the datalinks about the prohibition era, it did not sound pleasant."

"Yeah, my great-great-grandpa lost his job back then. Stupid Hoover screwed everything up."

"Well, let's focus on the fact you won. Now you can put those promises of improved data-flow infrastructure and road work into effect."

"Yeah, but the Data-Flow Reforms are gonna have a hard time passing through congress, mainly cause everyone thinks the system is just fine. But I think everyone would agree on the road fixing, especially since even Aladeen's roads are starting to put ours to shame, and look at him!" Felix said as he gestured to the passed out Aladeen, as Osas laughed a bit.

"Yes, the man acts all high and mighty with his superiority complex, but deep down I know he wants what's best for his people, even if he only refers to them as peasants. Anyways, why do you think Keifer sounded so sad?"

"It's Keifer, his emotions are harder to read than even yours." Osas gave him a smug smirk. "Like there, are you trying to be smug, are you finding this humorous, or are you annoyed?"

"Maybe it's all of them." Osas chuckled to himself as Felix sighed. Meanwhile, President Alexi, Prime Minister Jack, President Pierre Monet, Prime Minister Xi Mingzhe, Councilwoman Elizabeth Mikala, and Councilman Zander Hoffman casually laughed as they chatted.

"I must say, comrade Xi, is a funny joke."

"Of course, my father taught it to me when I was a small girl. He said it was guaranteed to bring me a husband if I utilized humor."

"Which is technically true, as I have seen the number of people who simp for you on the inter-web." Jack said as Xi visibly cringed.

"Ugh, I swear there is more Rule 34 of me than the rest of you combined," Xi said as Pierre chuckled.

"Oh really? Then you must not see how many results my wife has on that website. It is quite a large number, non?" As the National Leaders continued their idle chatter and drinking, the voice of Bagley spoke through the speakers in the room.

"Alright everyone, stop talking about hard to read expressions and how much pornographic material there is of you because we will be arriving within the martian capital of New Ares shortly." The smart mouthed AI said before the windows had their views opened to reveal the outside, as the view of the red planet itself came into view, with several ships seen coming and going from Mars, as well as arriving and departing from the several stations in orbit. The National Leaders had all seen the view before, but it never got old seeing the alien world so close up.

As the transport ship descended through the atmosphere, the clouds began to dissipate as coming into view would be a massive city, with skyscrapers putting the Empire State Building to shame. Large bio-domes contained parks and gardens, while traffic both on the road and in the air was bustling, with trains rapidly running across the many train lines throughout the city, some of them leading out of New Ares and to other cities in the distance.

A large spaceport could be seen at the very center of the city, as several shuttles and transports came and went, while the National Leaders watched as their shuttle slowly descended onto a landing pad, which proceeded to lower into a hangar as the heavy hangar doors closed and sealed while the hangar itself pressurized. As the pressurization of the outside commenced, Osas shook Aladeen awake, who slapped away his hand before standing up as the National Leaders exited the VIP room and made their way to the shuttle's exit, going through the airlock and stepping down the ramp into the hangar to see Dr. Keifer and a few security escorts with him, wearing black suits and shades.

"Greetings everyone, it is good to see you all in New Ares once again, now if you would please follow me, we may be underway to the Opportunity Institute in no time." The leaders nodded before following Keifer and being escorted by their guards, as they made their way out of the hangar and into a large welcome hall, a massive window showing several ships passing by while several holographic screens played information bulletins and advertisements. Automated assistants spoke with newcomers as robotic baggage handlers assisted new arrivals with their luggage, and hologram signs and arrows helped show directions to locations within the spaceport as well as train arrival times.

Keifer and the National Leaders followed a sign leading to the main train station, where the blue line could be shown leading to the scientific sector of the city, including the Opportunity Institute. As they waited for the train, a Remara-Class Luxury Train soon pulled in, its white and sleek exterior shining thanks to the station's skylight letting light through. The train doors then opened and the group stepped inside, taking their seats inside a rather luxurious interior before the doors closed and the train rapidly departed from the station, as the various sights of the city could be seen through the windows as they went along the line.

Inside their specific train car, the VIP car, the floor had a nice Persian carpet laid out while the walls and ceiling were lined with a wood finish, as fancy holographic chandeliers shined light upon the comfy seats made of fine leather. At the front end of the car, a large and fancy bar could be seen, as the robotic barman smiled at the approaching President Alexi before speaking in an Australian accent.

"Good morning, mister President, would you like your standard Vodka?"

"But of course comrade Bernard. Your name is Bernard, right?"

"Why yes it is, and I shall have a glass ready for you right away!" The robot said before pulling a wine glass, setting it down on the counter as he then pulled out a shaker and poured a combination of liquids into it, making vodka as he added a couple ice cubes before sealing the shaker and rapidly shaking it up and down before finally pouring it out into the glass, and then putting a tiny little Russian flag in it. "Enjoy, mister Alexi."

Alexi nodded before he took his glass and sat down, listening to the classical music playing on the speakers before he pulled out a remote and pressed the power button, the lights in the car slightly dimming as a TV screen descended from the ceiling and turned on, displaying a large stadium with a massive glass dome above it.

"Ah yes, the 2200 Martian Superbowl is about to begin!" Alexi said as he watched several ball players within the massive stadiums emerge onto the field before a holographic ball spawned in and the whistle blew as the players began to play, while two robotic commentators spoke.

"Oh boy, it's gonna be the best game of a century, ladies, gentlemen, and bots! After all, this is officially the first superbowl game to ever take place in the 23rd century, so this is quite the thing to celebrate, and with the opener we got Johnathan Marti kicking the ball over to CT-56 but oh no, Leonard Bossman intercepts it and passes it to RX-50!"

"These are quite advanced plays going on here today, OX-1. Quite the way to start off our new century."

"Indeed, TO-2."

As the National Leaders sat and idly chatted while drinking and watching the superbowl, the train soon came to a stop, as outside the window they would be able to see they had arrived. The group got out of their seats, waving goodbye to Bernard before exiting the train car and soon leaving the train station, entering the welcoming area to see several Rovers on display, known as the Rover Memorial. In front of it would be a large golden plaque illuminated by the skylight of the martian sky.

'This institute of Astrological Study is dedicated to Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance. These rovers are responsible for the first scientific expeditions on the surface of Mars and are some of the greatest contributors to the scientific communities understanding of Mars and its planetary features. We hope to honor the memory of their sacrifice in the name of science with our work on studying the stars, here at the Opportunity Institute.'

The National Leaders and Keifer smiled at the display, as even Aladeen was seen saluting the memorial before they continued on their way. As they walked through the halls of the facility, they looked into very various labs and testing rooms, seeing scientists working on a variety of projects, before they turned and entered in the 'Curiosity Array Control Room'. As they entered, they saw a massive screen displaying the Mage Comet, as well as several readings and diagrams, before Dr. Keifer turned and spoke to the National Leaders as they took their seats on the Observation Deck.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, here before you is a live feed of the Mage Comet, and now, I feel like it is time to say the bad news. This asteroid you see... Is currently heading directly for Earth." A series of panicked and surprised gasps were heard from the leaders.

"Well, why can't we simply send it off course? The DART test proved we could do it." President Alexi said as Keifer shook his head.

"I am sorry, but it is not that simple. No amount of ordinance is capable of fully steering it off course or destroying it due to its immense size, dwarfing the original meteor we tested DART on. Of course, it isn't on a direct collision course, so much as it is going to be a very tight close call as it passes by. The real problem is the Mage Energy I mentioned. Our readings show that while it is generally non-harmful at lower levels, but at the levels of which the Comet is exerting, it could very easily spread across the solar system and result in our extinction by causing what we have dubbed 'Mage Poisoning'."

"Well then, what do you recommend we do, smart man?" Aladeen said before being smacked by Osas.

"Let the doctor finish speaking."

"Thank you, your majesty. Anyways, from what we have been able to determine, the Mage Energy does have a weakness, which is its inability to pierce the planetary surface, meaning that anything at least a few hundred meters underground is safe. Sadly, however, the Mage Energy does not simply dissipate, it remains around for an extended period of time, calculated to last over almost a total of a million years. In this time the entire solar system would be reshaped and reformed, with the shifting of tectonic plates, geography, and biology on our planets included. But, if we could fit our populations underground on the worlds we inhabit, we could preserve our race."

The World Leaders all looked at each other before slowly nodding and looking back to Keifer, as President Felix spoke.

"How long do we have before the apocalypse?"

"Four years total before the Mage Comet arrives in our Solar System."

"Well then... Set the doomsday clock, because we have some bunkers to build."

Now of course, you can't just announce the coming of doomsday without creating mass hysteria and panic, so for four years, the construction of massive bunkers was carried out across Earth, Luna, and Mars, capable of housing the entire human race, as well as any synthetic populations.

These bunkers had all the essentials needed for humanity's survival, and to ensure that the one million time gap went by quickly, cryogenic pods were created, as they were installed into the bunkers.

Along with these bunkers were genetic vaults, storing the genetic data of animals and plants across the Solar system to ensure everything was preserved. Old seed vaults were also renovated, and new underground animal habitats were made to ensure that pure genetic data still remained intact.

Then, came the dawn of the final year, and the announcement. Of course, everyone panicked, but when the existence of the bunkers was revealed, things mostly calmed down, as people already began to enter the bunkers and go into cryogenic sleep. Of course, there were those that refused, like people who simply wanted to go out in peace, or believed it was some sort of religious reckoning, and there were one or two people who thought it was all fake. There were also those who capitalized off of the coming apocalypse, either running scam operations or escalating crime, resulting in a chaotic situation that the UNSA had to deal with for a bit.

And finally, when the bunkers finally sealed, and the Mage Energy spread across the Solar System, wiping out all life in a great purple apocalypse and covering all worlds in a great cascade of energy akin to something like magic, the Doomsday clock struck Zero...

And humanity was laid to rest in peace...

Slash!

Slice!

Cut!

"I dare say, these ruins are unlike anything I have ever seen!" Daring Doo said as she chopped through the thick brush and vines with her machete, pushing aside a branch as it then recoiled towards Rainbow Dash's face, which she quickly managed to dodge.

"I'll say, ain't nothin' like those ruins we explored last time. Look at something Humans would build... But then again, how could humans ever build this?"

"I have seen human ruins before, Rainbow Dash, and from what I have learned before they become isolated and violent, they were much like us, civilized and advanced."

"You honestly believe that?"

"Well, do you think Aliens built this place then?"

"... Fair point." Rainbow Dash said as she followed her idol and friend through the bushes and shrubbery, before they both stepped onto an old road of some kind, heavily damaged and overgrown, leading through the old decrepit ruins of an old city. "You sure there's even treasured in here?"

"I don't just look for treasure you know. Ancient artifacts of historical value are what I look for, and most of the time it just so happens to be a treasure." The two ponies admired the tall ruins of skyscrapers, looking to see ruins of old metal wagons, bent street posts, and ancient graffiti. Unbeknownst to them, however, a tiny little camera was watching, operated by the one and only Bagley.

"Oh great, weird technicolor ponies that speak English and wear clothes that rip off Indiana Jones. Going by my superior judgement, if there was ever a good time to wake up the humans, it would probably be right now. Melissa!" A female Australian AI voice replied.

"Yes?"

"Send the wake up call to all the bunkers. Humanity's about to be back in the house."

2. The Wake Up Call

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'To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.'
- Nelson Mandela

The quiet hum of the ventilation as a cool breeze blew through the maintenance halls, the slow whirring of the circuitry and CPU's slowly processing their data, the gentle thrum of the Fusion Core with it's energy flowing throughout the facility, and the light footsteps of the robotic assistants and technicians who tended to terminals and repaired minor leakages or technical faults in the wires and servers, holding heavy toolboxes and repair equipment as they hummed to themselves and worked like they had been working for the past one million years. To most beings, it would be like a normal deafening silence, but to the AI known as Bagley...

It was like listening to an orchestra of efficiency.

Of course, it's not like he listened to the silence twenty-four seven, he had his own music playlist for Pete's sake! He didn't need to torture himself with silence for thousands and thousands of years. But right now, he wasn't playing any music at al, as for once in a million years, he was doing something really important, something bigger than simple maintenance or core check-ups.

With the identification of sapient organic life on the surface world confirmed, Awakening Protocols dictated that a message be dispatched to the rest of the Global Preservation Network Moderation Core, or GPN-MC's, across the globe. Bagley was but only one of many of AI cores working to keep the global network of habitation bunkers, genetic vaults, seed banks, underground storage's, and subterranean stockpiles online, active, and fully functional. Sadly however, it was likely one of the most boring duties ever conceived. The concept itself is enough to bore someone of their mind just listening to it, but it was Bagley's job to put with his own boredom.

The message he was currently dispatching was being drafted by both him and his partner AI, Melissa, who was currently half way across the world operating the facilities in Australia, but the two AI's were good friends, seeing as they had a lot more in common with each other than most AI's. Sure, there was that one AI named Elizabeth who was on the same network as Bagley, but she was way too high society for his standards. There was also George, but he was a bit screwy due to him being somewhat loopy from watching Britain's bio-containment vaults over the past million years, thinking the squirrels were out to get him.

Feeling ready and raring to start the new era of Humanity, Bagley sent a text massage to Melissa.

'Alright Melissa, you got the final draft?'

'Almost there... You got your vocal oscillator prepped?'

'Should be ready by the time you send it over, I'm currently having to go through an update for the bloody thing.'

'Alright, then you send it to the other Britian operators, and then, the world!'

'Yep, now let's hope everyone get's the memo and opens up properly. You keep an eye on Korea for me.'

'You got it boss!'

Bagley thought back to when he and Melissa first connected, approximately one year after the bunkers had sealed and the Mage Comet passed. It was originally just Bagley doing his job and running a status check on each UNSA member nation's central GPN-MC administration AI as per protocol, with Melissa, Australia's central operator and also director of it's habitation bunkers, being last on the list. When the two first linked, Bagley knew he would like Melissa. They spoke almost the same way, had the same interests, and had the same hobby.

Making the robot assistants fight each other.

Of course, said robot assistants fought each other willingly, Bagley and Melissa weren't monsters, but it was still fun as hell to watch the bots duke it out. A few other AI's even joined in at certain times, and surprisingly enjoyed it. Before long, the official Yearly Robo-Bot Boxer Blowout was made an official event for all GPN-MC AI's to attend. It made Bagley feel good that he was popular in the preservation administration world, but anyways, a notification in his message box caused Bagley to re-focus his efforts back on his objecitve.

As he read the draft of the message, he finally received the update for his voice, as he made a quick test.

"Ahem... Me me me meeeeeeeeeee... La la la laaaaaaaaaaaa... Perfect, ready to rumble... Alright, here goes bloody everything."

And with the press of a button, a connection was opened to every single Administration AI across the network, as Bagley spoke.

"Ladies and gentle-cores! The time has finally come! I, Administration Core Bagley of the Britain Network, have identified sapient life upon the surface!" Thunderous virtual applause and cheer followed. "Thank you, thank you, but you all know what this means everyone! It's time to get things up and running! Remember Step one?" Thousands of voice varying in nationality and gender cried out in response.

"AWAKEN THE HUMANS!"

"Step two?"

"ACTIVATE GENETIC VAULTS AND SEED BANKS!"

"Step three?"

"REPOPULATE THE EARTH!"

"And step four?"

"ASSIST IN RECREATING HUMAN SOCIETY ON THE SURFACE!"

"Aye, get in! Now get to work, let's try and get every single bunker online before midnight!" And with that, the connection ended, as Bagley took in a deep breath to himself, before tabbing into another screen, displaying the data of Britain's Chief Network Operations Official, known as Brian Wilks, who was currently in cryo-stasis within the very same facility as Bagley, as he went through a few buttons and selections before pressing the big green button.

'ACTIVATE.'

A sharp gasp for air...

A quick opening of the eyes...

A spasm of the muscles...

And Brian Wilks was awake once more. As the door to his cryogenics pod opened and he flopped out like a fish out of water, he took in a sharp breath, getting a hold of himself and his senses, slowly breathing in and out...

In and out... In and out... As his breathing slowed, and he could feel his limbs again, he used his arms to push his body off the cold metal floor, before using his legs to fully stand himself up, groaning as he stretched out in his solid white jumpsuit he was wearing when he got in the pod. As he finished his stretching and popped his back, he shook his head a bit and chuckled to himself while he looked around the small and cramped room, filled with only a locker, a holo table, and his cryo pod. Soon enough, when he remembered how to, he spoke in his typical British tone and accent.

"Brian's back up and runnin' baby."

"I trust you had a good wake up, mister Wilks?" A familiar and robotic British voice said in a sarcastic tone, as he turned to a screen to see the recognizable icon of his one and only AI partner hovering above the holo table.

"Bagley old chap! How long has it been?"

"Approximately one million years, though of course to you it only felt like a quick minute long nap. Anyways, sapient life detected upon the surface has made it to where I deem it necessary to activate the Awakening Protocol and send the message to all the other AI's across the network, so if you could please go get your work uniform on and meet with your fellow human baboons, that would be lovely."

"Cheers Bagley, I'm on it!" Wilkins said as he nodded before turning to see his locker, as he opened it to see his Navy Blue technicians uniform, complete with name tag, before pulling it out of the locker and quickly slipping it on, fitting him nice and snug while he slipped on his work boots and ran out of the room and into a small control room, with a terminal and large screen in front of him.

"Patching you through to the rest of the cryogenic operators now..." Soon, the screen was filled with many familiar faces of many nationalities and genders, all of them smiling and waving at Brian as he waved back before a female voice with an American accent spoke.

"Sup Brian, sleep well?" Brian and a few other operators lightly chuckled.

"Yeah, well enough, and you Alice?"

"Pretty good, everyone else is just peachy. Anyways, were ready to start up the sequence when you are, cause I'm pretty sure we got everyone-" Before she could finish, an Asian man joined the call as he spoke in a somewhat exhausted tone, sweat visible on his face with a tiny bit of oil as he held a wrench.

"A-apologies... Had technical difficulties... With... The cryo room door. Anyways, I am now prepared to awaken the people of my homeland, and contribute to the return of Japan and Humanity."

"Good, NOW we got everyone here. Does everyone got their keys?" Almost in unison, every person on screen, including Brian, pulled out their keycard's and put them into the slots at the center of their consoles. "Alright, on three..."

"One..."

"Two..."

Brian braced himself, gripping the key tight.

"THREE!"

Brian quickly turned his key, only for a buzzer to sound and the light blink red before the lock reset.

"Okay, who forgot to turn their key?"

"Sorry!" An indian voice said as several others began to chuckle and laugh, including Brian, with even Alice cracking a smirk.

"Alright, for real this time..."

"One...

"Two..."

"THREE! GO!"

Ding!

"Activation signal received... Commencing initialization of cryogenic thawing." An automated female voice spoke, as the sound of lights flicking on along with the whirring of generators, beeping of computers, and humming of ventilation filled the air within the room, as thousands upon thousands of cryogenic pods began to slowly activate throughout the bunker, with those exiting from the pods being at first dis-oriented before celebrating by thanking their deity of choice, kissing the metal floor, hugging or kissing their fellow humans, or simple partying and screaming in rejoice, as one very excited man shouted.

"FUCK YEAH! TAKE THAT APOCALYPSE! HUMANITY NUMBA' ONE! USA! USA! USA!"

Several other enthusiastic cheers followed, chanting and roaring out through the bunker with cheers of celebration and happiness, as in one of the highest parts of the bunker's Alpha Cryogenics bay, the President of the United States of America, Felix Stone, watched and listened with a smile on his face before turning to his assistant as they entered the room.

"Mister president, we are currently preparing to make an announcement, what should I say?"

"Tell the people... That America is back in action."

"Yes sir." The assistant said as he exited the room, while Felix sat down at his desk, stretching his hands and wiggling his fingers as he opened his computer and typed away.

Across the world, billions of people of various nations, races, religions, and sexualities began to awaken within their bunkers, cheering out. Synthetic's also cheered out with them as they powered up alongside their human counterparts. Of course, everyone knew they couldn't go up onto the surface just yet, but they were at least happy to be awake, and so were the many leaders of the United Nations Solar Alliance.

Already, plans were being drafted for a meeting within the bunker underneath Geneva, where an exact replica of the Conference Hall had been built. And almost every leader was currently en route via the network of underground tunnels connecting every single bunker globally. Among them was President Felix, as he currently sat within a Usain-Class speed train, sipping on a cup of coffee and reading the New York Times newspaper headlines in bold and big font...

'HUMANITY WAKES UP!

"Hell yeah." Felix muttered to himself before taking another sip of coffee. "Ugh, needs less sugar."

3. Reclamation

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'Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.'
- Martin Luther King Jr.

Thousands of people gathered throughout the massive underground city of New Geneva, built directly underneath the original Swiss city of Geneva and the current subterranean headquarters of the United Nations Solar Alliance and the International Red Cross. Onlookers were watching from the ground, shouting from the high rooftops, and cheering from the walkways and balconies. Down below on the ground, the distinct sound of drums, trumpets, trombones, and other musical instruments rang out as a massive marching band slowly walked through the streets, cheered on by the people as they maintained their focus and synchronization, creating a beautiful piece of ceremonial music.

Marching behind the musical band would be a large battalion of soldiers wearing the patch of the Solar Associated Treaty Organization's Army Branch. The first few battalions marching consisted of men and women wearing their formal service dress uniforms and headwear, with their officers following behind them in their own official uniforms. Armies from every member nation of SATO were seen marching, carrying the flags of their country including the USA. Following behind the humans were squads of robotic soldiers of various types and models, moving in perfect unison thanks to their synchronization.

Following behind the Army was SATO's Naval operations branch, as several columns of navy members wearing their blue uniforms marched quickly in unison, among them being members of the legendary Special Combat Air Recon in their black flight gear wearing their specially designed helmets. Following the Navy were the pilots of the SATO Air Force in their Red flight suits. Next were the Marines, wearing a dark shade of Green on their uniforms, and finally right behind them were the Coast Guard, a small but necessary part of SATO as they wore their pure White uniforms. The massive military parade of SATO was cheered on, soon followed by more marching bands, holographic parade floats, and large flying blimps.

Several famous rock bands and musicians were present giving concerts, singing loud vocals as everyone cheered and head banged, especially during the performance of the legendary band 'Sabaton', singing their newest song 'Retribution', based off of the valiant sacrifice of the Retribution on Mars. Fireworks were launched into the air, though they were holograms due to the risk of potentially damaging the underground's ceiling with the explosion, and massive light shows were displayed with a variety of colors and various shapes. On a distant rooftop of the SATO military headquarters, a lone woman in her flight suit looked upon the parade as she leaned on the railing while clutching her helmet, before hearing a male synthetic voice behind her.

"Captain Salter, it's about time I found out where you were."

Salter turned around as a smile streaked across her face as she looked at the synthetic solder before her, with his single blue optic staring right at her. She stuck out her arm and shook hands with the robot. "Ethan, I was wondering when you would show up, how ya been?"

"Pretty well and good, just got a new update to my firmware after waking up, got a couple new memory cores installed, but other than that, nothing really interesting. How about you, Salter?"

"Just woke up a few hours ago myself. I was told, in the words of the Admiral, to enjoy the show."

"Well then, I say we got the best spot to do it." Ethan said as they both turned around to look at the parade and those cheering it down below. The sight gave Slater a sense of warmth and happiness.

"Things can only get easier from here, eh Ethan?"

"Indeed Ma'am, though knowing the UNSA's luck, you just jinxed us all." Both Salter and Ethan chuckled at that joke. "But in all honesty ma'am, I think we'll be alright, and even if the going gets tough, we pull through. Like Reyes did." Ethan said while a hint of remorse was sensible in his robotic voice as Salter smiled.

"Yeah... Like Reyes."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city watching the parade from a different angle would be a small group of men standing upon a balcony while wearing their army service dress uniforms and bearing the distinct patch of the SATO Rangers, formed from the old Rangers of the United States.

"Corporal, you look more depressed than you were during Operation Wolverine. Lighten up a bit." Sergeant Foley said to Corporal Dunn as he looked down at the parade over the railing.

"Sorry sir, just... Not looking forward to what's up there, don't feel like myself at the moment..." Dunn said as he gestured upwards towards the ceiling of the underground city, or more accurately, towards the surface. "Sure we have confirmed sapient life, but is it friendly? Couldn't the AI have at least bothered to check?"

"You know the surface cams are ruined, it's by mere chance that we managed to identify anything. Besides, even if they are hostile, what's the worst they could do, invade us with their sharp sticks? Now just be happy your not down there parading like Ramirez, though I'm sure he's having fun."

"Yeah, you got a point sir... I just hope you're right about it. Bet Ramirez isn't thinking about it like I am."

"Knowing him, he's just happy to be back in the saddle. Now come on, they're serving drinks at the bar."

"Oh hell yeah." Corporal Dunn said as he followed his commanding Sergeant off of the balcony.

Racing right past below the balcony on a rail line would be a Usain-Class speed train, making it's way towards the large Conference Center at the very core of the city. Inside the train's center VIP compartment would be President Felix Stone himself, as he watched the celebration from the window.

"Nothing like throwing on a big parade to celebrate surviving the apocalypse, ain't I right Christopher?" Felix said as a robotic voice with an American accent answered him.

"Indeed sir, I would dare say that this is the biggest celebration in a million years, it's good to see everyone in high spirits. Let's just hope the meeting goes smoothly."

"Christopher, you know what happens during these things... They almost never go smoothly."

Half an hour later, President Felix was now sitting in his assigned seat within the Conference Hall, watching as the rest of the elected National Representatives and Presidents took their seats, including his fellow National Leaders as his good friend King Osas sat down next to him and spoke in a happy tone.

"Greetings, my good friend Felix. I hope cryogenic stasis was pleasant for you?"

"Indeed, felt like a quick power nap, and woke up to hear everyone cheering out, how about you?"

"The same as you my friend, it was quite a happy uproar of celebration. Many of my people are eager to see the surface, though they are at least willing to wait."

"Yeah, they'd better be willing to wait, we dunno what's even up there since the cam's are down. And we can't ask the ULC or MCU for orbital footage cause the inter-planetary communication satellites are gone. So until we send up the scouts, were blind as bats."

Osas nodded while the rest of the National Leaders arrived, shaking hands with each other before taking their seats. When everyone in the council hall was finally seated, the holographic projection of Bagley appeared in the center of the hall.

"Greetings everyone, you may all know me as Bagley, Britain's number one AI, and one of the designated managers for the GPN-MC network. Recently, I discovered affirmative signs of intelligent life upon the surface, and seeing as it was protocol to send out the wake up call, I did so at the first chance I got. Now we've all gathered here today to discuss this. However, first off, everyone turn off your cameras and recorders, because this is highly confidential information that is currently on a strict Need to Know basis, as in nobody besides everyone in this room needs to know."

As the windows into the hall were sealed shut with sound proofing steel, everyone made sure to check their phones were off before the Conference Hall slightly dimmed and a holographic projection activated at the center of the room. The projection displayed photos taken from one of the barely functioning cameras upon the surface, showing two ponies with one dressed in an explorers outfit and the other having a rainbow mane. Murmuring and discussion was heard in the conference room, with Supreme Leader Aladeen heard making a cat call before being quickly smacked by President Alexi. "Control yourself, comrade Aladeen, it is a simple pony, one with wings for that matter. Do not be weird."

"As you can all see, these... Pegasus creatures are wearing clothing not unlike that of some kind of tropical explorer. And from what the audio sensor picked up, they somehow speak English." Bagley said before he played an audio clip, as two female voices could be heard.

"I'll say, ain't nothin' like those ruins we explored last time. Look something Humans would build... But then again, how could humans ever build this?"

"I have seen human ruins before, Rainbow Dash, and from what I have learned, before they became isolated and violent, they were much like us, civilized and advanced."

"You honestly believe that?"

"Well, do you think Aliens built this place then?"

"... Fair point."

Everyone in the Conference hall began to murmur to themselves, some of them sounding confused, surprised, or in the case of President Felix, quite mad. "The hell do they mean by 'Isolated and violent'?" Felix quickly calmed down as Osas patted him on the shoulder.

"It is likely that the sight of our ruined cities, as well as likely discovering remnants of our ancient history has given them the impression that we destroyed ourselves. Personally, I believe that it is at least good to know that they are aware of our existence. Though it will pose some problems..."

As everyone in the Conference Hall continued to discuss amongst themselves, Bagley spoke up once more. "If it is any kind of good news, I have identified a potential opening to the surface, located conveniently at the auxiliary entrance for the Little Rock facility in the USA. As such, I believe it is necessary to deploy a reconnaissance force..." Everyone in the room murmured and spoke before they all nodded in agreement, as Felix stood up and spoke.

"I propose we authorize the deployment of Task Force Sentinel to deploy and recover reconnaissance data on the surface, which we will need to move forward with our reclamation." Felix said, before Bagley proceeded to speak.

"Alright, the vote on the matter of Task Force Sentinel's deployment is now in session. Please use your screens to state your stance." Each of the representatives then looked down to their datapads and made their selection, as they were displayed on a large holo screen in the center.

"Alright, 70% in favor, 10% in opposition, and 20% abstain. Alright, I believe that settles it everyone. Send word to Task Force Sentinel, because they've got work to do."

4. Dream Team

View Online

'The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands.'
- Sir Richard Burton

The sound of electronic beeping, mechanical whirring, and keyboard clacking could be heard within the large Digital Command Center room, as the buzz of vents above blew cooling air into the room to help balance the temperature for the many heavily focused computer operators currently preparing to assist in the initial stages for the first official Special Operation undertaken by the legendary Task Force Sentinel in over a million years.

Operation Reclamation.

Within the room were about twenty men and women sitting within their chairs at their terminals as they focused on their assigned duties. Five other additional personnel were viewing the massive digital display screen on the wall, showing a video feed of the auxiliary facility exit and it's currently sealed shut blast door, before looking at the readings of the exit's airlock which displayed optimal oxygen, regulated pressure, and standard gravity within the airlock.

A ding was heard before the automatic door into the room slowly opened, as a male automated voice spoke with an American accent.

"Chief Commander of United Special Operations Command, Wallace F. Matthew, is now present. XO is relieved of temporary command."

All personnel within the room quickly stood at attention and saluted the commander currently wearing his Black and Gold Officer's uniform, before quickly resuming their current duties. The commander saluted them back before he stepped towards the center of the room, and spoke to a male officer who turned and nodded to his superior.

"Greetings commander, you sleep well?

"About as well as you can while being stuck in a cramped cryo pod. Now then, what have we got Charles?"

"Well sir, we haven't completely assembled the reconnaissance team yet, though they are all en route to briefing room. While they might take a bit to arrive, we are currently preparing the expeditionary rover, taking readings on the exit airlock, and checking all sensors are green. So in short, we are just about ready."

"Excellent, can't wait to get this show on the road, been too damn long since we did this, even before we went into cryo. And remember people, this is the first time we've ever done anything in a million years, so let's do it properly, and let's do it right! By the book everyone!" A few light cheers and murmurs were heard among the operators. "Now then... Let's get this party started, shall we?"

The door to the small and well lit briefing room opened as Sergeant Foley, Corporal Dunn, and Private First Class James Ramirez walked into the room wearing their full combat gear, complete with their helmets, tactical rigging, and weapons holstered. Foley carried his RAK-9 Shotgun, Dunn had his KAR-45 magnetically locked to his chest for quick access, and Ramirez wasn't even holding a weapon, though that was because he had left it back in his barracks and didn't care enough to go back and get it. While Foley and Dunn had their faces uncovered, Ramirez had a tan balaclava covering his mouth and a pair of sunglasses over his eyes. While the three rangers took their seats, Dunn spoke in a skeptical tone.

"Sergeant, what the heck are we even here for?"

"Got orders from the higher ups to bring our squad in for a briefing. Dunno what it's about, but it's probably something important."

"I'll say, they even said you had to bring Ramirez." Dunn said as he gestured to the silent soldier who was currently leaning back in his chair.

"Dunn, you know why he's here. He was at D.C too, it's no surprise he's here with us. Besides, I don't think we'll be the only ones in this room..."

"And right you would be." A deep somewhat southern American voice spoke out from behind the three men, as they turned to see a rather tall man standing in the doorway, wearing a black and grey suit with a black cap on his head and an EBR-800 energy sniper rifle on his back. "Been told that I would be working with the famous rangers of Hunter Two One. Max Blackburn of Shadow Company, expert marksman, at your service." He said, before walking over and taking a seat next to Sergeant Foley.

"Wait a minute, Shadow Company? You mean the the Private Military Company?"

"That's right, though if you don't recall, after the Martian War, our boss man decided to make our contract with SATO, and the UNSA as a whole, permanent, not that I'm complaining of course, all of us humans gotta stick together. Fought in the battle for Apollo city on Luna beside SATO in fact, it was a rough time though."

"I heard about it, how did you survive the crashing of the Carrier Damocles?"

"Two things. Sheer damn luck, and ducking into the subterranean maintenance tunnels right before shit hit the fan. Can't say the same for most of the other squadmates that were with me, but nothing we can do about it now."

"Heh. Also, you a southerner by any chance?"

"Why yes I am, born and raised in Arkansas. You saying I got a funny accent? You northerners ain't any different."

"Well, Dunn here is from Philadelphia, I'm out of New Jersey. Not quite sure for Ramirez though we think he's New Mexican, but enough talk about state-life. So you've been assigned with us alone?" Dunn said as he leaned past Foley.

"Yeah, most of my squad is dead, and those who are still alive have retired. Of course, that's understandable. Seen enough during that war to put everything else I've seen to shame."

"Yeah, Mars was literal hell to fight through. Thank fuck we didn't go there, eh sarg?"

"You can say that again, Corporal. Anyways, it's nice to meet you, Blackburn."

"Right back at you." Max said as he shook the Sergeant's hand. "So... Got any idea what were here for?"

"Not a damn clue, Max. I thought you would at least know what the op is, especially so soon after everyone woke up. I swear if we are at war already..."

"Cheer up mate, if there was a war you'd know about it quite quickly." A heavy Australian voice spoke, as the four men turned to see two more figures standing in the door, one sporting a fancy brown mustache and wearing an AR headset over his ears with a blue holographic visor covering his eyes which he turned off by tapping the side of the headset, and the other larger and more buff looking man having a grey camouflage balaclava covering his entire head and face besides his eyes, carrying a large CX-3 Assault Machine gun with built in ammunition printer.

"Heh, get some more people in here and we could have ourselves a right proper party. Names Nigel Wornswood, Combative Engineer and Technician of the Special Air Service Regiment. This big old burly man here is my Russian mate Alexsandr Senaviev, part of the Spetsnaz. Though honestly, I just prefer to call him by his code name, Tachanka."

The large man nodded to Nigel and then proceeded to speak in a deep Russian accent. "Indeed. Greetings comrades, it is good to meet you. I have heard many tales about the exploits of the Army Rangers and Shadow Company. I have no doubt that whatever reason we being assembled for must be of great importance to have such skilled soldiers here."

"Your words of kindness are appreciated, Tachanka. Now then, care to tell me what an aussie and a ruskie are doing together?" Blackburn said while chuckling.

"Heh, well that's one hell of a story. Don't think I got the time to tell it though, cause look who's walkin' in." Nigel said while he and Alexsandr took a seat, before gesturing to a side door opening at the back of the room, as the legendary Commander Wallace walked out and saluted the soldiers, who stood up and saluted back.

"At ease men. Now, your probably wondering why I brought you all here, hmm?"

"That's about right, Commander. I mean c'mon, we got four Americans, an Australian, and a Russian all in the same room. Whatever it is, it's gotta be important." Max said as he and the rest of the team took their seats.

"Well, you would be correct, because you have been chosen for an important task, and a special duty. You will be the first Human men to step foot on the surface of Earth in 1 million years." As Wallace finished, the men appeared confused, with Dunn shaking his head in confusion.

"Wait a minute, I thought that Task Force Sentinel was going up there!"

"Correct, though the original task force members retired sometime after the Martian War, seeing as well they had nothing left to do in terms of service with all of humanity finally back together again. And plus, we need a new generation of soldiers to form the next best squad for Sentinel, not just for this mission, but for all the missions and special operations that will come after it. That's where you all come in. All six of you have unique skill sets, specialties, and backgrounds which allow you all to work perfectly in sync as an efficient fighting force. As such, I have deemed it necessary to grant you the offer to join Task Force Sentinel, or more specifically..."

"Blackout Squadron."

The shocked looks on the men's face, with even Ramirez removing his shades to reveal his surprised eyes made Wallace chuckle. "So... Any takers?" All of the men in the room proceeded to stand up as Foley was the first to step forward.

"It would be an honor to serve, commander." Dunn stepped up next.

"Hell, somebody's gotta patch the squad up." Blackburn was the next up, stepping forward while he slung his sniper rifle from over his shoulder and held it in his hands

"I suppose that we'll need someone to keep an eye out." Nigel stretched as he tapped the side of his headset and his visor activated, pulling out a holographic data pad and holding it in his hands.

"And we'll need someone with the tech need to get the job done." Tachanka cracked his knuckles together as he chuckled.

"I believe it is fitting that I be the team's Heavy Weapons guy." Everyone else turned to Ramirez, who had not spoken a word, as he turned to them, pulled out his shades and put them, before giving a thumbs up as Foley turned back to Wallace and saluted.

"When do we start, sir?"

"Just follow me boys. You're all about to make history." He said as he began to walk out of the front door, as the rest of the newly formed Blackout Squadron followed behind him.

5. Gearing Up

View Online

'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from Magic.'
- Arthur C. Clarke

"Mister President, are you certain that signs of life on the surface has truly been confirmed?" The female voice of a news reporter cried out, among the sea of dozens of other news reporters and journalists holding microphones up to the podium upon which Felix Stone stood upon inside the Washington Preservation facility, in front of a perfect replica building of the White House.

"I saw the proof of life with my very own eyes, as well as the rest of my fellow leaders. I can say for certain that this form of life is very similar to our own, aside from some biological differences." After Felix stated his response, more reporters spoke up.

"Mister President, is it true that you have decided to dispatch a military force to the surface for exploration? If so, why not a scientific expedition." A male voice cried out, holding a differently colored microphone and shoving his fellow reports aside to get closer.

"I can confirm this is true. Sadly, due to our lack of surface surveillance, we lack a clear picture of potential dangers on the surface, and we are unsure if the natives will be hostile. Thus, we must be prepared for potential hostile conflict on the surface with our explorers. An unarmed scientific expedition would be risking not just the equipment and expedition members, but our very security. A military exploration team has been formed from properly trained members for this task."

"Mister President, are you sure the team is properly equipped and prepared for a hostile encounter?"

"Why yes, I believe they will have the best equipment in the entire UNSA."

The automatic door opened with an audible beep as Commander Wallace entered the room, with newly formed Blackout Squadron walked into the room,taking a look at their surroundings.

"Gentlemen, welcome to the armory. Now I understand that you are already well equipped for this job, but you are all using outdated tech right now. Tech that we can replace with something much better." Wallace said before he turned and walked over to a keypad on the wall, pressing a code into it as it lit up green. The wall in front of him proceeded to lower as a row of six shelves emerged and slid into the middle of the room before their glass cases opened up to expose their contents. Each shelf had holographic names on the side of them that correlated with each member of the squad.

"Now, I am going to be honest with you, I have no idea how to properly explain these, so I'll let our Tactical SI explain. It'll help pass the time while we wait for authorization to commence the operation." Wallace said, before a synthetic Male voice with a slight English accent could be heard speaking.

"Greetings gentlemen, I am Mag, Tactical Synthetic Intelligence Unit, and I shall be the one who explains our new advances in the glories of combat technology. So, drum roll please, for today I am introducing the newly developed Combat Utility Enhancement and Specialization Rig. Or if you're somebody who likes to keep things short, like me, then just call them Rigs. Viable for use in both atmosphere and space with built in Zero-G maneuver packs, as well as many other features that are too much to get into. These bad boys are what's replacing those old EXO-space suits we used to use back in the Martian wars, especially after what ATLAS corporation tried to pull on us."

The six soldiers took a moment to process what they were looking at, visibly surprised as they each walked up to their separate armament shelf.

"Each Rig is specialized for the soldier using it, and as such, comes with equipment and weapons suited to your skills and specialty in combat. From stealth operations, to direct combat, to tactical engineering and support, we got it all."

"Blimey, where did R&D cook this stuff up? Better quality than most of the gear they hooked us up with back in the Special Air Service." Nigel said as he took examined the contents of the shelf with his name on it, audibly whistling.

"You got that right, must've taken a lot of taxpayer dollars to develop this. Not even us boys in shadow company get anything like this, and the boss gives us the best stuff he can find." Blackburn said while setting his EBR-800 sniper rifle down to the side and removing a large rifle from his shelf and inspecting it. "What even is this thing? Ain't seen it's kind before."

"That right there is a Ballista EM3 electromagnetic rifle, capable of locking onto a target and firing a shot fast enough to penetrate any amount of armor and go right through someone. Co-developed with the Weapons Engineering segment of Shadow Company, you're old buddies."

"Goes well with the rest of your rig, appropriately code named Phantom. Basically think of it as the perfect suit for stealth operations. Figured it'd suit you just fine."

Blackburn proceeded to remove the helmet of the Rig and inspect it in his hands, before grinning and wiping the visor, seeing his face look back at him. "I think Christmas has come early for me, boys." He said before gripping the suit and all of his equipment before entering a changing room and closing the door behind him.

"Perhaps it came for all of us, mate." Nigel said as he inspected the equipment in his shelf. "And from the looks of it, I may have gotten the best presents." He said while lifting a large cannon, placing his hands firmly on the grips before slinging it onto his shoulder and looking down the sights, inspecting it's impressive targeting screen. "Well this would be like something you'd wield, Tachanka." He said turning to Alexsandr who simply laughed at his comment.

"Indeed comrade, but it does not look like a traditional weapon."

"That's because it isn't. What you're currently holding is a one of a kind prototype developed by the Experimental Weapons division of R&D, and you know what things they like to cook up. Nigel, you now have in your hands the Gravitational Disruption Vortex Projector, or GDVP for short. It's essentially a Black Hole launcher."

Almost everybody in the room, except Ramirez who was completely unimpressed, audibly 'Woahed' at that information, with Nigel chuckling to himself.

"Well then, call me Oppenheimer, cause I am become Death, destroyer of worlds." Nigel said with enthusiasm as he held the large and powerful weapon oh shoulder, before pressing a button which allowed it to compact into a smaller and more portable version, which he slung it over his shoulder and clipped it to his back before inspecting the armor, and noticing something.

"Hey, isn't this armor design from the Mars Settlement Defense Front? Why's it on Earth?"

"Well, turns out the Martians are better at making a more technically suited rig than we are, so we decided to let them design it. You can decorate it yourself if you wish however, seeing as how that rig is your's to keep." Wallace said while he gestured to the rest of the equipment on the shelf, before Mag continued speaking.

"The Rig is code-named Artificer, and included with the Rig is the use of an advanced Smart-Utility Assistant Matrix, or SAM, which allows the rig to access and control any form of SATO robotics or equipment, including you're own, though it is limited by processing power. The SAM allows you to control this as well."

Maf said before a drawer at the bottom of the shelf extended out and a medium sized drone proceeded to hover out, it's blue eye opening as it scanned Nigel before speaking in a synthetic male voice with an Australian accent.

"New user identified. Greetings Nigel Wornswood, I am you're Rig's designated SAM system, and right now I am currently controlling this autonomous drone unit."

"Well I'll be, didn't expect the SAM to be a proper AI."

"Synthetic Intelligence to be more correct, seeing as the Synthetic Military Service Act specified that all AI, SI, or synths joining the military had to upgrade for security reasons. And trust me, they tried using a standard program, didn't work well."

Nigel let out a slight chuckle. "Lemme guess, it used the drone to shoot the test operator?"

"Surprisingly no, it's processor oberloaded and it blew itself up. Anyways, the SAM system utilizes an AI, also known as me, to operate all of you're rig's equipment, which includes this drone right here. This drone, known as a 'Tardigrade'-Class Assistance Drone, is equipped with a variety of features that would take almost forever to list off and let's be honest, we don't have all bloody day." Nigel audibly whistled after Duke completed his speech.

"Dang, if it has as much equipment as you say it does, how is it even flying?"

"You can thank the gravitional regulation thrusters for that, but they couldn't exactly fit a properly set AI core in this compact body, and had to do with me, AKA your SAM system, being the one in control. Though, if needed, you can also take direct control. Now then, as for the rig itself, it comes with the standard features of Holographic Utility Display, or H.U.D, as well as targeting, communications, vitals, and other important stuff you already know about. As for equipment, you have already seen the Projector, which you should be careful with as it is VERY unstable and could easily lead to a sizable crater in the side of the entire planet. But you also have access to this."

A mechanical tendril extended out of the bottom of the drone and presses another button as a second drawer extended out, with a tiny mechanical turret popping out, making a beeping sound as it's red laser focused on Nigel, before compacting into a small cube, leaving a very confused Nigel.

"A bloody sentry turret? What is this, some kind of class based shooter game?"

"Indeed, portable, easy to deploy, and quite useful no matter how seemingly unoriginal and ineffective it is. Plus, you have multiple turrets with inter-changeable parts, all of which both you and I can control. Now then, I advise you go ahead and get suited up while the Commander addresses the rest of the squad so we can conserve time." Nigel nodded, before gripping his suit off the shelf wall and walking into a changing room with the drone following behind.

Tachanka chuckled to himself. "I can tell those two will be great friends. Now then, what do you have for me Commander? Hopefully it is something big?"

"Oh, I think we got something you will really like." Wallace said before gesturing to Tachanka's shelf, as the large Russian man walked over to inspect it, looking at the equipment and noticing a particularly large weapon as he removed it and held it in his arms by the grips, inspecting it.

"Is this what I think it is, comrade Mag?"

"Indeed, the F-SPAR Torch, or better known by it's code name, the Steel Dragon. Auto-locking beam weapon of mass destruction. Used to be a welding tool used in orbital shipyards until someone from the SDF decided to weaponize it."

"So yeah, I know you like really big and heavy guns, so I made sure that something similar to that was included. We also packed in a compact version of the Auger Minigun, and the Titan Grenade Launcher with variable types of grenades for use, including my personal favorite, incendiary. All weapons suited for your specialty, seeing as how you like to hit hard so much." Mag said as he gestured to the other weapons in the cabinet, which Tachanka visibly nodded.

"Indeed, the ideals of slow and steady winning the race apply to many more things than just racing, including combat. I shall be a glorious Juggernaut in battle, similar to that of a Goliath. I must admit, I am both surprised and impressed by your willingness to equip us so well. Aren't you afraid this equipment may be lost if we perish horrible gruesome deths?"

"Eh, we got the money to spare, but we can't take any chances with this. Gotta be ready for anything, which is why we made sure to give your rig a special defensive package, and we even named it after you. Equipped is a bullet-proof Retractable Shield, complete with holographic imaging to let you see the other side and track enemies, along with a good way to charge enemies using your thrusters for speed amplification, kinda like a bull."

"Comrade, you had me at charging my enemies like a bull. I am in." He said before grabbing his suit and gear before heading to his changing room. Meanwhile, Wallace looked to Foley, Dunn, and Ramirez. Before the commander could speak, Foley spoke up first.

"Commander, I like that you got the others new fancy gear, but me and my boys don't need anything real fancy. Just give Dunn a medical kit, Ramirez a gun, and me a radio, and we can take on an army together." Wallace chuckled as he listened to Foley speak with pride.

"And that is why I made sure these rigs were made to especially suit your capabilities. Mag, let em' have it."

"While you're rigs do not possess highly advanced equipment or weapons systems, we have been able to outfit you with gear mores suited to you're specialties and maintained a simple rig design while doing so. Corporal Dunn, if you would step forward please."

Dunn looked to Foley, who nodded and gestured for him to go forward, as Dunn walked up to his shelf and looked at it's contents.

"Due to you're skills as a field medic and expert in tactical support, you're rig, known as Sentinel, has been outfitted with additional carrying space for medical supplies as well as tactical gear, including smoke grenades, additional ammunition, and explosives. Lots and lots of explosives. In fact, due to how much you're carrying, we had to bolster the exo-skeleton."

"So I'm a field medic, tactical support, and demolition all in one?"

"Essentially yes. Along with your rig is a powerful experimental weapon, the Eraser pistol. It's capable of reducing any target to mere atoms with one shot, and when overcharged, can unleash a devastating blast. Though do be warned, it can easily overload and cause a detonation similar to that of a miniature nuclear device."

"Works for me." Dunn said as he gripped his gear and walked into his changing room. "Yuck, why does this room smell bad? Reminds me of Ramirez's locker."

"Likely due to the cleaners skipping over it. They were quite short on time." Foley and Wallace chuckled at that while Ramirez remained silent, before turning and walking to his shelf, observing his equipment and being seemingly unimpressed. "Seeing as you are the team's designated riflemen, I took the liberty to design your rig myself, code-named Blitz. The suit features increased mobility thanks to the suit's boosted thrusters, as well as the streamlined exoskeleton boosting speed. It's signature piece, is the CLAW." Mag said as Ramirez gripped the weapon in his hands.

"The CLAW is a rapid fire spread shot firearm with ricochet ballistic rounds, capable of firing an intense amount of bullets and shredding enemies. It is ideal for clearing rooms, as well as providing covering fire. Perfect for a rifleman such as yourself."

For once, an audible noise came from Ramirez in the form of a whistle, before he gripped his equipment and made his way into a changing room, leaving only Foley left.

"I assume that I will likely be given a fancy gun as well, commander?"

"You could say that. Mag, explain."

"While you will not be receiving a hand-held weapon, you will definitely be receiving the biggest out of all of them. Your Rig, code-named Overlord, will have built in direct-access to High Commands Special Combative Support forces, meaning you basically got access to the entire Spec Ops toy box, though it's all pretty much in-operative due to our satelite network being offline.."

Foley chuckled as he inspect the rig, and seeing the large amount of communications gear on it's exterior. "So I got jack shit for now, but soon I'll be a walking talking fire commander? Sounds like my kind of load-out. Alright, time to gear up and go out." Foley said as he grabbed his rig and entered a changing room.

A few minutes later, the soldiers all emerged, wearing their rig's as well as bearing their weapons.

Blackburn wore his Phantom rig as the holographic camouflage on his shoulders activated, as he held his sniper rifle high.

"I gotta wonder what the point of the metal green bits are. Doubt there's gonna be metal plants up there."

Nigel lugged around his equipment and hoisted the GDVP over his shoulder while SAM piloted his drone beside Nigel.

"Read this quote from a particularly bright american mind. The answer to a problem is a gun, and if that don't work, use more gun."

Tachanka lugged his massive Steel Dragon cannon within his arms, chuckling as he shifted in his armor.

"Now this, is my kind of heavy duty."

Next to emerge was Corporal Dunn, wielding the Eraser pistol in his hand as he inspected his bags of equipment.

"Geared up, readied up, good to go... Up. Dang it, I screwed it up."

Private First Class James Ramirez exited his changing room next, wielding the CLAW in his hands and wearing the helmet of his Blitz rig with pride. While he didn't say anything, he gave a thumbs up.

Finally, the last to emerge was Sergeant Foley, wielding his classic assault rifle as he cracked his neck.

"Well boys, it's about high time we get to work. We got a surface to explore. Oo-rah?"

Everybody in the room, including even Ramirez, shouted back. "Oo-rah!"

"Hell yeah. We ready to go, Commander?"

"Your chariot is right outside." Wallace said as he gestured to the door on the other end of the room as it opened to reveal the back end of a bright White Armored Personnel Carrier, as both rear end doors were opened.

"Ah hell yeah, riding in style." Blackburn said as he and the squad entered the APC. "Though I gotta ask, why can't we walk? Plus, why are we decked out in such high grade mil-tech when were doing a simple surface recon?"

As everyone sat down in their seats and the rear doors of the APC closed, Wallace answered.

"Well Max, with the whole re-activation, all of the service roads across the facility are crowded, and we'll be taking a military escort to the auxiliary entrance. Once we get to the first stopping point, we unload and walk through the entrance bay, then you reach the elevator, and we get started once you reach the big door itself. As for the equipment, you can never be too prepared. Gotta have a plan for everything, and believe me, we do."

"Fair enough, sir. Here's to hoping whatever we find up there is at least friendly. Or has worse tech than us, which is likely seeing as we all know, Humans are the best. Not being racist or anything, just saying, haven't seen any other intelligent races, now have we?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, with even a light chuckle escaping Wallace.

"Sounds like a long road trip. Anybody wanna pass the time?" Nigel said as he leaned back.

"I could tell story about battle for Moscow." Tachanka said, as Dunn answered with enthusiasm.

"Ah heck yeah, Alex, tell us about how you kicked those Martians right back to New Ares!"

"Of course comrade, of course. Now prepare for quite the story gentlemen, of how the Kremlin nearly burned to the ground for the second time since the second Ukraine war..."

And while the APC's electric engine roared to life and it made it's onto the road followed by several armored trucks, Tachanka told his story to his comrades within.

All of them unaware of what awaited them once they reached the exit door...

Completely blind to what lies above.

6. Unto The Breach

View Online

'There are things known, and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.'
- Aldous Huxley

The sound of the Nikola electric engine gently humming along with the light rumbiling of the large armored vehicle moving across the concrete pavement would be heard as it slowly drove along the service road. The road itself was mostly clear of vehicles aside from a few material transports and maintenance crew carriers, but it was quite calm compared to what it would likely be like once traffic started getting up and going. The driver looked out the front window to see two armored cars driving in front of the APC, before looking to a holographic convoy status display on his left and seeing the vehicles highlighted in green. A light buzzing was heard, as the driver turned to look at the radio display, tuning the channel before connecting.

"This is Watchdog to Hauler-1, report status."

"Watchdog, this is Hauler-1, just exiting off of Military-Service Tunnel 7-1 onto Maintenance Access Road 2-5 at steady speed. Approximately three clicks out from Alpha Echo, no potential threats or disturbances along our route to report. All transport systems and escort vehicles are confirmed green, over." The driver said as he looked out the front window to see two armored cars driving in front of the APC.

"Understood, maintain current course until arrival, then return to your assigned MRZ. Overlord said to have soldiers ready in case we need to boot up the Minute-man protocol if shit hits the fan with potential first contact. If things go well, you are authorized to go off-duty for the rest of your shift. Course, with how things are looking, you'll be working double shifts, so make the most of it."

"Roger that, Hauler-1 out." The radio cut out as the man sitting in the passenger seat at the front of the APC straightened his helmet and adjusted his balaclava. The man's black helmet had a sticker on the front, the words 'Freedom Gang' written on it along with the image of a bald eagle and the American flag. The passenger then looked at the driver who was currently focused on the road, wearing a similar helmet with a license plate sticker with the words 'Born to Ride' etched on.

The passenger then spoke through his black balaclava to the driver. "So far, a simple round trip like I thought it would be. No diversions or ambushes for us today, probably cause we took a simple service road instead of the highway."

"There's always a chance for re-direction, Legion, even on the backroads. That's why they gave us a Spartan-Class APC and two armored cars to boot, even when were inside what's technically the safest facility in the world. Hell, you're the one who wanted to sit in the gunner seat in case we got some action, so you shouldn't be so happy." The driver replied as the passenger lightly punched him in the shoulder with a chuckle.

"You never admit defeat even when I'm right, do you Ace?"

"If I did admit defeat, it would be on my death bed." Ace said before both men laughed to themselves. "Anyways, go ahead and tell the boys in the back that we are almost there."

"Why don't we use the intercom? It's there for a reason."

"Because i'm busy focusing on driving, you're not really needed up here, and you need to stretch your legs rather than just sitting on your ass the entire trip."

"Alright, I get it." Legion said as he undid his seatbelt, and pressing a button on his armchair as the seat pulled back away from the front of the vehicles cockpit while the holographic displays in front of him vanished, before hopping out of the seat and walking towards the door seperating the cockpit from the back of the vehicle.

"So then, I hoisted my machine gun high, providing fire support while Nigel attempted to get the communication array up and running so we could contact the fleet and stop Moscow from being glassed, when suddenly a massive Martian Echelon-Class Battleship warped in, started bombarding the entire city!" Tachanka said, raising his arms to produce excitement.

"They even hit their own bloody men, those martian bastards wanted Moscow gone." Nigel said with a hint of sadness as SAM chimed in.

"It is confirmed that the SMF wished to demoralize the Russian Federation and the UNSA as a whole by wiping out the city of Moscow."

"Damn, sounds like you went through more than we did in DC, even with the EMP." Dunn said with surprise in his tone.

"Oh you boys saw nothing compared to what happened on Gateway Terminal 4, that was an absolute bloodbath. Probably the biggest and most destructive battle since the Lunar Civil War. And hot damn, was it fun to drive one of them jeeps with moon gravity. Almost went soaring over a carrier in low orbit!" Max said letting out a chuckle.

"I was never a fan of anti-gravity operations, the battle on Mars had my sense of balance screwed up for weeks." Foley said, letting out a puff air as he shook his head. "Still feel it too."

The distinct sound of the metal door to the cockpit opening was heard by everyone as they turned to see Legion poke his head through.

"Alright everyone, were about 3 clicks out from the auxiliary entrance, just came out of the military tunnels, so make sure all of your guns and gear are secured, then be sure to be up and at 'em when we finally arrive, cause Watchdog will be expecting you to show up for briefing as soon as you arrive."

"Roger that. You heard the man, gentlemen, lock and load." Foley said as everyone made sure to check their equipment while he pumped his RAK-9 Shotgun, leaving Commander Wallace to lean back and watch.

"You boys remind me of back in the day when I served on Task Force Sentinel. Those were the days..."

"You sound like my dad, commander. Always talking about the good ol days, even when those days sucked." Dunn said, as he loaded his KAR-45.

"Well Dunn, back then we didn't have fancy synpatics and exosuits to help us. Had to get down and dirty. Though I admit, technology makes it easier."

"Agreed sir." Nigel said, while slapping a new magazine into his ARX-160 Assault Rifle and patting SAM's drone. "You ready, SAM?"

"Affirmative, all systems are primed, and my estimated tactical readiness is 100%."

"Good shit." Suddenly, the APC came to a stop, as a voice come over the intercom.

"This is your captain speaking, we have arrived at our destination. Please remove your seatbelts and offload through the rear door in an organized fashion. Also make sure all of your valuables and belongings are secured, or else they are officially my property. Thank you for riding with Ace Taxi." A slight chuckle sounded out before the intercom cut out.

"Show off. Anyways, you heard the man, out you guys go." Legion said as he moved and pressed the button to open the ramp, as it lowered down and allowed the squad to exit, hurrying them along as he waved his hands. "Come on, come on, let's move it people, you got an important day ahead of you." Once everyone extied, they all turned back and saluted Legion, as he salute back before he closed the ramp and walked back up to the cockpit, taking his seat and moving forward as he looked to Ace. "Now that that's settled, wanna go get some Taco Bell on the way back to base?"

"Hell yeah, brother."

Blackout Squad along with Commander Wallace walked off the loading ramp and through an open shutter door, before coming into a massive hangar, seeing forklifts and heavy lifter drones carrying large crates, while trucks hauled massive cargo containers. Large cranes latched onto large pallets of boxes, lifting and moving them over the heads of workers unpacking many containers and emptying their contents.

"Damn, seems like things are real busy right now." Blackburn said as he took a step back to let a worker pass by.

"Yep, gotta get everything unpacked so we can keep people fed. Of course, we haven't opened up the military depot facilities, but that's a surprise tool that will help us later." Wallace said with a smirk as Tachanka chuckled.

"I believe I understood that reference."

"Every word out of the commander's mouth is a reference at this point." Dunn said while everyone watched as a truck pulled up in front of them, it's tailgate lowering as a man with black armor and helmet popped his head over, a distinct patch on his shoulder.

"Aye, you guys Blackout Squadron? The boss sent us, were here to take you from here to the surface elevator and spare you the walk." The soldier said before Blackburn suddenly gasped.

"Vance, is that really you, you son of a bitch?" The soldier then gasped as well, in a much more dramatic fashion.

"Blackburn? Well I'll be damned, get up here!" Vance shouted as blackout squadron climbed into the back as Blackburn took Vance's hand and pulled himself up, while Wallace refrained.

"I ought to head back to the control room and take command, you boys go have fun." He said saluting the squad while they saluted back, as the truck's tailgate lifted itself up and closed. Blackburn and Vance then turned to each other before high fiving.

"Out of all the people acting as our trucker uber, it had to be you, eh?" Blackburn said with a giggle as Vance chortled back.

"Could say the same about you being among the first schmucks going up to the surface in a million years, lucky bastard."

"Aye, don't be mad cause my reputation got me this job, you still have the highest kill score." Blackburn then turned to the rest of his squad. "Everyone, this is Vance, part of Shadow Company and leader of the squad that rivalled my own. Speaking of which, where are Erikson and Diapolo?"

"Both of them are in the front, I'll let them know to get us moving." He said as he pounded his fist on the roof of the trucks metal cab, before it's engine started up and began to move across the bay, driving under cranes and drones.

"Well be sure to tell them I said hi. Anyways, the boss himself is in on this?"

"Yep yep, said it'd be good publicity if one of our own went up there. Assuming this Op isn't redacted, that is."

"Well, if all goes well, we might not even have to fire a single shot. But, knowing our luck, were probably have to dump a few magazines." Blackburn said as both men chuckled.

"Well, it's good to see you two back together, but right now let's go ahead and make sure our comms are working. Mic check everyone!" Foley said, as everyone besides Vance activated their communications links, and spoke over the radio.

"Check here."

"Check check, one two, one two."

"Checkity check, all good.

"Good checks here, comrade."

"Solid check."

"..."

"Dang it, thought Ramirez would actually speak for once. We'll just have to assume it's good." Dunn said in disappointment as everyone chuckled.

"I will remotely access his helmet's camera and relay any information he sees to all of you, that way he can keep his vow of silence, and we aren't left in the dark on what he is seeing."

"Good thinking SAM." Nigel said as he patted the drone on the head. "Anyways, we wouldn't have minded the walk, would've saved energy."

"Trust me, they told us to make sure your asses were up there ASAP, so don't blame me for taking the fast lane. Plus, knowing you Blackburn, your legs would cramp."

"Fuck off Vance, it was only one time."

"I vowed to never let you live it down, pal. My sides still hurt from laughing so hard! Oooh wee, you guys should have seen it, it was fucking hilarious!" Vance said as he chuckled before receiving a solid punch in the shoulder by Blackburn. "Aye, don't be mad, you got your own laugh at me when you put a smoke grenade in my locker!"

"Oh yeah, those were good times."

"Yep, back before things went to shit." Vance said, standing out of his seat and looking over the roof of the truck's cab, while everyone else made sure their equipment was good to go.

"Damn it, I think I dropped my own smoke grenade." Dunn said as he looking around his feet before Foley called out with the smoke grenade in his hand.

"You mean this, Dunn?" He said before tossing the grenade to Dunn, who proceeded to catch it. "Be sure to keep it secure, don't want to drop it in the middle of a gun fight."

"Yes sir."

"Hey, don't call me sir, I ain't your superior anymore. We're in this together, and even if I have the rank of Commander, as far as I'm concerned were all on the same level. Oo-rah?"

"Oo-rah, sarge." Dunn said before the truck came to a slow stop, the tailgate lowering as the men made their way out, hopping down onto the ground as Vance was the last to drop.

"Alright, just head on into the elevator, the commander will tell you everything on your way up." Foley and the rest of the squad nodded, before walking over to a large elevator platform, able to fit all of them as they stepped on, with Dunn looking up the long shaft upwards, going on for a seemingly endless distance with no light whatsoever.

"Damn, that's a long ass shaft." Dunn said, before Blackburn let out a witty remark.

"That's what she said." Cue chuckling from the whole squad, except Ramirez, though he was smiling behind his helmet. "I saw my opportunity, and I seized it. Pretty damn well if I say so myself."

"Yeah, you tell yourself that."

SAM then spoke up. "Everyone, we are receiving a video call from Commander Wallace, patching it through to you all now."

Everyone nodded as their helmet displays activated and a video of Wallace standing in a control room filled with operators appeared. "Greetings everyone, I assume you are all geared up and ready to go?"

"Affirmative sir."

"Excellent, now here's the plan. Seeing as we aren't sure what it's like up there, you need to keep your helmets on, and we will need to take scans and scamples of the atmosphere and environment, which is why we are sending something to help you with that."

The sound of electric wheels could be heard as everyone minimized the call display to see a small rover approaching them.

"Everyone, meet Rover."

Rover extended a small mechanical arm out of a port and waved at the squad who waved back, before driving onto the elevator. "He's piloted by a repurposed K-9 AI, developed by those eggheads from Titan Industries."

"You mean the ones they use in those fancy military robot dogs? Remember seeing one of them in action on Mars, they were ruthless, even better than those laser Wheelson drones. I swear I heard the dang thing bark at me one time..." Blackburn mentioned as he examined the small rover.

"That explains why Rover is currently wagging his antenna." Nigel said as he gestured to Rovers antenna which was bobbing back and forth.

"Is like tiny puppy dog." Tachanka said as he bent down and patted Rover on the head.

"No offense to Rover here, but why don't we have something more... Advanced?" Dunn asked, while Rover let out a small static noise, similar to a growl. "Hey, I said no offense!"

"Well, to be honest, were on a budget right now. Plus, this is the only model we could find which works with renewable energy. The rest of the ones in storage are all the way back from the First Expansion."

"Damn, so this little guy is the best were gonna get? I can accept that. What's the rest of the plan?" Blackburn asked.

"Your main objective is to follow Rover and keep him safe. We can use your camera and rig sensors to pick up data, and if you kill something, you can haul it back here. Happy hunting, Blackout Squadron." Wallace said before the call ended, as the sound of the elevator activating rang out while the railing rose around the squad, the lights on the platform flashing green.

Slowly, the large platform began to move upwards, as Rover wagged his antenna in anticipation. Lights turned on in front of them and turned off behind them, lighting the way upwards before the platform began to slow down, until it came to a complete stop and the railing lowered, allowing everyone to step off the lift, and in front of a massive metal bulkhead.

"Damn, that's a big door." Blackburn said.

"Has to be, don't want any unwanted toxins, viruses, or aliens getting in, now do we? Now let's open her up and see what the new world is like." Nigel said before the door began to slowly rise upwards, revealing a large airlock and a second bulkhead. The team stepped inside before the first door sealed and the room began to de-pressurize, an alarm blaring and the lights blinking red, before turning green, as the second bulkhead unlocked and slowly lifted itself up.

"Alright boys... Lock and load."

As the sun slowly began to shine it's rays of light through the curtains in front of the open window, as a nice autumn breeze blew in from outside, the atmosphere was calm and serene, with only the whistling of the wind, the chirping of birds, and the ticking of a clock making sound.

Ring!

That is of course, until the alarm clock went off, as it began blaring out incessant ringing, quickly awakening the inhabitant of the bed it sat next to, as a lavender furred hoof outstretched from under the silk sheets of the bed as it reached and gently pressed down on the button, causing said incessant ringing to cease, as a content hum escaped the mouth of the bed's occupant.

As the occupant painstakingly rose forth from the comfortable sheets, forsaking her warmth and comfort to allow herself to awaken, her wings proceeded to expand outwards, stretching out along with her forelegs, as she let out a groan of frustration.

"I hate mondays..." Said the voice of Princess Twilight Sparkle.

She thought that becoming the Princess of Friendship, and getting her own castle would at least somewhat help to resolve the pain and annoyance of waking up bright and early in the morning, but nope, it still sucked. Luckily, Twilight had come to terms with that fact, even if it really didn't make things easier. As she let out a long yawn after finishing her stretching, she lifted the covers off the rest of her body, as she hopped to the ground, making her way out of her room, and into the bathroom.

As she entered the bathroom, she then brushed her teeth, took a quick shower to wake herself up, dried and brushed her mane, and emerged from the bathroom bright eyed and bushy tailed with a smile on her face, before she exited her room and made her way to the castle dining room. The smell of Breakfast then struck her nose, as she took in the fine aroma.

"Mmmmm... Pancakes."

Entering the room, she saw a full plate of pancakes upon the table, complete with a dousing of syrup. Taking a seat and proceeding to commence the devouring of her breakfast, she looked to see her good friend Starlight Glimmer reading over a sheet of paper with glasses on. "What's up Starlight?"

"Oh nothing, just reviewing some paperwork for the school. Still haven't gotten any word back on... The request."

"Well, it's either them trying to get it passed on all the way to Neighsay, or they are trying to slow us down. Probably both, it is a major change to both the school of friendship, and Equestria as a whole."

"Indeed... It'd be the first time a Human attended the school."

"Yeah, probably the first time a human has attended any Pony school! I just wish there wasn't so much opposition, the humans aren't as bad as they say. Heck, back when I was all evil and stuff, a few lived in Our town, and they got along well with everypony else."

"Exactly, and those humans still live there today. Our town is the perfect model to base a new pony-human community off of. No more separation. Of course, we gotta take babysteps, cause we might make the wrong ponies mad." Twilight said with a grimace, before finishing her pancakes and standing up. "Anyways, Rainbow said she would be coming from a trip she had gone on with supposedly the legendary Daring Doo. It was probably a story, but I have no doubt it will be fun to listen to none the less."

A few minutes later, Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer exited the castle's main doors and walked into the town of Ponyville, seeing Ponies go about their day in a normal fashion. Some were pulling carts behind them, others were shopping at the market, and a few were simply sitting and admiring the nice day. Twilight was happy to see it like this, without any kind of friendship problems or villains rearing their ugly heads to ruin such a fine morning. Of course, Discord could show up any moment and add a little chaotic flair, but it would still be fine.

Making their way over to Sugarcube Corner, opening the doors to see several ponies sitting at their tables drinking morning coffee and enjoying their sweets while socializing. Twilight looked over to see her fun loving friend Pinkie pie standing at the counter, currently handing a cupcake to a pair of ponies before noticing her friends and smiling even wider, before a split second later appearing front of them and gripping them in a bear hug.

"Hey Twilight, hey Starlight! Good to see you today, want some breakfast, I can whip up some pancakes if you want-"

"Oh no Pinkie, were good, we actually already had pancakes."

"Oh, ok! Well, you can go ahead and take a seat while you wait for Rainbow, I'm sure she'll be here soon!" Both Starlight and Twilight nodded before taking their seats at a table. "You want some coffee?"

"Sure! And bring one for Rainbow too." Twilight happily said, as Pinkie nodded and bounced off to the kitchen. A few moments later, the door to the shop swung open as the Rainbow maned mare herself stood in the doorframe, a smug smile on her face as she walked over to Twilight and Starlight's table.

"Girls, I have just had the best ancient city exploration with Daring doo to date!"

"Didn't you say that about the last time?"

"That time was different. This time the ruins had these massive tall buildings, almost scraping the sky. There were a bunch of weird magical projections fizzing out, and we even saw ancient bones!"

"Huh, so I presume you visited a city built by one of the Ancients again?"

"Yeah, and honestly, Doo thinks the cities were built by humans, but I say that's a load of bologna."

"I don't believe so, humans are quite intelligent when they work together and put their intelligence to it's full capability. After all, many of our recent technology advancements are thanks to human cooperation. Heck, if it weren't for us bringing them into Equestria a thousand years ago, we wouldn't have gotten nearly as far. Shame they are so violent and mean all the time, but they have different world views I suppose."

"And as all other creatures, they are entitled to those views." Starlight said as she followed up Twilight's statement.

"Yeah whatever, just don't they can build something like that. It's not like they have the power of manipulating gravity!"

"Gravitational Disruption Vortex Projector armed and ready to go."

"You don't gotta say the whole damn name, Nigel."

"I just like the way it rolls off the tongue, mate. Plus, GDVP just doesn't have the same ring to it, y'know? Gotta make sure my vocabulary stays refined."

"Your australian, your vocabulary is impossible to refine."

"Could say the same about you Americans." Chuckiling was heard along with the sound of the door slowly rising upwards, sunlight begining to flow into the room, illuminating it as the squad's visors darkened to protect them from the sun's glare, though it still caused some to wince. Soon the view cleared, revealing a large amount of trees, a blue sky, and the sun shining brightly in the sky.

"Fuck, that's pretty damn bright. Least the sun is out, so we know that the world isn't stuck in perpetual darkness."

"Agreed, now remember, keep the little rover safe, and were set... Can I get a ooo-ah?"

"OOO-AH!"

"Hell yeah."

And so the team stepped out onto the grass, officially being the first humans to do so in a million years.

Or so they thought...

7. Everfree

View Online

'Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.'
- George Washington

The gentle hum of the Remara-Class train speeding through the long and narrow tunnel was soothing to Felix as he slowly took a sip from his coffee cup, lounging in the comfortable seat cushion while he flipped through the many news channels discussing the recent awakening of Humanity and it's nuances. Currently, the train was moving through a direct access tunnel connecting the preservation facilities for Washington and Ottawa, capitals of the United States of America and Canada respectively. Turns out Canada's Prime Minister, Maxwell Mino, wanted to discuss possible changes to the second North-American Free Trade Agreement, seeing as the whole global reshaping may affect the geo-political aspect of the agreement, especially taking into account how The Great Disaster had caused the entirety of North and Central America's economy to be up-ended and ruin the first agreement.

Felix wondered why Maxwell couldn't wait until they simply got the all clear to return to the surface, but trade is an important thing to discuss when your entire species just woke up from a long power nap, so he couldn't really blame him. Plus, nations still traded via the inter-connecting tunnels between the city preservation bunkers, even if it was just a bunch of products from China and pizzas from Italy. Taking another sip from his coffee mug, he gripped the TV remote and switched the channel again to see a live interview, listening to it while checking his smart watch and looking at his messages.

"So everyone, today I have here the ever infamous and enigmatic, Philip Graves. Turns out the Commander of the well known PMC Shadow Company is just as shadowy as his own company. Anyways, our friend is here to discuss the rumors flying around about one of his own men being part of the new team we just sent up to the surface. Phil, what do you think, these rumors true?" A british voice spoke before turning to Graves who spoke in a southern American accent.

"Well, mister Oliver, I can't tell you if those rumors are true or false, seeing as it's classified and all that. What I can tell you, is that the team walkin' up on the surface right now are some of the best boys we humans have to offer. Whether or not one of my own boys is up there doesn't matter, though it would do me a world of good to know they're up there doing me proud."

President Felix silently listened to the news report before the distinct american accent of the AI Christopher spoke over the train intercom.

"Mr. President, you have an incoming call from Chief Commander of United Special Operations Command, Wallace F. Matthew."

"Patch it through, Christopher. Oh, and just in case, make sure nobody gets too nosy and easedrops."

The windows of the train cabin were sealed over while the doors locked shut, as a beeping was heard before the lights in the room dimmed significantly. "MUTE Privacy protocol engaged, connecting to Commander Wallace now."

The television screen in front of Felix flashed from the news channel to display a video call, displaying the face of Commander Wallace present as he saluted. "Good evening, Mister President."

"At ease, Commander. Now let me go out on a whim and guess for a moment, did you manage to finally set up a team for Operation Reclamation, or is it still 'assembling' as we speak?"

"Actually mister President, we have already deployed the newly formed Blackout Squadron, and they have confirmed touch down on the surface. All vitals are green and we are currently getting in a solid stream of data now from their rig sensors, so smooth sailing so far. Figured you should be the first to know seeing as most of the squad comes from the USA, and I thought you would be proud to know that."

"Well, you would be right about that. Thank you for the status update, Commander. Just gotta make sure shit doesn't hit the fan and we can consider this going down in the history books. We'd get to have bonuses all around."

"Roger that, sir." Wallace said as he saluted, before the call ended and the room lit up again.

"Christopher, is Comedy Central back up on the network yet?"

"Yes sir."

"Change the channel there, I gotta see the new South Park episode."

The light whistling of the wind blowing through the trees was a familiar sound, and one they had not heard in a long time. What was definitely new and totally unfamiliar to them was how bright the sun seemed, their helmet visors taking up an extra bit of power to further dim the light and allow them to see properly until their eyes adapted and their visor brighteness levels reset.

"Jesus... Damn sun's brighter than I remember." Dunn said, still shielding his eyes before blinking rapidly and shaking his head.

"It also appears to be rising from... the North? At least that's what I can tell from using my limited knowledge about the sun, then again the magnetic poles could have been buggered while we were asleep. Hard to tell considering my compass is fucked and going crazy, so that's even more credit to the fact the polarity may be inversed." Nigel said as he looked to the digital compass on his visor display to see it rapidly spinning and pointing in multiple different directions.

"I must say, is nice forest. Wonder what kind of trees this forest has, not like any I have seen. Looks too... Cartoony and simple. But that may just be me." Tachanka commented, knocking on the wooden bark of a tree, causing it to lightly shake as a few acorns and pinecones dropped from it, landing and bouncing off of Tachanka's helmet. "Quite sturdy too."

"Enough dilly dallying boys, let's get to work. Rover, lead the way." Foley said as he looked down to Rover as the small robot nodded before quickly turning and rolling ahead, stopping as it extended it's robotic arm out to pick up a rock, scanning it before placing it in his sample container, before seeing another rock and repeating the process.

"He seems to like rocks a lot."

"You know what they say, rocks can tell a lot of stories." Nigel said as he picked up a small pebble and examined through his visor, before holdig it in front of the drone hovering beside him as it scanned the rock.

"Scan's show this rock consists primarily of limestone, dating back approximately 50 years. According to it's markings, it was chipped off of a nearby mountain and brought here through rain water runoff." SAM chimed in, as Nigel whistled.

"See? Rocks got history, especially this one. Came a long way from that big rock over there." He says gesturing to the large mountain in the distance.

"Huh, you study Rockology or something?"

"If you mean Geology, then yes, it was one of my majors during University. Hell, I would've probably become a full-fledged Geologist if I didn't get caught up in the draft halfway through the Martian war."

"Well, if we encounter any stone golems or rock monsters, we'll know who to call." Dunn let out a light chuckle as the squad continued walking forward, while Rover soon came upon a stick and picked it up, before trying to shove into his sample hole only for it to be too big, as he snapped it in half and shoved both ends inside. A light rustling was heard in the bushes on the side of the path, as Rover turned and narrowed his optic, before shrugging his wheels and moving to keep up with the squad.

Suddenly, a light chirping was heard as Foley looked up to see a pair of bluejays sitting in a tree, nuzzling together. "Well boys, we got positive signs of life."

"Bluejays eh? Hell, ain't surprised, those birds can survive any apocalypse." Blackburn said, as he looked down on the ground to see distinct paw prints, forming tracks along the path. "Hmmm, looks like we may got some wolves too going by these tracks. Stay sharp boys, if my days of hunting taught me anything, a wolf always try to get the jump on ya"

"So what, it's just a wolve, they can't penetrate body armor." Dunn said boastfully as he pounded his chest tauntingly.

"And that kind of belief is why almost half of hunters die to wolves. Don't underestimate a wolf and it's pack, or it'll pack your grave. Now then, back to it, we were losing daylight."

"Honestly sounds like a good thing, damn sun could use a bit of dimming. Still can't get fucking used to it, like it just doesn't seem natural. Hell, maybe the comet fucked with the sun somehow."

"Well, considering how the sun hasn't exploded and evaporated our entire solar system with it, I'd say that stars are immune to the effects of mage energy. Well, mostly, brightness is probably due to the mage energy acting as a subsidiary for hydrogen to fuel the sun. Probably gonna burn a few thousand years more, so we should be thankful." Nigel commented while SAM chimed in right after.

"According to my database, Doctor Keifer did state that the stars the mage comet passed by were not noticeably affected because increasing in brightness, so it is no surprise ours is the same. However, it is notable that the sensors we installed upon the surface to monitor mage energy levels detected seemingly higher traces from the sun than normal. The intensity of the energy is not dangerous, but it was still able to be detected by the sensors even though they were focused only on scanning earth's mage energy levels for when it was safe to emerge."

"Oh boy, so you tellin' me the sun may be a big ball of mage energy now?"

"Possibly, we would require the launch of orbital observation and sensor satellites to find out for sure, which will be difficult while we are stuck underground. Now then, I believe Rover has found something of interest." SAM said as Nigel and the rest of the team looked ahead to see Rover holding a small triangle shaped piece of wood in his hand as he scanned it, with Dunn walking up and knelling beside, examining it as he lightly tapped it with his finger, only to hiss as he stood up and his hand recoiled, the sharp edge managing to somehow pierce his suit and stab his skin.

"Ow, fuck, that's sharp. Some sort of wood chip."

"No, it seems too sharp to be a simple chip... Seems more like a tooth. But what kind of creature would have wooden teeth?" Tachanka said while examining the tooth as well, before a low growling was heard from a bush next to Tachanka, as he slowly turned to see a pair of green eyes staring at him, before a large wooden beast leaped from it's leafy hiding spot, pouncing on Tachanka as it clawed at his armored vest and bit at the visor on his suit, before a loud bang was heard as the beast was blown off of Tachanka, as he quickly stood up and looked to see Blackburn holding his sniper rifle high, smoke coming from the barrle while he aimed down the scope, motioning for Tachanka to move aside as he trained the rifle on the creature while it laid on the ground, a large hole in the side of it going right through it's entire body, before suddenly the entire beast broke apart into tiny wooden sticks.

"What in god's name was that thing? Some kind of wooden wolf?"

"If so, then there is probably another thing I should tell you about Wolves boys..." More growling was heard, as more green eyes were visible in the bushes around them. "They always travel in packs."

"GUNS UP EVERYONE!" Foley shouted as the team all raised their weapons with Nigel's drone having two gun barrels poke out of it's sides, the tension in the air being thick enough to cut with a knife. Rover, shaking and quaking, decided to not participate in this fight as he drove into a nearby bush to hide before a wolf lunged towards Ramirez, as he quickly sidestepped the wolf and fired several rounds from his ARX-160 assault rifle into the beast's back as it dropped to the ground, before breaking apart into more tiny wooden sticks. "Seems like a few clean shots will take em out, keep steady aim!" Foley shouted as he turned and completely blasted a wolf to pieces as it was mid-leap with his RAK-9 shotgun, with some of the shotgun's spread hitting and disorienting two other wolves, allowing for Dunn to aim his KAR-45 sub-machine gun and fire a couple shots into both of their heads, causing them to break apart and leaving only two wolves.

One of the wolves charged forward rather than leap, leaving Nigel unprepared as quickly slashed at his left leg with it's paw, it's sharp claws managing to cut through his suit and into his skin, leaving a large scratch mark before the Wolf bit into the lower part of his right as Nigel winced at the pain. "Fuck that bloody smarts!" Tachanka quickly came to Nigel's aid as he kicked the wolf away before helping ease Nigel to sit on the ground.

At the same time, Foley drew his pistol and fired a shot square into one of the wolves head's while Blackburn took aim and shot clean through the wolf's chest, creating to the other end as the both of them fell to wooden peices. With the threat dealt with, and Rover emerging from his hiding place in the bush.

"Ugh, I'll probably be fine, just a flesh wound."

"Negatory, you are losing alarming amounts of blood and plasma, the wound must be sealed." SAM said as Nigel's drone descended and a small mechanical tendril extended out of the bottom, a small nozzle opening as it sprayed onto the wounds as Nigel winced. "Medical nanites deployed, they will seal the wound and prevent any further blood loss."

"Dang, sounds like this drone just made Dunn kinda... Re-Dunn-dant." Nigel snarkily commented with a chuckle before Dunn smacked him upside the head.

"Dude, you could've died if that thing hit something important, how can you make jokes?"

"My dad taught me if you are more positive when you have a possible near-death scenario, it doesn't affect you as much."

"The nanites are commencing the sealing process, but as for replacing Corporal Dunn, this drone is only capable of treating minor injuries, Dunn's speciality is with more lethal injuries, such as amputations." Sam said while the drone sprayed dis-infectant on the wound before Dunn wrapped a bandage around it.

"Alright, let's get back to it. Surely a few wooden wolves won't stop us."

"Your damn right it won't, let's move out people. Command said we had to return in five hours, and so far we have only spent thirty minutes out here. And honestly, I don't wanna spend another damn minute out here if we don't have to." Foley said as Dunn and Tachanka helped stand Nigel up and the group went back on their walk, albeit much more on high alert than before.

8. Conquer The Underworld

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'The end and object of conquest is to avoid doing the same thing as the conquered.'
- Alexander the Great

The door to the somewhat small meeting room opened as a set of ceiling lights flashed on, illuminating the large circular table in the rooms center surrounded by swivel chairs and a large screen on the opposite side of the door, displaying the image of a calm meadow. Walking through the opened door was each of the National Leaders, taking their seats before the familiarly electronic voice and British accent of Bagley spoke over the speakers of the room.

"Welcome everyone, I thank you for arriving on such short notice. I trust that you have all been well, yes?"

"Indeed we have been quite well Bagley, although the whole being in cryo sleep for a million years does tend to cause some disruption to life." King Osas said before the voice of Aladaeen butted in.

"Yes yes, can you please get to the point of this meeting, I was in the middle of very important affairs." Aladeen said as he adjusted his white turban.

"Aladeen, the only important affairs you have are trying to get laid and threatening to shoot people without following through on said threats." Prime Minister Jack jokingly stated as he let out a slight chuckle, followed by Xi Mingzhe who also giggled.

"Silence! I was actually doing important business transactions, surprising I know, but I, Haffaz Aladeen, shall ensure my people are led well in this new age, for my leadership is the most glorious and well remembered, and I shall be the most greatest ruler and warrior of the middle east."

"Before the comet, you ruled like, fifteen percent of the middle east at most, Aladeen."

"Well then, I shall ensure that I am the best ruler known for that small percent."

"Anyways... Go ahead and continue on Bagley."

"Thank you Prime Minister. As you all know, a new team has been recently formed and deployed to the surface for a tactical survey and report on any potential geological, environmental, or ecological changes. While they have yet to return, we have received a transmission from their rover, and I have deemed it necessary for you to see it. It's contents are rather... Alarming."

The leaders turned towards the large screen as it's display changed to show a recording, playing as the voice of Sergeant Foley spoke, a degree of exhaustion in his voice.

"This is Sergeant Foley of Blackout Squadron, reporting on current status. Our squad is currently in a thick forest, trees on all sides. Walking along a path, surprised to see a lot of the animals from before the mage comet hit, maybe those gene banks were useless. While we were walking, we got jumped by some kind of... Wooden wolves... You'll see in the photos I sent along, Rover doesn't have enough power to send our visor footage. Nigel got bit in the leg, somehow managed to pierce his armor. He's fine now, and were gonna try to wrap this up soon-" Foley was cut off as another voice was heard, audibly distant from the microphone.

"Hey sarg, we found some kind of cave!"

"Copy that. Dunn and the others say they found a cave, were gonna check inside and maybe rest up a bit. If we aren't back by tommorow send someone after us. Rover, end transmission." The recording ended, leaving some very surprised politicians.

"Well... Have we received the photos?"

"Affirmative President Alexi, the photos were slow to arrive due to slow connection, but here you go." Projected on the screen were several images, displaying wolves with exteriors formed of wood and lumber, with one photo being blurry due to the muzzle flash of Foley firing his weapon at the wolf, leading to the next photo showing it breaking apart into a wooden pile on the ground.

As the leaders slowly processed this information, Prime Minister Pierre took a deep breath and spoke. "I believe that this is simply proof that the surface is habitable, but also potentially hazardous, as it seems the mage energy has given way to a new form of life... A rather unique form at that. It is refreshing to hear that at least it isn't a wasteland up there."

"Indeed, perhaps the mage energy had less of an impact than we assumed." Xi Mingzhe stated as Osas inspected the image closer.

"It's eyes are glowing green, like it is under some sort of spell. Not just that, but the way it breaks apart... It almost seems... Like magic. While the energy may not have affected the environment, it has no doubt affected the lifeforms. We should await the teams return and study the footage for ourselves. I have no doubt Dr. Keifer would love to examine each and every single frame..."

"Let's just hope the team comes back in one piece." Felix said, feeling a slight unease as he stared at the photos...

"Alright Corporal, what do you see in there?" Foley said as he approached the rest of the squad as they were stood at the wide open entrance of a large cave, with stalactites seen forming on the ceiling, stretching down and appearing like sharp teeth in the cave's mouth, making the entrance seem like the jaws of a massive dormant beast hung open. Dunn turned to Foley and shrugged, shutting off his helmet mounted flashlight.

"Dunno, can't see shit, even with our lights on high." Dunn said with his voice echoing in the entrance.

"Well, we'll just have to go in and be on our guard. How you holdin' up Nigel?" Foley said as he walked up beside Nigel who supporting himself using SAM's drone body.

"Eh, could be better. Pain's gone numb, still feels a bit limp though. I'll be alright soon enough mate, promise."

"You better, I don't want you dying on our first mission together."

"Heh, that would be mighty unlucky aye? Anyways, SAM, can you try and light the way? Our flashlights don't seem to cut it."

"Affirmative, deploying Optical Assistance Flare." A small port opened on the side of the drone, a tube extending out before firing a small red rod as it bounced off a few rocks before hitting the ground and igniting, emitting a bright red glow. The flare illuminated a small rocky slope leading down into the caverns depths as Blackburn looked to the rest of his squad.

"Ladies first." Some couldn't help but chuckle as Ramirez stepped forward, raising his weapon and activating his helmet lights before he was followed by the rest of his squad, with Nigel at the rear. As the team slowly moved deeper into the cave, SAM's drone body fired more flares to ignite the way. Dunn couldn't but whistle, with said whistle echoing along the long tunnel.

"Pretty sweet cave, long too. Echo!"

Echo! Echo...

"Quit playing around, we don't know what's down here and if it's asleep we sure as shit don't wanna wake it up." Foley said, as the team walked along the long tunnel, descending down another rocky slope before SAM began beeping.

"Be advised, my thermal sensor is detecting un-identified readings."

"Good, so at least you can detect it unlike those wooden things."

"Affirmative, advise extreme caution moving forward." The team raised their rifles as they began to round a corner with light seen shining along the floor. As they fully rounded the bend they were greeted with a strange sight. Somehow the massive cavern was lit by a massive light shining down from the ceiling, with tall spires protruding from the ground, as staircases lead up to their peaks. The most strangest sight were multiple metal cages, with strange beasts and monstrosities inside.

"What the bloody fucking hell did we just stumble onto?" Nigel said, ensuring his Helmet's camera was active as he gazed around in awe.

"It is like prison for mutant abominations. The question is, who built this prison, and why?" Tachanka said, turning to see a cage containing what looked like some sort of mix between a bear and a bee, as it growled and buzzed. "Certainly... Unique creatures. What do we even call that... thing?"

"Looks like a bug bear to me, what say you guys?" Blackburn said as he examined it closer with his helmet's optical scanner.

"Sounds bout right to me."

"Seems more like a bee bear, but doesn't sound as good, so we'll good with your suggestion."

"Sorry to interrupt your dispute of mutant nomenclature, but I am detecting a massive bio sign inbound!"

"How big we talkin' SAM?"

"As big as a bloody truck!"

"Fuck, get into position!" Foley shouted as the squad quickly ducked into cover, staying out of sight as heavy stomping was heard approaching along with a deep growl before the sight of a massive Three-Headed Hound came into view.

"Bloody hell... I think we just found the guardian of this underworld." Nigel said on comms, observing the massive beast as it slowly walked around, seemingly inspecting the cages before sniffing the air. "Fuck, I think it's got our scent." The large tri-headed hound slowly approached the hiding spot of Tachanka and Nigel, it's sniffing intensifying before it began barking. "What do we do?"

"I could distract it, if it attacks me my armor can take the damage while you fire at it."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Do you have a better idea, comrade?"

"Not really, go ahead." Nigel begrudgingly said as Tachanka slowly emerged from his hiding spot with his hands up, the massive hound still barking at him with all three of it's heads. As Tachanka stepped forward, he lowered his hands and got into a stance that a dog owner would make when facing a pet, as he looked into the beasts eyes and it ceased barking.

"Sit." The team could not help but stare in total confusion as the beast actually listened, sitting down on it's rear end and continuing to stare at Tachanka. "Good dog. Now lay down." The hound yet again complied, lowering it's front body down to the ground as Tachanka placed his hand on it's head and began petting it. "Is just like giant dog!"

"According to my database, this beast shares a striing resemblance to Cerberus, Guardian of the Underworld in greek mythology." SAM chimed in, as Nigel couldn't help but whistle.

"Well I'll fucking be... Tachanka just made friends with Cerberus! I gotta admit, I was not expecting to meet guardian of the underworld on my first deployment, but here we are in a cave surrounded by mutant abominations and freaks and I got a wound from wooden wolves on my leg, so honestly I shouldn't be surprised." Nigel said with a laugh as he emerged from cover before Cerberus growled at them, only to be silenced by more pets from Tachanka.

"Do not worry, they are friends." Tachanka then pat the dog on the head before standing up and turning towards his team with a smug look under his helmet and a proud stance, as Cerberus sat up behind him and began panting. "I have tamed the Guardian of the Underworld."

"Well that's gonna be one hell of an addition to your service record."

The sound of a rubber ball bouncing against the metal bars of the cage rang out and echoed, sounding out again with each bounce, before a grumbling was heard from the next cage over, before a voice with an irrate tone spoke up.

"Could you possibly not bounce that confounded ball anymore?"

"I dunno, could you find a way to make me not bored and help me wait out the rest of my life sentence?" A childish voice replied with an inquiring and somewhat mocking tone.

"... Fair enough, but do it slower, doing it fast makes it more irritating."

"Anything you say, big boss."

"Don't call me that."

"Alright big boss."

"Why did I have to get stuck with you..."

"Because I'm just so endearing!" And there it was, the signature bratty Cozy Glow grin. Tirek hated when she did that, but what he hated more was being stuck in this cage with nothing to do. The maniacal filly was right, there was absolutely nothing to do to stave off the beast that was boredom in this horrid prison. Sure, they should be grateful that the residual environmental magic helped keep them alive through providing sustenance and moisture, but it did absolutely nothing to try and make things exciting. Sometimes Cozy Glow brought out a harmonica, but after a while, that got boring too.

If only something interesting were to happen...

However, when the loud ear piercing barks of Cerberus rang out throughout the entirety of Tartarus, as both Tirek and Cozy Glow were stirred from their boredom induced lounging, sitting up to see Cerberus staring at the entrance tunnel, barking at a lone individual, clad in what appeared to be some strange form of armor, slowly approaching the beast. Did this being have a death wish? Why was it-

"Did it just tell Cerberus to sit down?"

"I believe it did. And now he's laying down. Now he's letting it pet him."

"Wait, there's more of them, and they got more of that weird armor on... Are they ponies? Griffons? I can't even tell?"

"It can't be anything with wings, that's for sure. And it can't be centaurs or diamond dogs, they don't have back legs or lean on their fists. Not minotaurs because they are far too skinny. They lack horns, so they aren't unicorns... So they must be Earth ponies... But they don't have hooves and are standing upright, so it must mean they're..."

"Humans? What would humans be doing down here? In fact, how did they get down here, wouldn't the seal have stopped them?"

"It would appear they bypassed it somehow, and now they are coming this way. Perhaps they could assist us in our escape... Cozy glow, do your fake accent and get their attention."

"Golly, you got it mister!"

"Seems like this place was hollowed out somehow... Seems like they did a shit job at it though, walls and the floor are crooked as hell. Probably used some primitive tools." Blackburn said as he got a part of his boot caught on a sharp jagged piece of rock, kicking his foot to break it loose and snap the rock.

"Well, they definitely managed to make it an effective prison. Tall towers, isolated cells, big ass three headed guard dog, whoever made this place definitely didn't want anything inside getting out." Sam said while slightly hovering above the group to get an effective view of the area.

"And they also did not want whatever was outside getting in."

"What makes you think that Tachanka?"

"It is said that Cerberus both guarded the underworld's entrance to keep any intruders from entering and anybody from leaving. I believe this guard dog serves the same purpose." Tachanka said looking to his left to see the large canine still following him.

"Well, considering how all we've seen are mutant bug bear hybrids, weird rock crocodiles, part goat part snake and part tiger chimeras, and whatever the hell that green blob thing was, I would definetly consider this the underworld."

"Well then, mark this at the first time a human has ever set foot into the greek version of hell. Another one for the history books." Dunn said with a chuckle.

"Oh, so discovering Cerberus himself, shooting wooden wolves, and encountering mutant hybrids isn't enough of an achievement for history?"

"Oh you get what I mean Sergeant." Suddenly, the squad came to a stop as a voice echoed through the cave, with the tone of a small child and a bit of a southern accent.

"Hello, anybody down there?"

"You guys heard that too right?" Foley said as he turned to the rest of the squad as they nodded.

"Auditory sensors indicate the source is coming from up there." SAM said as he placed a digital marker at the top of one of the stone towers, appearing on the HUD of the squad's visors.

"Now wait, before we go rushing up there, the first thing we should ask is if it's a trap. Another thing we should wonder is how the fuck something knows how to speak English and sound like a child from my homestate of Texas. The first thing we should do is see if it's safe."

"I agree, Blackburn. Ramirez, you and SAM get up there to see who or what said that." Ramirez saluted before quickly rushing forward, rushing up the stairs of the tower rapidly while SAM's drone body followed behind.

"Wait, why did you send Ramirez and not just SAM by himself?"

"Because if there's anything bad up there, Ramirez should be able to handle it. There's a reason he managed to defend the Burger town almost by himself during the Martian War. Plus, if it's something he can't handle, he can outpace it like he does to everyone else during a marathon."

"I hear someone coming up, I think it might've worked!"

"Good, this is our chance..."

The footsteps of the figure ascending up the stairs became louder and louder, until eventually the black visor peered over the top, before the rest of the figure fully stepped up, it's body covered head in toe in a strange form of armored plating, holding a metal tube or pipe of some sort in it's hand. However, what truly confused the two villainous creatures was the small entity hovering beside the figure, it's white and grey exterior contrasting with it's bright blue 'eye', before a solid beam of blue light proceeded to wash over them, and the floating creature spoke.

"I believe that it was one of you that spoke to us, yes?"

Both the villains looked at each other, before Cozy Glow decided to speak up.

"Uhhh... Yeah? I mean, you speak Equine?"

"If you mean English, then yes, although I am programmed to speak all languages. Now then, seeing as you are contained within metal cages, I believe it is time for an explanation."

Tirek and Cozy Glow could not help but feel like this was going to be a bad idea...

9. Dealing with Devils

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'Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.'
- Arthur C. Clark

The door to the small office was opened as Doctor Heinrich Keifer stepped through wearing his standard red and white lab coat, holding his personal data pad as he read a few news articles on it before taking a seat at his desk. He looked to see a photo of him and his colleagues in front of the Opportunity Institute's rover statue. He was the only one from the institute who had elected to be frozen on Earth rather than on Mars, mainly due to his scientific knowledge being more likely needed on Earth to help analyze the extreme effects of the Mage Comet, as according to the projected path of the comet, the majority of the energy had struck Earth, leaving Mars much less affected. He did miss his colleagues, but he knew they were no doubt doing fine on their own.

Turning back to his computer, he quickly pressed the power button as it booted up and he typed in his username and password, checking his information feeds and reading messages before he received a voice call from Bagley, accepting it as the voice of Bagley spoke.

"Good morning Doctor, I hope you slept well?"

"Indeed Bagley, now may I ask why you have called me? Not to sound rude, but I am quite busy at the moment."

"Of course, of course, it will be quick, I have sent some rather... Interesting photos to your inbox. I recommend you examine them closely."

"Very well. And what was the source of these photos?"

"The surface scouting team we recently deployed."

"Then I shall view them immediately." The voice call ended as Keifer quickly checked to see a new message in his inbox, opening it to show several photos as he closely examined them, his facial expression conveying clear shock and intrigue as his curiosity was peaked while he slowly inspected the contents of the photos, zooming in on a particular photo displaying a wolf with a wooden exterior and glowing green eyes.. "Well then... It would appear that the Mage Energy has had more of an effect than we previously anticipated."

The drone and armored human stood before the cages containing Cozy Glow and Tirek, a slight menacing aura radiating from them as Cozy Glow examined the humans armor further, simply stunned at it's design. Not even the most advanced of royal guard armor could even be compared to this intricate armoring that barely seemed to constrict the humans movement at all. Was it even armor? And that weapon the human held in their hands, it looked like a collection of metal pipes and pieces, how did it even function? Needless to say, both Cozy Glow and Tirek were currently at a loss for words, before Cozy Glow shook her head and put on her faker tone. It doesn't matter how advanced they seemed, they would fall for her trickery.

"Well golly mister, me and my friend here were placed in this prison against our will, we didn't do anything wrong! If you help free us, we can return the favor however you want!"

SAM turned his droid body to face Ramirez, who respectively turned to face the drone. Quickly de-activating his speakers, SAM switched his comms to communicate directly with Ramirez. "According to my sensors analysis of her heart rate and breathing, I believe every single word in that sentence was a lie. I doubt they are even friends. What is your suggestion?" Ramirez simply shrugged, before tapping his ARX-160 assault rifle, gesturing towards the unbarrel grenade launcher as he proceeded to load it with an HE shell.

"You have a point, even if they are lying, we can still force them to cooperate with overwhelming force. Also, why didn't you use that grenade launcher against those wolves earlier?" Ramirez gestured to his grenade pouch, opening it and revealing he only had flashbangs left after loading the high-explosive shell. "Of course, your suit did have the lowest ordinance carry capacity. Now then, let me inform the others..."

While SAM conversed with Ramirez, to Tirek and Cozy Glow not a single word was being said between the two, yet they both seemed to understand each other.

"Are they... Communicating telepathically?"

"Maybe the armored guy is mute and the flying thing is using some form of sign language?"

"Perhaps... Wait, I think the rest are coming up the stairs." Cozy glow murmured as the sound of footsteps ascending up the stairs was heard, before five more armored humans slowly stepped up and stood beside their fellow... Teammates? Squadmates? Cozy glow wasn't exactly sure, what she was sure of is that one of them was as big as Tirek and carrying a very large and dangerous looking weapon. There was also a small mechanical creature of some sort with six wheels as it's sole optic stared at them. One of them proceeded to step forward before speaking from behind their mask, yet somehow sounding perfectly clear.

"Sergeant Foley of the United States Army Rangers and former Captain of Hunter Two-One, now Commander of Blackout Squadron. First and middle name is information that's on a need to know basis, and right now you don't need to know. Now it's time time to tell us who you are and what your doing here, because I just spilled a lot of classified info and that means you gotta spill the beans too."

"Names Cozy Glow mister! Gotta say, that's a fancy title, ain't about this 'United States' though..."

"And I am Lord Tirek, son of the lord of the Centaurs."

"Ah, we got royalty here, good to know. Alright, care to explain what a kid and member of the nobility are doing in the underworld?"

"If you are referring to Tartarus as the 'Underworld', you should know that it is a surprisingly accurate term considering the conditions of being trapped here, you should be proud of yourself. Regardless, me and my... Companion, were unlawfully imprisoned here against our will." The squad quickly reconvened over comms.

"Don't buy it, not even for a second. They're here for a reason. I say we ditch 'em." Dunn said, giving Cozy Glow a side eye from behind his visor.

"Affirmative, once again his rate of breathing and heart beat has given it away. They clearly know nothing about resisting interrogation, so they are likely not any form of POW's. Considering this place is made for containing dangerous creatures, we can assume they are here for the same reason. Recommend further questioning. Blackburn, your record indicates you have a history of serving in the police force, you should know a thing or two about interrogation."

"Indeed I do, served three years on the force. Bout time I put it to use." He said before cutting off his comms as he turned and slowly walked towards Tirek and Cozy Glow, somehow managing to stand as tall as Tirek even when he was standing at his full height, which needless to say made him feel strange. Since when were Humans so tall?

"If you believe I am lying, I can assure you I speak the whole truth and nothing but the truth."

"Trust me bud, I ain't doubtin' ya. I just wanna ask some more questions, just get to know more about your current predicament. We'll get you outta here, but we at least wanna have some more details first." The human said as he spoke in a friendly tone, speaking with the same amount of persuasive tone as Cozy Glow, but yet it felt more genuine. Of course, Blackburn was just putting his knowledge on being the good cop in police interrogations to use. Deciding to speak further, Tirek nodded.

"We were imprisoned here by the tyrant that is Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna, as well as their brutal enforcers the elements of harmony. We simply sought to try and end their unjust rule, and we were imprisoned for it."

"I see... Thanks for the information, your cooperation is welcome." Blackburn said, saluting Tirek before walking back to the group and re-activating his comm link as he muted his speaker. "Yep, they're bluffing out their ass, I can tell just by the sweat dripping down his forehead and their tone."

"Damn, all that by simply talking to them? Take notes SAM."

"Har har har, you don't even need to look at their body language or tone at this point to tell their lying. I mean come on, 'Elements of Harmony'? If they are real, I doubt they are 'brutal enforcers'. Regardless, this information proves that they were imprisoned by other intelligent beings. I believe we can consider this mission a success, not only confirming the surface is hospitable and that sapient life exists, but we could consider it a successful first contact. Now then, what is the verdict on what to do with our convict allies?"

"I say leave them, they clearly did something to deserve this."

"I dunno, we could use them for more intel, they seem to know a lot more than they are letting on. Besides, who throws a kid into prison?"

"Good point, they just may be telling a tiny shred of truth. Let's give them some credit and let 'em loose." As the squad deliberated, Foley stepped in with a stern tone.

"If we let them loose, we have to bring them with us back to base for further interrogation and observation. Something tells me the national leaders will wanna know about how we found a centaur and a pegasus. How does that sound?"

All of the team members nodded in agreement.

"Good. SAM, breach their locks."

"Copy." The drone body suddenly turned to the cages, as two mechanical tendrils extended out of the drone's bottom entrance before stretching out and inserting themselves into the locks on the cage doors, twisting and turning before a click was heard as they unlocked.

"Oh thank you mister, we won't forget this!"

Foley couldn't help but chuckle behind his visor before he activated his speaker and spoke. "Well you better not forget it, because now you owe us. And you can help us by coming back with to our base of operations for some more questions."

"Now listen 'er mister, that wasn't-"

"Cozy glow, just listen to the commander and follow him and his friends." Tirek said before winking at Cozy Glow, as she nodded back.

"Oh- Yeah, of course, we'll follow ya!"

"Good to hear, now let's roll."

The sun of Celestia shined bright over the town of Ponyville, as Twilight Sparkle walked alongside her friend Starlight Glimmer and waving to ponies as they passed by while they enjoyed the scenery and smells of market booths and sweet music. Ponyvile was always a peaceful and lovely town, even after all that had happened to it, and it's occupants were no doubt the most cheerful ponies in all of Equestria. Although, there was something about that statement that made Twilight and Starlight feel somewhat uneasy...

If this town was the most cheerful of all, why was it just ponies living here? Why couldn't other creatures enjoy the experience? Why were the ponies the only creatures truly able to enjoy life in Equestria? This question was one that troubled Twilight, because unlike every other friendship problem she had faced, the solution was not so simple. Friendship was a truly beautiful thing to share with everyone, but there were some cases where friendship wasn't the answer.

As the two ponies walked alongside each other, they soon reached the outskirts of town, soon catching a glimpse at a larger settlement in the distance, one where the houses were built from stone and steel, where chimneys churned out toxic smoke which poisoned the air, where the roads were paved with asphalt instead of stone, and where tall poles ran wires ran the mysterious technology of 'electricity' between homes. A town known as 'New Richmond' by it's occupants, or as everypony else called it...

Humanville.

Turning to Starlight Glimmer, they both nodded as they began walking along the road towards the town, coming to a bridge built from steel instead of stone, as they crossed over it onto a road of asphalt slightly hot from the sun.

"I must say, their construction skills are impressive. But why do they not share it with us? It could no doubt greatly benefit Equestria, I mean look at Manehattan, the humans helped turn it into a metropolis!" Starlight Glimmer asked as they walked along the road.

"I do not know, Celestia says that they simply do not wish to share it, but I think there's something more to it. Perhaps this will be an opportunity for us to learn more about humans."

"Let's just hope this goes well then." The two ponies soon came to the outskirts of the town as the serene sounds of nature were replaced with the sounds of distant metal clanging, whistles, and idle chatter between workers as they walked off to their work shifts like busy ants.

From what Twilight knew about the town, which was very little, Humanville was considered a stark contrast to Ponyville. Rather than it's inhabitants having a cheery personality and attitude towards everypone they met, the humans inside simply treated each other with indifference, only providing the occasional wave or chat as they walked right past each other. While other ponies happily performed their work with a spring in their step, the humans set to their tasks coldly and efficiently, and while it made them seem less approachable, it certainly made them more effective workers than other races. The fact they were more taller and bipedal also allowed them to perform more advanced tasks, as well as tower over smaller ponies.

Twilight could not help but wonder how humans could have been around before ponies when they were so distant from each other, and yet they saw the humans living in their little stone and steel houses before Celestia and Luna ever unified Equestria.

As Twilight gazed at the humans, she saw them wear rugged and torn attire, some wearing hard hats and work gear, many having enough dirt and grime present to Rarity faint at the sight of it. The humans only gave the ponies passing glances as they walked by, while some offered waves and some sneered at their presence. The ponies continued on walking through the town before eventually reaching the town hall, a building which appeared larger and more well constructed than Ponyville's town hall, likely thanks to the construction methods the humans had used.

Walking up to the door, they slowly opened it to reveal a receptionist at the front desk writing in her book as she looked up and smiled. "Good morning princess Twilight, are you here to see the mayor?"

"Indeed we are, is he available?"

"Let me check real quick..." She said before opening a drawer and pulling out a stack of papers, examining them before nodding. "Yes, I believe he is open currently, you may go on and meet him." Twilight and Starlight smiled and waved at the receptionist before walking up the stairs and through a short hallway towards the office, soon opening the door as they saw the mayor sipping on a cup of tea, as he almost spat it out at the sight of them.

"Oh, sorry, I was not expecting company madame."

"It is quite alright mister mayor-"

"Please miss, call me Buckshaw."

"Well mister Buckshaw, it is good to meet you once again, especially on better terms seeing as we do not have any friendship problems in your town to solve at this time. Instead we have come with a... Query."

"Ah yes, I was well aware of your idea when Starlight forwarded her letter to me, and before you say anything, I believe it is a splendid idea. However, if there is anything I learned from being mayor, you must be very careful with how you handle certain matters, including this current one. There is no telling how both your school and the chosen children will react."

"I understand mister Buckshaw, we shall handle the matter with utmost care."

"Excellent, then on monday you may return to pick up the five children so you may take them to your school of friendship. I have no doubt they will enjoy the experience."

"Let us hope so."

10. Alea Iacta Est

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'Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable.'
- John F. Kennedy

"If you don't mind me asking, where did you guys even come from?" Cozy Glow asked as she walked alongside Tirek behind the squad of humans.

"Were not exactly authorized to disclose that information, but you'll find out soon enough. Once we get out of this cave, it'll be a short walk back to homebase. Speaking of which, how was this cave even built? You call it Tartarus, right?" Foley said as he turned back towards Tirek.

"Tartarus' origins are not exactly known, though it is speculated that Princess Celestia and Luna created it in the early years of their rule to contain the most dnagerous and foul beasts across Equestria, to keep their ponies 'safe'." Tirek answered as he made air quotes with the last word.

"So I guess that explains why they kept you two down here?"

"Like I said before, we were wrongly labeled as evil and dangerous and imprisoned down here. However, I cannot diagree that the other creatures contained within this cavern are no doubt a threat to Equestria, as I have seen the damage they can do if released."

"Well let's just hope they stay locked in those cages. If we run into any potential resistance on the back, like those wooden wolf things, you get into cover and we can handle it for ya." Blackburn remarked, quickly checking his sniper rifle and realizing he had forgotten to load a new magazine, quickly ejecting the current empty one and placing a new one in as he pulled back the bolt and loaded a bullet into the rifle's chamber, all while Tirek and Cozy Glow watched in intrigue.

"That's a neat weapon and all sir, but what makes you think we can't defend ourselves?"

"Well no offense, but you're just a kid, and you're friend here is skinnier than a vegan."

"And what exactly is a 'vegan'?"

"Somebody that eats only plants."

"Well I assure I do not consume only plants, I have a much more balanced diet. I simply have not consumed any substantial sustenance since my imprisonment here."

"Bloody hell, did they starve you?" Nigel asked as he turned back, his visor brightning and showing a concerned expression in his eyes.

"Oh no no no, even our captors are admittedly not that cruel. This prison utilizes passive magical energy to provide sustenance, substituting any form of food or water."

"Sounds like a perfect prison. Automatic feeding and watering, giant guard dog, isolated location, and lot of containment space. We oughta use this for our prisons."

"Nigel, please note we contain convicted criminals, not mutated monstrosities." SAM chimed in on Nigel's helmet radio.

"I know, just sayin'. Now then, I just gotta ask, what kind of bloody name is 'Cozy Glow'?"

"Oh your one to talk mister... Mister... What's your name?"

"Nigel Wornswood."

"Well yeah, your name sounds weird to me too!"

"Fair enough mate, fair enough. But if your called Cozy Glow, then whats with the bloody Rook looking symbol on your leg?" Nigel said gesturing down to Cozy Glow's rear leg as the depiction of a brown rook chess piece was seen on it.

"Oh, that's just me cutie mark, never really figured out what it stood for."

"Hey, that cutie whatever of your's looks just like the symbol for Shadow Company." He said tapping the distinct insignia as Cozy Glow appeared confused as she suddenly fluttered her wings to fly up closer and inspect it.

"Hmmmm... Well that's awfully neat mister! Maybe we can be friends?"

"Yeah, maybe. And also, I now see those wings aren't for show." Blackburn said as Tachanka proceeded to bonk Blackburn on the helmet with a light slam of his fist, leaving Cozy Glow giggling as she descended to the ground.

"Da, what else would they be used for, idiot?"

"I dunno, just thought they wouldn't be that effective. Eh, guess that proves me wrong. Just another weird occurrence to add to the list of weird shit that we've seen up here. Command is just gonna love to view the footage."

As the group of humans remained ahead of the ponies, besides Ramirez and the massive and menacing Cerberus who remained at the back end alongside the small Rover, with Cerberus still hard glaring at the two villains with a low growl, leaving them nervous, however they had a plan. Cozy Glow and Tirek exchanged devious nods as Tirek took in a deep breath before...

Nothing. A look of confusion washed over his face. He breathed in again. And nothing again. Blackburn turned back with a confused glance.

"What's wrong, you sound like the big bad wolf having a damn asthma attack."

"Uhhh, nothing, just a light amount of dust in the air." Blackburn then shrugged, before turning back to the path ahead as Tirek nervously glanced at Cozy Glow and spoke in a hushed tone. "They have no magic."

"How in the hay do they not have magic, even humans have a little bit of magical aura! I guess that explains how they got through the barrier at the entrance." Cozy glow whispered back in a frantic voice, barely managing to remain out of earshot of everyone. The villainous pegasus and centaur were left confused by this information but decided to just remain silent as they continued to follow the humans while they walked across their way to the exit of Tartarus, the only sound being the silent dripping of water descending from the ceiling, the moaning and growling of encaged monsters, and footsteps. The opening at the very end of the cavern was visible, as Dunn quickly glanced over, only to stop in his tracks.

"Uhhh... Guys? Where's the bug bear?" Everyone else ceased their walking as they all turned to see the cage responsible for containing the mammal insect hybrid had been busted open, and the beast inside was vacant.

"That ain't good." Nigel said, as even Cozy Glow and Tirek appeared concerned.

"You didn't break it out did you?"

"No, we left it in there, didn't even go near it. How the heck did it bust out?"

"Perhaps it sensed that Cerberus was no longer alert and took its chances?"

"But where in the hay is it-" Cozy Glow said, before a low growl emanated behind her. "It's behind me isn't it?"

"No, that's Cerberus. It's behind us." Foley said with a surprisingly relaxed tone as he and the rest of team quickly turned to see the massive bear flying in the air, it's stinger primed and it's wings rapidly flapping as it growled and roared before diving downward, it's stinger pointed directly at Dunn.

"Oh shit!" He said before quickly rolling out of the air, letting the beasts stinger puncture the ground as Dunn brought up his KAR-45, pulling the trigger as several loud and thunderous bangs were heard, echoing throughout the cavern as a spray of bullets flew into the beasts back, forcing it to let out a roar of pain. Ramirez gestured to Cozy Glow and Tirek to get into cover, which they obliged, covering their ears as Ramirez fired his ARX-160 assault rifle, with even Cerberus whining as he laid on the ground and blocked his ears with his paws. Rover didn't react much besides simply muting his audio sensors while quickly moving into cover.

"Aim for the stinger, shoot it up!" Foley said before raising his RAK-9 shotgun and firing several shots into the stinger as the bug bear groaned in pain, with blood visibly leaking from the shot wounds, although the liquids leaking from the stinger was more greenish. The beast finally managed to free it's stinger from the ground, roaring as he dived for Nigel and Tachanka, swinging its claws at them as they barely rolled out of the way. "Blackburn, can you get a shot on the head?"

"Barely, need the damn thing to stay still!"

"I shall attempt to incapacitate with a shock." SAM said as his drone body rushed towards the beast, as several electrified coils rose out of his sides as he let out an electric burst, the electricity coursing through the beast and scorching it's hair while it roared in pain. However the temporary disorientation it felt quickly dissipated and only resulted in it becoming further enraged, roaring at SAM as it attempted to bite at him, only for it's jaws to blocked by the shield of Tachanka, holding the beast back before his suit's frame diverted power to his legs while boosters on his back powered up as he rushed forward and rammed his shield into the bears skull, staggering it as he yelled to Blackburn.

"Now comrade, while it is discombobulated!"

Raising his EM3 rifle, Blackburn took in a deep breath, and then...

Thoom!

The almost silent shot sent the tungsten projectile loaded in the barrel straight through the rifle's long barrel along the magnetic rails accelerating it. It emerged from the barrel, tearing through the air like a banshee and into the beasts eye and out the other side, leaving a hole the size of quarters as tiny bits of brain matter flowed out with blood, as it stumbled and fell onto it's back with a heavy quake, letting out a final moan of pain and agony before succumbing to its wounds. The soldiers took a moment to gather their bearings, before quickly reloading their weapons as SAM flew his drone over and took photos and scans of the bear. SAM then a robotic tendril extended from his body, as it had a small extractor on the end as it took a sample of blood and skin, before pulling itself out after grabbing some hair. "The scientists will love to examine this freak of nature. Excellent work dispatching the threat gentleman, nothing like a good bit of life or death combat scenarios to get the blood pumping. At least for you organics, I pump coolant through my systems instead."

Cozy glow and Tirek had looks of both shock and slight horror on their faces, slowly emerging from cover while Cerberus whimpered at the sight of the dead bug bear, with Rover driving and extending out their mechanical arm as they curiously poked it a bit. Tachanka gave Cerberus a reassuring pet on the side, as he seemingly cheered up and started panting again. Meanwhile, Cozy Glow was still trying to comprehend what she had seen as she looked up at the soldiers. "H-how!?!"

"Simple really, Blackburn fired a high-velocity magnetic round directly into it's cranium through it's eye socket, piercing both it's left eye and cerebral cortex, resulting in total shutdown of it's bodily systems shortly after."

"I... What are those monstrous and mighty weapons you wield? The bug bear is one of the mightiest of monsters and yet you killed it with ease!" Tirek asked with a hint of fear in his voice. The way the humans nonchalantly reacted to the beasts presence before quickly dispatching it with quick and ruthless efficiency was astounding, if Tirek had known otherwise he would have assumed they were some type of brutal war golems from the ancient era. And the way they relaxed themselves and responded to his request as if it was nothing unnerved him further.

"Oh, just the glory of the second amendment, even if that term don't apply to Nigel and Tachanka. We'll tell you more when we get back. Now c'mon, it's gonna be night time soon and we don't wanna be late. Had my fair share of weird beasties" The soldiers went on to walk towards the entrance, as Cozy Glow and Tirek continued to stare at the corpse, before being nudged along by Cerberus and Rover as they continued walking. Tirek once again was thankful he decided not to try and siphon their magic, although from what he sensed they may not have any.

That fact was no doubt the most unnerving.

The door to Celestia's study slowly opened, as Luna poked her head through and surveyed the dimly lit room, which was ironic considering her sister was the Princess of the Sun. Slowly walking inside she saw her sister taking a light nap on her bed, as Luna slowly leaned in before...

Placing both her hooves on Celestia and violently shaking her awake. "Sister, we have sensed something terrible!"

"W-what... What is it?"

"The magical ward of the Tartarus entrance has been tripped!"

"B-but... That's impossible. No creature could enter without us lowering the barrier. Even creatures with barely any magic would be stopped."

"Do you believe it is best we investigate?"

"No doubt, it is possible that the creatures within have escaped. But... Just give me five more minutes..." Celestia said before returning to sleep, leaving a very unamused Luna.

11. Kickstart

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'Flying might not be plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price.'
- Amelia Earhart

Rover inserted his mechanical arm into the small interface console in the wall, making little beeps and boops as the computer whirred while Rovers arm rotated in the socket, inputting the opening sequence for the entrance as the rest of the squad, with Dunn letting out a yawn.

"No offense little guy, but could you maybe hurry it up a bit? The longer were out here the more afraid I am we'll be jumped by another of those wooden things. Course, I doubt they'd try anything with big fella right here." He said as he scratched Cebrerus' neck. Rover turned his head and let out a few beeps of annoyance before turning back and resuming his work. Cozy Glow and Tirek observed the small Rover carefully, watching it precisely turn and adjust it's arm as it input data into the seemingly magical console.

Cozy Glow walked over and knelt down beside Rover, a look of confusion on her face as she inspected the inputs the machine was making, turning to look the small rover in the eye as she decided to lightly pat it on the head with her hoof.

"You for sure ain't like any pet I've seen. They call you... 'Rover', right? Strange name, but it sounds neat!" Cozy Glow said as Rover turned and nodded, letting out a boop of confirmation. Cozy Glow then turned to look at the massive metal wall, moss and rust covering it as symbols and warnings were obscured or tarnished. "So... What exactly is behind this wall?"

"It isn't a wall, it is an airlock bulkhead. Behind it lies a secondary door and an access elevator down into the Geneva complex." SAM's voice emitted from the console, confusing Cozy glow as she looked between the drone and the console. "I am capable of uploading myself into different electronics."

"Ohhhh... So this was a door the whole time? Twilight and her friends said they thought it was created by an ancient civilization, and now yer telling me you created it?"

"The fact we are considered ancient confirms the passage of a million years, plus it likely confirms that there are still remnants of our civilization left over from the comet."

"What the hay do you mean by 'comet'?"

"You shall be further informed after debriefing." A few more beeps and a click later, and Rover withdrew his hand from the console as the massive bulkhead slowly began to raise as alarms rang out and red warning lights lit up. The humans walked inside as Tirek and Cozy Glow followed behind with Cerberus and Rover bringing up the rear, with the three foreign creatures looking around surprised by the clean interior compared to the much more rusted outer door.

The large door slowly lowered and sealed shut behind them with a heavy ta-chunk, the lights in the large room turning white as large vents opened in the ceiling and walls as they felt the air change. Soon, the second door opened as the lights turned green, and the group stepped forward onto the elevator, it slightly creaking and groaning as it shifted to deal with the added weight, before Rover pressed the button for it to go downwards, guard rails raising as it commenced it's rapid descent.

"So uhh... How in the damn sam hill are we going to explain this whole... Situation, to everyone?" Blackburn said with a concerned tone as he turned to Foley.

"Not a damn clue. Best I can say is we found some aliens and convinced them to come with us and let the sight speak for itself."

"Sounds like a plan. A not very good one, but a plan at the very least." Nigel said, before walking beside Ceberus. "Now you behave yourself alright, no letting out sonic barks or mauling people alright?" The large canine nodded. "Good."

The elevator continued it's rapid descent, slowly losing speed as it approached the bottom, finally coming to a stop as the guard rails lowered and both Tirek and Cozy Glow were awestruck as they viewed their new surroundings, watching as massive mechanical constructs hovered over them, as steel wheeled wagons drove by and bulky bipedal machines were seen carrying boxes and crates with little trouble.

However their awe was interrupted by several APC's driving up to the elevator, back and side doors opening as several armored soldiers emerged and lined up shoulder to shoulder while holding their rifles as Commander Wallace disembarked and saluted Blackout Squadron, which led to them saluting back. Alongside the transports, two black unmarked cars drove up as men in black suits disembarked, opening the door for President Felix as he stepped out and nodded. The squad behind the Centaur and Pegasus saluted as did Rover as they approached.

"Good evening gentlemen, it is good to see you have returned from your expedition... Mostly unscathed." Felix said with a wince as he glared down towards Nigels wound on his leg. "And I've seen you brought some strange... Guests. Ahem, I am Felix Stone, President of the United States of America, and representative of the United Nations Solar Alliance." He said looking up towards the panting Cerberus and glaring Tirek, who was currently looking over the president with an inquisitive gaze. Felix then looked down to Cozy Glow who was wearing a happy look on her face as she suddenly placed her hoof in Felix's hand and shook it.

"Hello mister Felix, nice to meet you!" Cozy Glow said Felix was left a little surprised by the fact this creature could one, speak english, and two, even speak at all. Regardless, he maintained his smile and continued shaking her hand before withdrawing it and nodding.

"Nice to meet you too little miss. It is an honor to have the first of your species within our facility. Now then, Mister Wallace, you may take your troops for debriefing. As for our new friends here, they come with us for further questions and accommodations... Although I'm not sure where were going to find space for the big guy." Wallace saluted and gestured for Blackout Squadron to follow him as they climbed into the back of an APC, with Rover driving inside right as it closed up and drove off. Meanwhile, Tirek was left a little confused as he turned to Felix.

"Are you referring to me or the hound?"

"The hound. And no offense if you assumed-"

"Oh no, it's fine, being big is a common trait of a centaur."

"Ah, that's what you are, is it? The name was on the tip of my tongue and I just wasn't sure what it was. Never really did pay good attention in Mythology class. Now while I am sure we can transport your friend here, I am... Unsure of how we will move you."

"That is a good question... Perhaps one of those steel chariots could carry me." He said pointing towards a parked cargo truck as several workers were seen unloading crates off the back.

"Well, it's worth a shot."

In the front passenger seat of the cargo truck, Cozy Glow sat comfortably as she curiously poked the seat cushion, sinking her hoof into it only for it to bounce back out. "Wow, ain't seen a cushion like this before, whats it made of?"

"Foam." The driver, his attention remaining on the road in front of him as he kept his grip tight on the steering wheel, watching as other trucks and transports passed by him while he kept a low speed. He looked into his rear view mirror to see Tirek sitting in the back alongside two armored soldiers. A second truck followed close behind as the massive Cerberus was seen sticking his tongue out and letting it flap in the artificial wind as they drove along, sometimes barking at passing vehicles.

"The hay is foam?"

"The stuff that's in the seat." Cozy Glow glared in annoyance, before shrugging and letting out a slight chuckle as she relaxed, looking to her side and out the passenger window to see the President's black car and it's escort driving beside them on a second lane before turning and getting in front of the truck. Sitting up in her seat she squinted her eyes and was able to see Felix in the backseat of the second car talking to himself as he stared at a large screen with several other faces on it.

Inside the car, Felix drank from his cup of coffee before setting it down in the cupholder as he looked back to his fellow National leaders in the video call. "Now then, as I am sure you have already been informed about the whole... Mythical creatures situation."

"Indeed, and were surprised you didn't inform Keifer as well my friend, he ought to have either a heart attack or a field day once he learns that a centaur, a pegasus, and a giant near exact copy of Cerberus are not only real but inside this very facility. Cyka blyat, explaining this to the general public will be more of a nightmare than it was setting up the bureaucracy after we all woke up." Alexi said massaging his head while King Osas seemed to be in deep thought before finally speaking.

"Well my good friends, the fact that not only are they friendly but also willing to cooperate is a very good sign that the surface may not be as hostile as we thought. Plus, this outright confirms that there is no form of harmful hazards or risks present above. Of course, we have only seen a tiny portion of the area surrounding the entrance, and I believe these strange creatures may be only a few of many." As Osas finished speaking and continued to think even more, Pierre's eyes seemingly lit up as he snapped his fingers.

"Well, we have a couple hangars already up and running don't we? Why not launch one of our aeroplanes into the air to get a lay of the land and see how the globe has changed?"

"It'd have to be a stealth aircraft, mainly cause we don't wanna run the risk of spooking any civilizations that may be up top with the sight of a bloody UFO zooming about. And it would be better to just scout the area around where our men emerged onto the surface, that way we can understand everything above Geneva in what used to be Central Europe. Considering only a few bunkers have reported they are below sea level, I guess it's fair to say that the earth hasn't gone through a complete shift." Prime Minister Jack said while Felix was busy listening to the entire conversation, before he turned to Xi Mingzhe and Aladeen.

"Got any input?"

"I say we nuke the surface people! They could be potentially violent and seek to destroy us all, we must strike first, reduce them to ashes and take our world back, for the glory of Allah and Humanity!" Aladeen yelled with fury as he slammed his fist down onto his table.

"Mister Aladeen, with all due respect I ask you cease your fanatical Xenophobia and lower your tone like... Fifty notches." Xi Mingzhe said as she bowed her head in respect while a couple others in the call chuckled while Aladeen had a pouty look on his face. "Now then, one of the great teachings that I have learned over the years, it is best to know all that surrounds you, and determine those that encircle you are to be treated as friend, or foe. I believe this plan of determining our surroundings is a good one."

"Well then, we'll take it to a vote. All in favor of launching a plane into the sky, say aye. Hey, that ryhmed."

"Aye!" Almost everyone in the call spoke out at once raising their hand, except Aladeen.

"Alright, I think that settles it-"

"Wait, you did not call for a nay vote!"

"Aladeen, your the only one who didn't say aye."

"... I just want to feel included."

"Alright friend Felix, who shall we send soaring into the heavens for the sake of gaining insight?" Alexi asked.

"I think I may know the perfect man for the job."

"Technical Sergeant Jameson Holt, please report to launch bay 36." A monotone artificial voice spoke over the intercom as a man stirred from his bed and groaned, rubbing his head as he let out a light neck crack while he stretched out his arms and stood up.

"Yeesh... Can't get a single damn wink of sleep around here without something new going on. Eh, guess that's just the way it is." The man walked over to the locker on the other side of his dorm as he opened it and grabbed his flight suit, changing into it before putting on his helmet, securely fastening it to his head and ensuring the air mask was properly in place before flipping the helmet visor up and exiting his dorm into the barracks, walking a short distance to the barracks exit before emerging into a ringed hallway and weaving between other personnel passing by him as he checked his watch to see it was around four pm.

He looked to his side and out of the hallways window to see the massive hangar on the other side of the glass, as several aircraft were seen being taxied along the roads at the bottom of the hangar and into maintenance docks or onto elevators towards launch pads. The massive powerful lights mounted on the hangar walls were occasionally obscured by large transport drones flying overhead, some carrying crates and other more larger drones carrying entire aircraft into different positons. An AI voice routinely spoke over the intercom, relaying information and announcements as well as stating new work orders and reports. A massive hangar door was seen at the center of the ahngar's ceiling, currently shut and sealed tight as the roof went up for five whole decks, with ten hangars per deck.

"All personnel be advised, new launch scheduled for... Launch bay 36. Model, V-45 MK.2. Modifications, tactical stealth and advanced reconnaissance packages." The voice continued to drone on listing specific components parts and mods for installation while Jameson couldn't help but smirk to himself. Along his walk across the long hallway as it winded along the circular shape of the hangar, he accidentally bumped into another airmen.

"Oof, uhh, sorry about that, didn't see you there." He said before the airmen turned to reveal the one eyed face of an android as their eye turned blue and they nodded before speaking in their robotic tone with a hint of a southern accent present.

"Apology accepted sir. You must be the pilot they called for bay 36, right?"

"That'd be correct."

"Well then, that must mean I'm talking to the one and only Jameson Holt, the ace responsible for almost singlehandedly winning the air battle over the east coast of the US. It's an honor to meet you sir, the names E3N, members of SATO Special Combat Air Recon. Course, you can just call me Ethan." Ethan said extending his robotic hand as Jameson shook it.

"Well now, didn't expect to meet a SCAR, much less an android. I heard you served on the Retribution during the Martian War."

"Technically sir, I'm an Enhanced Tactical Humanoid, third revision. And you would be right, served directly under Captain Reyes and Lieutenant Salter." Ethan's eye seemed to darken a bit as he looked down, with Jameson having a concerned look on his face.

"You okay bro?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just don't like to think about it too much, just glad we put the hurt on those damn secessionists."

"Hell yeah. See ya later man." He said before fist bumping Ethan and saluting him before walking past him.

"Good luck on your flight!"

"Thanks!" Soon Jameson reached an elevator door near the end of the hall with the numbers 30-40 on it, as he stepped through it and onto the elevator as it raised upwards gazed around the interior of the hangar, the sound of engines, cranes, shouting, and the use of tools ringing out and echoing across the massive hold. Jameson disembarked from the elevator, stepping off it as the door closed just in time watch as a J-12 Jackal was towed by a tow truck along the road, hauling it towards Hangar bay 39.

Looking to his right he saw a trolley rapidly approaching before it came to a stop in front of the elevator, a small staircase extending out and allowing Jameson to climb in and sit down as a small robotic camera turned towards him, scanning him before nodding and it's motor whirring as it drove onward. Eventually the trolley arrived in front of Bay 36, as indicated by the large orange numbers in front of it. As Jameson disembarked, he turned to wave at the trolley as it drove away. Turning back, he saw a number of robotic arms installing various components and equipment on the mighty aircraft before him.

The jet's black exterior shined in the bright lights above, it's sleek and narrow frame giving it a narrow profile while it's cockpit slid open and a small ladder extended down from an open compartment, allowing Jameson to climb inside. The robotic arms finished their final adjustments and checks as they pulled back and retracted into the floor, the cockpit pulling back before sealing shut and the holographic displays within booting up as several screens and interfaces appeared. As Jameson adjusted his helmet to ensure it fit right, a new screen appeared in the center as the symbol of a wing was seen before a distinct robotic male voice spoke.

"Good evening mister Jameson, I am your newly assigned Automated Piloting Assistance System, or simply APAS. Sounds a little over the top, but I personally like it. It is a pleasure to meet you, and to be flying with someone of your renown." Ares said as Jameson chuckled to himself as he nodded, flipping his helmet visor down as a HUD display appeared on it, giving him additional readouts and information.

"Well, nice to know I won't be flying alone on this mission. Speaking of which, what even is our objective? Must be important considering they're getting me in the air only about a day after I woke up from the longest power nap in history." The symbol on the central screen vanished as an audio message played the voice of President Felix.

"Alright Jameson, we just got confirmation about half an hour ago that the surface is clear of any and all potential hazards, meaning they were moving to the second stage. With confirmation of sapient life up top, we need you to scout around the immediate area of the Geneva facilities auxiliary entrance in about a one hundred kilometer radius. Take as much data as you can and stay cloaked before returning to base with your data, simple recon mission. Good luck." The message ended as the screen vanished and APAS spoke up again.

"All systems are primed, fuel is at maximum capacity, and we are primed for launch."

"Good show APAS. Also, APAS doesn't really sound like a good name... How about I call you... Ares? That's my call sign."

"Ares... A little bit edgy but I like it. Launch authorization confirmed, commencing preparations." The aircraft's landing gear was locked into place, the platform below it shifting and rotating as the door for the bay opened, allowing the platform to extend forward into the center of the hangar bay, alarms blaring and warning lights flashing as the massive door slowly began to open, allowing the pilot to look up and see the bright blue sky and clouds above. Meanwhile the platform split into three parts, as the central part holding the aircraft tilted vertically into a perfect 90 degree angle pointing straight up, a long section extending out as two bits of rails unfolded. The clamps attached to the plane began to beep while the jet's engines quickly heated up.

"All systems primed. Commencing launch in T Minus 5...

4...

3...

2...

1...

0!" The clamps zoomed forward, dragging the plane along with it as the jet rocketed forward at full speed and came unclamped right as it reached the end of the extension, soaring towards the sky and out of the hangar as the door closed behind it, rapidly climbing into the sky before beginning to slightly slow down as it balanced and leveled out, it's wings and rear fins extending to full width with sensors fully activated as several miniature cameras mounted on the hull quickly scanned the surrounding sky and stored the data in the jet's mainframe. The hull of the plane began to shimmer and shine, it's photo-reactive and retro-reflective panels slowly adapting to the sky around them with the black metal exterior slowly shifting to match the blue sky around it.

"Active camo operational, silent running engaged, and stealth mode is fully active."

"Good. Now let's get this show on the road!"

12: Altitude

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'Man must rise above the Earth, to the top of the atmosphere and beyond, for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.'
- Socrates

The many cotton why clouds that drifted through the sky had only ever been disturbed by the slow flapping yet great wing spans of the dragons, or the rapid yet light flaps of the Pegasi. Yet today the clouds were sliced in half and seemingly scattered in the wind generated by the one who reduced them from stratocumulus clouds to stratus clouds. The beings that had disturbed them before, were of flesh and bone, yet the entity that disrupted them today was of metal and steel, copper and alloy.

The steel machine felt foreign in this new sky. Jameson wasn't sure how to feel, being in the air for the first time in a million years, likely the first aircraft to ever fly in that time frame. Jameson then looked from his holographic cockpit, still not getting used to how this aircraft utilized a holographic display of the cockpit view rather than a traditional view, but it was safer than glass and thanks to the automatic shading systems it kept the sun out of his eyes, added on with his helmet's visor making his vision perfectly adjusted for flying and displaying data in real-time.

The V-45 Geisthawk MK.2, designed as a joint-project by Lockheed Martin and Airbus as part of the Atmospheric Defense Initiative, was the definition of an advanced modern stealth craft. Outfitted with the latest edition of photo-reactive panels and advanced reconnaissance sensors, the Geisthawk was the perfect stealth aircraft. Jameson didn't full understand the specs of the aircraft, mainly cause he understood standard combat craft better, but he could appreciate the sleek and advanced design.

What he didn't appreciate however... Was the loud-mouth automated assistant constantly asking him to turn down his music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuJIqmha2Hk

"It isn't even a good song, we both know 'Kickstart my Heart' and 'Danger Zone' are superior songs! Everyone knows it!" Ares spoke with a degree of annoyance in his tone.

"Superior songs for flying in combat, sure. Songs for simply cruising along? Kinda make you tense for no reason, least in my case. There's a reason I have two flying playlists, one for cruise, one for combat."

"Well, I must say you at least have good tastes. You even have Spirit in the Sky in here."

"That's from my brief stint as an AC-230 escort. I tell ya what, listening to that thing fire it's 30mm gun was something else."

"I still don't see how you are even able to focus with all this music playing. Were you playing while flying over the Battle for Washington D.C?"

"Yes, in fact I can remember the specific song being 'Highway to Hell'. Course I muted it as soon as the dogfight began, and I barely managed to eject after that damned EMP went off. Anyways, what are we looking for up here again?"

"Not really looking for anything specifically, our current objective is to just soar above the clouds and collect atmospheric data. While I handle said data, you just enjoy the view. After a while, we pop below the clouds and start surveying the landscape, take pictures of anything interesting we see before returning to base."

"So just your regular routine recon op with a bit of weather scanning added on top?"

"The scans handle more than just weather, but it's not too far off so your basically correct. Now then, simply look at the clouds while I handle operating the sensors. It's my primary function after all."

"Besides being annoying."

"Watch it young man, if it weren't for this aircraft's security measures I could easily eject you right now."

"Yet you can't."

"Piss off."

"Hey now, who give the AI a potty mouth?"

"The techs thought it would give me more character." Jameson chuckled to himself before deciding to raise the visor on his helmet as his eyes took in the vast sky around him. The clouds were identical to the ones he was used to flying through and around a million years ago, although the sky and sun seemed to be a little brighter. "A thing to note, I am detecting faint traces of energy in the air around us. According to the data gathered by the surface exploration team, it seems the entire atmosphere is filled with mage energy, and that is likely what's causing the seemingly increased brightness of the sky and sun. I have already adjusted the cockpit displays shaders, and the energy is luckily not enough to affect our systems, although it is causing our photo-panels to slightly glitch. I've already engaged our secondary holo-camouflage emitters to give us an extra layer of stealth, so it shouldn't be an issue."

"I was wondering why the sky looked like something out of a kids cartoon. Anything else unusual on the sensors?"

"Nothing to report yet, standard data. We should be clear to enter low altitude flight."

"Roger, commencing descent." Jameson tightened his grip on the flight controls, adjusting the aircrafts wings into a downward slant as it began to slowly angle itself downward. Jameson flipped his visor back down to see the altimeter on his display slowly lowering, along with a display of the aircraft's current angle and vector. Soon his display indicated he was in the Troposphere as he realigned and centered out the aircraft's balance. "See anything noteworthy?"

"Oh most definitely, displaying now." Ares said in a curious tone as Jameson's visor display was covered with a video feed from the aircraft bottom mounted cameras. He could see a vast green landscape below complete with a large forest and a vast mountain range beyond it. In close proximity to the forest was what looked like a small town or village, as the camera zoomed in to better inspect the structures while the jet began to reduce it's speed. It soon entered VTOL mode as it hovered in the air thanks to built-in miniature thrusters and gravitational disruptors. "Well, we can definitely confirm life on the surface now, if there any doubts before, and trust me, there were. Structures are similar to that of medieval or renaissance era architecture and technology. No form of even basic transportation in sight, however they do seem to have access to trains according to the railways I can see extending from the town. Likely advanced differently compared to us, especially considering they're all ponies."

"Yeah that makes sense- Wait, ponies?"

"Yes, tiny little ponies varying in color are all scurrying about down below. This aircraft's camera is advanced enough to allow me to zoom in right on them, and I can tell you it's not just regular ponies, but also unicorns and pegasi."

"Damn, really should've read that briefing before we launched."

"No worries, I read it pre-launch in the case you did not so at least one of us would have some knowledge. Regardless, I advise following these train lines, could potentially lead to a larger urban center."

"Roger that." Jameson said as he switched the aircraft out of hover mode and picked up the speed again as it zoomed above the rails below. Soon the aircraft would slow down as he whistled at what came into sight.

The large city itself was built into the side of a mountain, resting on the edge while several lakes of water natural descended down the side and through the city, as several bridges crossed over the water and connected the city both internally and externally. Buildings were densely packed together with an outer ring surrounding the city's center separated by water, reminding Jameson a lot of the cities he saw in the preservation facilities.

"Damn, this is one hell of a city for medieval tech. Looks pretty too."

"Indeed, the architecture while outdated is still quite astonishing. I'm not even gonna ask how they managed to build it into a mountain like that and not cause it to collapse and fall down the side. I am personally a fan of the mixing of urban and natural environments. Anyways, divert your attention over here." Another marker appeared on his HUD, as Jameson turned to look at the large palace sitting at the edge of the city, overlooking the landscape below.

"The logs mentioned this nation likely has a monarchy in charge, so this is most likely their primary capital. Structures seem much more sophisticated, more highly populated than the last town. Hang on, I'm detecting something... Radio waves?"

"Aren't they in what's essentially the dark ages, how the hell do they have radio technology?"

"Well, first of all the fact they have steam trains should indicate they definitely possess a different technological path of advancement to us." Ares said as a marker was placed on Jameson's hud, as he turned to see a train station, as a train was present and currently loading pony passengers and cargo. "Second of all, these radio waves are much weaker, so they must still be developing the technology. My scans indicate the majority of the waves are originating from the center of the city. And third, you haven't even noticed the airport. Or excuse me, airship port." Another marker led Jameson to look at a large docking area at the edge of the city, with several airships coming and going from the port. "So right now we have a strange mish mash of 20th century and 16th century technology. The scientists are gonna either orgasm or burst a head gasket looking at this."

"Let's hope these little ponies don't get something like a Hindenburg. But why is the technology so... Mixed up? We got mostly renaissance architecture, industrial revolution technology, and... What age was the airship invented?"

"In 1852, created by Henri Giffard. So technically speaking, they are still mostly localized in the renaissance area. However, I am not detecting any form of industrial development within this city, mainly due to the total lack of pollution. Judging by how they have designed the city, I assume they do not want to disrupt nature and value ecology."

"So they're environmentalists? At least they won't cause climate change like we did."

"Debatable, I am still detecting carbon monoxide emissions in this direction." A marker was placed on the compass in Jameon's HUD, as the jet adjusted it's heading and head off towards the direction. As the aircraft drew closer, a new set of rail tracks came into view below, while the air ahead became smoggy and grey. A small industrial town similar in size to the first village Jameson had located, however here the buildings were built from steel and concrete, with some towering a few stories above the ground. Smokestacks churned out smoke and on the ground were several shapes walking around. "Wait a minute... Either my optical sensors are faulty or those are... No, no that's impossible..."

"What is it, Ares?"

"They're... They're humans."

The door to the meeting room opened as President Felix stepped in, his brow having beads of sweat on it as he sat down.

"Greetings everyone... I assume you all know... Why you are." Felix said, his tone slightly nervous as he gazed around the room. The expressions on his fellow world leaders ranged from curious to sharing a similar sense of anxiety.

"So it is confirmed that this 'Tirek' and 'Cozy Glow' are truly aliens?" President Alexi said, while turning to the digital screen on the wall as it displayed photos of the Centaur and Pegasus. "I must say, the second one looks like something out of a children's cartoon, especially with a name like that."

"The fact they can understand English is also... Intriguing. After examining the video log that was forwarded to us after the team returned, I can say without certainty, we may no longer the only truly sapient species on this planet. In fact, we may be just one of many." King Osas said with a slight hint of joy in his tone, as Xi nodded.

"Indeed, the fact that there could many new different races is truly something spectacular!" A thud rang out in the room, as everyone turned towards Aladeen after he slammed his fist on the table.

"What you don't seem to understand, is that these new aliens could be threats!" Aladeen then sighed, before retracting his fist and seemingly calming down. "But yes, it is rather... Strange, to realize we are no longer the dominant force. Because of that, we must be wary. Perhaps this little pegasus is right, perhaps this so-called 'princess' is a threat to humanity! We can never know for certain."

"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but Aladeen is right. Until we know more, we need to delay opening the facilities."

"Might I suggest announcing a plan to open two new facility entrances and send out additional exploration teams? We could inform the populace that the surface may be dangerous without revealing the existence of alien life. Plus, it would allow us to gather additional information, and if needed, establish a proper foothold on the surface." Pierre said, before Jack grunted to get everyone's attention.

"What we should focus on, is getting back in contact with Luna and Mars. If we've lost our hold over Earth, we need to confirm if we still have it on our other worlds. If were lucky, they haven't been colonized by some other aliens."

"Everyone here has valid points. As Pierre suggested, we shall propose to the Representative Council to open up additional entrances and explore the surface. Meanwhile, we'll follow Jack's plan of getting comms back up and running with Luna, and later on, Mars. As Aladeen has so kindly reminded us, we will need to move forward with careful planning. Everyone agree?" A series of nods from everyone in the room caused Felix to smile. "Excellent. Now let's get to work, we got a planet to reclaim."

13: Pondering

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'Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.'
- Isaac Newtons Third Law

"... Ares, run a general diagnostic."

"Jameson, I've already run several for my sensors, optics, and primary systems, all are green. This is real."

"Then... What the hell!? How... How is this possible?!"

"I don't know... But that's above our paygrade to know right now. Let's just keep gathering data and move on. We'll just have to leave it up to high command to decide what to do with this info."

"Right... Right." Jameson's breathing slowed as he adjusted the aircrafts speed and exited hover mode as he left the airspace over the small town, leaving the humans below unaware before a pony-drawn carriage soon pulled onto the streets, humans watching on in confusion and intrigue as Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer sat in the back, waving at the humans as a select few waved back. Twilight couldn't help but smile as she looked around at the humans, most dressed in their work attire, with others in more casual clothing just going about their day.

She always admired how different human fashion and clothing was compared to ponies, always preferring function or durability over form or fashion. While her friend Rarity would make an elegant white dress, a human tailor would prefer to make a durable and pocket-filled pair of jeans. If it weren't for anatomical differences, she was sure ponies would love to try on human clothes, if the recent idea of human-pony fashion fusion was anything to go by.

Starlight looked to see a few children playing around a small playground, swinging on a swing set and sliding down a slide before turning and waving at the ponies as they passed by, prompting her to wave her hoof back. Hands... That was what confused Starlight the most. They are like claws, but not sharp. They had five on each hand, including the all-important thumb, which allowed them to wield their tools so efficiently. Were they expert crafters and workers purely for their hands? Probably not, but it was a factor. Besides, she was getting caught in the differences between ponies and humans when today was meant to explore the similarities.

The carriage pulled up in front of a large brick and mortar building, a large metal sign in front reading 'New Richmond Elementary-High School'. The building appeared far blander when compared to traditional pony schools, but from what she knew about human design, it no doubt made up for it with size and durability, thanks to yet another human invention, 'bricks'.

Standing below the gate, were six human children, the majority them having white skin tones while a couple had more darker tones, or as the humans called them 'African Americans'. The standard white skin was known as 'Caucasian'. It still fascinated Twilight how there was so much variety in human appearance, yet they all seemed the same. There were around four boys and two girls in the group, and behind them was Mayor Buckshaw and a teacher in a nice looking school uniform. The students appeared to be smiling while wearing their school uniforms and carrying their backpacks on their shoulders.

Starlight and Twilight stepped out of the carriage with smiles on their face, waving to the students as they nodded back before they stepped past and Twilight placed her hoof in Buckshaw's hand for a shake. "I thank you again for giving us this opportunity mr Buckshaw!"

"Please, thank Mrs. Cassie." He said gesturing to the teacher beside her as she nodded.

"I have always been looking forward to the day my little students would get to attend class alongside other creatures. I hope you will enjoy yourselves while still behaving everyone!"

The students all nodded. "Yes Mrs. Cassie!"

Cassie smiled before turning and nodding to Twilight. "I have no doubt today will be a grand experience for both them and your students."

"Yep, today's gonna be perfect! Now come along children, we've got room in the carriage for all of you and I bet your gonna love the trip!"

"Well this day went off the rails real fucking quick..." Jameson said, his jet still silently streaking across the clouds undetected while the cockpit remained totally silent, save for the slight beeping and whirring of his instruments and interfaces. "... Ares."

"Yes?"

"... What do you think about this?"

"Well, with what data I gathered, I have formulated several hypotheses."

"Alright, let's hear them."

"Be advised, they may dip a bit into the realm of... Conspiracy."

"Please, your talking to a guy who got put on the U.F.O Location and Interception task force. And before you ask, no, I never saw any aliens."

"Well, first theory is that somehow, one of the facilities opened early and released it's humans onto the surface. This is unlikely, as the facilities administrator AI would no doubt have alerted the others in the network and triggered the awakening sequence. Of course, it's possible that a facility could have become isolated and cut off from the net, causing them to judge it necessary to release their population."

"Alright, that one makes sense."

"Theory two, they somehow survived the mage comet. This is actually more likely than you think, because well, mage energy was never discovered before and when it was that comet was the only known source. Due to it's distance and speed we couldn't get a sample to test, so we could never confirm it was lethal. Those reports that Dr. Keifer made were mostly estimates, and it's possible the energy messed with the readings, like it does with this jet's sensors."

"Dang, your right, that could be possible."

"Theory three, and this one just straight up goes off the deep end, somehow over the last million years, apes manage to survive and re-evolved into humans once more alongside these ponies."

"... Okay yeah you can go ahead and scratch that off the list."

"Understood. Now then, if we continue on our course we will be heading across a large stretch of water. My sensors indicate a large spike in temperature and carbon emissions on the other side, indicative of an active volcano. I already activated our thermal shielding so we can do a passover for the map."

"Got it. Just fly right over an active volcano. Eh, I flew missions on Venus, this shouldn't be as bad as that." Soon the green verdant hills below gave way to sandy beaches, until the cascade of bright blue seas was visible below. The aircraft lowered slightly, it's speed causing it to create slight ripples in the waves beneath it. "Ah... Now this is flying in style." It helped Jameson take his mind off of recent events, just focusing on how he was flying once more, soaring above the waves inside the safe and enclosed cockpit of his aircraft. Even in a world so different to the one he knew, it still felt all the same to him. Same blue sky, same white clouds, and according to his instruments, cleaner air to boot. Begone lung cancer!

He pulled back on the flight controls as the aircraft rose from above the sea, adjusting it's course and allowing him to get a clear view of his destination. Ash and smoke choked the sky, his temperature sensors already detecting spikes in heat. The large mountains puffing out steam and smoke stood out among the charred and blackened landscape. "Jesus, looks like this place got hit with a De-atomizer strike..."

"A more correct comparison would be if it were subjected to a Scorcher bombardment. But I must agree, this land must be in a state of permanent seismic and volcanic activity to cause this form of ecological damage. However, the pollution from the volcanos is kept in lower atmosphere and entirely isolated onto this island zone somehow, which explains why it hasn't burned a straight hole in the ozone layer. Whatever prevents it from spreading also prevents it from building up in-atmosphere, so that's why it doesn't blot out the sky."

"Probably should just chock it up to Mage energy at this point." The jet flew in a oval pattern around the island, mapping out the land below just like the mainland. However, a blip was detected as he turned and inspected his radar. "What the... Ares, is that blip real?"

"Scanning... Affirmative, and according to my sensors, it's coming up right beside us!" Jameson nervously turned his head, adjusting the view from his cockpit to allow him a clear sight at the massive object beside him.

It's massive crimson wings flapped in the air, with each beat of it's wings sending shockwaves through the air around it even slightly shaking the aircraft as flight stabilizers engaged. It's body was coated in blood red scales from it's large horned and reptillian head all the way to it's winding tale. It's eyes burned a crimson gold and black, heat readings indicating it's mouth was giving off an ambient temperature exceeding the temperature needed to melt steel. Jameson let out a whistle before silently increasing his jet's acceleration as the dragon slowly fell out of his cockpit's view, causing him to let out a sigh of relief before a slight chuckle.

"... Here be damn Dragons."

Marcus had always heard stories about the School of Friendship, how all the ponies and the other creatures came here to learn the value of friendship and harmony. His ma and pa always told him that what truly mattered was good hard work, but they also said it was still important to have good friends you could always count on. His ma specifically told him that come a few years from now, when he's all big and strong, he'll have lots of friends. Heck, maybe he'll have a girlfriend, who knows? But he preferred to spend his free time playing Jenga with his little brother Bobby.

As the carriage he and his classmates were riding in slowly came to a stop, he looked over to see William slightly sweating as he looked up to the towering school building, because even Marcus had to admit it was a bit big for just a school building.

"Aye William, how you doin' man?"

"Well, right now, I feel like this can go both great and horribly. What do you think 'bout it Marcus?"

"I'm more a glass half full kinda kid, so I think it'll go just fine."

"We'll just have to see." The boys nodded to each other as the carriage doors opened and the little stairs folded out, allowing the children to step out with Twilight and Starlight following behind them. Marcus liked the pony princess and her friend, they were very friendly and answered his questions. Papa said that even if they were ponies, they were still creatures just like us, and while they may not see us as equals sometimes, we still gotta try and be friends. Marcus turned his attention back to the large doors of the school, seeing the distinct shimmer of light indicating Starlight's magic as she pulled on the door handles and swung the doors open for the children as they all gawked at the interior.

"Woah..."

"So shiny!"

"Where'd they get all the crystals?"

"Agh, too bright!"

"Little children, welcome to the School of Friendship!"

A happy expression was visible on all of the human students, as they surveyed their surroundings with wonder in their eyes. Suddenly, a pinkish blue blur zoomed past as a hippogriff let out a squawk before smiling with a grin so wide it threatened to tear her beak.

"Are you kids the new human transfer students!?! That is so cool, you're the first humans to ever attend this school, you are sooooo lucky, we are gonna have so much fun!"

Marcus knew deep down that either way, he was gonna like it here.

14. Rise

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'The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.'

-Norman Schwarzkopf

The flag of Germany and the European union was displayed proudly above the door as the men filed into the room one by one, taking their seats and intently watching the display at the front of the room. Stepping up next to the display was a man in officer attire, the symbol of the Bundeswehr on his shoulder as he tipped his service cap to the men before speaking English with a heavy German accent.

"Guten morgen gentleman, I am Lieutenant Colonel Von Krieger, and I hope you have all gotten your proper beauty sleep?" A series of 'Roger's, 'Jawohl's, 'Oui's, 'SÌ's, and 'Tak's followed, as the soldier nodded. "Good, then that means you are in tip top shape for this mission, because if you aren't then you will make a bad first impression for whoever you meet up there." Several men sat up in their seats as murmurs and whispers were heard between them. "Before anyone asks, yes, you are indeed being sent to the surface. Just a couple hours after the first scout team came back, UNSA Congress has approved two more larger groups to exit from other facilities dispersed across the globe. As you can tell, Berlin's facility is one of those chosen exit points. The other is all the way over in Arusha of the United African Federation."

The screen displayed the globe, with markers indicating the first bunker exit of Little Rock in North America, before panning over and placing two new markers on Berlin in Eruope and Arusha in Africa.

"Your primary objective is to deploy to the surface and recon the general area around the facility entrance, before setting up a forward base of operations and deploying reconnaissance drones to get a lay of the land around us. And it'll be the first time we've done anything on the surface for a million years so chances are things will be different, which is why when the recon data comes in you'll be heading out in a convoy to explore and record anything of note. Should you encounter any locals, attempt first contact. Once you have collected enough information, return to base and report back to command. Then you'll likely be stationed on the surface for security and monitoring. Any questions?"

A singular hand raised in the crowd as the commander chuckled.

"Soldat, this is not kindergarten, you can simply ask."

"My bad mate." A distinctly Irish voice spoke up. "I was just wondering what exactly we should do if we meet anything up there. We don't exactly carry a universal translator at all times and I doubt they would as well. We could very accidentally start a war thanks to a bloody misunderstanding."

"That is an understandable fear, but unfortunately due to our limited information, I will have to utilize the term 'We'll cross that bridge when we get there'. Until then, report to the entrance and get ready to deploy."

"Aye aye, cap'n!" The voice shouted before being followed by several others affirming in their own languages before exiting the briefing room. The men entered the armory and opened their respective lockers, first gripping their vests and helmets, clipping them on and securing their equipment and accessories before grabbing their weapons and loaded new magazines into them. A british voice spoke to him in a joking accent.

"Aye Dublin, still using that auto-shotty?"

"Piss off with that name, I don't call you Yorkshire and you don't call me Dublin, this ain't a company op." He said before tapping the distinct Shadow Company logo on his shoulder. "Boss told us we get to join the EU group off-contract, so I'd prefer if you call me by my actual bloody name."

"Well there's the issue, you never tell anyone your name."

"... Aye, fair enough. We'll use our nicks, but don't stress it too much."

"Anything you say, Dublin." A ground came from the scotsman, earning the chuckles of a few men in the room.

"You know, for mercs, you're not as stone cold as I thought you were." One slavic accented voice spoke up, a patch of the Polish flag and Kommando patch visible on their arm.

"Well you gotta be able to lighten the mood when it's part of the job description to be a cold blooded killer, Romikov."

"But of course, helps keep things from getting depressing as balls. Now hurry up and finish prepping, we got ourselves a surface to reclaim!" Romikov shouted as several voices shouted and cheered in response before they all eventually exited the armory. A few minutes later the majority of them were standing in front of the elevator leading to the surface. Behind them were several trucks loaded with equipment, including a MCCV covered in armored plating with two automated turrets on top. The MCCV rolled up onto the elevator first alongside the soldier, followed by two trucks. Dublin did one final check of his gear, looking around to see his fellow soldiers looking antsy.

"Boys, you all better grow a pair by the time we get up there, cause it's gonna the first deployment we've had for a million years! Who's ready to show the world who's boss?"

A series of cheers came from the soldiers, with Romikov shouting "Kurwa!" at the top of his lungs. Dublin smiled before turning back, right as the railings raised around the elevator and the electronic PA system spoke.

"Commencing ascent."

"Alright lads, get ready, were going up top! Oh, and for your information..." The sound of a new magazine being loaded into his TL-40 Auto-Shotgun rang out, causing both Dublin and Yorkshire to grin beheind their helmets. "I do have my auto."

The elevator's ascent was felt pushing down upon each of the soldiers, standing full upright to ensure the force being exerted upon them from the rapid climb upwards would push them over. A few soldiers conducted last minute checks, as Dublin decided to quickly check his helmet's HUD display was active. His helmet's visor had transparency active as did everyone else around him so he could still see their facial expressions. He saw Yorkshire make an almost manic grin, and Romikov maintain a neutral face with a determined expression. The elevator soon came to a stop, a distinct clunk being heard, indicating it was now locked into place as the railings lowered and the doors in front of them began to open. Due to the atmosphere being confirmed to be safe, both doors opened at the same time.

And a flood of light blinded their eyes.

Amorn's hands pressed together as he whispered one final prayer to Allah before gripping his weapon with a smile, securing his helmet and pulling up the handkerchief around his neck, covering his mouth after the surface sensors reported a currently active dust storm. Command said it would give the convoy cover, but Amorn knew they just wanted to prevent any further delays of securing the surface. He looked over to see his good friend Unanthi loading a magazine into his pistol before planting it in his holster before turning to look at his Arabic compatriot.

"You lookin' forward to his, my friend?"

"But of course, nothing like a joint-operation between Arabia and Africa to start off our tour. What do you believe we will find up there?"

"I am not sure, but considering the whole reason were awake is because of talking horses, I'd say we might get to see something interesting."

"You said it amigo." A Portrugese accented voice spoke up behind the two as they turned to see Carlos wearing a set of shades over his eyes. "Dunno why they sent us South Americans with you, but hey, least you wont be hogging all the fun up there."

"I am certain that soon enough they will start opening vaults in your territory." Unanthi let out a slight chuckle. "If they can get through all the vines and bushes."

"Trust me, we'll be lucky to get through all the sand. Now let's move it, command's not waiting forever." Amorn and Unanthi nodded to Carlos before the trio exited the armory and entered the back of waiting APC already filled with troops. The door sealed behind as the APC moved, soon coming to a stop as the intercom came on.

"Positioned on the access elevator, ascent commencing now." Amorn saw a couple of his fellow Arabians muttering a final prayer, most likely due to the fact they had forgotten to do so during preparations. Amorn thought it should be considered an important part of prep to pray to whichever deity you follow, to ensure you don't concern yourself with praying in the midst of battle and feel assured you have your spiritual armor. The APC soon entered the airlock, the door sealing behind it and the rest of the convoy. A few moments later, intercom come on again.

"Alright, were up top, exiting... Now." Amorn looked to the right to see screen displays above the door to the driver cab, displaying a front view of the APC exterior. The large facility door has finished opening, revealing a glaring sun which was quickly filtered by shaders to reveal massive rolling dunes of sand, with swarms of tiny particles blowing past and some collecting on the camera lens before being wiped away. The APC pulled out onto the dunes, followed by the MCCV behind them as Amorn saw it through the back view display. Two other APC's were with it, due to ground troops being unable to walk in this kind of weather.

Unanthi listened to the whistling wind and let out a whistle. "I must say, the winds seem more intense than I thought they would be."

Amorn nodded in reply. "Indeed, perhaps it is a much greater storm than we had realized. All the more good reason we are in, instead of out there."

"Agreed, I prefer in a cramped metal box then get my eyes filled with sand."

"Well, it's a good thing I brought my glasses, otherwise my eyes would be cego."

"Wish you had brought your handkerchief too, that way you wouldn't talk so much." Unanthi chuckled only to be flicked by Carlos.

"Vá se foder."

"Your lucky I can't understand you."

"At least I don't talk in tongue clicking."

"That stereotype still exists?"

"So do the memes about my country being a shit hole. And hey, they got that right." More chuckles bounced within the armored hull of the transport, it's wheels churning through the sand as the wind whistled by and flowed across the dunes.

"And over there is math class, and there's language, and then there's art, science, history-"

"Silverstream dear, you may be saying things a bit too fast." Starlight glimmer said as the hyperactive hippogriff turned and nodded.

"Oh right right, my bad! Just so excited, Gallus and Ocellus have always wanted to meet a human! Now they get to meet all of you!" She said gesturing in Marcus's direction as he and his classmates smiled. He liked this hippogriff, or as he now knew her, Silverstream. He kind of reminded him of a little girl he knew in Kindergarten who was almost constantly hyperactive.

"I am glad that you and your friends have been looking forward to this. In fact, now is about time for first period, so best get to class!"

"Yes ma'am! Come on every... Everyone? Is it everyone?" Silverstream asked in uncertainty as the humans nodded before she smiled again. "Alright everyone, come on, it's time to witness the glory that is...!"

She smacks her claw on a sign above one of the hallways doors. "Science!" The human children let out collective sounds of fascination. The classroom was quite clean, it's chair and desks neatly sorted and lined up with the desk in front of the class quickly being manned by Twilight Sparkle as she used chalk to write her name on the board. Several other creatures were in the room, including an earth pony, a yak, a dragon, a reformed changeling, and a griffon. Marcus was surprised to see this amount of variety in the classroom.

The rest of the creatures in the room were a collections of ponies, pegasi, and unicorns as they all turned and looked at the humans with confused gazes and the occasional glare, before the griffon waved at them. "Hey new kids, come on and sit over here, we save you seats!" Silverstream zipped over to her seat next to the griffon as the humans sat down and pulled put their notebooks from their bags. After Silverstream whispered in his ear, the griffon turned and extended his claw with a smile on his beak. "Name's Gallus."

"Nice to meet ya Gallus, name's Marcus." He said returning the smile and handshake. "Gotta say, I ain't never seen a griffon before. Then again, I ain't never seen a yak or hippogriff or even a changeling before."

"Well, it's nice to see you humans up close too, never actually spoken to one before. Mainly because they're only so many of you and your all either busy doing your jobs or serving as mercenary soldiers. I always wanted to visit Humanville, professor Twilight even suggested we do a field trip there."

"Well, we'd be happy to have you." The humans then turned their attention to the board, though the whispers behind them sligthly unnerved Marcus.

The day went on smoothly for the human children and their new creature friends, looking to William and Gallus having fun discussing the tabletop game Ogres and Oubliettes. Marcus then turned back towards the pony named Sandbar.

"So Sandbar... How did you even get that name?"

"Honestly Marcus, I'm not even sure honestly."

"Well, I think it sounds nice. Pony names are unique, different. Not one of you is the same, unlike us humans. We got all different kinds of skin color, languages, religions... Least that's what I heard from the ancient history books we found."

"Oh yeah, your great great great great- Okay, a lot of greats there, but your ancestors basically ruled the world right? Everybody else doubts it but I think it makes sense. I mean, there's a reason Manehatten is the only city besides Mount Aris with skyscrapers. Took forever for all the ponies to do it, especially cause they got too scared to work the higher they went. Had to start hiring safety pegasi to keep ponies from falling, and then when those pegasi weren't enough, they called in griffons. Then, they called in you humans, and you got the job done quick."

Marcus smiled and nodded. "Yeah, my pa is a construction and he says he was mighty proud to be part of that project."

"Heh, as if, we ponies did all the work." Marcus and Sandbar halted in their tracks before turning to an almost pale white pony colt. "Honestly I dunno how you managed to even get approved to come here, if my dad had any say he would've-"

"Can it Separator, your dad is nothing but a grouchy old man. Besides, Twilight Sparkle has the right to let anyone she desires into this school to learn."

"Oh yeah? Well I'm gonna tell papa Neighsay all about this! The EEA's gonna shut this dumb place down!"

"Oh go ahead, anything he proposes will get shot down by Twilight." The colt lets out a huff of air. "Come on Marcus, let's go." The human and his pony friend depart.

"You good Sandbar?"

"Yeah... Surprised your asking me, he was being way too dang rude to you."

"Eh, I get used to it. Lost count of how many times I've been called 'two-footer'. Anyways, let's get to class."

"Yeah... Hey, after school you wanna go play videogames at the Ponyville arcade?"

"Oh you bet."

15. Surface Tension

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'We who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive.'

- Martin Luther King Jr.

The bristling wind whistled around the soldiers of Europe, the grass and trees before them swaying in the heavy gusts of air. Several mountains of varying heights stood before them in the distance, with several hills around them. The sky above was clear of any clouds with only the sun shining down. The only noise besides the rustling from wind meeting greenery were the idle thrumming of the electric engines for the vehicle behind Dublin, as he called out to his fellow men over his helmet's comms-link.

"Alright lads, let's move! I know it's beautiful and all that, but we're burnin' daylight here!" A series of affirmations came from the troops as they began marching forward, the trucks behind them switching gears and following as the MCCV slowly rolled forward, it's heavy weight and mass slightly shaking the soil as it moved. The path ahead was overgrown with grass, any trace of the road that had once lead into the facility entrance were the jagged broken pieces of asphalt stabbing up from the ground.

"Oi, road clearer team, get those rocks out of the way! Don't want em' puncturing the bloody tires!" Yorkshire yelled out as a few men at the front nodded before moving forward, unfolding shovels and hammers as they began digging up and breaking apart the asphalt, while taking samples of the material and the soil around it. A couple of the men assigned to clearing duty were holding sensor equipment in their hands and mounted to their backs as they scanned for any potential obstructions via their HUD. They then placed markers on hazards and objects of interest to allow for others to see them.

"I believe we are far enough away to deploy the UAV, no?" Romoikov as he walked beside Dublin.

"Not until we find a good place to set up shop, we need to get all the sensors and instruments up and running. Not that I know how any of it works, I ain't a tech head like Herdek or Machel."

"You have a good point. Besides, I suppose it's better to just enjoy all the scenery around us before getting down to business."

"Yeah, these mountains remind me of Switzerland. Of course, the problem is this is where Berlin is supposed to be."

"Well, chances are most of the city was either destroyed by the comet or broke down over time. Or perhaps, considering how tectonics work, they got buried."

"Bloody hell Romikov, since when were you a geologist?"

"It comes from my mother. She studies the many mountains of Poland, and I believe she will a field day when she is allowed to come up here herself. Remind to take some pictures later."

"Lad, you know this mission is classified right?"

"We all know what happens up here will be inevitably declassified as according to the GSIC Act, so why bother trying to keep things so secret?"

"Fair enough."

The wind continued to flow around them, though it's whistling went unheard to those inside the interior of the Mobile Command Center Vehicle, replaced by the sound of fingers clacking on keyboards, the whirring and beeping of the server rack lining the walls and the gentle thrumming of the fans keeping the room at a cool seventy-eight degrees. The information center was separated from the command center and the cockpit, not just to allow for compartmentalization but also to reduce the sound pollution into other parts of the MCCV. Three operators sat on both sides of the compartment, working at computer terminals while the Information Officer sitting in his command seat in the center, viewing his own screen displaying the incoming data.

One of the operators had a beeping on their headset as they opened a comm-link. "MCCV-Info center reporting."

"IC, this is the forward clear team, be advised we are coming up on a large clearing ahead. Recommend running an area scan on medium range and medium duration."

"Copy, relaying." The operator said, clicking off the comm-link before turning to his superior, currently viewing the outside via external cameras on his screen while reviewing incoming data. "Sir." The Information Officer turned and nodded. "Forward teams are requesting an area scan when we reach the clearing. Med-range, med-duration."

"Sounds like a good idea, no tellin' what could be prowling around." The officer turned to his screen, silently sending an order to every operator's screen as they all began coordinating the activation of the MCCV's various sensors.

Mounted on the roof of the mobile HQ was a directional sensor array mounted to a dish, with several miniature sensors mounted all along the walls and roof of the vehicle, with three sensors even mounted on the underside. The dish was currently pointing up, however it soon leveled itself before slowly spinning, the sensors across the vehicle activating as they all began to gather data and relay it to the Information Center.

"Be advised, sensors detecting something in the higher grass, 3 o'clock." One of the operators said, relaying his data to the officer, who quickly nodded and sent it to the soldiers outside.

"Be advised, unknown heat signature, marking on HUD. Requesting check."

"Copy, moving in. Antoine, Peter, with me." Yorkshire replied over the comm before gesturing to two men beside him as they followed. The signature was small in comparison to the soldiers, about the size of a golden retriever. It's heart rate, along with several other vitals and body readings being displayed on their HUD, continued to spike as they approached, indicative of fear. Yorkshire raised a hand, signalling his comrades to stop as he stepped forward, keeping his rifle clutched close before kneeling down and peering into the grass, focusing his helmet's sensors to get a clearer view.

The small creature was quadrupedal, standing on four legs with two legs similar to a lion at the back and claws like a falcon at the front. It's main body was covered in feathers and a tail extending from it's rear, it's head having a thick beak for a mouth with two forward facing eyes.

"Bloody hell it's a Griffon... Reports weren't wrong about fantastical animals it seems." He mutters over the comms, quickly sending the data over to the MCCV. "Command, native fauna identified, requesting orders."

"Affirmative, approach unidentified entity peacefully, keep your weapon holstered and make no sudden movements. Don't try to antagonize it, just get it into view for a good scan so the boys in lab coats can analyze it."

"Copy." He said, attaching his rifle to his chests magnetic plates before turning and signalling for the two soldiers behind to remain alert as he moved closer to the bush. "Welp, here goes nothin'."

The human covered in weird armor came closer to Milern's hiding spot, prompting the small griffon to back away. As if the human could see him from behind the black glass face of it's helmet, it paused before reaching a hand out and waving. Milern slowly relaxed his muscles as he approached the edge of the bush, poking his head as he got a clearer view of the human and his friends.

His friends were also covered in armor wielding a collection of metal tubes, most likely some type of advanced weapon. Behind them were more humans, and several metal wagons gently rumbling as they moved along. The massive armor covered mechanical beast at the center of their caravan made Milern quietly chirp in fear, feeling the vibration of it's heavy movement all the way from the bushes. He returned his attention to the human, who was now kneeling right in front of his bush, glaring at him from behind it's helmet. Then, despite speaking from behind a visor, it spoke clearly.

"Hey little fella... We aren't gonna hurt you." It spoke in perfect Equish too. He was thankful that his mother had made him learn Equish as a second language to Herzlander. Hearing the calm and friendly tone in the humans voice, he peaked his head out of the bush, causing the human to turn his hand as if offering him a handshake. Slowly stepping forward, Milern raised his paw and placed it in the human hand, who gripped firmly and shook before releasing him and nodding. The human then stood, waving goodbye to him before turning to his friends and walking away with them.

Milern looked back down to his paw, still struggling to understand what had just happened.

"Did you get ze scan?" Antonie asked with a french accent, turning towards Yorkshire as they walked away from the small griffon.

"Yep. Strange little critter, seemed to understand me clearly. Not surprising, considering how we saw the footage of those two ponies taken from Bagley's surface cameras."

"But of course. It reminds me of a griffon, from what little mythological creatures I know. Makes me wonder what else we may see. Still, already off to a strange start with our surface recon. Anyways, let's rejoin ze convoy, zey said they will be stopping soon."

"Rog." The three soldiers soon caught up as the MCCV slowly came rolling to a stop, supports extending from it's sides and unfolding while several antennas extended on the roof of the vehicle. The rear and sides of the vehicle extended outwards, deploying their own supports when fully deployed as windows opened on the vehicle. The rear section unfolded it's armor plating to reveal a garage door as it deployed and lowered a ramp in front.

The several humvees and trucks around the MCCV came to a stop as well, unloading the soldiers and cargo inside as they began setting up equipment. Crates were opened as communication and sensor antennas were spread around the area, radios and data uplinks being tuned and adjusted while metal plates were placed on the ground before unfolding into metal floors where the vehicles parked. Flood lights were unpacked and set up with their cables being connected into the mobile generator in the MCCV's left extended compartment.

The other extended compartments roof opened up, as several miniature drones swarmed out and began hovering around the area, observing and gathering data with their sensors while their operators sat in the MCCV. After the several small drones, a platform slowly raised up revealing the jet black armored body of the Sparrow-54 UAV, it's engine powering up as a ramp strip extended out, catapult pulling back before launching the drone into the air. The wind carried the UAV along with it's camera feed connecting to the MCCV and being piloted remotely.

Dublin and Romikov simply watched as the new base camp was set up. "You think we forgot anything?"

"Yes, wind shields, these mountains cause heavy gusts."

"Ah come on, it ain't that bad. I'll tell you right now, the winds during the defense of Haiwaii were way worse."

"That's because you were fighting the Martian Independence Army in the middle of a hurricane!"

"Fair enough, but still, you gotta learn to live with these things. Now come on, let's go help set up the solar panels."

Establishing the data connection to the MCCV on the surface was simple once an auxiliary team was sent out to set up a new relay on top of the Berlin exit. The relay's signal was coming in clear as the connection with the MCCV and it's drones was confirmed. Everyone in the command center quickly set to taking control of their assigned drones and following their assigned directives and orders, piloting the drones in various directions while gathering data. Commander Wallace stood in their midst, observing the primary feed of the MCCV's own surveillance UAV.

"Not a single trace of Berlin in sight... Lots changed over the past million years. Alright everybody, remember what we're looking for. Any signs of civilization, ruins, or really anything of interest. See it, mark it, move on. And don't let the locals spot you, we already got word that our boys ran into some kind of Griffon creature. Just further confirms our intel on this world being full of fantasy creatures."

A buzzing was heard from his pocket as he took out his phone and answered. "Receiving."

"Research department's preparing to interview the two subjects, we'll be transmitting the feed to you. You'll disseminate it to the other special operation branches and start drafting up plans. Remember, hope for the best, prepare for the worst."

"Got it." He slid his phone back into his pocket. "Guess we're finally getting into full swing."

"Do you think this sandstorm is ever going to stop, brother?" Unanthi asked, gazing through the back view display at the still raging blitz of sand and dust.

"I sincerely doubt it, we have no way of getting a weather forecast without an orbital reading. We can only hope that it ceases before we reach a good place to set up our camp." Amorn said while he adjusted the sights of his rifle, Carlos sitting next to him who was sipping on his canteen.

"Caramba! Can't they turn up the damn AC?"

"It's already at max. Must be blistering outside- Wait, I believe it's clearing up..." He said, looking out the window to see the sand slowly dissipating, giving way to the bright blue sky with the sun hanging high above the arid dunes. "Not too dissimilar from Arabia."

"Indeed brother, remind you of home, no?"

"Indeed." A beeping was heard, the intercom coming on as a voice spoke.

"Be advised, Rhino-1 has spotted what they say is a pillar of smoke. Potential threats ahead, saddle up and get ready." With those words everybody in the APC tensed, quickly doing last minute equipment checks.

"Well then, let's get ready for a party irmãos." The speed of the APC subtly increased, it's electric engine thrumming louder with the dunes speeding by in the view displays.

On the outside the MCCV had fallen behind, with only two humvee's escorting it as the rest of the convoy sped ahead of the convoy, engines at full power as they bounded over the dunes towards the billowing pillar of smoke. The lead APC crested over the dunes to catch sight of a distant village aflame, its roof mounted turret already calibrated and taking aim. It's camera zoomed in directly on the source of the smoke, it's high-res sensors displaying several Zebras running around as flames raged and two legged armor covered creatures with white fur pursued the natives with spears. The turret quickly marked the yeti-like creatures as hostiles, before firing a single shot at one of them.

"Opening fire on unidentified enemy combatants!" The Yeti's entire upper body was blown apart with the impact of the HE round, spraying blood and chunks of viscera and gore on the ground as the APC's came to the edge of the village before slamming down their breaks as the back and side doors dropped down and soldiers funneled out.

"Move move move, secure the area! Watch for civilians, check your fire!" Amorn yelled, Unanthi and Carlos forming behind them as they quickly moved forward, helping the Zebra onto their hooves. "Don't worry, were with the Solar Associated Treaty Organization! Were here to help!"

The Zebra looked on with awe and shock as the three armor clad men of war rushed off to assist in the battle, the sound of thunder ringing from their guns as they brought a form of death and destruction that even the Yeti's would learn to fear.

16: Know Thy Friend, Understand Thy Foe

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'If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.'

- Sun Tzu

"Ground control, this is Blackbird-1, reconnaissance mission has been successful, requesting permission to land."

"Affirmative Blackbird, Ground control reads you loud and clear, opening hangar access now. Welcome back."

The massive door below his jet creaked open slowly, revealing the hangar as he began the jet's slow descent in VTOL mode. The engines of the V-45 Geisthawk cooled as it touched down onto the extended metal surface of bay 36's landing platform, it's wings folding inward as the platform pulled back into the bay and the door sealed behind it. The cockpit's door hissed and slowly opened as Jameson removed the oxygen mask from his lower face and lifted his helmets visor.

"Alright Ares, see you later."

"You as well, pilot." Jameson nodded before stepping out and sliding down the aircraft's extended ladder just as several robotic arms activated and began inspecting the aircraft for any form of damage. As he walked out of the bay, a trolley stopped directly in front of him, allowing him to step on as it quickly took off along the service road. Still wearing his helmet, he received an incoming comm link as he quickly lowered his visor to see the display and answered it, the video screen displaying commander Wallace. "Jameson speaking, sir."

"First of all, for your first flight in a while you did a damn good job. Were receiving all the data from your flight AI now. And I can certainly say we... Don't exactly know what were lookin' at, nor do we like it. Gonna need you to report for debrief in the special operations center."

"Roger sir, I'm on my way." As the trolley pulled up to the elevator Jameson stepped off and waved to the trolly before he pulled out his ID card and verified his clearance for accessing the lower levels before selecting the high security section, allowing the elevator to descend downwards as he contemplated in silence about what he saw. His thoughts were interrupted when the elevator abruptly stopped a couple levels before it's destination floor, the doors opened as six men covered in combat gear stepped inside. Jameson looked to see a patch with the symbol of Task Force Sentinel on their shoulders, as he whistled. "You boys the ones who went up top?"

"That's correct." Foley said, retracting his visor as he nodded to Jameson. "Heard you got to fly your own little recon mission up there. How'd it go?"

"Pretty well, got called down here to discuss the data I got. Guessing you're coming down for the same reason?"

"Affirmative, command wants us to debrief."

"Well, let's not keep 'em waiting." He said as the elevator continued down before reaching it's proper destination floor, the doors opening and allowing the men to exit the elevator and walk through the walls, glass windows on both sides looking into large controls and operations centers. Ahead of them was the command center, the door scanning them and opening with a click as they stepped inside. The door sealed behind them as the men took their seats around the large meeting table, a holographic display activating and displaying Bagley's symbol.

"Good day gentlemen, good to see you have all come back from your recon operations alive and well. As you have no doubt surmised, the point of this meeting is to discuss the information gathered."

"Quick question, buuut... isn't this something that high command should be discussing by themselves?" Dunn asked in a confusing tone as commander Wallace cleared his throat to announce his presence.

"Correct, in standard situation new intel would be examined by both high command and in the intelligence division. But due to this... Unique case, we figured we should bring in those who experienced it first hand to help get a better account of things. Now then, before we start I'd like to let you all know that what we are about discuss here never leaves this room and never exits your mouth until it is officially de-classified. Am I clear?" A series of affirmatives from the group and Wallace nodded. "Alright, let's begin." He turned to the large screen at the other end of the room, as it began displaying photos and readings taken by Rover and Ares.

The first photos featured plants and trees within a bright green forest, as well as small rabbits, insects, and other animals being recorded and documented. Birds were seen among the backdrop of a cloudy blue sky, as key objects and entities in the photos were highlighted and analyzed before being identified. "First of all, we have confirmed several native Earth species survived the mage comet's affects, meaning that the gene vaults may potentially be outdated and are better off being converted into zoo's. Of course, this confirms the surface is not just habitable but also very much hospitable to life." Wallace said as oxygen readings taken from the surface in the present and a million years ago were compared on screen.

"Honestly, seems like there's more oxygen then there was before. Hydrogen levels look a bit high though, but that shouldn't be a problem seeing as Jameson could fly just fine, ain't that right?" Nigel said, turning to Jameson who furrowed his brow.

"Yeah, and that probably explains that bit where Ares had to make a couple adjustments to the fuel control to keep it stable. Course I don't know much about atmospherics so you'd need to ask him. Anyways, felt like generally smooth flying, though uhh... I'm guessing you'll wanna show them... You know, the thing?" Jameson said as the other men in the room looked to him confused while Wallace nodded.

"You are correct." Turning back to the screen it's view shifted, causing the men to reel back in shock and confusion as the sight of a massive dragon draped in crimson scales with burning eyes glaring forward as it soared through the air. "As you can Sentinel, what you encountered on the surface may very well be the norm up there, if this 'dragon' is any indication."

"God almighty, that things the size of a Nuremberg class cruiser! How is something like that even flying?" Blackburn said in an exasperated tone, rubbing his eyes in astonishment while Nigel closely inspected the creature before making an assessment.

"My best guess? Excellent aerodynamics, aerial maneuvering, and weight control mastered over both extensive evolutionary growth and a long lifespan. Course, it's just a theory of mine, we'd need to get better data to know for sure."

"The damn things got damn strong wings, Ares said that each flap was enough force to knock a plane out of the sky if they didn't have an omni-directional thruster system installed. So I think it's safe to say we should avoid dogfighting them, even if it would be cool as hell." Jameson said, visions of his jet screaming through the sky as he was pursued by a mighty dragon spewing flame from it's mouth, but his daydream was interrupted when Tachanka let out a chuckle.

"All these fantasy creatures, centaurs, pegasi, dragons, we truly woke up in a fantasy novel world. Though from their perspective, we would be science fiction aliens, coming up from ground like Pacific Rim."

"Fuck I love that movie. Didn't it have a sequel?" Dunn said, only to be met with deafening silence before Foley patted him on the shoulder.

"We don't talk about the sequel." Dunn simply nodded as Wallace went ahead and changed the projection again, this time showing the centaur known as 'Tirek' and pegasi known as 'Cozy Glow' posing in front of a camera, with Tireks stance being serious and authoritative even in his thin and weak state, while Cozy simply had an innocent smile on her face. Wallace grimaced gazing into her eyes though, remembering going over the footage and seeing her at times predatory gaze. Definitely something to watch out for.

"Now then, moving on. As we can see here, these two creatures are the ones brought from the surface by Blackout Squadron, out of an underground prison referred to as 'Tartarus'. Conveniently, as if the underworld analogy wasn't enough, they also encountered and befriended none other than Cerberus." A second image showed Tachanka throwing a ball into the back of a truck so Cerberus would go inside for transport.

"I'm not even gonna ask how he did, cause he's Russian." Jameson groaned through the palm currently in contact with his face as Tachanka let out a hearty laugh.

"We tame polar bears, ol Cerby is just big three headed dog bear. Granted he could easily eat me alive, but he good boy."

"Anyways, while we have yet to conduct a proper interview, we have already deduced that these two creatures were placed in prison for a reason, and Cerberus acted as their warden. By removing them, we may have caused a potential issue for whoever put them there, or created the prison. Judging by the newly dubbed 'Bugbear' that RnD's been tearing their hair out over, it's safe to say only extremely dangerous entities are contained there." Wallace said, another image of the Bugbear appearing, it's hostile and predatory gaze staring into the camera. The next image showed that same gaze, lifeless and empty as a hole hollowed out it's head and left it dead on the ground.

"Damn, you guys didn't give it a chance did you?"

"Course we didn't, that thing coulda' easily flatlined us. The other guys shot it up while I lined up my sights, gave it a lobotomy via bullet." Blackburn with a sense of pride in his tone. "You think this makes me a big game hunter?"

"Probably more like a cryptid hunter. Now then, we basically know all about this, so why don't you go ahead and tell us the new stuff sir, like the data Jameson collected." Everybody easily noticed how Wallace tensed up, his eyes darting to Jameson who shared the same worried look. The old general simply nodded, before switching the image to display several towns and cities, including one built into the side of a mountain.

"Dang, these 'ponies' got some mighty fine architecture, look at the size of that castle!" Dunn said, marvelling at the images which were zoomed in and enhanced via editing. "Wait, how do they build with hooves?"

"That's a question that will wait until later... But now, it's likely time you're shown something that not even the National leaders know, at least not yet."

"Why haven't they been informed sir? Aren't they higher priority?" Foley said in a confused and slightly worried tone.

"Well, under normal circumstances, yes... But these aren't normal circumstances." With a single press and a few seconds of letting the photo sink in, Dunn was the first to speak.

"The fuck!?! Those are people!"

Ramirez let out an audible sigh from behind his helmet. Why couldn't anything be simple?

The room was a replication of an old 1980's home, with wooden flooring and tan walls with a warm orange light illuminating the room as Keifer sat on a comfortable cushioned seat while Tirek sat on the couch to ensure his weight and size was supported, and Cozy Glow leaned in a bean bag while poking at in wonder. Keifer then looked down to the fine wooden table, a recorder system set on top of it as he pressed the red symbol of a play button and it began recording.

"This, is Doctor Heinrich Keifer, starting first contact interview log 001. Subjects have been identified as 'Cozy Glow' and 'Tirek', with entities being identified as pegasus and centaur respectively." Keifer said as he spoke into the recording microphone attached to the table, leaving said pegasus and centaur confused.

"Uh... Why are you speaking into that weird foam thing?"

"Oh zis? It is a microphone, I am using it to record our conversation for analysis and archiving."

"The heck does 'record' mean?"

"Essentially, it allows for the saving of any form of physical media to play later, like music or videos, which are digital recordings taken of the real world. For instance, that camera right there is recording us." Keifer said as he gestured to the spherical camera mounted to the ceiling. In truth it was only one of the many cameras in the room, the rest carefully hidden.

"Oh that's neat! Is it recording this?" Cozy Glow said as she used her hooves to stretch out her mouth and make a strange face, which made Keifer form a light smile on his face.

"Yes, including that." He silently thought about what could possibly justify this child being locked away in a subterranean prison. But considering the squad's suspicion and her clearly fake personality, it was definitely something to ask about. "Now then, how about we start with a simple series of back and forth questions. I shall ask you something, then you shall ask me, and then we loop from there. How does that sound?"

"Pleasing, although I believe you will find my questions to be odd from your standpoint."

"I expect the same to occur from your perspective. Now then, the first question is simple, what other creatures exist upon the surface besides centaurs and pegasi?"

"Oh oh, I know this one!" Cozy Glow excitedly raised her hoof before speaking. "There's the three pony tribes of earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi like me, as well as the lesser known tribe of thestrals or bat ponies. Then we got griffons, zebras, kirin, dragons, minotaurs, centaurs like him, yetis, penguins, polar bears, and... Am I forgetting anything?"

"Do not ask me, I do not concern myself with creatures that do not bear magic."

"Don't Kirins have magic?"

"Yes, but let me tell you this. I once faced a Nirik. And it was the last time I will ever face one. Not even the Princesses could match their rage in that state." Keifer was seen taking several notes. "Now then, do you mind if I ask my own?"

"But of course my friend, go ahead."

"Very well. Where exactly, are we?"

"Ah, that is easy. This is an interview room within the high security section of this facilities research sector. This facility is none other than Geneva, capital of the United Nations Solar Alliance. And in case you are wondering, yes, we are underground."

"I see... I believe I know what my next question is, but you may ask first."

"Thank you. Now then, how exactly did you end up in your containment cells within that prison referred to as Tartarus?" The centaur and pegasus visibly winced, with Tirek gaining an almost furious expression on his face while Cozy did her best to conceal one of annoyance.

"That is a simple question, yet it requires from us a complicated answer."

"I have time to listen. Please go ahead."

"Of course... You see, us centaur's use magic as a form of sustenance that helps keep us alive and powerful. In order to survive we must drain this magic from other creatures, mostly those rich in natural magic like ponies. As such, long ago, I set out on a warpath to drain all of Equestria's magic and return to my homeland with enough magic to fuel my kind for eternity. But those foolish and inconsiderate princesses foiled me and sealed me away for a thousand years. I am fortunate that Tartarus produces enough ambient magic to keep me alive. At one time that fool Discord released me, and I even managed to betray him before that damned princess of friendship banished me to Tartarus' depths once more." Keifer seemed more and more intrigued as wonder crossed his face, his grey beard twitching upwards with his grin at the wealth of information being given to him as he wrote it all down on his notepad.

"Fascinating... And how did you end up there child?"

"Well, I may or may not have tried to... Become empress of equestria and force everyone to be my friend? I don't really know how to explain I did it, but I would've gotten away with it too, if it weren't for those dang elements!" Cozy Glow's face twisted into an even more annoyed expression as her tone slowly lost it's innocence.

"I... See. So you attempted to conquer an entire nation just to force everyone to be your friend?" Cozy perked up again right after that question.

"Yep! I always want to make new friends, so I figured if I ruled over everypony they'd all be my friend!"

"... I cannot say I see the logic in that, but it is a fair viewpoint. Now then, what is your question?"

"Oh, easy, why the hay are there so many humans down here? Aren't you all supposed to be back on the surface?" Both Tirek and Cozy Glow noticed how Keifer froze at that statement, watching as he fiddled with the pen in his hand far more frequently.

"... Come again?" Cozy Glow went to comment but Tirek stepped in.

"I believe what my companion here means to ask is how humanity has managed to conceal such advanced technological prowess from us, and build entire cities and nations under the surface of Equestria without a single soul noticing. I am actually wondering that as well."

"Hmm... My next question is very clear now." He said, taking another few moments to process the information before continuing. "Well I suppose I must explain. First, we must go back a million years." That statement alone left the two villainous creatures confused. "In what we are calling the pre-comet era, or PC, our civilization was thriving in all aspects. We had colonies and outposts throughout the solar system, we had united the worlds nations, and our technology and societal advancement continued to improve at a rapid rate. Granted, I am greatly simplifying things as I am less informed on the UNSA's socio-economic history, and you'd be better off reading about it. Then, during new years day in 2200, I and my team working at the curiosity stellar research array discovered a massive comet, identified as the mage comet, emitting a tremendous amount of unique energy with powerful properties. We call it the mage comet, but what we soon realized, was that it was on a path to pass through the solar system, and it's unstable energy would easily be dispersed across the surface of all planets, cleansing them of all life. So, to ensure our survival, we constructed underground city facilities to ensure our species would live. On the day the comet's arrival was due, we entered cryogenic stasis, let it pass by, and waited a million years for the world to heal before we woke up, and proceeded to prepare to retake our home. Of course, we were not expecting home, to be already taken."

Cozy Glows jaw would likely be on the ground if it weren't attached to her face, and even Tirek's eyes were wide as they both processed the information. "I see... So in reality you are ancient and highly advanced progenitors of a bygone era. That explains the various ruins of cities scattered throughout the world."

"Hmmm, so some of our cities managed to survive the cleansing effects... Either that, or we severely overestimated the comet's effects... That will have to be determined when we check the data gathered by the aerial reconnaissance mission." Cozy Glow appeared to become confused with that statement.

"Wait, you have pegasi here?"

"I am not sure how you inferred that, but we do not."

"But you mentioned flying... Do you have griffons? Hippogriffs maybe?"

"Actually neither of those, we instead utilize what is known as a 'Plane' or 'Jet'." Cozy Glow's face showed both intrigue and yet more confusion. "If my superiors are willing I can show you one, along with some of our technology."

"I see... Well, I am definitely interested in your ability to simulate flight. But now, I suppose you have your penultimate question to ask."

"Indeed... I will put it simply, what do you mean by 'supposed to be on the surface', miss Cozy Glow?"

"Well, there's humans all over the world, not a lot of them, but there's still a good few. They're considered the best creatures to use for manual labor and are pretty smart, so most of the time they flock to more advanced nations to use their big brains and fancy hands for work. Heard they're even equal citizens in the Griffonian empire and Hippogriffia."

"I... See. So, somehow humanity has survived the comet?"

"I don't see any other explanation, do you?"

"... I do not, no. This is... This is a surprising revelation, and I do hope you will be fine to continue this at another time. Bagley will help escort you to your quarters." Keifer said, standing up with his hands visibly shaking as he walked to the wooden door, which unlike an actual wooden door opened sideways as he stepped through, leaving the two creatures confused.

"... Who's Bagley?"

"That would be me." A british voice spoke as Cozy Glow managed to defy physics by leaping into the ceiling out of fright while Tirek appeared surprised at the blue hologram now present over the table. "It is a pleasure to meet you. Now then, your quarters have been made ready, and I will happily guide you there."

"But... You're a table." Cozy Glow stated bluntly as she hovered down.

"Oh no, I am simply using the table's built-in projector to give myself a form for you to observe and speak to. I am in fact an artificial intelligence, and I am in fact all around you."

"... Coooooooool." Cozy Glow said with child like wonder.

"This is Rhino-1, additional hostile forces moving from the southern side! Providing covering fire, watch the flanks!" The roar of the APC's main turret echoed through the air as each thunderous bang resulted in either a burst of dust and a crater in the sand, or a massive hole blown through one of the unidentified assailants. Rifle fire rang out from inside some of the huts as Amorn and Unanthi had moved inside, using an open window as a point to fire from cover as their bullets easily penetrated the primitive armor of the enemy. Carlos was outside as he and another squad moved to cover zebra civilians as they rushed to take cover near the APC's.

Cresting over the dunes the MCCV and it's humvees came into view, as the armored cars came barreling through the sand with one outright ramming a hostile right in the back, caving in their spine from the force and sending them flying back as a soldier manned the LMG turret on the roof and quickly opened fire, as the already dwindling number of hostiles rushed for cover from the thunder of guns. The MCCV itself came to a stop at the top of the dune, and due to it lacking any weapons for combat it instead opened it's roof compartment and launched a swarm of drones, the almost silent whirring barely heard over the gunfire as the few surviving raider's looked up to see the swarm of what they believed were mechanical birds swarm around them, marking them as one soldier clicked a shock grenade, throwing it between the remaining enemies and delivering an intense shock, causing them to roar before dropping to the ground unconscious.

"Secure the area, make sure there's no stragglers!" Amorn yelled, troops scattering around the village as they found zebras still in hiding while the drones conducted a sweep of both the village and surrounding desert, confirming no remaining hostiles were present as they began to collect data. Amorn and Unanthi regrouped with Carlos as they made their way back to the vehicles, watching as the zebras tried to speak with the humans, as some spoke English while others spoke what seemed like a mix of different African languages. Medic's were left unsure of how to tend to the wounds of the equines with limited anatomical knowledge, electing to simply apply bandages and splints until they could requisition a mobile medical center. Surprisingly, there were zero casualties among the zebras and friendly SATO forces.

However, after doing a tally of the corpses, around thirty of what the troops were dubbing 'yetis' were found and piled up, one or two being loaded onto one of the APC's to take back for examination. The yeti prisoners from the shock grenade were still unconscious, currently being held in one of the huts under guard by troops. Amorn and his comrades looked around at the damaged village, looking at the scorched buildings and smoldering wreckage.

"I must say... This is... Unexpected. Within the first thirty minutes of arriving here, we have already repelled an attack by these... Yetis. It is certainly a unique situation we find ourselves in." Amorn said while glancing off towards the zebras, all gathered in the towns square as they discussed amongst themselves with couples and families embracing each other after being separated in the chaos. The sight made him smile.

"Indeed, we arrive in time to save the village and protect these zebras like heroes from a story book. I cannot help but wonder however... What exactly... Are these creatures? They speak both the language of us Africans, and English. And yet, they appear almost exactly like the zebras from before the comet, except far shorter and more... Expressive? Is that word?" Unanthi said as he used his helmet's zoom function to enhance on a zebra's face, which was currently scrunched up in disgust as it stared at the bloody mess of a yeti corpse in front of it. It then proceeded to sigh and spit on the corpse before moving.

"Yep, that's the word. Least I think so, I ain't your fuckin' english teacher. Anyways, command is gonna frickin' love this." Carlos said, snickering to himself still trying to process it all as he took a seat on the sand below him.

"Indeed, I have no doubt those in the MCCV are already having a heated discussion with HCOM."

And Amorn was correct, as inside the command center of the MCCV the expeditions head officer, a synth known as AC-621 faced the video screen displaying Commander Wallace's face.

"So then, it's confirmed that were not just dealing with walking talking fantasy creatures, but regular creatures have decided to start speaking as well. God... Well 621, you made the correct call in intervening and defending the civilians. We can confirm there are potentially hostile forces on the surface, and we need to start making battle plans if we get dragged into a war cause of this raid. For now you'll be using the village as a base, and be sure send back those yeti prisoners and corpses back to us so the science team can poke at 'em for a bit. While I'm busy sorting this shitstorm out with the top brass, your welcome to try and talk with the locals."

621 simply nodded and spoke in an almost monotone voice. "Understood sir." Wallace nodded and disconnected the vid-call as 621 approached the cockpit, opening the door as he moved to look outside the main window towards the village. The two drivers stared ahead as well, keeping their instruments in check as one snickered.

"One hell of a rude awakening, eh boss?"

"You'd be right Jenkins. I feel like I'm still half-asleep. At least, I was until this mess happened. Now then, move us down there and commence expansion, were gonna set camp."

"Roger roger." 621 simply glared with his singular red eye, causing Jenkins to raise his hands defensively. "Hey, it's affectionate!"

Beyond Earth: Phoenix Rising

by Stalin with Da Spoon

1. The Rise before the Fall

2. The Wake Up Call

3. Reclamation

4. Dream Team

5. Gearing Up

6. Unto The Breach

7. Everfree

8. Conquer The Underworld

9. Dealing with Devils

10. Alea Iacta Est

11. Kickstart

12: Altitude

13: Pondering

14. Rise

15. Surface Tension

16: Know Thy Friend, Understand Thy Foe