It is the forty-first millenium, and there is no more friendship, only... WAR!
Sub-Sector Arctika. This cluster of worlds stands on the very edge of the Equestrium of Ponies. From this frontier came the Blood Phoenixes, a Chapter of the Empress's own Pony Marines. Now savage animals seek to overrun the sector, and break the Blood Phoenixes once and for all. Captain Goliath Nule and a hoofful of Pony Marines lead the raw recruits defending these worlds.
Now, another Pony Marine joins this desperate battle. A newly promoted Commander, ready to lead in our darkest hour. His name is Hammerheart. And he will tip the balance towards victory.
"We Blood Phoenixes select our initiates from this world's fierce warriors."
The pod's exterior was beginning to sear as it penetrated the planet's atmosphere and continued to fall.
"Dolmaska is the cradle and the future of our Chapter."
The drop pod smashed into the ground, sending dirt and sand up in the air.
"Now, the Hogs would take it from us. This, we cannot allow."
Captain Goliath Nule stood atop a hill firing a heavy bolter against a vile pack of Hogs that dared to charge at him. One by one, every Hog that got near was torn up by the bolter's missile-like bullets.
"Scouts, stay in cover." said Goliath. "Kill the Hogs that are out in the open." He opened fire upon even more Hogs that attacked him. The bullet-riddled Hog bodies piled up quickly.
"Welcome, Commander Hammerheart." Nule addressed. "This is Captain Goliath Nule, in command here on Dolmaska. We are battling the Hogs that threaten this world." Not too far off, Pony Marines were engaging Hogs as they advanced on their position. "You have dropped right into the combat zone. I am north of you with squads of our initiates. We are under heavy fire and losing control of our flanks. Move north and provide support."
After the rescue battle with the Hogs, Commander Hammerheart and Captain Nule headed to the space ship that flew over the planet, joining with a Tactical Pony Marine Sergeant with orange fur and a blonde mane; Sergeant Applejack.
"Welcome aboard Strike Cruiser Ponigeddon, Commander Hammerheart." said Goliath. "Dolmaska is currently facing a massive Hog invasion that threatens to spill over to the entire sector. Urgent distress signals are coming from other nearby sectors, but we must concentrate our efforts here. I need you to take charge of an assault that's stalled on the surface below. Drop to the point marked on the planet map and start pushing into the Hog's flank."
With that said, Hammerheart brought up the planet relay system and concentrated the mainframe's focus on the outskirts of a vital area called Angus Settlement.
"The Pigskins have taken over a hamlet outside Angus." said Nule. "This hamlet sits on a vital supply route, and all of Dolmaska could fall if we do not dislodge them. Sergeant Hoovitus and his squad of Devastator Pony Marines held the hamlet alone, but they were finally overwhelmed. You must retake the hamlet and drive the Hogs back. To aid in this, I am assigning Sergeant Pinkie Pie and her squad of Scouts in your command. Her infiltration expertise should prove invaluable."
In an area of the outskirts, two Hogs were sitting around with nothing to do. The boredom crystal clear on their faces.
"Ah, dis call a dooty stuff is naff." said one of the Hogs. "We should be out shtompin' poniez again, like we did ta da town." The Hog's ears perked as he heard something. "Wait, d'you 'ear somefin'?" the Hog asked before the Pony Scout Marines came out of stealth and shot the Hogs.
One of the scouts, with bright pink fur and a dark pink mane, brought her hoof to her comm link. "Pinkie Pie to Ponigeddon. In position." She whispered.
A whistle broke the silence and a drop pod smashed into the ground. Out came Commander Hammerheart and Sergeant Applejack.
"Pony Marines, heartening news." said Goliath. "Hoovitus, the squad leader who defended the hamlet, is still alive. The Hogs incapacitated him but apparently could not finish the job."
Pinkie gave a little smirk. "Hoovitus is too stubborn to die." She said.
"So it would seem, Pinkie." said Nule. "A Hog guard position stands between you and Sergeant Hoovitus. Approach with stealth and eliminate the Pigskins."
After saving Sergeant Hoovitus and the hamlet from the Hogs, the Pony Marines returned to the Strike Cruiser.
"Well done, Commander Hammerheart." Goliath complimented. "With the hamlet cleared we can secure the main route into the capital."
"The Pigskins knew to strike where we were most vulnerable, Captain Nule." said Pinkie.
Goliath raised an eyebrow in agreement. "Pinkie is correct. Someone is agitating the Hogs and pointing them at valuable targets. If we are going to win this war, we need to find out who is using the Pigskins against us."
Hammerheart brought up the orbital relay and focused on Angus Settlement, where another raid of Hogs have been striking.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Nule, "the Hogs have struck another critical target. The Hog raiding parties are led by a Nob named Cloudbasha. This Nob leads a squad of Stormboars, Hogs equipped with primitive jump packs. Stormboars are especially ruthless Hogs that can strike quickly, and escape before reinforcements arrive. Eliminate Cloudbasha. This will buy us valuable time, and uncover who is guiding these Hogs."
Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes had succeeded in killing Cloudbasha, and returned to the Ponigeddon.
"Well done, Commander Hammerheart." said Goliath. "We will find who is strengthening this Hog horde yet. I am deploying a team to search the Hog remains for clues as to who is agitating them."
"Have we received any additional word from the neighboring sector, Cap'n?" Applejack asked.
"No." said Nule, "We have lost all contact with them."
"What could possibly take out the communications network of an entire sector in a few days?" Applejack asked.
"We will have to investigate," said Goliath, "but the defense of Dolmaska must come first. Commander Hammerheart, deploy to the surface as soon as your squads are ready."
Hammerheart's squads were more than ready as he brought up the orbital map of Tangerine High Pass, where more Hogs were roaming about.
"Commander Hammerheart, the Hogs have struck another valuable target." said Nule. "A powerful Hog Chieftain named Buttkicka is leading the assault, but someone must have pointed him at this target, likely without his even knowing it. Take your squads and eliminate this beast before he does more damage. Keep on the lookout for clues as to who may be manipulating him."
Hammerheart managed to slay the large Hog boss. Following Buttkicka's death, they headed back aboard the Ponigeddon.
"Good work, Commander Hammerheart." said Goliath. "Buttkicka's death has scattered his Hog band. We have found crucial evidence among the remains of Cloudbasha and Buttkicka's Hogs. Both had recently visited Diamonglen Mine in the mountains outside Angus. Whoever is stirring up the Hogs must be using Diamonglen as a base of operations."
Hammerheart brought up the map of the Angus outskirts again, where the Diamonglen Mines are located. The answers as to why the Hogs are attacking important locations instead of with reckless abandon should be there somewhere.
"Commander Hammerheart, the time has come to strike at our true enemy." said Nule. "Whoever has been provoking and guiding the Pigskins is holed up at Diamonglen Mine on the outskirts of Angus. We believe that Mek Bangshocka, the Hog who escaped us when you first arrived on Dolmaska, is also headed for the mine. You and your squads will drop south of Diamonglen and push north. Strength and firepower will pay greater dividends than stealth. For this reason Sergeant Pinkie Pie will remain aboard the Ponigeddon and provide mission support."
In the southern valley near Diamonglen Mines, Hammerheart, Applejack, and Hoovitus fought their way through bands of Pigskins. The Hogs were starting to get more aggressive as they advanced. The Blood Phoenixes killed a group of Hog scouts, and then received a call from Captain Nule.
"Move north up the valley, Commander Hammerheart." said Goliath. "Get to Diamonglen Mine and find out who is stirring up the Hogs."
Hammerheart and his squad headed northward, but spotted something atop a cliff. Four animal-figures stood watching them like hawks.
"Movement on that ridge!" said Applejack. In a flash, the figures disappeared without a trace. "Gone, but those were not Hogs."
They continued to advance to the mines, and came across the smoldering remains of Pony Marines and vehicles.
"Here is the convoy." said Hoovitus. "The Hogs slaughtered them."
"We will avenge them." said Applejack. "Keep moving."
Applejack looked up to her right to see Hogs carrying automatic guns approaching them. "Hog gunners on the ridge!" She yelled. "Get to cover!" The Hogs opened fire and the Blood Phoenixes quickly retaliated.
"Fury from the sky!" a voice shouted. "Cut them down!" Pegasus Marines crashed into the Hogs, crushing them into a bloody mess beneath their mighty hooves. Any Hogs that fell off the edge were shot and killed by the squad below. After that, the Pegasus Marines flew down to Hammerheart and his Pony Marines.
"Sergeant Rainbow Dash reporting for duty, Commander Hammerheart." said the rainbow maned Pegasus.
Hoovitus gave a smug look to the Mare. "Did you have a pleasant rest, waiting for the most dramatic moment to strike?" He asked.
"Good to see you too, Hoovitus." Rainbow Dash said sarcastically.
They continued their march to the mines, gunning and striking down any Hogs that crossed their path. They came to an area where a bunch of Hog bodies lay scattered around on the dirt.
"Trouble." said Hoovitus, "These are the Hog guards, killed where they stood. Someone else has gone through here."
"Swiftly, before the Ponies arrive." said a voice with a melodious tone.
"We cannot allow one obstinate Hog to derail the Farseer's plan." said another musical voice.
The Blood Phoenixes came to a bridge. On the other side, Bangshocka and his Hogs shot at Eldeer warriors.
"You gitz fooled Cloudbasha an' Buttkicka..." said Bangshocka, "but me cyborg eye sez you ain't even Hogs at all!"
"And now the Ponies join the fray, I see." an Eldeer Warlock sighed. "The fools cannot see the true threat facing us all."
The Pony Marines crossed the bridge, but the Hog saw them coming.
"Grottin' slack fest! Not Ponie Marinez too!" Bangshocka yelled in disbelief. "TIME TA LEG IT!!" They waddled away as fast as their stubby legs could move.
"Eldeer!" said Applejack, "And a Warlock leads them."
"Commander Hammerheart," Goliath called, "the Eldeer must be the ones who have been stirring up the Hogs. Kill those Eldeer before they escape."
Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes charged at the Eldeer forces, striking and shooting at them. Rainbow Dash and her Pegasus Marines took to the sky, and slammed into the Eldeer from above. Soon, the only Eldeer left was the Warlock, who proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Hammerheart slashed at the Eldeer with all his might. The Warlock blocked his attack and held.
"You, Hammerheart." He said, looking the Commander in the face. "Suffer in measure to your authority." In a surprise move, Hammerheart spun around and kicked the Warlock in the side of his head, and then thrusted his blade through the Eldeer's chest.
"Foolish, blind Ponies..." the Warlock struggled to speak with his dying breath, "The Hogs could have slowed them down... given us time." Hammerheart pulled out his sword, and the Eldeer fell to the ground and looked at him. "You... you have... doomed us all..." The Warlock's body went limp.
"Rant all you wish, Eldeer." said Applejack as she came up from behind Hammerheart. "We stand, and you have fallen."
With the Warlock's death, Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes returned aboard the Ponigeddon.
"This is a grave development, Commander Hammerheart." said Goliath. "The Eldeer are evidently provoking and influencing the Hogs. Their involvement is hardly good news."
"They claimed to be stirring up the Hogs to combat a common threat." said Rainbow Dash. "What could that be?"
"I would not put much stock in what the Eldeer say." said Applejack. "They are deceitful and manipulative by nature."
"That they are, Applejack." Nule said in agreement. "But the Eldeer aren't fools. The Warlock you defeated may have been guiding the Hogs here on Dolmaska, but he was only one part of a larger plan. We are receiving reports that the Eldeer are stirring up the Hogs on the nearby Salika system. The Ponigeddon will take you to Salika so you can engage the enemy there. I will relay all distress signals we receive from Salika back to you."
With that, the Ponigeddon prepared for Warp Travel to the planet Salika. A great hole opened up and sucked the Strike Cruiser through to the destined system.
After the relatively bumpy ride, the Ponigeddon arrived at the planet Salika, and already there was trouble on the surface below.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Goliath, "we have located a substantial Eldeer strike force. This force appears to be led by one of their so-called Warp Stags. Warp Stags are capable of rapid teleportation, which may explain how the Eldeer are monitoring the Hogs on Salika without being seen. Eliminate him and uncover what you can of the Eldeer plans on Salika."
The Blood Phoenixes defeated the Warp Stag and his Eldeer strike force on Salika, and returned to the Ponigeddon.
"Excellent work, Commander Hammerheart." said Goliath. "Without Warp Stags stirring up the Hogs, Salika is far more secure. It still remains unclear what the Eldeer hope to gain by provoking the Hogs. Whatever their purpose, the Eldeer are using all their trickery to disrupt communications outside the sector. We are uncertain how they are managing this, but our Zebras described their interference as a shadow across the warp."
"A shadow across the warp?" Pinkie asked. "Those were their exact words?"
"Yes." Nule answered, "Those were their exact words Pinkie. We have more immediate problems, however. Mek Bangshocka is mounting another offensive on the capital, and I need to see to our defenses. Secure Salika quickly, I could use you back here soon. Nule out." The transmission ended, leaving Hammerheart's squad to talk amongst themselves.
"Why so concerned with the ravings of Zebras, Pinkie?" Hoovitus asked.
"No reason." said Pinkie, lowering her voice. "I just hope that casting a shadow across the warp is an ability the Eldeer truly have... For all our sakes."
Hammerheart brought up the map of Mount Icarus on Salika, where another vulnerable target of great value stood defenseless against the ever growing Hog horde.
"Commander Hammerheart," said a TechDrake by the name of Spike, "the Pigskins continue to attack vulnerable targets. A communications array has come under attack from a Hog horde. They seek to loot and destroy this important structure. These arrays improve our communications across the sub-sector and allow us to monitor enemy movements. We cannot afford to lose that advantage."
Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes manage to defend the array from Hog Bandits, and they headed back aboard the Ponigeddon.
"Excellent work, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "Losing that array would have been a devastating blow in our fight to save the sector. Losing it to the Hogs would have been particularly painful since their plan was to loot it for parts."
"That would have been a blow." Applejack said in agreement. "No arrays of this type have been made in two millennia."
"That is correct, Sergeant." said Spike. "We no longer have the technology to make these arrays. Losing one is a blow the Equestrium never fully recovers from."
"Your victories against the Hogs and Eldeer have stabilized the situation on Salika for the time being." said Goliath. "Not all news is good, however. We are receiving numerous reports of local vegetation mutating and attacks by hordes of leaping animal creatures."
The last sentence grabbed Pinkie's attention. "These creatures... What do they look like?" She asked.
"Most of the reports are from citizens, Pinkie," said Nule, "and their fear makes for unreliable descriptions. I need you to return to Dolmaska as soon as possible. Bangshocka's Hogs have gathered for another major strike against the planetary capital. Without your support, I fear Dolmaska will fall."
The Ponigeddon made its return to Dolmaska, and received more information of the Hog attack from Captain Nule.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Goliath, "Mek Bangshocka and his Hogs are set to overrun Angus, the planetary capital. If they do so, all of Dolmaska will fall. I have set up a defense, but the initiates and Pony Marines there need your support. You will drop south of their position and drive to secure the gates. I have taken a few Pony Marines to the east, and have cut off the Hogs' main approach. Dolmaska must not fall, Commander."
On the planet surface, south of Angus, Bangshocka and some Hogs were moving to attack the capital with one of their Wartrukks following them.
"Gah, move any slowa?" one of the Hogs said impatiently. The trukk suddenly stalled out and stopped dead.
"Uh, B-Boss?" the driver called, "I fink we frew a geary fing."
"WOT?!" Bangshocka yelled in angry disbelief. "You gitz can't do anyfing right! I'll haff ta fix it meself!" He went to the trukk and checked for the problem. A whistle echoed in the air, and a drop pod smashed the trukk into scrap, sending Bangshocka flying and killing the driver. Hammerheart and the Pony Marines emerged from the pod and shot at the other Hogs.
"Eliminate those Hogs!" said Applejack.
"Poniez!" one of the Hogs yelled, "Let'z get shootin'!"
Bangshocka turned and waddled away from the Pony Marines. "Get dese grass-munchas offa me backside!" Bangshocka yelled as he left the Hogs for dead to the Pony Marines.
"The Hog leader, he's getting away!" said Pinkie as they finished off the other Hogs. They started galloping after the Hog Boss, who was standing behind some cacti.
"Meet me Stormboarz." said Bangshocka. "Dey're nashty."
Stormboarz jumped off the cliff nearby with their crudely-made rocketpacks, and landed in front of the Blood Phoenixes. The Pony Marines instantly began to opened fire on the Hogs.
"Kill dese gitz, boarz!" said Bangshocka as he boarded another trukk. "I'm headin' fer da ponie base."
The Pony Marines killed every last Hog and continued up the road.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Spike, "that Hog is heading to lead an attack on the town gates. Pursue and eliminate him."
More Hogs appeared, and the Blood Phoenixes shot at every single one as they hurried up the road. They eventually spotted the trukk that Bangshocka rode.
"Let'z shoot da camp now, ya gitz!" said a Hog. The trukk shot at the walls, but a Hunter Tank appeared through the gates and fired at the trukk, blowing it to scrap metal and scattering Hog parts. Hammerheart and his squads joined in as well, and shot at the assaulting Hogs.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Spike, "if Angus falls, all of Dolmaska goes with it. You must prevent the Hogs from breaching the city gates. Drive the Hogs back."
Hammerheart and the Pony Marines moved in front of the gates and shot at the Hogs, so far managing to hold their own. Bangshocka waddled up with more Hogs following behind.
"You lot 'ave made a mess of all me planz!" Bangshocka yelled. "I don't appreciate dat!"
Hammerheart charged at the Hog and they clashed, while the others took care of the Shoota Boarz. Though Bangshocka was a tough Hog, his big knife was no match against the Commander's blade. In a quick move, Hammerheart slashed at the Hog, cutting open his belly and spilling his guts on the ground.
"Oh, dat'z much too big an 'ole ta be in a Hog like me..." said Bangshocka before he dropped dead to the dirt.
The Hog was finished, but then the Pony Marines received a call from Captain Nule.
"Nule to all Blood Phoenixes:" said Goliath, "Prepare for emergency extraction to the Ponigeddon. We are facing far more than Hogs or Eldeer." The Pony Marines looked at each other in confusion.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Spike, "Captain Nule needs your aid. Deploy to his position immediately."
Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes quickly headed to Nule's position, but halfway there, they were attacked by large bug-like creatures the size of foals. They struck and opened fire at the animals. There seemed to be endless amounts of them, but they soon turned and headed off somewhere else.
"What were those things?!" Rainbow Dash asked.
Pinkie scowled and bared her teeth. "A foe far deadlier than Hogs and Eldeer, Rainbow Dash." She said.
They passed a barricade, and more of the beasts promptly crawled after them.
"More xenos!" Applejack yelled. "Fight through to Cap'n Nule!" Hammerheart slashed at the animals while the others shot at them. When the coast was clear, they continued through until they found Goliath and his squads being swarmed by the monsters.
"There he is!" Applejack shouted.
"Hammerheart!" Nule yelled, "I ordered all of you to extract, not to run to your deaths!"
Hammerheart and the others quickly engaged the strange animals, slashing at them and putting bullets through them. The swarm of beasts was massive, but their numbers were soon dwindling.
"Keep fighting, we're pushing them back!" Applejack shouted.
"We will kill every last one of them!" said Hoovitus as he tore through the xenos with waves of heavy bolter rounds. The blood of both Pony Marines and the animals splattered everywhere as the fight continued to grow intense.
"Meteorite, inbound on your position." Spike warned.
"Not a meteorite, Spike." said Pinkie as she looked up at the incoming object. "That is a Paranid spore!"
The spore hit the ground and splattered to pieces, revealing a Paranid larger and more dangerous than the others.
"Paranid Warrior!" Pinkie yelled.
The Paranid Warrior lunged at a small squad of Tactical Pony Marines and began its brutal attack.
"Kill the large warrior beast!" Pinkie shouted. "It is directing the others!"
They opened fire on the large Paranid, but the creature's endurance was formidable. The Paranid Warrior then lunged at Goliath, and started to slash at the Captain. It spat vile fluids onto Nule, and then shoved him to the ground.
"No!" Nule yelled before the warrior pierced him with its scythe-like claws. "GAUGH!!! Gack!"
"Captain Nule!" Rainbow Dash yelled. The Pony Marines began shooting at the Paranids that surrounded the fallen Captain.
"Get to Cap'n Nule!" said Applejack.
Hammerheart charged at the swarm and smashed through the small ones, but the Paranid Warrior jumped over him and took off away from the Blood Phoenixes.
"The warrior beast is getting away!" Applejack yelled.
"Captain Nule!" said Spike, "Get to Captain Nule!"
Hammerheart slashed at the Paranids surrounding Goliath and picked up the fallen Captain.
"We have Cap'n Nule!" said Applejack.
"Lightningeagle One. Emergency extraction at relay coordinates." said Spike. "Lightningeagle Three and Four. Follow with bombing run purification spread."
A Lightningeagle landed at the Blood Phoenixes' position, while two others dropped explosives and utterly annihilated any Paranid that was within their blast radius.
"Purge the animal." said Spike. "And may the Empress be with us all."
"We face our darkest hour. Cap'n Nule has fallen to animals who have escaped retribution. A massive Hive Fleet looms over our recruiting worlds. But this battle is not over."
Aboard the Ponigeddon, the mortally wounded Captain Goliath Nule was placed on a medical cart and rushed for emergency treatment.
"Get Captain Nule to the Apothecary!" Rainbow Dash cried urgently. "Hurry!"
Applejack placed a hoof on Rainbow Dash's armored shoulder. "Calm yourself, Rainbow Dash." She said. "Rashet is already at work."
"Commander Hammerheart, I am Apothecary Rashet, chief of geno-medicine aboard the Ponigeddon." said Rashet. "Captain Nule still lives, but he is in grave condition. Many of his vital organs and implants were destroyed, and an animal poison is attacking surviving tissues. I have placed Captain Nule in stasis to halt the poison's progress, but as of now I have no means to counteract its effects."
"Rashet had better prepare himself for more of us to require his tending." Pinkie said grimly.
Hoovitus raised an eyebrow to Pinkie. "You fear the animal, Pinkie?"
"I know no fear, Hoovitus," Pinkie said gruffly, "but I am no fool. Those were Paranids, animal monsters who strip worlds of all life. There are billions of them and only a hoofful of us."
"Have you faced these things before, Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Once," Pinkie answered, "a long time ago when I served in the Lifewatch. We are going to need all the help we can get to face this infestation. Even then, we will probably fail."
"Commander Hammerheart," said Spike, "with your permission I will attempt to raise the nearest of our Chapter Fleets. This may take some time, however. In the meantime, we need to secure Salika before the rest of the Paranid swarm arrives, otherwise our supply lines will be devastated. There is an Eldeer raiding party that continues to wreak havoc on our defenses on Salika. We should return to Salika and eliminate those Eldeer."
The Ponigeddon headed back to Salika, and Eldeer forces were spotted right away.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Spike, "we have located the Eldeer raiding party that threatens our supply lines between Salika and Dolmaska. We have identified their leader as the dangerous Ranger Lumiere. He is apparently coming from an operation in Hog territory. This is our chance to cripple Eldeer operations on Salika. We may also uncover more of the Eldeer's plans. I suggest we neutralize them immediately, Commander."
Hammerheart and the Pony Marines descended on Salika and quickly dealt with all Hog and Eldeer alike throughout the jungle. They eventually reached the Ranger Lumiere himself.
"No wonder the Farseer chose the Hogs as our instrument instead of you." said the Ranger.
The Blood Phoenixes unleashed their holy fury upon the Eldeer, and in no time at all defeated him.
"And all this time... you might have been killing Paranids." Lumiere said with his dying breath. "You deserve... everything that's coming to you..."
"The Eldeer know the Paranids are coming." said Pinkie. "That explains their actions among the Hogs."
"What do Paranids have to do with Eldeer helping Hogs?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"A full fledged Hog uprising could actually slow the Paranids, Rainbow Dash." Pinkie explained. "If the Eldeer were not doing this on our own recruiting worlds, we could use the situation to our advantage."
"Using Hogs and Eldeer to stop an enemy?" Hoovitus asked. "Why would we waste our time with that? We are Pony Marines! We fear nothing because we are fear incarnate!"
"We may be fear incarnate, Hoovitus," said Pinkie, "but we face an enemy that knows no fear. We will need every advantage we can get if we want to save the sector."
Back aboard the Ponigeddon, TechDrake Spike is informed of everything behind the Hogs actions and Eldeer presence in the sector.
"So the Eldeer were uniting the Hogs to slow down the Paranids." said Spike.
"Yes." said Pinkie, "Lumiere clearly knew of the Paranids."
"This explains much," said Spike, "but we have been getting reports of other Eldeer activity in the sector that is not related to the Hogs. Clearly the Eldeer have other plans in motion, none of which can be good for us. I will keep you apprised of any further developments, Commander."
"What can you tell us about the Paranids, Pinkie?" Applejack asked.
"The Paranids are unlike any other threat we have faced, Applejack." Pinkie explained. "Hogs may operate in vast hordes, but they still have individual chieftains that unite them. Kill these chieftains and the Hog horde is weakened and scattered." Pinkie's tone grew more serious. "A Paranid Hive Fleet, however, is a single massive organism. Every creature in the swarm is simply one part of a single terrifying mind. We cannot break the Paranids' morale, or take advantage of their pride. We cannot make them see reason. And for every beast we kill, a million more are ready to take its place."
"But what do they want?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"The Hive devours entire worlds." Pinkie continued explaining. "Its goal is to feed itself and grow, and it will not stop until the entire galaxy is consumed."
"Commander Hammerheart," said Spike, "the Hogs continue to undermine our defenses on Dolmaska. We need to shore up these defenses if we are to have any hope of stopping the Paranids."
The Ponigeddon arrived at Dolmaska, and the Strike Cruiser received an Equestrial message.
"A message is coming from Chapter Command." said Spike. He tuned in to the vox frequencies and a voice of great fame came through, followed by his face on screen.
"Commander Hammerheart, this is Michael Pegalos aboard the Battle Barge Stampede of Fury." said Pegalos. "I have received word of the Paranid threat facing sub-sector Arctika, and of Captain Nule's grave condition. The Paranids are a threat of unimaginable proportions, Commander. They are endless in number and intent on consuming whole worlds. The Stampede of Fury is now making for Arctika at all speed, but we are weeks away. I will relay all distress signals to you while we devise a plan of attack."
Hammerheart brought up the Swalak Ruins on screen, and discovered information of much desired value.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we have located Captain Nule's attacker. The warrior beast that you drove into the Badlands has resurfaced, leading a swarm of lesser Paranids. This is our first chance to strike back at the Paranid enemy, and we cannot pass it up. Collecting samples from this creature's corpse may also lead to a cure for Captain Nule, and could give us valuable information on how to defeat the Hive Fleet. This area is heavily infested, Commander, so be prepared for heavy resistance."
"Paranids have a simple and terrible agenda, Hammerheart. Left unchecked, they will kill and consume every living thing on the planet. Our only hope of stopping the Paranids is to strike at the heart of the Hive Fleet itself. For us to do this, you must first accomplish three critical tasks. You must locate and secure the Astronomic Array hidden on Salika. Only its precise scans will allow us to analyze the Hive Fleet and locate its weaknesses. You must also obtain a sample of the Hive Fleet's bio-toxins. Only a pure gene-sample will allow us to develop a poison to strike at the Hive Fleet. And you must secure access to Alicorn Forge on Planet Galantius. Only this ancient forge's vast manufacturing capabilities will allow us to produce weapons with which to deliver our poison. Each of these tasks pits your hoofful against untold billions. But failure means the utter annihilation of our worlds, and a death sentence for our Chapter."
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we need to take direct control of Alicorn Forge. I am authorizing you to travel to Galantius. The Planetary Governor has been less than cooperative thus far. So be prepared for bureaucratic resistance. Pegalos out."
With that said, the Ponigeddon made the flight to the forge world of Galantius.
"Galantius stands at the very heart of Sub-Sector Arctika. Billions call its cities home. Its factories and forges are keys to victory against the Paranids."
A Lightningeagle flew in and landed on a platform in the city. The front hatch opened and Pony Marines nonchalantly stepped out.
A call came to the Strike Cruiser, and Hammerheart responded. Up on screen came an Administrator of Galantius. She was a Pegasus with yellow fur and a light pink mane.
"Commander Hammerheart," She said, "welcome to Galantius. My name is Fluttershy. Governor Brae Tyre has assigned me to be your liaison while in system. This is not the hinterlands of Dolmaska or Salika, Commander, so a certain amount of discretion would be appreciated."
"It is imperative that we secure access to Alicorn Forge, Administrator Fluttershy." said Applejack.
"Yes, so your Captain Pegalos has said." said Fluttershy. "Alicorn Forge is the most important manufacturing facility in the sector, however, its use follows a strict schedule set by Governor Brae Tyre and his Privy Council years in advance. Nevertheless, there may be a way to arrange special access to Alicorn Forge. Galantius has recently come under repeated attack from Eldeer raiders. They have already inflicted substantial damage to parts of our communication and supply infrastructure. The Equestrial Guard forces stationed on Galantius are already tied down suppressing food riots in the lower city. They do not have the horsepower to deal with the Eldeer as well. Were you to employ your special expertise in such matters and repel these raids, Governor Brae Tyre believes he could arrange limited access to Alicorn Forge. Eldeer sightings will be transmitted to your planetary display. Fluttershy out."
"Commander Hammerheart," said Rainbow Dash, "I left Galantius decades ago, but this is typical behavior. The nobility has always closed its eyes to problems in the under-city. The Eldeer must have raided wealthy spires for the noble houses to even acknowledge a problem."
"They will acknowledge it when the sky darkens with Paranid spores and Hive Ships." said Hoovitus.
"On that subject, Commander," said Spike, "initial scans indicate no Paranid activity whatsoever on Galantius."
"No activity at all?" Pinkie asked. "No mutated plants or slaughtered wildlife? No atmospheric changes?"
"None that we can detect." said Spike.
"Check your sensors again, Spike." said Pinkie. "Hive Fleets do not ignore worlds in their paths."
Hammerheart brought up Hub Spire Nimbus on screen. Eldeer forces deliberately attacking Pony cities was not very common of the animals to do.
"Commander Hammerheart." Fluttershy addressed, "The Eldeer seem intent on crippling Galantius's infrastructure. They have just silenced a major communications array used by Galantius's noble houses. Valuable items were also pilfered from nearby storage vaults. A powerful Eldeer Hovertank is leading these attacks, and the Equestrial Guard has thus far been unable to stop it. If these raids continue, planetary defenses could be seriously compromised."
Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes succeeded in destroying the Pyro Prism that was leading the Eldeer attacks on the spire, and returned back to the Ponigeddon.
"Barley Dixon of House Tolrant passes on his thanks, Commander Hammerheart." said Fluttershy. "He looks forward to the recovery of his stolen goods and the repair of the damaged array."
"Is this liaison unaware that a Paranid Hive Fleet is descending upon this sector?" Hoovitus asked.
"We are currently reviewing the full extent of the Paranid threat, Sergeant." said Fluttershy. "We have yet to find evidence that Galantius is in any real danger. Fluttershy out."
"Equestrium TechDonkeys have been working to restore an ancient astronomical array deep in the jungles of Salika." said Spike. "If reports are accurate, this array is capable of detailed scans of an entire sub-sector. This data could allow us to uncover a critical weakness in the Hive Fleet. We will have to make contact with the TechDonkeys at their base camp on Salika, and ask for the location."
A call came up on screen from the Stampede of Fury. "Commander Hammerheart, Captain Pegalos here." said Pegalos. "You must defend the capital world and secure Alicorn Forge. It will all be for naught, however, if we cannot develop weapons with which to attack the Hive Mind itself. You must locate and secure the Astronomic Array hidden on Planet Salika. You must also obtain a sample of the Hive Fleet's bio-toxins. Pegalos out."
The Ponigeddon left Galantius and returned to Dolmaska to carry out a crippling strike to the Paranid swarm. Hammerheart brought up the map of Angus Settlement, where Paranid activity has been brewing strongly.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "orbital sensors have located a powerful Paranid target. This creature of the Mantodea genus exists to channel the voracious might of the Hive Mind. Victory here will help us on all fronts, Commander. We will push the infesting swarm back a step, gaining us precious time. We will also gain valuable information that could help us locate a primary hive."
The Pony Marines slew the fell Paranid beast and headed back aboard the Ponigeddon.
"A great victory, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "Our Unicorns report the Hive Fleet shuddered and screamed when you dealt the killing blow. And we are even closer to obtaining the bio-toxin we need to execute our plan of attack."
"This Mantodea was frustratingly close to giving us a pure genetic sample," said Rashet, "but it has undergone small mutations. We did gather valuable data, though. And we are getting close to isolating the primary hive's genetic template."
"Why must we find a primary hive?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Paranids mutate rapidly, Sergeant." Pegalos explained. "This is what makes them such deadly opponents. They are constantly evolving to counter our weaponry. A primary hive contains the original genetic template for a Hive Fleet. If you can find that, you can predict several generations of mutations."
"Yes," said Rashet, "finding a primary hive will allow us to develop a poison that will kill all Paranid variants quickly. They will not have time to adapt a resistance."
Hammerheart brought up the orbital map of Swalak Ruins and quickly spotted another Paranid problem.
"A powerful Paranid creature has been spotted, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "This insidious beast is an especially powerful Ravager. It has burrowed through multiple Equestrial Guard outposts, wreaking havoc with morale. The beast's power means it likely spawned from a primary hive, one that could provide us with a valuable genetic sample. Killing this Ravager will bring us one step closer to finding a primary hive."
Having killed the troublesome monster, and once again ridding the swarm of a major beast, Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes returned to the Ponigeddon.
"Congratulations on your victory, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "You are now a step closer to obtaining the bio-toxin sample we need. Pegalos out."
Applejack had a hoof over her right eye, blood trickling down her face from her wound of the battle. "This cut is deep..." She said, "any deeper and I would've lost an eye like Cap'n Nule."
"How did Captain Nule lose his eye?" Rainbow Dash asked. "He would never answer when we asked him."
"Modesty on his part." said Hoovitus. "He lost it on Cronus when he fought the Necrony Lord. The blow should have killed him. Sheer stubbornness was the only thing that could explain how he survived."
"He never did take credit for defeating the Necrony Lord." said Applejack. "He always attributed it to Aries. But those of us close to the fight saw that Aries had already gone down to wounds."
"Captain Nule liked to see his Siblings succeed." Pinkie added. "I think that was what he liked most about command."
The Ponigeddon was set to travel back to Planet Salika, and it made the rough jump to the system.
"Planet Salika orbits a star on the outer edge of Sub-Sector Arctika. Its lush jungle canopy shrouded it in mystery. Among this beauty lie the keys to our salvation. And the roots of our destruction."
The Ponigeddon arrived to Salika, and a spot on the relay map of the planet started blinking. Hammerheart brought up the location, called Green Fang Gorge, and it was the place the TechDonkeys are camped at.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we have located the TechDonkey base camp, but it is in grave danger. A Hog mob is heading straight for their location. These Pigskins have just cut a swath through several small communities and outposts. Their leader is called Borwazza, and he commands from a powerful looted tank. We cannot let the Hogs reach the TechDonkey base camp. If the TechDonkeys are killed, we may never find the astronomic array. Stop Borwazza before he gets to the base camp."
Too late to save the TechDonkeys, the Blood Phoenixes dealt with the Hogs and then headed back aboard the Strike Cruiser, where they received a message from Michael Pegalos.
"This is grave news, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "We cannot stop the Paranids without the astronomic array. Do we have any leads on what happened to the TechDonkeys' reports?"
"It seems the array has attracted the attention of a Hog named Rippa-Shredda." said Spike. "He has stolen the dataslate giving the array's location, and vanished into the deep jungle."
"Do we have Rippa-Shredda's location?" Pegalos asked.
"Not yet," said Spike, "but we have found one of his lieutenants. I am uploading his last known position to your map display."
"Find and eliminate that Hog, Commander." said Pegalos. "We cannot let him escape."
The Ponigeddon returned to Dolmaska to search for the Hog lieutenant, but another Hog attack on an important area came up that needed to be dealt with first.
"The Hogs are preparing to assault one of our automated foundries, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "It is these foundries that allow us to rapidly redeploy and launch multiple strikes. You must repel the Hog attack or the foundry will fall."
The Pony Marines succeeded in defending the foundry and returned to the Ponigeddon.
"Well done, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "Fortunately the Hogs did not manage to damage the foundry itself. These foundries are based on ancient technology that we do not fully understand. If they are damaged too badly, we cannot repair them and they are lost forever."
Afterwards, Hammerheart brought up Tangerine High Pass on screen, where the Hog lieutenant was last found. Michael Pegalos appeared on screen, as well, with more insight on the Hog.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we have located one of Rippa-Shredda's lieutenants. His lieutenant is a Hog Mek that has been supplying Rippa-Shredda's horde with heavy weapons. This Mek has made a fatal mistake, however, and has revealed his position. Find him and extract Rippa-Shredda's location from him. This is our only hope of finding the astronomic array."
The Pony Marines bested the Hog Mek, and obtained enough information on Rippa-Shredda's whereabouts. They returned to the Ponigeddon, and Pegalos appeared on screen.
"We finally have Rippa-Shredda's location." said Pegalos. "Review the mission briefing on your map display and then recover that dataslate. This will allow us to finally pinpoint the astronomic array's location."
"These Hog attacks are taking their toll, Cap'n," said Applejack, "and drawing our attention away from the Paranids. Is there any way we can deal a decisive blow that will stop them once and for all?"
"Hogs are like the many-headed hydra, Sergeant." said Pegalos. "Cut off one head, and two more will often appear. But if we keep eliminating their chieftains, the true Warboss will eventually appear. And when he does we will deal the killing blow. Pegalos out."
Rippa-Shredda was to be found back on Salika, and the Ponigeddon made the jump back to the feral world, but a nasty mission concerning the Paranids needed to be accomplished on Mount Icarus.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "a massive Paranid beast is on the rampage. This great Scorpnox is a thundering horror that has destroyed anything that stood against it. The surviving Equestrial Guard forces are powerless to stop it. You must destroy it, or our planetary defenses will buckle. Bringing down the beast will also cause the swarm to slow while it replaces the loss. This will buy us critical time, and slow down the Paranid infestation."
The Scorpnox was an incredible force to be reckoned with, but the fearless Blood Phoenixes slew the hulking beast and headed back aboard the Ponigeddon.
"Well done, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "You have blunted the Paranid assault on this region and cost the hive dearly. Pegalos out."
"Commander Hammerheart, some heartening news." said Spike.
"Yes," said Rashet, "we were able to isolate the final pieces of genetic information we needed. We should be able to locate a primary hive now."
"Preliminary scans show a hive on Salika that could be an exact match." said Spike. "I've uploaded the hive's location to your map display."
The location blinked on the map, and Hammerheart brought focus upon the area, called the Snukk Swamplands.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we have finally located a primary hive in the swamps of Salika. We believe this hive houses a toxin pool that can supply us with the pure genetic sample we have been searching for. If you can secure a sample from this toxin pool, we will be able to produce the weapon we need to destroy the Hive Fleet. This toxin sample may also allow us to counteract the poisons that are killing Captain Nule. Secure the toxin sample immediately, Commander. The fate of the entire sector depends on it."
"At the heart of the Paranid hive lies the reclamation pool. We must have a sample of this purified essence. With it, we may revive Captain Nule. With it, we may develop weapons against the Hive Fleet itself."
A lone Paranid was slithering through the muck of the swamp. Then a quiet noise broke the natural silence, and the Paranid burrowed into the mud before a drop pod smashed into the ground. Out of the pod came Commander Hammerheart, the Sergeants, and a small but well armed squad of Pony Marines.
"Your target is on your map display." said Spike. "Collect the sample there."
"Understood." said Applejack.
The Pony Marines began their trek through the muck as they headed towards the pool's location. The Paranid that hid in the ground surfaced to attack, but was quickly gunned down before it could make a move. They continued to traverse through the swamp's waters and mud, shooting at any Paranid that lunged at them. They eventually found a small array that stood on hardened ground. They approached the array, and a swarm of Paranids skittered towards them from all directions.
"Ambush!" said Pinkie.
The Blood Phoenixes aimed their guns and fired away at the animals, but while they were distracted, Paranid Ravagers bursted from the dirt and sent any Pony Marine who was standing over them flying. Hammerheart and Rainbow Dash slashed at the big beasts while the others continued to shoot at the smaller ones that swarmed them. Two Ravagers fell to Hammerheart's and Rainbow Dash's blades, and the other two tried to flee.
"Do NOT let them escape!" Applejack yelled as she aimed at the Paranids. Hoovitus and the Devastator Marines unloaded their barrage of bullets at the fleeing Ravagers and tore them to shreds.
"That was the last of them." said Rainbow Dash.
"Expect more attacks." said Applejack.
The Pony Marines resumed their march to the pools, still shooting at Paranids that appeared from the decaying foliage. After walking for hours through thick mud, treacherous waters, and Paranid bodies, they finally reached the rank, rancid toxic pools.
Hoovitus brought his hoof to his comm link. "We have reached the toxin pool."
"Commander Hammerheart," said Spike, "gather the sample at the pool's edge. This will allow us to prepare an antitoxin for Captain Nule."
Hammerheart approached the edge of the putrid pool and began the slow gathering process. A Paranid Warrior appeared and charged at them.
"Paranid Warrior!" Applejack yelled. "Keep it off Commander Hammerheart!"
Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Hoovitus opened fire and quickly dispatched the warrior beast, but more Paranids began a swarming assault on their position. The Sergeants and recruits unloaded their weapons upon the swarm. After minutes of progress, Hammerheart finished the collecting process.
"Well done." said Spike. "Sample collected. Apothecary Rashet is analyzing the data to prepare the cure."
"We have the sample." said Applejack. "Our work is done. Make for the extraction point marked on the map."
Hammerheart and the other Pony Marines regrouped and headed for the designated location. They were still being assaulted by random Paranids that lunged from the trees, but the Blood Phoenixes were unfazed as they shot at the monsters.
"Beginning revival." said Spike as they were curing Nule of his poisonings.
The Blood Phoenixes finally reached the extraction point, but the ground beneath them started to crack. The dirt began to swell. Then, a large Paranid monster burst from the ground, sending the Pony Marines flying.
Pinkie, Applejack, Hoovitus, and the recruits quickly galloped to cover and opened fire at the beast, while Hammerheart, Rainbow Dash, and the Pegasus Marines slashed at the creature. The monster's tough hide and high endurance made it an even more deadly foe than the Scorpnox. Pegasus Marines fell to the animal's claws, and Pony Marines were blasted and killed by the venom cannon that stuck out of its mouth as it opened wide.
"Die, xeno, DIE!" Hoovitus yelled.
"Keep fighting!" Applejack yelled.
The beast then lowered its head and started scratching the dirt with its hind claws.
"It's going to charge!" said Hoovitus.
Hammerheart, Rainbow Dash, and the remaining Pegasus Marines quickly got out of its way as it ran and smashed its head and claws into a large downed tree. It pulled itself free and turned to face the Pony Marines again, but a drop pod landed near the battle, and out came a Harmonaught that slowly marched towards them. It stood twenty feet tall with four legs, had a nice golden trim, a grappling limb with a flamethrower on the left, and an assault cannon on the right. It went to engage the Hive Alpha.
"I am Goliath Nule." the Harmonaught said with a deep, metallic voice. "And I shall be your death!"
Goliath swung at the beast, dealing great amounts of damage to it. The monster struck back with its claws, but did nothing but scratch Nule's armor. It opened its jaws and stuck out its venom cannon, a point-blank shot would most likely do damage against Goliath's vehicle armor, but Nule grabbed the slimy projectile weapon and tore it off. The Hive Alpha roared in immense pain.
"Your weapon has died." said Goliath. "You are next!"
The Hive Alpha slammed its claws into the Harmonaught's shoulders, but still didn't pierce the thick metal. Nule then grabbed the monster by the throat and activated his flamethrower. The beast screeched with absolute agony as it was virtually cooked alive. Hammerheart and the Pony Marines watched in awe the whole time as their awakened Captain combated against the Paranid. Goliath released his grip, and the beast took a few steps back before falling to the ground. Nule fired some assault cannon bullets into the animal's burnt hide before lifting his front-right leg and crushing its head with a tremulous stomp.
"The beast is gone." said Goliath.
The ground started to quake, and large, fleshy spikes rose from the dirt. The Pony Marines dodged the growth spurts and regrouped with Captain Nule.
"Well done." said Spike. "This hive will wither without its alpha."
"And Captain Nule is with us again!" Rainbow Dash said with relieved happiness.
"Is that you... Michael?" Goliath asked.
Rainbow Dash's smile vanished as she raised an eyebrow and cocked her head back in confusion. "It is Rainbow Dash, Captain..." She said, "Do you not recognize me?"
"The secrets of Cronus shall not pass my lips." said Nule.
"Captain Nule must rest now." said Spike. "His revival was a long and difficult process."
The Pony Marines and Captain Nule were brought back aboard the Ponigeddon to recover from the ugly battle that was one of the greatest in the history of the Blood Phoenix Chapter.
"Excellent work, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "Captain Nule's return could be the difference in our fight to save the sector." Pegalos closed his eyes and smiled. "It is good to see such a close friend and such a fierce warrior back from the dead..." His smile vanished. "even if he is confined to a Harmonaught. Most importantly, the bio-toxin sample you collected will allow us to develop a weapon with which to deal a killing blow against the Hive Fleet. But this weapon will avail us nothing if we cannot locate a critical weakness in the Hive Fleet itself. Continue your efforts to recover data from the TechDonkeys' Astronomic Array on Salika. We must also secure a manufacturing facility advanced enough to produce these new weapons. The only such facility in the sector is Alicorn Forge on Galantius. Pegalos out."
Hammerheart brought up the map of the Salika Arena, where a swarm of Paranids have been running about.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "the Paranid swarm continues to strike at vulnerable targets. A powerful Paranid Warrior has led its brood into shelters and other areas previously thought safe. The consequences on morale have been disastrous. Worse still, this outbreak, if not stamped out quickly, could destabilize the entire region. Eliminate this beast quickly to keep our holdings secure, and drive the swarm back."
The drop pod landed near a stone tower, and Hammerheart and his fellow Siblings emerged onto the stone walk.
Hoovitus was not very pleased with the mission. "We are to tend to the fears of the masses now?" He asked.
"No." said Applejack, "We fight the enemy, wherever they hide. Be wary of ambushes."
The Blood Phoenixes crossed the bridge to the shelters and traveled another few miles before finding the Paranid warrior beasts with swarms of other Paranids. They opened fire upon the swarm and left them a bloody mess on the ground. The three warrior beasts went in to attack. Hammerheart took up his power sword and charged at the monsters, knocking them down to the ground. Rainbow Dash revved up her chainsword and took to the sky. Hammerheart dive-rolled out of the way before the Pegasus Marine slammed into the ground, sending the Paranids flying. One was caught in Goliath's mighty grip and was crushed like the insect it was before he threw it off the cliff. Applejack and Hoovitus aimed their guns and killed another beast with combined fire. The last beast got back up after a moment of disorientation, but a blade through its heart said otherwise. With a couple plasma rounds to the head, the creature went limp and slid off of Hammerheart's sword.
"Those who fear death can emerge from beneath their beds now." said Hoovitus.
The Pony Marines were brought back aboard the Ponigeddon after a brief mission that left Hoovitus sighing with disappointment.
"I have been studying Chapter records," said Rainbow Dash, "and these look to be the same Paranids the Aquamarines faced on Tuscis."
"They may very well be from that Hive Fleet, Rainbow Dash." said Pinkie. "This is what makes the Paranids so deadly. Only a few hive ships need to escape a battle for the Hive Fleet to survive. These hive ships will go on to devour a few poorly defended worlds. This provides the biomass needed to replenish the Hive Fleet, and make it even larger given enough time. Every Hive Fleet we have encountered has had the potential to topple the Equestrium. And each one has the potential to spawn any number of splinter fleets if they escape to weaker sectors. Mark my words, Rainbow Dash. The Equestrium has no shortage of deadly enemies, but they all pale in comparison to the Paranids."
Green Fang Gorge started blinking, and Hammerheart brought it up to scale. Captain Pegalos came up on screen.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we have finally located the Hog who knows the location of the astronomic array. This Hog is a rabid animal who has been infused into one of their obscene war machines. This Pigskin calls himself Rippa-Shredda, and is obsessed with technology. Destroy this animal walker, and recover the location of the astronomic array. This is our only hope of finding a critical weakness in the Hive Fleet, Commander."
The Blood Phoenixes fought hard against the can-shaped walking mech. Its slicing claws, buzzsaw, and side-mounted guns made Rippa-Shredda a very tough opponent. But with the aid of Captain Nule, and the use of missile launchers, the "Killa Kan" was reduced to a scrapheap. The Pony Marines returned to the Ponigeddon.
"Good work, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "We have recovered the stolen dataslate, and eliminated a major Hog threat."
"But was the recovered data of any use?" Pinkie asked.
"It was, Pinkie." said Spike. "I have determined the location of the astronomic array and uploaded it onto the planetary map display. In order to recover any data on the Hive Fleet, you will need to align the array from the ground, Commander."
The location on the map blinked, and Hammerheart brought it into focus; the TechDonkey Station. Pegalos came up on screen.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we finally have the location of the astronomic array. The array is powered, but we cannot establish a clear communications link with it. You must get to the array and manually upload its data on the Paranid swarm. This will allow us to locate a critical weakness in the Hive Fleet."
The Astronomic Array stood tall and lost outside the jungles on Salika.
"This ancient Astronomic Array holds one of the keys to victory against the Paranids. With its data we can uncover weaknesses of the Hive Fleet."
In the jungles, sticks were breaking and animals shrieked. Their was definitely something else stalking through the foliage, something hiding in the shadows of the forest.
Hammerheart had managed to connect the Astronomic Array to the Ponigeddon, and collect information on the Paranid Hive Fleet, while the other Pony Marines fended off any Paranids that hunted them. With the array found and connected, the Blood Phoenixes returned to the Strike Cruiser.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "the data you recovered from the Astronomic Array has allowed us to find a critical weakness in the Hive Fleet. The Hive Fleet is controlled by a single massive creature that sits at the center of the fleet. If we manage to destroy it the rest of the Hive Fleet will scatter, and will be an easy target for our own fleet. With the source of the Hive Mind identified, and a sample of their bio-toxin in our hooves, we can finally develop weapons and strategies targeted at the source of the Hive Mind itself. It will all be for naught, however, if we lose planet Galantius to the animal. Without the manufacturing capabilities of Alicorn Forge, we will never be able to produce our new weapons. The Chapter, the sector and the Equestrium itself are counting on you, Commander."
The Ponigeddon received a distress call from Galantius itself. The Strike Cruiser made the jump to the planet, and the Capital Spire location was blinking. Hammerheart brought up the Spire, and Administrator Fluttershy came on screen.
"Commander Hammerheart, we have detected a major Eldeer incursion." said Fluttershy. "A large animal force has struck a series of Equestrial Guard positions and civilian transport hubs in rapid succession. A powerful Treelord walker reportedly led the attack. The animal host is retreating, but we have managed to keep sight of them. We need you to strike before the Treelord escapes."
The streets of the Capital Spire were quiet, too quiet. Not a single Eldeer, Equestrial Guardpony, or civilian was in sight. The silence was soon broken by the sound of a drop pod roaring out of the sky and landing on the street. Hammerheart and his fellow Battle Siblings emerged from the pod.
"The animal walker's location is flagged on your map display, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "This giant wields bizarre and dangerous technologies."
"Our weapons will find their mark." said Hoovitus.
The Blood Phoenixes trotted through the desolate streets to the flagged point in search for the Eldeer mech. When they found it, they were quickly attacked by Eldeer warriors. The Treelord stood thirty feet tall on four skinny but stable legs. Its head was pearl white and faceless, with a big glowing symbol in the center. It wielded a large, curved sword and a big Splinter Pistol in its magical grip. When the Pony Marines killed off the Eldeer, they then turned their attention to the Treelord. Captain Nule engaged the animal alongside Hammerheart. The Treelord slashed at Goliath and shot at Hammerheart, but Nule blocked and Hammerheart dodge rolled. Goliath swung his grappling limb and slammed the Treelord in the side, making it fall to the ground. Hammerheart then flipped his sword, raised it high, and pierced its head. The Treelord wailed, flailed, and twitched until it went limp.
"Prancayla feared you ponies would be the death of us." said a dying Warlock. "As ever, fate proves her right." His head dropped, and life escaped his corpse.
Applejack raised an eyebrow at what the Eldeer said. "The Warlock mentioned another Eldeer, Prancayla." She said. "This could be the Eldeer leading operations in the sector."
"I will contact the fleet, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "Chapter records may hold information on her."
Hammerheart and the Pony Marines were soon extracted back aboard the Ponigeddon.
"Commander Hammerheart, Applejack was correct." said Spike. "I have finished an analysis of additional data recovered from our recent battles against the Eldeer on Galantius. They somehow manage to interfere with our scans of the Galantius system. I have compensated, and I fear there is far more evidence of Paranid infestation on Galantius than I believed. What's more, long range scans show the Hive Fleet is accelerating toward the capital world. I have transferred protocols for counteracting the Eldeer sensor baffling to key stations across Galantius."
Administrator Fluttershy came up on screen, with a worried look on her face.
"Commander Hammerheart, this is Fluttershy." She said. "the skies... I mean... This animal swarm is filling the skies over Galantius."
Hoovitus rolled his eyes. "Now she wakes to the threat."
Fluttershy looked down in shame. "I... I apologize for my rudeness earlier, Sergeant Hoovitus, was it? The Eldeer's sabotage campaign has crippled our defenses. Your help in keeping Galantius secure is critical."
Rainbow Dash leered her eyes. "Where is Governor Brae Tyre in all this?" She asked.
"Governor Brae Tyre and the Privy Council have withdrawn to... strategize." Fluttershy said in minor anger. "My failure to heed your warnings has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives in the Hub Spires. Commander Hammerheart, I implore you. Help us keep Galantius from falling."
The Pony Marines went to the surface to protect another ancient foundry from destruction against the Paranids and returned victorious.
"Well done, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "Losing the foundry would have been a devastating blow to our supply lines."
"Chapter records make reference to some sort of synapse link among the Paranids." said Rainbow Dash. "What is that?"
"The entire Hive Fleet is connected through some sort of intellectual network." said Pinkie. "The larger beasts act as relays of a sort. So long as they are nearby, the countless drones and other beasts all act with a unified purpose. Without this link, the lesser creatures revert to a more feral state."
"We could use this to our advantage." Applejack suggested.
"Yes, somewhat." said Pinkie. "Killing one of these Syncritters can cause backlash among surrounding Paranids. The problem is that there is always another Syncritter ready to fill the gap, but killing a Syncritter does buy us time."
The Capital Spire started blinking, and Hammerheart brought it into view. Captain Pegalos's face appeared on screen.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we have a priority target. A Specter has been spotted in a critical area and must be eliminated. This creature is a camouflage expert and has likely been preying on the population, and weakening our defenses for several weeks. And be on your guard, Commander. Specters are ferocious predators. Do not underestimate this opponent."
The Specter was a deadly beast, indeed. Many Pony Marines fell to the invisible beast's claws, but Hammerheart and his squad exterminated the monster like the insect it was, and headed back aboard the Ponigeddon.
"Well done, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "These infiltrators destroy morale and make a stable defense impossible. Pegalos out."
Rainbow Dash looked to Applejack and Hoovitus. "What was it like serving under Captain Nule in the Cronus Campaign?" She asked.
"Cap'n Nule was probably the best tactician I have ever seen." said Applejack. "Victory was usually a certainty when he was in charge, and very few Blood Phoenixes died under his command."
"Agreed." Hoovitus said, seconding the fact. "There were no fool's errands or pointless suicide missions when Captain Nule was in command. And few others could have brought together such a strong defense on Dolmaska with what he had to work with."
Rainbow Dash sighed. "It weighs heavy on my conscience that we failed him on Dolmaska."
"It weighs on all of us, Rainbow Dash." said Pinkie. "More heavily than you can know."
Pegalos's face appeared on screen with some good news on the Eldeer.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "your efforts on Galantius have finally driven Farseer Prancayla into the open. The Paranid invasion continues all about the sector, but this is our opportunity to put an end to the Eldeer efforts to destabilize the sub-sector. I have relayed the signal from Administrator Fluttershy to your map display."
Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes descended onto the streets of Galantius, and began their hunt for the Eldeer witch. They knew very well what kind of animal being they were up against, but they had to stop the Eldeer attacks once and for all. They soon found her in a desolate district, and attacked with everything they had.
The Farseer's antlers began glowing a bright white, and she was lifted a few feet into the air as a whirlwind of deadly magic was conjured before the Pony Marines.
"She summons the powers of the Warp itself!" Rainbow Dash yelled.
"Target in sight!" Applejack called as she fired her plasma gun.
"I have foreseen all your meddling," said Prancayla, "but I will not allow you to bring ruination upon our Woodworld. It is time you learned what it is to face a Seer of Boisees the Damned!"
Her eyes went white as she unleashed her spell, sending any Pony Marine within a ten foot area flying. She took up her spear and blocked Hammerheart's power axe. They clashed for what seemed like days, until the Farseer jumped away from Hammerheart.
"We have battled enough for now, I think." said Prancayla as she pranced onto a building. "I have other tasks to attend to on this doomed planet." She turned and retreated.
"She's escaping!" cried Rainbow Dash.
"I admit I have enjoyed this dalliance, ponies." the words of Prancayla said in their minds. "I may even miss you when you are ash and cinders." And her voice faded away to silence.
Pinkie scrunched her face in confusion to the Farseer's last few words. "Ash and cinders? Paranids drain worlds of life, they do not burn them."
Back on board the Ponigeddon, Hoovitus stomped his hoof in outrage.
"The animal witch escaped!" He growled. "She laughs at us while our worlds die!"
On screen, Administrator Fluttershy appeared. "Commander Hammerheart, I share your Sergeant's frustration, but I have far graver news. I have finally obtained the master control codes for Alicorn Forge and have transmitted them to your ship, and to Captain Pegalos's fleet. I fear it may be too late to do you any good, however. Another Paranid swarm is driving into the forge area. Massive defensive walls guard the approach to the forge, but the Equestrial Guard forces stationed there are being overrun."
"Your delaying and politicking has doomed us all, Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash said angrily.
Fluttershy's demeanor turned serious. "If so, I'm sure my end will be suitably horrific, Sergeant. I only wish I could say the same of Governor Brae Tyre."
"What do you mean?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I make no excuses for my mistakes," said Fluttershy, "but I have been fighting to get those codes for you for days. The Governor simply ordered me to continue delaying you and then stopped answering me altogether. When I finally dealt with the House Tyre soldiers guarding his residence, I found that he had left the Galantius system for some private retreat three sectors away. I did find the codes for Alicorn Forge, however."
"You took a real risk, Administrator." said Applejack. "They could hang you for treason if the Governor returns."
"Governor Brae Tyre turned tail and left the sector to die." Fluttershy stated. "Your Commander is here fighting to save it. If anything, I was far too slow to see where my loyalties belonged."
Hoovitus raised an eyebrow and smirked at Fluttershy's words. "I think she missed her calling. She should have been a Filly of Battle."
The orbital map of the Hub Spire Nimbus started blinking. Hammerheart brought focus onto the location.
"We have located the ruling creature of a major hive, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "The Hive Alpha is the vital link between the Hive Fleet in space and the organisms on the planet's surface. Eliminating the Alpha will leave the Paranid forces in dismay for a time, compelling them to withdraw. These are the vulnerabilities you must exploit if the sub-sector is to hold long enough for the Chapter Fleet to arrive. Bring this beast down."
The battle against the Hive Alpha on Galantius was even more challenging than the one on Salika, but the Pony Marine's vigorous courage and tireless strength brought down the horrendous monster, and they returned aboard the Ponigeddon.
"You have struck a telling blow, Commander Hammerheart!" said Pegalos. "Legions of Paranids are directionless without their Alpha."
"The hive will eventually produce another Hive Alpha," Pinkie stated, "but it will take time."
"That it will, Sergeant," said Pegalos, "and we can make good use of the time before it does. Pegalos out."
Rainbow Dash looked to the Scout Sergeant. "Hoovitus and Applejack served on Cronus, but not you Pinkie."
"No." said Pinkie, "I was assigned to train scouts for Commander Poneale's campaign in the Pandora System."
Hoovitus looked down and gave a gruff humph. "A blight on our history."
"Why so?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Obviously you all know something. What happened to Commander Poneale?"
"The Pandora Campaign did not go well." Pinkie explained. "Poneale and many others died there, including most of my Scouts."
"Pandora left the Chapter dangerously underponied." said Applejack. "If we lose our recruiting worlds now, the Blood Phoenixes will not survive."
"Pandora was a huge mistake." Pinkie stated. "I will not speak of it again."
Hammerheart zoomed in on the area Alicorn Forge was located, and Administrator Fluttershy appeared on screen.
"Commander Hammerheart," She said, "the major gate in the Alicorn Forge defensive wall is open. The Paranid swarm is pouring through, and we also have reports that Hog Bandits are operating in the area. Unless the gate is closed and the enemy driven back, Alicorn Forge is doomed. Only the Empress's Pony Marines can seal the gate."
Down in the Alicorn Forge area, the rain poured, alarms were going off, and search lights were moving their blinding gaze from one location to another.
"Attention: Xeno attack imminent." a voice said through an intercom. "All residents report to designated hub-shelters without delay."
Ponies were galloping frantically to get to safety, going past Equestrial motivational posters and pushing each other aside.
"Display identity badges at all times." said the intercom. "Report xeno sightings without delay. Remember: The faithful shall have the Empress's protection."
At a closed ground door, the sound of an incoming drop pod could be heard in the downpour. The pod landed on the door, and the Blood Phoenixes emerge onto the battlefield and moved out. Rainbow Dash took to the sky to search for any signs of Pony life.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Fluttershy, "base defenses failed almost twenty minutes ago."
"What of the base gates?" Pinkie asked.
"The power supply failed." Fluttershy answered. "This silenced base guns and left the Guardponies dangerously exposed. The same generators power the gates. Alicorn Gate must be closed or the forge will fall. I am relaying the generator coordinates to your map display. You must activate at least three of them to close Alicorn Gate."
Rainbow Dash returned with somewhat good news. "Some Equestrial Guard squads are still fighting the enemy, Commander Hammerheart." She said.
Hoovitus blew smoke out his nostrils. "Cowering behind closed doors is more likely, Rainbow Dash." He stated. "Cowards, one and all!"
Applejack shook her head to her old partner. "Tools of the Empress are meant to be used, not wasted." She said.
"Agreed, Applejack." said Pinkie, "We should provide assistance if we can."
They trotted through the streets, shooting at whatever Paranid creatures dared to attack them, and grouped up with the Guardponies Rainbow Dash found. They continued their march and eventually spotted another small squad.
"There! More survivors." Rainbow Dash said, recognizing the small squad.
The Guardponies shot at the Paranids with as much effort as they could throw at them. The Pony Marines came up and shot the animal monsters, saving the Ponies the trouble.
The Sergeant of the Guardpony squad came up to Hammerheart with utmost respect. "Commander." He addressed, "Sergeant Wolverine, 85th Stabelson. You have my thanks."
The Guardponies who accompanied the Pony Marines grouped with the other squad, and the Blood Phoenixes resumed their march through the animal-infested streets. The Paranids were swarming in masses, but Hammerheart and the others wouldn't allow defeat. They hacked, slashed, shot, and blew up the monsters. Finding the three generators seemed to have taken forever, but with one pull of the switch on the last one, three odd-shaped devices rose from the street.
"Alicorn Gate is closing." said Sergeant Wolverine.
"It's closing!" a Guardpony shouted.
The reinforced wall slid in from the sides and linked with each other, locking in place and keeping the animals out.
"Hail the Heroes of Alicorn Gate!" another Guardpony shouted in glory. "Thank the Empress!"
"Well done, Commander Hammerheart." said Fluttershy. "Galantius is in your debt."
Applejack approached Hammerheart. "Commander, the Hog Bandits remain a serious concern." She said. "Disabling the base generators speaks of some sort of plan. They must want something here. With your permission I will oversee the mop up operations. I do not want to leave anything to chance."
Hammerheart, trusting his Battle Sibling, nodded his head, and Applejack took a couple Pony Marines and headed off to investigate.
Back on board the Ponigeddon, the others were tending to their recovery from the battle when Spike received a call.
"Commander Hammerheart," He said, "a signal from Alicorn Forge. It is Sergeant Applejack."
Spike pressed buttons and Applejack appeared on screen. "Commander Hammerheart," She said, "we have spotted Hogs making for storehouses north of Alicorn Gate. I think this may have been their goal all along."
Administrator Fluttershy appeared on screen, hearing everything. "Commander," She said, "those are the private storehouses of House Brae Tyre. Before his flight, the Governor destroyed the records of what they contained. I can only imagine what weaponry he may have been hoarding, or the damage they could do in Hog hooves."
"She is right, Commander." said Applejack. "We must stop those raiders."
Hammerheart brought up the orbital map display of Alicorn Forge again and Pegalos appeared on screen.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "you must return to Alicorn Forge. We cannot allow the pigskins to acquire the weapons contained in the storehouses near the gate. If the Eldeer smuggled the Hogs onto Galantius as you suspect, it must have been for a purpose. Deploy your squads to rejoin Applejack at Alicorn Gate."
Down on the surface of Galantius, Hog wartrukks were driving through the streets, but Guardpony scouts spotted them from a distance.
One of the scouts brought a hoof to his comm link. "Pigskins to the north," He said, "heading for the storehouses."
The vehicle's exhaust pipes started flaring, and it sped up, smashing through rubble and broken walls. The trukk then charged through a firing line of Guardponies, running them over and sending others flying. The vehicle kept driving until it stopped at the storehouses.
"Out you get, boarz." said the driver as Hogs hopped out of the truck. "Boss wants you ta get da poniez' shiniest bitz." The vehicle took off, leaving the other Hogs to do their work.
"Oh, I love bein' a loota!" one of the Hogs said. "Now we can get da best bitz!"
Meanwhile at Alicorn Gate, Guardponies and the Blood Phoenixes stood at the wall. Guns loaded and ready to fight the animals that are attacking the storehouses.
"Reopen the gate." said Sergeant Wolverine. The reinforced walls unlocked and slowly slid into the sides, then the pillars slowly sunk into the street.
"The Hogs are already at the storehouses, Commander." said Applejack through her comm link. The Pony Marines trotted forward.
"Empress's speed, Commander." said Fluttershy.
The Pony Marines kept moving, then they found Applejack with her small squad.
"We need to move up quickly." Applejack said urgently.
The Blood Phoenixes picked up their pace, and began galloping with all their speed through the ruined streets. They kept galloping until they spotted the Hog Bandits at the storehouse. The Hogs looked back to see the Pony Marines coming.
"Oi, its dem poniez!" one of the Hogs yelled. "Our boss said da buggies would keep em busy." The Hog turned to the other Hogs. "Gather up all da best bitz, we'z gots ta leg it! Da Boss ain't gonna like dis, not one bit."
Rainbow Dash took to the sky, and then smashed into the ground, crushing Hogs beneath her hooves and sending others flying. The other Marines shot at the bandits, but one quickly waddled away from the fight.
Applejack checked the building to make sure nothing was taken. When she opened the door, she found something else completely different.
"This is no military storehouse." She said. "These are relics of the Chapter!"
Spike viewed the items from the Strike Cruiser. "Those items match the descriptions of relics long lost to the Chapter." He said. "You should secure them and await extraction."
Some time passed, and the Eldeer arrived at the Alicorn Gate. Farseer Prancayla, along with Treelords and Pyro Prisms, began their assault.
"Make for the forge works!" said Prancayla. "Let nothing stop you, Eldeer!"
The tanks and walkers approached the opened gate and attacked the Guardponies, who were brutally outmatched by their Treebone armor and splinter guns.
"Alicorn Gate is under attack!" Sergeant Wolverine shouted.
"The Eldeer!" said Fluttershy.
"The witch Prancayla!" Hoovitus yelled angrily. "It must be!"
The Treelords slashed at the Guardponies, and the Pyro Prisms blasted the defenses with their cannons.
"Can't get a fix on them." a Guardpony said. "Return fire! RETURN FIRE!"
The Pyro Prisms sped through, the Treelords walked through, and the Farseer and her warriors followed through. Eldeer fell to the Equestrial Guard's weapons, but Guardponies were dying faster against their sudden attack.
"Commander Hammerheart," Fluttershy called, "we'll need your help to repel the attack."
Applejack quickly responded. "This warehouse is full of relics stolen from our Chapter." She said angrily. "Your Governor is a thief as well as a coward."
"I couldn't agree more, Sergeant." Fluttershy said, her tone growing desperate. "But the fate of Galantius still rests on holding Alicorn Gate."
The surviving Guardponies were attacked by Eldeer Shriekers, They howled their ear-piercing screech as their blades sliced the Guards with horrible ease.
Suddenly, more Hogs showed up at the storehouse, ready to cause more havoc on the Blood Phoenixes.
"Pigskin reinforcements." said Applejack before she and the Pony Marines opened fire. "She is right, Commander. We cannot allow Alicorn Gate to fall. I will hold off these animals and guard our relics. Go save Alicorn Gate."
With that said, Hammerheart and the other Pony Marines galloped off to save the Equestrial Guard and protect the gate. Their determination bolstered their speed, and they arrived at the demolished gate, immediately shooting at the Eldeer forces standing at the area. They were mere Guardians, their firepower and melee combat was rather weak, but then Eldeer Shriekers appeared and drew their blades.
"Come ponies!" one of the Shriekers yelled. "It is the day of your deaths! And I am your executioner!"
The Eldeer sped towards them, and Hammerheart swung his axe at the first one that got near. The one that dared to speak ill of the Ponies engaged Hammerheart with dual blades. They slashed and clashed blades, while the other Shriekers attacked the Sergeants. They did not last long against their weapons. Hammerheart then struck the last Shrieker in the chest, pulled out his axe, and then decapitated her with a swing to the neck.
Hoovitus looked at the ruined gate. "It took firepower to do this."
They continued their march, but one of the Pony Marines was shot and killed by sniper fire. The others spotted an Eldeer Ranger in a Guard Tower, and more Eldeer warriors coming towards them on the streets.
"You will not reach Prancayla in time to stop the detonation." a Warlock said.
"Detonation?" Pinkie said in horrified realization, "They mean to destroy the forge!"
"The forge and this entire world, pony." the Warlock stated.
At Alicorn Forge, Prancayla was examining the foundry. "Yes, the plans were correct." She said. "The forge's power supply is unstable. A simple chain reaction will wreath this world in fire."
The Warlock spoke to the Farseer telepathically. "Prancayla, your wounds." He said. "The ponies press in..."
"Suffering and I are old friends, Warlock." said Prancayla. "See to the ponies, and I will enact our final gambit to protect the Woodworld. My retinue's wards will keep me safe long enough."
"Of course, Prancayla." the Warlock said. "Eldeer! Our Farseer prepares to strike against the enemy."
"Defend her at all costs!" a Shrieker yelled.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Fluttershy, "we are experiencing massive power fluctuations. Whatever is happening there, you must stop it!"
The Blood Phoenixes fended off the Eldeer and moved on, but explosions warned them of an impending attack.
"Xeno ambush!" Hoovitus called. "Fire!"
The Pony Marines unloaded their guns upon every Eldeer that attacked. Once the coast was clear, they continued on towards the forge. But then another marine fell to sniper fire from another Ranger in a tower.
"Lumiere was the best of us, ponies." the Ranger said. "You will pay dearly for his loss."
Pinkie threw an explosive charge into the tower, and after three seconds passed, the tower blew up and killed the Ranger beneath the rubble. A Treelord came walking towards them, but Captain Nule went up and gave the walker a good smack to the side, and then crushed its head beneath his weight. The Pony Marines moved on, eventually reaching Alicorn Forge, where the Farseer was protected by more Eldeer Shriekers.
"Destroy the Pony Marines!" one of the Shriekers yelled. "Cut them down where they stand."
Hammerheart charged at the Shriekers and smashed them to pieces, while the others gunned down the remaining forces. With the Farseer undefended, Hammerheart and the Pony Marines engaged the witch once again. Hammerheart and Prancayla slashed and clashed. The Sergeants opened fire, but could barely penetrate her protective ward. Prancayla's antlers began to glow, and Treelords appeared around her.
"More of them!" said Hoovitus. "Kill them all!" Goliath attacked the Treelords while the Sergeants shot at the walkers. But they were overcoming Nule enough to make him back away to recover. The Pony Marines retreated to a nearby building.
"Rgh, damnation!" said Hoovitus, "We need support!"
Applejack heard that loud and clear. "Understood!" She said. "Hold fast!"
Hammerheart and Goliath engaged the Treelords. Then Applejack appeared with heavily armored Pony Marines.
"Sergeant Applejack and Termineightor squad reporting for duty, Commander." She said. The Termineightors fired their Storm Bolters at the Treelords.
Prancayla was in shock from Applejack's sudden appearance. "No... I..."
"I stand with my Siblings, Eldeer!" Applejack shouted.
Rainbow Dash saw Applejack wearing the holy armor and was amazed. "Termineightor Armor. Where did it come from?" She asked.
"They were the center piece of Brae Tyre's collection." Applejack explained. "Now let us finish with these xenos."
While Hammerheart and the others fought the Treelords, Applejack combated against the Farseer. Prancayla slashed and stabbed with her spear, but it could not pierce Applejack's Termineightor armor. The Sergeant bucked her Powerhooves at the animal witch with all her strength.
When the Treelords fell, Hammerheart and the Pony Marines turned their attention to Prancayla, who was doing everything she could to keep herself alive.
The Farseer grunted in pain. "Naycha, lend me strength." She prayed, but her prayers went unanswered with one final blow, and she fell to her knees in defeat.
"Remarkable..." said Prancayla, "I had thought surprise lost to me..." Applejack slowly went up to her. "What a wondrous lesson to come from such primitives..." The Farseer looked up to the Pony Marine before her. "I wonder if the Bloody-Hooved God... will teach you anything in turn..."
"Why, witch?!" Applejack asked. "Why seek to doom these worlds?!"
"You never asked yourself..." said Prancayla, "where this Hive Fleet was bound for next... Unless we stopped it here... it would next feed upon Eldeer... Surely even you can see... three pony worlds... was a small price to pay to save a Woodworld..."
Applejack looked upon the Eldeer in repulsive anger. "Save your excuses, Witch. Alicorn Forge is secure, and your life is at its end." With that said, Applejack turned around, and gave Prancayla a good kick with her Powerhooves, ending the animal's blasphemous life.
Back aboard the Ponigeddon, the Blood Phoenixes were recovering once again from their bout against the treacherous Eldeer. Pegalos appeared on screen.
"Commander Hammerheart, I commend you in your leadership in this crisis." Pegalos complimented. "You have made very significant progress in your battle with the Hive Fleet. And the death of Prancayla has finally put an end to Eldeer operations in the sector."
"I hope it has, Cap'n," said Applejack, "but I am not so certain."
"Regardless," Pegalos continued, "securing Alicorn Forge means we now have a means to produce weapons for our battle against the Paranids. We now have all the components necessary to mount a major strike at the Hive Fleet invading the sector. The Stampede of Fury will arrive in system in a matter of days. We will then equip our new weapons and mount an attack on the hive ship that guides the entire Hive Fleet. Not all news is good. Our surviving Unicorns say the Hive Mind has become aware of our approach. It is likely to throw its most potent forces at key locations across the sub-sector. It remains to you to hold the sector until we arrive. Pegalos out."
Fluttershy appeared on screen after Pegalos. "And thank you for saving Galantius, Commander Hammerheart." She said. "I have issued a warrant for the former governor's arrest and confiscated all of House Brae Tyre's holdings. We will conduct a thorough search for any additional stolen Blood Phoenix relics. You should find my administration to be much more cooperative. Fluttershy out."
After the recovery, the Capital Spire started blinking. Hammerheart focused in on the area, and Fluttershy appeared.
"Commander Hammerheart," She said, "a Paranid Specter has evidently been stalking the hub-blocks for weeks. Now, a massive infestation has followed in its wake, claiming countless more lives. Eliminating this killer would greatly boost morale among the population and help secure our defenses. Only your Pony Marines have a chance of killing the Specter before it escapes again."
After be ridding of the stealthy monstrosity, Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes returned aboard the Ponigeddon.
"Commander Hammerheart, Galantius is in your debt again." said Fluttershy. "The death of this beast gives us hope that we may stand against these horrors. Thank you."
Hoovitus scowled at her words like they were profane. "This foolish Administrator clings to hope when there is very little."
"At least she stands with her world," Rainbow Dash stated, "unlike the governor."
"Your pathetic sentimentality for the faceless masses is getting tiring, Rainbow Dash." Hoovitus said, getting further annoyed.
"Those masses are the Empress's little Ponies!" Rainbow Dash yelled defensively. "You had best remember that!"
"Enough!" said Applejack, interjecting the two's argument. "You have your orders. Be true to the Chapter and obey."
Pinkie shook her head. "You are foolish to expect unquestioning obedience from them, Applejack."
"They are Pony Marines." said Applejack. "It is their duty to obey."
"Commander Hammerheart is due their obedience and he has it." said Pinkie. "But you are not their Commander, Applejack. You are their sibling in legs, but their elder sibling. A veteran of countless battles. They respect your service records and the Termineightor Honors you bear. But do they respect you? Do they even know you?"
Applejack raised an eyebrow. "And what of you, Pinkie Pie?" She asked. "Do you respect me?"
Pinkie gave her a little smirk. "Enough to be truthful to you, Applejack."
The Capital Spire started blinking again. Apparently the Paranids had not been fully dealt with yet. Hammerheart brought focus onto the area.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we have a priority target. A rampaging Scorpnox is driving forward with a host of Paranid creatures. This Scorpnox is very powerful, Commander, but that also makes it valuable to the Hive Mind. These creatures require large amounts of biomass to create, and killing it will slow the Paranid infestation considerably. This will buy more time for the Stampede of Fury to make it to Arctika."
The monster was, indeed, as powerful as Pegalos had explained, but in the end, Hammerheart put the great beast in its place. Back on board the Ponigeddon, Rainbow Dash confronted Applejack with a question.
"Applejack, you fought the Necronies on Cronus, did you not?" She asked.
"Yes," said Applejack, "Hoovitus and I both did."
"How do they compare to the Paranids?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Necronies are far deadlier opponents on the battlefield." Applejack explained. "Their weaponry is like nothing I have ever seen. But I think the Paranids pose a much greater threat to the Equestrium. Necronies have been known to wipe out individual systems. But I have never seen them wipe out multiple sectors like the Hive Fleet we are facing."
Pinkie sighed through her nose. "It is worse than that, Applejack." She said. "The Paranids come from beyond the galaxy's edge. We have no way of knowing how many more Hive Fleets may be on their way."
An important signal came from Dolmaska, and the Ponigeddon immediately headed towards the planet. When they arrived, the new mission at hoof could not have been any more of a golden opportunity.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "the time has finally come to end the Hog threat with one crushing blow. We have finally located the Hog horde's most powerful chieftain. Warboss Spinesnappa has led his Hogs against Equestrial holdings across three worlds. The fear he inspires has been driving the Hog invasion. Spinesnappa is the ultimate leader of all the Hogs you have faced since your arrival in the sub-sector. He will not rest until he has conquered the sector. And so long as he remains alive, the Hogs will continue to undermine any defenses we deploy against the Paranids. Spinesnappa must be stopped, once and for all.
It was the most challenging battle Hammerheart and the Pony Marines have fought in the sector. Spinesnappa's brute strength and powerful endurance made him appear seemingly invincible, but nevertheless, the Hog Warboss met his misbegotten maker at the hooves of the Blood Phoenixes. They returned to the Ponigeddon after a job well done.
"Well done, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "Spinesnappa's death leaves the Hog war band broken and in disarray. You originally came to Arctika to defeat the Hog invasion, Commander, and now you have done so. Pegalos out."
Pinkie gave a little smirk. "I will remember this day," She said, "when the end comes."
"The end?" said Rainbow Dash, raising an eyebrow. "You are a strange one, Pinkie."
"We are the Empress's Holy Celestial Warriors, Rainbow Dash." said Pinkie. "Do you think death will overlook us?"
"I... I suppose not," said Rainbow Dash, "but why focus on the possibility of death? Today is a day of victory."
"That's the point." said Pinkie. "Your death is not merely possible, Rainbow Dash, it is a certainty. Maybe in this war, maybe in another. One day, you will die. On that day, the elation of victory will be very far away. So save some of that victorious cheer. Store it away, so you may call on it when that day comes."
A signal from Salika called the Ponigeddon to planetary orbit. The map of Mount Icarus was blinking, and Hammerheart brought focus upon the area.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "the Hive Mind is throwing its mightiest weapons at us. A Hive Alpha leads an infestation into this region, consuming everything it encounters. Our Unicorns fear its goal is to establish a major new hive. This could accelerate the Hive Fleet's activities and could well doom the whole planet. Exterminate the Hive Alpha before it can nest."
The Hive Alpha was just as tough as all the others, if not more, but it fell to the blades and bullets of the Blood Phoenixes in a matter of minutes. They returned aboard the Ponigeddon.
"Well done, Pony Marines." said Pegalos. "Our Unicorns sensed a massive tremor in the hive consciousness, and scans indicate that the swarm has gone into disarray. We cannot be certain how long before another Hive Alpha is created. But we are making for you at all speed, and every moment counts. Pegalos out."
Rainbow Dash sighed. "Victory has its own price." She said.
"Speak your mind Rainbow Dash." Applejack said insistently.
"With each victory," Rainbow Dash explained, "I can feel more and more of myself slipping away."
"Continue." said Pinkie, intrigued with the Pegasus's feelings.
"In battle..." Rainbow Dash continued, "It used to be a great rush, a thrill. Now more and more, it's become..."
"Purer." Applejack finished.
"Simpler." Pinkie added.
"Yes," said Rainbow Dash, "both of those. I go to a place where my spirit and body are one, a perfect weapon honed by powers far beyond me."
"You are leaving behind the remnants of your life before the Chapter found you." said Applejack. "A great honor, but melancholy."
"And not without costs." said Pinkie. "You are not one of them, anymore."
"Them." Rainbow Dash repeated, "Ponies. Mares. No, I'm not quite one of them anymore."
"You are purging yourself of a weakness, Rainbow Dash," Hoovitus pointed out as he looked out a window into space, "but there are more to come. You cling to hope, which just brings despair." He turned and faced his comrades. "We are weapons. There is the Empress and there is war. Nothing more."
"There is the Chapter, Hoovitus." said Applejack.
Hoovitus grew angry. "And its secrets. And its lies. Who ever heard of a Chapter that has forgotten its Patriarch? We would sooner forget our own name! There is something dark and hidden there. And look at Captain Nule, a shadow of his former self who can barely stay conscious for a single battle. That's what heroism gets you. War is all we are. Killing is all we are good for. The rest is delusion."
"Maybe..." said Rainbow Dash, "But I will cling to hope for a while longer, I think. And if the secrets of the Chapter cost me that... well, I will still stand with my siblings. All of them."
"As will we all." said Applejack. "As will we all."
Another problem appeared on the surface of Salika, but it wasn't Paranids this time. Hammerheart brought the targeted location into full view.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "it seems the Eldeer have not been driven off after all. The xenos have summoned their daemonic Avatar, a towering warrior of flame. The Avatar and its war host are destroying everything in their path. If the Avatar remains loose, Salika will soon be nothing but a charred cinder. This will be one of the most deadliest opponents you ever face, Commander, but we cannot allow Salika to be reduced to ash. Destroy the Avatar."
The Avatar, like on Tartaurus and Cronus, was a massive colossus that possessed immense power. Its right-front hoof bled nonstop, and it wielded a giant sword of flames in it magical grip. It claimed the lives of many Ponies before meeting its end at the hooves of the Pony Marines and being turned to rubble. The Blood Phoenixes returned to the Ponigeddon.
Rainbow Dash shook her head. "It still seems madness that the Eldeer would strike at us in the midst of this infestation."
"Agreed." said Pinkie, "But the Eldeer have a deeper purpose in the sector. They would not have sacrificed so much just to give the Paranids one less world to feed on."
Applejack gave a warm smile as they all reflected upon their battles against the enemies of Ponies. "We taught those pigskins to kneel in the Empress's presence." She said.
"Hmph. We did better than that." said Hoovitus. "We taught them to lie down flat on the dirt and bleed in her presence."
The Ponigeddon received a call, and Captain Pegalos appeared on screen.
"Commander Hammerheart, grave news." said Pegalos. "The Paranid Hive Mind's efforts continue to stymie out travels through the Warp. Our last Zebra suffers now in the effort to transmit this message to you, and only a few Unicorns and Navigators remain to guide us. It is unlikely the Stampede of Fury will ever emerge from the Warp. But if this is to be our end aboard this vessel, we die with pride, because the Hive Mind's efforts have clearly cost it. Our surviving Unicorn reports that the Paranid fleet's main hive ship even now approaches Planet Salika to feed. This is the gargantuan organism that houses the brain of the Hive Fleet. Your strike force can deliver a killing blow while it feeds. I have transmitted a tactical briefing to your planetary map display. On a final note you may tell Captain Nule that the secrets of Cyrene die with me. Pegalos out."
The Ponigeddon received another call, from Galantius, and Administrator Fluttershy appeared on screen.
"Commander Hammerheart," She said, "we have received orders from Captain Pegalos to deliver several concentrated bio-toxin doses to you. I have readied a contingent of Equestrial Guard veterans to provide you with additional firepower during this critical mission."
"More hindrance than help." said Hoovitus.
"Many are veterans of Alicorn Gate, Commander." Fluttershy said calmly. "They see supporting you as a matter of duty. They will deploy in Hawkeye Gunships and rendezvous with you on the surface of Salika."
"Accept their help, Commander." Applejack suggested. "In this battle, we are all siblings."
"Commander Hammerheart," said Rashet, "I will remain aboard the Ponigeddon to provide fire support during your mission."
"And I will do the same from Lightningeagle Two." said Spike.
"The Ponigeddon will not last long against an entire Hive Fleet." said Pinkie.
"It will last as long as we need it to, Pinkie." said Rashet. "Getting the toxin to the capillary tower is all that matters now."
Hammerheart zoned in upon the the Graveyard of Salika, and the briefing Captain Pegalos recorded began to run through the procedure of the final mission at hoof.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "your cruiser will punch its way into the mass of smaller Paranid ships guarding the main hive fleet. Once in position, the Ponigeddon will drop your hoof-picked squads via drop pod toward the base of the massive capillary that is feeding the main hive ship. Thanks to the data you collected earlier, Apothecary Rashet has readied a special bio-toxin. You are to poison the tower and through it the brain of the Hive Fleet itself. This should deal a lethal dose to the hive mind, and send the hive fleet into disarray. One way or another, this will be the last battle of the defense of Arctika. May the Empress grant us victory. Pegalos out."
The grounds around the graveyard were covered in Paranid slime from the spores and fluids of the animals. The sky was dark and ominous from the animal clouds that floated above. A low whistle broke the silence, and a drop pod landed on the slimy grounds. Out came Hammerheart, wearing his new Termineightor armor and wielding a Thunder Hammer and Storm Bolter, and the others, who immediately headed out to finish the fight.
"Commander Hammerheart," Rashet called through the communication channel, "the Hive Fleet feeds through massive capillary towers."
Fleshy Paranid spikes were sticking out of the ground; the Hive Fleet was spreading its pulsing feeding tubes far and wide.
"Each tower draws from many veins in the surrounding terrain." said Rashet. "These veins are where you must deliver the bio-toxin."
The vox started to get fuzzy and distorted. "... can... eerr... past... apter..." said Rashet's voice before the vox went dead silent.
"Ponigeddon." Applejack called, "Come in. Come in."
Pinkie spotted a feeding tube. "The first of the veins is ahead." She said. "Move out!"
They trotted out towards the first tube. On the way, they spotted Equestrial Guardponies, the veterans from Alicorn Gate, standing near a fallen Hawkeye Ship.
"Pony Marines approaching!" one of the Guardponies called as the Blood Phoenixes trotted up to them.
"Sergeant Wolverine, report." said Applejack.
"Xenos forced down our Hawkeye, ma'am." said Wolverine. "Scattered us across the damn landscape. It'll take more than a few bruises to take us out of the fight, though."
The Guardponies grouped up with Hammerheart, and they continued out to deliver the poison. As they made their way up a hill, they found both the first vein, and more Guardponies near two more downed Hawkeyes.
"Third squad down to six stallions, Sergeant." a Guardpony said to Wolverine. "No survivors from second."
"Right!" said Wolverine, "Boris, form survivors into full squads, and then inventory what gear we have left." He looked to another Guardpony. "Fregon, get the remains of the first squad into a perimeter, and then get that blasted Auspex working."
Applejack walked up to the vein, and injected the bio-toxin into its bloodstream. "Bio-toxin delivery underway." She said.
A Guardpony looked ahead and spotted trouble. "Movement detected." He called, "Animals on approach."
"Enemy attacks from the north." Applejack yelled.
"Alright, stallions," Wolverine said to his squad, "these things are here to take our worlds away from us. I, for one, do not intend to let that happen! Form up into defensive firing lines!"
A call came from TechDrake Spike. "Commander Hammerheart .... .. Lightningeagle Two." He said, the transmission was sputtering like Rashet's. "Firagun Turrets ... ready to drop on .... position. Just give ... word."
Hammerheart pointed out three spots for the turrets to drop, and instantly they landed on the corners of the opening where the attack would come from. Sure enough, the swarm arrived in the nick of time.
"Get ready." said Wolverine, "Here they come!"
The massive swarm charged through. Some were slaughtered by the turrets while the others slipped past. A Warrior Beast lunged over the swarm and landed close.
"Warrior Beast, open fire!" Wolverine yelled as the Blood Phoenixes unloaded their bullets into the swarm.
Hammerheart unleashed his new found fury upon the animals, crushing them with his hammer and tearing them to bloody pieces with his Storm Bolter.
As the swarm began to die down in size, a Hive Alpha appeared from past the mutated foliage. Hammerheart and Rainbow Dash engaged in melee while the others fired at the beast from behind cover. Eventually, the Alpha gave in to its wounds and dropped dead.
While everyone was recuperating, Hoovitus snorted through his nostrils. "We fight these monsters in a twisted nightmare." He growled.
"The whole damn planet is infected." said a Guardpony.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Applejack, "we need to administer another dose of bio-toxin at another site. There are exposed veins further along the ridge."
The Blood Phoenixes and Guard Veterans headed off to the next vein, but on the way a distress call from the Strike Cruiser stopped them in their tracks.
"Ponige... to strike..." Rashet's voice was coming through even worse than before, "hull breached... superstructure failing... initiating self-destruct seque... Emergen... drop activa..." The transmission went dead silent. A quiet whistling sound grew louder, and a drop pod landed near the Pony Marines. Out of the pod came the Harmonaught, Captain Nule, and a few more Pony Marines.
"The Ponigeddon... is no more." Goliath said grimly. "Rashet's sacrifice must not be in vain."
They all grouped together into one large squad and continued with the mission at hoof. They shot at every Paranid that attacked. They eventually found another vein, and Applejack got to work injecting more poison into the pulsing flesh mound.
"Second bio-toxin delivery starting now." She said.
During the dosing process, scans indicated signs of animal life homing in on their position.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Applejack, "north and south approaches are both vulnerable."
Just then, another call came through to Hammerheart.
"Lightningeagle Two ...., Commander Hammerheart." said Spike's voice, distorted from animal interference. "We have taken ..... damage, but can ...... Firagun Sentry Guns at .... command."
Hammerheart placed flares on the north and south positions, and turrets landed on those areas; just in time for another Paranid swarm attack. The Blood Phoenixes unleashed their fury upon the beasts along with the Guardponies and turrets, leaving the swarms a bloody pile of limbs and organs.
"Second dose delivered!" said Applejack as she removed the weapon. "That should do it."
Hoovitus leered at his partner. "Always assuming this works." He said.
The swarm attacked Goliath, and were thoroughly crushed by his Grappling Limb and legs. Rainbow Dash slashed them in halves with her Power Sword. Pinkie picked them apart with her Sniper Rifle. Applejack and Hoovitus unloaded barrages of bolter and plasma rounds upon the swarm. Hammerheart held his own as he took the most of the assault. Then the fleshy spikes protruding from the ground started exploding, meaning the poison did its job.
"It worked!" said Rainbow Dash.
"YES!" Wolverine yelled, "Die, you animal scum! YEAH! Alright!"
"Thank the Empress!" said Pinkie.
Wolverine looked all around him. "Surely this isn't over." He said.
"Not the war, Guardpony, no." said Applejack. "But our part in it is at an end."
Elsewhere on the field, Paranids were still spawning out of spores from the hives that were already planted on the ground, their numbers still relatively big.
"But the hives here on the ground will recover soon enough." said Pinkie. "And I can assure you that we will not last long."
"And the Ponigeddon is gone." said Rainbow Dash. "We have nowhere to fall back to."
"Come Rainbow Dash." said Hoovitus. "Did you imagine any of us would return from this mission?"
A question Rainbow Dash already knew the answer to. "No. I suppose I did not." She said. "But I cannot imagine a better end than this."
Wolverine stepped forward. "Then I guess we had better take as many of the damn bugs with us as we can."
Hoovitus smirked at Wolverine's words. "Well said, Sergeant."
"Well said indeed, Hoovitus." Applejack said, seconding the motion.
The end was soon to dawn upon them, but they were not going down without a glorious fight to the finish. They loaded their guns and took their positions.
"Siblings, make yourselves ready." said Applejack.
"And may we meet again at the right side of the Empress." said Pinkie.
They held their ground and were ready for the Paranids to do their worst. The shrieks of a massive swarm echoed in the air, and the little monsters came crawling towards them. Without any regrets, the Pony Marines unleashed hell upon the Paranids' numbers and said nothing else about it. Paranids exploded and body parts were scattered all over the place. The ground was dyed yellow with the animal blood, yet they still kept coming, and the Ponies kept fighting. When the swarm died down, three Hive Alphas appeared and slowly made their way to their position, but then they splattered blood out of their jaws, curled up, and exploded in a bloody, gory mess. A message was coming through to the Pony Marines, and the voice was loud and clear.
"This is Michael Pegalos to the commanding forces on Salika, do you read?" Pegalos called.
Applejack's eyes grew wide with new found hope. "The fleet has arrived!" She said.
"Hold fast." said Pegalos. "You shall not fall this day. Commander Hammerheart, we have dropped a spread of relay beacons. Make your way to the closest one and activate it so we have a fix on your position."
"I am getting readings from one of the beacons, Commander Hammerheart." said Pinkie. "Marking it on map display."
With the location confirmed, Hammerheart and the others headed off to the beacon. It was located atop a large monumental ruin, and they ascended up towards the beacon. Pinkie started pressing buttons until the beacon's satellite pointed upwards and started spinning.
"Beacon activated." She said.
"Coordinates received." said Pegalos. "Drop pods away!"
Suddenly, more Paranids appeared out of nowhere, and they scurried up the stairs towards the Blood Phoenixes. They shot at the approaching beasts until a drop pod landed at the base of the monument and crushed most of the swarm. Out of the pod came Michael Pegalos himself, wielding the legendary Daemonhammer: God-Splitter.
"Taste the fury of the Blood Phoenixes!" He yelled as he swung at the Paranids that attacked him. Hammerheart couldn't help but grin at the famous Captain, while the Sergeants watched him in awe as he utterly destroyed every single creature with one hit from his hammer. When the last beast was killed, Pegalos trotted up the stairs, passed the Sergeants, and approached Hammerheart.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we have one more task in this cursed place. The Hive Mind is using a powerful patriarchal creature to maintain control over its land-based forces on this world. We must kill this beast."
"It will fall, Captain Pegalos." said Hoovitus as more drop pods landed and deployed more Pony Marines.
"The beast nests at the top of these ruins." Pegalos continued. "Move out when you are ready and I will accompany you. The rest of our forces will guard our flanks."
When they were well rested enough, Hammerheart, Pegalos, and the others headed deeper into the ruin to hunt down the great monster. When they approached near the center, the ground started to shake. Up ahead, something appeared to be trying to come out of the ground. A massive Hive Alpha Patriarch bursted from the ground and roared at the top of its lungs.
"There it is!" Pegalos shouted. "To war!"
Hammerheart, Pegalos, and Goliath charged at the colossal beast while the others unloaded their rounds into the monster's hide. The Patriarch lifted its foot and stomped the ground, which started to turn greenish.
"It's poisoning the ground, clear out!" Pinkie yelled.
Hammerheart and Pegalos rolled back to avoid the miasma. When it cleared, they reengaged the beast. It appeared to be more interested in attacking Goliath, which gave the Pony Marines a little more of a chance against the hulking creature. Hammerheart and Pegalos continued to slam their hammers into the beast's armored flesh, while Applejack, Pinkie, and Hoovitus shot at whatever weak spots they could find. Rainbow Dash took to the sky and flew right into the monster's armored head, disorientating it for a brief moment. When the Patriarch regained its senses, it jumped back and aimed a pair of arms that were fused together to form some sort of projectile weapon.
"Bio plasma!" Applejack yelled. "Clear that area!"
The Pony Marines quickly got away from the spot where a large explosion of slime erupted. They went back in and attacked the beast again. The monster stepped up its A-game, and it went all out on them. It snatched Pegasus Marines in its jaws and threw their limp bodies to the side. It shot its projectile at the Tactical Pony Marines from afar. It swung its large claws around and sent anyone engaging in melee flying. It even began to do some real damage to Goliath's armored hull. Things were starting to go from bad to worse.
"On your hooves, Siblings," Pegalos called, "there is a battle to win!" His war shouts seemed to bolster the morale of the Pony Marines, and they retaliated hard. The beast was showing signs that it was dying. Pinkie sniped one of its legs. Applejack shot the other leg. Hoovitus shot heavy bolter rounds as it dropped to its knees. Goliath gave the monster a powerful uppercut. Rainbow Dash slammed the creature from above to the ground. The Paranid struggled to get up, but Pegalos slammed his hammer right in the side of its head. The Paranid lied on the ground half dead, then Hammerheart approached the beast and swung his Thunder Hammer right onto its skull, crushing its head, and ending its life.
"The beast is dead." said Pegalos. "The Chapter, and the sector, owe you a great debt Pony Marines."
"We did our duty, Captain." said Hammerheart. "Nothing more."
"Few could have done it better, Hammerheart." said Pegalos.
The great, colossal Hive Alpha lied flat on the ground. Its head splattered and its murderous life ended. The Pony Marines had finish their duty, and boarded a Lightningeagle that landed nearby.
"Long ago, the Empress foresaw ponykind's need for warriors unlike any other."
The Lightningeagle's engines burned and brightened as it prepared for takeoff.
"Warriors who could face the unbearable horror lurking among the stars."
The ship took off into the sky, broke through the planet's gravitational pull, and into space.
"Who, on the day of certain defeat, would be victorious."
It flew off to destroy the large Paranid Hive Ship that floated dead in space.
"You and your Pony Marines are those warriors, Hammerheart."
More Equestrial Battleships flew in to exterminate the giant carcass that was symbolic of a great victory.
"Thanks to you, Pony life still thrives in Arctika."
The ships fired large missiles at the corpse as an even larger ship, the Battle Barge Stampede of Fury, flew past them.
"The Blood Phoenixes still have their recruiting worlds and the Equestrium still thrives in the Arctika sector."
The missiles made contact, and the body was blown to smaller pieces that plummeted to the planet below.
