I did the best I could to facepalm as software updates scrolled down a microdisplay in the far corner of my vision.  Apparently in exchange for some of our knowledge, Seven was copying a fair about from the ponies about their world.  At least that would make my life easier when we got out of this godforsaken cave  As a bonus, it seemed that the other Princesses were unable to communicate two ways through the network.  I could message them, but they couldn't send anything back.  Twilight seemed to be one to have a million questions that would have to wait as so many things pecked at my mind.

"Seven, how exactly did you get tech into Cadence when I haven't even met her yet?"

***The same way Twilight Sparkle was exposed to the nanites.

"Which was... what Seven?  You did save my life with this apparently, but it wasn't the best plan."

***It was the only viable plan of survival at that juncture.

***I simply vented some from a pressurized canister when the drones attached them to your armor.  

***Inhalation is inefficient but effective in some regards.

"By the way, who is Cadence anyhow?"

***Still downloading relevant data.

Now, I didn't expect a map marker to appear on my HUD pointing out a tent in the distance, but it was a start.  That bridge would have to wait as there were more pressing things on my mind, namely that I was in a war zone without a functioning weapon.  What was once my beautiful rifle had been turned into a misshapen lump of metal by the fire and rage of an alicorn.  Might need a bigger gun if I ever intended to "remove" one of the princesses.  But that is neither here nor there.

"Seven, where are we on establishing a foothold in the city?  Also, what weapons do we have available to replace my carbine?"

***Please return to your vault.  Our limited selection will be presented to you there.

***We should be able to commence troop movement shortly.  

***I recommend speaking to Celestia in that regard.  Twilight is currently...occupied.  

***That one has an inordinate amount of knowledge on their "magic" and its implementation.

***I may be able to ascertain some form of defense from her databases.

Well, that would be some good news at least.  I'm not really enjoying the fact that the locals seemed to have weapons strapped to their heads.  At least they are on my side for now.

###Message users: Celestia, Luna>

>>>I have to return to my vault for equipment.  Could you accompany me to discuss tactics?

It looked like they had figured out a decent part of the network as a two more color coded markers appeared in my vision before blinking for a moment in confirmation.  I apparently wasn't in some kind of coma or psycotic break, so I might as well make lemonade out of this.  As I leaned against the purple crystal walls of the cavern, I could see the two alicorns approaching calmly despite all the insanity of late.  Throughout the camp, ponies worked diligently working to repair the damage from earlier.  Through the chaos, the princesses strode easily as their subjects flowed around them like water.  If it weren't for the occasional odd colored light catching in Celestia's eye, I would have sworn she was uninjured and without augmentation.

"You wished to discuss tactics for reclaiming our capitol city?"

###Translation software online.

I pushed away from the crystal walls with a dull scrape as I collected my thoughts.  The darkened tunnels awaited.  My thoughts were scattered to the wind as blue white light burst from Luna's horn, making me me flinch away instinctively.

"Jesus Luna!  What the hell?!  You know that crap will kill me!"

That's when it occurred to me that the radiation meters in my armor were not going off.

"Damnit..."

The two princesses had stopped walking and were looking at me with what I could only guess is a concerned look on their faces.  I figure it was safe to say "why the long face" was not the proper thing to say here.

"Sorry.  I had a bad reaction to Twilight's magic and I'm still a little...skittish about it.  I'm surprised Seven didn't tell you that.  Could we just forget that happened and move on?"

"As you wish, Sergeant.  Please lead the way."

Sighing at my stupidity, I started walking again.  The flickering lights of the tunnels gave a garish look as the damage flickered in and out like a haunted house.  Given that this place was now a tomb for my love and other soldiers from my home, the analogies seemed accurate.  Carefully, I picked my way over rubble and around fallen pipes, leading the royals deeper into the labyrinth.

"Twilight said that you had been looking for a tomb that might have a way to save your people.  This facility wasn't intended to be a tomb, but it has turned into one.  As far as I know, I am the last of my kind.  I watched the rest of the humans here die... every one of them...I'm all alone..."

It took me a moment to realize that I had trailed off and the only noise in the tunnel were the scraping of my armored boots and the soft clicking of the Princess's hooves against age old concrete.  Before I lost myself in thought, I had to continue.

"Ahem... Per what has already been discussed, I'll help you retake your kingdom.  When you are secured in power again, you'll help me find my people, or at least what remains of them.  The first thing to do is retaking the city above.  I believe we have some things down here that should help.  The materials contained in this facility are limited, but I will do what I can.  Do not have your ponies down here unaccompanied by myself or a drone.  This is a tomb, and I expect it to be treated as such."

It took me a moment to pause and push some debris out of the way.  I could see the hole I blasted through a door shimmering in the flickering light just a short distance away.  Despite that, the bleak tunnel seemed to last forever as memories assaulted my mind.

"As for retaking the city, I have a few ideas that should allow us to gain a decent foothold without stretching your personnel too far.  I can explain better when we get into my unit.  No magic in there please."

It felt so strange to be talking so much without a reply from the royals, but with a flicker of thought a few questions of mine were answered.  A network diagram superimposed over a fraction of my vision as I walked past the silent sentry gun with it's IR beacon blinking softly. Halfway stooped, I stepped through the blackened door.  The glowing diagram showed loads of traffic between the Princesses and Seven, so I imagine he was busy explaining things to them.  A moment later, familiar surroundings filled my vision as the armored door to my section slid open with a creak and soft squealing of ancient metal.  From the soft sound of hooves on concrete, I knew the Alicorns were behind me as the door began to seal.

"Don't worry about the next part.  It will suck a bit, but it doesn't hurt."

I at least tried to explain it calmly before the automated voice could do it for me.

"Commencing Decon procedures.  Remain stationary and do not breathe while system is running."

Luna of all ponies gave a slight twitch as the door creaked and clanked while massive bolts locked into the metal frame.  I tried not to laugh as jets of chemical laden air sprayed from the ceiling and floor.  The strange manes of both princesses whipped around through the air like miniature tornadoes while the room filled with a thin mist while they stood there with eyes pinched shut.  Only a few seconds had passed before vents inset into the wall kicked on with a tortured squeal and began sucking the fine particles from the room.

"Decon complete.  No dangerous levels of radiation present.  It is safe to remove your armor at this time."

###Lock translation program>CelestiaLuna ENABLED

"What is it that you wished to discuss in private, Sergeant?"

A held up finger was my only response before my practiced hands slid over the cool metal of my helmet.  After a moment of questing, they found the latches at the base of the armor plating and gently pulled them away with a soft click.  The flickering glow of the lights was a little painful as I slid the armor up and away from my faceplate to rest on top of my helmet.  A few more deft movements and the displays on the armored glass flickered and died as I disconnected a thin bundle of cables at the rear of  my neck.  With the laborious process complete, I jerked my helm to the side sharply to break the seal to my armor.  A moments sharp hissing and shocked expressions on both princesses met my bare eyes for the first time.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Alex Rodriguez and I'm going to help you save your people."

With that, armored lockers around the room hissed and popped as armored door after door creaked open to expose a multitude of racks set into the walls.