Celestia maintained an even expression as she stared at the blood-soaked human, the human’s statement not what she was after. She knew that the attack had been conducted by the Minotaurs and Griffons, her guards had informed her of the sudden assault as well as the unexpected help from the aliens. A wounded Pegasus mare had even claimed that the human commander himself had saved her life, killing a Minotaur warrior just as he was about to kill the guard. Her claims had been verified by the rest of the guard’s squad and now it seemed that the violent creatures had even saved a guard from death with medical intervention. A few guards from the group Celestia had brought with her prepared to move the zoned-out stallion to a medical area as the rest of the newly arrived troops focused on corralling the mass of civilians who were all looking at the Princesses with awe.

“Why did you help my ponies?” Celestia questioned the human leader, “your actions towards Equestria have only been violent up until now, why help us when you could have joined the Griffons and Minotaurs?” The Commander appeared to scoff at this, the two other humans with him clutching their deadly projectile weapons with the barrels pointed to the ground.

“Well, for starters this attack on the city interrupted my sleep. Not cool. Secondly I’m sorry to say this but your ponies aren’t exactly avatars of war. They lack tactics, weaponry, resolve and from what I have observed experience,” The Commander pointed towards a griffon corpse, both Princesses and the surrounding ponies wincing as they realised that most of the griffon’s head was missing. “These guys are much more fun to kill; at least they have a chance.”

Celestia grudging accepted that he was probably right in regards to the Royal Guards lack of experience and ability. They were well trained but such widespread conflict had not been seen in Equestria for centuries. She was about to attempt to defend her guards, the armoured stallions and mares glaring at the human for his highlighting of their flaws before a group of battered Pegasi guards landed heavily in-between the two opposing groups.

“Princess!” a bloodstained Lieutenant spoke as she shook off the effects of her rough landing, her left foreleg bent at a wrong angle, “Griffons and Minotaurs have attacked Fillydelphia and Baltimare, both cities have fallen and are being used as staging points for the enemy! Already they appear to be preparing to march directly to Canterlot!”

Celestia bit her lip, turning to look towards Luna to find that she also appeared to not like their chances. The guard who had delivered the news had spoken loudly, the surrounding civilians breaking out into panic as they overheard. Many of them turned and ran to hide in their houses, only a few staying behind as they looked to their Princesses for guidance. Celestia grimaced inside as a particularly unpleasant thought rose up, the Princess preparing herself for the scathing reply that would most likely follow.

“Commander,” Celestia stated as she addressed the human leader, Luna glancing at her curiously. The human leader made a motion with a hand, Celestia assuming it was a gesture for her to continue. “As you have just been made aware, our situation is dire and considering your obvious ability for warfa-“

“Not going to happen,” the Commander dismissed, turning on his heels and walking away from Celestia. The two soldiers accompanying him pivoted and made to follow him, the humans heading back towards the outer edge of the city. Celestia had to think fast to secure the support of the lethal aliens.

“I’ll pay you!” she shouted out after them to no effect, “anything, please!” The humans stopped, whether it was because of the terms she offered or the desperation in her voice at the thought of what her subjects would suffer under the rule of the invading races Celestia didn’t know. The Commander walked back towards her, his metal claw resting on the grip of one of his smaller projectile weapons. He didn’t say anything at first, glancing between Celestia and Luna as he appeared to think.

“Anything?” the human questioned as he stared at Luna, Celestia giving her sister an apologetic look before replying.

“…Yes,” Celestia hesitantly answered, lowering her head at what the bipeds would demand.

“Fine then, I want a night with Princess Luna and a fifty-five square kilometre area of land. This land will belong to the UIP and any unauthorized access will be dealt with severely.” Both Celestia’s and Luna’s guards moved to attack the humans for their bold demands however they were quickly halted by Celestia flinging out a wing, the two accompanying human soldiers had already raised their weapons to their shoulders while the Commander himself seemed unfazed. Celestia muttered a brief apology to her mother for putting Luna through this but the safety of her ponies came first.

“I accept your terms,” she answered as Luna’s eyes widened, “if you assist us in repelling this invasion then I will give you what you ask.”

“Sister!” Luna protested as Guards for both Princesses looked at Celestia in shock, “thou can’t agree to have that… thing occupy thine bed!” Luna’s surprised caused her to slip back into her old vocal patterns.

“Damn…” the Commander commented, “that accent is even more of a turn on.” Luna blanched at the human’s input, Celestia moving and putting a wing over her sister as she looked into Luna’s eyes.

“I’m sorry Luna; I see no other chance of us defeating this catastrophe. The Elements will not work on these enemies and as loyal as our guards are the Minotaurs and Griffons have overwhelming numbers,” Celestia explained as she hugged her sister.

In truth Nigel didn’t really care that much about having a night with the Lunar Princess; the two alicorns’ reactions only proved that his idea to ask for it was a good choice. By focusing on his unusual request the fact that he had just secured a large area for a local UIP base of operations went by without complaint. In truth twenty Kilometres would have sufficed but they could always just build some more missile silos or something. He watched on as Luna returned her sister’s hug, the Midnight ruler sighing as she pulled away, looking at Nigel with a defeated expression.

“If that is what it takes to keep our subjects safe then I …submit. Keep in mind that I am not looking forward to such… activities,” she huffed, Nigel giving a shrug.

“As the old proverb says ‘you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink,’ a little more relevant in this situation I believe.” Chalmers didn’t notice the shocked looks on the faces of all the surrounding ponies, unaware that he had just implied that the Night Princess was a prostitute. He continued on, detaching a rectangular device from his suit. “While our forces are currently small, we have a wonderful surprise just waiting to have its fun.” As the Commander appeared to enter information somehow onto the strange device Luna and Celestia exchanged glances at the human’s mention of a ‘surprise’.

“What do you mean by surprise?” Luna hesitantly asked, the human seemingly finishing his task before pressing a button causing loud beep to sound from the device. He re-attached it to his suit as he looked at the gathered ponies, his morbid helmet maintaining its constant grin.

“Let’s just say that there’s more than one kind of shipping that’s going to happen in the future.”

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Admiral Montgomery Biggles was perched in his command chair overlooking the bridge of his Reginald Class Command and Control Ship, hundreds of deck crew monitoring sensor outputs and navigation systems in the bridge of the gigantic vessel. He blew a strand of coal-black hair out of his brown eyes, inspecting his deep-blue uniform for any impurities. Shining a golden medal with a handkerchief the Admiral tapped his booted feet against his chair.

He had been ordered by a higher-up in UIP Naval Command to assume command of a small fleet comprising of two Subjugator-Class Planetary Assault Cruisers, one Hiendrecker-Class Supply and Support ship, one Lancelot-Class Heavy Cruiser and four Guardian-Class Escort Destroyers. All he had been told was that he was to remain in his current position and await a signal from an un-named Internal Security Agency Commander. Once a signal was received Montgomery was to follow the orders of the ISA officer until the mission was complete.

The wait was the worst part; so far they had spent a few weeks sitting in deep space completely idle. There were currently four border conflicts in the nearest galaxy and the Admiral was itching for some action, a feeling he knew was shared by the Captains of his accompanying fleet. This wasn’t even considering the couple of million UIP Military troops carried by the assorted ships, the soldiers often uncomfortable on-board space-borne transports due to the fact that they often were unable to do anything during naval engagements.

He was interrupted in his grooming activities by the arrival of a bridge officer, the mid-level staffer escorted by two marines armoured in fully-enclosed standard issue grey armour. The officer snapped off a salute to his Admiral before making his report.

“Admiral Biggles sir,” the officer began, “we have received an encrypted subspace transmission originating from Universe Three-Seven-Five-Three. Details in the message are confirmed to be from the ISA exploratory team and they have requested military assistance.” The Admiral perked up; finally there was something to do.

“What information did we receive on the status of the situation?” Montgomery questioned, the Bridge officer glancing down at an information tablet he held.

“Planet is termed as pre-industrial, terran-type suitable for future operations. ISA team has encountered a friendly civilisation that have been successfully infiltrated and made reliant on UIP assistance. ISA head agent reports that friendly civilisation was previously at war with a second civilisation but was defeated.

Multiple skirmishes between ISA elements and the second nation supported by multiple other civilisations occurred until the signing of a truce. After peace was negotiated the second nation was attacked by elements of their former allies and has requested assistance from the UIP. SPECTOR agent on ground has negotiated military assistance in return for a fifty-five kilometre area of land and…” the Bridge officer hesitated as he made to read the final condition.

“And what?” questioned the Admiral.

“The report merely states ‘One night in the bed of a Princess’, sir.”

Admiral Montgomery sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose with his gloved hand. Such errant behaviour was common for ISA agents, periods of solitary operations tended to foster un-professional mannerisms. No one was really game enough to act on it however, you don’t want to get on the bad side of the people who know everything about you and maintain entire battalions of assassins at the same time.

“Our orders are clear, officer,” Montgomery concluded as he looked back up, “that Spector agent is now in control of the fleet. Plot a course to the target destination and inform the Captains of the situation. Prepare the troops for combat and preform pre-operational checks of all planetary assault weaponry. That is all.” Montgomery reclined back in his chair as holographic displays lit up around him, detailing positions of the numerous ships in the fleet and their statuses. He spent a few minutes reviewing the information regarding the eminent conflict before the Hiendrecker-Class signalled that its subspace tunnel generator was fully primed and ready for operation.

The Admiral took a few moments to confirm that all ships were in their designated formations before giving the order for activation. Seen through the displays on the inside of the bridge that mimicked windows the aft section of the Hiendrecker light up with a glow, a swirling vortex that was a subspace tunnel appearing in front of the fleet. The fleet advanced as one through the portal, the light of stars disappearing as the fleet descended into the lightless maw of the tunnel.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Nigel stepped out of the carriage with Bleak Horizon into the courtyard of Canterlot Castle, the Equestrians having provided transport to their Capitol. There were four of the Pegasi-drawn wagons, enough to carry all of the humans and changelings that had been occupying Manehattan. The group’s four Equestrian guards had stayed behind to assist in the defence of the city, the ponies having awoken an hour after Nigel, Stevens and Smith had left.

Nigel observed as his five soldiers and the three changelings exited from their transports alongside various Equestrian guards, the entire group having been retrieved from the inn before leaving the city for Canterlot. Chalmers had already radioed the rest of the ISA agents back at the changeling hive to tell them what was happening.

The humans were all receiving hateful glares while the changelings copped looks of disgust from the surrounding guards on the landing square. Chalmers wasn’t worried, the Equestrians needed the UIP’s help and they knew it. Celestia touched down next to the landed carriages, Luna following close behind.

Princess Celestia walked towards Chalmers, giving the colt standing next to the human Commander a sympathetic look. One of the guards assigned to watch the humans while they were in Manehattan explained the circumstances to her regarding the child’s attachment to the violent alien. Some of her guards had suggested forcibly removing the colt from his chosen foster parent, Celestia instantly rejecting such suggestions as the results would not be good at all.

“This is where our defence effort shall be co-ordinated from,” Celestia informed the humans as she gestured with a wing towards the palace, “I must insist that you and your changelings to remain on the ground floor at all times, temporary quarters will be provided until the invasion has been defeated and once that occurs you are no longer welcome in this city.” The sight of the humans at the location of their first hostilities against her ponies re-kindled some anger in Celestia; however the Princess knew that if she wanted her ponies to have a chance at freedom then she would have to tolerate the creatures and their changeling allies.

“Doesn’t bother me,” the Commander replied as he gazed out over the area of the city that still showed signs of fire damage, “I’ve spent enough time in here already, let’s just beat the crap out of these Griffons and Minotaurs and then after we are given what is owed we will never return to your capitol again.” Celestia nodded her head, the human seemed to not be overly concerned about the hostility he and his soldiers were receiving and the sooner the invasion was over the better it would be for both parties. The Commander pointed towards the city wall, a mass of golden forms covering the white stone structure.

“How many forces do you have defending the city? Have you enacted a draft and how many law-enforcement are available to supplement your military forces?”

“We have six-thousand and fifty-seven Royal Guard, they act as the local police force and no civilians have been willing to join a defence militia,” Celestia responded, Chalmers whirling around in surprise.

“Not one civilian ready to fight for their city?” the Commander questioned, “If a UIP planet was under attack all the mustering areas would be packed. Do these ponies know just what is happening?”

“Most of the occupants of this city are of the upper-class,” Celestia answered hesitantly, “they are fully confident that the Royal guard will be able to hold off the i-“

“No offense Princess, but I doubt the Royal Guard could hold off a senile grandmother let alone two races that are much more physically suited for combat,” the Commander interrupted earning him even more hate-filled glares from the surrounding ponies. “If those nobles aren’t willing to defend their city then they can be the first ones used for catapult ammunition when we run out of stones.” The human turned back around and re-scanned the walls, “Speaking of catapults where are they? I assumed that even a nation of your tech level would possess at least some defensive artillery.” Celestia winced at this; the truth was that Equestria had never any need for such weapons since the first founding days.

“We have no such weapons Commander, the Royal Guard is all that we have.” The Human was silent for a few moments, Celestia unable to tell what he was doing under his helmet.

“Looks like we have to do everything,” she heard him mumble, the biped giving one last look towards the defensive preparations before he turned to address his troops and the changelings. “Sergeant Boland, send one man to each primary section in order to oversee the defences. Orders are to shoot any Griffon and Minotaur on sight,” the two Princesses watched as one human gave his Commander a quick nod before pointing to each remaining human, the four soldiers nodding one by one as they split off, each one heading to a section of the wall. Celestia assumed that the humans had a form of internal communication, something that would explain just how they were able to co-ordinate their earlier attacks so effectively.

“As for you two,” the Commander stated as addressed Luna and Celestia, “I suggest we retire to your command room, judging from the state of your military I’m going to assume a janitorial closet?”

“We have a ‘Command Room’ human,” Luna imputed, “it is one of the finest war-rooms in all of the land!” The Commander snorted in response, gesturing for the Princesses to lead the way. The two rulers shared a look before they trotted of in the direction of the castle.
“Then let’s see this ‘finest war-room’, Boland and changelings with me,” the Commander ordered. The humans and changelings started to move towards the castle but were halted by a guard squad, the equine sergeant holding out a hoof.

“No changelings are permitted in the castle,” the Stallion demanded, Nigel rolling his eyes at the guard’s actions.

“Who do you think is more of a threat, a few changelings or the guys who set fire to your city?” The guard turned red, Celestia however took notice of the confrontation and stepped in.

“Let them through, right know they are the lesser of two evils.” At their ruler’s words the guards grudgingly parted to allow the group access to the castle, Nigel reaching out to pat the Sergeant on the head as he walked past.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Montgomery Biggles vision was re-filled with stars as the fleet exited the subspace tunnel near the target planet. Two orbiting bodies, a moon and a miniature sun slowly circled the terran world as the fleet prepared to enter planetary orbit. The Admiral glanced to his left, a screen reading out information that the ship’s sensors were processing.

Details regarding the planet’s atmosphere, mineral deposits, water levels and approximate age filled the screen, the planet appearing to only be around twenty-thousand years old. The Admiral deduced that according to the young age, the reported sapient life forms and the small sun seemingly made for the planet that the world had been artificially created or terraformed by a class-D civilisation or higher. From what the ISA report told him he suspected that the original makers either died out or abandoned the planet, future investigations would be needed once the more pressing matters had been attended to.

Two clusters of UIP locator beacons appeared on a holographic map of the planet’s surface, one set located underground in the midst of a mountain surrounded by desert while the other, smaller set was currently in the middle of a local city. Of particular interest were the signals numbering six, a more ornate dot that directed a Commander-rank agent inside the castle, accompanied by a normal signal with the rest scattered around the walls of the settlement. Considering that the ISA commander was located in a fortress in the middle of a city which appeared to be preparing for an assault Biggles concluded that a position over that particular area would be ideal.

Rapidly tapping a keypad on his chair’s armrest, the Admiral ordered his subordinates to move the fleet into positions over the city, staying above the atmosphere. He also ordered that all ground troops prepare for combat and while he doubted even half would be needed it never hurt to make sure. Receiving a reply from the bridge crew stating that the orders would be carried out immediately the Admiral sat back in his chair, the ship underneath him moving towards its allocated spot as manovering thrusters activated.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

“So the only land access is the bridge, you rebuilt it fast,” Nigel remarked as he surveyed a crudely drawn map of the city, his finger resting on the bridge which they themselves had destroyed earlier.

“It was not easy,” Celestia stated calmly, the Alicorn attempting to tolerate the human who had formerly introduced himself as ‘Internal Security Agency SPECTOR Agent Commander Nigel M Chalmers’ before promptly picking apart every single tactical decision that Celestia and Luna had made. Complaints about troop positions, lack of defensive measures, no long-term supply warehouses and Canterlot not possessing any ‘Scorched Earth’ devices. Celestia had still not figured out what ‘Scorched Earth’ meant, the Commander not stopping to tell her.

“The matter of the bridge is of little concern, while it would be easy to just blow it up again to prevent ground-based access I instead think we should turn it into a killing field instead. What sort of anti-personnel weapons do you possess?” Celestia was very concerned about this ‘killing field’ idea, for some reason her mind conjured up an image of pony eating flowers all swaying in the wind. Seeing that the Commander was awaiting an answer Celestia braced for ridicule.

“We have crossbows and some unicorns have been trained in combat magic,” she answered, the human commander not moving.

“Is that all?” he asked after a pause, both Celestia and Luna slowly nodding their heads at the query. The human looked back down at the map and sighed deeply. “Well then, killing field is out. I suggest you start to gather any explosives that are contained within the city so we can blow the bridge and deny any ground forces an easy access point.”

“Why do you not do it?” Luna asked, the night alicorn glaring at the Commander, “You humans have already proven that explosions are something that you enjoy.” At this the human shrugged.

“I would be happy to destroy your bridge again, however we lack the needed amount of explosives and there is no way in Hell I’m going to ask Klaus to make some more.” At the mention of this ‘Klaus’ the two Princesses exchanged confused looks.

“Who is this ‘Klaus’?” Celestia inquired, Luna also awaiting the human’s answer. The Commander went back to the map, scanning the north section of the walls as he replied.

“Remember the changeling with the explosive rockets strapped to it?” Both Princesses shuddered at the memory of that day; the toll taken by the strange weapon had been high. “That was made by Klaus.”

“We shall prepare to destroy the bridge,” Luna quickly conceded as she exited the war-room, her guards racing after her as the princess rushed away. Celestia swallowed a lump in her throat; any mind which could possibly conceive of such an insane device should not be let near any major population centres. The human Commander seemed to share this sentiment, glancing briefly at the retreating Princess while nodding his head.

“Great, hopefully enough is found in time to facilitate the destruction, how long until the enemy arrives?” The Commander asked as Celestia stared down at the map on the table.

“According to scouts the Griffons and Minotaurs have a combined force of numbers over ten-thousand heading right for us; they will arrive in three days. They have left small garrisons in Fillydelphia and Baltimare, their numbers are unknown.” Celestia paused, Chalmers observing that the Princess was trying to hold back a sob. “They have also reported that the Griffons are beginning to transport ponies back to Griffonia for undetermined purposes. Considering that pony meat used to be a delicacy to Griffons and they also used to use slave labour-“

“Say no more,” the Commander interrupted, his fist clenching at the mention of slavery, “elimination of the Griffons will be the second priority.” Celestia was stunned at the human’s change of mood, where there was once snarky, sarcastic remarks there was now just red-hot rage. Slavery must really be a hot button for the humans. Celestia appreciated the Commander’s concern, however ‘Elimination of the Griffons’ sounded like Genocide.

“Commander Chalmers, while I am thankful for your concern I don’t think wiping out the entire Griffon race is something that I can support, maybe we could just try and free my ponies from them?”

“You’re too soft Celestia,” Chalmers shot back, “you let them get away with it and they’ll do it again. However, since you for some reason care so much for the welfare of the nation that attacked your people I suppose merely killing most of their military and razing half of their country will suffice.” The Commander waved a hand as he said this, returning his attention back to the map. “From what I can see the most obvious points of attack will be from the bridge and the side of the mountain range, however with the Griffons ability to fly every point is a potential access point. What is the status on this bubble shield you claim you used earlier?”

“Former-Captain Shining Armour is currently on a honeymoon with his wife in Saddle-Arabia. We have attempted to contact him but have received no response. He was the only unicorn capable of making a city-wide shield, no other unicorn has been trained as of yet so we will be unable to construct the shield in time.”

“Wonderful,” responded Chalmers sarcastically, “let’s just hope that your Guards can shoot straight at the very least. Every griffon that gets into the city mu-“

“Princess!” Chalmers was interrupted as a unicorn guard entered the room, “Griffons and Minotaurs have been spotted to the west of the city!” Celestia narrowed her eyes at the news.

“How did they bypass the bridge?” she questioned the guard, “Griffons are understandable but how did the Minotaurs cross?”

“The Minotaurs appeared to have been suspended below two Griffons each on a harness, they appear to be gathering their forces before attacking!” the Guard panted out, Celestia glancing worriedly towards the Commander. Chalmers merely stood up straight, pulled what he had called a ‘sidearm’ out of its holster and walked towards the exit. As he passed the guard he patted the unicorn on the back, the pony shuddering at the touch of the human.

“Let them come,” Chalmers remarked as he left the room, Celestia moving to follow him.
“It just means that there are more of them for me to kill.”

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Princess Celestia looked out over the western wall from the throne room balcony, a throng of guards all bracing upon that wall as they faced the approaching forces. A lone black-armoured human could be seen on the wall as well, all of the guards giving the creature a wide berth. Commander Chalmers, who was standing next to Celestia with Sergeant Boland behind him would periodically issue commands through his ‘Com System’ to the soldier on the wall. The enemy forces had assembled a sizable force and had begun to move towards the wall, seemingly not adopting any tactic apart from just charging. Considering that they outnumbered the ponies almost two-to-one and each Griffon and Minotaur was worth at least two Royal Guard it would most likely work.

Chalmers wasn’t convinced that this was their only assault though; he doubted that even such primitive creatures would rely solely on overwhelming numbers. He was proven correct; a chorus of shouts from the northern cliff face sounding as he and Celestia turned to face the direction of the alarm. A small force of about three-hundred Griffons shot over an un-defended section of wall, scattering over the city as Royal Guard Pegasi attempted to intercept them. Nigel shook his head at the sight, he had advised the ponies that every section should be watched but upon seeing the main force many guards had rushed to defend that area, leaving the remaining either severely undermanned or unguarded completely.

Griffon soldiers descended into the city, fires breaking out in multiple buildings as what appeared to be incendiary flasks where hurled through windows and doors. As Celestia rushed off into the castle to try to organise an effort to extinguish the blazes Nigel remained upon the balcony, an appreciative smile under his helmet. The griffons appeared to be smart enough to pull off a distraction and then used it to start fires in the city, forcing the defenders to split their focus between the attacking army and the infernos. He had underestimated them; maybe there was some enjoyment to be had.

Nigel was just about to leave the balcony to assist in the fight when he paused, a communication link appearing on his HUD. It seemed like UIP re-enforcements had arrived, his display showing that a small fleet was located right above his location. He grinned, opening up the link as an image of a stern grey-moustached man filled his display.

“Admiral Biggles, so good to see that you’re able to join us…”

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Corporal Tenichi did a final check of his Foxhound, all of the walker’s systems showing that it was armed and ready for combat. The seven-metre tall bipedal combat machine was secured safely inside the drop pod, Tenichi able to see the dull grey metal through the computer display that mimicked a windshield. Foxhounds were not the best looking walkers, not much more than two armoured legs attached to a boxy-armoured body that vaguely resembled a human with two weapon-filled arms. Tenichi wasn’t too worried about the looks of his walker however, its ability to ignore most weapons fire made up for its appearance.

His weapon systems were already primed, a tri-barrelled Gatling laser mounted on his right with a rapid-fire grenade launcher on the other. The walker also possessed an under-slung flamer mounted beneath its torso to deal with any infantry that attempted to assault it from below. The short briefing his team had received stated that according to ISA agents on the ground the enemy forces lacked combat vehicles; hence the primary anti-personnel load-out.

Tenichi still couldn’t believe that he was about to drop into combat against creatures that were apparently Griffons and Minotaurs, the mythological creatures waging a war against colourful ponies no less. He had pushed these thoughts aside however, a chance for combat was a chance for combat and to pass it up because the enemy was ‘too silly’ would be a bad idea. A light flashed on his command console, Tenichi leaning back in his control chair as he slipped his armoured hands into the control inputs, allowing him to move the suit as if it was his own body. The warning indicated that they were about to commence the drop, the nine other members of his squad signalling that they were all ready to deploy.

Also accompanying the walkers would be a large number of UIP infantry, the ground troops aiming for the city itself while the Foxhounds were to engage the main enemy force. The Commanders had expressed that collateral damage was to be minimised, the troops dropping into the city were to focus on eliminating invading forces that had infiltrated the settlement.

Tenichi felt nothing as his pod shot out from the Planetary Assault cruiser and pierced the atmosphere, the advanced systems in the pod cancelling out the effects of the rapid descent. A readout showing the time until impact counted down, the pod having descended so fast that mere seconds where left. Tenichi smiled under his helmet as he imagined what he must look like to the creatures below him, a meteor from the heavens crashing down to deliver judgment.

With a crunch the pod impacted upon the ground, Tenichi able to feel the shudder of the landing even through his Foxhound. Sunlight filtered through as the panel of the pod in front of the walker shot away, the metal piece flinging off into the air. Corporal Tenichi offered a quick prayer for the souls of those who he was about to take, before he moved his walker forward out of the drop pod, the tri-barrelled weapon in his left arm already spinning as the Foxhound strode into the midst of the surprised enemy forces.