PONY EXPRESS HANGAR BAY

1400 HOURS

“This is it”, Aaron thought to himself as he, AJ, and members of Marine Squad Echo boarded their assigned Pelican. He knew that not many of them will get out of this alive, or if any would make it out at all. Aaron knew that the Covenant got more aggressive when their flagships get infiltrated, especially when they knew their human foes are going to take something of theirs, or blow it up to oblivion.

The weapon system that Aaron went with was his usual M45D, and the M363 RPD that would prove useful against clusters of infantry in tight quarters. His Armor Ability of choice for the mission was the T3 RDM/C to be used as a means of stealth in tricky situations, which he knew would be many.  

AJ went with an MA5D and the M6 G/GNR to use against any heavy enemy armor when they entered the carrier’s main hangar bay. His Armor Ability was the Z90 PCE/A: a Forerunner photon emitter that fuses particles of light into a barrier which could deflect most enemy return fire. This was yet another piece of Forerunner tech the UNSC has taken from Requiem.

Echo’s weapons system varied of MA5D’s, BRH5, and M395’s as primary; all M6H’s as secondary.

***

Flying unnoticed because of her Breezie-size, Twilight looked down at where Aaron and his squad were just beginning to board the Pelican.

Twilight set her eyes on a single marine that was in position to board the dropship last. It was then that she quickly and swiftly flew toward him with her eyes set on one of his ammo pouches. Sure it would probably be dark, cramped, and stuffy--but it would be convenient enough for safely stowing away.

She flew near the button-latch of the pouch and did her best to pop it open. Unfortunately though, she was too small to have the strength for a successful attempt.

With very short time on her hooves, Twilight just decided to use her horn to poke a hole in the thick leather and proceeded to using her hooves to widen the hole so she could squeeze herself in. She managed to get her upper body inside, but she got stuck at her wing section.

Since she couldn’t use her hooves anymore, Twilight used telekinesis to stretch the leather further which caused the rest of her body to pop in successfully, but she landed face first onto one of the ammo clips.

“Ouch!” she cried, her voice squeaky as a result of her size. She then quickly covered her mouth with one hoof in fear of being discovered. Thankfully, the marine didn’t hear her.

Assured that she was safe, Twilight lit up her horn a bit to get a better look at her surroundings. Frankly there wasn’t much to see at all except several clips of ammunition that acted as the floor.

Twilight admitted to herself that it wasn’t the comfiest seat for the ride, but it had to do. She just prayed that the trip wouldn’t be very long.

***

“Everyone’s on board, pilot. You are free to take off,” Aaron reported to the cockpit.

“Copy that, sir,” the pilot replied and initiated the take off sequence for the Pelican.

The flight to the supercarrier was not going to be an easy one since it would be supported by many fighters and its own weapon systems. To prepare for this, Kenwood successfully received more ships from Captain Lasky to help aid in the operation. Infinity would be standing by for extra support if Kenwood’s fleet needed more backup.

During the flight, Aaron’s mind reflected back on to Twilight and the rest of her friends. He wondered if this mission would save, or doom their planet like it did Reach. Even if he wasn’t serving during that time, he could imagine how horrible it was, and the casualties that went with it.

“Hey, Jensen? Are you alright?” AJ asked with a look of concern hidden behind his visor. Aaron was wearing his helmet too, but somehow AJ could tell that there was something on Aaron’s mind.

“What? Uh yes. I’m good,” Aaron assured.

“Uh huh,” AJ uttered skeptically. “Look, man. I know you're nervous about the outcome of this mission; so am I. But look at it this way, if ‘Mdama does somehow rear his ugly head to Equis along with the rest of his fleet--we’ll get him, and hopefully end all this.”

“I still don’t feel any better,” Aaron muttered. “Sorry if this sounds a bit cheesy, but I think I can’t stand the thought of the citizens of Equis going through hell like humanity has gone through for the past twenty-years. This planet , and their inhabitants won’t be able to handle the full force of a true Covenant invasion. The Crystal Empire already went through a minor hell--but full planetary assaults are a whole new story. Hopefully Captain Lasky can see to bringing most, if not the entire UNSC fleet here in order to protect it as if it was Earth itself.”

AJ and all the members of Echo gazed at Aaron with looks of concern and bewilderment. It seemed to them as if Aaron was going soft, which was unlikely of many soldiers in the UNSC--but it was possible.

As much as they either wanted to laugh at Aaron or question his statement, they knew he proved a point somewhere. The equines on this planet had the same intelligence as humanity did. Plus, they all remembered that the UNSC had duties to protect innocent lives,  even if the current clients they were serving were not even human.

“I’m sure something could be worked out,” AJ assured. “Besides, I think it was mentioned that if ‘Mdama would arrive here--apprehending him and Halsey would be a little more easier.”

“I would go with, convenient,” one marine of Echo stated. “There’s nothing really easy about apprehending a Covie--especially the leader of an entire fleet.”

“I second that,” a second marine agreed.

The rest of the squad followed suit.

“Well you get the idea anyway,” AJ said, slightly embarrassed from overcompensating.

From the safety of the ammo pouch, Twilight heard every single word that was discussed. The thought of a massive Covenant fleet overtaking all of Equis terrified her. It would mean the end of all harmony, and the world itself.

Just then, the pilot radioed in over the intercom, “Carrier in sight. Standing by for immediate assault.”

Please, Celestia. Let us make it through this alright, and that we succeed in hopefully ending the invasion of our planet, Twilight prayed anxiously. She knew this was going to be a rough ride.

Meanwhile on the bridge of the Light, Dzen analyzed the 3D holographic image of Equis and the positions of his troops and ships either on, or above the planet’s surface.

Chrysalis then entered the bridge, looking a bit winded and in a little pain. It was then that Dzen acknowledged her, and her condition.

“I take it that you’ve managed to reproduce your drones without any trouble?” he asked her.

“Yeah. Except about the part when laying multiple eggs at once takes a heavy toll on energy, and your pain tolerance toward it,” Chrysalis replied a bit cynically.  

“You should be grateful though that I reserved one of the Unggoy breeding chambers for you,” he replied, unfazed by Chrysalis’ attitude.  “And that I didn’t assign a dishonorable warrior to guard the entrance to your chamber.”

During her time on board the ship, Chrysalis has spotted few of Dzen’s Elites outside a locked door with an T1 EW/S in hand. The sounds that emitted behind the door were noisy, and questionable--and it certainly irritated the guard since he looked down at the floor and growled to himself.

“I am grateful,” Chrysalis protested. “Sorry if I seemed a bit crabby. If you were a changeling queen, I’m sure you would understand what I have to go through.”

“Believe me, I think I already know,” Dzen stated.  “My own wife had her own troubles while delivering our own children.”

Chrysalis just sighed, wanting to drop the subject now before it got more uncomfortable.

“Anyway, anything new with your adversaries lately? It’s been awfully quiet. Almost too quiet to be exact.”

“The humans are always keeping us in suspense,” Dzen explained. “You can call it a cowardly move, but in fact-- it’s an honorable one.”

“Say what?” Chrysalis asked, perplexed.

“You see, my people believe in fair conflict and discipline. It’s culture that has run throughout the centuries on our homeworld. In short of saying, we may despise our foes--but we respect their combat if it’s honorable enough.”

Chrysalis was still baffled at Dzen’s explanation and tried to make sense of it. Since she was the sadistic and merciless type--respect and honor didn’t appear in her dictionary.

“Hm. It seems as if there’s a lack of mutualism between our ways,” Dzen sighed, a little disgusted. “No matter, I’m sure you’ll learn sooner or later.”

“Yeah. That’ll be the day,” Chrysalis muttered indifferently, rolling her eyes.

Just then, the alert alarm emitted from the hologram of Equis.

“What’s that?” Chrysalis asked, a bit startled by the sudden turn of events.

Instead of giving Chrysalis a direct answer, Dzen turned his attention toward the hologram to notice that the entire human fleet that was occupying Equis was en route to his location.

“Bring all weapon systems online, and send out troops for engagement!” Dzen ordered to his crew.

“What in Cerberus’s name is going on here?” Chrysalis demanded, irritated at the lack of answers she was receiving.

“The humans have gone on full offense,” Dzen finally explained, a bit perturbed. “Their  entire fleet is going to engage us--and my ship is their primary goal.”

Chrysalis at first didn’t understand why Dzen’s adversaries would be interested in his carrier, but it didn’t take her long to figure out what the reason might be.

“Correct me if I’m wrong; but I think it’s super obvious that they’re after Cadence,” Chrysalis stated. “Guh! Damsel-rescue situations make me sick!”

Dzen nodded in agreement.

“Form a tight defensive barricade at and near the entrance to the brig! Don’t let them recover the asset princess!” Dzen ordered back to his commanding officers.

The officers nodded and hurriedly exited the bridge.

“Isn’t there anything I, and my changelings can do to help?” Chrysalis insistingly asked. She was willing to do anything to help her newfound allies not face defeat.

Dzen took a moment to think.

“Can your minions mold their hooves into something poseable to hold weaponry?” he asked her.

Chrysalis held up one of her holed-hooves and managed to spring out three finger-like and poseable appendages in a series of green flames.

“A very rare action we perform, but it does have some benefits when it seems necessary,” Chrysalis said proudly.

“Good. You may be dismissed now to link up with your minions and prepare them for combat. No doubt the humans will find a way onto my ship somehow,” Dzen said.

Chrysalis nodded and made her way off the bridge toward her changeling’s quarters. She may again lose some of her children, but it was for the sake of keeping Cadance in their grasp.

Back on the Express, a miserable and disgruntled Rainbow Dash walked the lower corridors of the ship all by herself. She was confronted by several crewmembers to ask why she was wandering the ship alone without any escorts. Her only excuse was that she wished to stretch her legs, nothing more. They were a bit suspicious of the technicolor-maned pegasus’s testimony, but accepted it--but they warned her to not go into any restricted areas, or harass any soldiers on break.

As she walked, Rainbow thought about how much she hated herself for being so cruel towards Pinkie and the rest of her friends. She knew she didn’t mean any of it, but she could not understand why her own friends turned against her when Pinkie was trying to make light of a very serious situation. Twilight abandoned them without a hint of an explanation or a motivation for it! Heck, even a farewell would’ve been acceptable: said or written.

Not only did she worry about Twilight because she was her best friend, but she also had an attraction to the nerdy alicorn. Rainbow was indeed a lesbian after all, but a very closeted and conflicted one.

She pretty much fell for any attractive mare she saw, but what held her back was the thought of them possibly already being married to a stallion--or another mare if they had the same sexual preference as she did. Another thought being was that her reputation would be ruined if anypony caught her showing open affection toward another mare. She feared of ridicule and scrutinization from everypony--even if Celestia did legalize and accept homosexual marriages between ponies.

Now having to be loyal to five mares, Rainbow’s troubles seemed to die down a little since she had friends to make her feel more comfortable; but it didn’t get rid of her heart’s desires.

She was mostly drawn to Applejack because of her strong and athletic body--along with her drawl.

Her other attraction was to Fluttershy, since they were friends ever since they were fillies at Flight Camp. However, Rainbow knew that Fluttershy's insecurities’ and skittishness would prove to be a problem for any intimate advances. Besides, Rainbow figured that Big Mac would suit Fluttershy better since they were both of a timid nature, and adored animals.

Pinkie was funny, but obnoxious at times; and Rarity was way too prim and posh for Rainbow’s taste.

As for Twilight, yes Rainbow thought of her as a boring egghead, but couldn’t help but think about how adorable she was when she became awkward at times. Now becoming an alicorn, Rainbow found Twilight to be even more alluring.

However Rainbow knew now that her relationship with all her friends has come to yet another abrupt bump--a rather huge one, metaphorically speaking.

Surely by now she would go back to Pinkie and the others to try and make amends meet; but she couldn’t.

It was in her mind that they didn’t seem to care about Twilight anymore, which was a false fact indeed, but something was preventing her from seeing reason. It was a feeling similar to when she was brainwashed by Discord, yet this time it wasn’t his doing.

Sure Rainbow could decide to head back to her home in Cloudsdale when this ordeal with the UNSC was over, but strangely--it was nothing like that.

Rainbow had no idea who she was anymore, or what her purpose seemed to be without anypony to be loyal to. Without anypony to serve, she felt useless and to be thrown away.

It was at this moment that Rainbow had come across a door marked, BRIG on the top of it. Of course, it was imprinted with a restriction marker on it.

Rainbow did agree that she wouldn’t enter off-limit areas onboard the ship, but something inside her mind was telling her to break that agreement. It was either part of her mischevious personality fragment: or something ominous in nature which was unlikely for her.

Rainbow first hesitated a bit to debate with herself if she should open the door just to have a quick peek inside. Sure it seemed harmless, but what if there were cameras watching her either on the outside on the interior of the chamber? Surely then the alarm would sound and soldiers would be on her in moments.

Rainbow normally knew a little better than to get herself in trouble with the forces of authority, but this emptiness she was experiencing was influencing her to not care anymore. She felt like she needed to be condemned, just to face what she has done to her friendship.

Rainbow carefully looked around before she proceeded to activate the switch on the door’s pad, which resulted in the door hissing before it smoothly slid open.

Rainbow once again checked her surroundings before she stepped into the semi-dark and eerie atmosphere of the brig’s interior.

As she looked around, she found out that the brig was a long corridor with doors to cells on each side. The design of the interior wasn’t that much different from the rest of the ship’s, but Rainbow somehow sensed the dread of a soul that would be condemned to this place. Also, the lighting wasn’t all that good to add more of a sinister feeling.

Before Rainbow proceded any further into the corridor, she made sure to shut and seal the door behind her to avoid suspicious eyes from anyone who might pass by that area.

As Rainbow walked farther anther down the brig’s corridor, she began to think that she should be locked up in one of the cells just for what she may have caused in her relationship with her friends. To her, this felt like the turning point in her life. It was better for her to be condemned then to be free and cause everypony more stress and heartbreak.

The point of all this, she was the one who gave her friends their cutie marks and united them later in life--but she could also be the one to tear everyone of them apart for good. She didn’t want to think of it that way, but it seemed highly logical--and Rainbow just knew who to blame for making her reluctantly realize it.

“Stupid UNSC, stupid me, stupid everything! Why did things have to turn out like this? If that obnoxious Aaron didn’t crash on our planet, everything and everypony would be alright, and I would still have friends--but no. Feathering Celestia just had to let them stick around here and cause trouble!”

Rainbow didn’t care that she had just cursed Celestia’s name. Rainbow was currently in the same dark mind as Applejack was back at the park, but in a way deeper void.

“You think the humans are incompetent and meddling, too? Well that makes both of us then,” a strange male voice said from one of the dark cells.

Rainbow froze in her tracks. She wasn’t expecting anyone else in the area with her at all, and it terrified and startled her quite a bit. A lot, actually.

“W-who said that?” Rainbow stuttered, forgetting to put on her normally brave face and abrasive tone.

“Calm yourself, equine creature. I mean you no harm,” it reassured.

“Y-yeah right! That’s what they all say? Where are you anyway?” Rainbow demanded. Her boldness starting to come back a bit.

“A few cells ahead from where you are,” it replied. “I should warn you though that I am not one of your kind--or the humans that occupy this very vessel.”

Rainbow steadily, but cautiously walked forward to where the voice was coming from.

“I swear if you try anything funny, y-you won’t like what I will do to you,” Rainbow nervously threatened.

When Rainbow reached the third cellblock from her, she first peered into the left cell to only see nothing but a cot, bench, sink and toilet with no occupant. But when she peered into the right cell, it was a different story. What she saw made her mouth hang open in shock.

Sitting on the side bench-wall of the cell, looking directly back into her eyes was a tall and bipedal, reptilian-like creature with pale but freckled skin. Instead of having five fingers like Rainbow saw on the humans, it had only four, and were claw-like.

Rainbow was entranced by the piercing yellow eyes that it had, but horrified by its mouth that split into four appendages--and the razor sharp teeth contained within.

Rainbow could only stand there and gawk without an effort of a word coming from her mouth.

“I sense your fear,” the creature said. “But you should know I have no intention of harming you.”

That didn’t help Rainbow relax. The creature’s arms looked ripped with muscle that would be perfect for either snapping her neck, or choking her to death.

“Your kind is not the enemy; the humans are. You already knew that without me even breathing a word. You are indeed a worthy one, aside from your fellow compatriots.”

“W-what are you talking about?” Rainbow managed. “Who are you, and what are you?”

“The name’s Hvu,” the creature replied. “I was once a great and loyal warrior to my commanders, and to the people I served back on my homeworld. These humans captured me and took my honor away from me by taking my armor, and weapons before imprisoning me here.”

“Well….sorry to hear that,” Rainbow sheepishly stated. She was surprised at herself that she was starting to feel bad for this new alien species by the name of Hvu. Perhaps she knew what it feels like to have your pride taken away from you: because that’s how she felt moments ago.

“Hope is not lost for me though,” Hvu assured. “Surely they are storing my armor and weapons on this ship somewhere. Surely if you help me out of this cell, I can find it so that I may return to my comrades.”

“Whoa whoa whoa!” Rainbow stalled, finally finding her nerve and voice. “You really expect me to just help you escape after we just met is such a place as this? I don’t think I can trust you. I can’t trust anypony, or myself. What makes you think I can just let you go after assuring me we have some sort of mutual concern?”

“Because you are the wise one that goes above the rest,” Hvu replied, maintaining his patience. “Your fellow species are oblivious to what the humans are really capable of. You already know that they have caused nothing but dishonorable codes to your world. I clearly overheard you say that your own compatriots have shamed you for your own concern about a certain ally of yours. They don’t believe you at all. Well guess what, I believe you all the way….I believe I haven’t caught your name.”

“Rainbow Dash,” Rainbow said uncertainly.

“Your blood and honor is strong, Rainbow Dash. You are the arm and the blade of the authority of your planet. That is truly something that should not go unrecognized or disrespected.”

“Well. I am pretty awesome,” Rainbow said with a familiar smirk and egotistic tone. She was beginning to feel like her old self again.

“My point exactly,” Hvu implied. “But the humans are starting to take that honor away from you. It’s not too late now to take back what they have stolen from you; but time is running out as we speak.”

“Then what can I do?” Rainbow desperately asked. The last thing she wanted to do was to completely lose her honor that Hvu told her that she had. She knew now that she was way more important than she had before.

“The only way to save your honor to assist me in getting free. As a reward of gratitude, I will help you any way I can to help you reclaim the honor that is being taken from you.  It’s your choice however if you wish to help me or not. Whatever you decide, I will honor it. It’s what my people believe in.”

Rainbow now found herself at a fork in the road situation which she hated a lot, but it was the main test of her Element.

Either she helped Hvu to get back her dignity and honor, or let him remain in his cell to leave her on her own to figure things out.

What to do? she fretfully thought to herself. What to do?