When the Princess of the Sun opened her eyes, she was blinded by the bright, oppressive glow of Tiberium, shining intensely against a backdrop of darkness brought about by a burning husk of a city. Canterlot was covered by the cancer, with Nod and GDI forces engaged in a bloody melee to the death in the streets of the former Blue Zone; its walls, burning and crumbled as they were, had failed in their mission long ago. Mighty machines of war traded blows both on the ground and in the blackened sky, the laser fire and explosions being some of the few aerial sources of light due to the Sun’s inability to shine through all the smoke choking the ruined city. In a cruel twist of irony, the Moon, present as it was in the middle of the day, was the brightest source of light available. Ponies, changelings, gryphons, dragons, diamond dogs, all were dying, bleeding, and screaming for either carnage or mercy.

Celestia couldn’t hold back the tears, obeying the command of her trusted military advisors and holding back lest she be felled by Brotherhood aircraft. She was effectively under house arrest in the Royal Meeting Room while Ironsides saw to the defense and strove to push the Brotherhood out of her city. While she hated the very idea of simply watching as her subjects murdered one another, she had to agree with the elderly stallion; if she was lost, GDI would soon follow.

“CELESTIA!” a mare’s voice rang out across the choking sky. “Come and face me, Sister!”

“No…” the Princess of the Sun murmured, “No no no, not you too.”

“Come and face your betters!” the fallen Princess of the Night declared before sending a beam of magic down into the battle. Instantly, dozens of ponies fighting to keep GDI’s citizens safe found themselves turned into smoking skeletons as Nightmare Moon’s magic sucked the life right out of them. “Face me or your army shall perish!”

“FACE ME!”
___________

Celestia woke up screaming, the last image of her dream, Nightmare Moon’s face mere centimeters from hers, still burned vividly into her mind. Her fur was already matted slightly from the sweat caused by her night terror and her mane was a mess from tossing and turning. She didn’t even realize that her guards had burst into the room, weapons at the ready to take on whatever creature or assassin had caused their monarch to let out such a horrified noise until she had managed to calm herself down. It wasn’t until the third time asking that she managed a reply.

“M’lady, are you alright….?” the guard asked again, patiently waiting for the answer as the other three started sweeping the room with scanners.

“I… I am fine… no, that’s a lie… I will be fine, and thank you for asking. Could you please call my sister here? I am need of her particular brand of sleep aid.”

“At once, your majesty.” the lead guard replied, giving a respectful bow before sending one of his outfit to retrieve Princess Luna. After Celestia managed to get her mane somewhat presentable and the guards were satisfied that there were no immediate threats in the room, Luna showed up with an extremely concerned look on her face.

“Sister, the guard told us that you are troubled. What is the problem?”

“Nightmares, my dear Luna… very vivid nightmares… visions, much like those that haunted me upon Discord’s first return, and when Tirek was gaining his strength back.”

“Visions? But dear sister, each of those threats we’ve been able to overcome-”

“With the help of Twilight and her friends… the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. Twilight has turned against us, dearest Luna. The danger Nod represents is unprecedented and these visions just keep getting worse.” said Celestia, a moment of silence falling upon them.

After a few seconds, Luna spoke up once more. “Just know that I will always stand by your side. Even if our friends have turned into foes, we will overcome this and bring peace back to the world. Together.”

“I know Luna, I know. But these visions tell me something terrible will happen, and I fear Baltimare may be it.”

As if on cue, the EVA unit installed in Princess Celestia’s quarters for her personal use began beeping in short, periodic bursts letting them know of an incoming message.

“EVA, relay message.” ordered Luna, with Ironsides’ voice coming through a second later.

“Your highness, I am glad to inform you that the Nod assault on Baltimare has been repelled and as of 1000 hours the city is secure. Our efforts are now entirely focused on fortifying the Crystal Empire’s defenses for the coming assault and harassing the approaching Nod force.”

“Sister, this is great news!” exclaimed Luna upon the message finishing, hoping to cheer up her sibling. However, she was met not with a face beaming with joy, but rather one quickly falling into despair..

“How…” she replied softly, gaining a sudden look of concern from Luna.

“Sister? Celestia?” asked the Moon Princess.

“Luna, something is wrong… very very wrong if my vision was this bad, but this news was so… welcoming. If the hell that I’m sure the streets of Baltimare were during that battle were not the cause of my vision, then something even more horrible is on the way.”

“More horrible… do you believe the Crystal Kingdom will fall?” asked Luna, mentioning what was surely on her sister’s mind.

“I fear that might just be it, my dearest Luna.”

“That is troubling, to say the least. We will go speak with General Ironsides about this, sister. You should get some more rest before beginning your day.” she said with a smile before adding “And don’t worry about your visions. We shall help you sleep peacefully at night.”
___________

The Canterlot War Room was a completely different beast from the city that surrounded it and the palace under which it was built. Created as a secure command bunker shortly after hostilities began, the multi-million bit project was as utilitarian as could be with a minimum of ornamentation of any kind, and even that which existed appeared to serve rather obscure purposes of their own. However, soon after its completion the underground structure was relegated to being a secondary command center after the decision was made to turn ZOCOM HQ into the heart and brains of GDI.

This did not stop General Ironsides from using it almost exclusively. In a way he preferred its current status as it kept the administrative paperwork away from him. That in itself allowed the underground base, built a kilometer into the mountain on which Canterlot resided, to serve as an entirely military facility rather than a fortified office building. Its sheer existence was proof enough that GDI, despite the failings of its topmost leadership figure, was not only adapting to the growing number of challenges Nod was throwing its way but also learning from the Brotherhood itself. This, over all other facts, was the one that impressed and bothered Princess Luna the most.

The trip to the War Room itself was without complications. After all, all it asked from the Princess of the Night was for her to head to the oversized basement level of the palace, have her identity verified non-invasively by some of the most loyal and trustworthy guards in GDI’s security forces, and then be escorted by two of them down a slow elevator ride. In a twist of irony, the main personnel elevators were being upgraded with faster versions of themselves, relegating the Night Princess to using the oversized cargo lift, its maximum descent speed best classified as glacial.

“General.”

Ironsides’ attention had been focused entirely on a holographic map of the Crystal Empire and the territories surrounding it. Blue markers filled and surrounded the crystalline city itself with nametags detailing force composition from the division all the way down to the battalion level. The unexpected arrival of Princess Luna didn’t change that either. “Princess.” he said, never turning away from the holographic projection and his attention focused on a mass of red markers half a day away from the city.

Standing next to the head of GDI’s military, she began studying the map as well.

“All goes well, General?” she asked, noticing the stern, yet fatigued, look on Ironside’s face.

“So far it does.” he answered, “The force that attacked Baltimare suffered an approximate 60% casualty rate so I doubt we’ll be seeing them again soon. The force heading north is concerning however. It isn’t like the Brotherhood to move large units out in the open like that.”

“We’re not talking about the strategic situation, General.” said Luna, placing a hoof on the old stallion’s shoulder.

“Princess?” he asked, the comment distracting him slightly.

“We’re talking about you. When was the last time you slept?” she asked with genuine concern in her voice.

“I woke up two hours ago, Your Majesty.” he replied.

“We know about your naps, General. One hour of sleep every few hours is not good for your health. When was the last time you had a full-night’s sleep?”

The question left General Ironsides thinking, bringing a moment of silence unto them before he could answer. “I don’t know.” he answered honestly. “But that’s not important; my system has been working so far. Besides, there is work to be done and not enough time to be wasting it on unnecessary distractions.”

“Unnecessary? Distractions?! This is your health we’re talking about, Ironsides!” she exclaimed before pointing at one of Ironsides’ aides. “You, come over here.”

With some nervous reluctance, the young unicorn put his datapad on a table and approached both his superiors with the utmost respect. “H-How can I serve you, Your Majesty?” he let out with audible nervousness.

“As of this moment you are to ensure that General Ironsides gets eight hours of sleep. Any situations that arise that require his attention are to be passed down to GDI HQ until he’s fully rested. That’s what they’re there for.” she commanded, her booming voice echoing throughout the underground chamber.

“With all due respect to Your Highness, the Nod force threatening the Crystal Empire are an approximate 10 to 12 hours away from reaching the city. The defense of one of our most important Blue Zones requires my absolute attention at this time.” Ironsides protested, standing firm with his ever-present dignified composure.

“This is not up for discussion, General. This is a direct order.” said the Princess of the Night, earning herself a respectful bow from the head of GDI’s military forces.

“Of course Princess. My apologies.” said Ironsides, before turning his attention to the sweating-yet-firm aide at his side. “You heard the Princess. I am not to be disturbed for the next eight hours.”
___________

It was time.

Ironsides was, once more, right where he was needed; right in front of the strategic map overseeing the front. Princess Luna’s “request” had been forceful but at the same time he couldn’t hold it against her. After all she had done it for his own good and, deep down, he knew she was right as well. He hadn’t even felt time pass before being right back where he was either.

“General, priority call from Major General Shining Armor.” reported one of his aides.

“Put him on screen.”

The face and uniform that soon materialized on the main screen of the war room made General Ironsides cringe internally. Promoted from a Major all the way to the rank of Major General, a full three pay-grades skip, Shining Armor now commanded not only the garrison forces of his crystalline home, but also had control over an entire section of the northern front. While General Ironsides couldn’t deny his above-acceptable command skills, the fact remained that his promotion had come about due to connections instead of merit. The golden trims and decorative elements of the traditional Equestrian knight armor over the grey, utilitarian GDI uniform just made it all the more apparent.

“Good day General.” said Shining Armor as his hoof came over his forehead in salute.

“Your report.” Ironsides’ reply noticeably refreshed and stern.

“The Starswirl and Goddesses have arrived to provide fire and air support as needed, but I’m getting conflicting reports about the divisions coming in to support us. Am I correct to assume we’re not getting five armored divisions like one report claimed?”

Ironsides nearly facehoofed right then and there. He would find the pony responsible for making those reports and assign them to permanent stable duty. But that was neither here nor now, and there was important work to be done.

“Major General” began Ironsides, “I’ve re-deployed the 14th and 36th Mechanized from the Badlands front, which should arrive at your positions by the end of the month. Likewise, the 23rd Airborne will be there in two days. That’s all I could divert from the existing fronts, but I’ve also assigned the recently-formed 7th Heavy Armored to the Crystal Kingdom. They will be deployed within the week and should arrive just after the mechanized divisions. All other assets will be your shield, but they will be your hammer.”

General Ironsides let Shining Armor absorb all the information, creating a moment of silence in the War Room.

“Thank you General, they will be a great hel-” began Shining Armor before being interrupted by his superior.

“Major General, your recent triple-pay-grade promotion may have come from your marital relationship to a princess” he said, old, piercing eyes staring directly at Shining’s soul, “but I know you have ample combat and leadership experience to rely upon. I expect you make better use of the lives entrusted upon you than a certain other pony whose rank was obtained from being royalty. Is that understood?”

Ironsides swore he saw a small flash in the younger stallion’s eyes before he finally got a reply.

“... yes General. Thank you for your trust.”
___________

It was time.

Ironsides was, once more, right where he was needed; right in front of the strategic map overseeing the front. Princess Luna’s “request” had been forceful but at the same time he couldn’t hold it against her. After all she had done it for his own good and, deep down, he knew she was right as well. He hadn’t even felt time pass before being right back where he was either.

“General, priority call from Major General Shining Armor.” reported one of his aides.

“Put him on screen.”

The face and uniform that soon materialized on the main screen of the war room made General Ironsides cringe internally. Promoted from a Major all the way to the rank of Major General, a full three pay-grades skip, Shining Armor now commanded not only the garrison forces of his crystalline home, but also had control over an entire section of the northern front. While General Ironsides couldn’t deny his above-acceptable command skills, the fact remained that his promotion had come about due to connections instead of merit. Despite that however, something else bothered Ironsides. Shining Armor’s standard gray, utilitarian GDI uniform made his mind itch more than this war usually did, and his eyes were a lighter shade of blue than he remembered...
___________

Roughly 15 kilometers out from the outskirts of the Crystal Kingdom, well within striking range of a Hydra but just out of the reach of GDI’s equivalent, a mass of Nod troops were creating siegeworks. Trenches, firing pits for tanks, and fighting holes for infantry were being dug by one half of Nod’s 4th Combat Engineer Battalion while the other half worked on obstacles, firing lanes, and all manner of traps for anyone trying to push Nod from their position.

Watching over it all from his command bunker, a certain dragon continued to run the numbers through EVA and the white unicorn mare sitting opposite of him at the map table. The plan of action was as simple as its execution, strangle the Crystal Kingdom slowly by blocking off all resupply routes. While the position of the kingdom, nestled at the rear of the horseshoe formation of the Crystal Mountains, was easily defensible, if an enemy could muster enough soldiers to close the gap entirely, they’d be completely trapped. To make matters worse for the defenders, none of the mines littering the mountains had tunnels that led to the other side of the pass, at least none that could be accessed by a citizen or the current monarch.

Only the previous ruler could get through the one known escape route, and his horn was still thought by GDI to be safely locked away in Canterlot’s “Dangerous Artifacts” bunker, even if the real artifact was in Mareajevo.

“The only issue is moving our troops around when the Kodiaks arrive. We’ll have to give them a wide radius if we’re going to avoid their little ‘swarm’ technique that their ORCAs are so fond of. The new scanners they’ve been outfitted with aren’t much help either…” Spike muttered, mostly to himself but loud enough so that Rarity could hear him and add that information to her current equations.

“What we need, darling, is the intel on just who will be coming to Cadence’s rescue. Kane should have sent the data hours ago.” she replied with a sigh, only to have the screen behind her spring to life, displaying the very stallion she needed to see.

“Speak of the Devil, dear Rarity, and he shall appear.” Kane declared, “I believe you’re in need of some crucial data for your little couple’s retreat up in the Crystal Mountains, correct? Well I just so happen to have a specific set of numbers and names wrested from the dreams of our dear General Ironsides. Princess Luna sends her compliments with them.”

“As always, Sir, your timing is impeccable.” the mare quipped with her signature grin, “Please tell me they’re sending the 2nd at me again.”

“Not this time, Big Macintosh is busy putting out a few dozen fires we started under Celestia’s flank along the Ponyville-Canterlot supply line so you’ll be entertaining a different set of guests. I’ve also included a certain set of codes that you’ll find most interesting, Spike. Use them well.”

“By your Name.” Spike and Rarity replied respectfully.

“Peace through Power, brothers and sisters, Peace through Power.” Kane said with a smile, cutting the channel as Rarity and Spike’s respective EVA units started buzzing.

“Well well well…” Rarity started, her grin forming into a near-feral smirk, “We’re getting two guests from the Badlands, that new Heavy Armored, and the 23rd Airborne will be gracing us with their presence. Goddesses and Starswirl will be needing a seat at the table as well.”

“Noted…” Spike mumbled as he continued to stare at his EVA.

“Spike? Is something the matter? You’re usually much more…. passionate when it comes to taking on Kodiaks.”

“The Kodiaks won’t be any issue… in fact, none of the reinforcements will be. All we need to do is draw them, and as many of the garrison out from the shield Cadence has up. I also need you to get as many unicorns as we can working on our own shield generators.”

“You’re telling me that two Kodiaks and 4 divisions of GDI aren’t going to be a problem at all? Spike darling, even for you, that’s a bit of a stretch.”

“He gave me the launch codes.” Spike replied slowly, looking Rarity in the eyes as he did.

“He didn’t…. he… no.”

Spike’s only reply was to toss his tablet at her which she caught with her magic, once her eyes hit the screen and she had both EVAs confirm, she dropped the tablet on the table with a gasp.

“He did…” she whispered, her voice filled both with concern and newfound determination. “I’ll make sure we have shields up when you launch the missile, and the cleanup crews will be more than ready to try out their radiation cleansing spells. None of our troops will fall to friendly fire when the time comes.”

“I’ll leave you to it, then.” Spike told her, grabbing his tablet and walking towards his quarters with heavy shoulders. He had just been given the power of a god, the power of life and death over the entire Crystal Kingdom. Kane had not only given him the means to unlock Nod’s answer to GDI’s Ion Cannon, but had given him orders to turn the key.
___________

There existed a rather morbid contrast within the Crystal Palace. One of the most beautiful structures ever built, serving as the centerpiece for what was rapidly looking to become a brutal siege. That its magnificent interior served as the headquarters for GDI’s Northern Command simply added salt to the wounds carved open by this conflict.

Shining Armor was holed up in his personal quarters, a half-eaten meal left outside his door for a servant to dispose of. The last few days had given rise to a routine of personally drilling with his troops in the morning, inspecting evacuation routes, defensive positions, civilian and military bunkers, vehicle maintenance, and general readiness at noon, followed by endless meetings with officers and the brass in the afternoon along with reviewing defensive plans and the possibility of forcing a break out, a few hours of sleep signaling the end of the day only for it to start over a few hours later.

This night was promising to be another such night. The meeting with General Ironsides had ended sooner than expected, leaving Major General Armor some extra time to review the Palace’s evacuation plan in case of a catastrophic breakdown of the front. Even with the use of advanced magitech provided by GDI’s manufacturing power, he still managed to have an outlandish amount of papers strewn around his personal quarters within the Crystal Palace. In truth, he had essentially turned his room into his office.

“Shiny” he heard upon entering the massive room, the word spoken by the most beautiful mare in the land, “we need to talk.”

“Hey pookums, shouldn’t you be resting right now?” said Shining, his body moving towards his computer as if on autopilot.

“I should be the one asking you that question, snoogy. Come here.” said Cadance, tapping the bed with her bare hoof. “I want you to tell me what the problem is.”

“Problem? Candy, there is no problem. We’ve got everything under control here. No matter what you’ve heard, I’ve got it handled.” answered Shining Armor, a large, comforting smile materializing on his face.

Cadance wasn’t buying it.

“Shining, one of my hoofmaidens approached me today asking what she should do about a number of scrolls that were piling up.” she said, her horn glowing ever so slightly as she kept the city’s shield perpetually active.

“Well, what does that have to do with thi-” began shining before being cut off.

“They were from Flurry Heart, hun. Directed at you.” she said. As far as Shining Armor was concerned, his spine had just flash-frozen and become an extension of the mountain range.

“Our baby’s been sending letters from Canterlot daily ever since we sent her away. Why aren’t you answering her?” she said, her gaze fixed upon him. Shining’s attempts to look away were thwarted by a loving hoof tenderly pushing his muzzle, forcing their eyes to meet.

“Just tell me what’s going on. Please.”

Shining sighed, bested and bruised.

“We’re in… serious trouble. Nod forces will have us completely cut off from the rest of Equestria and there’s nothing we can really do about it. Reinforcements are on their way and we’ll be getting two Kodiaks to help us but… I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have kept this from you.”

He waited for Cadance’s response. Would she panic? Would she ask him what he would do, what his plan was, what they would tell their daughter? Would she plead for him to leave along with her or try to get as many people out?

He got none of that. A soft, warm hug made him forget about all of it as Cadance held him in a loving embrace, fear felt through it. No words were said as none were needed, and he embraced her back.
___________

“Needless to say, Twilight, despite Luna’s efforts on the Dream Front and my little gift to him, Spike and Rarity will be needing some help if the Crystal Kingdom is to be taken down in a timely manner.” Kane said quietly as he walked alongside her. Twilight simply smirked back at him as they continued on. She had been walking him through a subsection of her lab complex for a few minutes now after calling him down to show off her ‘newest, war-changing project’.

“I wouldn’t worry so much, honestly. The whole reason I called you down is to address the issue currently worrying you, but first. Notice anything familiar about this hallway?”

“I… well, now that you mention it… isn’t this the same area that Luna showed you when you were inducted into the Brotherhood?”

“The very same. All of the lab space was repurposed into something a little more… military, and the viewing area is perfect for what you’re about to see.” Twilight replied, her triumphant grin only getting wider as they got closer to the door that would lead the two ponies into the observation room.

“And what exactly are you showing me?” Nod’s messiah asked as the guards opened up the large double doors.

“EVA, please raise the blast cover and turn on the lights.” the purple alicorn ordered.

“At once, ma’am.” the synthesized voice answered. Kane looked out as the metal coverings rolled up and the large overhead lights turned on to reveal a very large and completely empty bay area below.

“.... is this meant to be humorous?” the earth pony murmured.

“Just keep your eyes down there…. EVA, tell Colonel Glimmer that she can march in the lead battalion.” Twilight commanded. As if by her command alone, all of the large doors opened up and 20 officers marched in. Behind them, another 1000 ponies, gryphons, changelings, and even some Diamond Dogs all marched their way into the bay in perfect formation. Their footsteps were so in step that Kane thought they were machines.

Nod’s Messiah gasped when he saw that his first thought was completely right. Every member of this battalion was heavily modified with cybernetics, prosthetics, and all manner of built-in weaponry and armor.

“I’d like you to meet the first battalion of the Marked of Kane under the freshly rehabilitated Colonel Starlight Glimmer. Everyone in it is a formerly wounded soldier, fanatically loyal to you out of both duty and the brain implants we put in to help them adjust to the replacement limbs.” Twilight stated, “They feel pain only in regards to functionality, cannot be incapacitated in the same way and ease as a regular soldier, and they never tire.”

“Super soldiers… cyborgs.” Kane muttered back, a sly grin forming on his muzzle.

“A good response to the Zone Troopers that Hyperion faced in Baltimare, don’t you think?”

“A good response to them, yes. In this case, my dear Twilight, I believe that their-” he gestured to the battalion with a hoof, “-trial by fire is expected as opposed to accidental. When do they head out?”

“The first three battalions will be leaving tomorrow morning, with your blessing.”

“Can I speak to them?”

“EVA, patch in Kane’s communicator to the speakers.” Twilight said before looking back, “You can now.”
________

“Brothers and Sisters of Nod!” came the Messiah’s voice over the bay’s speakers. “You have been chosen. Chosen by Me, to carry out Nod’s righteous mission and bring the heathens within GDI to heel! Your loyalty knows no bounds and I have no doubt that you will bring us victory after victory in the face of Celestia’s minions. You will take the Crystal Kingdom! You will take Baltimare! You will take Phillydelphia! YOU WILL TAKE CANTERLOT FROM THE HOOVES OF OUR OPPRESSORS! WITH THE TECHNOLOGY OF PEACE!”

“PEACE! THROUGH! POWER!”

Author's Notes:

It's been a while. Work has had all the co-authors busy and we had to wait until Season 5 stopped putting new data into the lore. Now that the season is over, we don't have to do rewrites every week.