[Undisclosed Location]

August 2nd, 3494. 3:17 A.M. (Canterlot time)

"Wake up Commander!" A woman's voice, tough very silent yelled through some intercoms. Spike slowly reopened his eyes. His vision was blurry, as he stared at what seemed to be a bright light.

Am I in heaven? Spike thought to himself. His hearing became better, as his ears detected what was beeping sounds that came from a hospital. His vision got better, and he saw the bright light was some ceiling lights. A soft, but heavy boom shook the area, including the Draco himself.

"Spike!" The same voice asked, this time, sounding a bit more clearer "Do you hear me!? Get your scaled ass off the bed now! This facility is under attack!" Spike looked at his hands, which were his normal looking claws, and gently touched his own face: while it felt normal for the most part, he felt what was definitely scars all over his face.

Am I... alive!? Spike asked to himself How am I alive!? Didn't I- Wait a minute! He gained a flashback of Sombra, standing with the doppelgangers in front of him, each pulling the trigger to their own weapons at Spike! SOMBRA!!! Oh when I get out, I'm-

"Spike, your scars aren't fully healed, but I need you to get moving. Again, this facility is under attack!" Spike slowly sat right up, feeling a sting on his right side that caused him to wince, but was gone as soon as he stood right up. He looked out of the windows, seeing what was gunfire & explosions going on. He looked around him, seeing many medical equipment around him, as well as what was 3-D holograms of X-rays of himself, showing where all the bullets had destroyed his organs.

If this is Twilight's work, I owe her big time!!!

"There's a pistol and armor on your right corner. Hurry!!!" He got up and noticed that, with the exception of wearing boxers, he was completely naked! He stood right up and, looking at his right side and in the corner, was a locker with his name printed on a containment unit. He walked to it, feeling some pain in his legs, but had to survive. If he survived now, then it'll just be insulting for him to die right away.

"Scanning initiated," a robotic voice spoke, as a blue scanner examined Spike. "Please hold... welcome back, Commander Spike. Please, put on your new M6 mark 2 armor."

"Mark 2?" Spike asked "There's no other marks in the military!" The containment unit opened with a hiss, as new armor was there, showing what Spike would be wearing: It was purple armor, having a light green chest area that reached up to his neck & in between it's legs, a very dark green stripe on it's back, four white blotches with some green lights next to the back stripe, (A circles above & a really long oval below it, both a few inches from each other) that looked liked it could hold an assault rifle, a shotgun, & another weapon if done right, regular green colored pads on it's shoulders, elbows, & knees, a white belt that could hold holster a regular pistol & spare ammo, a hole for his tail to fit through, boots that were slightly bigger than his own feet, and fingerless gloves for his claws to stick out & feel comfortable. Right next to it was a simple pistol.

"Put on your armor first, then equip the pistol." the voice through the intercom spoke "Don't worry, I'll be too busy to watch you get dress."

"...Awkward." Spike simply commented. Unsure if he's being watched or not, Spike quickly put on the new armor in front of him, first the leggings, then the boots, the chest area, and finally, the gloves. It was tight, but, at the same time, it gave him a lot of movement.

I'll get use to this. He thought to himself. He heard a whirring noise, coming from the suit itself. Before he noticed, something covered his face in darkness, but, in less than a second, he saw the outside world again, with what appeared to be a visor in front of him. He looked around, but jumped as soon as he saw his reflection: his head was now in a helmet with green visors blocking his own eyes, white, triangular shaped teeth painted on the front & made to look like it was smiling, some flaps that stuck out of the sides of the helmet that looked almost like ears, a sorta Mohawk looking piece that went from the top of the visor all the way to the back back , and, turning around, he saw a green circle that matched the color of the flaps on the side, and looked as if he could place a his index claw in it.

"Alright, this is awesome!" He commented to himself.

"Wireless communications activated." A robotic sounding woman spoke inside, followed by some static & other noises

"Feeling the hero you were again?" The woman's voice asked through the intercom "You won't be if you don't take that pistol!"

"Okay! Sorry!" Spike replied. He grabbed the pistol, but saw there was nothing in it. "This pistol doesn't have a thermal clip."

"Figures. Take cover behind that desk, I'm going to open the door."

"Whatever you say." Spike quickly sprinted, pleasantly surprised at how light the armor is along with how flexible it is. He slid across the floor and took cover behind a desk. An explosion was heard nearby, and Spike peeked up, seeing the room he was trapped in now had a large hole for him to exit out from. Spike got out of his area and began to quickly, but cautiously, walk out of the room.

"Someone's hacked the security program and is trying to kill you. Look for a thermal clip for your pistol." Spike walked out and was immediately greeted with the corpse of what was a scientist, female & a mage, holding a pistol in her dead hands & some thermal clips next to her. Spike leaned down and picked up the clips.

"I apologize for this." He reloaded the pistol and walked out further, into what was a lounge.

"LOOK OUT!!!" A single bullet came across Spike's face, and he jumped behind a relatively large sized crate, taking cover. He peered out of cover, seeing what was a lone mech.

Miscellaneous:

Robots are a source of cheap labor & protection for many different companies and rich families. Many of these robots are developed & made from F.I.S.T., the company that specializes many of the galaxy's products and research. All robots are electrical powered, but each are different in their own way with limited functions, as each can't think on their own & can't decide what to do other than what their programs say they can do. With the increased demand of robots, many people have learned to hack these robots to do other things that were otherwise though to never happen. While each are different, these are three classes of robots that are popular:

-Mechs are robots that are designed to look, feel, & move like humans, as none have ever been designed to fly and levitate objects with a 'mind'. These robots are rounded in many jobs, from being butlers &/or maids in homes, to combat in battle areas. While 90% of them are the size of any regular male & female human, the 10% are designed to be heavier, and are usually used in combat as tanks against a large number of people.

-Sentries are robots with limited movement, other than jets in the 'legs', and are combat designed as a means to protect a certain location or people. Sentries are considered very dangerous when in groups, and can prove lethal if hacked to attack everything around it. Because of this Sentries have been outlawed in many parts of the galaxy, but are still produced & sold in the black market.

-Animals are robots that are designed to be walk and, in many cases, act like animals of various kinds. Just like Mechs, they can act like a pet to a home, but also act as guards for military bases, and, just like sentries, are considered dangerous when tampered with. While not illegal to make, Animals are slowly produced & sold to the public, as people belive that it's one step away from replacing entire ecosystems with machines, but provide great protection against many dangers.

The mech was coming down from some stairs, coming from the only way to escape from this area, still shooting at Spike.

This'll be easy. Spike thought to himself. The Mech stopped to reload it's weapon. Spike stood out of cover and fired three bullets at it's head, destroying the mech and making it fall to the floor, deactivated.

"Keep moving!" The same woman spoke "We need you to get to the shuttles." He sprinted up the stairs, took a thermal clip that fell was near the deactivated mech, and entered the next room, seeing more medical equipment around. "Spike! Security mechs are closing in on your position, take cover!"

"Roger!" Spike replied. He ran ahead and took cover behind a counter. The door opened, and the steps of mechs entered, each firing from their own pistols.

"Don't take any chances. Stay in cover while you take out those mechs. Your suit has a shield around it that will protect you from blasts, but it'll short circuit and leave you vulnerable if you take too many shots."

"So stay in cover, shoot & take some shots, and take cover while my shield regenerates?"

"Yes. Like a videogame... except if you die, you die for real... again in your case."

"My case?"

"Look out!" Spike turned to his left to see one of the mechs were around the corner. Immediately, he pulled the trigger and destroyed it with a few shots, then peeked from cover, seeing at least three more approaching. He took a couple of shots to his head area, but, as she said, a shield was around, protecting him as his hud gave him the energy his shield had now. It was a short ten second battle, as Spike destoryed the mechs with a full clip. "Nice work, Spike. Coast is clear." Spike ran into  a corner hallway that turned right, but stopped and watched in horror as two human scientists, one male & the other female, shot down by a heavy mech that had machine guns for arms!

Who's doing this to these innocent people!? Spike yelled in his head. He walked into the next room, seeing that he was above another floor.

"More reinforcements are heading your way. Grab the grenade launcher off the security officer's body." Spike looked down and noticed his foot was about to step on the deceased officer's head. He leaned down and picked the grenade launcher, placing his pistol in the built in holster his suit had. "Use that to destroy the mechs." Spike looked down, seeing a door at the end, opening up to reveal a small group of mechs walking towards him, firing at him. He quickly aimed the grenade launcher and fired at the mechs, destroying the robots & a pipe line, making fire spew out almost nonstop. He placed the grenade launcher on his back, surprised to see that his newest weapon locked on tight. "Take that elevator down to the bottom floor. Don't worry about the fire, we know your kind has flame retardant skin and the suit we added is nearly immune to incendiary ammo & things, though don't go into lava while wearing it."

"Relax," Spike replied, doing what the woman ordered to do and running through the fire. "I prefer to go skinny dipping." he chuckled at his own joke.

"Well that's one thing we can cross off your psyche." Static began to interrupt her "You're doing... Spike. Head to the... meet you... Spike!?... read me? I've got... closing in... position."

"Miss!? MISS!?!?!? Dammit!" He walked down the hall, but stopped at a door. It opened and two mechs began to crawl to him. He fired at the two, but stopped and saw what was some recording & an open safe. Now, while Spike has been controlling his desire to get richer, but the safe had a note that said 'Give to Spike', meaning he was justified to take what was rightfully his.  Inside the room, there were two booths, both with some sort of recording. Spike walked up to the first and played it. An image of a woman appeared, giving him the image that this was a recording device. The woman was really young looking, likely in her early 20's, with her hair being white with some purple swirls in it, hanging loose, and she wore what looked like a pink suit with a blue tie & a white shirt underneath it. Spike scratched his eyes in surprise. "DIAMOND TIARA!?!?!?"

Profiles:

Diamond Tiara is the daughter to F.I.S.T. operator, coordinator, and representative, Mr. Filthy Rich. During her childhood, she was spoiled from her family's wealth and was constantly being uphanded by three other students who formed a friendship with each other that sparked the children's club, "The Cutie Mark Crusaders". Due to her family's bad reputation and her own attitude towards others who don't look good to her traste, she's been alone with her only friend being Silver Spoon, who's family ran various mining operations and made deals with Diamond's own family. Despite being Silver's friend, Diamond had to learn how to run her family's business, as her father told her that he needs someone to continue his work in case he passed away quickly. With years of training in business, economics, resource management in both human & natural types, she's become second in command of her own company and, under her father's word, has became Spike's second in command & it's her job to make sure that Spike doesn't fail in defeating Sombra and his Doppelganger army.

"Progress is slow," The recording of Diamond Tiara spoke, sounding exactly like the woman telling him what to do "but our subject is showing signs of recovery. His major organs are fully functional and signs of rudimentary with neurological activity are showing. We've accelerated progress from simple organs to synthetic fusion. Our results show a lot of promise." Spike looked down at his claws.

"Am I... a cyborg!?" he asked himself. A beeping noise brought him over to another computer, with what looked something interesting in it. Curiously, Spike pressed the play button.

"This whole thing is fucking ridiculous!" A male voice spoke, not showing who it was, but an audio recording. "No one seems to mind that we've spent over six billion bits on this one Draco! Why doesn't anyone listen to me and ditch this thing for my own species! I wonder how the boss even got those bits to begin with... maybe later I'll ask. Still, kinda wished I was in charge of this than the family."

Some guy wanted to replace me? Spike thought to himself I'm not sure whether to thank Diamond Tiara or wish I'd stay dead with this guy. Eh, I'll find out later.

Spike exited the room, carefully looking around in case any other mech was around & waiting to kill him. There were no other places to enter other than the room he was in, so, for better or for worse, he followed the hallway, up to a flight of stairs, and walked up.

"SPIKE!!!" a muffled voice yelled to his left. Spike turned around to see another man, but was on the other side of some glass, leading to a different hallway. He ran up to the window.

"Don't worry!" Spike yelled, using the end of the pistol to whip the glass, hoping to save the man's life. Heavy footsteps followed, as a heavy mech (probably the same one from earlier) came in and bashed the man into the window, slightly cracking it, and walking away into fire as if it were nothing.

What the hell is going on!? He thought to himself. Another beeping from a device to his left. He walked to it and pressed the 'play button', as it was another recording device.

"I wish I could figure out Diamond Tiara," the same recorded man's voice from earlier spoke "The project director should be ecstatic about Spike coming to life. But, she's still as cold as ever. I'm not sure if she's worried that Spike will become the new favorite to her father, or she really is just a cold heart bitch."

Project? Spike asked Was I part of the project? Did Diamond Tiara ran it!? I really need some answers!!! Gunfire was heard, behind the only door. Spike ran into what was another lobby, seeing gunfire coming from the left side, and someone grunting. He sprinted ahead, taking cover next to the lone individual, as two mechs were firing at them.

"Spike!?" A familiar western sounding man yelled in surprise "What the-!?" Spike fired four bullets, destroying both mechs with headshots. More came in and Spike took cover. He looked over to the individual and recognized the person with him was Big Macintosh!

Profiles:

-Big Macintosh, or "Big Mac" for short, is the eldest child of his family and a colonist that was born & raised on Ponyville. Like his sister, Applejack, Big Mac worked on the farm of Sweet Apple Acres, where he was the muscles to every operation, though he occasionally takes control when A.J goes somewhere else or does something with her friends. He's well known for lifting objects over 300 pounds, has dragged objects weighing in between 80,000 & 160,000 pounds, and shows no real sign of struggling, but, despite his nearly unmeasurable strength, he never boats about it, let alone, speak a lot with the exception of answering with a simple "Yes or No" questions and small bits of dialogue with his family. Because of his silent nature, many people, including his family, believe he's hiding something, while other say he's just a silent man following a silent philosophy.

During Spike's childhood, Big Mac actually watched over Spike and has became both the Draco's father figure and best friend. With Spike, Big Mac was able to clearly talk to him in full sentances. Were it not for the obvious species difference and families, the two would've became step brothers.

Big Macintosh had on his classic red polo shirt with a green apple on it's back, denim jeans that matched his little sister's, & wearing really light yellow gloves & boots. His hair was still it's recognizable shade of orange, and he still had the muscles that looked like he could snap bones easily if he were provoked.

"Big Mac!?" Spike asked "What are you doing here!? What's going on!?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing," the human replied "I though you were still a work in progress."

"I just woke up! You probably know more than I do."

"Right... sorry about that. Look, what's going on is-"

"Hostiles detected!" One of the mechs spoke, firing at them.

"Damn it!" Big Mac went out of cover and pulled the trigger of his own pistol, destroying the mech's head with a single blast. "Things must be worse if Diamond already has you running around. I'll fill you in, but we better get you to the shuttle first."

"Look, I know this isn't the best time, but I'm filled with too many questions in my head and I need them answered!"

"Alright. Here's a quick version, at least from what I know: During Discord & Fluttershy's wedding, King Sombra and an army of Doppelgangers crashed it, and he had his revenge by executing you on camera for everyone to see. You died that day. Dead as dead when they brought you in here. In the last two years, our scientists have spent their time putting you back together. Welcome back to life, little Spike."

"Hold on; Two years!? I've been dead two years!? How is that even possible!?"

"I have no idea. It didn't take long for the Immortals to declare you killed in action. Everyone, including myself, thought you're dead. If we don't get to those shuttles, they'll be right."

"Were there any survivors during the wedding?"

"...Tell you what; help me finish off these mechs, and we'll play twenty questions all day if you want."

"Sounds good to me." The two peeked out of cover and fired at the mechs attacking them. While it's true Spike had military training, and was well equipped for combat unlike his ally, but Big Mac had a lot more durability behind him, and since he embraced more of his ancestor's history on Earth's cowboys, he was able to fire a lot more quickly & effectively than the little Draco. It wasn't long until the three mechs shooting at them all fell from too much damage, and the two holstered their weapons. (Spike being more traditional while Big Mac with more of his western style of flipping the pistol into the holster)

"Alright Spike, what do you want to know?"

"You said they spent two years rebuilding me? How bad were they?"

"I ain't a doctor, but I can tell it was bad. When I saw you, were nothing but a corpse with a lot of holes in his body. Normally, you'd be left alone or, at the very least, buried, but Project Phoenix was different. Fancy cutting edge technology."

"What do you mean by cutting edge? Cloning? Super powers?"

"I don't know the details, you'd have to ask the scientists. I'm pretty sure you ain't a clone... nor are you getting any powers like Superman. They wanted to bring you back exactly as you were. You're still you... just with a little more bits & pieces."

"Alright... shame I can't fly like the man of steel. But what about the project? Were there other test subjects?"

"Nope. Just you. A really hard challenge with only you. Two whole years, even with all the top scientists and the best technology money can buy."

"Jesus! Really determined to get me up & ready than anyone else, eh? Well, what do you know about this attack? Who's behind it and what they're after?"

"Nope. I was ready to sleep when a bunch of explosions happened. Next thing I knew, every mech here was shooting at us! Mah best guess is that this is an inside job; you'd need top security access to hack all the mechs."

"Maybe, or this is one really good hacker. Before I passed away, did anyone make it out alive?"

"Eeyup. Everyone escaped and landed on Canterlot after a few hours. Everyone was sad that you died, but Twilight... she was straight up pissed! She's been on some sort of manhunt, looking for Sombra as an act of revenge, though the other Immortals are preventing her from doing so."

"What about the others? Did they do anything?"

"Only mah sister A.J's been drinking more, Raibow Dash still leads the Wonderbolts, and Ponyville now has people on it again. The others, however, I'm not exactly sure. Two years can change a lot."

"Can you help me find them? I need to tell them that I'm still alive and do whatever I can to prove that I'm not an illusion."

"Maybe you can track them down when we get off this station... if we get off, that is."

"... It's been a long time since we've seen each other. What's happened to you during these many years?"

"Well, if you can't tell now, I'm actually a soldier like you. They say I'm a gun for hire here, but ah know for a fact that I'm a soldier, a damn good one, perhaps not as you."

"Really? Why did you become a soldier?"

"...I looked up to you."

"... what!?"

"You saved Canterlot from an invasion with a small squad, saving millions of lives that day, and you were an icon! I joined about a month after that invasion and I've been working here ever since. I don't expect a lot of action here at all, but I know it's for a greater cause.Thanks for asking me, Spike." Spike looked closely at Big Mac & saw some tears coming down. Spike opened his arms for a hug.

"Come on big guy. It's been such a long time, and I apologize for not being there to support you." Big Mac showed some resistance, but failed and gave Spike a really tight hug! Spike heard Big Mac sniffling with tears landing on his neck. All Spike could do was gently pat Big Mac on the back with his hands. "There there. It's alright."

"... yeah! It's... alright." Big Mac released Spike and the tears from his face, going back into his normal, nearly stone like posture, but smiled.

"What's the quickest way to those shuttles?"

"Depends where mechs are the thickest. It's probably best if we-

"Check." A man's voice spoke though Big Mac's radio "Check. Anyone on this frequency? Anybody still alive? Hello?"

"Jacob? This is Mac; I'm here with Commander Spike. Just took out a wave of mechs over in D Wing."

"Spike's alive!? How the hell... never mind. You need to get him outta here! Get to the service tunnels and head for the network control wing.

"Roger that, Jacob! Stay on this frequency."

"Let's get out of this place! Lead the way."

"Yes sir!" Big Mac and Spike both ran into into the other door, leading to another hallway. Big Mac lead the way, as he traveled to the very far end of the hallway, opening the door to what looked red lit room. Mechs rose from a circled, 'sleeping' position, and began to fire at the two! "Damn it! This whole also has mechs!"

"The whole station is crawling with Mechs!" Jacob's voice added "I'm doing the best I can!" After firing a few more bullets, they exited the room again, going up a flight of stairs.

"Jacob?Find us a route out of here! Preferably, one that doesn't lead straight into an enemy squad."

"OH GOD!!! THEY FOUND ME!!! HELP!!!"

"Jacob! Where are you!?"

"SERVER ROOM B!!! HURRY!!! THEY'RE OUT OF CONTROL!!!  

"Up those stairs, Spike!!!"  The two sprinted up some more stairs and made a quick turn to the right. They found, on the floor, a bald man wearing a security officer's uniform, with a shot leg.

"Big Mac! Spike! Down here!!!" He yelled

"Come on," Spike spoke, kneeling down and offering him a hand "We need to get off this station!"

"I'm not going anywhere until someone fixes my leg!"

"There should be some medi-gel in the first aid station on the wall."

"Medi-gel?" Spike asked

"Something the scientists made before you died as a way to help soldiers get right up. Doesn't cure diseases, but it helps you get up and feel as if nothing happened. Hopefully, there's enough to help him get up and move again." Spike walked to what was a first aid station on the wall and opened it up, seeing there were three tubes of some blue goo. He took them all, just in case, and walked back to the two men, Big Mac offering comfort to Jacob. Spike handed jacob what was the medi-gel. Jacob lifted his pant leg, all seeing a burn mark, then took the medi-gel tube from Spike. He opened the tube and gently poured it on his leg, wincing in pain, but he massaged the goo in. Almost instantly, the goo began to do it's job, quickly taking away the burn mark as new skin was formed, and the goo hardened, cracked, and turned into blue dust, going away as if nothing happened. Jacob got up, a bit weak, but still strong.

"Thank you." he spoke "Never thought you'd save my life. Guess that makes us even now."

"Even?" Spike asked, crossing his arms

"Sorry... I was the main doctor around to bring you back to life. Never thought of it possible, but it seems, Diamond Tiara was right. God Damn it! I  thought that maybe, with luck, I could shut down the security mechs here. Whoever friend this whole system must've suceeded in making it irreversible, though."

"We didn't ask what you were doing." Big Mac spoke in a scolding voice "Why do you have security mech clearance when you could only go in the bio wing?"

"What the-!? You're talking!? Well... weren't you listening!? I came here and tried to fix this! Besides, I was shot! How do you explain that!?"

"Look," Spike spoke "I have no idea who you are, but let's get to an area that's safe, then we'll sort who's fault it is."

"Right." Big Mac spoke "We need to find Diamond Tiara. We can't leave without her."

"Forget about her!" Jacob yelled "She was in D-Wing; not only are there mechs all over that sector,  but there's no way she could have survived!"

"A bunch of Mechs won't stop Diamond. She's alive!"

"Then where is she!? Why haven't we heard from her?There's only two possible explanations: She's dead, or a traitor!"

"Then why did she woke me up and warn me about the attack?" Spike asked

"Okay... maybe she isn't a traitor, but that doesn't change the facts. We're here and she's not: we need to save ourselves! The shuttle bay is only a few-" The door on the far end opened and a group of mechs entered, firing at them! Luckily, a few electircal canisters were in their way, and, without saying anything, Jacob fired at the canisters, causing one to leak and explode, desotrying all the mechs and making a path for them to follow! "Come on! Let's get outta here!" Spike walked towards the exit, hoping to escape this madness induced facility!

"This is getting tense!" Big Mac yelled "Spike, if I tell you who we work for, will you trust me?" Spike turned around, seeing the two stand next to each other.

"This really isn't the time, Mime." Jacob mocked

"We won't make it if he's expecting a shot in the back!"

"If you want to piss off the boss, it's your ass, not mine."

"Project Phoenix, the one the brought you to life... it's funded and controlled by F.I.S.T."

...Wait a minute," Spike spoke "F.I.S.T. brought me back to life!? Why!? Why would they bring me, a Draco back to life, when they could've done that to any other Human, Mage, or Angel?"

"I thought so too, but we're not as evil as you think we are. We never gave up on you, spent a fortune on you to bring you back. This is for a good cause!"

"...Big Mac... I don't know how-"

"It's alright; I'd be suspicious too, but we need to work together. I thought you deserved to know what's what. Once we're off this station, I'll take you to Mr. Rich himself; he'll explain everything. I promise."

"...Well... if you're here... I guess we'll do it. Just know that building our friendship back to what it was is going to take us some time."

"Of course."

"Let's go already!" Jacob yelled, rushing ahead of the group.

"Lead the way." Spike replied. The group went out of the room into another hallway, turned left,  then down right, going down a fleet of stairs. At the end, they turned to the door to the left, entering the shuttle bay, but saw a small squad of mechs patrolling the area. They scattered into their own cover, waiting for the mechs to reload. As soon as they did, Spike & the F.I.S.T. employees opened fire, as both Spike & Big Mac fired pistols & reloaded, and Jacob barked on where they need to go & what they need to do. They went up the stairs, and destroyed the last of the Mechs. Jacob ran to what looked like the last escape shuttle, activating it's consoles!

"Come on!" Jacob yelled "Through here! We're almost at the-" The door opened and Diamond Tiara was there. As Spike remembered her recording, she wore the same suit looking top, but she wore what was a pink skirt, showing her legs all the way to her pink high heels. "DIAMOND!?!?!? But... you were-" Without any warning, Diamond pulled out a pistol, pressed it on Jacob's head, and pulled the trigger! A loud 'Blam' was heard, as a clear hole was in Jacob's head! His body fell to the floor, limp, and he was dead.

"Dead?" Diamond finished, holstering her gun.

"What the hell are you doing!?" Big Mac asked, shaking at the sight of Jacob's corpse. Spike aimed his pistol at Diamond's head!

"My job. Jacob betrayed us all." Silence fell among them all.

"Even if you're sure," Spike broke the silence "did he deserve that welcome?"

"He sabotaged the security system, killed my staff, and he would have killed us all."

"You sure about that?" Big Mac asked, cracking his fists and getting ready for a fight. "We've know Jacob for the year. What if you're wrong?"

"Oh I'm never wrong," Diamond replied, having pride in her tone "I though you learned that by now, Big Mac."

"Well you should've taken him alive!" Spike growled "See what he knew."

"That would be too risky. I've put all my time & effort bringing you back to life to let you get killed now."

"You really think Jacob's capable of that?" Big Mac asked. She looked down at the corpse, then back to Big Mac.

"Not anymore."

"... A lot has changed since we've seen each other." Spike commented, holstering his pistol "What's our next step, Diamond?"

"We get on the shuttle and go. My father wishes to speak to you."

"You mean Filthy Rich? I know you work for F.I.S.T."

"Ah... Macintosh. I should've known your conscious and friendship would've gotten the best of you."

"Lying to the commander isn't going to get him to join our cause." Macintosh replied with a stern tone

"Well, since we're getting everything out in the open, is there anything you wish to ask before we go?"

"There's a couple." Spike replied, crossing his arms "It 's quite convenient that you showed up while we're leaving. Where were you during this attack?"

"Besides trying to save your life? Jacob knew I was trying to save you, so he sent an army of mechs to take me out. I got here as soon as possible. Probably a little too soon, for Jacob."

"...You have a sick sense of humor. Well what about the other people here?"

"This is the evac area. If they're not here now, they're not coming."

"But we can't leave without knowing for sure! We need to go back and look for survivors!"

"Don't you get it? The only one worth saving is you! Everyone else is an expendable."

"I hate to admit," Big Mac spoke "but she's right. We all knew the risks when we joined. Without you, this will be a waste of everything."

"... I am not going to sleep easy for this." Spike commented "Where are we going?"

"Another F.I.S.T. Facility," Diamond replied "My dad will be waiting for you."

"And if I don't come along?"

"This is the only shuttle off this station. If you want to stay and rot with the mechs, then be my guest. As Big Mac said, if you do, this'll be an enormous waste."

"... Alright. One final question: You're Project Phoenix's director, aren't you?"

"That's right. Two years of my life putting my time & energy into this project, for you."

"I understand that, but what does F.I.S.T. want from me?"

"Maybe you should ask my father when you meet him. He obviously poured every resource for us into this project. He must have some big plan for you."

"...Well... I've had enough of this station to last a lifetime!"

"Or two, in your case. Come on." The three entered the shuttle together. Spike took a seat while Big Mac & Diamond sat next to each other in front of him. During their time taken to reach the other F.I.S.T. facility, Diamond Tiara asked many questions that both Spike and Big Mac groaned at, feeling as if it was a large waste of time.

[Undisclosed F.I.S.T. Facility]

7:43 A.M. (Canterlot Time)

Their shuttle parked inside what was the other F.I.S.T. Facility. Diamond Tiara began to look through some E-mails in one of the coputers, and Big Mac stood at one of the windows, looking out at the planet, blocking it's sun at the distance. A few other F.I.S.T. employees were there, but they didn't acknowledg Spike's presence there, as they were too busy doing other things.

"My Father's in the other room, waiting for you." Diamond Spoke. Spike swallowed hard as he entered the other room; while Filthy Rich may have been Ponyville's richest family before, now that he runs entire industries with near unlimited power, just makes him feel nervous, especially the fact that it was he who save his own life! He took a deep breath and entered the room having his 'I'm ready' face. The room was pitch black, with the exception being a blue circle on the floor.

"Please step in the circle." A woman's robot voice spoke. Without saying anything, he stood in the middle of the circle "Please stand still." A scanner began to examine Spike. He stood as still as he could, but moved a little bit as he felt something bad may happen. The room brightened up, and he saw, that he was in a, though still dark, lightened up place, with Filthy Rich, sitting on a chair with what looked like a dying sun behind him.

Profiles:

Filthy Rich, Mr. Rich, is an unrivaled entrepreneur that runs F.I.S.T. and is in charge of what happens in the marketing world. It was all thanks to his strategic planning & the wise use of investments that has made him possibly, not only the richest human, but the richest individual in the galaxy! His heir is his own daughter, Diamond Tiara, and he's been teaching her all the tricks he's learned that are, though questionable, legal. Many Mages & Angels see him as a bad example for the humans, and the immortals hear the messages from him about how they control everything, never allowing anyone else freedom but people they choose. Only history will tell if Mr. Rich became the necessary thing to save the galaxy, or the one who destroyed everything.  

Though looking more like a silhouette, Spike could see what everyone has said: he was middle aged, wore his grey-amber coat with a red tie, his hair was still black but was starting to turn gray, a lit up cigarette in his right hand, and, as most humans joked, he had the face & built of his ancestor, Mitt Romney.

"Commander Spike." He spoke in his deceptive country voice.

"Filthy Rich." Spike returned, crossing his arms, staying calm. "I thought we'd be meeting face to face."

"A necessary precaution. Not unusual for people who know what you and I know."

"You may be the reason I'm now alive, but that doesn't mean I have respect nor trust you."

"You need to put your personal feelings aside. Equestria is up against the greatest threat we thought was gone."

"...Sombra."

"Good to see you have your memory intact. How are you feeling?"

"Like a zombie that's been dead for two years." Mr. rich chuckled at his response before taking a puff of his cigarette.

"How funny of you, just like your T.V. appearances."

"Cut to the chase. Is Sombra the reason why you decided to bring me back to life?" Fiilthy got up and walked to him

"We're at war. No one wants to admit it, but Equestria is under attack. While you've been sleeping, entire colonies have been disappearing. We know the Doppelgangers are doing this, and Sombra's in charge. Our cameras on one colony shows that he uses a gas that makes people of all kinds see their fear &, ultimately, it paralyzes them. The Doppelgangers go in and take everyone inside their cocoons, leaving with no trace if them being there."

"If this is a threat against Equestira, why don't you tell Celestia herself?"

"They're too busy protecting themselves for when Sombra attacks them. But until then Sombra and the Doppelgangers will continue to attack colonies until everyone's abducted."

"But you could've trained an entire army for what you spent to bring me back."

"You're unique. Not just in your species' abilities or your experience, but in what you represent. You stood for Equestria at it's key moment that time and became, not a soldier, not a hero, but a symbol! I don't know if Sombra understands fear, but with how you saved Equestria, he has to at least respect that."

"If what you say is true, then we need a plan."

"I already have one, but it's up to you to pull it off and do whatever it takes to get it done."

"And what is that?" Filthy turned around, sat in his chair chair, and took another puff.

"You go to the Doppelganger homeplanet and destroy it."

"Hold on! Destroy a planet!? That's crazy!"

"To most, it is, but to us, it's necessary. Sombra has claimed the Doppelganger's homeplanet, Apis, and has nearly every Doppelgagner queen there. With a special device, you could destroy the planet, killing all the queens and Sombra altogether, stopping the abductions, you becoming the hero, and us, F.I.S.T., will get the recognition we deserve!"

"I'm not so sure about the last one. But even with the stuff, I can't do it alone. I'm going to need an army, or a really good team."

"And I agree. I've already have a list of the best soldiers, scientists, and mercenaries Equestria has to offer. Finding them & convincing them to join you will be challenging, but I'm sure you're a natural leader. I'll keep an eye out for Sombra & the Doppelgangers. The Next time he makes a move, you'll be there to surprise him! My Daughter will be there as your second in comand and Big Mac will be your bodyguard."

"Are you kidding me? Your daughter killed Jacob in cold blood and Big Mac is a gun for hire!" Filthy took another puff

"Jacob was a traitor, and my daughter did what had to be done. She saved your life in more ways than what you can think. And Yes, Big Mac was there to see you alive, and he may not agree with all the stuff we do, but he's honest about it. Are you ready for this? This is not for pride, but this is for the billions of lives, and, of course, your sister, Twilight Sparkle." Spike took a deep breath

"I am. I'll get this team ready!"

"Good. Two things before you go: First, head to Manehatten and find the scientist. They should be able to develop a gas or breathing filter that will counteract Sombra's fear clouds."

"Do I really have to get this scientist first?"

"I'm giving you direction; what you choose to do is up to you, but I'm sure you'll make the right decision."

"Alright. And the other?"

"I found a pilot I think you might like. I hear she's one of the best, even as a rookie. Plus, enjoy the ship." A console appeared next to Filthy, and he pressed it. Filthy Rich disappeared, the door behind opened, and footsteps were heard. Spike turned around to see what was an Angel right behind him.

"He said I was a rookie, right?" The angel asked, having a familiar, raspy woman's voice "Just wait until I pilot the ship, Commander Spike." Spike looked at the Angel's face.

"Spitfire!?"

Profiles:

Spitfire was the original captain of the wonderbolts, and lead her team to perform many of Equestria's greatest shows! Though she was respected, she was honorably discharged from the wonderbolts, as she was showing her age & couldn't fly as well as she did when she was younger. Though not wanting to stop, she took up flight school and, as she did with the Wonderbolts &, like Spike, quickly rose the ranks until she was called as the best pilot in her class! Now, the mission will test her to see if she was more than prepared to succeed, or a failure in history.

Both Spike and Spitfire walked side-by-side. Spitfire wore her old Wonderbolt outfit, but the top was tried up to her waist, showing that she wore a yellow tank-top, showing her matching wings connected to her back. Her hair was still shaped & colored, looking like fire, and her goggles rested on top, as if she were ready to fly!

"I can't believe it's actually you, Spitfire!" Spike exclaimed

"Look who's talking," she replied with a smile "Spike, both the galaxy's first Draco and zombie soldier!"

"I got lucky with a lot of strings attached. How'd you get here?"

"Filty Rich was interested in my flight skills and wanted to see if I could fly his newest design of a ship. I wasn't really sure, but when he said it was for a dangerous mission and you were leading it, I was skeptical about it, but seeing you now, I'm all over it!"

"Think you can hold yourself?"

"I can still fly! I'm not just fast, but I can fly anything!"

"That's good... do you trust Filthy Rich?"

I really don't trust anyone who makes more than what I do. But they're not all bad. Brought you back and they're allowing me to fly this baby."  They both looked out of the window, seeing what was a fairly large ship: It was painted all white, with the exception being that it's right side had waves of the same hair color as Celestia herself, and with the top having gold on it. "They call it 'The Celestia'."

"Probably as a way to kiss her ass and hope she makes them sound good?" They both chuckled at the joke together.

Spike, Diamond Tiara, Big Macintosh, and Spitfire all entered the ship, seeing a full staff inside. Spitfire flapped her wings and srpinted towards the controls of the ship, nearly drooling at the controls and trying to withhold her excitement. The three went into what was the central place for the ship, as humans, mages, and angels power walked to their stations, groups taking the elevator to other stations. In the middle was a 3-D hologram of the Celestia itself, right above what looked liked a map of the galaxy.

"Welcome aboard the Celestia, Commander." Big Macintosh spoke. Spike took a deep breath and walked to the middle, near the hologram of the Celestia. He gently placed his hands on the metal, feeling the cold, smooth, and metal surface.

"This feels good." Spike commented.

"The ship?"

"That... but everything here as well."

"I've been looking at the dossiers," Diamond Tiara spoke "and I strongly recommend by acquiring our scientist on Manehatten. We know Sombra uses a nerve gas to immobilize his victims. We'll need a counteract if we meet him."

"But we have three other Dossiers," Big Mac added, standing in attention "There's the Archangel, also on Manehatten, the Battle-master in Appleoosa, and the Convict in Tartarus."  

"Acquiring the scientist seems to be the most logical step to start" A soft, robotic sounding woman's voice spoke

"Who's there!?" Spike asked. A 3-D hologram of what looked like a young form of Princess Luna came in front of Hologram of the Celestia.

"I am the Celestia's Artificial Intelligence. Please, call me WOONA."

"WOONA? What do you do?"

"During combat, I operate the electrical warfare and cybernetic suites. Do not worry, I can't interfere with ship's systems and Spitfire operating this vessel. Other than that, I observe, offer analysis and advice. Nothing more." the hologram disappeared, most likely waiting inside the Celestia itself.

"Strange."

"It's your call," Big Mac offered "What do you want to do?

I. Assemble our team.

A. The Scientist (Highly Recommended)

-Nurse Redheart

-Time Turner

-Doctor Stable

-Other

-An O.C.

B. The Archangel

-Sunset Shimmer

-Braeburn

-Applejack

-Gilda

-Other

-An O.C.

C. The War-Master

-Trouble Shoes

-Snowflake/ Bulk Biceps

-Strongheart

-Other

-An O.C.

D. The Convict

-Garbel

-Sonata Dusk, Adagio Dazzle, or Aria Blaze

-Gilda

-Starlight Glimmer

II. I want to meet the others here

The Cook:

-Applebloom

-Trouble shoes

-Mr. &/or Mrs. Cake

-Other

-An O.C.

The Engineers:

-Flim & Flam

-Aloe & Lotus

-Thunderlane & Rumble

-Sweetie Belle & Scootaloo

-Other

-An O.C.

The Medic:

-Redheart

-Dr. Stable

-Time Turner

-Other

-An O.C.

III. I need to meet Twilight and the others.