Titanfall-Barons of Steel

by Mkchief34

First published 1st of January, 2017

The Militia Cruiser Baron is en route to Harmony for regroup when a malfunction in its warp core sends the ship careening towards an unknown world. Now, its up to the Militia to defend Equestria from a threat unlike anything seen before.

THIS STORY IS REFERENCE MATERIAL NOW. DO NOT READ. PLEASE SEE SKIES ABLAZE FOR A BETTER STORY WITH THE SAME CHARACTERS.
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Pilot's Log, 2/16/
Pilot Daniel McKenna, MCS Baron
Well, here we are. I finally decided to use this damn thing. I mean, when we found Equis, we found a sentient alien civilization unlike anything we had found in the Frontier. When we found Equis...we opened a new front in this war against the IMC. And they didn't want to leave us alone, and now they're trying to conquer this world for their own reasons.

Well, we're not going to let that happen.

Damn. Looks like Captain Ellis wants me on the bridge again. Over and out.

END LOG.
============================================================
The MCS Baron. One of the few Miltia capital ships that has seen enough combat to last for a decade's worth of stories. They're en route to Harmony to regroup with the fleet when a malfunction in their warp core sends them into uncharted space. Crippled, the ship is sent spiraling down towards an unknown world, not in any known Frontier space. Stranded, the Militia aboard discover this planet is inhabited. And it's being threatened by a force bigger than an army of Legion titans.

Prep for Titanfall, Pilots.

=================================================
Titanfall 2 Crossover, takes place after the campaign ends.

Gore tag for blood, removed Sex tag.

Expect swearing, and lots of action. This will feature some non-visual aspects of war, such as the mental toll on the soldiers in the war itself.

Prologue-Grace of Days

Equestria, Unknown space
Midnight
========================
Twilight Sparkle was tired. Very tired. Ever since the Tirek incident, and the resulting fallout, she had less and less time to devote to her preferred purposes, and more and more time was being devoted to Government duties and paperwork. Even as she sat at her desk, at midnight, a mountain of work still sat on the desktop in front of her.

"Darn." she said, looking out her window at the star-lit sky. "I wonder if I can sleep now, and work on them….No. Celestia needs all alicorns on deck at the moment, and I can't waste time when I have all...this!"

Twilight flopped backwards, and looked out the window again. Then, she saw it. A faint, but clearly visible flash from behind the moon's eastern edge. Then, a yellow light appeared. It grew bigger and bigger as it descended. Twilight's mind immediately recognized what it was.

Meteor

Twilight grabbed a scroll and wrote a message.

Dear Celestia,

A meteor is approaching the Everfree. Before that, there was a blue flash from behind the moon. Did Luna arrange this?

Twilight.

She sent the message, and received an immediate reply.

Dearest Twilight,

No, My sister has not scheduled any lunar events for tonight, or for the next week, for that matter. I would advise caution…

Twilight's reading was cut off as the bright light slammed into the ground, skidding before resting on a mountainside. Twilight's mind drew a blank as she recognized what it was. And it wasn't a meteor. It was oblong and impossibly large, with two large prongs near the end. It was painted gray, orange, and black, and there were words on the side, written in fluent Equish.

MCS BARON

Twilight drew a shaking hoof to her mouth as she wrote.

Dear Celestia.

It's not a meteor. It's some kind of spacecraft. There's writing on the side, MCS Baron. Can you get a platoon of guards here as soon as possible?

Twilight.

As soon as she sent it, she got a reply.

Twilight,

If what you're saying is true, which it most likely is, as you have no reason to lie to me, I believe we'll need more than a platoon. I'll round up the Whole Guard Corps to Ponyville, and My sister and I will be there soon. In the meantime, STAY AWAY FROM IT. This goes for all the citizenry as well. Until the guards arrive, NOPONY is to go anywhere near that crash, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES. If any of the beings aboard the ship initiate contact, be as diplomatic as possible until we arrive.

Be careful, Twilight.

Celestia.

Twilight sighed as she looked over to the crash site, and as she looked at it through a telescope, she saw lights flickering along its length. Meaning one thing, that there were survivors.

And survivors most likely meant aliens.

Twilight growled as she roused Spike and prepared to head to Town Hall.

======================

Three Days Earlier, in Frontier space.

======================
Daniel was bored. Very bored. Even though life in the Frontier Militia was hard, and even though tinged with suffering, it certainly didn't say it would be exciting on the job application, if there was one. Even as he lay on his bunk in the Pilot's Dorms, on-board the MCS Baron, browsing his digital collection of books, he growled. He had been a Militia pilot for over a year now, and even though he liked the perks it came with, off duty time wasn't his favorite part of the day by far.

"Read it already...same...same...ditto….too many times...ugh." he said, browsing his library and slapping the side of his bunk each time he spoke. "I really need some new shit to do."

Swinging out of his bunk, he grabbed his helmet and walked out of the dorms. As he headed towards the bridge, he smiled at the sight of the empty hallways, empty except for the occasional Utility frame walking past. As he entered the bridge, he smiled at the sight of his real source of entertainment, James Ellis, Captain of the Baron.

"Evening, Captain." Daniel said.

"Evening." Ellis replied, not looking away from the stars passing by.

"Know anything I can do? I'm bored as hell." Daniel said. Ellis smiled and looked at the Pilot.

"You really like excitement, don't you, Daniel?" Ellis said, his gray stubble and weary face grinning.

"I guess." Daniel replied. "Since we pulled out of Typhon, it has been nothing but off-duty time. I can't stand it."

Ellis sighed and smiled. Daniel knew his was in for what was known on the ship fondly as "Ellis's Advice."

"You should learn to appreciate the quiet, Pilot. You don't know the next time it'll be peaceful. Maybe it'll be your last living moment."

Daniel shrugged, nodded and walked over, standing next to the Captain.

"Well, if you are bored, check on your Titan." Ellis suggested.

Daniel smiled and gave him a thumbs-up before walking out. Ellis chuckled and looked out the bridge viewport to the endless space around the Baron.

==============================
As Daniel walked into the hangar, he looked over at the Titans in their repair cranes, all sleeping. Except one. Daniel's titan, IN-2632 was awake, and his core looked over to the approaching pilot.

"Hello, Pilot." IN said, "How are you?"

"I'm good, Indy." Daniel replied, "You?"

"Systems are at peak capacity." IN replied. "Want a lift?"

Daniel said yes, so IN detached his arm from the mount and placed it palm up on the ground. Daniel stepped on it, and IN lifted him up onto the top of the Titan's hull chassis. Daniel smiled and chuckled.

"What is humorous?" IN replied.

"Eh, nothing." Daniel said.

"Nothing is not funny, by my registry." IN replied.

Daniel laughed.

"What is humorous about our situation?" IN asked.

"The fact you took me literally saying Nothing as a object was funny, when I meant to say was nothing at all was funny." Daniel said.

"Understood." IN said. "I advise getting an adequate amount of sleep. It is necessary for clear cerebellar functioning in combat."

Daniel nodded, said goodbye to his Titan, and walked back to the dorms. Climbing into his bunk, he placed his helmet on his nightstand and soon fell asleep.

Author's Notes:

My attempt at a Titanfall crossover.

Here is Daniel's loadout. (His pilot's gear is similar to Jack Cooper's, only Daniel has a scarf and a yellow shirt.
R201 Carbine, with HCOG sight.
Mastiff shotgun.
RE-45 Autopistol
Grappling Hook
Frag Grenades and Climbing Axe

i]IN-2632
Model-Vanguard (BT-7274's model)
Core-Various, changed as per mission requirements or Pilot Specification
Primary Weapon-X019 Chaingun or 40MM tracker Cannon
Primary ability-Vortex Shield
Secondary Ability-Cluster Missile
Electric Smoke Cartridge
Notes-IN is one of the few Vanguard Titans onboard the Baron. He is courteous and clsoe with his Pilot. Often, they can be seem with each other in the repair bay.
Color-Grey and Orange.
Nose Art- A lightning bolt.

Chapter 1-Defector

Two Days before crash
======================
Daniel walked through the now-busy halls of the Baron, bustling with Grunts, Spectres, and even an occasional pilot. Daniel walked to a door and opened it, revealing the Briefing Room. As he sat down, he noticed one of the few female pilots left on the Baron, Kelly Anderson, working on a datapad.

"Kelly?" Daniel asked.

"Yes?" she replied, not looking away from her datapad.

"You know why we're here?" he asked. Kelly looked to him and smiled weakly.

"No." she replied simply.

"Guess we'll find out." Daniel said, sitting down as Captain Ellis approached the podium.

"Pilots, we have an important mission on our hands."

Everyone's attention was now fully on the Captain.

"Last night, we received a targeted comm burst from the planet Concordia. It contained a message from an IMC defector, wishing to supply the Militia with intel."

There were murmurs throughout the room.

"Apparently the IMC has repurposed the Fold Weapon's technology to create an experimental warp core, capable of traveling distances in nearly half the time it would take the Baron, for example."

The pilots nodded gravely.

"Obviously, the Defector supplied intel that he worked on the project, and he stole several vital components, rendering the drive useless. We are going to Concordia to retrieve the defector and whatever else is important. Since we reason the IMC will be after his as well, you'll be the tip of the spear, pilots. Retrieve him from the village he's at, and extract. Titan support will be available, though limited. Get to work, pilots. We arrive in three mikes."

As the pilots saluted and walked out, Daniel headed towards the hangar to regroup with his Titan. As he entered, IN gave him a salute as his Expedition loadout was equipped.

"Good to go, IN?" Daniel asked.

"Ready to go, Pilot." IN replied.

"Good to hear." Daniel said, putting on his helmet. As his HUD booted up, Daniel picked up a duffel bag with his gear for the mission, consisting of a modified R201C carbine, a survival Knife, a Grappling Hook, and a Mastiff shotgun. as he sat down on the Dropship deploy area, Kelly walked in and sat across from him.

"Ready to go, Danny-boy?" she said jokingly.

"Ready as ever." Daniel replied.

"We're oscar-mike!" The pilot said as the last pilots and grunts boarded the dropship. As it sailed towards the planet below, Ellis looked down at the quickly disappearing dropship.

"Good luck." he said quietly.

=============================
As Kelly and Daniel disembarked from the Jumpship, the Grunts slid down their ziplines to the ground. Kelly loaded a fresh mag into her CAR as Daniel did the same with his R201C.

"Grunts, let's move!" Daniel said.

"We're oscar-mike, let's go!" The Grunt captain told his squad, and as they headed towards the signal's origin point, a colonial village that was a short distance away from their drop zone.
=============================
As Daniel and his squad walked through the forest surrounding the village, Daniel felt the nervousness from the Grunts around him. Kelly, though stone-calm as usual, kept her CAR up and at eye level with the sights. Daniel found himself looking at every shadow he saw, as if it was a hostile Titan.

"Wait, wait." A grunt said suddenly.

"What's wrong?" Kelly asked.

"I'm getting lifesigns up ahead." the grunt replied.

"You're a medic?" Daniel asked.

"Yessir." the Grunt replied.

"Good. Keep us posted." Daniel replied. As the proceeded, Daniel then saw an object lying on the ground, shining.

"Cover me." Daniel said, walking forward towards the object. As he reached it, he saw it was a bone, painted with some kind of shimmering paint. Then, a rope coiled around his leg, and he was lifted into the air. As he reached for his knife, he yelled.

"Spread out!"

"DON'T SHOOT!"

Daniel saw Kelly push a Grunt's R97 down, and she walked past Daniel and spoke to the bushes.

"It's okay. Come on out."

Then, a boy of about fourteen came out, dressed in settler's clothing.

"Sorry." he said.

"It's alright, kid." Daniel said, cutting the rope and falling to the ground. As he got up and approached, he looked down at the boy.

"What's your name, kid?" he said.

"Thomas." the boy replied.

"Well, Thomas, why'd you set up that rope trap?" Kelly asked.

"The Malia are out." he said. "It's hunting season."

"Malia?" Daniel asked.

"Think of a giant blue tiger, with three rows of teeth and two tails." Thomas said. "They're our main source of natural food here. They like shiny things, so that painte that bone all bright to attract them."

"Okay, Thomas, where's your village?" Kelly asked.

"Not too far. I can guide you, if you want." Thomas said.

"Thanks." Daniel said. "Grunts, let's go!"

As the team followed Thomas, Daniel walked next to him.

"You're with the Frontier Militia, right?" Thomas asked.

"Yeah. I'm a pilot." Daniel said.

"I've always wanted to go to space." Thomas said. "I mean, Like, for a long time."

"Space is cool," Daniel said. "But there's one thing I know. It's dark, empty, and silent."

"Like here." Thomas said. "I've barely been to the lake on the other side of the forest, and let alone a spaceship. The IMC have been lurking around here. We're too scared to go too far away from the village. The IMC really don't bother us, as long as we don't do anything bad."

Daniel nodded.

"There are worlds out there where the IMC isn't as nice." he said. "Most colony worlds I've been to, the IMC already have a lockdown on behavior. Most residents favor the Militia, but they're too scared to do anything public."

"Yeah, the few traders we get say the same thing." Thomas said, kicking a rock. "I want to fight the IMC, but I'm just too young. Besides, my family needs me."

"What's your family like?" Daniel asked.

"Just me, my mom, and my younger sister." Thomas said. "Dad was a hunter, like I was. He occasionally sold to the IMC for profit. One day, he left, and we never saw him again. I just think he's dead, but I know in my heart he's out there."

"Sounds tough." Daniel said. They were silent, until they arrived at a metal wall that had hastily placed patches in some areas. Thomas opened a door, and the Militia squad walked in. The residents stopped what they were doing and stared at the visitors. Thomas motioned, and as they walked, occasionally, a child would wave to them, which the grunts would respond to. Daniel looked over at a vendor stall, and sighed. Most of the produce advertised was missing, and what was left didn't look appetising. Daniel shrugged and followed Thomas to a large hut, which had a large shut door.

"The Sick tent." Thomas said. 'Medicine's rare here. The chief's inside with Professor Kowalski."

"Professor Kowalski?" Daniel asked.

"Yeah, he's a scientist or a doctor or something." Thomas said. "We like him because he's done a lot, caring for the sick constantly. He always has a datapad on him, but he won't show anyone what."

"I'd like to talk to him. Or, we'd all like to." Daniel said.

"Sure." Thomas said. As they entered, they were greeted by a stench of wounds and blood. Several people lay on makeshift stretchers, often with intravenous injections. Thomas brought Daniel over to a man in his sixties, with graying hair and a small beard. He was wearing a set of IMC scientist Lab clothes, though dirty, torn, and stained with what Daniel assumed was blood.

"So the Militia finally comes." Kowalski said, turning around. "Took you long enough."

"We got your message." Daniel said. "We're here to evac you."

"In due time." Kowalski said, standing up. "I need my datapad, where is it…"

"Here, sir." Thomas said, handing it over."I found it under your chair."

"Thanks." Kowalski said. "The data I obtained from the Fold Core project."

Daniel scanned the datapad. On it were schematics, lab notes, and various other materials. Then, Daniel stumbled on something...odd.

"What's the equation for?" Daniel asked, looking at it on the datapad screen.

"That equation is what the IMC needs most. WIthout that, the IMC can't accurately calculate the destinations of the Fold Core. The core requires precision that no human can calculate. With this equation…" Kowalski said, "It's made a cakewalk."

"So, without this equation, they can't use it?" Daniel said.

"To a point." Kowalski said, pocketing the datapad. "We need to leave now. The IMC must have picked up my signal by now, and are most likely on the way."

"Let's move!" Daniel said. As they exited, Daniel heard a faint noise he recognized instantly. The sound of jumpship engines.

"MOVE!" Daniel yelled as three IMC dropships flew over the village, deploying ziplines. As the villagers fled for cover, the Militia grunts opened fire.

"Captain, this is McKenna!" Daniel said over the comms.

"We copy, pilot." Ellis replied. "What's your status?"

"We've got trouble! The IMC's here!" Daniel said, taking cover as the IMC grunts peppered the Militia with rifle-fire.

"Copy, we've got a dropship inbound. Hang tight." Ellis replied.

"Solid copy." Daniel replied. "Grunts, take cover and engage!"

As the Grunts did so, responding with shots from their weapons, Kelly and Daniel nodded to each other, and tapped their wrist-pads.

"Titanfall requested." a voice spoke. "Titanfall confirmed. Standby."

Then, two large objects slammed into the ground. One was IN-2632. The other was KT-4375, Kelly's Ronin Titan. As the bubble shields disappeared, Daniel walked over to his Titan.

"Ready?"

"Ready." IN replied, extending his hand and picking up his pilot, then depositing him into the cockpit. The last sight Daniel saw before initializing the link was Kelly embarking before a voice spoke.

"AI offline. Pilot mode engaged."

As the optics aboard the Titan enabled, Daniel took control of IN and opened fire on the IMC grunts.

"Move forward!" Kelly spoke as her Titan drew its sword and charged. Daniel opened fire with his X019 chaingun, taking down a few unlucky grunts who didn't get to cover in time. As he took cover behind a building, a Militia dropship flew down. Daniel saw Kowalski being escorted aboard by a Grunt Squad. As it took off, Daniel focused himself and resumed shooting.

"Reapers incoming!" Kelly said, drawing her Titan Sword. Then, several Reapers blasted out and into the fray, shooting deadly blasts of plasma. As the Militia grunts took cover, Daniel opened fire with his Chaingun, destroying one and crippling another with a mighty punch But no matter what was done, more IMC dropships arrived, and more and more enemy forces kept coming.

"We're outnumbered!" Kelly said, cutting a Reaper in two. "We need to pull out!"

"She is right, Pilot." IN added. "Our current odds of surviving and winning this battle are not favorable."

Daniel growled.

"Captain, get us out of here!"

"You got it. Professor Kowalski is safe onboard. We're sending a ship to pick up all of you up. Get moving!"

As the Titans and Grunts broke off and began to run towards the evac point, a Militia transport ship arrived, and its bay doors opened. As the Titans took defensive positions and opened fire, the Grunts boarded.

"Let's go!" Kelly said as their Titans took hold and the doors closed. Then, the transport ship took to the skies, and as the Militia ship left the battle zone, a final IMC dropship arrived. The villagers huddled together, surrounded by IMC Grunts. Then, a Pilot disembarked from the Dropship and walked over.

"Sir, we've found all the villagers. The defector wasn't here." A grunt said.

"Fine." the pilot said. "Torch the village, and let's go."

"Don't!" a villager screamed. The pilot drew a pistol and fired a shot towards her, barely missing.

"Anyone else have an opinion?" the pilot said. "Anyone?"

There was only silent sobs and whispers.

"Good." The pilot said. "Torch the village. NOW."

As the Grunts spread fuel around the plaza and ignited it, the Pilot and the Grunts boarded their ships and left as the Villagers frantically tried to fight the fire. As they entered space, the IMC pilot smiled underneath his helmet.

"Well, at least I had some fun." he said quietly. "Pilot, take us home."

"Yessir."

As the dropship entered warp, aboard the Baron, Daniel and Kelly watched as their Titans underwent repairs from the battle.

"Some fight, huh?" Kelly said.

"Yeah." Daniel said.

"Pilots, sorry to interrupt." A Grunt said, approaching. "Captain Ellis requests your presence on the bridge."

"Thanks, Grunt." The pilots said to the Grunt as they headed to the elevator.

Author's Notes:

Yeah, that IMC pilot is a bitch. You'lll see why soon.

Chapter 2-Collision Course

As the dropship set down in the IMC Cruiser's hangar, the pilot disembarked without a word. Walking silently towards the briefing room, he sighed. Entering the room, he was greeted with the face of General Marder glaring at him.

"Report, Scarecrow." Marder said.

"Yes, sir. By the time our troops reached the signal origin, the Militia was already on site and had reached the defector. While stalling our forces with Titan support, they extracted him to an unknown ship. They have also left the system, and we were unable to catch them, sir." Scarecrow said.

"What of the colonists?" Marder said.

"They paid for their mistake." Scarecrow said.

Marder scowled.

"This setback is disappointing, Scarecrow. I expected you to retrieve him."

"Sir, with all due respect, the Militia reached him before us. A successful mission was unlikely." Scarecrow replied.

"Regardless, you still failed. I want that ship found and everyone on it destroyed, Scarecrow." Marder said. "With or without the defector."

"Sir, wasn't the defector our original target?" Scarecrow asked.

"He was. Now, your primary targets are the Militia terrorists that now harbor him. I want their rustbucket found and put out of action. Get to it, Scarecrow. You know the consequences of failing me twice."

Marder ended the connection, and Scarecrow kicked the floor in anger. Grabbing a chair, he sat down in a very foul mood.

"Damn him." Scarecrow said. He got up and walked back to his bunk in the Pilot's dorms. As he lay down on his bed, a well-worn, faded photograph caught his eye. A boy of about eighteen and a girl of about seven posed inside of a hospital room. The girl was deathly pale, and her dark hair was cut short. Several needles and IV cables lay embedded in her arm. Scarecrow brushed his hands over the photo and sighed.

"I'm not fighting for the IMC." he said quietly. "I'm fighting for you, Angel. As long as there's a cure, I won't give up hope. You'll get better, Angeline. I know it."

Scarecrow sighed and turned out the light.

=======================================

Daniel and Kelly entered the bridge and walked over to the holotable that Captain Ellis and Professor Kowalski were standing over.

"You wanted to see us, Captain?" Daniel asked.

"Yes. Professor Kowalski has something to say." Ellis said, and the professor nodded.

"My data is safely aboard, and now I feel safe enough to reveal this."

Kowalski pulled up an image of an IMC pilot, the same pilot that attacked and burned the village.

"This is Scarecrow." Kowalski said. "A IMC pilot known in the field for his brutal treatment of prisoners and civilians. He was the one who led the IMC forces and burned the village."

"What's special about him?" Kelly asked.

"Scarecrow was trained to be a pilot-hunter, capable of taking on five trained pilots and winning. He's essentially an un-sanctioned assassin." Kowalski said. "Recently, he was hired by General Marder to find and kill me, and retrieve the data I developed for the Fold Core. I barely escaped, and made my way to Concordia to signal the Militia. He's hunting me." Kowalski said.

"That's why we're heading to Harmony to restock on supplies and gather reinforcements from the Marauder Corps and Commander Sarah Briggs's forces." Ellis said. "With them, we might be able to stop the Fold Core project for good."

Daniel was about to speak when a massive shake swept through the ship.

"Dammit! What the hell was that?" Ellis yelled.

"Sir, there was a malfunction in the core! Engineering dropped us out manually! We still have power, but we've got no warp capabilities!" A Grunt yelled from a console.

"Get me engineering!" Ellis said. "And where the hell are we?"

"Sir, we're in unknown space. We're off the map." A second Grunt said. "We're behind a moon, but I can't tell what planet we're near."

"Move us out into planetary orbit with whatever power we have." Ellis said. As the Baron shifted out from behind the moon, Ellis, Kowalski, Daniel, and Kelly, along with every other person on the bridge, gasped.

"Sir, is that star orbiting the planet?" a shocked Daniel said.

"It is." Kowalski said. "It appears that this world, however unlikely it may be, is geocentric."

"That's impossible." Kelly said. "That planet should be scorched earth from the heat."

"Yet it's not, which tells me that there might be life here." Ellis said. "Bio scan, now."

A Grunt tapped a few times on the console, and nodded.

"Bio scan indicates there is life on this world."

"Human?" Ellis said.

"Negative." The Grunt replied.

"What life is there?" Ellis asked.

"It's strange. I'm getting stuff I don't understand here. There's environments similar to Earth, but the life signs for each are unique. Like this rocky, mountainous area. The life signs here…" the Grunt said, pulling the image up onto the main screen. "indicate lizards with wings."

"Dragons." Daniel said. "Motherfucking dragons. Dragons don't exist. They're myth!"

"Maybe not myth anymore." Ellis said. "Take us down."

"Sir, if we do, there's no guarantee that we'll be able to keep the engines functional!" a Grunt replied. "We could explode upon surface impact!"

"Then make sure we don't." Ellis said. "Take us down. We'll crash land if we need to."

As the Baron descended, Ellis watched patiently as the surface of the planet came into sight. Then, the ship shook once more.

"Sir, the starboard engine just overheated!" a grunt said. "Without that, we'll crash!"

"Give me full control!" Ellis said, taking the controls on the holotable. As he pulled up, the ship sluggishly edged upward. Then, the ship landed with a mighty crash. As the dust settled, Ellis and the rest of the Bridge crew stood up shakily.

"Damage report." Ellis said.

"Hull damage sustained on lower decks. Major facilities are operational. Injury reports are coming in low."

"Can we still fly?" Ellis said.

"Engines are offline, as well as the Warp Core. We're stuck." A Grunt replied. "We have reserve power from the generators, as well as the secondary core, but for now, sir, our wings are clipped."

"Great." Ellis said. "Vance, Anderson, take two Grunt squads and your Titans and recon the area. First contact protocols. Fire only if engaged."

"Yessir." Daniel and Kelly said. As they saluted and rushed out, Ellis turned to Kowalski.

"Get me whatever data you can about this world's inhabitants." Ellis said. Kowalski nodded and turned to the table.

"May god help us all." Ellis said quietly as he looked out into the forest.

==============================

Twilight and Spike walked into Ponyville Town Hall to find most of the citizens waiting for them. Many were shaking in nervousness. Twilight took the mic, and sighed.

"As you all know, some...thing crashed in the Everfree. I have sent notice to Celestia, and she is sending the Guard to investigate. I and the Elements are going along with them. NOPONY is to follow us or go near the crash site. We'll handle this. Return home, everypony."

As the citizens walked out of town hall, the Guards arrived. Twilight rounded them up, and explained the situation.

"So, how should we handle this?" A guard asked. "Diplomatic?"

"Yes. As diplomatic as possible." Twilight replied. "Let's go."

As the group of thirty ponies entered the Everfree, they had no idea the Militia squad was heading right towards them. As Daniel and Kelly led the way for the Grunts following them, Daniel asked Kelly what she was thinking.

"I'm not really one to speculate." Kelly replied. "As long as we're safe from the IMC, we'll be fine."

"Can't say we're exactly safe." Daniel replied. "That Scarecrow Pilot is still after Professor Kowalski."

"True."

"Sir, we've got contacts, thirty or so bearing in close!" A Grunt said. The Squad took cover behind the foliage and waited. Then, they heard voices.

"Come ON! I doubt those aliens know the difference between my left hoof and my right going into their faces!" said an arrogant voice.

"Rainbow, might I remind you this is Equestria's FIRST EVER extraterrestrial visit? We need to make a good, diplomatic impression." Said a calm voice.

"Make an impression of my fist in their face! They can go back off to wherever they come from!" The arrogant voice said again.

"Ah hate to break it to you, Rainbow, but Twilight's right. We don't want a war coming up with some aliens. We don't really know what they're capable of." This voice was distinctly accented. At this, a few grunts looked over at each other and shrugged. Daniel made a "quiet" motion and radioed Ellis.

"Captain, this is McKenna. Contacts are close. Advise."

"Open contact. Ellis out."

"Confirmed. McKenna out."

As the Grunts and Pilots slowly advanced, Daniel made the motion for "Stay put" and started to move forward.

"What the hell are you doing?" Kelly said, grabbing his arm.

"Doing what Ellis told us to do." Daniel said. Standing up, he walked forward into the view of the locals, six of whom gasped, the twenty four others wearing armor raised lances. Daniel held up his hand, and took out his tablet. Typing a simple message, he displayed it.

"Hello. Can you understand this?"

=============================

Twilight was taken back. It was tall, wearing some sort of clothing colored gray and orange, with a cyan visor similar to that of a wing or a star. Armor was present as well, and a long metal object colored orange was on his back. A smaller L-shaped object was on his hip. Then, he drew some kind of pad and tapped it a few times. The he displayed it, and Twilight gasped at the message, written in Equish.

"Hello. Can you understand this?"

Twilight nodded and the figure flinched, then, he tapped the tablet again. A new message was displayed.

"Can you speak?"

"Yes." Twilight said. The figure flinched once again, and cleared his throat.

"Good to know." it said in a distinctly masculine voice.

"What are you?" Twilight asked.

"Human." The being replied.

"Humans are a myth!" Twilight replied. "Prove it!"

"Sure." The being said, and he placed his hands to his head and lifted. Twilight saw the star-burst mask was some kind of helmet, and to the shock of the ponies, under it was a human face, with kind features and worn brown hair.

"That enough?" The human said.

"Yeah." Twilight said. "What's your name?"

"Daniel McKenna." Daniel said. "Yours?"

"Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said.

"Pleasure. If you want to negotiate, come with us." Daniel said, and Rainbow laughed,

"Us?" Rainbow said mockingly. "There's one of you!"

"Thirty-two actually." Daniel said as the Grunts and Kelly came into view. The rainbow one dropped her jaw and began to sulk.

"Well, we going to get moving?" Daniel said.

"Yeah. Let's go." Twilight said as she motioned. As they followed Daniel and his team back to the Baron, Ellis watched the encounter through Daniel's helmet camera.

"Kowalski?"

"Yes, captain?"

"Come with me. We have visitors." Ellis said, and the Professor nodded. As they left the bridge, the moon peeked out from behind the clouds.

Chapter 3-Open the Lines

As the ponies and humans walked through the forest back towards the Baron, Twilight looked over at Rainbow, who could only be doing what was described as fuming in anger. She shot dirty looks and glares at anyone who looked at her, and Twilight could hear mumbling coming from her.

"Rainbow." Twilight said sternly. "Don't do anything stupid."

Rainbow huffed in anger and lowered her voice.

"Twilight, look around! They're ALIENS. I don't trust them, and frankly, you shouldn't either. They're small, weak…"

"What was that?"

Rainbow and Twilight looked over at Daniel, who had turned around and was staring at Rainbow.

"Did you just call us small?" he asked dangerously.

"Yeah! SMALL!" Rainbow yelled. "You got a problem with that?"

"Yes. I'll show you how we ride on the shoulders of giants." Daniel said. At that moment, the ground began to shake and roll, and heavy footsteps were heard coming from ahead of them. IN-2632 tore through the foliage and stopped in front of Daniel, Twilight, and Rainbow. Resting his X019 Chaingun, IN looked down at the ponies, whose mouths were open in shock at the sight of the Titan. Daniel smiled and motioned to his partner.

"Nice timing, Indy." Daniel said.

"Confirmed, Pilot." IN replied, shocking the ponies further.

"Let's make this go a bit faster, shall we?" Daniel said as he embarked into the cockpit. As the hatch closed, Daniel took control of the Vanguard Titan and activated the voice mic.

"Now...what did you say about being small?" he spoke, causing Rainbow to look away angrily. Twilight rolled her eyes and spoke.

"Rainbow apologizes for her behavior on the behalf of the Diarchy of Equestria."

Rainbow dropped her jaw and was about to speak, but she stayed quiet, murmuring angrily.

"Apology accepted." Daniel said. "Let's get a move on!"

As the humans and ponies resumed their hike, Twilight pulled on Rainbow's leg, who growled and followed her. Rainbow looked over at the hull of the Baron, which was coming into view.

"I still think you can't be trusted." Rainbow said before moving to catch up with the others.

============================

As the group entered the hangar bay, Twilight was taken aback by all of the activity. Humans in various attire scurried around, doing various kinds of work.

"Wow." Was all Twilight could say.

"There's more to it than this hangar bay." Daniel said, disembarking from IN, who headed to the Titan bay. "This is only the lower level. Captain Ellis notified me to take you all to the bridge, so, let's go."

"Sure." Twilight said, knowing it wouldn't be long before Rainbow did anything stupid. As the Guards stayed behind on Kelly's watch, Daniel took the elements to one of the elevators. Daniel selected the bridge, and the elevator doors closed. Rainbow looked over at Daniel, who was quietly bobbing his head in time to the shuddering of the elevator as it ascended.

"Hmm. Not so big now, are you?" she whispered.

"Shut up." Daniel said instantly. "And if you don't, I'll make you shut up."

"TRY ME! I DARE YOU!" Rainbow roared.

"RAINBOW!" Twilight and everypony else said, shocked.

"I could take you in my sleep, with no weapons." Daniel said.

"Really?" Rainbow said. "I dare you."

"If you insist." Daniel said. Rainbow threw a punch to his head, but Daniel blocked it with his forearm and grabbed her arm, spinning her into the elevator wall and pinning her.

"You asked for it." Daniel said.

"BUCK YOU!" Rainbow yelled. "BUCK YOU ALL!"

"If you don't quiet down I'll escort you to the brig." Daniel said.

"I BUCKING DARE YOU!" Rainbow roared before Twilight intervened with a scream of frustration.

"Daniel! Let Rainbow go!" she yelled.

Daniel did so, dusting off his hands.

"And Rainbow, now, I'm not addressing you as my friend, but as a princess. If you don't stay quiet and stop insulting them, I will personally put you in a magic bubble where you can't hurt anypony or anyone else for the duration of this visit." Twilight said.

Rainbow growled and nodded angrily. Then, Daniel chuckled.

"What's so funny, you…" Rainbow said.

Daniel gave her a raised finger as the doors opened. As Captain Ellis and Professor Kowalski looked over, Daniel stepped onto the bridge and saluted. As Ellis walked over, Twilight cleared her throat.

"I'm Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Equestria."

"James Ellis, Captain of the Baron, member of the Frontier Militia."

As they shook hands, Daniel looked over at Rainbow cautiously, who was winding up to charge. Daniel cleared his throat, causing Rainbow to look over at her.

"Whatever you are thinking of doing to the Captain, I would advise against it." he said simply.

"Is she giving my Pilot trouble?" Ellis asked Twilight, who sighed.

"Yes. She's been nothing but hostile this whole trip. I'm at my wit's end."

"She dared me to attack her, and when I pinned her to the wall, she swore at me." Daniel said.

"True." Rarity said. "She's never acted like this before."

"Hey!" "Rainbow yelled. "You're my friends! Why are you siding with...THEM?"

"Because I want to make a good impression." Twilight said, and everypony except Rainbow nodded. "And your behavior isn't helping."

"COME ON!" She yelled.

"Do you want me to take her to the brig?" Daniel asked Twilight, who shook her head no.

"Rainbow, I order you to be silent." Twilight said. "As a Princess of Equestria, I warn you that If you cause ANY MORE TROUBLE, There will be major consequences."

"Fine! Side with them! ALIENS OVER YOUR OWN FRIEND!" Rainbow yelled.

"Get her…" Daniel said, but Ellis shushed him.

"Miss Rainbow, if you don't quiet down, I will escort not only you and your friends off my ship, but I will consider it an act of war for assaulting one of my pilots. Diplomatic negotiations will cease, and I will consider your kind hostile to the Militia, and I will not hesitate to declare war and ask for reinforcements from the Militia fleet to crush you. I don't think causing a war is what you want, am I correct?" Ellis said.

Rainbow sighed and nodded in defeat.

"Then let me tell you something. If you don't want a war, then shut up." Ellis said. Rainbow backed down, but she still had an angry expression.

"Let's get back to diplomacy, shall we?" Ellis told Twilight, who nodded eagerly. A Grunt grabbed some chairs and placed them at the holotable. As Ellis and Twilight sat down, Daniel looked over at Rainbow.

"Truce?" he said.

"What?" she replied, confused.

"Even though I didn't do anything, if I or any of the Militia did something, I apologise for it. Let's just calm down and let this go smoothly. Agreed?" Daniel said, offering his fist. Rainbow reluctantly bumped it, and sighed.

"Truce." she said.

"Good to hear." Daniel said.

Author's Notes:

Yeah, Rainbow may be a jerk, but she doesn't want war.

Diplomacy comes in the next chapter.

Chapter 4-Diplomacy

As the ponies watched, Ellis and Twilight talked events such as humanity's space age, the beginning of the Colony Age, and the rise of the IMC and the response of the Frontier Militia.

"So, this...IMC...is basically a business conglomerate with military powers?" Twilight asked.

"Yes. The IMC consists of nearly every large company in the systems. What they don't own, they mercilessly exclude till they go bankrupt, and then, the IMC buys them. There's over 70 companies under the IMC flag." Ellis said.

Why?" Twilight asked. "I mean, why do they have military powers like a government?"

"Because it was given to them." Ellis said. "The old colonial governments were desperate to control their populace, and such, called in the IMC to "enforce" colonial law. Most of these governments were soon dissolved and the IMC ushered in martial law, under total IMC government. Most dissenters were silenced."

"I see. How'd the Militia respond, then?" Twilight asked, flinching at the term "silenced."

"The Militia was formed as a result of a takeover on the world of Harmony. When a coup sponsored by the IMC was attempted, the populace there defended the capitol building from IMC ground forces. The IMC brought in Titans to wipe the demonstrators out. As a result of the massacre that happened, the people there rose up and formed the Militia. We threw the IMC off Harmony, and at that, some IMC commanders defected to us. They trained us, supplied us, and taught us how to fight. We became an effective fighting force. We've been fighting the IMC since then." Ellis said.

"Do you know how many have died?" Twilight asked.

"No." Ellis said. "I haven't checked the most recent casualty counts. Not that they don't matter, but I believe focusing on death dulls your experience in life." Ellis said.

"Okay, then. How did you come here?" Twilight asked.

"The IMC recently attempted to build a weapon using the Space-Time fold that could destroy entire planets. We destroyed it, but the operation cost us one of our few remaining capital ships. The IMC wanted to reuse the tech from the weapon to build a Warp Core, one that could outpace our current cores by a long shot. We retrieved Professor Kowalski there…" Ellis said, motioning to him. "...and his data on the core. We were en route to Harmony to regroup with the 6-4 and the Marauder corps when our core malfunctioned and we crashed here."

"So, do you think the IMC is coming here?" Twilight asked.

"I do not know, Princess." Ellis said. "The IMC certainly has the capabilities to find this planet, but seeing as our last recorded location was unknown space, for the moment, the residents of this world are safe."

"That's a relief." Twilight said. "Judging from what you've told us, I don't think we'd be able to resist them for very long."

"Indeed." Ellis said. "Well, I have a ship to attend to, so move along. Tell whoever leads this country we come in peace, and are open to full diplomatic negotiations." Ellis said. Twilight bowed, and the rest of the elements did so. Even Rainbow bowed, though she still looked disgruntled.

"McKenna, take them to the hangar." Ellis said. Daniel nodded and escorted the ponies to the elevator. Ellis smiled and looked back out the Bridge window to the forest below.

"Think we'll be safe?" Kowalski asked.

"Not for long, if the IMC finds us."Ellis replied.

"If they do?" Kowalski asked again.

"Then god help us all." Ellis said.

=========================

As the ponies stepped off the elevator, Twilight and McKenna shook hands before the Elements said their goodbyes and left, followed by the Guardsponies. Daniel watched them leave, and he crossed his arms and sighed.

"You okay, Daniel?" Kelly asked, walking over.

"Yeah. Just thinking." Daniel said. As the two pilots headed back to the elevator, Twilight and the elements arrived back at Ponyville in a flash of light. As they walked into town, the guards asked what they should do.

"Make sure nopony attempts to get near that crash site. I've got to send a letter." Twilight said, and the guards departed. Twilight walked into town hall, and the various citizens of the town looked back at them expectantly.

"We're safe." Twilight said. "They come in peace."

There was an audible release of tension from each pony in the room.

"For now, return to your homes and let us do our work. I've set up a guard perimeter to make sure nopony moves towards the ship unallowed. Get moving."

As the ponies walked out, Mayor Mare approached.

"You sure they can be trusted, Princess?" she asked.

"Yes. I met with the ship's captain. The meeting was very pleasant. I for one, have no reason to fear them." Twilight replied.

"I've take your word for it." Mare said.

"Let's go, girls."

Twilight and the others walked out and back to the castle, where they sat down, and promptly slouched out of exhaustion. Twilight got some writing materials out, and woke a grumpy Spike.

Dear Celestia,

All is well here. The humans aboard the ship (Yes, there are humans in the universe, I didn't believe it myself.) represent a faction of their species known as the Frontier Militia. They've been fighting a war to free their planets from a business conglomerate with military powers, called the IMC. From what I've heard or can reason, it's been a costly fight. Otherwise, the negotiations went smoothly, and they are open to official diplomatic talks with the Diarchy. They also have technology that far outpaces ours. Their "Warp Cores" can allow ships to travels between planets in fairly short times. They, most impressive of all, have in their ranks machine known as "Titans." They're like golems from ancient times , but they're entirely made of metal. They can even speak to their "pilots"! Though I was not able to find out specific details about them, their presence was enough to rally the soldiers that accompanied the team that met us to a very impressive point. I think that a formal meeting of the Species on the Equus landmass with the Militia leaders would be mutually beneficial.

Anyway, we're all safe and sound, though Rainbow was a bit of a pain at times. She wasn't very...trusting...of the humans, and was almost restrained before things calmed down. I've already spoken with her about it.

So, as I said, all clear.

Twilight.

Twilight sent the letter, and a few minutes later, received a reply.

Dearest Twilight,

I'm relieved to hear of your success. This "Frontier Militia" could prove to be a valuable ally to our world. However, I wish to meet with the Militia captain in person. Before we can arrange a Council, there will be more things that need done. If you can contact the Militia with these news, I would be grateful.

Celestia.

Twilight wrote her reply, and sent it. As she walked downstairs, she relayed the news from Celestia to her friends, who were pleased to hear it, apart from Rainbow, who merely nodded. As they waited, Twilight glanced over at the clock.

"Sweet Celestia, it's late. Everypony head home. Let's get some sleep."

"Ah second that." Applejack said.

As the elements departed, Twilight and Spike headed back upstairs.

=============================

Ellis and Daniel looked out the bridge viewport to the forest below, as the sun slowly rose over the land.

"How long has it been since you've seen a sunrise, pilot?" Ellis asked.

"A while." Daniel replied. "I can't say."

"I'll say this, McKenna." Ellis said. "It's one of the most beautiful sights you'll ever see."

"True." Kelly said, walking in.

"Anderson, good to see you." Ellis said. "What's the status of the ship?"

"No dead, 32 wounded, none critical. We made it out alright. However, engineering reports that unless we get enough reserve power to use our lift engines, we're not going anywhere."

"Good." Ellis said. "Can we be tracked, Professor?"

"Most likely, no." Kowalski said. "So far, the odds of the IMC finding us here is very slim to none. Even if their core malfunctioned, it would take a miracle to land here."

Ellis nodded.

"Pilot, I'm sending you to the village the ponies came from. Take a squad and your Titan with you. If you need me, radio."

"Yessir." McKenna said. As he walked out, Ellis smiled at the rising sun.

"Let's get to work." He said quietly.

Chapter 5-New World, New Rules

As the Militia team approached the village, even Daniel was silent. The houses were thatch and wood, and as they entered, A few grunts looked in shock at Sugarcube Corner.

"Who the hell built that?" A grunt asked. "Some crazed gingerbread man?"

"I'm not one to judge, Grunt." Daniel replied. "Make sure you're not one as well."

The grunt nodded. Daniel brought the team to the Village square, and sighed.

"I'll take a look around for that Twilight fellow. Stay here. IN, with me."

"Confirmed, Pilot."

As the grunts took up defensive positions, Daniel and IN walked through the silent village, until they arrived at a large crystalline tree.

"I think we've found it." Daniel noted.

"Agreed. The likelihood of this being the right location is favorable." IN said. Daniel knocked on the door, and they heard voices.

"Who could that be at this hour?"

Then, the door opened revealing a small lizard-like being. He looked up at Daniel and IN in shock, then he sighed.

"You're with the aliens, right?"

"Yeah." Daniel replied.

"Come on in, then."

As Daniel walked in, IN took up a guard position at the entrance. Daniel sat down at the table, and Spike offered him some coffee. Daniel sipped it, and sighed.

"This real coffee?" he asked.

"Yeah." Spike replied.

"Geez. Haven't tasted the real stuff in quite a while. Been living off combat rations for too long." Daniel said, downing his coffee.

"Yeah." Spike said.

"Spike, who is it?" Came Twilight's voice.

"One of the aliens." Spike yelled in reply.

"Ohmygosh, one minute!" Twilight replied. Exactly one minute later, she was downstairs, and sitting at the table.

"That was punctual." Daniel said simply.

"I try. So, Mr. Daniel, why are you here?" Twilight asked.

"Captain Ellis sent us. I guess he wanted to make sure we had supplies or something." Daniel said. "He didn't tell us though."

"Well, I sent a letter to Princess Celestia, who rules around here." Twilight replied. "Said she would be here soon."

"Good. My Grunt squad is in the plaza, awaiting orders." Daniel said.

"There's more with you?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, Ellis asked me to take a squad with me, plus Indy."

"Your Titan, right?" Twilight asked.

"Yes." came IN's voice. "That is my designation."

"Well, good to know. Why don't you gather your squad and bring them here?" Twilight asked. "That way, there won't be a panic."

"Sure." Daniel said. "IN, Guard mode."

"Confirmed."

As Daniel walked to the plaza, he saw the grunts were still present, though some ponies from the town were eyeing them with fear.

"It's okay!" Daniel yelled. "We're here for diplomatic reasons! Nothing to worry about!"

As the ponie gave a visible sigh of relief, he saw a small schoolhouse up on the hill.

"Might as well check it out." he said to himself. As he walked up, he heard voices.

"Why don't you just cry, blank-flank?" said a pink filly flanked by a silver one to a group of three others.

"Just leave us alone, Diamond!" One of the three yelled. "We didn't do anything!"

"That's enough!" Daniel yelled, drawing their attention to him.

"Why do you care, alien?" the Pink one asked.

"Because I don't like bullies. Or bullying for that matter." Daniel said, taking off his helmet. "So, why exactly are you picking on them?"

"Because they're dull, stupid blank-flanks!" The pink one yelled.

"So...they don't have a little picture on their rear end?" Daniel noted, seeing the three lacked one. "Dumb reason, if you ask me."

"But, they don't even have their special talent!" The silver one protested.

"So?" Daniel replied. "Thing is, I'm a Pilot in the Militia fleet. One of the most respected and feared soldiers aboard the Baron." Daniel said.

The pink and silver fillies dropped their jaws.

"Yeah, believe it." Daniel said. "I ride on the shoulder of a giant. I ride into combat knowing my enemies will fall. I can turn the tide of a battle in minutes. And I do all of that...without needing some dumb excuse for a tattoo on my ass. One last thing. Ever heard the phrase...don't judge a book by its cover? I would apply that to your situation right now."

Daniel nodded to the three of them, who squealed with glee before walking back to the square, finding a second alicorn waiting for them. This alicorn was pastel white, with a flowing mane.

"I presume you are Daniel McKenna?" she asked.

"That would be me." Daniel replied. "I can presume you are Princess Celestia?"

"Indeed. Your "Grunts" have moved to Ponyville Castle at my request. Would you accompany us?"

"Yes, your highness." Daniel said as they departed.

Author's Notes:

Update!

Chapter 6-Turn the World Around

As Spike hurried to get more tea for the four of them, Celestia eyed Daniel with a curious look.

"Daniel, may I ask you a question about this war with the IMC?" she asked.

"Ask away." Daniel replied.

"Was there ever any...attempt to open negotiations with them? A peaceful solution?" she asked.

Daniel shook his head sadly.

"No. Three reasons as to why. When we attempted a peaceful protest against the IMC, they called in the first Titans to massacre them. It's said that around fifteen hundred went in, fifteen came out." Daniel said. "Two? When we decided we had enough of the IMC conquering, polluting, desolating, and abandoning our worlds, they declared us terrorists and an organized threat hostile to the Frontier. Then, they got the military power to wipe us out from Earth. Three? The IMC has killed innocent people for resisting them, the only reason being "you didn't obey." They take whatever the hell they want and they don't take "no" for an answer."

Celestia sighed and set her tea down.

"And how long has it been since this massacre?" she asked.

"Three years. We've won battles at Demeter and other key worlds, but it's a long way before the IMC is defeated for good." he said. "When we recovered a former IMC professor, we learned he was being hunted by a pilot known as Scarecrow. Apparently he's a sanctioned IMC assassin." Daniel said.

"And you think the could come here?" Celestia asked.

"If he finds us, which is a big IF…" Daniel said. "We will do everything in our power to keep this world safe, and every being on it as well."

"Thank you." Celestia said. "These...Titans...how are they used?"

"They're used mostly for shock and awe." Daniel said. "It's said the presence of a Titan could send Atlas running."

"Atlas?" Celestia asked.

"On earth, in ancient Greek times, far in the past, it was myth that a giant named Atlas held up the world on his shoulders." Daniel said. "Titans are one of the most powerful weapons we've ever developed. Back in the first year or so, the only Titan models available were Atlas, Stryder, and Ogre. Now, since they've been discontinued from frontline use, they are mainly used as framework for the current models, those being Ion, Tone, Scorch, Legion, Ronin, and Northstar." Daniel said. "The Vanguard Titan I use is the first model we developed independently. It's was designed to be able to use any Titan weapon available, and to adjust on the fly in battle." Daniel said.

"They seem invincible." Spike said.

"To a point." Daniel said. "The only two things capable of destroying a Titan is an equal or overwhelming force. However, Pilots have two defenses. Anti-Titan weapons, and Rodeo."

"What's Rodeo?" Twilight asked.

"Not a thing, a process." Daniel said. "Rodeo is a method of boarding Titans and disabling them. First, you need to yank out the main battery to expose the reactor compartment. Then, you chuck a grenade inside. The explosion from the grenade can do some damage, so most Titans are given anti-rodeo measures. The most common is a field of electrically charged smoke that can kill attacking Pilots."

"An effective tactic." Celestia said.

"Not entirely. Electric Smoke's downside is that it can't kill instantly. Plus, it doesn't activate immediately, meaning if a pilot's fast enough, he can escape the smoke. He'll be hurt, but not dead." Daniel said.

"Ah." Celestia said. "It seems you have mastered the art."

"It comes with being a pilot." Daniel said. "You learn on the job. Plus, the simulators in the Baron give you a sort of "Been there, done that" feeling when you actually perform a Rodeo."

"Interesting." Celestia said. "If you will allow it, I would like to speak to whomever captains this "Baron." Celestia said.

"Fine. I'll get Ellis on the line." Daniel said, activating the radio.

"McKenna." Ellis said.

"Captain. I've got Princess Celestia on the line. She wants to talk."

"Open mic."

Daniel opened the mic, and the speakers began to broadcast.

"Hello there." said Ellis.

"Greetings, Captain." Celestia said. "As you might have guessed, I and my sister rule Equestria."

"My greetings as well." Ellis replied. "We've done some additional scanning. Seems there are other civilizations on this planet."

"Yes. The Dragons, Griffons, Minotaurs, Zebras, Deer, Diamond Dogs, and various others inhabit this world. I would like to invite you and your command staff to a council, where you can state your position to emissaries from each kind."

"Sounds like a plan." Ellis said. "May take a while. We still don't have power to our main engine, so the Baron isn't going anywhere anytime soon. We'll take the Crows, though we're not entirely sure where we are going."

"I can make arrangements." Celestia said.

"Fine. Just one quick question. If the meeting goes sour, I request a squad of Grunts and two Pilots come with me to ensure security."

"I see no problem." Celestia said.

"Sounds good. When is this council going to start?" Ellis asked.

"Whenever you are ready." Celestia asked. "I shall send messages to the diplomats in Canterlot."

"Sounds fine. McKenna, grab your squad and your Titan and wait for us at the village plaza. We'll pick you up."

"Alright. Heading out." Daniel said.

"Alright, Pilot." Ellis said. "Let's make a good impression."

"Goodbye for now, Captain." Celestia said.

"Goodbye." Ellis replied. Daniel put his helmet back on and walked outside. To his amusement and annoyance, several children were staring at IN in shock and wonder. A few were even trying to climb him.

"Hey!" Daniel yelled. The children looked over at him.

"He's not a toy. Not one at all. So, no, you can't climb him."

"Aww…" several of them said.

"I know, I know. Hate to break it to you, but IN here was built for war, not amusement. So, stand back."

Daniel embarked, and as the children stood back, IN raised to his full height.

"Head home, kids." Daniel said before walking off. Entering the plaza, to his relief, the Grunts had returned, and were apparently waiting for him.

"Sergeant, why aren't you at Twilight's?" Daniel asked.

"Sorry, sir." A grunt said. "The Princess said she didn't have room for all of us. So, we came back here."

"Alright." Daniel said. "We're being picked up soon. Get your things together."

As the grunts heeded his command, the sound of a Crow gunship could be heard. As it set down, the Grunts boarded it. As it took off, a Transport ship arrived for Daniel and IN. As the two of them boarded, the ship set off for Canterlot.

=================================

Celestia and Twilight, plus the Elements, appeared in a flash in the throne room. While Celestia departed to alert the various diplomats of the meeting, Twilight was starting to panic.

"This is the first council we've had with an extraterrestrial!"" she worried. "What if something goes wrong?"

"We'll be fine." Applejack said. "I don't think we need to worry."

"As long as they don't do anything suspicious…" Rainbow said.

"Rainbow? Really?" Rarity asked. "You said "truce"."

"Right…" Rainbow said.

"Try to keep that in check, Rainbow." Twilight said. "This is a historical moment. Anyway, let's head to the council room."

As they walked to it, they looked down into the entrance hall below, where various members of the species on Equis were heading in, Twilight sighed.

"Let's hope nothing bad happens…" she said quietly. Then, the roar of engines alerted her to the Crow and Transport ship that were landing on a balcony near them. As the doors opened, Captain Ellis, flanked by a Grunt squad, Daniel, and Kelly walked over.

"Hello there." Ellis said. "We ready to start?"

"Just waiting for everyone else to arrive." Celestia said, walking in. I had them take an alternate route as to not reveal you prematurely."

"Fine." Ellis said. "I figure those doors could accommodate your Titan, McKenna. Have it on Guard mode for now."

"Yessir." Daniel said, tapping his wrist-pad, Twilight looked in briefly.

"The diplomats are here." Twilight said.

"Let's get to it, then." Daniel said. As they prepared themselves to enter, Ellis smiled.

"Here goes."

Author's Notes:

Update!

Edit-Yes, often I have read stories where there are emissaries from the different races in Canterlot. So, why not now?

Chapter 7-Fools of Fate

As Ellis walked in, flanked by Daniel and Kelly, the various ambassadors murmured to themselves. Ellis took the podium, and the pilots took up positions on his left and right sides. Daniel scanned the room, identifying the various ambassadors. There were three dragons, two Griffons, several Diamond Dogs, A Minotaur, three Stag deer, a few Zebras, and finally, a creature that looked like a bug and pony hybrid, only it was colored a brilliant orange. Ellis cleared his throat, and began to speak.

"Greetings, all." Ellis spoke. "My name is James Cameron Ellis. Captain of the MCS Baron, Frontier Militia Fleet, Human race. The ones to my side are Daniel McKenna, and Kelly Anderson. For those who do not know how we have arrived on your world, allow me to tell you. A malfunction in our warp core brought us here, and for the moment, we are stranded. Our ship's main generators were damaged, and such, rendered us flightless. We crashed just outside the Equestrian town of Ponyville, and have made peaceful contact with the Equestrians."

Ellis paused slightly before speaking again.

"Allow me a bit of a history lesson, to understand our current situation.. The Frontier Militia was formed in response to martial takeovers by a business conglomerate known as the IMC. When peaceful protests on the world of Harmony were brutally crushed by IMC forces, the Militia arose to free the Frontier from IMC control. We've been fighting hard, but we still have a long way to go. Our only fear is that the IMC is still hunting us, and a specific human aboard our ship. If that happens, we will fight to defend this world and all who inhabit it. That is a promise I make to all of you." Ellis said.

There was applause from the diplomats. Ellis acknowledged it before moving on.

"Any questions?" He asked.

"Why exactly does this IMC act like how you speak of them?" A Stag asked.

"Because I've seen them firsthand." Ellis said. "When a peaceful protest was organized on Harmony, the IMC called in heavy forces to slaughter the marchers. Fifteen hundred went in, fifteen came out unscathed. All the rest were injured or killed." Ellis said. There were murmurs of shock and disbelief.

"Next?" Ellis asked.

"Why do you fight?" A Griffon asked.

"Because if we didn't, the IMC would oppress us all. They would trample on our worlds, take whatever they wanted, and kill whoever opposed them. Why do we fight, you ask? We fight because there's no other goddamn options." Ellis replied. "The IMC calls us terrorists, but in reality, we only seek freedom for the Frontier."

"These pilots." A Minotaur said. "If I may know, how skilled are they?"

"I'll let my response come from a Pilot himself. Daniel?" Ellis asked.

"I'm able to take on six standard foot soldier, or Grunts, at the same time and win." Daniel said. 'Pilots are the most feared and respected soldiers aboard our ships and in the Militia itself for a reason. And furthermore…" he said, nodding to Ellis. 'We ride on the shoulders of Giants."

Daniel pressed his wristpad, and a voice spoke.

"Titan engaging follow mode."

Then, the doors opened behind Ellis, revealing the form of IN-2632, chaingun in hand. As the Vanguard Titan strode into the room, every diplomat's jaws hit the floor in shock and wonder..

"I present to you…" Daniel said. "The Titan. This here is IN-2632, my own Titan. How are you doing, buddy?"

"Systems at optimal capacity, Pilot." IN replied. "All functions are green. Power core stable."

There were even more murmurs coming from the crowd. Ellis smiled and spoke.

"Our Titans turn pilots into giants." Ellis said. "A single Titan can turn the tide of battles. A group of Titans...well, I'll leave that one to your imagination. We've managed to develop seven kinds, including the Vanguard, the first model the Militia developed on our own, without stealing data from the IMC. Pilot's are specifically trained in order to operate Titans in battle. It's said that a battle is won when the first Titan falls from the skies."

There was a round of applause as IN engaged Guard Mode.

"However…" Ellis said. "I regret to say that I wouldn't try to make one anytime soon. In order to produce them, it requires quite a lot of technology that we haven't found anywhere in this world, such as Nuclear power and advanced Artificial Intelligence systems. Furthermore, as Titans are property of the Militia, we won't be giving them away either. Each Titan is built for war, as seeing as humanity is fighting one, we need every Titan we can get. You can reason with that, am I correct?"

There were nods of approval.

"Then, I will conclude with this." Ellis said. "Live long, and prosper."

There was a loud round of applause, which quickly stopped when IN spoke.

"Pilot, incoming object approaching current location. Analysis suggests IMC origin."

"Clear the room!" Ellis yelled as a cylindrical object slammed through the roof and into the ground. Daniel and Kelly drew their weapons and approached it, until a blue light came from the object. It then formed into a hologram of Scarecrow, which began to speak.

"Hello, inhabitants of this world. I represent the human Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation, or IMC. This world is now under our protection. As terrorists belonging to the Frontier Militia have been detected here, the IMC formally asks permission to investigate their presence. Any resistance will result in severe consequences. You have forty-eight hours to reply, or the IMC will proceed, with or without your approval. Know this…resistance is futile."

The hologram disappeared, and Ellis growled.

"Seems I spoke too soon." he said. "Daniel, radio the Baron. Tell 'em we've got company."

As the three of them walked out, followed by IN-2632, Celestia watched them leave for the Crow dropship.

"Where are you going?" she asked loudly.

"Princess…" Ellis said. "We...are going to war."

Author's Notes:

Update!

Chapter 8-Coup

Damien Children's Hospital, IMC planet Juno
Three days before IMC arrival on Equis
=======================
Angeline Dawes looked out the window of her suite and sighed. It had been three weeks since her brother left, and each day she grew more and more nervous. Then, there was a knock on the door. General Marder stepped in with a smile.

"Uncle Marder!" Angeline said with a smile.

"Hey, kid. How've you been?" he asked, sitting next to her.

"Fine. I read all my books again." she said. "How's Chase?"

Marder sighed.

"He's on mission. But he misses you very much." he said.

Angeline blushed slightly.

"I've got some news for you." Marder said. "You're going to space."

"Really?" she asked, with an excited tone.

"Yes. We're going on a trip to another planet. You'll see your brother soon." Marder said.

"When are we going?" Angeline asked.

"Soon. I've got a transport outside, with engines hot." Marder said. "Let's go."

As he moved Angeline's stretcher out of the hospital and into the Goblin dropship, the dropship took off into the skies towards an IMC capital ship waiting in orbit.

==================================

Sarah Briggs walked into the comms area of the MCS Washington and ordered a report.

"We've still got no sign from any of our rescue units looking for the Baron." A grunt replied.

"At this rate, we might as well declare "Lost with all hands." A second Grunt added.

Briggs slammed her fist on the table, shocking the Grunts.

"Keep. The. Search. GOING!" she yelled. "I know Ellis and his crew. We'll go into unexplored space if we need to."

"Yes, ma'am."

As Sarah browsed the reports from the search parties assigned to locating the missing MCS Baron, she sighed angrily.

"Ma'am, I've got something." a Grunt said.

"What do you have?" she asked, rushing over.

"About the same time that the Baron disappeared, that IMC ship we've been tracking made a warp jump to these coordinates, judging from the signature." The grunt said, pulling up the map.

"That's unexplored space." she said. "Why would the go there?"

"That's the thing. There's no known planets in that area, IMC or Militia." the Grunt replied. "It doesn't make any sense."

Sarah nodded.

"Radio the 6-4 and the Marauder Corps. We're heading out to those coordinates. Get me the Yorktown, Charlemagne, and the Hastings. We're heading out."

"Yes ma'am!"

=================
Present day
=================

As Ellis walked onto the bridge, followed by Kelly and Daniel, Kowalski walked up.

"We located an IMC ship in orbit behind the moon." Kowalski said. "It's a Battleship, Regulus class."

"So, we match them." Ellis said. "How long till they land?"

"We can't say." Kowalski said. "They have dispatched Goblins to the southern continent of Equis, but we can't pursue…"

"Sir! Second IMC ship, entering orbit!" A Grunt cried.

"Class?" Ellis barked.

"Capital!" The Grunt replied. "Heavily armed!"

"Send a distress signal, known Militia frequencies. Get all decks prepared for combat." Ellis said. "I want every Grunt, Spectre, and Pilot ready on a moment's notice."

"Yessir!"

"Daniel, Kelly, get the Equestrians on the line, tell 'em that we've got company." Ellis said. Daniel and Kelly rushed out. Ellis took the command table of the Baron and his hands gripped the rails tightly.

"We're not going down...without a fight…" Ellis said with a grave voice.

==================

Daniel and Kelly walked into Ponyville, with their Titans following them. When they arrived at the Castle, they were surprised to hear yelling.

"Those aliens brought their war here! Can't you see that they NEED to be punished, Princess?" said an arrogant, haughty voice.

"DID YOU NOT HEAR A SINGLE WORD I TOLD YOU?" Twilight replied angrily. "The Militia came here on accident. They even volunteered to defend us from the IMC! They promised that at the council!"

"And they will abandon us as soon as they start losing!" said the voice. "I do not trust them ate all. You should not either! As a Princess of Equestria, you should know where your loyalties lie!"

"And I DO!" Twilight replied. "I trust the Militia, I trust Captain Ellis, and I trust they will protect us! Now, if that is everything, please leave. There's the door."

"But…"

"DOOR!" Twilight yelled. The door opened revealing a white stallion wearing a smart suit. Taking one look at the two pilots, he screamed and shot a blast of magic at Daniel. Daniel dodged, and before he could react, IN had grabbed him and slammed him against the wall of the castle.

"IN?" Daniel asked.

"Protocol 3. Protect the Pilot." IN replied simply. Blueblood growed.

"Put. Me. Down. NOW!" he yelled.

"Why should I?" Daniel asked. "You attacked me. IN was only defending his pilot, and upholding one of his main protocols. I could've taken you easily, if I wanted to."

"I am Prince Blueblood of the Equestrian Diarchy! RELEASE ME!" he roared.

"You can be the prince of...My...fucking...ass…" Daniel said. "And frankly, you sir, are the biggest shitheaded excuse for a Prince that I've ever met."

"I AM ORDERING YOU TO…" Blueblood roared.

"I don't take orders from you." Daniel replied. "If that wasn't clear before, it certainly should be clear now, shithead."

Blueblood screamed in fury. Twilight walked outside and saw the scene and the crowd of ponies gathering.

"What happened?" She asked Kelly.

"That asshole attacked Daniel. IN responded accordingly." Kelly replied.

"That is correct." KT said in her slight female voice. "IN-2632 responded in appropriate means against the assault on his pilot."

"Thank you…" Twilight asked.

"My Designation is KT-4375." KT responded. "Militia Ronin Titan linked to Pilot Kelly Anderson."

"Thank you, KT." Kelly said.

"IN?" Daniel said. "Let's give the asshole a trip."

"Confirmed." IN said, grasping Blueblood and preparing to throw the pony like a Fastball.

"DON'T!" Blueblood screamed, recognizing what was going to happen.

"I'd prefer if you didn't throw him." Twilight said. "I would like to see the results though."

"Certainly." Daniel said. Blueblood stammered in shock and started to scream, only Daniel then started to laugh.

"Put him down, IN." Daniel said.

"Confirmed. Scare tactic has been effective." IN said, dropping Blueblood to the ground with a poof of dust. Blueblood looked over at IN and Daniel, who were looking down at him triumphantly.

"Boo." Daniel said.

Blueblood screamed and passed out. Twilight teleported him to Canterlot in a flash, and she sighed.

"We've already sent word that war is coming to nearly every nation on Equis. They've all mobilized their forces for regional defense."

"That's not good enough." Daniel said, sitting on IN's hand. "We need to be prepared to take the offensive if needed."

"I know." Twilight said. "Problem is, every nation is doing this in case their nation gets invaded first. They don't plan on protecting other nations should they get attacked."

"Tell them to prepare to cross borders if needed." Kelly said. "We need every army of every nation on standby."

"Right." Twilight said.

"Pilot McKenna, comms signal from the Baron." IN said. "Playing now."

"McKenna, Anderson, this is Ellis. Get back to the ship ASAP. The IMC have landed on Equis. We've got touchdown of two ships, a Flagship and a Battlecruiser."

"Can we engage them?" Daniel asked.

"We're working on restoring power to the engines and the core. So, no, not for the moment. Like I said, get your asses back to the Baron ASAP."

"Confirmed." Daniel said, embarking into his Titan alongside Kelly.

"Notify every nation you can that the war's begun." Kelly said to Twilight, who nodded. As the Titans rushed off into the Everfree, Twilight looked at the skies, still a vivid blue. She sighed and walked into her castle.

===============
Saddle Arabia, Capital of Maredina.

The Saddle Arabians stood in shock as the two massive spaceships descended from the sky and set down outside the wall of the city. As the Saddle Arabian army rushed to the gates, Salamis, the Caliph of Saddle Arabia, turned to his personal Guard.

"Get my daughter out of the city and to Equestria." he said.

"What about you, sire?" A guard asked.

"I will defend the city." Salamis replied.

=================

As a caravan sneaked out the causeway to the river, the hangar bay doors of the cruiser opened, and five Goblin dropships set down in front of the gates. As the warriors of Saddle Arabia readied their weapons, IMC Grunts and Spectres unloaded from their dropships and advanced with weapons drawn.

"Who leads your kind!?" A Guard Captain yelled.

"That would be me."

General Marder walked forward, his hand on his pistol.

"Who or what gives you the right to land outside the city?" the Captain yelled.

"By the authority of the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation." Marder replied. "This nation is now under our sovereignty and our protection. Resistance will be...crushed." Marder said.

"And what gives you the power to claim our lands so?" came the angry reply.

"This power." Marder said, drawing his pistol and pointing it at the captain. The Grunts and Spectres aimed their own weapons at the guards, who stayed stalwart and stone faced.

"You've got guts, my friend." Marder said. "But guts alone won't save you."

"Why is that?" the Captain replied.

"This."

An IMC Legion Titan approached, Predator Cannon spinning and ready to fire. Marder turned and started to walk away.

"Cut them down." Marder said as the IMC opened fire, cutting down the guard with ruthless efficiency. As the Grunts advanced into the city, a two-sailed vessel entered the Continental Sea, heading towards Equestria.

Author's Notes:

Update!

Yeah, the IMC just took over Saddle Arabia.

I just did that.

Chapter 9-Extraction

As the sun rose over Canterlot, Twilight woke from her sleep to a knock on her door.

"Princess!" came a guard's voice.

"What is it?" She replied.

"Princesses Celestia and Luna request your presence in the throne room immediately."

"I'll be right there." Twilight said, grabbing Spike and making her way to the throne room, where Celestia and Luna, with a platoon of guards, waited for her.

"A two-sailed vessel is approaching Canterlot, with sails full. It is Saddle Arabian in design. We are going to intercept them when they land and ask of their reasons for entering our waters. Be on your guard, everypony." Celestia said. As the guards walked out in formation, Celestia, Twilight, and Luna followed them to the docks, where the ship was being escorted by Equestrian Navy vessels. As it docked, Celestia spoke.

"Why have you come to Equestria?" she asked.

"Because you are the only safe haven we have." said a female voice. A Saddle Arabian came onto the deck, of about the same age as Twilight. She was clad in robes similar to that of royalty.

"Why is that?" Luna asked.

"Saddle Arabia has fallen to invaders." the mare replied. "This ship holds the last of the Saddle Arabian government, now exiled to the sea."

"What happened?" Twilight asked.

"Invaders came from the skies and claimed our land. When we attempted to dissuade them, our guards were massacred and the city of Maredia conquered. They now rule with an iron rod. They call themselves...The IMC." the mare replied.

"Oh, no." Celestia gasped. "Forgive us for our actions. You are welcome here>"

"Thank you. May we have permission to set up a government in exile?" the mare asked.

"Yes. Come to Canterlot Castle, where we may discuss this further." Celestia said. The mare stepped down to the dock, and bowed.

"I am Princess Ashra of Saddle Arabia." the mare said. "I wish we could have met under...more favorable circumstances."

"I wish that as well, Princess." Celestia replied. "Come, let's walk."

As the Saddle Arabians followed the guards to the castle, Twilight received a call form the radio she had been given by Daniel.

"Twilight, the IMC have landed in a desert south of Equestria and unloaded forces…" Captain Ellis spoke.

"We know." Twilight said. "The remaining government of the nation they arrived in just came to Equestria. Apparently they've staged a takeover there."

"Damn!" he swore. "Do you know who led the coup?"

"No. Princess Ashra didn't say." Twilight replied.

"We're coming over to find out. Expect a Crow with me and some troops soon." Ellis said, and the radio was silent. Twilight sighed and followed the guards back to the castle.

===========

As the Crow dropship set down in the Canterlot Gardens, Twilight sighed with relief at the sight of Captain Ellis, flanked by Daniel, Kelly, and a squad of Grunts.

"Twilight." Ellis said.

"Captain. The princesses and the Saddle Arabians are expecting you." Twilight said, leading them into the castle. Twilight brought them to a large meeting room, where Celestia, Luna, and Ashra were sitting, along with a map of the Saddle Arabian coast.

"Princesses." Ellis said, shaking hands with Luna and Celestia. Daniel, Kelly, and the grunts sat down as Ellis and Ashra began to talk.

"They opened fire immediately?" Ellis asked.

"Yes. They rebuffed our attempts to negotiate." Ashra said. "They cut our guards down like wheat in a field."

"That's not how most IMC operate." Ellis said. "Most IMC commanders began peaceful contact, them strike when the time is right. For them to immediately commence an attack on a native population without provocation...it's unusual."

"Sir, there's only one IMC commander who acts like that." Daniel said.

"Marder." Ellis said. "Figures it would be him."

"Can you summon reinforcements?" Ashra asked.

"We're sending out a beacon to any Militia ships that receive it, but we have yet to receive a reply. We figure they're still searching for us, but we can't be sure."

"We'll have to prepare border defenses, then." Ashra said.

"Any walls we make, IMC Titans can bring them down." Ellis said. "They're building up their strength for a massive assault, relying on numbers to break our spirits."

"Then how will we stop them?" Luna asked.

"Militia troops are the only forces that can effectively fight the IMC. We'll need to fight sparingly, as your forces lack appropriate weaponry to fight them. For example, you still use spears and swords, while the IMC uses modern firearms that can easily win any fight with one shot. Our only option is to call for help and pray to god that we get it." Ellis said.

==================================
Meanwhile, at the IMC command post in the Maredina citadel, Scarecrow walked over to the medical area, where Angeline was staying. Ever since the takeover, most citizens who resisted were silenced immediately. IMC forces were told to be as civil as possible, though some were taking advantage of their new situation, looting and stealing from the citizens. Scarecrow himself was disgusted. Walking into Angeline's room, he smiled at the sight of his sister sleeping peacefully.

"We're leaving soon." he said quietly. "I can't do this anymore."

Scarecrow walked into the deserted comms room and tapped his radio into the broadcast network, targeting a comms burst to the located Militia ship.

"To the members of the Frontier Militia currently stranded on this world…" Scarecrow said, knowing what he did was treason in the eyes of the IMC. "My designation is Scarecrow. I am a IMC pilot currently assigned to the 3'rd Battation. 5'th fleet. I am offering my services and intelligence of IMC battle plans for a mainland invasion, in exchange for safe extraction for myself and my Titan, and a civilian in need of medical attention. Please send an extraction crew as soon as possible. Scarecrow out."

Scarecrow sighed and put on his helmet, while turning the safety off his pistol. Walking into the Titan Hangar bay, he looked up at his Legion Titan, RC-0139.

"Greetings, Pilot." RC said.

"Hey...Listen, RC. Get ready. We're deserting the IMC."

"Directives state that desertion is a crime punishable by court martial and execution if found guilty." RC replied.

"I know. I'm willing to take the risk." Scarecrow said. "Are you?"

RC was silent, then he spoke.

"I am ready, Pilot. Give the word. It is Protocol 3 of my directives."

"Great. Get ready for potential combat and contact with Militia forces at a moment's notice. And I'll see if you can remote-hijack one of those Titan Transports."

"Roger that, Pilot." RC said. "Ready when you are."

===============

As Ellis, Daniel, and Kelly returned to the Crow, a Grunt came forward and saluted.

"Sir, the Baron says they've intercepted an IMC transmission targeted to us. Open frequency."

"Let's hear it." Ellis said. Then, the transmission began to play.

"To the members of the Frontier Militia currently stranded on this world...My designation is Scarecrow. I am a IMC pilot currently assigned to the 3'rd Battalion. 5'th fleet. I am offering my services and intelligence of IMC battle plans for a mainland invasion, in exchange for safe extraction for myself and my Titan, and a civilian in need of urgent medical attention. Please send an extraction crew as soon as possible. Scarecrow out."

Ellis sighed.

"Sir?" A Grunt asked.

"Get me the Baron, now." Ellis said.

"Captain, I can't guarantee that this isn't a trap." Kowalski said. 'That pilot as assigned to kill me."

"But...on the other hand, the intel and an IMC pilot would be good help to have." Daniel said.

"I say we go in. High speed, low drag." Kelly said.

Ellis sighed after a few minutes of thought.

"McKenna, Anderson, take the Crow and this squad. Head towards that location and get this Pilot. We'll have Titan Support ready, but until you pick up this pilot and that civilian, radio silent."

"Yessir." Daniel said. "Grunts, on us!"

As Ellis stood back, the Crow ascended into the sky.

"Good luck. You'll damn well need it." Ellis said, heading back inside.

===========

"What?" Celestia asked. Ellis had just informed them of the operation, and suffice to say, Celestia was worried.

"This could be a trap, captain." Luna said.

"Or, a good opportunity to learn more about our opponents." Ellis said. "If this transmission is true, we have a pilot that knows significant IMC intel practically begging us to come get him. A civilian in need of medical attention may be tough to deal with, but we have plenty of facilities aboard the Baron."

"Then you'll need a way in." Ashra said. "I know just how to get you into that castle undetected."

"Show me." Ellis said.

"There's a trench cistern running out of the castle into the sea. That's the route my ship took for the escape. It leads directly into a shipyard underneath the castle. It was designed as an emergency escape route for a siege."

"Can it be detected?" Ellis asked.

"The trench would mask any any attempts to find your troops." Ashra replied. "It is a perfect way to get in and out."

"I'll radio the Crow." Ellis said.

================

"Copy, captain. We'll try it out. McKenna out." Daniel said. As he loaded his suppressed R201C, he looked out the main cockpit window at the rapidly approaching castle.

"Get ready, we're heading in." Daniel said. The grunts nodded and loaded their weapons in response.

"Going radio silent in three...two...one...now." the pilot said, disabling the communications so they wouldn't be detected. As the Crow entered the shipyard, it set down, deploying Daniel and Kelly.

"We'll see you on the far side!" the pilot yelled before the Crow flew out of the cistern. Daniel tapped his radio into the IMC comms, and nodded to Kelly. As they entered the castle, the two pilots activated their cloaks.

"Where'd that pilot tell us to meet him?" Kelly whispered.

"Let's see if we can find out." Daniel said, patching into the radio.

"General, we haven't had any response from Scarecrow. Last I checked he was heading towards the medical area." said an IMC grunt.

"Send someone to pick him up." Marder replied. "I can't have any breaches when there's a war going on."

"Let's go!" Daniel said, as they rappelled to the roof using Grappling hooks and headed towards a building painted with a red cross. Then, Daniel saw three blue flashes come from a suite near them. They approached cautiously, nearing the window. To the pilots' surprise, an IMC pilot was waiting for them, along with a small girl in a stretcher.

"You're Scarecrow?" Daniel asked.

"Yes. Where's the extraction?" Scarecrow replied.

"Follow us." Kelly said. "It's not far."

"Let's move." Scarecrow said, picking the girl up in his arms and following the pilots to the cistern entrance.

"Sir!"

An IMC grunt came forward.

"General Marder needs to see you." he said.

"Thanks." Scarecrow said, before he slammed the grunt into the wall and knocked him out. Scarecrow then smashed the grunt's radio.

"Let's go. RC, meet us at the Cistern."

"Confirmed, pilot." RC replied.

"That your Titan?" Daniel asked.

"Yes. Let's keep moving." Scarecrow said. As they entered the staircase to the cistern, they entered the shipyard to an empty area.

"Something's not right…" Daniel said. Then, lights flooded the area, and several IMC grunts came out from their hiding places, and aimed weapons. Then, General Marder stepped forward.

"So, I gave you a chance to work with me, and you decided to betray me." Marder said.

"I didn't fight for you. I fought for her. Now, I'm done fighting." Scarecrow said.

"Too bad." Marder said. "Prepare to fire!"

As the Grunts aimed their rifles, Daniel and Kelly aimed theirs, ready to die if needed. Then, a voice spoke.

"Not on my watch."

Then, the unmistakable sound of a Predator Cannon spinning up was heard. RC-0139 walked forward, its weapon ready to fire.

"Smart Core engaged." he said.

"Titan! What the hell are you DOING!?" Marder yelled.

"Protocol 3. Protect the pilot." RC said.

"RUN!" Marder yelled as the Titan opened fire, cutting the IMC grunts down with lethal force. Daniel then radioed the Crow Dropship.

"Crow, this is McKenna. GET US OUT OF HERE! We have the targets, I repeat, we have the targets!"

"Confirmed, Crow inbound."

As the three pilots took cover behind some crates, IMC heavy Grunts, equipped with Archer rockets, approached and fired. RC activated his gun shield and deflected them, while unleashing a Power Shot, blowing away several Grunts.

"Crow's here!" Daniel yelled, as he and Kelly covered Scarecrow while he boarded the dropship.

"RC, let's move!" Scarecrow yelled once Angeline was secure.

"Confirmed, Pilot." RC said as he moved towards the edge of the cistern. Then, Scarecrow tapped his wrist pad, and an IMC titan transport flew over behind RC, ready to transport the Titan.

"Shoot it down!" Marder yelled as the Grunts opened fire with Archer rockets. As RC boarded the Transport, Scarecrow set the autopilot of the Transport to follow the Crow.

"Let's go!" Scarecrow yelled as the two ships sped off into the canyon leading to the sea. Marder grabbed an Archer rocket and fired. The rocket failed to hit, instead smashing into the canyon wall, thanks to a clever maneuver from the Crow Pilot.

"Sir, should we pursue?" a Grunt asked.

"No. Let them go." Marder said. "They'll get what's coming soon enough."

================

As the Crow dropship and the IMC transport set down in the garden, the Grunts disembarked, followed by Daniel, Kelly, and Scarecrow, who was carrying Angeline. Daniel and Kelly went to speak with Captain Ellis, while the guards escorted Scarecrow to a hospital room. As he set Angeline on the bed, Scarecrow sighed.

"Brother? What happens now?" Angeline asked.

"Now...we wait." Scarecrow said. "Get some sleep, okay?"

"Okay." Angeline said, placing her head on a soft pillow. Soon, her light snores filled the room. Scarecrow removed his helmet, revealing a worn face with a black crew cut. He kissed her on the forehead before walking out.

"Cute kid." Daniel said, walking up. "Why were you carrying her?"

"She can't walk." Scarecrow replied.

"Why's that?" Daniel asked.

Scarecrow sighed.

"When she was six, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Her nerves in her legs were decaying at a rapid rate. By the age of nine, she could no longer walk. The best doctors in the Frontier and inner systems made a serum for her that slows the decay, but it doesn't stop it. Marder told me that he could cure her, but I had to become his errand boy."

"I see." Daniel said. "And...I'm sorry."

"Thanks." Scarecrow said. "What's your name, Pilot?"

"Daniel McKenna. You?"

"Chase Dawes." Scarecrow replied. "I'm eager to fight alongside you."

"Same here." Daniel said. "Let's get some rest. In the morning, let's see what the Equestrian doctors can do for her."

"Sure." Chase said. As they walked back to the Crow, Twilight walked up and told them that Angeline would be receiving priority care. Chase thanked her, and as they boarded the Crow that would take them back to the Baron, Twilight sighed as it took off into the sky.

Chapter 10-For the Common Defense

As the day rose over Canterlot, Chase woke up to a sharp jab in his side. His eyes opened revealing Daniel, who shrugged.

"Captain Ellis wants to see you. Something about getting new gear."

"Fine." Chase said as he stood up and followed Daniel to the hallway. As they walked, Daniel looked over at Chase.

"There's probably going to be a few people aboard the Baron that won't trust you. Just ignore 'em and let Captain Ellis deal with it."

Chase nodded and focused on walking past the various castle staff and guards that walked past them. They eventually entered the room where Ellis and Celestia were standing over several maps. Chase noticed a large crate in the corner.

"Chase." Ellis said.

"Captain." Chase said.

"The gear inside the crate is for you." Ellis said. "Get kitted."

Chase nodded, thanked the captain, and opened the crate lid. Inside were Militia Pilot fatigues, and a new IFF tag, tooled for a new pilot. Chase nodded, thanked Ellis, and walked into a separate room, and Chase looked over to the maps Celestia and Ellis were studying.

"What's this?" he asked.

"Our defense plans." Celestia said. "I've managed to convince the leaders of the friendly nations to allocate some troops for our own defense, but it's still not enough."

"I agree." Ellis said. 'We're spread out too thinly. Even with the tactical advantage we have, thanks to Chase's intel, we're still at a technical disadvantage."

"Very true." Chase said, walking in, his white and blue fatigues replaced with brown and orange. His helmet now had three brown stripes across the face. "We need more troops. The IMC is planning for an overwhelming strike using numbers to break our defenses."

"Then we have to hope that reinforcements get here in time." Ellis said. "Chase, go check on your sister, then we'll go from there."

"Yessir." Chase said, walking out.

=====================
As Fluttershy walked through the halls to the human girl's room, she couldn't help but shudder. Fluttershy had accepted the job of caring for the girl and helping her adjust to Equestrian society, and even so, she was nervous. She walked in and smiled. The girl was awake and looking out the window at the Canterlot skyline.

"Hello?" Fluttershy asked.

"Hey." Angeline said. "You're...the pony that supposed to help me?"

"Yes." Fluttershy said. "I'm Fluttershy."

"I'm Angeline. Nice to meet you." Angeline said, smiling. Fluttershy sat down next to her and sighed.

"You okay?" Angeline asked.

"Just nervous." Fluttershy admitted. Angeline smiled at the pegasus pony, who smiled back.

"Hey, kid."

"Chase!"

Fluttershy saw the pilot called "Scarecrow" walk over and give Angeline a hug.

"How've you been?" Chase asked.

"Pretty good. The doctors here are really kind." Angeline said.

"Glad to hear it. Fluttershy, right?" Chase asked.

"Yes?" Fluttershy said.

Chase sighed.

"I know you're scared of me, since you still think I'm with the IMC. Thing is, I deserted them and joined the Militia. There's nothing to be scared about anymore." Chase said.

"The IMC just seems so evil…" Fluttershy said nervously.

"I know." Chase said. "I couldn't stand that evil anymore. I couldn't stand the IMC in general anymore. If you don't trust me, that's alright. But there's no need to be scared."

"If you say so." Fluttershy said. As Chase said goodbye to Angeline and walked out, Fluttershy turned to the human girl, whose bright green eyes were shining.

"Well, we gonna get started?" Angeline asked.

"Sure." Fluttershy replied, taking several books out of her saddlebags.

===============

Twilight walked over to the balcony where Princess Ashra was standing, as she was staring across the ocean towards Saddle Arabia.

"Princess?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, yes?" Ashra replied.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"I am worried what will happen if the IMC cannot be defeated." Ashra admitted. Twilight nodded and sighed.

"I'm scared too. But if anything, we just have to wait and hope."

"Yes...Wait and hope." Ashra said.

================

"Commander!"

Sarah Briggs turned away from the holotable and walked over.

"We've got a signal, IMC, open frequency, targeted to these coordinates." the Grunt manning the station said. He pointed towards the origin, and Briggs smiled.

"Get us to those coordinates. We've found them. I repeat, we've found them." Briggs said. As the Yorktown, Hastings, Charlemagne, and the MacAllan II jumped to warp speed, Briggs smiled.

"We're coming for you, Ellis. Don't give up. Help is on the way."

Author's Notes:

Update!

Sorry that it's short. I needed to finish this, and I ran out of time. As they say, High school doesn't have a schedule. But anyway, A longer one should be up soon.

Chapter 11-Reinforced

As Ellis walked into the newly established command center in Canterlot Castle, he saw Chase and Daniel working with the maps alongside Twilight and Ashra. Then, he received a comms hail from the Baron.

"Captain, you there?" Came the voice of Lt. Barry.

"What is it, Lieutenant?" Ellis replied.

"We've got IMC movement towards the ocean. We suspect the attack is imminent."

"Copy that. have all our Grunts and Spectres combat ready. We can't be caught off guard this time." Ellis said. "What's our engine status?"

"We've got power restored and engines are booting up. Give engineering a little more time, we'll be airborne."

"Good. Keep me posted."

"Got it. Lt. Barry out."

Ellis walked over to Chase and Daniel, who were studying maps of the shore.

"What's up, Captain?" Daniel asked.

"The Baron is almost flight-capable." Ellis replied. "Problem is, we've got IMC movement."

"Our shore defenses are almost set up." Twilight replied. "We've set up several chokepoints."

"it won't be enough." Chase said. "We need heavy firepower to have a hope in hell of dropping any IMC armor. Having dragons on our side helps, but we need more units."

Twilight nodded. Then, the Grunt attending the radio gasped.

"What is it?" Ellis asked.

"See for yourself." The Grunt replied, displaying the radio screen.

INCOMING MESSAGE-CMDR SARAH BRIGGS, MCS MACALLAN II

"Patch her in!" Ellis yelled. The Grunt nodded and set to work.

"Got it!" he yelled.

"Captain Ellis, you there?" Came Sarah Briggs's voice.

"We're here, Commander." Ellis said.

"I knew you were still alive, you old dog." Briggs said. "How's the Baron?"

"Almost flight ready." Ellis said. "My forces are ready to go."

"Good. I've got three more ships behind me. We need a place to land. You got one?"

"The plain south of my location." Ellis said. "Be advised, we have IMC contact imminent."

"Confirmed." Sarah replied. "We'll be on station shortly."

"Good." Ellis said. "Can't wait to see what we've missed."

"You'll be surprised. Briggs out."

Ellis ended the comms, and he smiled.

"I take it your message was found?" Twilight asked.

"Yes. Sarah Briggs, the M-COR commander, found us and we have four ships full of reinforcements ready to land." Ellis said. "And just in time."

"Great." Daniel said. "Let's head outside. The show's about to begin."

============

As Princesses Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and Ashra, along with Ellis, Daniel, and Chase watched, four Militia ships descended from the skies. As they landed and set themselves down on the plain, a Crow dropship flew out of the James MacAllan II and set down in front of the balcony. Sarah Briggs disembarked, followed by a Grunt Squad, Barker, and Gates.

"Good to see you, Captain." Briggs said.

"You too, Commander." Ellis replied. "The Angel City Elites and the 6-4? You didn't tell me you were bringing them out to find us."

"We can't afford to lose anyone else." Gates said. "My pilots are ready."

"And so are mine." Barker said.

"Good to hear it." Ellis said. "Let's get introductions and briefing started. Then, we can worry about the IMC."

"Sounds like a plan." Briggs said. As introductions went around, Gates walked over to Chase.

"I've heard a bit about you, Scarecrow." Gates said, noting the dark spot on Chase's helmet where an IMC patch once was. "Seems you did the right thing."

"Maybe." Chase said. "You're Gates, right? Leader of the 6-4?"

"That'd be me." Gates said. "Let's get situated, shall we?"

"Let's." Chase said as the group headed towards the command center.

======

"We're fucked." Was all Barker had to say of the Equestrian defense plans.

"We can fight, Commander." Celestia said.

"You've never fought the IMC." Briggs responded. "They don't hesitate to execute prisoners. Most likely, they'll do everything in their power to break your morale and then move in for a kill blow."

"We're ready to fight." Twilight said. "With all due respect, this is OUR WORLD, and we're not going to let some business-suit IMC humans take it away from us!"

Briggs sighed.

"Listen, Princess. When was the last war that was fought on this planet?"

"A thousand years ago." Celestia said.

"And that thousand year gap is why you're FUCKED." Barker replied. "Your "Best troops" are still using MEDIEVAL weaponry, when even a newly recruited Grunt could kill them before they get into melee range!"

"Listen...I know that we are in a desperate, dire situation." Ellis said. "But we simply CANNOT let bickering and mistrust drive us apart! That's what the IMC wants us to do! We need to focus and get ourselves ready for war, no matter the cost."

"...You're right, Captain." Briggs said. "And I think I know who can help."

"Who?" Twilight asked.

"Grunt, get Rom3-RO in here." Briggs said.

"Yes ma'am!"

A grunt walked out, and was son replaced by a Spectre. Only Spectres didn't wear a pilot's Jumpkit and gear and had a basic holographic face on their head. He also had a small ponytail on the back of his head frame.

"Yo, bios. What can I do for you?" Rom3-RO asked.

"Who the hell are you?" Twilight asked.

"Glad you asked. I'm Rom3-RO, Recon operational military robotic operative. Most folks call me Rom3-RO, or Romero. I may be a sentient machine, but I have feelings you know. I'm also a pilot." Romero said.

"I didn't know you had him in store, Commander." Ellis said.

"He's fresh from development." Briggs said. "The techies say it took quite some time to get the Neural nodes needed for Titan combat functioning with him, but they did."

"Quite true." Romero said. "Though, I'm not as devilishly handsome that everyone thinks I should be, I'm quite a looker."

"That's high praise coming from a machine to himself." Briggs said.

Romero gave a shrug.

"Anyway, let's get to work with those bloody IMC." Romero said, looking at the map.

Author's Notes:

Yep, Cayde-6 from Destiny as a pilot is how I would describe Romero.

His design is The Stim pilot from Multiplayer.

His titan is a Tone, KV-0617.

And he's a snarky, wisecracking goofball. That's exactly why I put hiim in, by the way.

Chapter 12-Assault

Equestrian Coastline, Primary trench
Three hours until projected IMC attack
===============

As Ellis and Briggs watched Grunts unload Archer rockets and give them to various forces from Equis, Chase and Daniel approached.

"We've got the Baron airborne." Daniel said. "It's moving towards our landing site for fire support."

"Good." Ellis said. "Have Chase, Romero and Kelly meet us here. We don't have much time."

"Roger that." Daniel said, as the two Pilots walked off.

"Think these beings can hold out?" Briggs asked Ellis.

"I believe so." Ellis said, watching the Grunts instruct the various soldiers in use of the Archer rocket. "I completely believe so."

================

As the Militia soldiers and various members of other species sat in the trenches dug on the beach, the Griffons, Dragons, and Minotaurs who could use Archer Rockets lifted them up onto their shoulders. Then, a black cloud appeared on the horizon, over the sea.

"What's that?" A griffon said.

"That's the IMC." A Militia Grunt replied. "Get ready."

Then, the cloud turned into the forms of at least thirty Goblin Dropships, flying at flank speed towards the Militia lines.

"Steady…" Ellis ordered over the radio.

"Steady…"

"FIRE!"

The Grunts and Rocket-wielding members fired at once, sending a volley of rockets towards the IMC dropships. They scattered, and several dropships crashed into the ocean.

"Dragons, move in!" Briggs ordered.

Several squads of Dragons took to the air and flew off, beginning to attack the IMC Goblins with brute force and flame. Several dragons were shot down and were sent falling towards the sea, dead. As the remaining Goblins flew past the Militia lines, a Grunt grabbed the radio.

"Ellis, this is Waco 1-7. At least ten IMC dropships made it through. Requesting reinforcements."

"Roger that. Reinforcements inbound." Ellis said. As he and Briggs loaded their sidearms and boarded a Crow, the IMC Grunts disembarked from their Goblins and took up defensive formations inside a town square.

"Incoming!" A Grunt cried, as several Equestrian units advanced towards them, armed with swords and lances. The IMC Grunts cut them down and advanced into a town hall.

"Venom, Marder, this is Azure 1-5. We have secured our landing zone. Requesting reinforcements."

"Confirmed. Reinforcements incoming." Marder said. "We have good footing, Venom. Head in."

"Roger that." Said the voice of a pilot. "I'll show them what happens when you betray the IMC."

==============

As several Crows flew out towards the battlefield, Daniel, Chase, Romero, and Kelly watched their Titans being prepared for drop. They embarked, and soon, they heard the familiar voice.

"Standby for Titanfall."

Then, they felt the air rush from underneath them, and the impact of hitting the ground inside a fifty-seven ton metal war machine.

"This is Daniel, online and ready."

"Romero, all green."

"Chase, ready to hunt."

"Kelly, I'm online."

"Let's go." Daniel said as they lurched towards the battlefield, and flashes of gunfire and the flames of exploding dropships covered the sky.

"Incoming!" Kelly said, unloading her Leadwall at a hostile Brute Titan.

"Roger that!" Chase said, shooting at a Northstar that decided to get in close. Chase terminated the Pilot, and then, he heard frantic voices over the radio.

"What the hell is that?"

"Hostile Titan, unknown chassis!"

"We need backup, now!...AUGH!"

"Seems the IMC got a new Titan on the field." Daniel said. "Let's take it out."

"Roger that." Romero said. As they advanced to the radio coordinates, they were greeted by pools of green liquid and half-dissolved bodies of Militia Grunts and Equestrian species.

"What is that?" Chase asked.

"My analysis suggests it is Sulfur Osilaphate, a highly corrosive acidic material capable of dissolving through most metals." IN said. "The Chemical signature indicates these grunts were exposed immediately."

"Radio Ellis." Daniel said.

"Um, trying and failing." Romero said. "Someone's jamming our comms."

"Incoming!" Kelly said as a Stryder Titan leaped up and onto a building. It had two large chemical tanks linked to a sprayer similar to a double-barrel shotgun, and a linked fiber net rested on it's right wrist. An image of a spider rested on the nose.

"Impressed, you Terrorists?" the Titan's pilot said jauntily. "Meet the Recluse Titan. Fresh from development. I think I'll test it...one you. Spray Core, fire!"

"MOVE!" Daniel said as the Titan sent two high-pressure sprays of acid towards the four of them, and as they dodged or dashed away, the Recluse Titan pilot laughed.

"Well, 'aint this some shit." He said. "I see you're good at running. Let's see how well you fight in close quarters!"

Before Kelly could react, the Recluse titan leaped and threw a net onto her Ronin Titan, and a powerful electric shock disabled her Titan and crippled it. Then, two large swords shaped like fangs plunged into the Titan's cockpit from the Recluse Titan's own hull. Daniel, Romero, and Daniel opened fire, but the Recluse titan was faster. As it leaped away, Romero and Chase continued to fire, while IN pried open the cockpit door of the defeated Titan. Daniel saw Kelly clutching a large wound in her leg, groaning in agony.

"Get a medevac!" Daniel said, injecting her with a Stimpack.

"The wound is most likely mortal, and medical attention will only stall the inevitable." IN said.

"I don't care!" Daniel roared. "IN, get that Medevac here now!"

"Confirmed. Crow Bluebird 2-3 coming in hot." IN said.

Daniel nodded and set to work, attempting to stop the bleeding in her leg. Kelly made no attempt to speak, only moaning.

"Stay with me, pilot!" Daniel said. Then, the Crow arrived, and three Field Medics disembarked. They set to work, but after only a few minutes, they sat up slowly as Kelly breathed her last. Daniel felt tears flow down his face, as he picked up her body and set it in front of her destroyed Titan. He closed her eyes, and then removed her helmet and tags.

"Rest in peace, Kelly." Daniel said. "Take her body and her Titan's wreckage back to the Baron."

"Yessir! Ellis, this is Bluebird 2-3. Pilot casualty, I repeat, Pilot casualty. Requesting extraction crew for body and Titan."

"Confirmed."

Daniel stood back up and lowered his head, snapping a salute.

"Pilot Kelly Anderson was a brave and noble person. She will be remembered." IN said. "However, Protocol 2 must be executed. Uphold the mission."

"Roger that." Daniel said as he slipped Kelly's helmet into a storage box and followed Chase and Romero back to the battlefield. As the Crow carrying Kelly's body flew back to the Baron, night began to fall on the world.

Author's Notes:

Yep, we lost a pilot. RIP Kelly. She didn't die in vain, though. That Pilot will get what's coming, soon enough.

The Recluse Titan is one of my creations. Here are the details.

Recluse Titan
Primary Weapon-Acid Sprayer (sends a torrent of acid on each spray, requires a reload after three sprays.)
Defensive ability-Arc Net (Disables enemy movement)
Offensive Ability-Acid Shield (dissolves projectiles)
Core-Spray Core (A high-pressure blast of acid)

Execution-Disables with net, then kills pilot by plunging "fangs" into cockpit .

Prototype assigned to IMC Pilot, codenamed "Venom", known for showing no mercy to enemy pilots in combat.

Sorry this took so long. Won't happpen again, promise.

Chapter 13-Sitrep

As Daniel, Chase, and Romero boarded the Baron, their Titans were taken to the Assembly Bay for repairs and rearming, while the Pilots headed to the Bridge.

"You okay, Daniel?" Chase asked.

"I'm fine." Daniel said. "It's just…"

"Kelly?"

"Yeah." Daniel said. "She was a great Pilot. She fought with me from the Battle of Typhon to...well, here. I just can't believe she's gone. But make no mistake. The next time I see that Recluse Titan...I'm sending it to the scrap heap."

"Amen to that." Romero said as they entered the bridge. Ellis looked at them, accompanied by Briggs, Barker, and Twilight.

"What happened, Pilot?" Ellis asked.

"Kelly's dead." Daniel said. "The IMC tested a new Titan on her."

Ellis looked at Daniel, who displayed the image of the Recluse Titan on the holotable.

"The pilot called it the Recluse Titan. It's main weapon is Sulfur Osilaphate." Daniel said.

"That acid was made illegal fifty years ago." Briggs said.

"Why?" Twilight asked.

"Sulfur Osilaphate is so acidic, so potent, a single drop can burn clean through a human hand." Barker said. "It can eat through practically every substance known to mankind. Metal, Polymer, flesh, bone, anything. It's an A-Class Hazard, meaning outlawed by every ruling government in the Core Worlds and the Frontier."

"And during a raid on the IMC planet of Scythios, we destroyed the last remaining stockpile of it." Briggs said.

"Seems they made more." Romero said. "It had the capacity to use it as a main weapon in combat."

"Shit." Ellis said. "Where's the Titan now?"

"It vacated the area after it killed Kelly and KT-4375." Daniel said. "Any other new Titans we should be aware of, Briggs?"

"Only two, but we're not sure they exist. They're called Ranger and Matador." Gates said. "Some of my pilots intercepted IMC comms from Juno."

"Then we need to be ready." Ellis said. "What's the status of the invasion?"

"We've got fighting all over the southern coast." Twilight said, creating a holographic map with her magic. "Militia and Equestrian forces are reporting casualties, but the IMC's taking more. However, they're pushing us back, hard."

"We need to force them off the world before we can get them out of the system." Briggs said. "They're jamming our comms and we're jamming theirs, so neither side can call for help."

"We also need to liberate Saddle Arabia when this is all said and done." Ellis said. "We don't know if they'll conscript their army into the fight."

"Then it's settled." Briggs said. "We'll fight until the end. Pilots, get back out there. I know it might be too soon after Kelly's death, but we need everyone we can get fighting."

"Yes, ma'am." Daniel said. As the three of them snapped a salute and left, Twilight looked outside at the night sky.

===========

Aboard the IMCS Crusher, Venom disembarked from his Recluse Titan and watched his fellow Special Class Pilots, Tauros and Archer, prepare their own Titans, the new ones from development. The Matador, an Ogre model, and the Ranger, an Atlas model.

"Heard you executed a Ronin." Archer said.

"Yeah, didn't stand a chance." Venom replied. "How're ya doing, Taury?"

"Fine." Tauros replied, sheathing his machete. "BL's almost done."

"Same for RK." Archer said, referring to his Ranger Titan, RK-1039. "Anyway, let's get some sleep. Got a big day tomorrow."

"Yep." Venom said, as the three pilots laughed.

==========

Briggs watched from the window, and then heard a door open. A Pilot walked in, a female. Slim and stocky, she removed her helmet, revealing short black hair and a laughing face.

"Do you know why you're here, Sasha?" Briggs asked.

"I think I do, Commander." Sasha Voryunov, Pilot of PL-3431, a Northstar, responded with a cocky smile.

"You're fresh from the Gauntlet. But you have great potential as a Pilot. I'm assigning you to the Baron, under Daniel McKenna."

"Sure." Sasha said. "When do I meet them?"

"Tomorrow. Get some rest." Briggs replied. Sasha saluted and walked out. Briggs then turned back to the window at the explosions and rumbles of gunfire in the distance.

Author's Notes:

Update!

Here's some info.
==============
Matador Titan
Primary Weapon-Flak Cannon (Short range shrapnel gun.)
Defensive ability-Buckler Shield (Wrist mounted shield.)
Offensive ability-Airburst missile.
Core-Slam Core (A powerful body slam attack powered by overcharged thrusters.)

Ranger Titan
Primary Weapon-Phase Bow (Shoots rapid shots or precise shots.)
Defensive Ability-Bow Shield (A Reflector, takes more damage the more projectiles it deflects)
Offensive Ability-Arc Shot (A blast of Chain electricity.)
Core-Arrow Core (A massive shot that explodes after a certain distance.)

===============
Sasha Voryunov
Pilot, Cloak design, female.

A young prodigy, Sasha is young and brave. Fresh from the Pilot's Gauntlet, she's eager to please and prove herself. Her Titan is a Northstar, PL-3431. PL is quirky and such has a very light voice. She has yet to see combat outside of the simulators.

Titan nose design-A Polar Bear claw.

Chapter 14-Showdown

Sasha walked through the halls of the Baron towards the Ready Room to link up with the three Pilots that would comprise her new team, assigned to hunt down the three new IMC Titans. She shifted slightly in her Pilot Gear, knowing this would be her first squad, and her first time in combat outside the Simulators aboard the James MacAllan II. She opened the door, and saw two humans, and the Pilot Spectre Romero. The first pilot, wearing brown and grey with a yellow undershirt, walked up to her.

"You're Kelly's replacement?" he asked.

"Yes. Sasha Voryunov, Pilot, MCS James MacAllan II." she said, offering her hand, which the Pilot shook.

"That's Chase and Romero. I'm Daniel." the Pilot said. "I'm glad to have a new pilot with us, but I've been given your file. You haven't seen combat outside the sims. You'll need to prove yourself to me. You ready?"

"Always ready." Sasha said, with a determined voice. Daniel nodded and went back to cleaning his R201 carbine. Romero walked up and slapped her on the back.

"He's been in the dumps since Kelly hit the grave. Don't mind him."

"Fuck you." Daniel responded immediately, under his breath. Chase wisely decided to stay out of this fight. Sasha sighed and crossed her arms.

"Should we get going?" She asked.

"Let's." Daniel said angrily. Setting his R201 on his back, he walked out towards the Deployment Bay. Chase and Romero walked after him. Sasha was about to follow, but she looked over to see a Pilot's Helmet, with a Four-leaf clover painted on it in green, sitting on Daniel's bunk. She looked over to the tags lying beside it, which were stained with dried blood.

KELLY ANDERSON-PILOT-MCS BARON
AGE-21 SEX-FEMALE STATUS-KIA

She nodded to the tags, and rushed out to catch up with the other pilots.

==========

As the four Pilots boarded their Titans, Sasha shuddered in anticipation, knowing this was her first fight outside the Simulators.

"Pilot, your heart rate is accelerating." PL-3431, her Titan, said.

"I'm fine, Polar." she replied. "Just anxious."

"Better get ready, then." Chase said. "We're deploying now."

Sasha moved her Northstar out of the bay, following Chase's Legion, Romero's Tone, and Daniel's Vanguard. As they walked, Sasha looked around their path to see bodies strewn about from the initial IMC attack.

"Poor bastards." She said.

"Amen to that." Romero replied. "They were probably hit by that Recluse Titan."

"Most likely. Chemical signature of Sulfur Osilaphate detected." PL-3431 spoke. "Trace leads approximately 963.1 meters north-northeast."

"Let's go." Daniel said, as the Titans adjusted course to follow the trail.

===============

They eventually ended up in a forest clearing, where the bodies of several minotaurs lay strewn about.

"Who took them out?" Daniel asked.

"There are no records of IMC troops advancing this far." IN spoke.

"Then...WATCH OUT!" Sasha yelled as the Recluse Titan swept the legs out from under Chase's Legion, smashed into Romero's Tone, and pinned Daniel to the ground, before throwing the net, paralyzing Sasha.

"Time to die!" Venom called. Sasha then activated her Northstar's thrusters, burning the net and freeing her Titan. Hovering into the air, she fully charged her Plasma Railgun and fired. The shot slammed into the Recluse Titan just at the shoulder, giving Sasha the opening she needed. She dove into and tackled the Recluse, and front-flipped over it using some clever thruster movements. She then fired a Cluster Missile, which exploded right above the cockpit hatch. She then hovered again and stomped PL's foot into the cockpit itself, crushing and crippling the Titan. Sasha smiled in triumph.

"Night, night, motherfucker." she said. She disembarked and opened the bent cockpit door. Seeing Venom's still form, she bent to retrieve his radio. Then, his arm limply grabbed her shoulder.

"Not bad…" he coughed weakly. "Not bad at all, Pilot."

He gave her a weak nod before he went still. Sasha stood there in shock, then she nodded. She retrieved his Helmet Radio, then sent a Data Spike into the Recluse's datacore to recover it's technical data. After a few seconds, she ejected the spike and stood up. Leaping to the ground, she saw Daniel disembark and walk over.

"Congrats on your first kill." Daniel said, with approval in his voice. "We'll make a damn good Pilot out of you."

"Thank you, sir." Sasha said in reply. "Let's get moving. I've got his data and Radio."

"Good." Daniel said as they embarked and resumed the hunt.

================

"Venom's down." Tauros said to Archer, as they watched Venom's helmet feed.

"I knew it. Bastard was so cocky about killing that Ronin. We've still got a job to do, eh?" Archer replied.

"Yeah. Let's move, BL."

As the two of them embarked into their Titans to hunt down the Militia, the wind slowly picked up speed.

===================

"It's quiet." Romero said. True as it was, the forest clearing they were scouting was absent of wildlife or even the wind.

"Too quiet…" Daniel said. Then, a bright blue projectile shot past Sasha and PL-3431.

"Hostile Titans incoming!" Chase said as Archer and Tauros smashed through the treelines in their Ranger and Matador titans, ready for battle.

"You took out Venom. We'll make you pay for that, simple as it goes." Archer said.

"We'll see." Sasha said, starting to charge her Plasma Railgun. Chase readied his Predator Cannon, Daniel his Chaingun, and Romero his 40MM. Then, the Matador Titan made a feint for Daniel, and then slammed into Romero's Tone with brutal force. Romero's Titan fell to the ground, out for the count. Chase unleashed a volley of Predator Cannon shots, which hit but were nullified by the Matador's Buckler shield. Archer took this opportunity to fire some shots at Sasha who took to the skies to dodge them. Chase then engaged in a punch-out with the Ranger, as they struggled for the other pilot's primary weapon. Sasha landed and took cover behind a tree as Archer fired a Lightning shot, setting a few trees on fire.

"We've got a fire going!" Sasha said.

"Roger that!" Daniel said. He was currently occupied with struggling for Archer's Vortex Bow. Matador then reared back, using a boost, and then spoke.

"Slam Core ready."

He then barreled forward at high speed and smashed into Chase's Legion with a hammer-like punch combined with a tackle. Chase's Titan held, but was heavily damaged. RC-1039 spoke directly into Chase's comms.

"We are in danger, Pilot. Hull and Chassis integrity at 49 percent."

"I can see that." Chase said as he used the Predator Cannon as a brace against the Matador's heavily plated fists. Sasha then saw an opportunity. Leaping out of cover towards Archer, she boosted left and right and closed the gap. As the Ranger swung, she slipped under his punch and sent a fully charged Railgun shot straight through the Ranger's Chassis. Then, she pinned Archer's Titan with her leg, and placed her Railgun into a hull breach created by the shot.

"See ya." she said as she fired. The shot tore through the cockpit and blew out the door, sending scrap metal everywhere. She hastily took out her Railgun and fired again, distracting the Matador, who eased up for a second, giving Chase the upper hand. He activated his Gun Shield and swung the gun like a club, before unleashing a Close Range Powershot, sending the Titan to its knees. Chase stuffed the barrel into the cockpit from above and fired, gutting the Titan thoroughly. As it collapsed, Daniel helped Romero and KV-0617 up to their feet. As he and Sasha extracted the IMC Pilot's data, Daniel radioed Ellis.

"Ellis, this is McKenna. Ranger and Matador are down. What next?"

"Perfect timing. We've got reports the IMC are sending in a big push, with multiple force-conscripted units. We need all hands on deck to repel it." Ellis replied.

"Confirmed. On our way." Daniel said. As Sasha embarked into her Titan, Daniel nodded silently.

"I suggest we get moving towards our objective, Pilot. Protocol 2-Uphold the Mission." IN spoke.

Roger that." Daniel said. "Pilots, let's move!"

Author's Notes:

Update!

next chapter-The Big Push

Chapter 15-The Push

As the Titans approached the rear of the Militia lines, the sounds of explosions and gunfire could be heard in the distance.

"Pilots! Glad you're here!" A Grunt yelled as they approached. "We've got multiple IMC Stalker squads approaching! They've got local forces with them too!"

"Copy." Daniel said. "What's your status?"

"Ready to go." The Grunt replied.

"Roger that. With us, Grunts." Nick said as he and IN led the way through a hilly path.

==============

"I'll tell you guys, this is eerie." Sasha said, as PL-3431 began to hover.

"It is. Though technically, I can't feel emotions." Romero quipped. Daniel rolled his eyes.

"We've got signatures closing." Chase said. They approached a clearing to find a large squad of Stalkers lying still.

"Who took these ones out?" Nick asked.

"There are no records of Militia forces heading this way before us." IN spoke.

Then, multiple objects slammed into the ground, and bulky machines with rocket launchers immediately opened fire.

"Reapers!" A Grunt cried.

"Open fire!" Daniel cried. As the Reapers dodged and weaved while firing blasts of plasma.

"Fuckers!' Sasha cried, firing a Cluster Missile. "Where are they coming from?"

"We'll find out soon, that's for sure!" Romero said as his Tone placed a Particle Wall to shield the Grunts from the constant barrage of Rockets. Eventually, Daniel smashed the last Reaper, and all was still once more.

"Grunts?" Daniel spoke.

"We're good." The Squad Leader replied.

"Let's keep moving." Chase said, reloading his Predator Cannon. The Titans and Grunts resumed their trek, as the echoes of war were heard in the distance.

============

Daniel knew they had arrived when rockets started to explode all around them.

"Grunts! Find positions and open fire!" Daniel ordered.

"Yessir!" The Squad Leader replied. The grunts hustled away, and Daniel led the charge towards the front lines, now placed at the edge of a hill occupied by the Militia. The pilots disembarked and headed towards the Grunt Captain who was giving commands at the crest of the hill

"Pilots! Thank God you're here. We've got reports the IMC are using locals as suicide units." the Captain replied. "There's Stalkers, Ticks, even a few Reapers."

"Roger that." Daniel said. "Hold the line."

The Captain nodded and rushed off. Then, a barrage of rockets slammed into the hill, doing no damage to the Militia.

"That wasn't aimed for us…" Daniel said.

"Warning, spike in Seismic activity detected below us." IN spoke.

"Landslide!" Romero cried as the earth began to move beneath them.

"Grunts! Clear the hill! NOW!" Sasha cried. The Grunts didn't need to be told twice, and they retreated to safe ground as the hillside collapsed. Then, they heard the sound of pounding footsteps.

"STALKERS!" A Grunt cried as a horde of them opened fire. The Militia Grunts responded with a large volley, destroying many of them.

"We're outnumbered!" a Captain cried.

"Hold the line!" Daniel cried as he embarked. "Pilots, lock and focus fire!"

"Roger that." Sasha said as the Stalkers advanced. Then, the Titans fired a barrage of Rockets, Missiles, and bullets that sent reduced a large amount of Stalkers to scrap metal.

"Keep firing!" Daniel cried as the Grunts took up defensive positions. Then, Daniel heard the all-too familiar sound of Titans dropping.

"Hostile Titans!" Chase cried as multiple Brutes, a few Ions, and even a Northstar slammed into the ground. This time, the advantage swung to the IMC. The Titans were not as slowed by the mud and dirt from the landslide, resulting in their gaining ground by the second.

"We need reinforcements!" Daniel cried as he destroyed a Brute. Then he felt a colossal impact. An Ion Titan had flanked to the side and tackled IN, pinning him to the ground. Then, the pressure was lifted as a Scorch Titan of an unknown design slammed into the Ion. Triggering the Flame Shield, the Scorch's pilot melted through the cockpit door and rammed the Titan's fist through the IMC Titan's Chassis. Daniel stood in shock as the cockpit door opened, and a Pilot equipped with a Pulse Blade kit stood up.

"You guys asked for Reinforcements? Here I am. Sean Walker, 6-4, designation Wildfire, at your service. Pilot of Scorch Prime GT-5929." the Pilot said as he closed the Cockpit door. A Northstar tried to flank the Scorch, but Drew grabbed the Northstar's arm and spun it, slamming it into the ground. He then triggered the Flame Shield, and incinerated the Chassis. Daniel pulled IN to his feet.

"Good to have you." Daniel spoke.

"Glad to be here." Sean replied. "Grunts! Up to the front!"

Daniel and Sean rejoined the rest of the Pilots, who were already starting to push the IMC back.

"Alright! Grunts! It's time to finish this!" Daniel spoke. "Let's show them WHY WE FIGHT!"

As the Grunts raised a battle cry, the Titans led the way in a charge towards the IMC lines.

Author's Notes:

Update!

Yep, Sean pilots a Scorch Prime Titan. Didn't see that one coming, did you?

Next chapter-16-Valiance

Chapter 16-LZ Avalon

As the Militia soldiers, followed by the Titans, advanced through the plains, IN and Daniel took a good look around them. The bodies of Militia and IMC Grunts, the scrapped remains of Specters and Stalkers, and the carcasses of Reapers were strewn about.

"Pilot? Are you alright?" IN asked.

"I'm fine." Daniel said, though he wasn't sure of it himself.

"Your voice pattern hints at internal distress, most likely emotional." IN replied.

"Yeah, IN. I'm fine. Just a little sick." Daniel spoke.

"If you need, we can extract to the Medical facilities aboard the MCS Baron." IN said.

"Negative." Daniel said. "I know you're thinking of me, IN."

"Understood."

"Um, ground control to Daniel." Romero said. "We've almost arrived at the IMC landing site."

"Right." Daniel said. "Thanks, Romero."

As the Titans arrived at a Militia rally point, they saw Sean And GT-5929 giving orders to the Grunt squads.

"Carnivore, move up onto the left. Hound, move to the right. Rest of you, with us. Let's go!" Sean cried.

"Yessir!" The grunts chorused and they headed off to their assigned locations. IN and Daniel walked over to the 6-4 Pilot and his Titan.

"You seem to be in your comfort zone." Daniel said.

"I was a Lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade before I became a pilot." Sean replied. "Pays to know how to work with the Grunts."

"Sure looks like that." Sasha said.

"Let's get moving." Daniel said. "IN, how much further?"

"Estimated distance is .24 miles until we reach the IMC rearguard." IN spoke. "Hostile contact is imminent."

"Roger that. Let's get a move on!" Daniel said, as the Titans proceeded along a worn stone path, towards the echoing sound of guns in the distance.

========

To say IN's word that hostile contact was close was an understatement. Barely five minutes into their trek, they were ambushed by IMC Heavy Infantry, equipped with Anti-Titan Weapons.

"Fuck!" Daniel swore as he dove behind a tree to reload. "How many of these fuckers are there?"

"By my counts, pilot, we are up against minimum three hundred IMC riflemen." IN replied.

"Thanks for the tip." Daniel said as his Acolyte pod locked and fired.

"We've got more pressing issues!" Sasha yelled. "Hostile Titanfall!"

The form of three Titans, two Brutes and a Legion, appeared from the woods and promptly opened fire. Daniel and Chase dove into cover, while Chase fired his Predator Cannon.

"I don't think we've hit a random patrol!" Romero said, his Tone battling a Brute. "I thin we've found the IMC Landing Zone!"

"What makes you say that?" Chase replied.

"That!" Romero said, motioning to the large, fortified IMC mobile base on a hilltop not too far away.

"Shit." Daniel said. "IN, radio for reinforcements. We're taking that base."

"Understood, Pilot." IN replied. "However, scans indicate presence of unknown Titan Chassis."

"Roger that." Daniel said.

"How many new Titans does the IMC have!?" Sasha said as she ended the Brute she had been fighting.

"Let's not stick around to find out!" Daniel said. "Where's our reinforcements?"

"Inbound." IN said as three Crow Dropships flew in, bearing Grunts and Militia Spectres.

"Grunts, listen up. We've located the main IMC landing zone. They possibly have a new Titan, so keep your eyes up. We are taking this base, and we'll show the IMC why NO ONE fucks with us and gets away with it. Clear?" Daniel roared.

"SIR, YES SIR!" The grunts chorused.

"Let's go!" Romero said as his Tone led the charge. As soon as the squads exited the cover of the foliage, IMC Sentry Guns opened fire.

"Take those guns down! Lock Archers!" Sasha cried.

"Ready!"

"Fire!" Sasha yelled as Archer rockets hit the turrets. Then, there was a grinding sound, like metal on a whetstone. Then, a Stryder Titan took the field, with a jet-black coating of paint. The Titan had winglike covers on its arms, and it bore a long object with a glowing blue canister on the top.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Said the Titan's Pilot. "Some new Militia forces, ready to die? Let's show them what we can do, cause I want to hear you SCREAM!"

"Screech Core ready." The titan spoke as it slammed the ground, sending a titanic shockwave towards the Militia troops, accompanied by a blast of sound that set Daniel's ears on fire.

"Titan Analyzed." IN spoke. "New Titan model now designated Banshee."

"Suits it." Daniel said as his X0-16 was levelled at the Banshee Titan. "Let's fuck them up."

Author's Notes:

Update!

Stats for the Banshee Titan
Model--Stryder
Primary weapon-Particle Cannon
Secondary Weapon-Sonic Blast (A blast of sound that disorients Titans and damages as well.)
Defensive ability-Illusion (Makes an Enemy Titan see three copies, reducing ability to hit.)
Core-Screech Core (A shockwave that inflicts heavy damage.)
=========
The Banshee Titan was developed in totall secrecy on Equis, per General Marder's orders. After the demise of Ranger, Matador, and Recluse, Marder wanted a prototype Titan that could work around most of the other three's weaknesses. He got want he wanted in the Banshee Titan's sonic based weapons and advanced distortion tech, which messes with hostile Titan ocular systems, reducing effective visual perception.

Also, sorry that it's short. My Ipad ran out of battery, and such, expect a much bigger chapter next time I get to it.

Chapter 17-Killblow

As the Banshee Titan opened fire, Daniel made a mad dash for cover as the hostile Titan's Particle Cannon shredded through the area he had previously occupied.

"What the hell is that thing?" Sasha cried.

"Analysis suggests that cannon fires dangerously unstable electron particles, capable of destroying most material." PL-3431 replied.

"Roger that." Daniel said. "IN, get ready."

"Confirmed." IN replied, as he stepped into the open. The Banshee Titan looked over at him, almost as if sizing him up.

"Well, well, we've got the hero that killed Archer, Tauros, and Venom. This should be fun!" the hostile pilot cackled.

"Fun for you, or fun for me?" Daniel retorted.

"We'll see!" The enemy pilot cried, lunging forward. IN blocked the blow and attempted to spin for a downwards strike, but the Banshee Titan shoved him aside.

"Gonna have to do better than that!" The pilot taunted. Daniel picked himself up and feinted left, catching the enemy Titan off-guard. Daniel lunged, seizing the opportunity. He pinned the hostile Titan, ready to execute the pilot. Only, the pilot was ready. As Daniel eased up to punch through Banshee's cockpit, the Titan shoved IN's fist aside and flawlessly backflipped over the Vanguard Titan, readying it's Sonic Blast.

"Fire!" the hostile pilot cried. Daniel took the full force of the blast, sending IN flying into a tree.

"IN?" Daniel groaned.

"Chassis integrity at 79 Percent. Damage sustained to Chest Area and arms." IN replied.

"Right." Daniel said as Banshee advanced. IN got up and dodged the resulting Sonic Blast.

"Get this fucker!" He cried over the comms.

"Roger that." Romero spoke as he, Chase, Sean, and Sasha opened fire. The Banshee Titan then fell back.

"Fun for you this time, but there won't be a next time!" The Pilot cried as he leaped away.

"Get him! Shoot him down!" Daniel cried.

"I cannot, Pilot. He is out of range of my arsenal." IN spoke. "My apologies."

"You're good." Daniel replied. "Radio for extraction, IN. We got pretty banged up during the fight. Damage report?"

"Hull damage at 78 Percent. Ammo capacity depleted by 27 Percent. Extraction for repairs sent for." IN spoke.

"Right. Sean, take the rest of the squad and demolish that airbase." Daniel said. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Roger that." Sean replied. As a Militia Transport arrived, Daniel and IN flew off into the darkening sky.

============

As Daniel and IN arrived back on the Baron, IN walked off to receive needed repairs, while Daniel headed to the bridge. As he boarded the elevator, he sighed.

"Damn." he said quietly. As he entered the bridge, he noticed Celestia, Luna, and Ellis presiding over a holotable of the battlefield.

"Daniel, glad you could join us." Ellis said. "We've gotten word that the IMC landing zone you found was captured."

"Good to hear." Daniel said. "What's new?"

"The IMC are deploying Saddle Arabian soldiers as cannon fodder." Celestia said. "They are certainly getting desperate."

"Indeed." Ellis said. "If there's any good news, it's that we've located three more landing zones near the one we captured. The 6-4 and the Angel City Elites are fighting hard to capture them, but it's slow going."

"What about that Banshee Titan?" Daniel asked.

"Unknown." Ellis said. "We can presume it retreated to IMC lines, but we don't know for sure."

"Great. A prototype Titan on the loose, and civilian units as cannon fodder. How can this get any worse?" Daniel asked.

"Captain!" a Grunt cried from his station. "We've got IMC movement towards the southeast, near our eastern flank!"

"That's one of our most heavily defended areas." Ellis said. "Why would the IMC move there...Any civilian locations near there?"

"None, sir." the Grunt replied. "Wait, I'm reading IMC signatures towards the northwest!"

"It's a pincer movement!" Ellis growled. "Tell every Militia unit we have to prepare for imminent attack!"

"Yessir!"

"We can't hold out against an attack like that." Luna said. "We're outnumbered."

"But not out of the fight." Ellis replied. "We've got every friendly unit in the field, and we're still even with the IMC. We need something to tip the scales."

"We certainly do." Celestia replied. "But what? Every nation friendly to Equis has troops on the field fighting the IMC."

"And we've lost Saddle Arabia." Luna continued.

"Plus, we can't call for help from the fleet as the IMC is jamming our signals." Daniel said. "What can we do?"

"We fight." Ellis said. "We need reinforcements. But who?"

"Sir, I'm getting a signal I don't understand."

"Put it through." Ellis said. On the screen appeared the face of Kuben Blisk, leader of the Apex Predators.

"Blisk." Daniel growled.

"Who that?" Luna asked.

"That's Kuben Blisk, leader of the Apex Predator Mercenaries." Daniel replied. "He was an IMC officer, but he quit after the Battle of Demeter. He was on Typhon protecting the IMC Fold Weapon. They're top-shelf and extremely skilled."

"Captain Ellis, am I correct?" Blisk asked.

"Yes. What do you want, Blisk?" Ellis asked.

"I'm offering my services to the Militia." Blisk said. "I've got pilots ready and waiting."

"Why?" Ellis asked. "You were on Typhon."

"The IMC ripped me off. Since you Militia saps are keeping the IMC suits occupied, they neglected to compensate me for my services." Blisk said. "I'm ready to go. Just give the word."

"Your price?" Ellis asked.

"Revenge." Blisk said. "A bit on the side, though. Even we have to make a living."

"Whatever you desire, Mr. Blisk, we will compensate you." Celestia said.

"How gracious of you." Blisk replied. "Fine. I'll fight with you. Only because I want to see the IMC piss themselves dead for stabbing me in the back,"

"How relieving. Do you have our coordinates?" Ellis asked.

"I'm already on my way."

"Then we'll see you on the other side." Ellis said. Blisk gave a nod, and ended the connection.

"Seems the scales have been tipped." Ellis said. "Radio the field units. Tell them we have Apex Predator reinforcements inbound."

"Yessir!"

"And Daniel?" Ellis added. "Check on your Titan and head out when you can."

"You got it, sir." Daniel said. As he ran out, Ellis turned to Celestia and Luna.

"Are you sure we can trust this "Blisk?" Luna asked.

"We know the Apex Predators." Ellis said. "They fight for whoever pays them, whatever the side. As long as they do their job, I trust them."

===========

Blisk watched as his newest pilot walked forward. she was clad in a Grapple Pilot's gear, only colored tan and red. On her tan helmet was a hexagonal pattern like a flickering flame.

"You ready, Hex?" Blisk asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be, sir." Helena Sieman replied.

"Good, head to the Titan bay. We'll see you around on the far side." Blisk said.

Helena nodded and walked to the Titan bay, smiling. Blisk nodded and turned back to the space flowing past him.

Author's Notes:

Profile-Helena Sieman
Kit-Grapple
Affiliation-Apex Predators
The protege of Kuben Blisk, Helena is bright, lethal, and effective. Raised as a soldier from birth, she attracted Blisk's eye during the battle of Demeter, and quickly rose the through the ranks of the newly formed Apex Predators. Out of battle, she's witty and a jokester. In battle, she shows no mercy to her enemies.

Titan-OR-5124
Chassis-Monarch (Core-Burst Core)
Weapons-X019 Chaingun, Refurbished Slaved Warheads, Vortex Shield
Nose art-Apex Predator Logo, black and tan Titan camo.