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.