As Princess Cadance walked down the aisle, Ellis and the Pilots snapped to salute and held it until the bride reached her position next to Shining Armor. At that, they stood at attention. Celestia spoke the vows, and Spike brought forth the rings.

"Haven't seen a wedding in a while, much less a pony wedding." Chase whispered to Sasha.

"That's true." she whispered back.

"Quiet, both of you." Daniel hushed. As the bride and groom kissed, and headed to the balcony, the Pilots and Captain Ellis followed the Elements and Celestia, who were walking after them.

"Rainbow, that's your cue!" Celestia whispered. Rainbow took off and looped into the sky.

"What's she doing?" Daniel asked Twilight.

"You'll see." was the reply. At that, Rainbow performed the Sonic Rainboom, causing nearly every Pilot to flinch or gasp.

"JESUS CHRIST!" Chase cried out. "What the hell was that?"

"That was the Rainboom I told you about, Daniel." Twilight said.

"The one that breaks the light spectrum?" he deadpanned.

"Yep." Twilight said. "Only done it twice."

"With good reason, probably." Romero said. "If I had ears, they'd be bleeding."

As the Pilots laughed and headed downstairs to the gardens for the reception, Daniel sighed as he ended the recording function on his camera.

"What's that for?" Kelly asked.

"Just wanted to remember this, have some good motivation." Daniel sighed. "Also, IN asked me to."

Kelly laughed and they headed into the gardens.

=====
The reception went into full swing rather quickly, and though Princess Luna (Who had overslept) had a slight freak-out upon seeing the Militia, Celestia managed to calm her down, with minimal magical damage to the surrounding environment. Ellis and the Pilots took their seats above the dance floor, and the Pilots removed their helmets.

"Helluva night, huh?" Daniel asked Ellis.

"Indeed, Pilot." Ellis replied. "We've also been given an area to use for our outpost here."

"Where?" Romero asked.

"It's south of here, near Ponyville, where Miss Twilight and the Elements reside." Ellis said. "Apparently Celestia suggested it out of the ability to get the populace used to our presence."

"Alright then." Sean said. "Have we contacted Commander Briggs yet?"

"Already did." Ellis replied. "Wasn't too happy with the fact that we engaged so quickly, but relieved we made peaceful First Contact. She'll be here in a few days aboard the MCS MacAllan II."

"Hard to believe they'd name a ship after a ship." Sasha said. "I understand MacAllan was a hero to the Militia, but isn't one MCS James MacAllan enough?"

"MacAllan was more than a hero." Ellis said. "I had the honor of fighting alongside him in several battles during the early stages of the war. He was a natural-born leader, and everyone respected him."

"What did you do back then, at Demeter?" Daniel asked.

"I was a First Officer aboard the MCS Harvey Stone, formerly a Pilot." Ellis said. "During the battle, the Stone's bridge was hit, which killed Captain Adams. I took command and we held off two IMC destroyers until reinforcements arrived, and after that point MacAllan detonated the reactor while our forces evacuated. It hit us hard that MacAllan sacrificed himself, but after the battle, Commander Briggs heard about me, and promoted me from First Officer of the Harvey Stone...to Captain of the Baron."

"That must've been a proud moment." Sean said.

"You know it, Walker." Ellis said. "Speaking of...I'm heading over to the bar. I think we all deserve something strong tonight. However, I don't want any drunk pilots. Are we clear?"

"Sir, yes sir." the pilots chorused. Ellis nodded to them and headed out, while the Pilots headed to the bar. Not too much later, the Bride and Groom headed for their honeymoon, while Twilight and the Elements decided to head home.

"Twilight!" Celestia said, walking over.

"What is it, Princess?" she replied.

"I forgot to tell you that the Militia outpost will be outside Ponyville. Can you do me a favor, and make sure everything goes smoothly?" Celestia asked.

"You can count on it." Twilight replied. "Come on, girls. Let's head home."

"'Bout time!" Applejack yawned. "I am bushed."

"Make that two." Rainbow sighed. "I'm having trouble just staying awake."

Twilight rolled her eyes as the six of them and Spike headed to the train station.

=====

Daniel, Sean, Chase, and Romero, back aboard the Baron, headed to the dorm that the four of them shared in the Pilot's quarters. It was a small cabin, with two bunk beds, a small kitchen and computer terminal, and a bathroom with a shower. It was decorated with posters, a few pieces of furniture made in the Baron's machine shop, and a weapons rack.

"Time to hit the hay." Romero said, stretching.

"You're a Spectre, Romero." Daniel said, taking off his Helmet and placing it on a hook next to his bunk. "You can't go to sleep, you power down."

"Still counts." Romero replied as he headed to his own bed. "You know, I kinda like it here. Guess why."

"No IMC?" Daniel said.

"No war?" Chase asked.

"No chance you'll be blown up, shot, crushed, or killed?" Sean ventured.

"Nope, nada, not a chance." Romero said. "Here, I get to wisecrack both in and out of combat."

The three Pilots rolled their eyes as Romero laughed. As they dozed off, Twilight and the Elements watched the Baron, which was gently coursing across the sky towards Ponyville.

====
The next morning, Daniel and the other Pilots slept in for a bit. Daniel himself was exhausted from the reception the night before, and slowly, he groaned and stood up. Noticing Chase and Sean were still sleeping, and Romero was still recharging, he slipped out of bed for the Titan Bay. As he walked through the halls, he nodded to the Grunts in the Titan Bay as he sat down next to IN.

"Good morning, IN." he said.

"Good morning, Pilot." IN replied. "It is 0732 Hours, well past the standard Militia timeframe. Why is that?"

"We slept in." he said.

"You slept in what, Pilot?" IN asked.

"Expression, means I slept later than usual." Daniel chuckled.

"Understood."

"By the way, Indy…" Daniel said, stretching. "I recorded the wedding for you. I'm uploading it now."

"Thank you, Pilot." the Vanguard Titan said. "Though the concept of human and equine nuptial processes are unfamiliar to me, it is a new experience to see them."

"You got that right." Daniel said, sending the footage to IN's datacore. "You did get the recording,though?"

"I did, Pilot. Video duration is twenty minutes, thirty-two seconds. I will review the footage now."

Daniel relaxed as In made a bench with his right arm, and occasionally Daniel told IN what a certain word or action meant in terms to the situation. As the Pilot and Titan finished, Daniel gave a contented sigh.

"That was a fascinating display, Pilot." IN said.

"You don't say." Daniel replied. Soon after, Daniel's stomach growled, so he decided to head for the mess. Not surprisingly, Kelly and the other pilots were up and eating.

"Morning, Pilots." Daniel said, waving a hand.

"Morning!" the other Pilots replied. Daniel took a seat next to Sean, and after dropping off his Helmet, he loaded a tray and began to eat.

"So, what do we know about Ponyville?" Kelly asked.

"Small town, west of here." Romero said. "It's where Twilight and her friends live, and apparently where we'll be pitching camp."

"Sounds fun." Sasha said. As the pilots conversed, Ellis, currently in the command room, was speaking with Commander Sarah Briggs over the radio.

"You're sure we can trust them?" Briggs asked.

"I am sure, Commander." Ellis replied. "They owe us, if that's anything."

"I'm relieved to hear it." Briggs said. "What about the IMC?"

"Not sure." Ellis sighed. "The IMC does have the capability to find us, but seeing as we've got them tied up in the Frontier...we'll be fine for the time being."

"I hope so, Captain." Briggs said. "Good luck. Briggs out."

Ellis ended the connection and smiled, as he could see the Everfree Forest and Ponyville in the distance.

====

As the Crow dropships began to fly in and out of the landing zone, dropping off materials and supplies, Daniel and Kelly were standing nearby with their Titans.

"How'd you sleep, Kelly?" Daniel asked.

"Slept great. You?"

"Had to deal with Romero, but same here." Daniel replied. "So, what's on the agenda?"

"The engineers have everything handled, so feel free to look around." Kelly said. "I think Twilight's in the treehouse near here."

Daniel nodded, thanked Kelly, and IN followed him to the Golden Oaks Library, where Twilight was waiting for them.

"Twilight." Daniel said.

"Hello, you two." Twilight said. "Wanna take a look around town?"

"Sure." Daniel said. "IN?"
"A survey of the town seems like a favorable option to adjust local opinion of our presence here for the better." IN said. "I will follow your lead."

"Right." Twilight said. "This way."

====

"Nice town." Daniel said as they headed to the plaza. "How long's it been here?"

"Well, quite a while." Twilight said. "Granny Smith told me a few things when I asked. She's Applejack's Grandmother. Her family's run the orchard to the north of here for as long as the town's existed."

"Interesting." Daniel said. "If the IMC heard that, they'd want it in a heartbeat."

Twilight found herself agreeing to that. Then, Daniel heard a buzzing sound that seemed to be growing louder by the second. He then saw a small filly on a scooter, going at breakneck speed. The filly didn't see a stone right in the middle of her path, however. As the filly went flying, Daniel caught the scooter with one arm, and the filly with the other.

"Ease up, speed demon." Daniel said.

"Nice catch." the filly said. "You're one of the aliens, aren't you?"

"Yep. I'm Daniel. And what's with riding that scooter through town like a maniac?" Daniel asked.

"Well, I'm trying to get my Cutie Mark." she said.

"That little tattoo that tells your special talent?" Daniel said, having been briefed on them by Twilight. "You don't have one?"

Scootaloo nodded sadly. Daniel brought her over to a bench, IN and Twilight following.

"And I'm being teased because of it." Scootaloo said. Daniel sighed and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Sorry to hear it." he said. "Hey, you know what's important?"

"What?"

"It's not how many times you walk without falling, but rising each time you fall." Daniel said. "My dad taught me that. It means that you persevere each time you fail, no matter what others think. That is what's important."

Scootaloo smiled.

"Thanks, Mr. Daniel." she said. "I'm Scootaloo, by the way."

"Nice to meet you." Daniel said. "Hey, next time you need advice, find me. See you around."

Daniel, IN and Twilight walked off to a waving Scootaloo, and Twilight smiled at the Pilot.

"So, what's up next?" Daniel asked.

"Next is...well, I actually don't know." Twilight said. "Wanna head back to the Militia Camp?'

"Why not?"

The three of them set out, and when they arrived, Twilight saw the other Pilots waiting for them. And they did not look happy.

"We've got a problem." Sasha said with an air of frustration.

"What kind of problem?" Daniel asked. The shouting coming from within the camp answered Daniel's question. Twilight and the Pilot found Captain Ellis arguing with a white stallion in a smart suit, accompanied by three armed Solar guards.

"Prince Blueblood." Twilight said, noticing Daniel's angered and confused look. "Princess Celestia's nephew, and a total waste of space."

Daniel approached slowly into earshot.

"Prince Blueblood, I have said it many times, so I will say it again. My ship is not a marketplace." Ellis said. "No matter how much you whine and protest, I am not authorized to sell supplies nor ordinance to a species that hasn't even developed the internal combustion engine, let alone the gun itself. The supplies aboard my ship are not for sale."

"You are making a very large mistake!" Blueblood yelled. "You could make a considerable profit…"

"PROFIT?" Ellis growled angrily. "Who the hell do you think I am, a black market weapons dealer? A mercenary? I don't care about profit, as much as you don't want to believe it. I DO care about the orders I received, which is to keep all ordinance and supplies aboard the Baron for distribution to my personnel ONLY. Straight from Sarah Briggs, Commander of the Marauder Corps and the SRS."

"Now, I am giving you one minute to leave, or I will personally escort you out with force if necessary."

"This is an OUTRAGE!" Blueblood yelled. "I am the heir to the Solar Throne! I DEMAND…"

"Thirty seconds." Ellis said.

"...THAT YOU GIVE ME THOSE DEVICES IMMEDIATELY!" Blueblood continued.

"Ten seconds." Ellis said again, checking his watch.

"YOU COMPLETE…"

"Zero." Ellis said, drawing his P2016 and aiming it. "Get out."

"You cannot be…" Blueblood stammered.

"Prince Blueblood, I cannot guarantee your safety if you do not leave immediately." Ellis said, cocking his pistol. "Leave."

"Are you threatening me?" Blueblood growled.

"Yes, I am." Ellis said. "Leave now, or I WILL consider you a threat."

"I'm so scared!" Blueblood mocked, getting in Ellis's face. "You mangy little…"

Ellis punched Blueblood in the cheek, sending him to the ground. Blueblood felt the blood running from his broken muzzle.

"You hit me." he whimpered. Ellis pointed his sidearm at the downed pony.

"I did. And It won't be long before I shoot you. Leave, or I'll make you leave." Ellis said, his authority clear. Blueblood got to his feet, spat, and teleported away with a flash. Ellis holstered his sidearm and turned to the Guards.

"I'm sorry you good folks had to see that." Ellis said. "My apologies."

The lead guard burst out laughing.

"Sir?" Ellis asked, confused. The guard composed himself before continuing.

"I can't thank you enough!" the guard said. "We all know Prince Blueblood is a total jerk, and believe me, every Guard wants to tell him off every time he gets one of his harebrained schemes. But sir, that was probably the coolest thing I've ever seen in my life!"

"Well, thank you." Ellis said. "Can you make sure Princess Celestia knows about this incident, and what truly happened?"

"You got it." the Guard said. "You've earned my respect, and I'm pretty damn sure once the word gets out, the respect of the Whole Solar Guard. We'll head back to Canterlot immediately, and we'll make sure Blueblood experiences as many delays as possible while getting to Celestia."

"Thank you." Ellis said. The Guards saluted before one of them, a unicorn, teleported them away. Ellis sighed and looked at Daniel.

"Sir, remind me NEVER to piss you off." Daniel said.

"I was a Pilot once, McKenna." Ellis said. "I've still got some of my old skills."

"I didn't know you were a Pilot." Twilight said, walking up.

"I was wounded pretty badly during one mission." Ellis said. "I misjudged a jump and broke a few bones. I was relieved from Combat duty and assigned to the Harvey Stone. Anyway, let's get some rest, Pilot. I have a feeling we'll need it."

====
Deep Space, IMC Remnant Fleet Rally point.
IMS Olympus

General Marder walked into his office and sat down. The Battle of Typhon, not only another disastrous IMC defeat, had also nearly halved his remaining forces. And further IMC reinforcements were delayed due to space-lane raids by Militia ships. Marder sighed and opened a recent file, sent by the ARES division's Scientific Research/Development team.

General Marder,

Our scans of the energy pulse from the Pegasi-4 Cluster have paid off. We have located a world in the cluster which, apart from being most likely inhabited, seems sto emitting the energy pulses we have been tracking.

However, warp signatures from Harmony indicate the Militia have already made it there. As always, I leave this information to you.

Dr. Hayden Coleman.

Marder smiled and prepared to send his reply.

We shall proceed to this world immediately, doctor.

Keep up your good work.

Gen. Marder.

Author's Notes:

Update!