Harbor of Rostock, Germany, 2019 Anno Domini, after the events in Berlin

A flood of people. Thousands who want to get to safety. They come from everywhere, hoping that a ship or helicopter will bring them away from the horror Celestia released upon the humans. Away from the possibility to become a pony and turning against the own kind.

And yet, there are not enough ships for everyone. Daniel shivered by the thought to leave so many behind. But there was nothing he could do. Just his hope remains, that as many as possible get to the coast and the ships.

“So many...”

Daniel looked over his left side. Alica was standing at his side, her helmet off and holding in one hand and watching the march of the evacuees. He looked back at them and nods.

“There isn’t enough room for everyone.”

“Yes...” She thought for a bit before she added “But how about-”

Daniel lifted his hand and silenced her. “I know what you want to say. I played with that idea, too. And... I’m sorry. But we can’t give up our place in the choppers.”

Alica looked at him with a disillusioned expression. “But we could save so many more...”

But Daniel just shook his head. “And who protects them when we stay behind? Every nation is under attack, and we have already a high number of casualties. Now this is a ‘live to fight another day’ situation. All we can do right now it to bring them somewhere safe, and to protect them wherever we end up.”

Alica knew, he was right. She eyed the convoy again and her face became a sad look. How many they have to left behind? How many families? And what about her family? Did they make it out? Are they already newfoals?

‘Mom... dad... please, be safe.’ She heard heavy boots and as she turned around, she saw how Daniel was already on his way back to the communication tent. She put her helmet back on and followed him inside. ‘How is he doing it? How can he be so calm? I wonder if his family is already safe...’

She walked behind him. He is looking over the shoulder of an radio operator who was watching the information stream on a Pad. She saw points, squares and triangles with number- and letter code. Soldiers, tanks and aircrafts, reduced to simple numbers. This is the way how the high ranged officers see the soldiers. Just numbers. She wonders how her code looks like on the screen.

‘Maybe 1A-Bewbs.’ She hides a little giggle. She knew this is not the time for such jokes, but they help to keep the head clear. She had seen what happens to those who let their hearts drowning in darkness by the horrors of war. And she planned to not end up like them. And she have help she can reliant on. Her eyes wander to Daniel. She knew him since she had joined the Wachbataillon beim Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (Guard battalion at the Ministry of Defense) in Berlin. Not many woman can join and she was happy as they allowed her to become a member of the elite drill unit. Daniel was her instructor and after it her superior officer. For her, he was like a big brother who protects her from bad things. Who was always there when she was sorrow-stricken and needed someone to talk.

And sometimes, she wonders if...

‘No...’ She shook her head ‘He is your superior officer. That‘s not allowed...’

“How long does it takes before the next wave of ships comes?” Daniel was asking the radio operator. He looked at his clock and then at Daniel.

“They need two hours. There is a lot of traffic at the coast, and the pegasi complicate things. The navy tries her best, but they can’t protect every single ship.”

“And our allies? What about the ships from the UK and France?”

“They are busy with the protection of their own evacuation routes. Some are crossing ours, but it’s still not enough.”

Daniel gave a heavy sigh and stroke his hand over his mouth, thinking for a moment. “How are our front lines holding? What about our major cities?”

The operator’s face became an expression that showed Daniel that he hit a quite vulnerable point.

“We... The front line units doing their best but...” His voice became a whisper. “It‘s only a matter of time before the dome will hit them. And that mass of newfoals...”

Daniels hand became a fist. ‘Shit...’

“How long do you think until our cities will fall?”

The soldier swallowed dry. “I... don‘t know. Probably in days, maybe weeks. The barrier is growing. Slow, but steady.”

“Hopefully, they don‘t fall until we get as many as possible out.” Alica said. The soldier nodded at her and Daniel had his eyes closed, massage his temples with one hand.

“That means... we will fight as long as possible. Is that already cleared with the HQ?”

The soldier nodded. “Yes, sir. And they said, we have to get on the ships when the call comes in. They want to save as many of the military as they can, too.”

‘That’s what I was afraid of...’ Daniel hates it to already know the obvious. The German Army is too small for such a war. The Ponies attack with a rush tactic. Always in the offensive, holding the attacked in the defense, reducing their options. But it looks like that the attacks die down. The barrier was still a problem. He heard that some already tried to break it with massive artillery and air assaults. But nothing was able to destroy it, let alone slowing it down.

“Give me Leutnant Oscar Müller.” Daniel ordered.

“Yes, sir.”

At the southern border of Rostock, Germany, 2019 Anno Domini in the same time

“Enemies, at eleven o’clock!”

“Which one shall I shoot first?!”

“All of them!”

The Puma got jarred as the auto cannon spit fire and dead at the ponies. Their lines exploded in clouds of dust and blood, blocking the view of those behind them, but just for a moment. The next group of ponies was already galloping to the lines of the tanks and soldiers, who tried their best to stop the attackers. But it was a desperate fight.

Mueller was checking the ammo again. They already shot more in one day as they had the entire last year. Ammo became rare, and now they had to make every shot count, and sending as many ponies as possible to hell. Not long, and they have to fall back again, while the air force let their bombs drop on the ponies behind them.

He heard how the radio became alive again and a familiar voice called for him. “Kampfkatze 1-1, come in please. This is HQ.”

Mueller pressed a little button and began to speak. “HQ, this is Kampfkatze 1-2, I hear you. Come in.”

“Kampfkatze 1-2? What happen to 1-1?”

Mueller swallowed. “The Major... He fell in battle. I’m the leader of Raubkatze now?”

There was a short pause. “Understood. Request status about the front line. How are you holding up?” Daniel looked over at the monitor where he can see each tank and infantry unit on a tactic map. He saw also crosses and arrows which showed the enemy movement. And they got closer.

“We are still holding the line, but getting pushed back. Not long before we have to fall back again.”

There was a short pause again before the answer came. “Understood. How long until you have to fall back?”

Mueller waited as the auto cannon fired again and spoke into the micro as it stopped. “At least ten minutes. They attack in great numbers, and our ammo runs out. What about the resupply units?”

“The resupply unit will wait at the next defense point. It’s too hot to get to you. We have reports about ambushes behind our lines, so watch your back.”

Mueller sighed and leaned his head against the armored wall. “Understood. We will do what we can to hold them off. How is the evacuation going anyway?”

Another pause. “1-2, the evacuation is still ongoing. Just hold them back a bit longer. Good luck. HQ, out.”

Müller grunted in anger and switched back to the unit channel. “Attention, to all squad leaders of the Raubkatze! Prepare for a ordered retreat in ten minutes! I repeat, ordered retreat in ten minutes! We fall back to position November, Foxtrot! I repeat, November, Foxtrot! Come in!”

“2-1, Ten four!”

“3-1, Roger that!”

“4-1, Acknowledge!”

“1-2, out!” Mueller takes a deep breath and activated the periscope to watch the battle outside. It was the hell on earth.

Soldiers are running around, or taking cover behind almost everything they can find. Hundreds of ponies are laying around on the field, shot dead, burned or blown into pieces. Some of them still wore the clothes they had on before some pony gave them the potion. He also saw some with military uniforms. Müller turned the periscope around again. No matter what they wore, they are the enemy now. He hated it, but that was now the reality.

He spotted a line with soldiers who fired at some newfoals as they tried to rush them. They fell quickly in the barrage of gunfire. He smiled a bit as he saw how some of them began to cheer. But his smile vanished as the rifle of one soldier became a live of its own and flew out of his hand. Everyone was watching the rifle as it suddenly turned around and the muzzle pointed at the soldier. He tried to jump into cover, but he was to slow and a burst mauled his throat. The others are now very aware of the situation and cower behind the cover as the weapon fired again, missing the others just by inches. Mueller knew what is going on. “Find that damn unicorn!”

The turret swung around and Müller used his periscope. “I can’t see shit by all that smoke!” The gunner said.

“Switch to thermo!” Müller shouted. The color switched to just green, showing everything with enough temperature in red and white colors.

Müller found the unicorn first. “There! One o’clock! One hundred meters!”

“Thirty millimeter ready!”

“Fire at will!”

The tank wiggled a bit and the projectile hit the pony just one second later, penetrating his armor and dove into his body. He got ripped into pieces as the grenade exploded inside of him. Müller rotates the periscope back to the soldiers. One of them gave him a thumbs up. He counted two more who are helping the wounded.

‘Damn. That fucking ponies getting smarter.’ He wasn’t worried as he was still fighting newfoals. But now there are more of those Royal Guards between them, or using the newfoals as meat shield. It was a new tactic, let the newfoals rushing the enemy lines while the unicorns of the Guard staying behind and preparing their spells. The tank of the Major was one of the first victims. They destroyed the tracks with a spell while he was fighting off wave after wave of newfoals. But he still fought back until the unicorns managed to blow up the engine by overheating it, and gave Müller and the rest of the tanks enough time to regroup and to stop the attack. Müller, who was second in command, is now the leader of his unit. And he is going to honor his fallen officer by finishing his duty. And to bring as many of his man out of here alive as possible.

“Sir, the enemy is attacking again!”

“Then let’s roll out!” He always wanted to say that.

USS Gerald R. Ford, somewhere in the English Channel and the North Sea, 2019 Anno Domini

Stephan was watching the choppers and jets starting and landing on the flight deck. Every time a helicopter with a new load of soldiers lifts off, another one lands with soldiers, civilians and those damned black body bags. He yawned hard, holding his hand in front of his mouth. The lack of sleep showed through by every passing hour a bit more. The three hour nap in the med bay was a bit helping, but the amount of talking with the politicians and strategists made him tired. The coffee wasn’t helping anymore. IF you can call that black liquid from the military coffee. He was missing the coffee he got in Hamburg's warehouse district.

“Hey, Stephan.”

Stephan looked over his shoulder and saw that Peter approaching him. “Peter. I thought that I told you to keep an eye on Trixie.”

Peter smiled at him. “Oh, you still call her by the forename. Cute.”

Stephan quickly avoided eye contact. But Peter still saw the growing eyes and the flush on his cheeks. “She had to go through a lot in a short time.”

Peter got at Stephan’s side and crossed his arms over his chest. “Indeed. And don’t worry. I told Marco and Basti to keep an eye on her.”

Stephan raised a brow at him. “Those idiots? Why them of all people?”

“I know, they seem like total brain-dead, but they are good boys. They are just young and inexperienced. Just like you was in the past.”

“And now? Am I already one of the old guard like you?”

Peter smirks. “Today's youth. No respect for the elders.”

Both exchange a laugh. Stephan took a deep breath and looked into the distance. He spotted the next group of choppers, NH90’s, and checks his clock. “That’s our Task Force returning from France. Come, let’s hear what they have to report.”

Peter nod and follows Stephan to the landing field, avoiding the personal who is running around on the carrier. The door of the NH 90 opened and some soldiers help the rescued civilians to get out of it. A German soldier of African ancestry walked over to Stephan and Peter and saluted. “Herr Leutnant, Herr Hauptfeldwebel. Feldwebel Henning of EGB group two reports back. We saved twenty civilians from Paris. We...” He paused as some medics walked into the helicopters with stretcher and carried out the wounded and dead. “We lost six soldiers. Ten wounded. We were simply outnumbered by the enemy.”

Stephan nod and put his hand on Henning’s shoulder. “You and the others still did an outstanding job. I will make sure the fallen will get the honor they deserve.”

Henning salutes again and walked with the last transportation of wounded soldiers into the steel body of the carrier.

“We lost many comrades the past days...” Stephan sighed.

“Too many. But this is war.” Peter turned his head to Stephan. “Nothing we are not used to.”

Stephan‘s lips formed a sad smile. “I guess that’s our only advantage against Celestia’s army. We are used to war since generations, not like them with their, rainbows and magic.”

Peter rose a finger in a warning manner. “Don’t underestimate them. I talked with Trixie about the Royal Guards of Equestria. She said that they are used to war since they fought against the Crystal Empire. Learned a few tricks.”

Stephan massage his chin between point finger and thumb. “And you got that from Trixie? Do you think we can trust her?”

Peter nod. “She don’t have a reason to lie. Besides, I guess she was happy to tell me everything by her own accord as to get the information tortured out of her.”

“Good point. What was you talking about with her before she trusted you enough?”

Peter grinned and leaned his head on the shoulder. “Ooh~, Nothing special. Just about this and that, family, friends... you.”

Stephan nodded... and stared at Peter with a surprised expression a second later. “Wha... me? You know that you are not allowed to talk about me to anyone who isn’t supposed to hear it, right?”

“Don’t worry. I just told her the not top secret parts of your life. Who you are, how you got into the unit, what kind of man you are...”

Stephan sweep over his face with his palm in frustration. “And why was you telling her all this?”

“Because she asked me about you, nicely.” Peter said, plain and simple.

“...she probably just wanted to hear something that she can use against me to get a new cart.”

“Ooh, I guess not. Okay, maybe yes... but I think that she likes you. You saved her from those two assholes, and brought her in the med bay.”

Stephan shook his head. “Don’t come with that ‘white knight’ stuff. Besides, what could she see in me as the guy who destroyed her home.”

Peter walked at Stephan’s front and looked down at him. “After what I told her... A man who does his duty in the face of dead and laughs him into it when he pays you a visit and deny to come with him. An honest man who always tries his best to help the people without wanting anything in return. A leader, smart and strong with soldiers at his side who trust him and even follow him into hell and back.” He put a hand on Stephan’s shoulder. “And for her... someone who tried a long time to find his place in the world. Someone who thought to impress the people with something, to be someone else just to be noticed. Who never had the support of someone, who shows him that he don’t have to change for anyone. And now without a home to return because of the war...”

“...like her...” Stephan added.

“Yes. Do you understand what I want to tell you?”

Stephan shook his head in disbelieve. “I... I don’t know what I shall think about it...”

Peter squeezes Stephan’s shoulder a bit before he poked his forehead with a finger of his other hand. “Stop thinking...” And poked then on Stephan’s chest. “And begin to feel.”

Stephan thought about Peter’s words for a while. Then he smirked. “And that from a guy who was married four times.”

Peter laugh aloud and claps on Stephan’s shoulder. “Well, I guess you should hear to me and my amount of experience in that case. I can read the woman like a open book. The fact that I won every divorce case to my favor should be proof enough.”

“Some expert you are.” Stephan paused for a moment and spoke with a low voice. “But don’t you think that... you know... she is a... and I’m a...”

Peter smiled. “Pff. I already saw some pony and human relationships before the war. And, well...” Peter scratched the back of his head. “I had something with a pony mare for a while.”

Stephan’s eyes went wide open in shock. “Wa... you? When did that happen?”

“Let’s say, that was the reason why I lost my fourth wife.”

Stephan bowed a bit away from Peter. “You cheated your wife with a pony mare?”

“Yup. But she left me as well after she figured out that I was actually married.”

“Huh. Not that different from human woman.”

Peter shook his head. “Indeed. But even all that time I have to say... it was totally worth it.”

Stephan looked up at him and raised a brow at him. “...do I even want to...”

But of course, Peter was cutting in before Stephan could finish. “I mean, those hips, boy. That nicely formed, soft pl...”

“Alright, alright, I get the picture... one that will follow me in my dreams...”

Peter smiled at him. “Hope those will be... pleasurable dreams.”

Stephan ruffles his short hair with both hands. “Aagh! Please, stop that already.”

Peter laughed took his hand from Stephan’s shoulder and stepped at his side again. Stephan was deep in thoughts and didn’t noticed the landing helicopters of the Marines before Peter was speaking up again. “Looks like the Marines are back.”

Stephan looked at the Blackhawks who are now landing. And spotted one particular person in the door-frame at the side of the Hawk. It was Renee. He walked closer but stopped at a respectful distance to be not in the way during the landing cycle. But he was close enough to look into Renee’s face. And all he saw was pure anger. What ever happened back in France was giving Renee a hard time and was filling him with a fire what only want to destroy. Renee jumped out of the chopper and walked with big steps towards the doors which would get him into ship. Stephan and Peter almost took out their weapons as they saw how a pony jumped out of the helicopter and followed Renee. The coat is moderate cerise, the mane pale, light grayish rose, light ceriseish gray striped. On her flank are three smiling flowers. Stephan already knows that this is a cutie mark. All together, he was pretty sure that this was a mare. She almost got to Renee, but he disappears behind the heavy metal door. The pony mare sunk her head and Stephan didn’t need to see her in the face to know what expression she have.

“Peter. Take care of her. Try to figure what happened. I try my luck with the Marines.”

“Why do I have to talk with her?” Peter asked.

“Well, you said it yourself. You are good with woman and even mares.” Stephan answered with a wide grin.

Peter narrowed his eyes and walked over to the pony mare. If Stephan wouldn't be his commander...

Harbor of Rostock, Germany, 2019 Anno Domini

The attack of the Equestrian forces became weaker. The good thing is that they focused their attacks on the major cities and the leaders of each nation. The European Forces had time to evacuate the civilians from smaller towns and secluded villages around the barrier. The attack itself was still devastating in the major cities and a great number of military and civilian personnel was killed or ponified. It was too dangerous to retake those cities since the ponies outnumber the soldiers by one to ten or even twenty. Or more. An assault with armored vehicles was also dangerous since the Royal Guard showed up. They have learned where to hit a tank to stop it or even destroying it. And they learned a few other tricks, like using the weapon of a soldier against himself and his comrades. There was also a story of a sniper team which engaged a pair of unicorns of the Royal Guard. They managed to kill one of them before the other one teleported near their position and took the heavy sniper rifle out of the soldier hands with magic. The sniper sacrificed himself to give his spotter enough time to flee. No one knows how he managed to get through the enemy lines to return to the HQ.

Alica was in one of the guard towers around the HQ and lowered the binoculars. She tried to stroke the tiredness out of her eyes. The battle and the alertness was gnawing on her body and mind. Everyone have his or her limit before the body simply shut down. She hadn’t reached her limit yet, but she could feel how her eyes tried to slowly close every time she yawned.

She felt how someone was poking her arm and she turned around. There was Daniel with two cups of coffee in each hand. “Guessed you may want one.”

Alica accepts the offer and took the cup in her hand and sipped at the black coffee. “Thank you.”

Daniel drank a bit of his own coffee before he said “You are welcome.” He got at her side and leans his arms on the edges of the just above the belly high tower walls. He gazed over the people who are still walking into the evacuation zone. “May I ask what you was thinking?”

Alica sipped again on the coffee. “The same as ever. About the war. The evacuation.”

Daniel wasn’t looking at her before he finished his next sentence. “Your family?”

Alica hiccups as the liquid got in the wrong throat. “W-why do you ask?”

Daniel looked at the civilians again. “Because I was thinking about my too.”

Alice looked down at her hands and in the cup between them. “...yes.” She said, almost whispering.

“They are safe.”

Alica’s eyes became wide open and she looked straight at Daniel. “...huh?”

Daniel rose up and smiled at Alica. “You family is safe. I gave the order to look for them. They are on one of the first ships which have left Hamburg in the first hours of the invasion. They are now on their way to the UK.”

Alica hadn't moved. She still couldn’t believe that he just said that.

Her family was safe.

Those words echoed through her head again and again.

They are safe.

She knows now for sure.

They are safe.

She will be able to see them again. The tiredness vanished and she felt how some tears rolled over her face.

Her family was safe.

But why was she crying? Because she was happy. Those are tears of joy.

Her family was safe!

Her chest became warm again and she felt how she can hear heart pumped much more stronger than before. No, wait. That wasn’t her heart. She opened her eyes. She didn’t even know that she have closed them. Her view was blocked by a head of someone. She looked to the side and now she realized that she was hugging Daniel. She didn’t feel the cup in her hands, which means that she let it drop on the ground. But she didn’t care. She had something else what keep her awake. She moved her head a bit... and looked in the sad face of Daniel. She opened her arms around him and stepped back a bit.

“Daniel? What’s wrong?”

Daniel shook his head. “Nothing... I’m just happy at least your family is safe.”

Alica tilted her head a bit while her brain processed his words. “Wha... oh, no.”

Daniel turned his head away. “They... they wanted to visit me in Berlin. In the weekend. I don’t know what exactly happened but...” His words became a whimper in the end and he hide his face behind his hand. Alica still saw the tears. She waited a moment before she embraced him in her arms, leaning her head on his shoulder. She felt how Daniels tears are dripping down her neck. But she didn’t care.

Daniel was always there for her when she need him. Now she could finally return the favor.

USS Gerald R. Ford, somewhere in the English Channel and the North Sea, 2019 Anno Domini two days later

Stephan was in the gym and talked with a few Marines who returned from France. The attacks came slowly to a hold, and the Marines could have a break now since the local forces could handle it alone. They are still on alert but some are eating, others are sleeping, and others are in the gym to lose some steam.

And there was one particular soldier who was beating his comrades and others from other nations, one after another. Stephan was watching him already for a quarter-hour, and was quite impressed about his stamina. And about the merciless he shows, even against his own comrades.

“Pretty hardcore that Renee, isn‘t he?”

Stephan watched over his shoulder and eyed Peter. “He is still mad about what happened to his brother in DC. I can’t blame him. Everyone would be a little off.”

Peter nodded. “Yeah. But it’s still no reason to beat the living crap out of everyone.”

“He just need someone who helps him to get rid of his ang-” He was cut off as he heard how Renee tossed another victim over his shoulder and hard on the ground. “...his anger. And someone who will last a bit longer as those guys.”

Peter nodded in agreement and watched Renee a bit longer. Then he grinned. It was like Stephan could read his mind as he asked. “You want me to fight him, don’t you?”

“You are the best candidate for that. Or do you think you are going to lose?”

Stephan thought only for a few seconds and stared at Peter. “...get the medics here. It won’t take long.” He then doff his jacket and walked through the group of soldiers around the arena and got there as some marines helped one of their comrades up. Luckily, he wasn’t hurt bad. Just a bit unconscious.

‘This have to end before he hurts someone badly.’ Stephan thought.

“Alright, who is next?” Renee was shouting in the crowd around him. Stephan didn’t hesitated and walked straight at him, taking off his jacket. “I will.”

Renee looked over at Stephan and sized him up. “You? German, right?”

Stephan nodded. “Why? Afraid you can keep up with me?”

A loud ooh, was to hear in the circle around them. Renee snorted. “Let's get it over with!”

Stephan hold up both hands. “How about... making this more interesting.” Stephan looks over to one marine. “Do you have training knives?”

The eyes of the marine went wide open in shock, like Stephan just spoke out a dead wish. But he walked through the crowd to get some.

“Oh, CQC with knifes. Someone likes it rough, heh?” Renee remained on his place and crossed his arms over his chest. Stephan didn’t care and waits in a relaxed posture for the requested knifes. The marine returned with two just a few minutes later and offered one Stephan, who took it in his hands and examined it. It was one of the newer hard rubber knives. The edges are looking sharp, but they are dull. They can still hurt bad, if someone puts enough force in his attack.

“Ready when you are.” Renee was already in a mixed defense and attack pose. Both are standing good 10 meters away from each other. Stephan looked at him for a while, and still remains in his relaxed stance, the knife lose in his hand.

No one moved. The crowd around them was quiet and it seem like that they don’t even dare to breath before something happens. Renee was eying Stephan, like a predator his next meal. Stephan on the other hand, was relaxed and eyed him almost... bored. But with a little bit of awareness. He waited for Renee’s first move. He had time.

Renee got annoyed more and more of the waiting. ‘Why is he not doing anything? He isn’t even taking a defense position, nor is he attacking. Isn't he suppose to take this seriously?’ Renee snorted once more. ‘Screw this! If you don’t attack, I will!’

Renee stormed at Stephan. Someone shouted “Don’t fail us, man!” He don’t know who was shouting, or at who was it directed at, but he didn't care. His enemy was in front of him. A young man who don’t seem to care that Renee was going to beat the livin hell out of him.

Then it happened. Stephan was moving so fast that only trained eyes could possible see what he does. He tossed his knife at Renee. His eyes went wide and he saw almost in slow motion how the knife was flying at him. He reacted quickly and brought up his own knife. It was just in time, the flying knife hit his and flew away.

‘Damn! What is he thi-’ Renee wasn’t able to end his thought as he looked up again. He was so focused at the knife which was tossed at him, that he missed how Stephan was jumping up just a split second after he tossed the knife and hit his face with the underside of his combat boot. Renee’s body flew backward, but he didn't noticed that either. He was already knocked out by the hit and landed hard on the ground.

All was silent. Just a moment ago, Renee was almost berserk like, letting soldiers fly like dolls. Now he lays there. With a boot print on the side of his face.

“Hey, that wasn't fair!” Someone shouted.

“Yeah, you just can’t toss your knife away! It was a knife exercise after all!”

Stephan turned his head at them and smiled. “I was using the knife to defend myself. That is the point of this exercise after all, isn't it?”

“Well... yeah... but...!”

“Shut it!”

Stephan looked at Renee who was slowly standing up again.

Renee stood up, slowly shaking his head, popping his neck. He winced a bit, a smirk morphing onto his face. "That was smart...." He chuckled. All the anger gone from his eyes, a look of understanding now in place. "I see now....Round 2?"

Stephan whistles impressed. “Wow. Not many would stand up again after such a hit.”

Renee laughed a bit and plays with the knife in his hand. “My question still stands.”

Stephan smiles and holds his hand open. One soldier put his knife back in his palm. “Ready when you are.”

Both stood still for a few seconds. Then the battle begins.

Harbor of Rostock, Germany, 2019 Anno Domini, Forward Operating Base, a few minutes earlier

It was all quiet now. No screams, no gunfire, no newfoals who are talking about to help the humans and their world by ponificatthem. It was one of those raw moments of peace. The German Army is now busy with rearming, organize the evacuation new and counting their casualties.

Daniel walked along the line of armored vehicles. Soldiers and civilian employees are working on them. Many are covert in the potion and the ABC-Abwehr Soldaten (ABC defense soldiers) have begun to clean them. Others have visible cuts and dents of the weapons of the Royal Guards. They wasn’t able to penetrate the thick armor, but they mostly aimed for the wheels and other vulnerable parts. Others got burnings where the attacks of the unicorns hit them. Daniel couldn’t believe that those ponies are able to destroy even a over 60 ton heavy MBT Leopard before he saw one. The tracks have been cut by magic and the engine overheat until it have been destroyed. Daniel’s eyes focused a Boxer. All eight wheels are damaged, and the turret on top was ripped off, some of the extra armor at some places as well. He continues his walk and passed the helicopter bay where a Tiger got new short wings where the rockets and other modules are attached. The old ones are almost cut off. He already heard that the pegasi are using sharp metal pieces to fight the aircrafts. They simply toss them in the way of jets and helicopters and let them fly in them. The sharp pieces destroying the jet propulsion or they aimed for the tail rotor of helicopters. The jets are almost defenseless against that. The air to air missiles of the jets are designed to attack other big aircraft, not single pegasie. They still can attack the chariots, but they have to coordinate their attacks with the air defense on the ground, to clear a path for the jets by shooting down the pegasie. But that opens sometimes a path for the pegasie to attack the ground forces. The commanders have to decide if they want to sacrifice their ground or air forces to safe the other. A doom loop.

Daniel walked already for almost ten minutes as he found Mueller, who was talking to some officers with a higher rank as him. But that didn’t seem to stop him from showing his anger about whatever they are talking about, and the officers are walking away with shaking heads. Mueller was massage his temples, but manage a smile as he saw Daniel. Both saluted short and shaking their hands afterward. “Daniel, you old faggot. How is it going?”

“Funny, was going to ask the same. What was that just now?”

Mueller’s smile vanished and he sighed annoyed. “The boss wanted to know if my platoon and I have dismantle the gun carriage of a disabled Boxer. Can you believe that? People die out there, and they want to know if I had the time during a firefight to dismantled a gun carriage!”

Daniel shook his head. “Typical German bureaucracy. What did you expect?”

Mueller took a deep breath and recollect himself again. “Yeah, you are right... It’s just so frustrating sometimes.”

“I know. But they just do their job, like we do ours.” Daniel gave Mueller a slap on the back and added. “And you did a nice one.”

Mueller gave him a sad smile. “I just wish I could save more.”

“I do the same.” Daniel adds. “But it helps to know that they didn’t die for nothing.”

Mueller nods and looks over to his Puma tank. “Yeah. I hope so. But we going to lose anyway, right?”

Daniel’s face became depressed. “The barrier is still growing. I don’t know how long it takes before it hits Germany, but there is no way to stop it. At least yet.”

“You think there is a way to stop it?”

“No. I heard that some of our neighbors already hit it with almost everything they got. Not even a dent.”

Müller sighs. “Hope they don’t get the smooth idea to hit it with nukes.”

“Yes. Could do more damage as there already is.”

“Well, what do you think? USA or Russia?”

“... don’t know. There are a lot more states with nukes and everyone could fire the first. I just don‘t want to be there when it happens.”

“Good luck with that.”

“Well, thank you.”

Both became silent and watched the proceedings in the base.

But just until Mueller was opening his mouth again. “Sooo~ you and Alica, hm?”

Daniel faces him with a shocked expression. “Wa... how do you know that?”

Mueller laughs. “I was just guessing. I didn’t know it.”

Daniel face palms. “Damn you.”

Mueller’s smile went wider before he added, “To be honest. I saw you two in that tower as I came back.”

“The lights were out. How did you...?”

“Night vision scope.” Mueller replies.

Daniel snorted. “I... had a weak moment. And Alica was there... and we talked... and well... one thing leads to another...”

Mueller giggles. “Yeah, I saw that. Never thought that I would see the day were it happens.”

“What do you mean?” Daniel asked with a puzzled look.

“Oh, come on. You two are always together. You trained her, you was there for her when she needed one... do you need some more hints?"

“No chance to keep you silent for free, huh?”

Mueller shook his head. “Nope.”

“Okay, what is your p...”

Daniel became silent, and Mueller’s eyes became wide. They both felt it. Something epic is happening. And they are missing it.

“...Stephan?”

“Stephan.”

“...what do you think?”

“I think we should pay him a visit when we can.”

“I just hope someone is recording it, whatever happens.”

USS Gerald R. Ford, somewhere in the English Channel and the North Sea, 2019 Anno Dominae, Two hours later

“Hssss! Damn!”

“Don’t be such a girl, Renee.”

“And you don’t act like one. Where did you make your medical license?”

“In the Navy. Now shut up and let me work.”

Stephan laughs on his sickbed. “Nice to see that our medics are not the worst butchers around.”

The woman turned around and if looks could kill, Stephan would be no more. She took an ice bag from out of the fridge and pushed it rough against Stephan’s head. “Hold this.” she says with some venom in her voice.

“Agh... yeah, what I said.” He grinned at her and she rolled her eyes. “Man... why do you both had to beat each other that hard?”

Both shrug and Renee says. “It’s a man thing. You wouldn’t understand because you don’t understand how a man brains work.”

The medical officer gave him a short laugh. “Hah! As medical officer I can ask bluntly: What brain?”

Stephan looks at Renee. “Can she insult us like that?”

Renee gave him a shrug. “She is the medical officer. Her word in here is the law.”

“Damn right. Now, both of you don’t go anywhere. I have to get some new supplies for your laceration.” She walked through the door but turned around again. “And I warn you. No fights in my med bay, or I will make you both suffer. Clear?”

Both of the soldiers nod. “Yeah, yeah.”

She gave both one last glare and closed the door behind her. Stephan looks at Renee and smiles. “Damn, she got a hot temper.”

“Yeah, she always got it. Try to not making her angrier as she is already.”

“Thanks for the early warning.” Stephan said with an overtone of sarcasm in it.

Renee laughs. “How should I warn you? We both were KO.”

“Right. Still, it’s fascinating that we both managed to knock us out at the same time.”

Renee shrugs. “You was just lucky because I already fought for a while.”

“And I had a meeting with some politicians for hours. I guess we were even.”

“Whatever you say.” Renee strokes over his new scar and winced. “Damn, that rubber knifes can hurt.”

Stephan fumbles on the ice bag to get it on another bump. He sighs in relief. “Sorry about that. I guess it got a bit out of hand. How long did we fought anyway? I lost the track of time.”

Renee looks over to the clock. “...almost two hours.”

Stephan whistles. “Wow.”

“Yeah. Wow.”

Both became silent again and Renee used that time to shift around on his bed. Then he looked up at Stephan again and asked with a calm tone. “Why do you wanted to fight with me?”

Stephan eyed him and took a deep breath. “You seemed like you could lose some bottled-up energy.” He paused a minute to give Renee time to understand his words before he adds. “I heard that about your brother. And then I saw how you beat one soldier after another. And it didn’t look like that you would stop soon.”

Renee lowered his head. “And you stopped me before someone got hurt badly.”

“I just didn’t want that you become a monster, after fighting monsters.” Stephan shook his head.

“Don’t hate the ponies for what they are. Just for what they do, and those who make them doing it.”

He nods in agreement and holds his hands in front of his face and clenched them. “After I heard that about Jacob... I lost my temper... I know it was his job, he loved that girl he was protecting like a little sister.... it was just too much for one day."

“Many have lost someone they love.”

Renee looks up to Stephan. “Do you lost someone in your family?”

Stephan nods. “Yeah... many of my comrades are...”

Renee stopped him by holding up a hand. “I’m talking about your real family.”

Stephan paused. It was just for a few seconds, but Renee notice that Stephan fought with himself. “I... try not to think about them too much... I don’t know if they made it out or not. I guess that is even more worse for me.”

Renee smiled at him. “If they manage to grow you up to what you are now, then they can take care of themselves. I’m sure they are okay.”

Stephan managed to return a weak smile. “Thanks.” He thought about the next thing they could speak about, but Renee was faster.

“So~, that mare you brought on this ship... who is it?”

“Her name is Trixie. Trixie Lulamoon. She is a native Equestrian who had problems with newfoals.”

“Why?”

“She didn’t wanted to give a human that potion. They probably think now that she is a collaborationist of the humans and asked for asylum.”

“And you took her with you? You know, she could be a spy.”

Stephan shook his head and continues. “No, I don’t think so.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“...let’s call it a feeling.”

Renee raised a brow at that. “A feeling?”

Stephan nods. “Yup. A feeling.” He eyed Renee with a questioning look. “And what about the mare you brought with you?”

“You saw her?” Asked Renee back.

Stephan smiled. “It was difficult to not see her between all the humans.”

Renee sighs. “Her name is Cheerilee. She is a teacher from Ponyville.”

Stephan nod. “Are you two...?” He asked and made a gesture with his hands.

Renee looked at him for a while before he waved with his hands. “O-oh, no, no. We are... just friends.”

‘Dammit! Why did I asked him that? What the hell was I thinking?!...... this is all Peter’s fault! Him and his "Talks" about love!’

“Sorry about that.”

Renee waved a hand. “It’s okay.”

“I mean... that would be crazy, huh? We both, becoming close with them...”

“Heh, yeah...”

“Like... dating them for real... going out...”

“...true ... true...”

“Doing lovey-dovey stuff...”

“WOW, dude! ... let me stop you right there before it becomes awkward.”

“It already is.”

Both of the hurt soldiers looked at the door. In the door frame stands Peter, with both mares at his sides, with wide open eyes, like they couldn't believe what just happened.

Stephan clears his throat. “Ehm... how long are you standing there already?”

Peter smiled almost evil like. “Ooh... not long. Probably just five minutes.”

“Why do you have the mares with you?” Asked Renee.

“They heard what happened to you both and wanted to see you. I had to make some paperwork, but... heh, that was worth it.”

Both mares are looking up at him before Cheerilee trotted over to Renee and eyed his wounds. “Does... does that hurt?”

“Nah, it’s nothing. I had wor...” Cheerilee jumped on his bed and gave him a hug. “Aww, Marcus! Please, stop getting hurt!”

Renee looked over at Stephan with one particular facial expression, which means ‘You better go now.’

Stephan nods and got on his feet. He slowly hobbled to the door and smiled at Trixie. “Thanks for coming.”

Trixie smiled back. “But of course. Besides, who would be able to replace my old cart if not you?”

Stephan’s smile dropped and he rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah... let’s talk about that later.”

Trixie nods. “I’m waiting.” And walked back into the corridor. Stephan turned to Peter. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

Peter still smiled at him. “Maybe...”

Stephan raised a brow at him and shook his head. “What about our ride to a ship of our navy? Any news?”

Peter nods. “Yes. We will fly with choppers over to the F 219 Sachsen in about two hours.”

“Good. Can’t wait to get some real coffee.”

“That bad?”

“You have no idea...”

Frigate „Sachsen“-Class (124), F 219 „Sachsen“, somewhere in the English Channel and the North Sea, 2019 Anno Domini, Two hours later

The English Channel was calm this night. Just a few waves here and there, but the ship only jumped a bit because of its own speed. The 2. Fregattengeschwader (2. frigate squadron) is now on its way to England together with the evacuation fleet. The 4. is back to Kiel, to keep the military base there safe. But just as long the barrier is not going to hit it.

Stephan sighs heavy and looked up into the cloudless night sky. He sat on the helicopter port behind the chopper to relax. Away from any prying eyes. It won’t be used until the next day. He hold up a hand and he played that he catch a star between the fingers. He smiles a bit as he feels like a child again. He likes the night. Sometimes at the right places the sky is so clear that you can see even the Milky Way.

So many stars. He wonders if they have alien life just like here on earth. It can’t be that humanity is the only life that exists in that galaxy. He does not count the ponies in, because they are from another dimension, not another planet in this galaxy. Stephan was fascinated from the idea of different dimensions and how they look like. Maybe there is a Stephan just like him... no, not really like him... but familiar, and writes a story about what happens here in this world, in this dimension!

‘...I read too many Perry Rhodan books.’

Stephan looked over his shoulder as he heard hoofs on the metal of the ship.

Trixie hold still as he spotted her. But she took a deep breath and marched on. She stopped at his side. “May if I... sit down?”

Stephan nods with his head. “Sure. It’s nice to have some company.”

Trixie smiled and sat down on her plot. Stephan returned to watching the stars and she looks up into the sky as well. “Wow... I guess not even Equestria have so many stars... Luna could be jealous for your nights...”

Stephan chuckles a bit. “Thanks for the compliment. Yeah, it’s breathtaking.”

Trixie just nod. Both gazed for a while longer, enjoying the night sky and each others company. She peeked from time to time at Stephan. She tried to find the right words, but she don’t know what she could say as. “Thank you for the rescue... both times.”

“You don’t have to thank me for that. It’s my duty to protect everyone who can’t protect themselves.” He pauses for a moment. “I can’t stand it to just watch how something bad happens to someone.”

“I see...“ His voice was strong, but calm and warm at the same time, and she eyed him over and over again. She could see that he is a warrior, a protector. Her savior. She felt a little stirring of excitement in her chest and belly, and tried to ignore it. She have to focus her thoughts. There is some more she want to talk about with him. “And thank you for allowing me to walk freely on the ship... I... like not to be caged...”

Stephan smiled at her. “Understandable. The captain owns me some favors. Just try to keep a low profile.”

Trixie nods. “Will do...” She made a short pause, took a lung full of air and adds. “Apropos, owning.”

Stephan was now ripped out of his peaceful moment by Trixie. He shook his head with an annoyed sigh. “The cart?”

“Yes, the cart! You destroyed Trixie’s cart, and the Great and Powerful Trixie want a replacement.”

“And where shall I get one now?”

She looks down her nose at him. “That is not Trixie’s problem. You destroyed it. What ruffian would destroy the home of a mare like Trixie? You could have protect it too...”

Stephan didn’t paid attention to her talking anymore. He was busy with thinking how he could make her to shut up.

Trixie seem to notice it as she got on all fours and walked in front of his face. “Hey, are you even list...”

Stephan put a finger on her snout and gave her an annoyed look. “Quiet.”

Trixie blinked a few times before she started to speak again. “Don’t you t...”

Again, Stephan put a finger on her lips and shook his head. “Keep silent.”

Trixie's eyes narrowed in anger. “Hey, don’t you su...”

“Ababbab!”

“Bu...!”

“Nah!”

“...”

Stephan sighs and leans back against the helicopter. “Much better. Now, be quiet. I want to watch the stars.”

Trixie shook her head and sat down at his side again and looked in the night sky. She mumbled something Stephan could barely hear. “You don’t need ears to watch them...”

He took a deep breath and whispered a “Sorry.”

Trixie ear twitched and she turned her head at him.

Stephan turned his face at her. “Didn’t wanted to be rough at you. But this is one of the rare moments where I can relax. It had been some hard days. And it won’t be better soon.”

Trixie narrowed her head. He was right. She shouldn't insult him like that. He saved her life. She should be thankful instead to remind him of her broken cart. She let that case drop for now. She lifts her head again to watch the stars again. She even caught herself by moving a bit closer to him. He didn’t seem to mind as she almost touched him.

As she watched the stars, her mind was filled with questions. Will she see Equestria again? How long will this war last? And she asked herself if there is something she could do to help the humans. But she don’t know how. She was just a simple show mare, no warrior like him. If she just had experience in combat magic... or maybe some one who could teach her how to fight. She peeks at Stephan. Maybe she could ask him. But not today. Not in this night. Both deserved a rest from the past days, and she was willingly to take one. Maybe she could stay outside to see the sun rise on its own over the sea. A blaspheme idea, considering from where she comes from. Who knows what the next day will bring them. She was a bit sad at that thought, as she remembers a Tyrant she was running from. Because no matter how good or bad it will be for them...

The sun keeps smiling like nothing bad happens anyway.

Author's Notes:

Wow, over 8000 words... my personal best yet. My fingers need a break...