The Merry Holiday War (Warning: Has Ponies) (IC)

by **Lolder** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 3:16 pm

"What do you mean Squeeheart's capital was compromised!?" Said the Secretary of Defense.
"I mean that Poni found it." responded Greg.
"And how do you know this? We don't have much in the way of intelligence assets in those mountains." was the reply.
"You realize I am the head of Lolder's Foreign Intelligence Department?" Said Greg, trying to be patient. But the way he gathered Intel was between him and the fellows who watched the skies for a living.
"Can you be less vague?" said the man sitting directly across from Greg. The SoD was a balding man in his late 50s with a belly and jowl that hung to his knees. Weir defect, and hard not to stare at. But Greg kept his sights on the eyes of the man, and responded, simply: "No." The Secretary sighed and slouched in his chair.

The door to the conference room opened and all the people in the room turned to look at the Minister of Affairs himself entering the circular room. Sitting down in the chair farthest from the door, at the end of the long rectangular table, he said "This settles it. We're going to war."
The room filled with shouts of objection, and the Minister waited until the table quieted to continue. "Not a high-profile conventional war. We'll just insert some AST into those mountains and lend Squeeheart a hand. Some training, proper battle-saddles or whatever they're able to fight with, and evacuation assistance. With luck and the support of our Time Alliance allies, we could keep this campaign against Poni going long enough for other nations to wage a high-speed, official war and relive our troops. We insert them by HALO and don't pull them out until Poni is the Democratic Nation of Squeeheart."

The table was quiet, as everyone considered his proposition. Eventually, someone spoke up. "And if our spec. ops teams are captured, or run out of supplies?" she said. "They won't get caught, and there is enough game in those mountains to sustain them." was the response. "And short of official warfare, it's the best shot we have of helping our allies" The table was silent once more, then Greg said "It just might work."

And that is why 30 men and women of the Advanced Strike Forces ended up dropping from 30 000 feet over Squeeheart's capital city.

by **Poni** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 3:25 pm

Gresham Airfield Medical Area

The medics of Economa had Star Winger in their hands now. The fate of this small, colored pony could very well change the impact on The Merry Holiday War. If she lives, she will trust Economa and serve as their best means of communication with Squeeheart. If she dies, then Squeeheart may consider them enemies even if they attack Poni. Their first attempt at saving her only partially helped by stopping the bleeding. The insides however are likely damaged and the doctors are somewhat lacking in pegasus anatomy. Running out of options, they called in a veterinarian in hopes that maybe they could succeed where everyone else is not.

To their luck when the vet arrived, they happened to carry a chart showing pony anatomy. The bullet destroyed three rib bones and a lung. The pony herself is still alive, but having tremendous difficulties breathing. The doctors decide to inject morphine into Star Winger so they can open up her chest without her kicking around. The vet compliments it will actually be easy enough to fix the bones, and later place a cast around her body for when she wakes up. The hard part is fixing the lung. The lung itself cannot support her any longer and will have to be replaced by another lung from another pony, or by some object capable of acting like a lung. In desperate thinking, doctors rush out of the room, and come back. They have returned with a bagpipe from the military band instruments. Their chances are slim, but at this point there is no time for anything else.

The soldiers manage to remove all the metal from the bagpipe and stitch up all but the necessary holes in a shockingly short amount of time. The doctors cut off the old lung and place the bag within her. Everyone stares in patience as the life meters are still beeping repeatedly. Despite all their efforts, the meter is now flat. Star Winger didn't make it out, and now they will need to seek other means of contact with Squeeheart. Fortunately she did reveal the location of Squeeheart's capital. If they can make it over there and not get shot, there might be a chance.

Meanwhile, in another part of Gresham Airfields, Star Winger's assassin has been captured, and brought to interrogation. The woman is responsible for two deaths actually: Star Winger and the Poniian ambassador. After going through classified torture, she reveals Poni's intelligence reports stated Winter Wingers were flying from nation to nation trying to seek asistance against the Empire. Her job here was originally intended just for killing Star Winger, but the Poniian ambassador was different. He was growing a soft spot for the ponies. She and the escort feared if he didn't man up and do his job, he might try revealing information needing to be kept secret from foreign nations. Economa tried getting more information out of her, but unlike the rest of the Poni escort, she's not even a citizen; Just some mercenary they hired.

The assassin did reveal one last thing though: She knows where Poni is building their top secret weapons: An underground base somewhere South of New Nod, Poni. That is also where the majority of the pony captives are going, since East Poni happens to be perfect for farmland. Her fate and punishment though rests on the hands of Economa Incorporated now. Considering having murdered two ambassadors though, her chances are slim at best.

Pranceton Ruins

The nighttroops of Poni had been traveling for hours now and lost, thanks to a blizzard somewhere close to the campsite. The troops and their nightmares rest in front of a cave entrance when soon General Steele and his men came out of that same entrance, with a cold, crying, and tailless injured unicorn pony.

Nighttroop: My lord, sir! How did you get up here so fast?

Steele: It was hell, my comrade. Wendigos came to us at night and destroyed our campsite. Our only hope for survival was to hide in the cavern area we were keeping the ponies in. Those bastards played a trick on us to escape, and it worked. Our only hope was to blast open the entrance and travel through it. It was actually rather easy moving through those tunnels, and we even found this lost pony here! Sure is glad to be with us, and we'll finish him off if he isn't...

Technician: Sir, I have connection back. We can communicate with the rest of Poni now!

Steele: Steele looks over to the North. Ooh, that fire can't be too far from us at all, in fact I can hear others over there. Nighttroops, go over there and report.

Nighttroop: The nighttroops both go over the mountain, and both come back after a moment of silence. Sir, there are barbarians over there with advanced weaponry. They're... they're eating pony corpses, sir.

Steele: What? Those people need to be helping us capture, ponies, not eating them!

Nighttroop: Sir, I highly recommend we act friendly around them. There are three dead nightmares over there as well.

Steele: Hmm, might also be a good idea to keep this unicorn pony with a small team lagging behind in the tunnels. We don't want these guys getting any funny ideas. Do we have any wine left? I have an idea, and you technician need to show our superiors who these guys are with your camera equipment. Maybe they can later tell us who these guys are...

Of the 102 troopers of Steele's remaining army, only 75 climb up to Pranceton. The others stick around with the unicorn pony to guard them in case he tries running away again, or gets spotted by the barbarians.

Steele: Hello, hello! Sorry about that, my friends here are a little shy. No worries though, I brought plenty of wine for us to share! Tell us, what brings you to our fine Radian Empire of Poni, land of excellent wine and talented soldiers?

Poni Proprietor News

Robert Jackson: Greetings again, citizens of Poni. I am your host Robert Jackson, and this is Poni Proprietor News! On our top story tonight: The terrorists responsible for the bombings lately have finally been identified as a rebellion of ponies calling themselves "Squeeheart." Their base of operations has been revealed to be a large apple tree full of treehouses and several structures below. Poni promises to invade this area and end this Merry Holiday War by Christmas. Those farmers and factories are going to recieve a lot of pets for this holiday!

In other news over in Economa Incorporated: A criminal pony named Star Winger, responsible for taking part in multiple rebellions against Poni, has finally been reported dead. We have footage of her being shot in her sides. This isn't anything to be too celebratory about though, as Vinnie Gomez, ambassador to Economa Incorporated, was killed hours before Star Winger had been shot by Economa forces.

Now, onto sports-- Robert Jackson and the rest of Poni's television channels are cut off by LIVE video leakage of an event going on in Pranceton, Squeeheart. It is a horrible sight as Poni troopers and Khonti soldiers are both sitting around fires, laughing and drinking while eating and playing around with the remains of several dead organs. In addition three nightmares, the current national animals of Poni, are lying around dead. Everyone watching becomes greatly offended, and several are turning their televisions off in disgust by the betrayal of Poni's own troops, especially war hero General Steele.

Robert Jackson: I'm sorry about that, we have no idea what happened just now. Um, Cassandra? Could you please cut to--

We'll be back after these messages, for we are experiencing technical difficulties!

by **Squeeheart** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 4:25 pm

Maretown, Squeeheart

Maretown is a village built within a series of mountain ridges somewhere far off to the East of Pranceton. This area happened to have multiple banshees flying past it, but remains completely ignored thanks to gap generators: The only technology proving significant against the Poni Empire and their strange new friends. The gap generators were originally intended for Squeeheart's capital, but they were moved to Maretown due to the capital's apple tree being a huge obstruction. In the city hall of Maretown, Dr. Teapots, Sargeant Blitz, and Mayor Snowball discuss their next plans.

Dr. Teapots: So you mean to tell me we have until Hearth's Warming Eve to get everyone out of the capital, mayor?

Snowball: I'm afraid so. I'm also afraid they won't be evacuating. If they do this, it will only create a danger for every other village in these mountains. Their only hope is to surrender, leaving all but Maretown in ruins. We can't fight anymore.

Blitz: Sir, this is insane! We need to fight back! We have gap generators, we have Dr. Teapots, we have all these laser rifles I managed to collect from General Steele...

Dr. Teapots: And that's it save for all these radios we have, which either blast Poni propaganda or electro-swing music. It's going to take a miracle to--

Poni Empire Radio: We interrupt this broadcast for an urgent announcement: General Steele has been identified as a traitor to our country after international leakings of LIVE footage showing things we dare not elaborate on over the radio. Although we are allies with Khonti, the sick, unpatriotic acts by General Steele are so atrocious the Emperor no longer considers him a hero. Sadly, it is better for our nation if he is removed. Forever. In the meantime, everyone is to remain calm. There are rioters gathering in the streets, yes, but they are not to be concerned over. Just remain in your homes and the Empire will be sure to clean up the streets of these disturbed patriots.

Snowball: The citizens of Poni, they're up in arms!

Blitz: My goodness... Doctor!

Dr. Teapots: This is magnificent! If those rioters get out of hand, and assuming Poni hasn't removed anyone's gun rights just yet, this could force some of the military to retreat. Hmm, this gives me an idea, but it will be risky, especially for you, Blitz. I am going to create two suitcase bombs for you to carry straight into Poni. Specifically, I need you to somehow carry it from here, past those Khonti forces or over Twilight Fires, and make it to Arcadia City. You're going to fly into their ports, and blow up a few military boats.

Blitz: So this is basically a suicide mission. I assume there is a point to all of this?

Dr. Teapots: Not a suicide mission, but yes, there is a point! You see will be very little to no ponies around these boats, so when you place these suitcases around the bridges of two military ships, and activate the timers. They will blow up and create some high-powered destruction to the ships, and you will fly over to the West and then North to Equestrian States. You will have to make a very long trip back here afterwards. Once this is done, the citizens of Poni will realize no area of Poni is without ponies, and they will create large riots after this humiliating defeat from one blue, pegasus pony!

Blitz: Hmm, I'll fly over Twilight Fires, and take a laser rifle with me. let me know when those bombs are ready, so I can take off overnight unnoticed.

by **Somaligay** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 4:45 pm

somaligay attacks all u faggets with my slave army of 16 trillion nggers

by **Somaligay** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 4:47 pm

new invention faggets

he kills all ur people i win lol bye

by **Squeeheart** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 7:51 pm

The Plains of Eastern Poni

The Time Alliance managed to teleport into Poni. Unfortunately they were far away from the mountains, so far they didn't really know where exactly to go. To their luck a roaming gypsy crossed the army's way from Nightmare's Paradise, Poni in the West to a country off to the east. This gypsy gave them several spare maps in exchange for food and a magazine with naked ladies. (OOC: I don't know which nation is East of Poni because this computer I'm currently using won't let me use the map. Irony, no? Also, gypsy for the win!)

With the map, and news from the gypsy in addition to those maps, the Time Alliance knows now they're in the plains and farmlands of Poni. Off to the North is New Nod, Poni. Northwest of New Nod are the mountains Squeeheart resides in. New Nod itself is likely surrounded by Poni military forces, but due to recent events the Poni forces have been paying almost no attention at all to the plains area, preferring instead to let law enforcement handle the rest. There is one exception though: Over to the South is some military base that appears to be rather secret about it's existence. The name of this base is Area Whiskey, and not much else is known about it.

The Time Alliance has three options on where to go: They could move to New Nod and assault the city by total surprise, leaving the Time Alliance to an almost complete advantage while freeing any ponies they find along the way. They could also investigate Area Whiskey, seeing how it is so important despite offering no strategic advantage. Lastly they could assault Nightmare's Paradise, the capital of Poni. Nightmare's Paradise however does have several rumors surrounding it, including it being a fortress capable of floating (According to conspiracy theorists.).

Before taking any serious action though the Time Alliance forces decided to do some practice, by invading a farm close to the east. They win without much trouble and free twenty-four ponies from captivity. To their greatest luck, these earth ponies actually have military experience, as well as knowledge around New Nod from their former days of rebellion.

Squeeheart's Capital City

It was getting close to nighttime and Merry Yule decided it would be best for her to rest early and try fleeing the capital very early in the morning. It would be quite risky, but she has to leave before the Poni troops arrive on Hearth's Warming! Otherwise she'll become a slave, and who knows what happens to the unicorn slaves? She tried to get some shut-eye, but she couldn't. For some reason, there were ponies outside chanting and stomping their hooves in joy. Why so early for holiday celebration? She stepped outside, and couldn't believe it.

Her advisor Peacekeep had been right about waiting for reinforcements, as there are now thirty Lolderian troops standing in the gathering center of the capital city. One of the ponies pointed to Merry Yule, and the whole crowd is now demanding for Merry Yule to step down to their area and speak with the soldiers. The white pony with a red and green mane made her way to the gathering center, and greeted Squeeheart's latest guests.

Merry Yule: I didn't believe it would have ever happened to be honest, but you are here now. There are only thirty of you here though. Should there not be more troops? *Sigh* Anyways, I know this isn't much of a welcome from me, but there is simply little time left. The Radian Empire knows we're here and we will lose for sure if they get into this village. We need your help, and we need the help of others. I know of fifteen tech-savvy ponies over in Maretown who could help us out plenty. I don't know when they will be here, but it shouldn't take more than a day. When they get here they will do their best to respond to any equipment you will need.

The enemy will be coming from the South, in aircraft no doubt. Be sure to contact your superiors for anti-air support. With them and our Winter Winger pegasi, we may have a chance against the skies. My team will set up barricades along the paths to the South as well knowing they'll be bringing flame tanks. The enemies will no doubt need to cross the paths we created, so be sure to have explosives set along them. Lastly, I have an experimental enemy weapon I managed to smuggle out of Poni for one of you. Don't ask where I got this...

Merry Yule rips some boards from the floor and reveals this:

Merry Yule: If you have any further questions, feel free to ask the population around here. Oh, and don't worry about food. This tree provides more than plenty!

by **Lolder** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 8:13 pm

The Lolderian troops landed in a rainbow of mammals. The thirty of them had been right on target, and landed right in the heart of Squeeheart. However, their happiness regarding chance favoring them diminished when the candy-cane-coated unicorn trotted up and began discussing strategy in front of any number of potential spies. The worst was yet to come. Petty officer 3rd Class Dale Hunter had just preformed a High-Altitude-Low-Orbit Drop into a heavily defended country, over predator-ridden mountains and landed on target. Here was the hard part. He couldn't tell if the ponies in the square picked up on the subtle hints of anxiety from his troops, but he could see them beneath their combat armor. Muscle-clenching, shifting on their feet: those were the signs. Cleared his throat twice before stepping towards Merry Yule and saying with a regretting tone in his voice:

"There is so few of us here because our government believe that we can't stand up to Poni. Yet. They simply don't think you can win. We know that Poni found your haven, and they want us to act as damage control, evacuate you, shelter you, train you, and eventually shape you into a proper guerrilla force. We're completely cut off, as Lolder has to remain covert in this war. Officially, we didn't actually drop from who-knows-how-many-leagues in the sky. No air support, or any support actually. My thirty are all we have."

Dale had been wrong. The hardest part was waiting for the response from the unicorn who wanted nothing more that the right of every sapient creature: her freedom. Some of his men mirrored his emotions by casting their eyes to their boots. "I'm sorry." was all he could think to say.

by **Squeeheart** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 8:37 pm

Lolder wrote:The Lolderian troops landed in a rainbow of mammals. The thirty of them had been right on target, and landed right in the heart of Squeeheart. However, their happiness regarding chance favoring them diminished when the candy-cane-coated unicorn trotted up and began discussing strategy in front of any number of potential spies. The worst was yet to come. Petty officer 3rd Class Dale Hunter had just preformed a High-Altitude-Low-Orbit Drop into a heavily defended country, over predator-ridden mountains and landed on target. Here was the hard part. He couldn't tell if the ponies in the square picked up on the subtle hints of anxiety from his troops, but he could see them beneath their combat armor. Muscle-clenching, shifting on their feet: those were the signs. Cleared his throat twice before stepping towards Merry Yule and saying with a regretting tone in his voice:

"There is so few of us here because our government believe that we can't stand up to Poni. Yet. They simply don't think you can win. We know that Poni found your haven, and they want us to act as damage control, evacuate you, shelter you, train you, and eventually shape you into a proper guerrilla force. We're completely cut off, as Lolder has to remain covert in this war. Officially, we didn't actually drop from who-knows-how-many-leagues in the sky. No air support, or any support actually. My thirty are all we have."

Dale had been wrong. The hardest part was waiting for the response from the unicorn who wanted nothing more that the right of every sapient creature: her freedom. Some of his men mirrored his emotions by casting their eyes to their boots. "I'm sorry." was all he could think to say.

Merry Yule and the other ponies looked down with disappointment. Merry Yule then turned to them.

Merry Yule: This place is going to be destroyed. If you're not helping us then the only solution is to surrender. If we retreat, then they will burn this place and search all over the mountains for us ponies. When they do, they will find Maretown as well. That is the only place with gap generators. Those generators are the only thing keeping them under the radar, and if they perform ground searches everywhere, then Maretown is done for. If we surrender though, then they'll target every labeled village save for Maretown, and Poni will never bother to look for them. Tears were running down her face now. She turns away and tells them one last thing.

You've failed your only mission before it even started. Your only objective is to remain covert and get out.

Peacekeep: Merry Yule, don't you think we should at least evacutate a few ponies?

Merry Yule: Evactuate a few? Do you know how easy it is to notice a few are missing? If any pony tries leaving this capital city, they may as well be traitors to the last remainder of us.

Peacekeep: Miss Yule, we have no other choi--

Merry Yule: THEN GO! The crowd gasps as she finally loses her temper. GET THE BUCK OUT OF HERE, and don't ever come back!

The rest of the night falls silent as the ponies all head back to their homes. Some of the ponies actually begin packing their bags while looking at the tree with sorrow and possible regret.

Peacekeep: I'll make sure the ponies planning on leaving gather here, soldiers. Good night...

by **Lolder** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 8:57 pm

As the ponies clear out of the square, the Lolderian troops begin chatting over their helmets com link. "Banished by our allies. What now?" "Fight or flight, what will it be?" "Officer?" Dale was staring silently at the crying Merry Yule. "Are the rest of the ponies gone?" "Yes, but-" "Good." He began to walk over to the candy-coated unicorn. "Now obviously we didn't just come here to get out." He tapped Merry Yule on the back, holding up two cylindrical objects in front of her eyes, one blue, one red. Speaking quietly through his armor's concealed speakers, he said "Couldn't very well reveal this to all of them rift-raft. Sorry about the deception." Not yet describing his two objects, he turned to is soldiers. "Same for you. I was told not to tell you until whatever happens happened, so here it goes. We were actually sent in for recon; not training. We decide whether or not Lolder can keep helping from the shadows, or fight in the light. Some bright spark from the LIS convinced the powers that be to make an informed decision." Holding up the blue device "continue according to plan." Bring the red up to eye-level, "Full out war."

His troops smirking a knowing smirk beneath their visors, he placed the two extended communication relays in front of Merry Yule. "I'm a good actor, aren't I? Have to keep this under wraps until we mobilize. That is, of course, if you're willing to reconsider kicking us out?"

"It just might work." Said Greg. "But it isn't enough. Before we forsake our allies, what if we make an 'preliminary investigation?' " He had everyone attention now. "I have a 'supplier' who can provide a neat piece of equipment called the extended communications relay. We see if Squeeheart can be forged into a force that can liberate itself, or if Lolder should really give some thought to fighting Poni." The Minister was silent for a moment, then said "Do it. But be discreet." Greg grinned, then said "I have just the figurehead in mind. Great actor. He'll get the job done right." "Excellent, let's consider a war on Projects of Nether Intelligence."

by **Economa Incorporated** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:01 pm

Office of Madison Kens

Madison Kens, age 37, President of EI for the fourth term, former general, leans across her desk. Her Long brown bangs sweep her forehead, and the rest of her shoulder-length hair swings slightly. SHe heaves a sigh and speaks to the woman standing in front of her

"Go ahead and take a seat, Eva, What's the report? I've been getting snippets all day but nothing concrete."

Eva Stephens, longtime head of Economatian Intelligence, sits down in the comfy chair placed there for that purpose. Her large green eyes peer tiredly across, highlighted by the shockingly red hair she's always had.

"Madame Kens-" she begins, before being cut off.

"Madison. I've told you a million times before Eve, you can call me Madison."

"Alright, Madison. I think we've finally pieced together all we can. Let's start with the events. Early this morning, the fifth merchant vessel we sent into the new, stabilized Rift returned, with a tail. this tail supposedly carried an ambassador from PONI, one of the nations we've made contact with. However, not an hour before docking, he was found with his throat slit by a crew member. One of their personal guard, hired mercs, was not found. About half an hour after this occurred, A boogie was detected in the southern radar network. THat turned out to be a new kind of creature, purportedly also from The Rift, resembling a brightly colored pony. It was escorted to Gresham Air Base, where we met it with whatever Rift experts we could grab on short notice, where it gave a short speech. More on that later. Near the end, it received a 50. caliber gunshot wound. Despite our best efforts, it passed after about an hour. The body had been placed in cold storage for the time being- I forbid a post-mortem. The sniper was caught, and interrogated. A package they left at their shooting position has also been analyzed.

Now for what we've taken from all this. The sniper was the missing merc, and also our killer- on the ship I mean. They were hired to do that by whoever hired them for the protection, presumably higher PONI gov't. Their guess is, and I quote, "Somebody wanted them dead. Soon, before they got to you. Rum'r was dat she was gettin a bit too pony-lovin." From That and other remarks, along with reports from the merchant ships, and the speech of the pony itself, an ever more worrisome picture has been growing. It appears as though PONI is enslaving and killing all of these Ponies. Strange creatures, yes, but intelligent. Have families, philosophy. Are mostly a peaceful race. It's like some perverted mixture of slavery and genocide. But the majority of the people are completely shut out by a iron media. THey're spoiled, and fickle. Those who know about it seem to assume all humans are like them, complete species supremacists. PONI itself appears to be a nation formed of survivors from ships lost in the initial opening of The Rift, back in 1940, pre closure, re-opening, and stabilization. Make what assumptions you will there. The rest of the speech consisted of a reference to some mysterious Unit 731, a claim that PONI posses WMD's with history of use and intent to use on the pony population, then they plead for help, stated they had no money, and made a reference to "Squeeheart," probably the pony nation's title, having a capital at the giant apple tree. I guess we're supposed to recognize that. THe box found contained that note I delivered earlier

ten bars of absolutely pure gold, and the parts and blueprints referenced. The gold has been packaged in a coded case and put under guard, and the rest to R&D. The note seems to confirm much of my initial speculations and conclusions."

"Sand..." whispers Kens."This is a big one. I really hate how everyone interprets our name as money grubbers- The idea is that everyone is equal! Money knows no race. Every citizen has approximately equal opportunity to achieve wherever they want! We WILL NOT accept payment for assisted. freaking. Genocide!"

Realizing she's pounding her desk as a stapler falls off, she sighs.

"Sorry Eva, I shouldn't be yelling at you. But we can't allow this. I'm releasing this to the media. All of it. We're going to help these things, If I have any say. We're not merc for hire. I want that brave envoy buried in their capital, and the gold chucked at the feet of the highest official left standing after we're done! They can keep their filthy blood money. If we can get that weapon produced within the week, do it. We'll give them their own medicine. We'll wait for the vote to do anything officially, but get the troops mobilizing. I want all three fleets ready by week's end. DOn't touch fourth, I won't take anything from National Defence, but if the ships on off rotation, in repair, etc can be made ready by that time, bolster the fleets with them, ad get me an ORBAT ASAP. Oh, and give Greg a call. I'm sure the Lolderans are involved somehow, and if not should be. I want you, the VP, the Chief Ambassador, and R&D on the bridges of each supercarrier going through The Rift. Invite Greg and others to come along if they wish, I bet Lolder's just sending a few wimpy men." SHe chuckles once, the sighs. "Godspeed, Eva. Dismissed."

In the next 24 hours, a storm spread throughout the nation. Congress voted 76-1 in favor of sending over the shiny new fleets. They're mobilizing as you read this. A message was left at Greg's secretary, stating simply, "Call me -Eva"

by **Das Metro** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:25 pm

Heartsquee
Capital City
Enclave Landing

Four Raptor Airships, long, sleek, black, insect-like aircraft screamed through the skies as they descended below the clouds. Forty Pegasi each sat aboard the Ships as the initial force, each outfitted in the daunting Type 97 LAND-ASSAULT Variant Power Armor. General Howitzer herself stood at the entrance of the cockpit with her customized Assault Armor on, although she lacked her helmet, instrad she had her black Officer's cap on. She was proud to be back in War, and she was smiling brightly. The Pilot called over the intercom, "Okay groundpounders, we'll be at the capital in a few minutes, ready up."

Howitzer pressed her cap on tighter and put on her visor that displayed the HUD normally accompanied by an Enclave Helmet, "You heard the colt, get ready Comrades! There is sure to be work to be done down there, whether it be hostile forces, or cleanup."

Each Pegasi in that paticular Raptor nodded and slipped on their own helmets. Each set of Type 97 LAND-ASSAULT Armor had built in Mark IV Plasma Cannons built into both sides, and the Pegasi inside them were all seasoned veterans of the Pegasus Liberation Campaign. Howitzer was confident, especially after hearing of support from another nation, Lolder. She was unsure of the size of the detatchment sent, though any help was much appreciated.

After a moment of intense anxiety, the Pegasus onboard felt the ship drop as it hovered hundreds of feet above the Capital. The Drop Ship opened up, and one by one, the armored Pegasi leaped from the ship, and glided down into the area surrounding the city. One after another, the other three followed suit. Soon 160 Pegasi strong stood in front of General Steel Howitzer, who smirked and pointed east to the Capital, "Alright Comrades, we got a miles fast march to the capital, nothing that bad, you've all had worse."

Some Pegasi chuckled and nodded, but all remained apathetic. Led by their General, the Pegasi surged forward to the capital like a well oiled machine. It wasn't long before they reached the oukskirts and continued into the heart of Heartsquee's capital.

((OOC: Sorry, posting for The Pegasus Enclave))

by **Poni** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 10:00 pm

Nightmare's Paradise, Poni: The Emperor's Chamber

The Emperor's Chambers are nothing to behold. In here is nothing more than pitch darkness, lit only by a series of computer monitors facing the only known entrance. These monitors show every activity in Poni from the eye of every last CCTV camera. As always, the Emperor himself is no where to be seen.

Bloodshed: My Emperor, the media has been put to a complete shutdown as you requested. Poni has no channels available now.

The Emperor: What the fuck is that bastard Steele doing? That mortal may as well drive a back in all of us!

Bloodshed: My Emperor, General Steele was only trying to make contact with the Khonti. With the Khonti, we can--

The Emperor: Enough. We can always assign one of the higher ups in that area to take his place. I just want that bastard dead before he causes any more problems.

Bloodshed: Yes sir. Anything else?

The Emperor: Yes, there is. Over to Camera #266 there is an army over in the plains. By the looks of their technology they've teleported over here, just like the Khonti. These mortals are our enemies. See to it they are destroyed before they reach any strategic areas. This area is highly vulnerable to multiple attacks by them, especially New Nod.

Bloodshed: Oh, one more thing sir: The unicorns in Area 666 have finally finished work on the second Godfather.

The Emperor: It is about time! We shall both be there on the 25th when the time is right. In fact with this finished I believe you may go ahead and launch the invasion of Squeeheart's capital... tomorrow.

Bloodshed: Tomorrow? Sir, shouldn't we give Area Whiskey more time to finish work on other Bio-Fragmentation Grinders for the--

The Emperor: JUST DO IT MAGGOT! We need all the ponies we can gather!

Bloodshed: Yes Emperor. Squeeheart will crumble within the next twenty-four hours.

The Emperor: You are dismissed, Bloodshed. Now get out of my chamber; I need to prepare...

by **Squeeheart** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 10:23 pm

Lolder wrote:As the ponies clear out of the square, the Lolderian troops begin chatting over their helmets com link. "Banished by our allies. What now?" "Fight or flight, what will it be?" "Officer?" Dale was staring silently at the crying Merry Yule. "Are the rest of the ponies gone?" "Yes, but-" "Good." He began to walk over to the candy-coated unicorn. "Now obviously we didn't just come here to get out." He tapped Merry Yule on the back, holding up two cylindrical objects in front of her eyes, one blue, one red. Speaking quietly through his armor's concealed speakers, he said "Couldn't very well reveal this to all of them rift-raft. Sorry about the deception." Not yet describing his two objects, he turned to is soldiers. "Same for you. I was told not to tell you until whatever happens happened, so here it goes. We were actually sent in for recon; not training. We decide whether or not Lolder can keep helping from the shadows, or fight in the light. Some bright spark from the LIS convinced the powers that be to make an informed decision." Holding up the blue device "continue according to plan." Bring the red up to eye-level, "Full out war."

His troops smirking a knowing smirk beneath their visors, he placed the two extended communication relays in front of Merry Yule. "I'm a good actor, aren't I? Have to keep this under wraps until we mobilize. That is, of course, if you're willing to reconsider kicking us out?"

"It just might work." Said Greg. "But it isn't enough. Before we forsake our allies, what if we make an 'preliminary investigation?' " He had everyone attention now. "I have a 'supplier' who can provide a neat piece of equipment called the extended communications relay. We see if Squeeheart can be forged into a force that can liberate itself, or if Lolder should really give some thought to fighting Poni." The Minister was silent for a moment, then said "Do it. But be discreet." Greg grinned, then said "I have just the figurehead in mind. Great actor. He'll get the job done right." "Excellent, let's consider a war on Projects of Nether Intelligence."

Merry Yule: So let me get this straight: The Lolder military sent a bunch of actors all the way to our capital, to ask us whether we prefer blue or red? You waste your time coming here just to tell us we're going to lose regardless, tell us to join you for training excercises despite risking the lives of other ponies and essentially letting Poni win the entire war. There won't be another war for this! You don't know what I have seen...

Merry Yule drifts off into space before continuing. Meanwhile some ponies are staring, wondering what is going on. How do I know you aren't just mercenaries, looking for your share of gold? How do I know if you're sincere and telling the truth now? For all I know, blue can mean slavery, and red can mean death. You had one chance to help us out. If I see you by morning, I will have you hanged!

Merry Yule turns around and slams the door to her home. Everypony just frowns and continues about their way. All but one though: There is a little blue pegasus colt that is looking at him, and the soldier looks back. This pony happens to have war paint and a bow and arrow set consisting of a hand-made bow out of wood and elastic string with darts. Unlike the others this pony actually looks at him, smiles, and taps the red cylinder in his right hand. The mother comes running up and picking him up. "Get away from him," she said as she carried her son away. The foal waved goodbye, still smiling...

by **The Time Alliance** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 11:08 pm

The Time Alliance Army
Poni Plains
They had lucked out. First a gypsy then the capturing of 23 Friendly ponies with combat experience. Now to most men this settled quite well considering this Organization was used to aliens. But for some people the thought of Multi-Colored talking ponies was way out of reach. They studied the map trying to decide where to attack. They could move to New Nod and assault the city by total surprise, leaving the Time Alliance to an almost complete advantage while freeing any ponies they find along the way. This was Obviously the best out of all the options as it gave a clear path to victory. The second choice was that they could also investigate Area Whiskey, seeing how it is so important despite offering no strategic advantage. Lastly they could assault Nightmare's Paradise, the capital of Poni. assaulting the capital seemed like the best option. However the Soldiers stayed put until Blake arrived.

Suddenly there was a flash and A man standing by 25 of the Experimental Cyber-Punk robots. These robots were men incased in steel suits. However their bodies had melded into the suits causing the robotic suit to become sentient. Blake walked over to the map and spoke.

"So..What do we have here." The men jumped before turning to Blake and apologizing. Blake laughed it off and looked over the map. After observing the map for 5 minutes he turned to them.

"All right men listen up. I understand I put someone in charge of this mission however I am now taking over as I have been to this land before. Well not this land. I visited a country in this world. It was a diarchy, but that's besides the point. I looked over the map. I would have us go on ahead and assault the Capital but I heard rumors of floating citadels in this place." Upon seeing the confusion Blake laughed and continued. "I still keep in contact with the friends I made in my last trip. Anyways our best bet is to take New Nod by total surprise, capture it, free the ponies there and then Regroup with our allies. You have an Hour to get ready and packed."

The men rushed around packing everything up and starting the tanks.

On march to New Nod
ETA: 7 hours
{Comedic Humor}
The march was a long and hard one. It was hot and boring. Blake then got curious and asked one of the soldiers.

"Hey what did you give the Gypsy to get the map."
"Oh," said one of the soldiers "Some food and a magazine with pictures of naked women."
Blake Smiled at his next question. "What was the Gypsys gender?"
The man frowned and said "I believe female. Hard to tell. I hope it wasn't a female. A female wanting pictures of naked women. That's strange."
Blake laughed. it was apparent to him his peers didn't understand this world quite yet.

by **The Strategic Air Command** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 12:19 am

Strategic Air Command Assistance Flight, Entering Poni Airspace

Major General Werner Forester sat in the back of the lead C-141 transport looking over the mission brief again, We should have been dropping ordinance by now, he thought, We’ve already been delayed enough trying to side step those storm systems,. His mission was simple, ‘Destroy any and all resistance, and assist ground operations when necessary’. To accomplish this, he was assigned two bomb wings, a fighter wing, and a detachment of Security Police troops. As he continued reading, his deputy commander, Colonel Stan Sharp returned from the cockpit

“Position reports from all other aircraft show them right on schedule.” Colonel Sharp said handing Forester a sheet of paper,

“Excellent news,” Forester said before going back to reading the briefing, as Sharp walked back to the cockpit. “Any news on where we’re supposed to set down?” he asked the radio officer,

“Awaiting finial coordinates sir,” the airman said,

“Let me know when you do.” Sharp said sitting on the jump seat, “So, any of you have any dealings with ponies before?”

“Freddy and I were a part of Operation: Early Frost some time ago,” the pilot said, “I managed to meet a couple of them during turnarounds at Neighwark Airport, overall pretty nice folks, rather pleased to see us if I remember.”

“Well, we’ll be going against the not so nice ones soon enough.” Sharp said tapping his fingers on his copy of the briefing, And whatever heathen god they pray to help them when we do… he thought.

Continental Air Defense Command Headquarters, SAC Home Territories

“Contact entering radar coverage,” one of the airmen monitoring a radar screen said, “No transponder data detected, marking it unknown.” On the main plotting board, the new track appeared yellow in color as it moved closer to SAC’s east coast. The commanding officer, taking notice of the unknown track pressed a button on his console and lifted up his phone.

“Big Eye 12 this is Palm Grove,” he called to an early warning aircraft close to where the track was moving, “We have an unknown contact in your sector, see if you can raise it on radio inform if successful.” Too slow to be a missile, he thought, And nobody would send just one plane.

“Palm Grove, Big Eye.” The radio crackled, “Negative contact with target. We’re also having trouble acquiring it, probably a small aircraft or ground clutter on your end, standing by to vector interceptors. Big Eye out.”

The CO pressed another button on his console, “Request scramble to intercept, authorization is ‘thunderbolt’”. With that order, klaxons started sounding at fighter bases along the east coast, the Air Guard base in Atlantic City, being the closest vector, had two F-108 Rapier long range interceptors in the air and accelerating at mach 3 on an intercept course. Once entering the sector, the AWACS aircraft guided the fighters towards the target.

“This is Blackjack 1-1 to Palm Grove,” the lead fighter radioed, “The target is coming into visual range now. It appears to be…ah…it appears to be a Pegasus pony, slate grey in color. We’re moving along side, and…ah… It appears to have acknowledged us and is holding formation with us as well. Preparing to escort in, recommend keeping track classified as unknown, alert security forces upon our arrival.

by **Poni** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 7:54 am

Nightmare's Paradise, Poni

Nightmare's Paradise, officially known to the public as the capital city of Poni, and a fortress full of dark secrets. To the government, this is only a quarter of what the government concerns itself with. It dates all the way back to the founding year, where the Emperor of Poni arrived from a device they called "the Godfather." The Godfather according to him was a huge, mobile-capable structure of gears put together with the primary purpose of travelling back in time to end a war. The machine failed and instead, according to him again, a strange effect occured. A copies of the Godfather and everyone inside were made and one group went through a dimensional portal. The other stayed in their own dimension and their device exploded. It is believed (by conspiracy theorists) the inner workings of the capital fortress consists of all the same equipment from the last Godfather, after the Emperor confirmed it could no longer perform it's intended task.

Those conspiracy theorists are indeed right. Deep down inside, the gears are all used as a sort of refinery for the lava Nightmare's Paradise rests on top of. The facility keeps the volcano from erupting, and also collects a wide abundance of materials, most notably the gold currently being used to pay off mercenaries for the current war. However the maintanence is overly demanding and rarely does the refinery strike it rich.

In this place also consists of pegasus slaves. These were pegasi who surrendered to the Empire in exchange for better working conditions, and oh were they wrong! They ate very little fed to them, sometimes even relying on whatever insects they could find in the facility. Sleeping became almost impossible with the constant racket from the infernal machinery. Lastly, some of the tasks were so complex, not even a human would be recommended for them due to the possible work hazard.

This time though it would be different, this year. The Emperor promised they would actually be getting a break this year, on Christmas day, for a "break." The ponies knew better though; They were being fired. The pegasi would be placed in furnaces no doubt. One pony though, a newcomer decided she didn't want a break though. The actually tried making demands to the guards, stating she wants to work even harder, for the Empire. Do them all a big favor, she said. The foreman towered above her and laughed, "Silly filly, you have one of the best jobs we can provide for you ponies! What could you possibly do better?"

The mare pointed up to the largest gear in the factory, "That huge gear looks rusted, perhaps I can clean it up and make it look shiny again?" The foreman bursted with more laughter, "Sure, silly filly! That is a huge gear though, you sure you can get it clean in say, an hour?" As ridiculous as it seemed, she agreed. This could have been a mistake, for ponies who don't get a task done in a specific amount of time tend to disappear. This filly however, had intended disaster in mind. With the gear too far away and above lava, the guards would never be able to see her from such a far distance. She sneaked around, and grabbed two things: A pale with some lava, and a heavy wrench. She had to be quick about this: The wrench can get her easily fatigued and the lava could very easily set her on fire. She managed though and reached the gear.

Like any gear, it is being held in place by a single bolt. A large bolt, but with how rusted it was, she already knew it would break easily should an "accident" occur. She poured the lava onto this gear and smacked at it as hard as she could with her wrench. It took about two minutes, but finally something bad began to take place. As the gear spun it slowly moved out of place. It came off it's own bolt and descended down into the lava pit. With the gear falling into the wrong place, the volcano started shaking, all the machines stopped working, and sirens went off all across Nightmare's Paradise. Ponies and humans alike were scrambling, desperately working together to try opening the emergency exits, but it was no use. The volcanic eruption is so fierce it is causing parts of the fortress to crumble, including the exit corridors.

The last thing anyone in Nightmare's Paradise were the cold words from a computer using a female's voice: We are now at DEFCON 2! Almost as if a hydrogen bomb detonated within the mountain itself, Nightmare's Paradise exploded. Debris, ashes, rock, and lava scattered all over from the center of Poni Territory. The sky rained ashes along with the snow, and in spite of weather conditions the smoke from Poni's capital city could be seen even beyond their own borders. Nightmare's Paradise, Poni is now a crater. After five minutes of shock and awe across the lands, the channel televisions were finally back on, after an hour, all channels changed show several pictures of some strange man. The radios also began broadcasting the following message:

Did you honestly believe I could be destroyed this easily, Squeeheart? If you knew even one thing about the Radian Empire, it would be this: I am never where you expect me to be. Nightmare's Paradise, a fortress capable of taking on any punishment from foreign militaries. Seems perfect for an Emperor, no? Wrong, for I created that capital and knew one day it would explode from some security breach from the enemies of the state. This is why I place chemicals and bio-weapons in Nightmare's Paradise; So when it does explode the enemies won't truly win these lands... The images you're probably seeing on television though: This is me, and it isn't even my final form. I have been roaming the streets of every city, watching my eyes on you all while blending perfectly into the crowd. I know, there are enemy forces in our Eastern plains, I know there is a pegasus pony with two suitcases flying to Arcadia City. And yes, I even know the location of Maretown. I gave you all a chance to surrender, a chance to become something far greater than any mortal can imagine, but you have all committed a travesty beyond unforgivable! I shall enslave the other villages and Maretown included, but for the capital city of Squeeheart, YOU SHALL FALL!

by **Lolder** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 8:26 am

Squeeheart wrote:
Lolder wrote:As the ponies clear out of the square, the Lolderian troops begin chatting over their helmets com link. "Banished by our allies. What now?" "Fight or flight, what will it be?" "Officer?" Dale was staring silently at the crying Merry Yule. "Are the rest of the ponies gone?" "Yes, but-" "Good." He began to walk over to the candy-coated unicorn. "Now obviously we didn't just come here to get out." He tapped Merry Yule on the back, holding up two cylindrical objects in front of her eyes, one blue, one red. Speaking quietly through his armor's concealed speakers, he said "Couldn't very well reveal this to all of them rift-raft. Sorry about the deception." Not yet describing his two objects, he turned to is soldiers. "Same for you. I was told not to tell you until whatever happens happened, so here it goes. We were actually sent in for recon; not training. We decide whether or not Lolder can keep helping from the shadows, or fight in the light. Some bright spark from the LIS convinced the powers that be to make an informed decision." Holding up the blue device "continue according to plan." Bring the red up to eye-level, "Full out war."

His troops smirking a knowing smirk beneath their visors, he placed the two extended communication relays in front of Merry Yule. "I'm a good actor, aren't I? Have to keep this under wraps until we mobilize. That is, of course, if you're willing to reconsider kicking us out?"

"It just might work." Said Greg. "But it isn't enough. Before we forsake our allies, what if we make an 'preliminary investigation?' " He had everyone attention now. "I have a 'supplier' who can provide a neat piece of equipment called the extended communications relay. We see if Squeeheart can be forged into a force that can liberate itself, or if Lolder should really give some thought to fighting Poni." The Minister was silent for a moment, then said "Do it. But be discreet." Greg grinned, then said "I have just the figurehead in mind. Great actor. He'll get the job done right." "Excellent, let's consider a war on Projects of Nether Intelligence."

Merry Yule: So let me get this straight: The Lolder military sent a bunch of actors all the way to our capital, to ask us whether we prefer blue or red? You waste your time coming here just to tell us we're going to lose regardless, tell us to join you for training excercises despite risking the lives of other ponies and essentially letting Poni win the entire war. There won't be another war for this! You don't know what I have seen...

Merry Yule drifts off into space before continuing. Meanwhile some ponies are staring, wondering what is going on. How do I know you aren't just mercenaries, looking for your share of gold? How do I know if you're sincere and telling the truth now? For all I know, blue can mean slavery, and red can mean death. You had one chance to help us out. If I see you by morning, I will have you hanged!

Merry Yule turns around and slams the door to her home. Everypony just frowns and continues about their way. All but one though: There is a little blue pegasus colt that is looking at him, and the soldier looks back. This pony happens to have war paint and a bow and arrow set consisting of a hand-made bow out of wood and elastic string with darts. Unlike the others this pony actually looks at him, smiles, and taps the red cylinder in his right hand. The mother comes running up and picking him up. "Get away from him," she said as she carried her son away. The foal waved goodbye, still smiling...

That's an answer if I've ever seen one, thought Dale as the red cylinder pulsed twice, then glowed flashed bright enough to cause his visor to polarize. When the light dimmed, the device was humming, and two lights on either end were lit up. "Let's hope this thing works." He said to his squad before slipping both devices back into his suit's pockets. "Alright, now that the welcoming committee just threatened to kill thirty heavily armed allied troops, we can tell their desperate. Or insane. Either way, they'll fight hard." Turning to address his squad, he started giving orders. "Separate into your sections. I'm calling you Chrome 1, you Chrome 2, and you Chrome 3." he said, pointed at each section in turn. "I'll be Chrome Command. Now, Chrome 1, you stay here and redirect able-bodied escapees to the passes. Chrome 2 and 3, its your job to keep Poni from breaking through those passes. Do whatever you can to delay them. I'll stay with Chrome 1 and wait for reinforcements." At that instant, the humming and glowing from the scarlet machine stopped. "Alright, the message is sent, time to see if Lolder goes to war."

Oasis, Lolder
Greg was waiting intently by his monitor, waiting for the response from those thirty troops. He had no doubt what icon would activate first, but he was hoping against hope that the ponies could make do with- the red icon blinked on- nope, didn't look like it. He sighed, and then clicked Ctrl+P on the document which he had already typed out. He flicked on a microphone to talk to his secretary. "Caroline, does there happen to be any good news from that note of yours?" It had to be scanned for harmful anything before it could be opened. "Sir, its quite vague. Do you know someone named Eva?" "Yes, I do. I believe she is wanting to contact me?" "That is correct." "Caroline, I've worked long enough to know what your thinking, and Eva is an intelligence officer from Economa Incorporated." "I see. " Greg turned off the microphone and picked up the phone. Ironic, he thought. I don't have her number. Then he dialed the number of the EI intelligence office and waited. But not before taking his printed document and delivering it straight to the desk of the Minister of Affairs. He took it, looked at Greg, then put it down, shaking his head sadly. Greg slumped his shoulders and walked back to his office. The Minister watched him as he went, and said "Poni's capital just blew up, there is no need to deploy straight over it." Greg straightened, nodded, and left. To his receding form, the Minister said "we are going in, though." Greg heard the stamp of the Minister's seal. He had no doubt of what form the Minister just approved. An hour later, the government told Lolder all about the "shocking developments" in Poni. Hours later, Lolder declared war on Poni.

by **The Pegasus Enclave** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 8:42 am

The 160 Armored Troops continued marching as if they were all machine, nothing sentient inside the suit. Although, surely enough there was a Pegasi in each. At the lead of the staggered cooumn formation was General Howitzer as always, proudly leading the militaristic march into the square of Heartsquee's capital. Deep down it felt strange. Not only was it damn near freezing cold, even with the temperature controlled armor she was encased in, but mainly it's marching onto a capital, but the capital of an ally. The last time Howitzer marched into the capital, it was the Third Ranger War, and it was the remains of Fillydelphia. None the less, Howitzer shrugged off the nervous feeling and set the example for her tropps behind her.

As they marched, static crackled into her headset, and the helmet speakers of the Troops behind her. She stopped in surprise, until realizing this was simply a radio transmission, but from whom? The Troops stopped to listen, as well as the General. It only took a moment, and they were transfixed, Howitzer really didn't like where this message was going. The Emperor finished his speech in the transmission and static returned.

Howitzer turned to the stunned Enclave Soldiers, pointing back to the way to town center, "You hear that, fasr march, go! We need to regroup with Allied Forces if he isn't bluffing!" The group persisted on, and Howitzer trailed off behind, keying into the Command Centers comms. Once 'Secure Channel Open' appeared on her HUD, she spoke, "This is General Steel Howitzer, I am reporting from the Capital of Heartsquee, and we've received a message from who, or what appears to be the Emperor of Poni. We need reinforcements now."

More static crackled and a cool female voice came over the comms, "Roger, Ma'am, we're reading you. I'm afraid that Air Support is still being suited up, and Hellbolt Ooerators are on a sortie over contested territories under the cloud cover."

Howitzer bit her lip and went to a quick trot instead of a march, "What? It sounds like the Emperor is massing an invasion force to attack the Heartsquee's Capital! Celestia damn it! I am General of the Enclave Militaries, I exercise supreme command over the Military, and I order you to get us some support!"

The Comm channel was silent, and Howitzer could hear a conversation going on on the other end. After a moment, a distinct thwack! could be heard, "Y-yes Ma'am, right a-away Ma'am!"

Howitzer's face was grim as the Armored Enclave Troops marched into the center of Heartsquee's Capital.

by **Squeeheart** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 9:19 am

Virus Detected From Poni: Red Snow
Usage of chemical and biological weapons are authorized.

NOTE ABOUT RED SNOW: The snow itself is few in numbers and glowing, but anyone who touches it will instantly become deathly ill.

Arcadia City Ports

Sargeant Blitz, a blue Winter Winger, successfully reached his destination. Although he managed to dodge the resulting explosion of Nightmare's Paradise, he couldn't help but feel his mission might already be doomed. When he reached Arcadia City, he found out why. All around the ports there were troops pointing their guns into the sky straight at him. They didn't fire on sight though, and one of the captains use a loudspeaker.

Poni Captain: Attention Winter Winger, we have you in our sights! Surrender now and hand over the bombs, then surrender to us with your wings down and hooves on the ground.

Blitz looked around to quickly survey the area. The Poni forces were all over this area! Blitz can fly anywhere, but it is guaranteed he will be shot.

Blitz: All right, Radians, you win this one. I have no other options.

The pony did exactly as the captain ordered and descended to him. Blitz dropped his bags, and the guards tied rope around his body to restrict his wings.

Poni Captain: Silly ponies, when will you learn? We humans are the master--

The captain was interrupted by loud coughing from two troops behind them. The captain orders them to stop, but the coughing is consistent and violent. Soon more troops are doing it, including the captain. The captain looks up and realizes something: There are red snowflakes in the sky.

Poni Captain: Oh shit, there's an airborne virus in the sky! That destroyed fortress is releasing some type of WMD from the skies! Everyone, get the gas masks and hazmat...

The captain's insides rumble and he vomits blood, killing him instantly. Other troops are doing the same. Blitz, who is still restricted from flight tries to run safety in one of the buildings before the red snowflakes touch him as well. To his luck some of the Poni guards in a hangar are holding the doors open, and they willingly let the pony in with them.

Squeeheart's Capital City

The apple tree of Squeeheart is a truly unique one: Unlike other trees it never loses it's leaves or apples during the winter. This is why the capital is so important for all of Squeeheart; It is the most reliable source year round for food! This year is becoming different though: It is morning now, and ponies everywhere are running around screaming all of a sudden. One of the ponies yell out, "Look! The tree is dying!" Lolderian forces are looking around and they notice red, glowing snowflakes. These flakes are quite few in numbers compared to the rest of the snow, but they are easy to spot and they have a strange effect to living creatures, especially the ponies.

Some of the ponies were inspecting the flakes at first, but upon touching them they melt away and disappear. The ponies who touched these flakes are all coughing, and one of them is puking their own blood! None of the Lolder troops have been touched yet, so that is great, but if they don't find hazmat suits or shelter from the red snow, they'll be next, and who knows whether or not it is contagious? The Pegasus Enclave that finally reached Squeeheart is on the other hand, immune for the most part, thanks to their power armor blocking off contact with the red snow.

Meanwhile, Dale of the Lolder squad gets struck in his helmet by something. He feels the stricken area, and pulls off a suction cup dart designed for a bow.

Pegasus Colt: Bam evil-doer, I defeated you!

Merry Yule: Lolder Troops, I need you at the council now to make contact with your friends and everyone else in Poni. We need to alert every living person and pony about the red snow using whatever radios we have! Also Dale, take this, and don't ask where I got it: Merry Yule uses her magic to violently pull a weapon right out of some boards in the floor.

by **Economa Incorporated** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 10:07 am

A message left for Greg reads simply "It's christmas eve! check your mail, Greg"

It's been a week since Madison Kens swore to do whatever they could to defend the ponies. A week of briefings, loading armaments, preparing troops, and wrangling logistics. Fade now to a news report...

"This is the Situation Room on NCC, And I'm your host, Wolf Donder! In the next half hour, we'd like to summarize exactly WHAT we are sending to this strange land of talking ponies. We've all been touched by the shocking stories of oppression, and many of us have felt the effects of mobilization. Now, I'd like to pass the torch to Frank, over at the interactive display."

"THank you Wolf. Now, as many of you know, we've just completed a several-year process of increasing our fleet. There are four fleets, three that travel the world and a fourth for National Defense. On top of that, there's one extra of the biggest ships and several of the smaller ones on standby, docked with crews on leave, or in repair. Now, the first three fleets and all able extras are gathering in the southern waters, after taking on supplies wherever they were stockpiled. Lets break down one fleet for y'all. As you can see here, the center of each fleet is the Warhorse-class Dreadnought. Around that are two Noble-class supercarriers, and one of the older Ford-class carriers. Next up are six Katar-Class ships in the amphibious assembly. These constitute the large majority of our limited landing capabilities. Also in the center of each fleet are a number of WHitepoint-class ships, in several layouts- 2-3 medical, one anti-sub, one anti-ballistic missile, and three air defence. However many Supply-class ships we can muster would also be within this protection. Now, outside this center of slightly more vulnerable ships centered by the anchoring firepower, are a number of small vessels. Four Phalanx-class battlecruisers, four crusader-class guided missile destroyers, six Zumwalt-class destroyers, ten Falchion-class Corvettes, and nine Seawolf-class submarines. Now, not all of these ships were originally nuclear, but they were purchased with a special request to make them so. All fuel carried, therefore, can go to various smaller vehicles, extending range and lifetime of the fleets. Now, what we've got for this occasion is three of these fleets, along with whatever ships we could get battle-ready in time. Wolf will show you some numbers now-""This is the Situation Room on NCC, and I'm your host, Wolf Donder! In the next half hour, we'd like to summarize exactly WHAT we are sending to this strange land of talking ponies. We've all been touched by the shocking stories of oppression, and many of us have felt the effects of mobilization. Now, I'd like to pass the torch to Frank, over at the interactive display."

"Thank you Wolf. Now, as many of you know, we've just complete a several-year process of increasing our fleet. There are four fleets, three that travel the world and a fourth for National Defense. On top of that, there's one extra of the biggest ships and several of the smaller ones on standby, docked with crews on leave, or in repair. Now, the first three fleets and all able extras are gathered in the southern waters, after taking on supplies wherever they were stockpiled. Let’s break down one fleet for y'all. As you can see here, the center of each fleet is the Warhorse-class Dreadnought. Around that are two Noble-class supercarriers, and one of the older Ford-class carriers. Next up are six Katar-Class ships in the amphibious assembly. These constitute the large majority of our limited landing capabilities. Also in the center of each fleet are a number of Whitepoint-class ships, in several layouts- 2-3 medical, one anti-sub, one anti-ballistic missile, and three air defense. However many Supply-class ships we can muster would also be within this protection. Now, outside this center of slightly more vulnerable ships centered by the anchoring firepower, are a number of small vessels. Four Phalanx-class battlecruisers, four crusader-class guided missile destroyers, six Zumwalt-class destroyers, ten Falchion-class Corvettes, and nine Seawolf-class submarines. Now, not all of these ships were originally nuclear, but they were purchased with a special request to make them so. All fuel carried, therefore, can go to various smaller vehicles, extending range and lifetime of the fleets. Now, what we've got for this occasion is three of these fleets, along with whatever ships we could get battle-ready in time. Wolf will show you some numbers now-"

"Thank you for showing us what those look like, Frank. Now, our total amassed fleet is going to come out something like this-

4 Warhorse-class
7 Noble-class
19 Katar-class
14 Phalanx-class
18 crusader-class
9 whitepoint medicals
2 whitepoint anti-sub (two are down for maintenance)
3 whitepoint anti ballistic missile
30 Falchion-class Corvettes
4 Ford-class
20 Zumwalt-class
30 Seawolf-class
42 Supply-class

That about 20,000 VLS modules, Frank. About 1,000 total Aircraft, across several types. A flotilla of 202 ship, led by The VP, Head of Intelligence, Chief Ambassador, and Head of R&D. They have Nuclear potential, but we all know we've never gone there. And-----This just in. Cut to the President-"

"People of Economa Incorporated. In half an hour's time, our fleets are heading for The Rift. Hopefully as saviors, possibly as avengers. Our first action, in approximately 6-8 hours, will be a pamphlet-bombing of major coastal cities. I cannot reveal more than that at this time. I'm sorry for pulling so many of your loved ones away the week before christmas, but the Ponies might not live to see another otherwise. Stay Strong."

The package left for Greg contains a single strange phone-like device. One number is entered into the contacts

OOC: Last four listed can be googled. The rest can be found here

by **Lolder** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 10:10 am

Dale nodded, and started issuing orders. "All Chrome units, pull back immediately. Poni had released some sort of WMD's into the air. It's... killing everything." There was some coughing heard on the channel. "I've been infected. Great. Pull back and shelter the ponies and protect them. Try and contact whatever reinforcements might be coming. There are-" He was cut off by a long, violent coughing fit, then came on, his voice hoarse and interrupted by occasional coughs. By this time, several troops have arrived in the square, to see Dale clutching his chest, keeled over. They rush to his side, but he collapses. "-Enclave reinforcements in the area. They'll keep this place safe." He feebly tossed a black, Poni rifle to one of his squad mates. "Don't ask where I got it." He said before the rest of his strength gave out and he went limp.

The rest of his soldiers transported themselves and his un-moving body under the dying tree. The one he had given his rifle to took his Service Award, containing his ID, rank and other personal details from his chain around his neck, along with a variety of other combat decorations. They left him there, and started to follow orders. Rushing to shield the ponies with their suits, they moved the panicking horses to under whatever cover could be found from the falling, lethal flakes. Some troops rushed over with Merry Yule to the council members, and hastily put up a long-range radio. Linking the radio with its comically-large antennae up to his suits microphone, Dale's second in command Corporal First Class Fredrick Hearth started talking, as calmly as he could, "This is Advanced Strike Forces member Fredrick Hearth to any and all friendly military assets. We are at Squeeheart's capital, and are in dire need of medical evacuation. Poni has released some kind of bio-weapon into the air, it looks like red snowflakes. Do not let it touch you, it is lethal. I repeat, This is Advanced Strike Forces member..."

Meanwhile, at Oasis, where people are not in grave danger:
Greg place down his cell phone and did what the voice message told him. He went on his terminal and accessed his e-mail. Nothing. Going out into the main corridor, where everyone was busy organizing a war, he wen to his safe, opened it, and pulled out the envelope on the top of the stack. Eva just had to make him leave his cubicle. He picked out the phone in it. Now why did he have to leave his phone just to get another phone. In this getting-odder-by-the-minute scenario, he read and dialed the number. The phone rang.

by **The Pegasus Enclave** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 11:23 am

The first thought that struck the Enclave Soldiers as the odd snow began killing off civillians was to activate their armor's HAZOP Lock. Of course, this new system was only a prototype, but the well engineered Enclave Armor would do okay to keep it out so long as it was falling lightly. Howitzer was slightly panicked, and began wishing she had brought her helmet. The Enclave Officer's Cap would keep it off her so long as she looked straight ahead, but Howitzer would prefer to be safe then sorry. Quickly, Howitzer hooked up her gas mask and sighed. It wouldn't protect her from the symptoms, but it'd keep the evil stuff off her.

It seemed chaos was breaking out as the Chemical Weapon fell, plants died, and so did Allied Forces. Howitzer looked about and began issuing orders through the Comms wired to each Enclave Soldier's helmet, "Comrades, attention! Alpha Regiment get unaffected civilians inside buildings keep them safe! Bravo and Charlie, Secure a perimeter around the city, nopony gets in, or out! Delta, with me, we're setting up a FOB here in the square, reinforcements are on the way, we'll need to alert them of the hazardous conditions!"

The General's orders were met with a chorus of affirmative responses and the Regiments, forty Pegasi each, went about their respective jobs. Alpha Regimemt's Soldiers went around to unaffected Ponies and hurriedly ushered them inside. Meanwhile, Bravo and Charlie were moving out in seperate directions to set up their perimeter until reinforcements arrived. Howitzer and Delta Regiment stayed in the square, setting up field equipment.

Howitzer switched back to the High Command Channel and spoke, "General Steel Howitzer reporting in! Poni has released some sort of Chemical WMD into the air, whatever it touches summarily dies. Get reinforcememts here fast, but get them in something Hazard Operable!"

The same female voice appeared on the channel as Delta continued setting equipment out, "Chemical WMD's?.. Okay, okay, roger that Ma'am, we'll have Hellbolt Special Operators there shortly."

"Good, get a team of Scientists and Doctors here too, maybe we can help the afflicted, or at least find out what this substance is."

"Roger that, we'll have an Enclave Medical Corps Team there shortly accompanied by a team of Scientists," the voice finished.

Howitzer nodded and keyed off the Comms. She adjusted her mask and shouted, "Keep calm civilians! Keep calm everypony! Return to your homes and stay there until further notice! Keep calm and carry on!"

by **Squeeheart** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 11:26 am

Lolder wrote:Dale nodded, and started issuing orders. "All Chrome units, pull back immediately. Poni had released some sort of WMD's into the air. It's... killing everything." There was some coughing heard on the channel. "I've been infected. Great. Pull back and shelter the ponies and protect them. Try and contact whatever reinforcements might be coming. There are-" He was cut off by a long, violent coughing fit, then came on, his voice hoarse and interrupted by occasional coughs. By this time, several troops have arrived in the square, to see Dale clutching his chest, keeled over. They rush to his side, but he collapses. "-Enclave reinforcements in the area. They'll keep this place safe." He feebly tossed a black, Poni rifle to one of his squad mates. "Don't ask where I got it." He said before the rest of his strength gave out and he went limp.

The rest of his soldiers transported themselves and his un-moving body under the dying tree. The one he had given his rifle to took his Service Award, containing his ID, rank and other personal details from his chain around his neck, along with a variety of other combat decorations. They left him there, and started to follow orders. Rushing to shield the ponies with their suits, they moved the panicking horses to under whatever cover could be found from the falling, lethal flakes. Some troops rushed over with Merry Yule to the council members, and hastily put up a long-range radio. Linking the radio with its comically-large antennae up to his suits microphone, Dale's second in command Corporal First Class Fredrick Hearth started talking, as calmly as he could, "This is Advanced Strike Forces member Fredrick Hearth to any and all friendly military assets. We are at Squeeheart's capital, and are in dire need of medical evacuation. Poni has released some kind of bio-weapon into the air, it looks like red snowflakes. Do not let it touch you, it is lethal. I repeat, This is Advanced Strike Forces member..."

Meanwhile, at Oasis, where people are not in grave danger:
Greg place down his cell phone and did what the voice message told him. He went on his terminal and accessed his e-mail. Nothing. Going out into the main corridor, where everyone was busy organizing a war, he wen to his safe, opened it, and pulled out the envelope on the top of the stack. Eva just had to make him leave his cubicle.

Merry Yule: Evacuation? Now look here pal, we're not going anywhere because of some shiny red snowflakes. Today is Hearth's Warming Eve, meaning Poni's forces are coming here today. If any of us ponies retreat, then they will perform search parties, and if they look hard enough, they might find Maretown.

Peacekeep: She's right. Maretown is perfectly safe; The Radian Empire has no idea where it is. I've been checking the radios myself, and there is no mention of any such Maretown.

Pegasus Colt: Miss Yule--

Merry Yule: Oh goodness, shouldn't you be with your mother? She must be worried sick about you!

Pegasus Colt: But Miss Yule, my radio--

Merry Yule: Now now, the adults are talking! Tell me about it later.

Peacekeep: Anyways we shouldn't be traveling anyways. There are too many red snowflakes outside for us to safely escape even if we do get to the tunnels. What if the red snow picks up? I'm with Miss Yule here; We're literally better off surrendering to the Radian Empire. I'm sorry gentlemen, but you'll just have to retreat to the tunnels on your own.

Dr. Teapots: Are you so sure about that? Everyone turns their heads to the earth pony doctor. The ponies are all in shock, especially Merry Yule and Peacekeep. Behind the doctor are Winter Wingers serving as his personal protection, and extra supply carriers. Sorry I couldn't be here sooner; I had some difficulties getting out of Pranceton.

Merry Yule: How in the hay are you still alive? Never mind Pranceton, there are red snowflakes outside!

Dr. Teapots: I took the underground shortcut. This place does have an underground shortcut to Maretown, remember? Anyways I managed to create all sorts of gizmos, bombs, and guns to fight off the Radian Empire. We must be quick though and set up defenses. If we don't, they'll use the underground system to reach Maretown in addition to aircraft. This reminds me: The Emperor has told everyone in Poni over the radio he knows where Maretown is, meaning there is a spy somewhere amongst us ponies!

Peacekeep: A spy around here? That's preposterous!

Dr. Teapots: It is the only logical explanation for how the Emperor knows everything: Squeeheart's capital, Maretown, the Time Alliance, all of it! The Time Alliance if I'm not mistaken is in Eastern Poni. From what I know that area isn't recieving any red snow yet due to winds blowing to the West and North. Once it blows East though, the red snow should already pick up by then. This however won't be until approximately 7:00 P.M., so we need to contact them sometime over the radio. Basically our only concerns are defending Squeeheart. Don't worry about Maretown though: I've already set up anti-air turrets with the technical ponies up there, and the Winter Wingers will pick off the remaining forces.

Anyways, here's the plan: We set up bombs along the South roads since this is the only ground advance point Poni has. Helicopters are a critical threat, even with Winter Wingers. I have a few laser-guided rocket launchers, but the ammunition for these is scarce so I couldn't bring much. These other guns should be good enough for the first two or three ground waves Poni throws at us, but only against infantry. These guns don't stand a chance against Poni's flame tanks. Lastly I haven't created it yet, but I have blueprints for a bio-suit for ponies. I couldn't carry anymore resources though, so I'm afraid I'll only be able to create one suit. Any other problems we have will likely be handled easily with these human troops here and the Pegasus Enclave that just made arrival here.

One more thing human allies: There is a strong chance that if Squeeheart cannot fight back, we will have to retreat to Maretown. In the event any of you get caught, you may see the need to take your own lives instead. Take these with you should this situation ever come to be: Dr. Teapots hands over a bag of hammers to the Lolder squad. Everyone needs to move out now; Poni will be here at any moment!

by **Squeeheart** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 11:34 am

(OOC: Posted this in the wrong thread! Short summary of what is going on with this war:

1: Merry Yule and Peacekeep had no idea until now the Emperor knew about Maretown.

2: Lolder Officer Dale is KIA. Cause of death: Red Snow.

3: Dr. Teapots has entered Squeeheart's capital city using an underground system, and has brought weapons along with pony-biosuit schematics.

4: Dr. Teapots knows there is a traitor in Squeeheart, but doesn't know who it is.

5: Red Snow is going to enter Eastern Poni around 1900 hours. (7:00 P.M. Central Time.)

6: Poniian forces are advancing to both Maretown (Which is currently sufficiently defended,) and Squeeheart (Which isn't well defended.). Exact time for when Poni makes arrival isn't clear though.

7: The Emperor is still alive somewhere.)

by **Economa Incorporated** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 11:42 am

Eva, On the deck of the First Dreadnough, EIS Thunderbolt, making way towards The Rift feels her pocket buzz. Superior noise-cancelling technology makes her quite audible even at the high wind speeds

"AH, Greg. Sorry for making you get up. This is a secure line, running off a relay we have set up through The Rift. You'll be able to contact me, and only me, anytime. You've probably seen our newscasts, but what's up with you? As always, we're happy to join forces. Oh, let me complete the president's address for you. As I speak, printers are churning out pamphlets to be loaded into (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PDU-5B_dispenser_unit) cluster distribution, to be dropped over every coastal city we find. They read as follows-

Greeting, citizens of PONI. This message is from Economa Incorporated. Your government is in the process of systematically enslaving and killing sentient creatures known as "Ponies." They may look different, but they're just like you and me, except for one thing. They're currently fighting for their very existence. We'd prefer to end this with the least blood possible, so here's an ultimatum. Convince your government to stop this within the next 24 hours, or for each village destroyed we will LEVEL an entire city. If your efforts fail, we recommend you evacuate ASAP. Merry freaking Christmas.
Madison Kens, President General Economa Incorporated

Whatcha think?"

The Merry Holiday War (Warning: Has Ponies) (IC)

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