The Shipment: 2

>You are Twilight Sparkle
>You cannot believe what's happening right now!
>Celestia decided to send you and Spike out of Canterlot and into the town of Ponyville
>Apparently you were spending too much time with your nose in dusty old books
>You couldn't refuse her, but still!

>As Spike read the rest of the letter, you lean over the side of the chariot to hide your pouting
>You couldn't help it, but you take another glance to your right

>Two of those new beings were somehow standing tall in the chariot flying behind you
>"Kriegers" as Celestia called them
>Dull and patchy grey uniforms, strange boxy devices, even stranger devices on their chests
>But those masks complete the alien image
>You have no idea what they look like under those
>Were you not told otherwise, you would have thought they had come straight from Tartarus
>As if the threat of Nightmare Moon wasn't bad enough, there were these creatures apparently touring Equestria

>One has so much on it you wonder how it can stand
>It's carrying a strange tubular device, a sword on the back of its hip, a pair of folding shovels, giant clippers, a pickaxe, several gadgets on its belt, and about a dozen pockets that were filled to the brim
>Its mask has a bunch of mechanical doodads surrounding the lenses, their purposes unknown to you
>Is it going to try and dig out an entire tunnel network on its own?

>The other one has a slightly smaller amount of trinkets and mechanical objects on it
>Its wooden and metal device has a pair of tubes coming out of it and merging into the being's back
>Was the device drawing power from that being?
>Then there's its mask
>It's different form the others, and is even scarier
>It looks like a faded skull too similar to a pony's

>"And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete:"
>You take your attention away from the Kriegers to eye your rather enthusiastic assistant
>"Make some friends!"

>You give a moan of defeat, and another glance at the Kriegers
>This time they look right back at you through those dark lenses
>You sure hope Celestia didn't mean making friends with /these/ guys

>"Look on the bright side, Twilight: The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn't that make you happy?"

>...idea

"Yes. Yes it does. You know why? Because I'm right. I'll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof on Nightmare Moon's return!"

>"Then, when will you make friends like the Princess said?" asks Spike, taking a peek over your shoulder

"She said to check on preparations. I am her student, and I'll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends."

>Your chariot touches down first, and you thank the two armored pegasi before they take flight again
>A moment later and the two Kriegers disembark from their ride, each one bringing a large and stingy duffle bag along with them
>How they fit those in the rather small chariot is anypony's guess

>When the chariots depart, Spike turns to you
>"Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about."

>A quick look at the Kriegers, who were taking in their surroundings, and you have a feeling they're going to be the hot topic for a while

>Turning back to Spike, you see a pink earth has walked right up to your group
>"Come on, Twilight, just try."

>A moment of silence as you suddenly seize up mentally
>whattosaywhattosaywhattosay?!

"Uh, hello?"

>Instead of a greeting, the pony gasps, somehow jumping up into the air and staying there, before zipping past you and between the two Kriegers

>The soldiers have their boxy devices raised in their hands almost immediately, tracking after the pink speedster as she zooms out of sight



>You are Krieger 888-263-11555-55-Anton
>You'll have to watch out for that one
>There was something... off about her
>You digress, on to the objective:

>While the capital pseudo-hive city was in a very defensive location, the Captain wants to know all of his options before the enemy invades
>Since only a few maps of varying detail were given to the Shipment, the Captain ordered you to further map out the surrounding area, starting with the town of Ponyville
>Given that you were the most senior out of just ten engineers, Krieger 888211-115528-Killian, the one Grenadier tied in with the Shipment, is acting as escort as well as assisting in your tasks

>Once the Planetary Governess' student and her assistant go off to preform their tasks, you and Killian sling your rifles, heft your bags, and walk to the town hall where the governor (mayor, not governor) resides

>The residents of the town notice your presence almost immediately
>Most flee into their homes, others simply run away or stand still, a few faint at the sight of you
'They have not seen war.' You think as you walk past. 'Their request was understandable.'
>Arriving at the town hall with little more commotion, the two of you head inside and find the govern-mayor whittling down a stack of papers piled high on her desk
>The mayor somehow doesn't notice you opening the door to her office, giving you time to dig out the Governess' letter from your bag
>With the scroll in hand, you approach the desk and tap on it, twice in rapid succession
>"Can I help you?" she asks with a very controlled tone without looking up
>You bring the scroll into her vision
>The psyker takes the letter from your hand via expertly controlled telekinesis and unfurls it
>After taking several seconds to speed read it, you notice minute changes in the mayor
>Breathing quickens, drifting eyes become more alert, going back up the letter to reread it
>When she finishes, the psyker takes in a slow, deep breath before looking up
>You and Killian stand at attention, waiting
>The mayor scrutinizes you for a good dozen seconds before letting out a sigh
>"I supposed you wish to be quartered somewhere?"
>You shake your head, and you know Killian is doing the same behind you
>You have always slept best outside

>The mayor is pleasantly surprised by this
>"That takes a load off my shoulders. As long as you two don't cause any trouble,"
>She gives a moment of thought about this
>"Well, any major trouble, you are free to go about your work."
>You nod, and with another heft of your bag you leave town hall for the outskirts, with Killian close behind

>First thing's first: set up a Forward Operations Bunker to orient yourself with the land, as well as storing most of your equipment

>A landmark a little ways outside the town would be helpful
>You'll save a high vantage point for later, after you have fully mapped out the town

>Heading in the general direction of the Governess' student, you begin another long, arduous campaign.

>You are Krieg Grenadier 888211-115528-Killian
>You and Senior Engineer 888-263-11555-55-Anton have found a suitable place for a FOB

>The two of you have been digging into the rather hilly countryside, your duffle bags temporarily placed in the shade of a nearby tree

>From the outside, anyone would have just seen a jagged square of a trench system in between two hills, with open areas for mortars and gun emplacements
>In the middle of it all, however, is the hidden entrance to the bunker
>Right now it is nothing more than a small and muddy room, connected to the outside by a tight ten-meter-long hole
>Anton plans on expanding it, but it will do for now

>You and Anton secure your unnecessary equipment inside the bunker, before setting off with your weapons, a couple of sketchbooks, and many pencils on your persons
>Time to make use of the other half of this day
>Using the FOB as a reference point, you follow Anton as the two of you head out to plot down the outline of the town
>Anton decides to start out with the nearest group of buildings, which host an impressive orchard
>It could easily feed the Shipment, of course only once the rations run out
>The two of you move to the buildings, intent on mapping out the insides in the event of the Shipment needing to garrison them

>While you prepare to enter the first house, the two of you notice a two-squad-strength gathering of townsfolk in one of the yards
>Not wanting to waste time, but still being curious, Anton turns to you and gestures to the crowd
>You nod, and the two of you split up, with Anton wiping his boots before heading inside the residential building
>You look at the crowd
>While you could just crouch by the corner of one of the barns, you feel the need to at least hear what those in the crowd were saying
>Remembering when you first came here, you sling your rifle over your shoulder and approach the mass of bodies carefully
>Looking forward, you catch a glimpse of the Governess' student and her assistant, seated at a table under a half-organic gazebo
>You only catch a glimpse because they were hidden behind a large pile of different kinds of food, all featuring the same fruit as this orchard

>You keep walking with calculated steps, and your presence is still hidden from the crowd
>Now close enough, you hear one in the middle talking to the student and assistant
>She's introducing the two to the crowd, all of whom are relatives
>The last introduction is for an elder, who, after being woken up to the prospect of guests, creaks and cracks up to the pair, muttering intangible gibberish
>To you it is obvious she is going senile, however it is actually her who first spots you
>The elder looks directly at you with a wrinkly smile, and somehow says loud enough for you to hear,
>"And who's this here soldier colt?"
>You respond instinctually as you would to any respected being who calls you out specifically: snap to attention with a click of your boots
>Back straight, muscles tight, chin held high

>All eyes turn to you
>Many gain a sudden sense of fear, and the closest backpedal away from you
>Some focus on you and take something akin to a combat stance
>The one addressing the student, the one with with a straw hat and loud voice, does the latter but takes it further by coming right up to you
>Despite you towering over her, she asks with borderline hostility,
>"An' just who might /you/ be?"

>With a practiced flourish, you swipe out your identification papers and present them to her
>Without flinching (a good sign) she starts reading intently
>It takes her a consolidated effort to read your name (not so good), but she eventually ends up with Killian
>Her tone goes from borderline hostility to plain suspicion
>"Well, Killian, ah sappose yer one a them aliens that came 'ere this mornin'?"
>You nod
>Her mood instantly turns into one of welcome, and she starts steering you towards the table
>"Well allow me ta welcome ya to Sweet Apple Acres!"

>As she introduces herself (Applejack) along with the rest of her family, you're seated at the table along with the Governess' student and her assistant
>You are just as unsure as she is on getting out of this situation, apparently
>She's still trying to avoid looking at you as well

>The pile of foodstuff (of which the shared ingredient is "apple", unsurprisingly), is pushed slightly in your direction
>"I reckon you'd be mighty hungry after dat trip, so eat up!"
>But you and Anton both ate an MRE before leaving the capital hive-city
>You do not want to be rude, though, since this was the best reception you have had in a long time
>Anton relieves you by being spotted a moment later
>As all eyes turn to him, you curiously swipe a small cake

>!

>By the Emperor, the flavor!
>Too much flavor
>You almost cough back up the small treat inside your mask along with whatever spice was sprinkled onto it
>With Krieg-grade discipline, you swallow it down, your mouth a little numb from such a sudden burst of stimuli
>You recover, and you notice Anton has taken a seat next to your and is staring at the pile of food
>As the Governess' student tries, and fails, to excuse herself, Anton looks at you quizzically
>You subtly shake your head, and gesture how you nearly became sick
>Anton nods, but slowly looks back at the pile

>"Aren't ya gonna stay for brunch?"

>Both you and Anton look down at the seemingly youngest of the family, pleading with those large eyes of hers
>You realize the question was put towards the two of you as well as the student and her assistant
>Concerned for your stringent digestive track, you look to Anton, who in turn looks back

>The silent conversation was quick, and ended with the Engineer taking in a deep, muffled breath before shrugging his shoulders

>You are Krieger 888-263-11555-55-Anton
>You and Killian have preformed the most taxing action of the campaign so far:
>The two of you had "brunch" with the locals in order to earn their respect
>You make a mental note to avoid future meals with that family

>With the buildings and their insides mapped out, but with you and Killian's stomachs ready to burst, you deemed it would be a wasted effort to try and map out the rest of the surrounding countryside
>At least until your meals settle
>Right now the two of you are slowly walking with the Governess' student and her assistant, plotting down the town's layout as you go
>While "Spike" does not seem affected, it is obvious "Twilight" ate too much as well

>As the four of you walk, you begin to wonder why someone such as the Governess' protege is going about a little town
>You will have to find out, and the best way would be to follow her

>"Food's all taken care of," reports the assistant as he checks off something on a list, "Next is weather."
>Weather?
>How does one "take care" of the weather?
>From your basic understanding of tech, it could be possible to control certain factors
>But by the looks of their tech level these natives don't have the capabilities to "take care" of the weather

>"There's supposed to be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearin' the clouds."

>You all take a moment to look around, and there are quite a few puffy white clouds dotting the sky
>"Well, she isn't doing a very good job now, is she?"
>You concur with the student, but a moment later and something colorful slams into her and into the nearby muddy puddle
>Shotgun instantly raised, you prepare to charge whatever tackled the student

>It is... one of the locals
>While the Governess' student has a royal-purple horn and "color scheme," this one has hair that covers most of the visual spectrum, while her wings are a bright blue
>Now the two of them are covered in mud, muddier than you are
>You feel a sudden urge to jump into that puddle, but you shut it down

>The "pegasus, Rainbow Dash" recovers first, and excuses herself before using her wings to start floating into the air
>You and Killian watch as this winged native, giggling all the way, somehow pushes a dark cloud directly over the student and makes it release water via stomping on top of it
>Then the winged native produced a whirlwind to dry Twilight, causing her hair to remind you too much of Vreni's bed head

>You and Killian are too stunned to join in on Dash and Spike as they fall over each laughing
>The two of you look at each other
>Such casual use of what might very well be power from the warp has serious implications
>However the thing confusing you two is that these natives have not shown ANY typical sign of the taint of Chaos
>No spikes (besides the obvious)
>No horrific mutations geared toward killing with little mind for ascetics
>Not a single symbol relating to any subfaction of the Archenemy

>Then again, the Shipment was sent to /defend/ this planet, not cleanse it

>You look back, and notice the pegasus had decided to fly up and recline on a nearby cloud as she discussed with the Governess' student
>Apparently she admires a certain group of elite pegasi, and wishes to show off to them during this celebration
>Twilight doubts the pegasus could impress her idols
>A challenge and ten seconds later, and the sky is clear
>You might be impressed, though you have nothing else to base the native's performance on besides the student and assistant's wide eyes and open mouths, much to the amusement of the flyer

>"And don't think I didn't see you two." says the native as she suddenly lands behind you
>You and Killian slowly turn to look down at her, yet she merely puffs her chest out in pride

>"Speechless too, huh?"
>You tilt your head
>"Yeah, I get that a lot."

>You suddenly find yourself face-to-face with the flyer, her magenta eyes centimeters from your lenses

>"So, are you those aliens everypony's talking about?"
>You nod
>The rainbow head takes in a deep breath before muttering, "Awesome."
>The statement was quickly followed by a barrage of questions
>Where are you from?
>Are there more of you?
>Where's your spaceship?

>You and Killian simply stare, and after several seconds of interrogating you, Dash stops herself and dons a guilty grin
>"I actually have to go practice, so..."
>The flyer zips between the two of you and floats above Twilight, still awe stuck
>"We should hang out sometime later, Twilight!"

>Dash, flies off, leaving the four of you to stare after her
>The assistant's comment brings the rest of you back into reality, and the pair make their way to the city's administorum building

>You are Krieger 740-997-02019-14
>Captain Krumen of the 488th Infantry Regiment
>Under candlelight, you take another look at one of the colorful, yet painfully simple maps the Planetary Governess has given you
>Your breastplate and helmet, still shining as they were before you left the transport barge, sit by the large cushioned seat you are occupying
>Your coat and belt rest across the chair's gilded top
>Your mask stays, where it is supposed to be
>You try to decipher the fancy piece of paper just in case you have missed something, anything new that could be of use
>Still finding nothing after several minutes, you have to stop yourself from throwing the childish excuse for a map down
>You gently roll it back up and set it on top of the growing pile now sitting on the adjacent table

>You look around the high-end guest quarters again
>One side is dominated by shelves upon shelves of books
>After the Shipment is dug in properly, you will have to browse through them
>Across from you is the door to the balcony, with the curtains drawn to keep the rapidly setting sun from shining through
>The ridiculously large, untouched bed takes up a fifth of the room
>Your end up staring at the bare ceiling, lost in increasingly frustrating thoughts

>No more information about this place to better defend it

>No reinforcements to ensure its defense

>No enemy to defend it from

>Emperor forgive you, but if you ever find the dummkopf who put you here, they will find themselves on the proper end of your saber
>You let out a muffled sigh, letting your frustration leak out
>Your hand mindlessly reaches into the breast pocket of your inner suit, and it pulls out the small silver pocket watch
>Your head lazily lowers, the small photo within already engrained into your memory
>When you finally open the watch and see it, you are somewhere else, somewhere far away
>Somewhere far different

>That is until there was a knock on the wooden door behind you
>The watch closes with a small *click*, and you wait as the doors creaks open

>"Excuse me, sir?"
>You turn your head, and the maid recedes under your blank gaze
>"Um, the Princess would like to see you.
>She says she's received a letter from your...um, men."

>A letter
>From your men

>Before either you or the maid could realize it, you were fully dressed and moving towards the door

>Not five minutes later and you barge ahead of the flabbergasted maid and through the doors of the Governess' private lounge
>She is just re-entering from the balcony, and gives you a smile when she sees you
>"Good evening, Captain. I trust your-"

"Where is it?"
>Your voice is fast and stern, causing the Governess to stop the pointless question she was about to ask
>With a more forced smile, the psyker levitates a dense scroll from a coffee table and brings it in front of you
>Snatching it from the air, you grab the corners and let the paper unfurl
>The scroll opens, and several more pieces of paper drop to the floor
>You look down with a confused look behind your mask, until you realize:
>Maps
>Many maps
>You hastily pick them and begin to study them, all of your frustration gone

>They were from Anton, Emperor bless him
>So much information on the nearest town and its surroundings, with extensive notes regarding defenses
>All in just one day

>"Captain Krumen, if I may?"
>You remember where you are, and you look up at the Governess
>You hold out the map you have already seen, and the psyker plucks it from your hand
>Before you read the main letter, you gauge the Governess' reaction to your men mapping out her town
>The expressions were very subtle, almost eluding you, but those eyes of hers and her citizens are /very/ expressive
>You see curiosity and respect

>"I must say, Captain, these are some exquisitely drawn maps."

"I would not expect less."
>You know Anton would never allow himself to be subpar in his work.
>Neither would Killian in his report
>...
>An interesting development
>Concerns for the upcoming Summer Sun celebration
>Possible incursion by a known Chaos entity
>Requesting reinforcements to protect populous as well as Governess' student
"Ma'am, what is Nightmare Moon?"

>The Governess lifts her gaze up to you for a few seconds, before sighing
>"A sad story that happened a long time ago.
>A foal's tale."

"Yet my men have identified it as a threat."

>A small smile appears on the psyker
>"They must have been listening to my student, then."
>More of the maps you have finished studying float over to her
>"She's been starved for some new material, so I thought it'd be best to introduce her to something other than a textbook."

>A new environment?
"Something to keep her busy."

>"That's part of it.
>She was always in the library, rarely going out.
>Such a lifestyle is unhealthy, and she was too focused on her studies to make friends.
>So I had her sent away not only to introduce her to a new place, but to have her meet some friends."

"I see." is your response as you finish the report, and are glad that some of the locals have begun to accept the pair you've sent out.

"So you will not mind me sending the squad to reinforce... Ponyville?"

>The smile remains
>"I actually would, Captain.
>You see, I have certain plans for. , and while I understand your concern for the safety of the outlying country, you need not waste the time moving more of your troops."

"Why?
What is your plan?"

>The maps are set down
>The Governess takes in a breath, as if she wanted to avoid this explanation
>"You might want to sit down for this, Captain."

>You do so, and the Planetary Governess recalls when her sister, in your eyes, fell to Chaos