• Story: The Nightmare Wars

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    Author: EsperDerek
    Description: The year is 2239. The Earth and its colonies have found themselves pushed to the brink of extinction against an unknown, seemingly invincible enemy. But when a desperate mission is undertaken to capture an enemy vessel, what will be uncovered will change not just the course of the war, but the fate of two races...
    The Nightmare Wars Chapter 1: Contact

    Additional Tags: Space Opera, Battle, Revelations, Mecha

    Fan art after the break!


    Thursday, June 16, 2011 op
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    64 comments:

    1. Ivan2294June 16, 2011 at 2:09 PM

      This actually works better as a regular Sci-Fi novel up until the point where the ponies show up.

      Seriously, wtf.

      ReplyDelete
    2. BareeJune 16, 2011 at 2:13 PM

      I wonder if this will get a sad or grimdark tag at any point...

      ReplyDelete
    3. Narwhals' BendJune 16, 2011 at 2:14 PM

      This is... interesting.

      ReplyDelete
    4. SteelJune 16, 2011 at 2:17 PM

      Hawt Damn this is my kinda story! I look forward to seeing how this plays out.

      ReplyDelete
    5. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 2:20 PM

      >Obligatory PONIES IN SPAAACE

      ReplyDelete
    6. Shellsh0ckerJune 16, 2011 at 2:23 PM

      >Mecha

      YOU HAVE MY ATTENTION.

      ReplyDelete
    7. EsperDerekJune 16, 2011 at 2:27 PM

      What can I say, I'm feeling pretty crazy at the moment, writing this.

      ReplyDelete
    8. ShadowCellJune 16, 2011 at 2:43 PM

      I spy with my little eye a Gundam reference on the sly.

      ReplyDelete
    9. HawaiianShirtedPonyJune 16, 2011 at 2:44 PM

      This is a story I would read.

      ReplyDelete
    10. Mr BronyJune 16, 2011 at 2:49 PM

      Rainbow Dash is looking frigging awesome in that pic, any ideas where can i find the source?

      ReplyDelete
    11. Puzzle PlateJune 16, 2011 at 2:50 PM

      hmmm this seems normal
      >gets to pony part
      wut
      this has my attention more with ponies in it

      ReplyDelete
    12. YuriJune 16, 2011 at 2:51 PM

      Melee is always the best solution.

      ReplyDelete
    13. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 2:53 PM

      Hmmm... I don't know alot about Sci-Fi, but I think I see a couple.
      >Battlestar: Galactica
      >Start Trek?
      >Ender's Game?
      Uh, I give up

      ReplyDelete
    14. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 3:00 PM

      @ anon june 16 1:53 pm: hows about babylon 5? aside from the mecha tag... hmmm, maybe robotech?

      ReplyDelete
    15. EsperDerekJune 16, 2011 at 3:11 PM

      As clarification for the references, they're all names for things. There are seven names in there that are references.

      ReplyDelete
    16. BongoJune 16, 2011 at 3:17 PM

      This may be the next Arddun Lleuad Story if you take it in the right direction! Shoot for that 6-Star story man!

      ReplyDelete
    17. D. ShadowsJune 16, 2011 at 3:41 PM

      For some reason I can only begin to believe my insanity is infectiously spreading to everyone in secret?

      Also, Trixie, Big Mac and Spitfire, nice starting line up.

      Plus Nightmare Moon doesn't know that love can't come from controlling someone it has to be given freely.

      It's a given that she's not getting any love considering the mecha are powered by the pony type trinity and continuous pain.

      My guess is that the elements of harmony own their own two mecha's and it's not quite as painful as the ones the nightmare armada are using.

      The flotilla of light probably compromises of at least three mecha and a space fairing battalion that isn't controlled by nightmare, but they don't have enough forces to battle her might or magically driven and enslaved weaponry.

      Mecha powered by tortured souls has been done way to many times to count and I can't even begin to describe the Evangelion feeling creeping up.

      Keep writing we needed a sci-fi story that didn't parody a pre-existing universe or was a crossover.

      If it quickly turns evangelion I'm leaving, I don't want to hear so much emotional baggage and whining unless I see Rarity's hooves stamping up and down. Please keep the exposition to what you think you need, just asking nicely here.

      This also better not turn Voltron or even Power Rangers.

      Really my space story preferences falls to Outlaw Star(which should have had a video game like Infinite Space for the DS), Vandread (There are some sick and twisted things about the story of what's actually going on that makes it all the more interesting) and Robotech. (The Macross saga is point blank a mecha fan favorite, just about everyone suffers losses and their's no super invincible people just really ridiculously huge armada's being hit with what amounts to a catapult, the medieval kind. Battlefield: Earth also comes to mind.)

      I've seen just about any story pathway you could possible want to write and I know it'll be a good one no matter your choice.

      Sorry but I'm a inane evil monster with a penchant for science fiction every now and then and long winded post when I feel like it. I have a half ton of good to badly written fanfictions backed up in my brain excuse me later for dislodging half of them into your own. I don't see any idea as bad really, just the exposition and the blathering on and emotions all the time really tends to drop the story like a Dragon Ball Z episode where all they do is talk and nothing really happens.

      I've also read Enders Game like some an anonymous mentioned and found it to be enjoyably creepy, video games can teach you to win wars apparently.

      Now back to your usually ignored supposedly evil monster hanging around a pony blog.

      ReplyDelete
    18. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 3:42 PM

      Is GI Joe one of them? They never hit anything they shoot at as well unless it's a large vehicle or it's something really important.

      ReplyDelete
    19. EsperDerekJune 16, 2011 at 4:05 PM

      @D. Shadows

      ReplyDelete
    20. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 4:05 PM

      I absolutely promise you that this will not turn into Evangelion. Also, I have no idea why this got split into two comments.

      ReplyDelete
    21. ZAquanimusJune 16, 2011 at 4:14 PM

      Hey You,

      gimmie more.

      ReplyDelete
    22. HawaiianShirtedPonyJune 16, 2011 at 4:21 PM

      Hard(ish) SciFi and ponies, a tantalizing combination.

      ReplyDelete
    23. ItsTheWhinyGuysJune 16, 2011 at 5:14 PM

      What, no sci-fi tag?

      ReplyDelete
    24. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 5:21 PM

      My brain is full of fuck. This is possibly the wierdest thing I've read on this site (that's saying a lot) but I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

      ReplyDelete
    25. MinalkraJune 16, 2011 at 5:29 PM

      this is ... interesting. uhm, let's see how it works out, i guess. sorry.

      ReplyDelete
    26. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 5:35 PM

      I recognize Mara(Star Wars Expanded) and Mitchell(StarGate, I think)

      ReplyDelete
    27. leaflet757June 16, 2011 at 5:42 PM

      im going to allow this...

      ReplyDelete
    28. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 6:24 PM

      I like this kind of sci-fi. Looking forward to some more.

      ReplyDelete
    29. Cody MacArthur FettJune 16, 2011 at 7:46 PM

      OK, two things: first, this needs a sci-fi tag; second, the artwork for it is some of the least fitting art I've ever seen for a story on this site, it needs to be changed fast.

      Now then, this is a pretty good story. I'm definitely going to be recommending this on Spacebattles later tonight. I'm not exactly sure where this is going, but as long as you include misanthropy or some weird anti-religion tract I'll keep on reading.

      ReplyDelete
    30. GrifJune 16, 2011 at 9:23 PM

      Having the honour of pre-reading this beforehand, I must say I'm very excited on how the story is shaping up.

      ReplyDelete
    31. lainofthewiredJune 16, 2011 at 9:55 PM

      Proof that ponies make everything 20% cooler, even military mecha sci-fi.

      ReplyDelete
    32. Delta PangaeaJune 16, 2011 at 10:25 PM

      Man, this is good. Really good.

      Also? A reference nobody's spotted yet, or at least reported.

      AGX-001.

      That's the code for the 'bug' Aerogater Mechs in Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation. The later Aerogater Mechs' codes are incremental from that in order of contact.

      I am LIKING this.

      ReplyDelete
    33. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 10:29 PM

      @Delta Pangaea

      And we have one out of the seven! AGX-001 is indeed the 'Bug' Aerogater mech from SRT: OG, or if you're like me, the Alpha series.

      Just six more to go.

      ReplyDelete
    34. Inkwell PonyJune 16, 2011 at 10:33 PM

      I'll try to keep this PG, since this is a Ponyboard. That said...

      Darn you Derek! Darn you like a sock and the pony you rode in on too! How dare you get me into another genre like this? It got me sucked into the Mecha Space Opera even before the ponies showed up!

      And it threw me for a loop too, with how the mechas were human shaped instead of pony, but with how this story is developing, that makes sense.

      You have written an awesome story, and the MLP references, while they helped it a lot, were actually tertiary. While that isn't something I'd normally congratulate, you did it very tastefully, and in such a way that kept the reader on a look out.

      You also made a story that could make MLP fans out of somebody by surprise, since if you just handed the story over to somebody, they would have no idea that this was a fan story at it's core.

      I also love that you didn't cross this over with another setting, but instead made your own, that I desperately want to take part in now.

      All of that said, once again, Darn you like a sock, you got me sucked into Mecha Space Operas. Rar. I shall gnaw you.

      ReplyDelete
    35. Inkwell PonyJune 16, 2011 at 10:35 PM

      But I shall gnaw you more if you don't continue it. Just as a heads up. Either way, you shall be gnawed.

      ReplyDelete
    36. SteelJune 16, 2011 at 10:41 PM

      .... WAIT I finally got IT!.
      The Nightmare has the Power of an earth pony, The flight ablities of a Pegasus and the magic of a Unicorn! Its not soul sucking Its ABLITY draining! Which STILL bites for the guys being used as parts! .... Also.... I have a really REALLY bad feeling about the "Nightmare Soldiers"

      ReplyDelete
    37. Inkwell PonyJune 16, 2011 at 11:08 PM

      Yeah, basically a 'Nightmare' is an Alicorn in a Box piloted by the rough equivelent of a human drone/cultist. Nasty customers.

      ReplyDelete
    38. DaveJune 16, 2011 at 11:48 PM

      If you're talking Sci-Fi, I'm almost positive Starship Trooper and Firefly would be in there if I cared enough to read through it again now that I know what I'm looking for.

      But that will be for another time. Good job.

      ReplyDelete
    39. SteelJune 17, 2011 at 12:32 AM

      I just... I mean How many people were in those colonies trapped in the "Endless Night" how many people have been MADE to "love" The Nightmare? Just how dark is this Nightmare? I have just been sandbagged by Fridge Horror.

      Also now that I read it again... I am Totally hearing Char's Theme from the Original Gundam series as the Nightmare goes nuts on our heroes.

      ReplyDelete
    40. aclockwerkponiJune 17, 2011 at 1:28 AM

      More! I demand more! Love the story, please please please finish it!

      ReplyDelete
    41. MaximillianVeersJune 17, 2011 at 1:11 PM

      >Expecting the crew of AGX-001 to be ponies.

      >Only mildly disappointed.

      I will admit, this is probably the weirdest thing I've ever read.

      Doesn't mean I don't like it, though.

      ReplyDelete
    42. MaximillianVeersJune 17, 2011 at 1:27 PM

      I'm a little unclear on the timeline, though. What amount of time elapsed between the vanishings of Pluto, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn?

      ReplyDelete
    43. AnonymousJune 18, 2011 at 2:06 AM

      Wing commander!

      ReplyDelete
    44. VelvetJune 18, 2011 at 3:08 AM

      That's quite an impressive performance for a 3-horsepower engine!

      ReplyDelete
    45. -June 18, 2011 at 6:27 AM

      Just got in on this. Hell yeah, I can't wait to see a continuation.

      Loving the shoutouts tossed in, too, though I'm having trouble seeing how to justify using the AGX-001 codename given what the acronym stands for.

      Whatever, rule of cool.

      ReplyDelete
    46. AnonymousJune 18, 2011 at 6:53 AM

      To answer some questions:

      Approximately two weeks have passed from the initial invasion of Pluto. Yes, the invasion has happened that quickly.

      In this universe, AGX stands for 'Advanced Gladiator X-Type', representing its advanced technology, humanoid appearance, and its unknown variables.

      Also, I was wondering how long it would take for someone to make a horsepower joke!

      ReplyDelete
    47. Nova25June 18, 2011 at 3:03 PM

      Pretty interesting start.

      The ''Humanity in a losing war, BUT! where ponies will come to help'' concept is promising.

      Also... Hum, Sci Fi story, with no : [Sci Fi] tag ?

      ReplyDelete
    48. AnonymousJune 20, 2011 at 12:13 PM

      You have my interest, good brony. This looks to be awesome.

      So I'm guessing the mechas need one of each type of pony to work properly?

      ReplyDelete
    49. AnonymousJune 20, 2011 at 1:24 PM

      "Whilst normal firearms don't exactly work properly in the vacuum of space"

      Forgive me for being anal about this but guns can fire in vacuum since the cartridge is sealed and ready to fire. The main problem is adjusting to the temperature which surprisingly varies a lot in a vacuum.

      And don't even get me on "g-forces" on spacecrafts.

      Other than that i cant wait read some more

      ReplyDelete
    50. AnonymousJune 20, 2011 at 1:54 PM

      @Anonymous

      My only defense is, uhm, at least it's not the sonic bomb thingies from Attack of the Clones?

      (Okay, so it's space opera physics in places, what can I say.)

      ReplyDelete
    51. AnonymousJune 20, 2011 at 2:26 PM

      True true, but I can not sit idly when somebody disses boollet, weather unintentionally or not.

      ReplyDelete
    52. ElahJune 26, 2011 at 10:51 PM

      ETA on chapter 2?

      ReplyDelete
    53. AnonymousJune 27, 2011 at 12:30 PM

      @Elah

      It's coming, there was just something else that I had to finish before I could start Part 2 properly.

      ReplyDelete
    54. AnonymousJune 29, 2011 at 5:28 PM

      Oh thank god. I read this, was like "Thi...this is really good." then realized there hadn't been an update in forever and was worried it was a deadfic. Hurray its not!

      ReplyDelete
    55. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 2:33 PM

      Damn you and not having part 2 uploaded yet XC

      ReplyDelete
    56. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 7:59 PM

      The wait, shall last, FOREVER!

      ReplyDelete
    57. AnonymousJuly 3, 2011 at 6:19 AM

      "It's just been over two weeks, it's not been that long." he said in protest. :)

      But I'll be working on it this week, as I said, I had to write that other fic first.

      ReplyDelete
    58. Bubble DJuly 30, 2011 at 3:01 PM

      Awwwh, this had such promise.

      Is it completely dead?

      ReplyDelete
    59. AnonymousAugust 6, 2011 at 4:28 PM

      More please, I have been hooked. I was hooked before ponies even showed up.

      ReplyDelete
    60. AnonymousAugust 16, 2011 at 11:45 PM

      Will this ever have a chapter 2? D: D: D: D:

      ReplyDelete
    61. AnonymousAugust 18, 2011 at 12:45 AM

      HORY SHET.

      This is good! Moar, moar!

      ReplyDelete
    62. AnonymousAugust 26, 2011 at 3:20 AM

      ):

      author, y u no update

      ReplyDelete
    63. DPV111September 17, 2011 at 5:52 PM

      This is one of he best premises for a "Nightmare Moon Won" scenario I have ever read. Also Your writing style is fantastically clear and easy to read. This makes me especially happy you are writing a genre other than romance. If you can't continue this please provide at least a story outline so we know where this epic tale would have led us.

      ReplyDelete
    64. DJilliillOctober 25, 2011 at 5:48 PM

      Is this dead? It sounds interesting, but I can't bring myself to read a fic that will never be finished.

      ReplyDelete

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