Chapters The declassified biography of a zebragus
Near the Equestrian Exploration Team's Base Camp
Sergeant Jet Stream was flying as fast as he could. He had to get there in time. His wife was in labor. He had informed Captain Lux Umbra of this, been told to take the rest of the day off, and rushed off to the lovely zebra village of tai jino, named for that strange rock in the center of the village that looked like both an eagle's beak and a manticore's tooth at once. He landed outside his wife's hut and walked in.
"My sababu ya kuruka, did I miss it? Am I here on time?" Jet was understandably anxious. Childbirth did not usually go well in 'civilized', clean places like Canterlot, let alone out here in the Zebrican jungles.
"Yes, you missed it. you're wife forgives you, as she knows it takes a while to fly from your wingu mpiganaji village." This was the village shaman, Mganga. "She is weak from the experience, but otherwise well. You have two healthy foals. One is a boy, mostly like you in appearance, while the other is a girl who bears resemblance to your wife. Congratulations."
"I am pleased, Mganga, by my good fortune. Please-" Jet was cut off by the sound of drums, calling the village warriors to arms, and the horns of the camp, signaling the sighting of hostile forces. "The Fisi tribe would pick today of all days to attack..."
Jet unsheathed his wing blades and ran out to protect his wife and foals. He looked toward the sound of conflict, and saw a dozen zebra warriors closing to attack the village. He raised his blades into a defensive stance, and swung as the first bucking attacker got within reach when he stabbed forward with his spear. Jet brought his blades down in a criss-cross pattern on the poor saps neck and kicked him toward the next zebra in line. The first zebra hit the second, fell apart into several pieces, all of them landing on the second warrior of the four engaging Jet, his spear pinning the third by the hoof to the wall of his wife's hut.
As he turned to the fourth Fisi zebra, who had picked up his buried comrade's knife, he felt a tiny but sharp pain in his side. Stream quickly eliminated the fourth zebra, left vulnerable by trying and failing to wield a knife AND a spear, picked up his knife, and chucked it between the eyes of the opponent still alive. Now that the fight was over, he looked at what had caused such pain in his side, and saw a small dart. Jet panicked and went into his wife's room as the poison started kicking in.
"You and the foals are safe... but I will not survive... remember me... and..." Jet couldn't finish, as he saw, only now, that his wife had been hit with a similar dart, and she had already passed on. As he slowly shut his eyes for the last time, he heard the shaman walk in and speak.
"Rest, blood brother, as your foals will be taken care of. As your wife's sister, I will raise them and call the boy after you, the girl after her mother...
And thus Sergeant Jet Stream, pegasus of the Equestrian Exploration Expedition, passed away on March 4th of the 80th year since the dethronement of Discord.
The declassified biography of a zebragus
Tai Jino Village
"It is a big day for you, my children. Today, you become a stallion and a mare, respectively. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend, due to young Zebranni here." Mganga said, while dabbing the traditional paints on their fur, ending with a hoof pointing at the crib in the corner.
"After today will you tell us the big secret about us?" that was Aria, always pestering about this moment, knowing somehow that it was important.
"Yes, my dear. But first, we have a rite to attend. Come along. You too, Jet."
Adulthood Pre-test Ceremony
Jet stood at attention, like he was expected to do, but he let his mind wander. Yes, yes, I will have to achieve some great feat or bring back the head of a dangerous animal or an enemy of the tribe... I know how this goes. Aria will probably put together a potion she has learned under Mganga's teaching, and I get to hunt. Good, the ceremony is over, lets get going. Jet grabbed his gear and prepared to leave sight of his village for possibly a few days. He sighed, turned around, took off, and flew toward his destiny.
Day 1
Jet had traveled north above the Zebrican jungle for a few hours when he spotted smudges on the horizon. He recognized them as the mountains of those Hakuna Mstari ponies, and that meant he had left his tribal lands, and was somewhere between the Southern Hakuna Mstari border and the Fisi lands. Oh well. might as well get over Fisi territory and go back the long way. He stopped for the night in a cave on a mountain overlooking the Pony capitol of Everfree, located in the forest that would share it's name.
Day 2
Jet awoke refreshed, and looked over the terrain in the morning light. Maybe I could try and catch some of those white sungura that live up in these lands.
Several Hours later...
Jet stumbled to the river and collapsed, partially in it.
"By the Spirits of the Land, those things are fast. Maybe I should try hunting something slower, but more dangerous. Like one of those rumored mantis-cores. That would do it." Jet took off in search of something, anything. After an hour of searching, he heard a bell tolling and armed pegasi moving on his location. Jet muttered several choice words under his breath and altered his direction to straight up. He flew, faster and faster. He flapped, harder and harder.
After 10 minutes of this, he looked down. He saw that most pegasi had given up the chase, for the air was too thin for them. But one foolhardy pegasus kept coming. This pegasus was a cyan color, with rainbow-colored mane and tail. He (she? Jet couldn't tell at this distance) was struggling to keep breathing, but seemingly too stubborn to give up.
Jet watched with a smirk on his face, that fell when the pegasus fainted and started plummeting to certain doom.
"Eagle give me strength, these ponies are not my enemy." Jet dived. He felt the air resist him, but he was only a few feet away from the mare, for he could tell now the pegasus was female.
And then the air broke.
Jet felt a sense of euphoria overcome him. He had just defied the air more than usual. He caught the crazy mare, continued his dive and dropped her just outside of town, then flew back into the skies. He flew higher then previously, so high that the sky was now black. He stopped, wondered how it could be night with the sun still above him. He looked around, noticed the world was round, started looking back up, and stopped.
There was a small log, hooked up to 5 orange... things. Jet stared incredulously at the sight, until the sun had set, the moon was starting to rise, and he noticed a dark blue pony approaching him. Jet panicked when he saw that this pegasus had a horn, too.
"I saw what you did for Prism earlier. On her behalf, thank you..." Jet was still panicking at the arrival of this newcomer.
"Jet...Stream... Who are you?"
"I am Luna Nocturnis Solaris, Princess of the night, Diarch of Equestria. I see those things too, so either you're not crazy, or we both are. No idea what they are, though."
"Me either. Could I get something to prove to my people that I saved this... Prism?"
"Sure. Meet me at the Everfree Castle in the morning before you head home."
Day 3
Jet woke this stormy morning feeling homesick and excited that he would be headed home. He freshened up, and flew toward the Everfree Castle. As he arrived, he was stopped by two members of the royal guard, one a pegasus, the other, one of those strange horned ponies.
"Halt in the name of Princess Celestia! State your name and business." Cried the Pegasus.
"Jet Stream, and I am expected by the Princess." Jet replied, nonchalantly.
"In that case-"
"In that case, Lt. Wonderbolt, we should let him go." the other guard cut this Wonderbolt off, looking over his own shoulder at the arrival of both Luna and another pony like her, whom Jet assumed was Celestia."
"A wise choice, Mr. Shield. We are indeed expecting him. If you will come with us, Young Jet." Celestia told the three of them.
Jet followed, whilst smiling roguishly at Wonderbolt as long as that was feasibly possible for his neck, then turned his head to find himself entering the throne room of Everfree Castle.
The Throne Room
"I would like to officially thank you for saving the life of Private Prism." Said Princess Celestia once they were alone in the throne room, but for two Earth Pony Guards. "You are not the first zebra to come to Equestria for his or her rite of adulthood, but you are the first to not try to kill us AND the first zebra I have ever seen with wings. But, I digress. For saving the life of a pegasus who was trying to capture you, I award you with the 'Exceptional Medic Award' for saving a plausible opponent from death." And with that, Celestia teleported.
"Ah good. Now she has gone to breakfast, I can give you this." Luna said, picking up a scroll hidden behind the throne. "This explains your actions, and asks, as respectively to you zebra tribes as I know how, to come to arms when I call for it. If your tribe agrees, return the message to me during the night. Here are some more copies to give to any other tribes you come across asking the same terms."
"I will carry your message, but do not expect much. The tribes have always been at odds with one another. I expect a resounding 'no' from my tribe and family."
"Which reminds me. You were named for your father, correct?" Jet nodded. "That makes you the rightful owner of this set of wingblades. He died in the line of duty, and his wife's family sent his belongings here so we could 'make a shrine to honor him for his mighty deeds in protecting the innocent'. These wingblades were runed by Starswirl the Bearded, one of the greatest unicorns of our time, so you will never need to sharpen them. Now go, and may your fortune be good."
"Thank you, Princess." Jet turned and left, headed home.
The declassified biography of a zebragus
May 9th, 96 P.B.E. Tai Jino Village
Jet was reeling. He had just heard the full story of his parents from the zebra he had thought was his mother. Only after the story was finished did he handed the note from Princess Luna to his moth- Aunt, she is my aunt, not my mother... Aunt Mganga, who opened it, read it, and handed a second piece of parchment, one that had been rolled into the first, back.
Jet Stream,
We have two teaching positions open here in Everfree, if you want either of them. One is a job as a flight coach. The other is a position teaching zebrican magics, which we are lacking here in Equestria.
Hoping we ponies can teach you of your father's side of the family,
Luna Nocturnis Solaris, Princess of the Night.
Jet could not believe it. He could acquire an important position in Equestria. He could represent his family and all zebras everywhere. He would have to tell Aria about this after the council meeting. Which should he... Wait a second...
"Jet? Jet! Could you return to Equestria tomorrow and tell Princess Luna we accept?" Mganga asked. "By the way, what did that note say?"
"Yes. Yes I can take our answer... tomorrow. The note said that there are two teaching jobs available in Everfree. One as a flight coach, which I intend to accept, as the other job is one more suited to Aria here, if she's coming and willing - teaching zebra magics like potion making.
May 16th, 96 P.B.E.
"We will be within sight of Everfree once we clear this mountain!" Jet yelled over the howling wind.
"You mean If we clear this mountain!?" This was Lt. Wonderbolt, one of the ponies sent to assist the zebrican tribe where needed on their journey. The others were two pegasi named Blitz Spark and Prism, one unicorn named Power Flux, and several Earth Ponies, all belonging to the rather large Apple clan, known for... you guessed it, spellbindingly fragrant and delicious apples.
"If I may make a few suggestions, either you pegasi should clear up this storm, or we should be nicer to each other. Either could stop this blizzard." Power Flux roared.
"Shut up, Power Flux! We winged ponies can't control the weather that comes from this location. Not until it clears the Forest of Madness." Wonderbolt yelled over the wind.
"Forget this! we should go through mines under this mountain! we would be warm, there would be no wind, and my cousin Dirt Pick would welcome us!" Shouted Apple Rose, the current matriarch of the Apple clan.
"Let Mganga decide, she is in charge of the tribe."
"Get out of the cold, these old bones can't take it!" Mganga immediately responded.
"So be it."
Several hours later, in the Mines of Ponia
"I apologize for that, we stumble upon those mines all the time, but that was the first one we have found with bodies." Dirt Pick humbly said. "Those were bodies of vicious green apes and what we call a Barrel-chested Dwarf Ape. They were in perpetual war with one another, until both species disappeared a long time ago. But, I digress. welcome to the mines of Ponia, realm of warm hearths, apple beer, and freshly grown potatoes."
The party stayed in Ponia for the night, progressing toward Canterlot in the morning, traveling safely to their respective destinations within Equestria.
The declassified biography of a zebragus
August 17th, 96 P.B.E.
Jet Stream, amazed, walked around a classroom with his sister and Princess Luna.
"This classroom will be Aria's?" He asked, astounded.
"Yes. I know, I know, It's ridiculously large. Not my choice. This school was built under the direction of my parents, who always had a love for grandiose architecture. This room was the only room large enough to fit all of those who wished to learn about Zebrican magic, Unless teaching outside would be easier?" Luna replied, ending with a questioning look at Aria.
"No. This will work, but I'll need a firepit installed, as well as racks for my ingredients." Jet could see the wheels turning behind his sister's eyes. The lesson plans, the preparations she would need to make, etc. Jet looked away before he saw what he viewed as insanity.
"Very well. I'll get someone on it. In the mean time, I will show Jet here his class 'room'." Jet followed Luna outside and to the stadium. "Your class will be held here, and you-
Basic training will be held here at nine 'o clock this evening. a voice mentioned. Jet looked around, trying to find the speaker. keep up, or it will look suspicious. I am using my magic to hold a telepathic conversation with you, and I am also talking with my mouth about the facilities here. Jet recognized Luna now, whose voice was shrouded behind this menacing, deep-timbered voice in his head.
As you wish, mistress. I will be there.
8:55 at the stadium
Others were starting to arrive, some Jet recognized, but most he did not. He had been there since eight, disguising himself in the shadows, inpatient to start. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority present were those hakuna popo mstari mbawa that held Luna in such high regard. Others present included a group from the frozen wasteland of Northern Equestria, his and a few other tribes of Zebricans, and a few lone stragglers, with the largest common region represented was a bunch of Bourgeois youth from Prance. Among these loners, Jet saw Blitz Spark, seemingly unnoticed by anyone else. Eye contact was made, heads shook in acknowledgement.
As nine o'clock came, a bunch of angry-looking ponies in night guard armor took the stand. They looked at the crowd before them, and started shouting orders.
5:55 A.M. August 18, 96 P.B.E.
Jet made it back to his room after a long night's work of figuring out what in the fiery depths of Tartarus was happening with organizing a rebellion. First was a physical exercise test to determine who was ready for combat now, as apposed to needing more work. Those who needed more physical training were sent to an alternate location to receive it. The rest were divided into pairs, and placed under the command of one of the night guards. Jet's partner was Blitz Spark, and they were under Commander Lux Umbra. They were to receive orders soon.
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The declassified biography of a zebragus
Expanding the Air Force (mission profile 1) Pt. 1
December 22nd, 96 P.B.E., in the Crystal Empire
Elysium Fields struck at the white-hot metal for what felt like the thousandth time. She was an ambrosia-colored unicorn with an electric blue mane with slate-grey highlights. She was also a scientist who had been hired to make an easily reproducible, mechanical set of wings for unicorns to be able to support the pegasi in battle like they do the earth ponies. She had been working for weeks, scrapping design after design for varying reasons, even being put under house arrest by the king's advisor, a charcoal-grey unicorn named Sombra, until she finished it. As she stuck her almost finished creation into the water to cool it down, she heard the door to her home and smithy slam shut. She quickly threw the now-finished mech wing into her junk pile as she prepared for another meeting with that red-eyed, motherbucking plothole.
"Ms. Fields! How come the wings?" Sombra half yelled, half hissed.
"I have a design that should work, but I still need to figure out how to get it to attach to ones body without-"
"Do it already! and to make sure you get it done in a reasonable amount of time... GUARDS! take her food and bed. Maybe you will work faster without the distractions of food and sleep." Elysium grimaced at the thought of no food, as she worked best when she was well fed. "Maybe when I come back in three days, you will have done your job." Sombra turned around and began walking out. "You know the drill, guards. She is still under house arrest."
Elysium Fields sat back at her workbench, continued working at her wings, all the while with a worried look on her face.
Outside the city
Corporal Jet Stream had been waiting with Commander Umbra for 3 days now. They were waiting for Blitz Spark, or 'Sparky', to return to their camp next to the river that supplied the Crystal Ponies with all their water. Sparky was the obvious choice for reconnaissance, as he was neither a zebra nor a bat-pony, and thus not immediately noticeable. He was just sitting down for a late lunch when Sparky made it back.
"Sparky, good to see you. We were getting worried that you'd been discovered. So, is she here? The one who makes prosthetic limbs?"
"You bet she is. I found 4 pieces of intel concerning her. First, her name is Elysium Fields. Second, She was hired by the Emperor's adviser to make the wings we're hoping to get from her, and placed under house-arrest when she couldn't get it right as soon as he would've liked. Third, with the guards keeping her under house arrest, her workshop is a veritable fortress. Finally, getting the plans will be a problem, as she has a code she writes her notes in, and it's supposedly encrypted in triplicate."
"If we find the key to the code..." Jet and Blitz both jumped at the sudden arrival of their commander, "And she's bound to have one, then we get what we want anyway. This is but a minor setback. We'll attack two nights from now. Until then, we'll enter the city discreetly and examine the place for weaknesses. Dismissed, comrades."
Jet saluted and got about breaking camp, all the while with building anticipation and excitement.