Spero - The last Hope

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Strange new star
Chapter 2 - The arrival
Chapter 3 - First contact, reflections in the eyes and minds
Chapter 4 - Forget all what you knew...
Chapter 5 - In need of help
Chapter 6 - Illusions of Magic and Technology
Chapter 7 - The coming tidal wave of fate
Chapter 8 - Rising smoke
Prologue

Chapter 1 - Strange new star

157 Years have Passed, and the Starship have aged, suffered the hardship, so as the last of humanity on-board have, but they seam to see there destination. Fate have truly been cruel to them all, but at long last have shown mercy to them. As they Approached the outer edge of a different solar system, 30 light years away from there obliterated world, after travelling at 20% of light speed for most of the flight, long last arrived. This solar system was in there trajectory, and early observations, before they left Earth shown this solar system have planets, and one of them was in fact in the so called goldy luck zone on a steady orbit. The data wasn't thoroughly analysed at the time, not enough resources, or power, as almost all effort been put into build the Spero, and the orbital space telescopes, been far beyond better then anything ever before made, couldn't give the proper details of this world, only the general, basic things, atmosphere composition and estimated temperatures, size and mass. They couldn't be sure entirely of the choice that was made generations before, a bet that this world might can sustain them, be a new home. Until now when they were close enough to get better readings, still vulgar at best, but far better, they could see the world surface well enough from this distance, and also have launched drones ahead to this new world, to scout as best as possible while the massive Starship began one of it's final deceleration manurers. It still would be a year to reach the planet it self, and get into a geostationar orbit around it to began the colonisation. Non less a decision was made, and an manned expedition been launched at this point, they would arrive in a few months with a much smaller ship that was easier to handle, unlike the Spero which was immensely large and was using massive nuclear engines. The expedition ship was on full speed, just a few weeks behind the unmanned drones.

Twilight Sparkle out on star glazing, with her telescope on the balcony of the unique tree house. It's been a few day she spotted a new and surprisingly bright star, but only began realise that it can not be a star as it's been moving, it was difficult to tell but after a few days of checking agen and agen the bright object it become clear. She wasn't sure what it possibly be, as she was sure it was far out, to be a comet, and comet become visible only if they got close to the sun, but this seamed to be way far out, way larger, and most of way to bright. Needless to say she began feel uneasy about it, and she began do her calculation based on what she saw so far, not entirely sure how correct those numbers in her head.

“Come on... This just doesn’t add up, doesn’t make sense!” Flung her hoves and wings into the air in her frustration after many times she run the numbers of her observation. “I think I better write for the princesses about this strange object..” Note it for her self before turn around to wake up Spike. The small baby dragon was anything but happy to be woke up by Twilight as such late, or better put, early hour... “Spike I’m sorry I had to wake you up but I think this is important, and like tell Celestia and Luna” Spike give her daggers still with his eyes, being truly tired and want nothing else to sleep. “Right, right.. lets just get this done Twilight, even though I fail to see what's so urgent about a star in the night sky” “Spike..” She sigh ”I'll make it up for you tomorrow, if you want you can sleep in, and I’ll make you a breakfast with some ruby.” She gave a comforting smile to the little dragon who was still very exhausted but couldn't help but smile back to Twilight and with more spirits. “Okey Twilight, it's a deal, I wanna sleeeeep all day tomorrow, no wake up calls!“He chuckled finally, so did the young Alicorn princess.

Dear Celestia and Luna

I write to you in concern of a discovery in the night sky, a new star that I been observing for a few night now and it appears to be moving. At this point I’m not even sure any more that is a star, but all other explanation fails as well, it's seemingly way out, away from the Sun to be a comet, even more so it's lacks any trails, but it is very bright like a star, as far my observations go.

I hope could give me a second opinion on my findings on this new mysterious object.
The coordinates are the following:

Right ascension 11h 12m 31s
Declination –52° 49′ 02.70″
Apparent magnitude (V) −0.002

Eagerly awaiting your findings, your ever faithful student and friend,
Twilight Sparkle.

“Thank you Spike!” She smiled to her number one assistant. “No problem Twilight!” the small Dragon smiled back, and quickly rolled up the letter and burn it with his magic fire. Then yawn tiredly, almost fall asleep, Twilight warped him into her left wing embrace. Not much later the baby dragon went to sleep, while Twilight quietly walk outside to her balcony once more and look up the night sky where she noticed this new small but very bright, mysterious object, she sigh and sat down to her hunches, thinking what it could be, it even crossed her mind that could be aliens, but dismissed the though after awhile. In fact she was also very tired. After some time she did give in to the slumber, cruel up under the deep blue sky.

Little she knew, the thoughts about aliens was right. What she saw through her telescope was the blinding light of the Spero Nuclear engines burning at max thrust in a backwards position, to reduce it's speed as made it's way into the solar system and steadily adjust it's trajectory to finally stop near there home, high above in space, between the Moon and Gaia in a year time. But before this they would learn for sure what was approaching, inform of the drones, then followed by the expedition, the Hermes.

From dark of deep space small drone units emerged, hurling towards the new planet, already actively doing there mission by impressive imaging sensors scouting the planet, better and better images and readings being set back to the following ships, Spero and Hermes, so the scientist on-board can analyse it and get better grasps of this new Eden, new Eden indeed, as images now clearly show vegetation on the surface, plant life, green plant life, which means clorofil. And where is plant life, there likely be animals. An true thrilling knowledge, a world alive, and even though the clear dangers of how they be able to enter this biosphere, colonise, and establish the human civilisation once agen, with a fresh start. Simply the joy was just burning in there veins, to be able see a blue sky that none have seen for generation, and only the old stories, movies have them, gave some glimpse of it.

Back at the massive starship they began adjust the drones trajectories, so there orbital modules arrive in a perfect geostationar position around the new world, and began more detailed mapping as well function as a new GPS constellation before deploy the entry units to get the first up-close view.

In mean time back in Canterlot, the two alicorn sisters have read Twilights letter and headed to the Royal Observatory, curious of this new mysterious object in the night sky, having an idle conversation with some chuckle of Twilight strange ways of sometimes be more concerned of things then it's need to be.

“Oh Lulu, Twilight can be funny some times when she get excited about something” Laugh the Solar Diarch “I know Tia haha, hope though not mind I woke you up my self. It be a lie if I said I can't wait to see what’s this star Twilight spotted in my night sky” Luna reply with a huge grin on her face as they got closer to the observatory “Oh that’s alight my dear sister, for You and Twilight I have time always.” Celestia smiled but short after a big yawn did escape her, she could sleep more with out doubt, and most likely be angry if anyone else would try to wake her up at such late hour but her little sister, or Twilight. And besides, it been some time they got some time together due there royal duties, and star gazing they loved even back when they been young fillies. Was indeed a nostalgic for both of them.

They finally arrived to the observatory, Luna have asked one of her night guard to bring some tea and some good comfortable pillows both her and her sister as likely this be a long night.

“Princesses, do you require anything else?” Asked one of the guard “I think that should be it for now, you may leave us” "As you wish highness.“The guards bow and left the observatory room to stand guard outside. Luna began adjust the large telescope with her magic, she wouldn't let anyone do it for her as it was her favourite hobby, just like for Twilight. It took a few minutes to adjust the telescope. “May I have a peek sister?” Celestia asked with a mischievous smirk “Soon Tia soon, it's.. almost... and it's done.“ Luna smiled and wave to her sister to come closer, she pick into the telescope and she sure saw the star where Twilight described it to be “Yes, I even see it too, it is indeed bright!” Celestia lean close, and Luna let her sister have a look “It is very bright, I wonder.. could it be a dyeing star?” “It certainly could be but it's still quite small for one, though might be it that far away” Luna took some notes and added to her star gazing log. She was sure to watch this star from now on. “I think Twilight be happy if she could come to the observatory” “Most certainly, and sure she wouldn't mind and practice some magic us sister. She still needs to learn a lot of her alicorn powers and the duties.” Celestia smile, her little student came a long way to ascend to an alicorn princess but still there was many things to learn and master.

The two Princesses spent rest of the night chatter away and look at other stars as well.

Author's Note

Experimenting with coloured text for characters, shall i keep it or ditch it?

EDIT: was an interesting experiment, but result is result and colours nowi removed

Chapter 2 - The arrival

Few days have passed, Twilight and Luna spent lot time together. Luna teach Twilight to her dream infiltrate spell, rest assured they did some pranks which was unusual, especially if it was Twilight, as she never been known to be a prankster.

“Oh Luna, Blue Blood was just furious!” “Twilight, I think we can check out the 'how to troll mortals' on our list” they both chuckled as they walked on the large corridor towards the observatory. “I would never go for less then an A Luna.” “I know that, though the following spell will be more challenging.” “Oh, which spell?” Twilight looked quite curious to the Lunar Princess “It's a spell allow to leave your body and wonder through the land, a bit like as a ghost, but still alive, but it's have it's dangers of course.” She listen carefully “It's have a time and range limit. For instance I'm able to wonder of, about little beyond the Moon, but that’s truly stretching my limits, for you, I think you'd be able to reach out beyond borders of Canterlot once got the basics. It's can be taxing to the body.” Twilight nod “Sounds as a challenge. Sure be nice to reach out to the stars with this spell, especially to the new one I found last week.” Luna gave an acknowledging smile “That would be amazing, but I’m afraid even Celestia couldn't go that far out. But who knows, we might be able to devise a better spell over time.”

They arrived to the big golden doors, decorated with all kind of celestial illustration, stars, comets, planets with Gaia at the center. The solar guards open the large doors for the two alicorn princesses. Twilight look at Luna “Luna, do you think we should move the beds here? We sure spend more time in this room then in our own personal chambers.” “An found idea Twilight, but I would prefer have the telescope in my own chamber them move here.” They both chuckle. After a little while they set up the telescope to look to the same spot on the sky where they noticed this wandering star, “Tonight will be interesting, the wandering star should be hidden behind the Titanus as the planet will pass before it.” said Luna “Guess that means we can sleep for a few nights before we see it agen.” said the young magenta alicorn as she turn to Luna “Haha, surprised how well you manage to stay up, you do not sleep a lot lately.” Twilight just blush a little on Luna's comment, she was quite tired at this point, non less fuelled by her curiosity as well some good coffee they had earlier.

Things went quiet for many hours while Luna shown the basics of the soul spell, while they kept checking the telescope. The Star got closer and closer to the planets horizon but soon they be totally surprised.

“Um... Luna..” Asked Twilight as she stuck at the telescope while Luna made some hot coffee “Yes Twilight?” “I think I have hallucination of some short.. because I just simply don't believe to my eyes..” Said finally after a minute quiet. Luna simply walk up next to her and tap her shoulder to have a look. She look at Luna with a true unsure look, there theory of a wondering, dyeing star is totally shattered as Luna look into the lens. It took merely a second for her mouth hung open from the shock. The supposedly star was before the planet, not obstructed by it, meaning it is not a star at all, and more importantly, it was close, way closer then they imagined before, and meant it was also much smaller. Yet it emitted so powerful light as a sun would, an dyeing one. This was like a whole barrel of lantern oil on the fire. Both Princess quickly run through there notes and began do there calculations, including the earliest ones of Twilight. They done it agen and agen, quadruple checked it all. They got worried as well as the rough calculations of this object path shown, it would cross Gaia's orbit in a year or so, and if they could believe to the numbers, it was slowing down.

“Aliens..” Said Twilight on a meek sound, Luna just nod slowly, not blinking at all, it took a minute for Luna spoke up “Celestia must know of this, the implications of this... are beyond...” She stooped at mid sentence and gulped, she charge her horn, and unlike as normally she do, she just teleported to Celestia chambers directly. It didn't took to long, maybe a minute, and with a flash both Celestia and Luna appeared in front of Twilight. She looked into her mentor eyes deeply, Celestia looked back into Twilight eyes, still with signs of slumber as she just been woken up less then a minute ago, but with clear concern and increasing awareness, it took a few moments then she walked up and she took a look for her self too, stood there for a little while, finally back away from the telescope and look to the two younger alicorns. Now clearly share the shock of the pair, unable to find the right words right there and then. An alien object, a ship, an immensely big one was on it's way to Gaia, it left them with more questions then answers. Time have passed in silence, then Celesta broke it finally “How much time.. till arrives?” Directing her look at Twilight, she forced down a ball in her throat as answered ”If.. we can believe the numbers... roughly a year.. I just don't kno-” “We must prepare.” Interrupted Luna “But how?!? How you prepare to something like this?!?” As Twilight explode in evident fear, Celestia have lift up her hoof to silence them, held it there for a short while she formulated her response “First of.. we must keep this confidential.. second, we know little to nothing. All we know that it's approaching as we speak. As for get ready... best we can do increase our reserve of guards and began stock pile up food and medical supplies, and yes I know other countries around Equestria likely misunderstand this move, and I’m afraid we must share this finding with them. And sooner then later so they can also get ready what ever may come..” Luna sigh at the words of Celestia... “Ignorance is a bliss as they say...” “Indeed..” “BUT CELESTIA, PONIES CAN DIE IF WE DON'T DO SOMETHING!” Yelled Twilight who was hyperventilating from the stress, Celestia step right before Twilight and gently put her hoof on her student mouth, then embrace her into a hug with her wings, sigh “I know Twilight.. and we will do everything we can, but you must understand, we must remain calm, and most ponies wouldn't be able to handle this news... the ensuring chaos if this would brought to the light would ruin our peace, and all effort to get ready, in case of a disastrous outcome would be halted while we would try regain control and order. I do, really do understand your feelings, fear, but can't give in to fear and lose our cool, if we do, it be just worse, especially if this alien object pass by and nothing happens.” Celestia with a heavy heart sigh and she could really envy the young and still innocent Twilight, who yet to live many more decades to become a true leader, have the true experience. Luna stood closer, she as well possessed by fear, but she kept her composure. “Celestia is right Twilight... and I think we should call a secret, emergency meeting tomorrow, and start make or strategies, see our options. The sooner we start this the better, and we must track this alien object in the sky, if there is a way if any, even during daytime.” Celestia nod then look back down to her student, who calmed down a bit. Twilight sigh heavily ”I.. understand Princess.. it's just hard.” “I know Twilight.. you are still young, by time you will grow more wiser, and to be honest it will never be easy, but you will be stronger.. now come, I think you need some rest, even if it's hard to force your self, you must have some sleep. It's easier to reflect on these new facts with a fresh and composed head tomorrow then now clouded by sheer fear and exhaustion.” Twilight nod and after a little while they all left the observatory.

This very night, unknown for the Princesses the humans made there first presence to there world, Gaia with the first wave of unmanned drones. The orbital unit's stabilise there geostationar orbit around the new planet, began sync up there formation as well transmit the data back to the coming ships. The Geographical data been analysed and the areas of initial landing zones been transmitted back to the Spero to be approved.

The now orbiting drones focused there cameras on the potential areas, one particular area was a mountain range side, with a wide valley and large forest fauna, but the more the camera scanned the area, the inbuilt AI noticed an 'anomaly' after a short time more, these areas been photographed several times with different spectrum’s, from visible light to infra red, including radar and laser beam scans. Going through initial spectrum analysis to determine the composing materials, flagged as the highest priority to be evaluated by scientist. These, in fact were buildings, an native civilisation. Yet still would take hours for the new information reach the Spero, though the nearest vessel, the Hermes would receive this data less then 20 minutes. They been authorised to give new directives to the drones and select landing zones for them, of course the council back on the Spero could over rule them. But this was just simply to big, to exciting, frightening, accelerating, a true kick into the guts by an android unit, something they least expect. When the data began poor in the shock was ensured, the crew, all the scientist on-board just float in the zero G before the main terminal where the images been shown. The one who collect it self quickest, was the commanding officer of the ship, Captain Kim Lee.

“Gentleman, it seams we simply not write a new chapter in history, today or in the following days.. but rather this going to be a brand new library of history as it's stands.” state it bluntly, as he turn around to meet the eyes of the others. “No.. kidding.. Sir” answered a one of the technician at the background, earn some looks, but all could agree with a silent nod. The captain just gave a smile to this comment, then continue. “Alright, this is lot to stomach, but we have to, thus we been selected to this mission, so everyone back to your stations. We have a lot to do now, way more then we could hoped or ask for.” gave another look to it crew “We going to meet with ET soon, a way or another... Alex.” He turned effortlessly to the the scientist who manned the terminal beside him “Launch 3 airborne drones to the area as well 3 ground explorers, deploy them in a relative close proximity to the settlements, 3-4 miles away. I think gather information about them is the highest priority now, as we will have to share this world with them, regardless we, and or them, like it or not.” Alex turn around to face the Captain “Sir.. Kim.. do you think it's the wisest approach to take?” Kim simply nod as an answer. “Okey..” Alex began enter the commands on the terminal while after a short time over his shoulder continue “Do you think they know we are coming?” Captain almost immediately gave it's answer “I'm honestly don't know, not enough information yet to prove or expel this, but assured, soon they will know something is arrived to there world. If they notice and can comprehend the presence of the drones as they enter the atmosphere. But they would learn it anyway, the Spero is massive and I'm positive they would see it from the ground once getting in a geostationar orbit around the planet in less then a year, after all it is 321 km long.” Alex nod, then after a short moment he chuckled “Guess we will be the invaders Sir, hope they don't have a nuke and fly it down right our throat like they did in that old movie, Independence day.” Kim just smile to this comment. “Lets hope they don't, but in turn we must behave too, so no orbital death beams kids.” Said the captain, and the crew laugh. The air was intense, but some jokes now helped to calm the nerves. Alex, with a final tap on the console sent out the new commands to the respective orbital units to launch there drones to the planet while the rest remain in stand by.

It took 20 minutes to the new data stream reach the orbital units, and to execute the new commands. All 6 entry drones been launched, almost simultaneously and began there descend to the planet bellow. After some time they would light up the night sky high above Equestria as they enter the atmosphere, coat in superheated plasma as hurl towards the surface many times faster then the speed of sound. The entry units resemble small space shuttles and once they lost most of there momentum after reach the lower atmosphere they began circling in the sky to further reduce there speed. The sun began rise far on the horizon, it's rays eliminate the sky, slowly make the stars disappear, and the light would be reflected from the descending shuttles.

They been noticed by a pair of pink eyes, eyes of Celestia who been looking up the night sky and was thinking of the events not long ago, only few hours earlier, unfold in the observatory. The view froze the Solar Diarch, both in horror and awe. She followed with her eye the nearest one, her eyes were much better then normal ponies, even better then the pegasie, it was incredible fast, but minute by minute become slower. Then she hear enormous roar from high above, didn't take long for her to figure out what it was. As it did sound similar to something she heard before. It was like a Sonic Rainboom of Rainbow Dash, but magnitudes bigger and longer, deeper, that indicated that these blast sounds travelled long way before reach her ears. It was the unholy sound of force, speed of these metal birds as they pierced the skies above, she tried to fathom the speed they travelled. With out any doubts, they were far faster then anything ever been achieved by ponies, far surpass even Rainbow Dash who definitely would take it bad, if she knew she was no longer the fastest thing alive, soaring the skies. Celestia noticed the closest object light up at it's back, like fire, but was almost like solid yet transparent, a bit like a magic aura, with this the strange machine no longer glide, but visibly propelled it self through the air, still at incredible speed, and grace. She saw it turned upside down and open a small door like section and drop something out in mid-air. The craft shortly after return upright, while the package inflated into, what looked like first a balloon, short of like a fish and slow down, to fly around. Getting closer to the ground. The fling machine have almost vanished, head towards the badlands high in the sky.

Celestia stood there, but her curiosity got the better of her, and she was more sure in her self as well, what ever this balloon like construction be, it was far slower and smaller then the other metal creation, so she extended her wings to short after soar into the skies and pursue it.

Author's Note

Okey, i stick with the colours for the dialogs for the time being, if really feels annoying do tell me. I'll try to change it then. If have some tips, even better.

Hope the story is enjoyable so far, even with the grammar issues ( double check the whole thing, but i know well i do miss things out, as i'm not an native speaker ) if do notice something way off, and can give a feedback, maybe help correct it, would be more then welcome.

EDIT: I removed the colours, as were more annoying then useful

Chapter 3 - First contact, reflections in the eyes and minds

The A.A.R.D or Autonomous Airborne Reconnaissance Drone finished it's initial system checks, it's uplink to the orbital unit was clear and the commands been received. It's began fly at a lower attitude, around 1000 meters above ground as been directed. It's possessed an advance on board AI to operate on it's own even if contact lost with the orbital unit and or the other deployed drones. It was still dark, but the dawn came quick, and the dark quickly retreated from the rays of the sun. The small drone began it's systematic sweep of the environment, with it's highly mobile camera head, additionally with sonic and chemical sensors. It's headed straight for the small town bellow with farm lands around. It's detected movement far bellow, and was designed to be adoptable, and the current settings made it rather curious, to follow and investigate anything of interest.

Celestia got closer to this strange fling machine, she got a better look of it, it was colourful, grey base with yellow and blue painting, the surface was shiny, at the top it had strange blueish panels, cover it like scales, or better, chitin armour, but the material were more akin to glass. Some aspects looked like it was a living creature, other aspects of it looked like it is a machine, very refined and elegant design. It was moving through the air with small cylinder like parts on it's sides with small wing to help steer it, yet was visible it's remain in the air with it's inflated balloon like body. It was making a slow descend to Ponyville. It was obvious to Celestia what was this machine, or at least it's current function.

“A scout..” Said the oldest alicorn princess. Decided to follow it closer but still out of it's view, and if needed, be ready to act. The miniature airship flew close to Sweet Apple Acres. It's head, if could be called that been looking around. Finally when stop next to a tree some quiet mechanic clang could be heard as two arms unfold and reach out to the tree, it took samples, leaves, some branch and apples, got an better look at them as well with the other arm cut small pieces and store it inside it's chest. Celestia noticed a small wooden house among the trees canopy and to her shock the 3 small fillies, the CMC. She didn't hesitate but she didn't want to risk an attack yet either, she flew before the machine, instantly earn it's attention over the small group of noisy fillies who just woke up recently and haven't noticed them yet. “Come on, I know you are a curious thing, just follow me... somewhere else..” note Celestia quietly to her self, luring away the drone from the small house. The drone fold it's arms back with a little noise like earlier, that did make it's presence to the small fillies, who noticed Celestia as well. Thankfully they remained quiet, with no doubt with awe and curiosity but some sense of dread, seeing her self, visibly lure the strange floating 'creature away'.

The sight before the drone was something new, an white fling creature. Locked on it and began follow it, recording every bit of the encounter and transmit it back to the orbital unit in real time with requesting additional commands how to proceed. The alicorn slowly flew backward, frequently motion with it's hoves to follow it, and so the drone follow as haven't received new, overriding command yet to not to do so, and the AI didn't detect any hostility that would mean harm to the unit.

Apple Jack was heading towards the CMC club house caring some breakfast for the troublesome fillies, though what she saw, she wouldn't believe it. If there were any trace of slumber in her, it's all vanished in an instant as she saw the princess and something following. Celestia look behind and spotted Apple Jack quickly. There eyes locked for a moment and like they would talk with out words, Apple Jack figured out what the princess tried to do, simply judging from direction they been heading slowly. Celestia was leading the drone toward the farm, to the barn. Apple Jack quickly put down the tray she was carrying, to be sure not make to much noise and quickly run back to the barn.

It's repeat the request toward the orbital unit, and the overruling AI commanded to drone to continue follow this creature as indeed ranked it the highest priority among the other findings so far, made by the other 5 deployed drones and still airborne shuttle units. Soon the drone find it's self before structure, it halt it's movement to take in better the surroundings, analyse it and determine is this new environment mean any danger to it's operation and mission. It's did find this place could be potentially more dangers then, but the command to follow overrule the base protocols to retreat from this place. So long there is no imminent danger detected.

Celestia finally landed on her hoves and watched the small airship, as it's look around, fixing it's look on all different objects around it for short moments then with a rapid movement move on the next, for a little time remained stationary, then returned it's attention to Celestia and began its approach agen. She wasn't sure up until this point, would it follow her into the barn, but now it looked it would. She began it's retreat into the barn. “Sorry but I have to trap you now curious one, just follow me inside.” She said in audible level with kind tone and gave an genuine yet forced smile, not even sure how sentient this machine is or does it understand at all her gestures, her tone, but though it's better try this way then apply direct force, she could easily yank the machine with her magic, or destroy it, but that would be definitely a bad move at this point. She was glad she noticed Apple Jack appear behind them, she lock eyes agen with the farm pony and give a small, barely visible nod. The drone did fit in the barn, and it looked around, scanning all around it. Celestia sit down on her hunch while Apple Jack, with Big Mac on her side now as well carefully close the main doors of the barn. The drone did notice it's getting dark quickly and looked behind and did lock on the other two, smaller, colourful ponies. It's AI processed the flood of information in the fraction of a second, the door was closed to much, it was surrounded with little room. Clear it was trapped, yet the creatures non of the creature show any sign of direct aggression towards the A.A.R.D unit, there movement slow, calming. The transmission of distress immediately went out to the orbital unit. The communication was not interrupted by this structure. The drone rapidly looked around, swap it's focus on the ponies around it until the doors closed and took it's full attention on Celestia, keep rapid adjustments on it's view, watch ever little moves of the alicorn.

The Diarch was sure the machine is intelligent, intelligent enough to realise it is trapped, like it would be scared, the rapid movement's of the head did indicate this, but other then this remained stationary, even when it's noticed Apple Jack and Big Mac outside as they closed the doors of the barn, yet instead of flee, or fight remained in it's position. She decided for a few minutes just sit there, and let the metallic creature watch her, not move or speak, let it calm down, she also took the time to take in the finest details, visible texture of the machine. Then she carefully and slowly stood and walked over. Gently lift up her hoof to touch the surface. The drone mechanical eyes watched her frantically, but still did not attempt to move or unfold it's arms for the matter. “Not need to worry, though we are curious as well about you.” She pulled her hoof away slowly and began walk out from the barn through a smaller side door where now Apple Jack waited for her silently. The drone watched as the alicorn left and as the door been closed slow and relative quietly, only it's natural creak been heard. The A.A.R.D received new commands to stand by, and silently observe, do not deploy any smaller robot units of it's own, do not attempt move around or do any damage to the structure or the creatures until commanded otherwise.

Apple Jack and the princess walk away from the barn, the orange farm pony gave quizzing and frightened look to her Diarch ruler, and at last broke the silence. “What in tranation is that thing?!?” made sure to keep her voice low, just in case. Celestia gave a deep sigh and stopped, look into Apple Jack eyes then began “..I'm.. not entirely sure. I do know though it is related to something we recently discovered with Twilight and Luna.. and I know we must keep this secret for the time being to prevent any panic Apple Jack.” The last part was said with a commanding look, the farmer simply nod in acknowledgement, even though she didn't like the whole thing, not by a bit. She did trust Celestia. The alicorn continue “We will move this machine to a safer place soon, but for the time being it's have to stay here. Do not or let anyone disturb it, especially the little ones, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, if I recall they tend to find trouble all the time” both ponies chuckle on this last part, but the tension remained “Ah understand princess and will do everything ah can.“ “Thank you Apple Jack, I will make sure to send some royal guards as soon as possible. I do have to return to Canterlot and talk with my sister and Twilight about these new events as well command other Guards to find the remaining Alien machines wonder in this area.” Apple Jack had an instant jaw drop to the ground, literally at this part “IS THIS AHN INVASION?!?” Celestia closed her eyes, took a moment then let the breath out she hold back, nod slowly. “It does seams to be, as, it will be, but we aren't sure just yet, nor that are they hostile or not. Granted, these, like this one we managed to trick and trap in the barn, are the scouts for whom build them. Tasked to explore our land. But please do keep your calm and this fact as a secret for the time being. We must make the preparations for the possible outcomes, but must avoid panic and the ensuring chaos if we to be ready to what ever is to come.” The farmer forced down that phantom apple that stuck in her throat as she processed all the words of the princess, then nod, slowly. “Ah... Ah.. understand.. oh.. tarnation...” she was lost of words at this point, but took a deep breath and look up to Celestia with her green eyes. Those orbs with there invisible flames hidden within spoke more then words. Shortly after they parted, Apple Jack remain and ensure thing shorted out on the farm and with the small fillies while Celestia focused her self for a moment and teleported back to the Royal Castle, in Canterlot.

Up, high in orbit the mass of information was relayed back to the Hermes and Spero. Each ship getting closer to Gaia yet still plenty of distance to cross in the vast space. All the events been replayed on board of Hermes with some, still considerable amount of time delay, prevent them to immediately interfere, and change the course of actions, but the initial directives given to the orbital units seamed to be right, even in-light of recent events happen on the surface of the new world. The crew knew they would find things that they couldn't truly imagen, but what they saw on the large screen, lets just say felt like a large magtrain hit them,at full speed, actually scratch that, was more like a direct hit from a railgun shell or a tactical nuke. Even the most focused person on the ship, Captain Kim Lee scratched his head as tried to make sense of what he was looking at.

“Alex, sure this is not some short of fancy joke you pulling on us with all you computer magic?” Alex Stuart, the lead scientist of the ship, slowly, turn around, to face his commanding officer, with a glare right down the soul of the captain. Kim after a few sec recoil a little from the intense look, which Alex broke short after, with a slow motion, return it's attention to the large terminal. “Well.. I guess that is a no... Ooookey people, scratch out little green aliens from your books, even the grey ones.. officially small, fling, magical, colourful houses or.. ponies?” He blinked a few times then give out a sigh. “Sure the guys back on Spero going to freak out.. 'capital letter' big time. Right, so lets work with this.” He look at his fellow explorers “lets make a small group, who ever here is doing Xeno Biology, Biology, or any short of fancy Psychology, into that group right away. It be a challenge, in a way, but try to make a sense of all this, there behaviour, look, body language, anything and everything you able to, because this is it, ET, who will be our neighbour. Every one else, no matter how tempting it may be, back to your original position, we have a ship to run and last thing I want is bump into the Moon or one comical copy of the Death Star..” He looked at one of the younger Technician “.. and those who need a dipper change or a new brain after the current one burn out, please... do so and quick.” He chuckle after a moment “And no, before some one asks, this is not Sparta, this is Madness.” Kim Shake his head and return to his own captain post to overlook the ship operations. Every one else remain as quiet as space it self for the time being.

The group of scientist gathered up around the terminal, around Alex, with there own tablets in hand and began split up the material they received to analyse it and learn as much as possible from this short and strange encounter with the sentient inhabitants of this world. They systemically, step by step analysed the all the material, some one even noticed the small wooden house on the recording with even smaller ponies, and it quickly become clear why the larger winged pony fly into view of the drone and made the drone follow it. It was protecting the young ones, an fast planning, risk taking, and composed executing. It show these creatures are as intelligent as them selves, humans. They some how been able to create buildings, baffling there very imagination as how, with out hands or limbs that would be able to grab properly tools. The smartest guys on the ship just shake there heads from the very shock, and just gave up, decided, just to roll with it for now, they likely learn this latter, but the headache didn't worth it to dwell on it more. They moved on other details, the behaviours that they could side by side put parallel to human behaviours easily, the structures they saw, the physical appearance, and possible physiological workings of there body, and agen, parallel to the creatures known to exist back on Earth before the disaster hit. Sure they would need to have a personal look at one of this beings, scan, and x-ray there body at least. The very obvious difference between the different ponies was amazing on it's own, not the colours mainly, but rather that one had wing, another had small horn, while the large white one had both, and even stranger, three other Ponies who could identify on the footage, had none of these, clearly two adult, and one offspring.

Kim just smile on the view, as he could, literally see the smoke emit from the scientists heads as they force there unwilling mind to process all these nonsense. All he could do as well, just roll with this. Time have passed and sure more information kept poring in as quick as atmosphere would leave the ship in case of a hull breach. But the team remained focused on the intelligent beings. What they gathered so far, they are far behind technological to them, with wild guesses, put them in a development level of the Renaissance era Europe.

The Hermes just continue it's silent flight to this new bizarre world of Gaia...

Author's Note

Okey, here is the newest one, now who good with Apple Jack and her accent and don't mind to help, it be superb if could do so.

More brain melt down to be expected in the followings, stay tunned!

Chapter 4 - Forget all what you knew...

Twilight Sparkle woke up in her personal chambers, she slept perhaps 3-4 hours. Wasn't much, but it was needed, and she did feel more collected, even calmer then yesterday, of course the though of an Alien space ship, massive in size was heading towards Gaia, and potentially dangerous too, was all but 'fuzzy and warm'. She sigh, rub her eyes, and look out the large window of her room, the sun was up already, and now was time for her to be up as well. With no hesitation, she left her bed and went straight to the chamber own bathroom to take a quick shower. In less the 15 minutes she was ready and hurry up to meet with princess Luna.

The corridors of the castle didn't show any change, the guards line up as they always have, and every servant, noble been doing there own business of the royal castle, and bow to the new princess as she passed in a hurry. She still couldn't get her self costumed to all this royal treatment, and could very well understand her mentor why she insisted ever time, when possible, to just drop formalities. It was annoying, and today it seamed to have an special, extra edge on her.

Twilight noticed a commotion up ahead, and the sight was alarming once she spotted her mentor. She stood there with out her royal jewellery, and she just got close enough to hear her mentor. “I'm sorry my little ponies, but today court have to be cancelled, please return tomorrow. I really I am sorry.” Celestia spoke in an audible but calm and comforting tone, but Twilight knew right that’s just the surface. The nobles didn't like it a bit, but after a little while they did leave. Twilight just arrived beside the Diarch, who great her with a sweet smile, not show any sign of trouble. “Good morning Twilight Sparkle, did you sleep well. “ “Good morning Celestia, yes thank you, I have slept well, but could sleep some more” Twilight laugh, it was forced but for the shake of the show before the nobles she did so. Celestia just nod with a smile and called Twilight to follow her to one of the smaller conference room. The tension in the air was thick, soon they arrived to the room in question, it was small in terms of the Castle, but it was quite sizeable still in every day standards. Luna was already waiting inside. “Good morning dear sister, and Twilight” Greeted them the younger Diarch. “Good morning Lulu.” Celestia smile, she always felt warmer once she see her little sister, even insight of events of this morning. She took her place at the head of the long table, Twilight and Luna sat on her sides, she took in a deep breath, then she began.

”There are lot to discuss today, even before the security meeting with the administration.” short pause, she look into the eyes of her sister, then her student, then continue and cut straight to the point. “Today, this early morning... they have arrived.” Both younger princess sat there in silence, not because they not been shocked, they been shocked such they could not respond in any means for long moments, cope to process the words of Celestia. “It's the Aliens.” as she continue, to make the point sink in even more. “There scouts have arrived to explore our lands.. I saw six appear in the sky and make there way down to Equestria. From there closest fling machine to me they dropped a smaller machine, an miniature airship. I've decided to act and follow it.. and I did manage to capture it with a little trick, with out use any force, but I’m afraid there are more machines around.” She look around, if they have any question to her. “These machines are, intelligent, and with out better word to put it, curious. The one I faced of didn't show any sign of hostility towards me. I'm quite sure it been created to this sole roll to fulfil, and it was observing and sampling the apple trees of Sweet Apple Acres when I float before it, and it began follow me slowly. I managed to lure it into the barn. It remained and didn't attempt to escape, but it show signs of distress, even before enter the building, yet it followed me, as of now I dispatched royal guards to keep an eye on this strange machine.”

Celestia finished her story. Twilight and Luna sat there, awe and fear in there heart. But the fact that this device did not caused any harm, and acted 'friendly' was at least reassuring, that maybe these Aliens not want blood shed. Twilight broke the haunting quiet of the room first. “That is.. I don't know how to even began.. it's.. lot to take in.” Diarch nod comfortingly. “Sister, are you sure there are more of these.. mechanised scouts?” She look to her sister. “Absolutely yes, Luna.” “So we need to find them before they can cause any trouble, panic..” Said Twilight “Indeed, that's the most importance at this time. And I believe me and Luna should find the rest as we are in full grasp of our powers, abilities and life experience, and if by any means, something goes wrong, handle it with confidence.” Celestia gave an comforting smile to the young alicorn “Twilight, in the mean time I like to ask you to have a closer look on the machine I trapped at Sweet Apple Acres, and with the help of the royal guard move it to Canterlot 'quietly' tonight... also I believe you wanna meet with your friends, they are the few we can entrust with the truth of the present and likely events regarding the Aliens.” Twilight nod in agreement, she felt some calm now, her mentor amazed her how calm and level headed she handle this situation, which freaked her out, even Luna, though she handle it quite well too. They had a clear plan for the day, then hit Twilight. “Celestia.” “Yes Twilight.” Respond Celestia, as well earn Luna's attention. “Shouldn't we call Cadence? I know she have the Crystal Empire to govern, but if we all have to focus on round up these Alien machinery in Equestria, then we lose time to make the proper plans to handle the arrival of there large space ship and the possible outcomes of the event, and I think she could began work on these plans with the administration.” “That is an excellent point you have there Twilight.” Both celestial sisters smile acknowledging the brilliant idea of the youngest princess. ”Now I believe we have our tasks to do, if anything to be change, we shall notify each other through letters.” And with this Celestia concluded there quick meeting, and left to do what has to be done to protect there beloved subjects.

Time have passed rather quick for all parties, Humans and Ponies alike, as events continue to roll around the captured drone. The time delay still was considerable but less and less as the Hermes rocketed towards the planet. On board now, the Captain and the scientists lead by Alex watch the terminal for 'live' footage. They did so after the guards arrived a hour earlier, they got there observations on there armour and weaponry, otherwise it was uneventful but they knew well, if armed forces appear, and go by there own way of fantasy, like many of those scifi stories, they knew things will began unfold now in a stead rate, and didn't want to miss out.

“So.. what do you think that large, white one was?” Asked Kim looking at Alex who was thinking quietly, only wonder his eyes on the captain for a second then back to the big screen why tapping the pen tip to his mouth, then he spoke. “I for one, would say some leading figure or at least some short of guardian, as she seamed to be commanding in her presence, and the physical attributes tend to point in this way as well. I mean the sheer size, both wings and horn, and large present on her body. Sure it didn't wear any armour as these guys, soldiers... but they are all simply smaller then her, and only sport a horn, or a pair of wings.” “So it could been a ruler of some short.” “That's seams to be right guess, but rest assured, a unique individual among these ponies.” Finished the expeditions lead scientist. Kim just nod, so far these assumptions stood there ground, though he turn around and call out “Jane.” “Yes Captain?” Answered the one of the terminal operator at navigation “Could you bring us some food and drink? I doubt a nuclear charge could move these guys away from the screen, hack I doubt my self I could miss a moment out. But I’m afraid soon there be multiply black holes consume this ship at current rate.” He chuckled, Jane smile as well to the remark. “Sure thing Captain.” She gave a quick look around “anyone else?” Some nods from the crew. “Okey, then we going to have a launch in the bridge today, Captain, you going to clean up.” she added joking to her commanding officer, as well refer to a rule of his own of the captain, food only in the mass and nowhere else. Kim just answered dismissively with a smirk. “Yeah yeah, today we just a bunch of kids stuck before the TV, we are just chained here haha” She just propelled her self out from the bridge while shake her head and giggle. The lighten up approach the captain took for the day helped to cool the nerves of every one on the ship.

The data they received just keep grew and grew thanks to the other drone, and that after the catch the master AI of the orbital modules commanded the rest to be more careful and avoid the locals and be more stealthy, with some small alterations made by the Hermes after they could get through the events and the time delay they still suffered due the distance. They been surprised the locals didn't capture or find more drone yet, but they knew well they be looking for them, and they use the time and opportunity to gather more inlet while they could.

Jane got back soon enough with some assistance from another member of the team, carrying some medium sized crates, packed with space food. Some one in the crew grunt, rest just chuckled. It was food, with all the needs for the body, but that taste any good, well that was a totally different story. They began eat all the different flavoured creams. They longed for chicken meat, which they had on board the Spero, but was considered luxury. It was a true challenge maintain and feed the little populous of the massive ship, about 42000. Of course many more could fit on the ship, but most space was taken up by storages and 'space farms' that ranged from the conventional plants and some animals to the less conventional micro biological ones where they used genetically engineered bacteria’s to produce proteins and different vitamins at a higher efficiency and speed then normal plant grow would allowed, of course the result food product were at a mass, they sure ranked as the lowest for the taste buds of every living beings, humans and animals. They limit the population as well, they flew through deep space, there was no where to expand, gain more resources, or more power then what they carried . So efficiency, recycling, and monitoring became the second nature, which wasn't the case back on Earth while existed, where humans waste and pollute unresponsively as they 'pleased'. Fate was a strict teacher to them during that 157 years in deep space, and even though they reached an new world, that be there new home, there was many more things to do before the colonists could land, regardless how much they itched to grasp soil under there feet, and be in the wast open, under a blue sky with every instinct in there body. They had to endure the hardship some more time, especially with the world they soon to set foot have a native, intelligent, civilised specialises that was a match to there own intellect, sure technological far behind. And they had to come to terms with them, in a way or another before they could truly start call home this world.

While the crew tried to enjoy there meal the A.A.R.D feed show things about to get accelerated agen. “Okey here's a new pony, look at that, it's just like the large one was.. wings, horn.. but smaller.” Said Captain Kim as he pointed to the screen the view shown a smaller pony, who they believed to be a ruler, judging by the jewels worn by her. “Indeed, and look, she looks kinda scared from our little drone.” said one of the scientist at the back ground, Alex just turn around. “Alright, I don't mind some discussion but now this is our work, note everything, we continue the meal later, come on people, be serious.” “You heard the man so focus!” Commanded the Captain, now devoid of all humour. All eyes were respectively on the large display or on the smaller tablets of there own with the shared feed, began take notes and discuss the new figure. The drone feed was clear and began track the new pony with it's camera as it walked around the drone, stopped at times, walk back some as she observed the machine, with obvious being careful. Alex turn quickly to Kim. “Sir is this a type 23A drone isn't it?” “Yes it is Alex.” “Should we activate the greeting protocols?” “We could do that, but wasn't that designed in the first place to determine the observed species intelligent? And we know well they are intelligent for a fact.” Alex nod “Yes, but this could be a start, while I could get around some stuff later and make an updated version, but I really feel, it be good to try it, and see how they react. ”An quiet chatter of agreeing nods echo on the bridge. ”Then work your magic Alex. But as for the latter, I do would like if we could get a direct conference feed established through the drone. Once the time delay not so immense.” “Of course Captain” Acknowledging the captain commands. After a few short types on the it's holographic keyboard, the new directive been sent out to the drone. Would take about little more then19 minutes to reach the drone at that point. And for the time being they would continue watch the incoming video feed, and analyse it.

Back on planet Gaia, 20 minutes back in the past, Twilight been walking around the drone, curiosity overpowering her fears as she began take in every details of this strange little airship machine, still it had the rough size of a royal chariot though. She walked close to the ever following eye of the machine, lean in close to have a good look at the optics, as they worked, visibly zoom on her, situated inside a glass like orb, the head of the construct. She was fascinated by the level of quality the whole machinery, she couldn't even put a her hoof on it, how it worked exactly, as she couldn't sense any magic in it, not even a trace of it. A voice called out for her from behind.

“Ah don't know Twilight.. ish it a good idea get so close to that thin'” Said Apple Jack. “I think.. it should be alright Apple Jack.” reply to her friend concerns, with some uneasiness in her, but far more curiosity, she continue inspect the machines optical unit. It didn't look like eyes, but had some similarities as two larger sensor spaced inside inside the orb, while other smaller ones arranged in a different setup entirely. She careful reach up with her hoof to the orb to get a feel of the material. It looked like some polished glass but it didn't feel such rigid as she could feel it bed a little to her pressure, nor the sound it gave to a slight tapping on the material. The drone did react by move it's focus on Twilight hoof for a short moment before redirect it to her head, but other then this didn't do anything else, nothing hostile or sudden, just watching her. After some moment she step back and began take in the other features of the machine frame, slowly pull it's hoof over the surface. It was a very strange material, it felt very strong, yet had some flexibility, all had to be light weighted considering it was floating and no magic nor some short of wing like flap anywhere to fight the gravitational pull. It was also very smooth, like it been polished to perfection, so much not even miniature unevenness could be seen as she looked close the surface. The colours looked strange it, it was clear it was painted, but it was perfect, sharper then a blade transmission between blue and yellow painted parts or even between metallic parts, agen no unevenness. The sheer quality and unknown technological solutions, ways it reflected, left Twilight feel like a little filly and wonder. Everything she learn and knew thus far and help a quick and easy understand, solution to any issues, all have failed her. These Aliens were way far ahead of them, and with out magic! That’s the only thing she felt her self be sure of, nothing else.

Twilight sat down and on her hunches after few more minutes observing the drone, she even fly around it, intrigued by the dark bluish miniature panels covering the machine atop, and now just write everything down on a scroll, levitated in the air with her quill and a small ink pot. The Cameras were lock on her, but she got used to the stare of this machine. But something got her attention rather quick, and beam of light appear, earn an alarm from the guards around her. She reacted quick enough to calm them down, withdraw there spears, while she watched the newest wonder of this Alien device, not sure is it safe or not non less. She step closer as an large transparent field appear, puzzled even more as no magic at all, yet it gave the near split image of a spell of Trixie used before, but then agen, far more refined in every detail. It keep tracking the young alicorn. The images appear on this strange display, 4 geometrical object, and it was repeating it periodically. “Now that’s something. It's trying to communicate!” She clapped her hoves together in her excitement, not that her now blazing enthusiasm shared by the others in the barn. She studied it for a short time then she just followed her hunch, flash her horn with magic brightly 4 times, as 4 object composed from light appeared agen. This got a reaction from the drone, it stopped repeat the geometrical object, instead it show something new. She quickly recognised what it supposed to be, it was showing a solar system, the home of the Aliens likely. The image zoom on in the 3rd planet with a moon, and gave a clear view, shown Earth in full colours, clouds, forests and patches of greys which turned out to illuminate once basked in the night sky of this world. Cities, immensely large cities as the realisation hit her. So this was the home world of the Aliens. Then the display changed agen, this time show what appeared to be the Aliens, bipedal creatures, almost furless, two tall which and two small. It was clear, Adults and there offspring’s, males and females. Twilight just clapped her hoves together agen with a huge grin on her face and began note everything frantically with her quill, held in her magic. The image changed slightly agen, indication the female, show the offspring’s being carried in there mother, mammals. She couldn't believe how similar there biology is in the basic sense, two gender, and actually be mammals. Another change appeared on the screen, this time show like portrays of these bipedal creatures in a smaller window, linked each time to the 4 illustrated characters, display the variety of this Alien creature. Later on displayed images and short recordings all across from Earth, give an glimpse of this world, that no longer exist, and only a memory for the Humans, this program though pre dates the time before the rough planet been discovered, and never been updated since then, there were more pressing issues back then and got forgotten during the trip in deep space. The recorded message came to an end and after a short pause it start agen from the geometric symbols.

Twilight look back at the machine, content, this was science, history in the making, and she being the lucky one who could unlock this little message of this machine, a greetings from the approaching aliens. Sure this didn't mean they come in peace with not dark, ulterior intents. But do show they capable approach friendly, fuelled by curiosity to learn. She quickly got out two new scrolls, and write a letter to the princesses of her positive findings. Rolled it up and with a little concentration and a bright flash, both vanished in a small bright purple light.

The crew, the scientist of the Hermes sat there in silence now and once agen attempted to stomach what the saw on the Terminal large display. But soon the Captain voice broke this awkward quiet. “Could some one call a cleaners.. I think all the modern physics law been shattered just now.” They just gave up, all they knew failed to explain from that moment on the magenta pony began levitate that set, scroll, quell and ink pot with purple fluorescing energy field around these objects and her horn. “Well that's.. something new” Said Alex finally “At least we got some short of answer how they can create so detailed objects with out hands.” they agree on this for sure. “But wow... Kim.. I think we need a Jack Daniels, right about now..” concluded the saddened lead scientist. “You see, I told you all this is Madness, and just forget Kansas, Sparta and Disney Land.” The captain just laughed after this, madness, amusement how all his scientist collogues been pulverised in there belief, like there is no such thing as magic, as what exactly looked like, if have to go by the fantasy literature. “Alright... 10 minutes brake, try to gather up all those scientific minds of you.” with this Kim resume his food, as he watched as the alicorn restart the greeting message once more and comically watched it up close to evidently take in every details that possible from the holographic image...

Chapter 5 - In need of help

Another week have passed, and events keep happening at a steady rate. New wave of orbital units have arrived unseen high above the havens and the Hermes would arrive in a few days. They have received new commands from the Spero to adjust trajectory and reach possible highest approach speed possible to reach the new world ASAP with all the shocking information and revelations. They needed direct human presence, ...”and they wanted immediately... Go figures.” note Captain Kim Lee to particularly no one on the bridge.

In this one week time the Ponies managed to find 4 drones, leave only two hidden still, which two been hole in respective areas, one in the thick and as discovered quite dangerous fauna, an lush forest, the other one high above the mountains, out of sight, exploring the valleys bellow at night times.

The drones been directed to simply surrender to the royal forces so they remain functional in turn and still able process the various samples they took from the ground, plants and in case deceased creatures inside there bellies with out the locals knew. All the drones been brought back to a mountain side city, a large castle that orbital images show was half way over the cliffs, and considering there technological level, an true wonder how they built it and how it remained in place. All of the drones been somehow teleported here by the hybrid creatures, the alicorns, who they count 4 now and become accustomed to day by they through the video feed. The abilities this 4 creature displayed was astonishing, and did generated some degree of fear in the Hermes crew. They didn't harm the drones. But when the 2nd A.A.R.D was yanked from a 3000m attitude to near ground level with teleportation and held there by there trade mark 'magic' aura, that told more then 1000 words.

They all been parked up inside a large library next to each other in a short of semi circle. So the drone didn't feel lonely, or as Alex figured it out to be the intent of this action beside the main benefit, to keep an eye on them easily, and studies. They already had files on the ponies they ever meet through the the eyes of drones. The 4 deities, the two set of guard groups, and the scholars who been massage there brains the secrets they hold. They however learn more then the natives could through the drones and the message they rally to them, they leaned that all these ponies have an unique marking on there flank, and through processing earlier images they assumed they might be tattooed once got mature enough. They gave nicknames to the ponies using these markings. Sunny, Moony, Magenta Star so on, so forth.

The most curious from all was the Magenta coloured small, youngest hybrid, who was rivalling some of the most motorist workaholic scientist they knew. She spent most time in close proximity to the drones, gone so far as many times fall asleep near them. And through gave perfect opportunity to witness the loving and caring side of the elder hybrids, not one occasion pick her up in a energy field and probably tuck her in in her own bed somewhere else, or gently woken up and reminded she really should take a rest. What they learn these creature were very human like in so many ways. They also began organising, sample the audio material, in attempt to learn more of there language and communicate with them latter on.

“Alex, how is the new message going?” Asked the Captain “It's essentially done Sir and ready to be relayed to the drones.” “That's good.. now then we need to send it and see how they react to some history lesson of our miss fortune.” Alex nod and gave a smile to his friend, with visible sign of exhaustion. “But I won't tuck you in bed with fancy magic.. go have some well earned rest.” “Yes sir, no need to say it twice.” he wave and with that fly out towards the crew quarters. After a short time Kim follow suit, and left the bridge and observation to the night crew of the ship.

Up in the mountains the last A.A.R.D been active for a few hours now, as it been night time. Survey the land and sampling minerals scattered across the upper edge of the valley. It navigated with ease with it's infra red and night vision cameras. The audio sensor detected some noise in the distance as it move down., quickly direct it's vision to the source. As it zoomed in it, saw an area that had a rock slide recently, at the bottom have identified a some short of wreckage, from wood. The AI prioritised this seen and began it's decent to the wreck. The sound that keep repeating soon been recognised as distress calls of a pony. The drone stopped and requested further commands from the Hermes. It took about 5 minutes when the new commands been received from the Hermes to investigate the seen up close, with approval of interfere if necessary and no danger detected or would pose by such actions taken.

It began it's glide at top speed to gradually slow down as got near the rubble and began it's sensor sweep. It didn't take a lot of time to pinpoint the source, trapped under some rock and wooden planks. The drone unfold it's mechanic arms and did a circling around the debris of the wooden construction, carefully pick up the first wooden panel and flung it aside short after. Didn't take to long to uncover the azure blue pony, who was in quite a pain, but cheered as soon she realised she being rescued, up until the point where she saw who, or rather, what was digging her out. The apparent shock show on her face and with surprisingly 'loud' gulp that the drone sensors picked up with ease, followed by grim silence. The drone didn't stop at all and already had it's arm stretched out to pick up another piece of wood off of her. The mare watched now and winced a little as the rubble been lifted off. She was in a terrible shape and she knew it well, at the mercy of this 'thing' with two of her hind legs broken, covered in bruises and smaller cuts. The drone finished uncover her and float there in a stand by, fold the mechanical arms back while waited for further instructions from the Hermes bridge.

Trixie work up the nerve and muttered quietly to the Alien device. “Thank you..” it just float there with out moving, but watching her, and this was scary on it's own. “What do you want with me?.. Do you wanna..” voice trailed off for a moment to force down a sizeable bolder in her throat.”..Eat.. Me..” finished with an uneven, meek voice, dripped full of panic. Yet the Machinery didn't show any reaction at all at this point. Every moment felt like an eternity to the unfortunate showmare. Then the drone suddenly move agen unfold it's arms and grab her under her front legs. She was just to terrified to react, winced in to the sudden pain and snapped her eyes closed, when open it agen few moments latter she looked eye to eye to the machine, her body dangle as being in the air, she looked down but regret it right away, the view of her captor flew up high the the air, bellow the abyss dark ground was enough to snap her eyes shut agen. She didn't want to die, be eaten or dropped, or slowly alone with out any help. “.. PleaseHollyCelestiaandLunasavemesavemeeeheeeh..” she slowly began resign her self. The breeze of the cold night air as they glide, and the uncomfortable pain from both being held and her sore broken limbs combined with the cloudy, night sky had it's effect on Trixie. She finally open her eyes and just stare ahead, into the eyes, if could be called that, of this strange monstrosity, still avoiding to look down though. At least now she had some calmness, didn't wonder about what would happen next, or what happened earlier, as it's result end up in the metallic and cold grip high above the air. At that moment she wasn't harmed, the pain emitting from her limbs was somewhat bearable.

When she snapped out from her delusive, blank mind she noticed they got close to the rock side of the mountain and there was a small creek flowing down, pause in small pool before continue downwards. The machinery gently rest her down next to this small pool of water. Trixie was surprised, and in the good way, never though an outcome like this, and was she happy. Fight with the pain she crawl closer and drank from the fresh water she needed badly. Satisfied,she push her self some and lay down, it was cold, and the rock surface was all but comfortable,. Most importantly she was alive, and not in intimidate danger, breathing heavily, mix of pain and numbness, she drifted into the dream world...

The drone then left, and return a hour latter, set down some wood, arrange it in a fireplace and some other greens and some fruits that was identified by other drones earlier and confirmed the ponies eat. Trixie did wake up to the sounds, and observed the machinery, began to realise what was doing, setting up a small camp fire, and food. She felt genuinely happy that she being cared for. What got her eyes go wide when this machine aimed two red lights, very intense light on the wood and in a few moments light it up into a fire. She never saw magic like this, and what made it more weird, she couldn't feel the magic auras from this being, an absence of it, yet it did what it did. She crawl closer to the fire a to warm up, it was a cold night. The drone then hand her some of the gathered food, she didn't hesitate, and began eat it. The realisation hit her, she haven't ate for a very long time and that how hungry she truly been. “..Thank you.. for Saving me.. Trixie will not forget your kindness..”

Back on the ship though there was some scolding going dished out by the Captain who was in a bad mood, partly the events took place with out his knowledge, and party of lack of sleep.

“Lieutenant James Conner... who grant you the authority to act with out my immediate attention, and risk expose one of the last free airborne drone of that region!?!?” Howl the captain with measure and looks that could slice up asteroids, like light sabre butter. The Lieutenant took the intense verbal assault with out move a muscle, non less tensed. Once Kim vent out some of it's frustration he deemed time to spoke up and answer the original question. ”Sir. If I may allow to explain my actions, Sir.” “Go ahead... but I swear if your reasoning not good enough I will personally show you to the nearest airlock to have some fresh air outside the ship...Have I made my self clear?!?” “Sir. Crystal clear. Sir.” “..Good..” Kim float back and took a seat at his position. “You may began Lieutenant.” “Yes Sir.” as he began. “We were doing or duties when we received a hail from A.A.R.D, requesting overruling of a developing situation at the mountain area. I have quickly assess the situation base by the video and audio feedback. It's was clear, an sizeable rock-slide happened there before the drone got in range, the cameras focused on the rubble where could see wooden debris, and the audio sensors registered repeated calls from it's center, which after amplified I could identify as distressed calls, shouts of creature, a pony. Sir.” He paused for a short time, as not been interrupted he continue. “I had the choose to ignore it and command the drone to pass by, or take direct action, and at least investigate the seen and or assist this creature.” “And you choose to help... do not get me wrong Lieutenant, noble motives, but you have to realise, if other ponies see this, a very real possibility is there they could perceive it the wrong way, as an direct attack, aggression, and we do not need any of that.” “Sir, yes Sir. I was well aware of this possibility, and I took the risk. Sir.” James paused agen. “I opted to save the life of this pony, even in light the possible dangers outcome, in hope of the best possible outcome, that the life can be saved, and ultimately score us a good point for the locals once the injured pony returned to there civilisation to tell the tale.” The commanding officer rubbed his template in circular motion to battle his headache. Then he began. “Then you are in perfect understanding of, this Pony is now our responsibility, her injuries visibly warrant immediate medical care, and there is no guarantee she will survive. And that if she do not, and it comes to light we failed, regardless our intentions being pure, potentially could backfire and make things worse.” “Yes Sir.” “Son, I respect your intentions, but it was a foolish move, pray to god or what ever you believe in for a good ending. As for the Pony, now it is your sole task to keep it alive and make sure 'quietly' returned to her herd... Also, once Dr Alex is awake I want him to supervise your actions. I do not doubt your skills as an ex-rescue worker, but it is an Alien environment, the subject is not a Human being, and the drone was never designed to fulfil such delicate tasks or be able to tend injuries of a creatures we know little in physiological stand point. Under stood?” “Sir, Crystal Clear, Sir” “Good.. now return to you post and take care of this Mare. James salute and float back to his terminal where where the assigned drone been supervised.

The captain simply decided it's better if he just takes a short nap right there on the bridge in his seat, strapped in then leave and get more unwanted surprises and aid him to an early cardiac arrest. Leave the report for later about this even, he didn't want to get a nice scolding from his superiors as there temper sure to be as bad if not worse from the mental pressure to not screw up the only chance to build peaceful relations with the natives, secure a sure future to humanity.

Chapter 6 - Illusions of Magic and Technology

The world slowly return, foggy, unclear at first. Pain, sobering pain shot as tried to move, stand up, but failed to do so. Trixie looked around and it came back to her in an instant, she look up and see the strange construct she been able to observe before she slumber off. She knew it wasn't alive, yet almost acted like being alive, couldn't quite get her hoof on it, even after the initial shock, terror for her own life with her fresh aching injuries cloud her mind the other day, are mostly gone. She quickly turn around to observe her hind legs, it was visible they broken, wasn't a pretty view and she quite quickly regretted it, but she need to see how bad it is. It was clear she needs serious medical care, even though no life threatening injuries, was quite likely she would limp for rest of her life at best, if at all able to walk agen. Was in fact a devastating though that linger in he, steering her guts and grip her heart. She fought to subdue these though, with tears roll down her cheek.

Hunger a bit latter got her, she tried to reach out for an apple on the ground, and the machine didn't seam to notice her, she wonder, was it asleep? She then concentrated, and levitated the apple close to her self. At least her magic began return, but was still weak. The magic however did woke up the machine. It began steer it self toward Trixie with it's head looking at her. Trixie chuckled on the though, an unlikely audience for a magic show? Well considering all, didn't seam a bad idea, if nothing else to kill time and entertain her self. As this strange creature was anything bot a conversationalist clearly. So though Trixie when something brilliant appear before her. A solid, sharp, illuminating, ghost image, she just stare at it with big eyes, didn't quite expect this, such she didn't expect the red light that spark fire last night, and like then, now as well no sign of magical energies. It repeat 4 symbols to appear, she figured it out quite quickly, and flash her horn 4 times. The response was immediate, short after she witnessed what Twilight have couple days ago, but this message didn't ended as have many times before, it continue on with a story of these Aliens who made this machine...

It's shown a solar system, same that was shown earlier, but something strange happen, another planet appear on the far side, and lines shot from it, indicating it's path, intersect with the path with the 3rd world, which was the home for these biped creatures. It was an alarming sight. Planets on collision course? And this feeling remain as the screen extended and split in two sides, one remain show the solar system and as the worlds wonder around on there orbital routes, the other one shown images, flashes of evens transpire at this time, images of incredible fear, and desperation, sacrifices, reveal an large space ship. She could feel n her guts how the story ends, more or less, but see it, fully grasp it, was an entirely new level. Trixie saw how detailed the images show the total destruction of the two world collide, and even gone further, all the debris flew off in every direction and bombard the other worlds in the solar system. Then the screen changed, the side that show the solar system of the aliens have shrink and accelerated show how time passed on, while the other side show the journey to there own solar system. It was all clear now. They lost there world, and were desperate to survive, and reach Gaia as there only hope . And this machine, was an explorer as some shorter clips show it's designed duty. Trixie could only respect these beings, for all there achievements that she barely grasped yet but tell tail signs shown, and there resolve to split in the face of death it self when wanted to claim them all. She felt fear too, they surely would no settle an answer of 'No' for there need for land, place in there world, and she could feel in her guts, the wrath, fear, determination to fight for there future would bring unfathomable horrors upon all Gaia. But this very force could be beyond belief to there aid if they could come to terms, and coexist. All these thoughts sparkle in her eyes, reflected back to the machine, and maybe through it's eyes back to it's creators. Trixie lit up her horn and create her own illusion, put every last drop of her energy into it to make it as majestic and clear as possible, show her and the 3 more Alien biped creature, where she extended her hoof to the nearest of them, as clear sign, she would want to have contact, friendship, even surrender, and coexist, all these could delivered from this image, she just hope the beings would be on similar terms, intentions towards them, and that they did choose to save her was a sign they likely want that.

The members of the Hermes watched silently, take in every bit of this interaction, and they felt a huge rock fall off from there heart. True, it may be one native, who in desperately in need of help, and grateful that her life been saved. But she perfectly understood the gravity of there message, and she shown sign of acceptance and friendship with her of illusion. The lieutenant noble, yet still rushed, and risky action have won a friend among the native to them. And they nod in agreement, she be one of the native who they try to build up connections with. The other one was the magenta hybrid, whom curiosity, obsession, to learn about them was amazing. Kim nod to Alex, that it's time to see how 'Purple Star' react to there new message, tale of there strives. Alex just hit the holographic console, and the command been sent out to the drone...

Twilight just sat on her hunches, processing all the new images that was shown to her, and the other princesses must see as well. The aliens came forth, an bitter story, and an endeavourer of nothing else, but hope and unmeasurable sacrifice. An untold scale new story on the horizon, and they wanted it to be a bright one. The question wasn't any more would they stop or not, that when would do if so do so, it was a question of how they do, and how they live on.

Her mind race fast and she asked the guards to bring in a large canvas, it was setup fairly quick, she requested ink as well and brushes. She quickly divided the canvas into sections, halved it at the middle, horizontally, and the top part she split up into 4 smaller section in a line. She also paint the cutie marks of all Princess on the top left corners, Celestia, Luna, Cadance and finally hers. She bite her lip when looked back to the strange audience of machines, following her moves as well checking the details of the makeshift painting of Twilight. She complete her own side with a scene somewhat akin to Trixies, of course fully unaware of each other at this time. The response she got soon appeared, the alien version of her design, instead of cutie marks, shown her face and much more simple image was displayed, a generic biped figure, and a pony have a hoof shake at her own section. Twilight just beamed and clop her hoves, the communication through simple images will work even though an language barrier tower between them. She walked up to the middle and loudly introduce her self, clear the creatures watching through the eyes of these machines. She pointed to her self “Twilight Sparkle” then gave a little bow and watched. The alien display flashed up at her portray when her voice was replayed shortly after. She just giggled.

At this time Cadance appear, visibly tired, but she still radiate from compassion and she was a bit sudden when Twilight just jumped and hug her tight, and she found her self quickly doing there little fillyhood dance laughing. “Oh Twilight, hehe, we should grow out of this don't you think” Beamed Cadance “We should.” Laugh Twilight ”But this is EXCITING!” “Whoa, whoa my little Pony.” Chuckle the princess of love. “Slimmer down a lil. I'm curious what new learn that made you this exciting.” While she look up the canvas and it's equivalent created by one of the floating construction. “You must see this, this is what they shown me, there story!” Her expression was beaming, but also at a point look down with shown sadness, then hope agen. The young pink alicorn, a bit reserved seeing the range of emotions displayed in a few moments in her friend eyes, watched patently.

Twilight with confidence stood closer to the drone, sat down and flashed her horn 4 times, and the reaction she expected happened. The message repeat it self from the start so Cadance could watch it as well. She sat down beside her and watched, the message continued on, and soon range of emotions flood her, intake all what was shown to her. All the history, all the struggle, pain. She was horrified when she saw how there world got obliterated, how the strange chart that show how many of them live have reduced to nothing in an instant. Twilight gave her a worried, but sympathetic look, she haven't though the images would touch Cadance so deeply, but she was indeed the goddess of love. By the time message finished she openly shed tears. “..They.. in need of a new home..” “Yes..”Answered Twilight. Cadance collected her composure before carry on. “I can't imagen how they could live... after hurl through so much, and not stop.. the will to live is can not be matched of these beings.” The younger alicorn just nod. “I offered my friendship to them already” She gestured to the large canvas behind her with the painting she made. Cadence wiped her tears that still decorate her eyes and smiled, pick up the brush with her magic and began paint her own too, copy Twilight in the process. She finished it and settle the brush down into the large pot of paint. “..They need our friendship, they deserve a better life after what they been through, a second chance.” Twilight just smile to Cadance words, completely agree with her. Soon the alien display flashed up, now show Cadance as well on it just like did Twilight before. Then it flashed it's the image of her young friend and replay her voice, saying her own name. Cadance follow suit, and loudly but with warm tone say her name. Soon after she hear it back, now her image flash up. This indeed was a start.

“We making a good progress so far, in ways I couldn't hoped for..” State it Alex, relived from lot of stress that rested on his shoulder, as it was his creation, that won the heart and sympathy of two of the hybrid deity. The captain spoke up. “It is a start but we have to work, and work hard, and we must prove our selves, not just to them, but those who gave there life and hope to us to have this second chance.” The final words strike the heart of every one, it was indeed truth. An obligation they must live up to or be shamed and doomed if not. Kim turn to the lieutenant, who follow as things but was working on his terminal, live up to his own personal obligation he took on him self not that long ago. “How is 'Magic’s' holding up James?” James look to his commanding officer. “She's stable, and I’m soon to attempt carry her back to the Castle city, that is the closes place.. and I can't think of a better place where she could receive the so needed care.” Kim shook his head but smile. “Go ahead, but the price of the drone is deducted from you pay check!” James laugh, but nod and return his full attention to his console.

Trixie lift her head up when the construct illusion appeared. She watched as a simple animation been played for her of what would happen, she would be carried back to the Canterlot by the machine. She was happy she would be safe soon, but she sank a lil when the animation shown Twilight as one of the ponies illustrated to wait for her. “I Guess my fate is simply entangled with her, I should just give up fighting it.. no matter what our roads keep crossing.” She gave a bitter sweet smile, she already come to terms with Twilight, and no longer hate her, but she couldn't shake off the bitterness of the events between her and the now Alicorn happened in the past before, and fate kept give her the shorter end. “Well at least I live, but really, I’d like to win once, to be the one right.” She was staring ahead blankly a lil, then look up into the eyes of the machine and nod. “Few minutes passed, then the drone picked her up. It wasn't a comfortable feeling dangle down from the two metal arms, but was bearable, and preferable then death or remains alone.

She was thinking while they began clime higher as she looked at the drone. “Wish we could really talk, but I guess we can try an 'question answer' game with illusions.. what should I ask..” She wondered, then her stomach roared, Trixie had a slight blush and a giggle. “Great and Powerful hunger haha..” Whit this she formulated her illusion spell, show her self eat different plants and fruits while a human figure stay on the other side, it made her more hungry, and thus second toughs how wise to pounder on this with empty stomach. But she though, this be quite a fundamental after all. Not much later an answer was formulated, show a human figure eat different crops, fruits... and meat. “Uh-oh...hehehe..eh..” Trixie gave a nervous smile and bite her lips, another note to her self and the other ponies, better not anger them, especially if not wanna become some delicacy for these creatures to chew on beside some fruits. She force down a 'rock' and made another illusion, showing the human figure eat another pony figure. The response took about the same time. It's shown the human figure consume smaller creatures, but not the ponies, and continued on shown these animals be brewed, some what like farms grow crops. It was logical, but very disturbing for her swallow as was against ponies nature to eat meat, but was a tiny bit reassuring they not plan to consume them, well, not yet. The illustration went on though, show a circle, show the amount of plant and meat based food for the aliens, the image shown constant variation, but green was dominant most of the time. The show mare figured they could live off on plants alone but they would consume meat if available, quite a flexibility for survival there. She made an illusion agen, make her character stand near the human when eat some short of crops, but once it began eat some small poor animal, her figure run off and take cover behind a tree. The image in it's wake shown the human figure step back when eat meat, but also later stand closer and offer fruits to a pony, as obvious courtesy and reassuring of friendship. “At least you being honest and not leave it as a surprise... uh, I think I’m not hungry any more.“ She shiver at the thoughts, but nod a little after, as it is there nature and even though she was terrified by Gryphon’s, she knew they as intelligent and caring, just like ponies and knew many ponies who had great Gryphon’s friends, and they're carnivore.

Certain time passed, she observed it closely, it show the biped creature wear cloths, always cloths, big ones if cold, or light ones if very hot, but never with out it, the whole illusion was some what similar to the food subject, an comparison to be made, but suddenly chuckled when a naked one was shown finally, it was in panic and tear leafs of a tree to cover of, that made Trixie laugh. “Buwhahaha, you strange space creatures sure shy of your body!” she though then formulated her own response. Wasn't long when she made her reply in a similar pattern. Shown that hey didn't need cloths, but that they do wear ones for occasions, and for the finish she kept the funny part, an kind of retribution she wanted flavour for her self, Twilight Sparkle, get her self tangled up in cloths and fall face first into dirt. Trixie was laughing. There must be humour otherwise life be bleak and pointless. “hmmm, I’d be so content see miss Sparkle end up this way haha... a couple dozen times actually!” Trixie replay this last part of the illusion as amusement...

She was interrupted soon by a new image, show her self and Twilight, but what shock her more, an actual real image of the new princess, real life illusion of her. Then it show that Trixie and her figure shake hoves while the towering figure watch behind, later it shock hoves with her, then with Trixie. Was evident. “So you meet Sparkle and friends with her as well.” She gave a little nervous chuckle and hope they wouldn't 'root' her out before her and her not so noble wish, to see the princess in some harmless unfortunate situation. Bit later smile contently and form the next illusion. Show how she would prank her, but in dire need, how she help the alicorn, and how she do the same for her, end it with a hug, but still do some funny look at each other time to time. “Yeah.. we are rivals, haha, fighting love.. Now I can see how she panic if I just say that to her...” She just smirked. “You knew... even if you do show this to her.. it would worth it!” she had a hunch, far fetched it might be, that these being understood it perfectly, and might as well have an good time imagen how this would run down in real time, The Great and Powerful Trixie versus the Ascended Alicorn Princess Twilight Sparkle, prank one another.

Trixie eyes felt like lead, and soon doze off, she was quite tired, being still in a bad shape, and use lot of illusion magic have drained her, but she had a content smile in her dreams. Been saved, and cared for in given circumstances, and had some conversation, even though the most unusual like, and topped it with laugher, she need it so much.

Author's Note

Here's the new chapter!

Now who think Trixie OCC, in comparison to the show sure is, but here i went for a Mare who had bad luck, but despite that she finally come to terms that hate her rival won't change what been done already, but she came to respect her, add in that she also have died if not rescued, have subdue her self eccentric quite alot for the time being. Does not mean she can't and won't make her act at given times. She just simply grew in my eyes then be a simple "small villain" for the story.

Chapter 7 - The coming tidal wave of fate

The sun was about to vanish on the horizon as the A.A.R.D was getting close to the Castle, when a sudden purple flash appeared before it not to far away. The machine came to an halt, Trixie look behind her self as good she could considering her all, but comfortable state, injured, and hold in the air hight above the ground. An very familiar voice, for Trixie an annoying voice greet her. “Trixie! Sweet Celestia, you-” “Hello Twilight, uh.. lets skip the obvious parts. Yes I am injured and in pain, but alive, and I can thank that to our alien friends.” She felt a purple aura cover her and she gently float, the drone relish it's grip as well, fold the arms back. Trixie couldn't help but began exercise her asleep fore legs and shoulders, with some audible pops. Trixie gave her most smug, supperior, egoistic look she could muster.. for 3 sec, then she just shook her head and smile. ”You can be so annoying Sparkle, but I’m so happy to see you now.” Twilight had all the emotions that possible run through her in this short moments, fear, shock, surprise, bafflement, anger, confusion, and happiness, in this order. “I see you are still a showmare Trixie.” “Yes. Yes. I always be one, and now I am truly the Greatest and most Powerful unicorn in Equestria.” Added a trademark smirk, the princess could chickle and roll her eyes. “Alright miss Powerful, it's time to tuck you in a hospital bed.” some worry now shown on her as she looked closer the magician. “It's really looks bad.. we better hurry..” “I.. know, I have a feeling I won't dash around even after i'm back on my hoves..” she sigh deeply. “but i'm alive, and I’d prefer if we go slowly, so the machine can keep up with us, and that the lest my legs move around the less painful it is..” Twilight nod and place a hoof on Trixie's shoulder and slowly continue there journey to the castle, she made sure be very careful with Trixie in her magic grip. The drone just simply follow them home. “Can I keep it?” Trixie gave an amused smile, Twilight began laugh at this one. “Hahaha, I see our next pet play meeting back at Ponyville, you with the Machine.” She just wipe a tear, and Trixie nod with a big grin “You know a mare like me need a matching pet!” They laughed, non less Trixie winched a little. “Sorr-” “Shush! You spent to much time with Fluttershy haven't you Sparkle.” Dead serious look then melt quickly into a smile. “Yeees.” Twilight reply the showmare.

A little time passed “Twilight.. could be possible, that I can remain with you and the other princesses. this is history, and I think I can help too with my illusions to communicate with these beings.” “You are in a terrible shape Trixie, and no, i'm not underestimate your resolve and strength, but truly you must be tended... Maybe we can get a work around and you can stay with us in the Canterlot library during the day time. But now you must be in the Hospital for a night..” “I still prefer to be in this full time.. Doctors could tend me there couldn't they.. and I just feel it's better if I’m there.” The young alicorn just look at her then nod “I try, but if Celestia and or Luna says otherwise you definitely can't stay, for a few nights until you patched up..” “Then one way ticket to the Moon please!” Twilight just rise her eyebrow. “You are CRAZY!” she just grunt and hold hear forehead with a hoof. “Glad I still have my 'touch' as always.” Twilight just grunt louder to this, defeat, she didn't argue with her. Trixie just put hoof on Twilight shoulder, she look at her, and sigh, gave a smile. “Alright, I stand up for you, you win now. Trixie, flavour the victory over your nemesis.” “I do, my nemesis.” Trixie already began work her brain, what pranks she could pull on Twilight. They would laugh at it afterwords and when she got a prank perfectly the face on the alicorn was the most priceless thing ever seen. At least one field where she could consider her self best the element bearer.

They finally arrived to the castle, and every one got some taste of showmare stubbornness, Twilight just said to play along, it's less headache and she could truly help. Once Trixie injuries been tended, took an hour, she just dizzily lay on a massive pillow, the painkillers work in her body, and that was needed, as the doctors had to brake her leg agen to then put it back the right way the bones.. She gave very little sound and hide it well how painful that was, only few tear that managed to escape shown it, but her pride to uphold, especially after she pull through to stay made her not to show it. She then call out for the others, was time to share what she knew, there could been a chance they didn't cover this with the aliens, with all the obstacles, and she was sure she miss things as well...

“they... eat.. meat?” meek voice of Cadance broke the silence. “They eat plants as well.” Answered coolly Trixie “That makes them omnivore.” Cut in Twilight. “That's should be fine then, so long they don't wanna eat ponies.” state it Celestia, and continue. “But might be still problematic at the beginning, and sure to be mighty awkward for us have a meal with them if they choose eat meat.” “I'd suggest we postpone our dinner some, considering the subject.” Cut in the Lunar princess, all present nod in agreement. They sat down and discuss all things, and possible outcomes. Luna was very interested about there space fare technology and knowledge of the stars. Trixie was more curriouse about there illusion and how they communicate through such distance. Celestia was a bit reserved, mainly as she wanted all her Ponies safe with absolutely no chance given to things go wrong. Cadance saw how the oldest princess felt uneasy and sat next to her. “Celestia, I know what you thinking, concerns, but we have to be open, when we meet the Gryphon’s first, it was difficult at first, but things have settler down, turned out good. And those were darker ages. We are much better now then in the dark past, and have experience with other races, it will be fine.” Celestia just listen to her words, and take them in, nod finally, then spoke. “You are right, and I know with my mind that is the way to go, but I just feel the stress in my chest, the fear, if it won't be alright. They do deserve a chance, and I going to give it, but little and careful steps, I don't want miss understandings to take a bloody tool on any of us.” She look up, through a large window, into the night sky, behind her the large canvas, with all alicorns 'sign' for friendship.

“Well, this was a long and eventful day, and I think it turned out well considering everything.” Began his speech Captain Kim Lee to his crew on board the Hermes, “We have learned many things already, and yet we have to step on this new rock that, as we all hope, can call as our home soon, and a peaceful home.” He look around “We have to be careful, patient, understanding, and not rush into assumptions if a conflict occurs as we are an old race, we had our share of conflicts, quite bloody ones at that, and to many. We know suffering and despair, but if we remain level headed, we can experience happiness and security.” His eyes were ablaze with inspiration. “We have a chance to restart, and not just that, the ponies, natives of this world, there leaders offer us there friendship and consolidates, as they know the fate of our world now, and what we been through. Let us not put our selves to shame, and ruin all the efforts, sacrifice, memory of our ancestors, they gave up hope and give it to us, and it's our time to live up to the challenge. To rebuild or civilisation, reborn anew, better then before, wiser, smarter humanity from our century and a half dimming ashes, into a flame that never go out.”

The Hermes finally began it's deceleration, gaining orbit around the world, now bellow them. Soon two smaller, next generation manned shuttle would descend, with anti gravity field generator, to allow it to levitate, and thus land and take of ease, able to make several trips back and fort orbit and the surface. The landing site already decided, and the crews picked. Final preparations been made in the shuttle bay

“Are they ready, lieutenant?” “Affirmative sir, packed and ready to launch.” “That's good, Alex, we shall let them know our shuttles on the way soon, and give the relative coordinates to there castle of the planned landing site.” “Right away Captain.”

Kim was watching the large display, showing the Hermes in it's, now, stable orbit around the world. Also visible the planned path of the shuttles with the landing site and the castle. Another screen show the specs of the crafts, cargo and crew with there tasks. Skimming through all this mass information, the captain gave an approving nod, turn around and gave the order. The mission is paramount as the remaining humans back on the massive Spero began prepare for the colonisation, and the constant steam of information is crucial, but more so, the diplomacy with the natives, so they can have a chance to rebuild, and ultimately the fate will be linked.

The shuttles left the Hermes, the first one activate it's main plasma thrusters and began a direct descend towards the surface, soon the second craft follow suit. It be still some time until they reach the atmosphere.

Twilight at this time sat at the Observatory, watching through the large telescope with Luna. The young alicorn found the impressive spacecraft with the help of Luna who was in meditaion, using her spirit walk spell. The view was impressive in all aspects as Twilight could guess how big that ship above was, and she had a fair guess this was a thiny ship compared the big one to follow. She witnessed as two smaller ships departure and with bright blue flames began fly towards to there world.

Luna was following the shuttles in her spirit form. Her senses far heightened in this plane of existence as well being bodiless she could fly through, peek into the machines, she curiously check on the piloting creatures. 12 in each ships, as far she could tell the taller ones be slightly taller then Celestia, and the shorter ones about to be slightly above her self. She could feel, see there life force too, beings with out any magic in there veins but augmented by unnatural substances, objects, small and large, be in form of a cloth, an item, or part of there body, flow in there blood. They truly fascinated her with concern in the mix. They purely and exclusively relay on there ingenuity and knowledge they accumulated through uncountable generations to make up to there fragile and exposed bodies. They, indeed be taller then the ponies, but there muscles weaker then there's in it's natural state with out there technologies. They lack of fur, claws, or any fangs to fend them selves agents other wild creatures or raw elements. She could feel there inner beings, like as she could put her hoof, between worlds, mix of good and evil, an undefined souls, with no ultimate goal, never be satisfied in there curiosity or desire, weak and yet so strong. They non stop strive to be more, get further, faster, stronger, and show to the nature of this whole universe, no mater how exposed they might be, they will shine in the deep dark of the cosmos, or die to do so. She could see well, Celestia intuitions be right to be very gentle with these beings. They can be the greatest ally, or the most unspeakable enemy if treated ill. And they been through lot and desire nothing else then a true home once agen that was lost. She remain a little longer take in all she could see then return to her body.

“They are nothing alike we could ever witness on Gaia before..” Luna spoke up, earn Twilight attention, by brake her glare at the massive construct up above the sky. “I can sense it, it's just baffling how they created new form of life, those machines back in the library.. designed, built, and yet like half alive, and no magic, or shred of soul within.” “That, is just a part of it, Twilight” She gave a quizzing look to the Princess of the Night, but about this moment two more join there ranks. Celestia and Cadance. Luna gave a nod to her elder sister and the Love princess, eyes lock for short moment then she began. ”They are.. with out better word.. dual in every sense and nature. They are so fragile that a magicless unicorn could tackle them and yet so powerful they can go up agents the power of gods... cursed and blessed with no true fate, goal, strive endlessly and capable for the greatest kindness to the most horrible of genocide... alike.. a strange mix of white and black magic, sole oppositions and yet mixed in a strange harmony within..” “So we must be careful with them..” concluded Twilight after listen to Luna. Both celestial sisters nod in unison. “And so we shall do so.” added Celestia, then Cadance join in. “And so they should receive love.. they might not have the hole within there heart healed, that is the loss of there world, sacrifices, and there own nature, but it can be comforted.. most of them could feel content and happy for real.” Twilight, like the others look up to the night sky.. ”Guess they are, strangely.. alike us.. but with out limits.” “Precisely.” smile Celestia, and so the four immortal goddess began talk how to proceed, and ready there ponies for the immanent arrival of the new sapient species to the world of Gaia, and the details of the true, first, eye to eye contact at the place they designated through there machines vivid illusions.

Unknown to anyone, humans nor ponies something bad to happen. Like faith being sadistic and bored. A small crack spread across the surface of the second shuttle, small, invisible, unsound, yet spell disaster to those who on-board, behind or bellow, but if this would not be enough, there more surprise to arise while for now most souls blissfully unaware of things to come, both on Gaia, and on the Spero.

Author's Note

After some pause here is the newest chapter. The phase of the writing now slower as the little holiday i happen to enjoy have ended, but that just slows me down, and won't stop me.

As for the grammar part, i look hope some one could help me with the story on this department, and I would be in great debt and gratitude.

Hope you enjoy as the story unfolds more.

Chapter 8 - Rising smoke

The first shuttle enter the atmosphere at staggering 30000km/h speed light up the sky high above the ground. It's quickly began burn of it's excess speed and the special nanotech composite held with no issue. As the speed and attitude drop more the atmospheric engines been deployed on the sides of the craft. Unlike the drone caring unmanned shuttles the new manned shuttles used a small Thorium base nuclear reactor, just slightly less efficient then the Uranium based, but far more secure and the reactor powered not just a anti gravity field generator, but also the deployed engines were electric, with no need of conventional fuel to remain airborne inside an atmosphere, but to achieve orbit, space flight, it used it's plasma thrusters. It cruse at a steady speed toward the landing site, spiralling downwards.

The second shuttle hit the atmosphere, but in mere seconds, an routine re-entry ended in a disaster. As it hit the atmosphere, the crack expanded and the superheated plasma punch through the hull breach, burn the inside structure in a blink of an eye, the weakened integrity result the crack extend more, the plasma containers got damaged and gave in, the magnetic field that hold the 300000 C Degree mater exploded with a force of a smaller nuke, obliterate the rare section of the ship, and the rest was shredded to pieces, not just by the explosion, but the brute friction as cut through the upper atmosphere, despite the massive forces at play some larger parts of the shuttle survived all this as some of it's cargo container that was as durable as were the outer shell, but more reinforced. The blazing debris pummel through the sky, slowing down as the air got ticker but still at supersonic speed.

The moments have passed, as every one realise what just happen or tried to comprehend it, both on the first craft and back on the Hermes. The pilots though couldn't think for long as the deadly hail, remnants of the second ship flew in there direction, immediately began elusive manoeuvres to avoid mid air collision. Bellow the the pony delegation was horrified once they realised what have just happened, and more, what was crashing down toward the ground, not directly at them, but in a general direction of a smaller village.

Celestia reacted the quickest, she focus and teleported instantly into the small town, just in nick of a time to stop the largest piece of white hot metal hit a the towns center, the strain was immense to stop the incredible heavy, and fast object incinerate a sizeable building where it was heading moments earlier, seemingly unstoppable. She composed her self quickly as she levitated the blazing wreck to the large square of the town where it set it down to the ground. She look back to the large house, and that’s when she truly become horrified as small foals run out the building, in awe and shock, not realising what happened, blissfully as how close they been to there demise. The blaze light up the night of the town, she turn and took a better look of what was left from the alien craft, she began grasp which part it was and indeed was an bitter realisation, it was the 'head' of the fling construct, where the aliens ride. She hung her head for a minute, zoned out, shred a tear. Not even notice that Cadance came beside her.

“They didn't even have a chance.” “At least.. I hope they died before they could realise what happened, and with out pain.” Said Celestia long last. Cadence rest a hoof on the older Diarch shoulder. “I will look after the ponies here.. you'll be needed when the other craft lands..” Celestia nod, share a reinforced look to the goddess of love before teleport back to the group.

With a flash of bright golden light she reappeared and sat down, debris still rain down from the sky here and there but afar from the village and other settlement as far they could see.

Deep silence, that what could describe the atmosphere on board the Hermes. All who been present on the bridge of the space ship stare at the screens and stomach what they witnessed, an truly hard tasks. Not that they not been used to fatigue of loss of a life, as it did happen, death easily clams it's harvest as it please. Non the less it's never easy. The captain spoke up. “Lets hope there soul is in a better place now.” He composed him self, steel it, as there things to do, an ever growing mountain of tasks, problems and mysteries to put to a rest. “Alex, I want you to form a group right now and figure out what happened with the shuttle, be the cause anything, I want to know it ASAP.” He turn to the lieutenant. “James you in charge of the first shuttle team on the surface.” He gave a pause to make it sink in for every one what he was about to say. “We do not know what happened, from accident to sabotage through the natives attack could be anything, and we must find it out. This does not mean we began run like a hybrid of a headless chicken and a blood thirsty psychopath. We must proceed with the meeting, and swallow it up for the time being the pain in the chest we all feel at the loss of our friends.” He gave a last look “Now I want everyone do there best, in the possible most clear and objective fashion possible.

The three remaining Alicorn watch as the shuttle took several turns in the air around the crash site then finally began it's final approach to the land site, hover in the air, release some short of legs and touch down before them gracefully. The difference was sickeningly striking, of how the two ship ended on the ground. Was clear how delicate the technology be, and the risk more apparent, if something go wrong that’s spells disaster at this scale, allow no margin for error as they witnessed it. The tension was high. They all knew that the events just go down could be condemn to be there wrong doing, or even an attack. They decided best is to cooperate with them at best they could and to show absolutely no sign of hostility toward them, and such they all agreed silently not to use there magic. They remain silent, await to things took there course.

The shuttle main ram began lower at the belly of the craft. Once settle down on the ground firmly the occupant began walk down. They wore some short of special cloth that covered them entirely, with helmet and a backpack. They had towering figures, but mainly because they been biped, Celestia, Luna or even Cadance could tower above them if they stood on there hind legs but that was an uncomfortable, unnatural pose for there species. 4 of the aliens left the craft, two in white and two in a dirty, sturdier version of the suit, carry what they could presume be weapons. The white coloured ones carried packs in there arms, they stood there in a formation, two guard or soldier and two representative of short. The face of the representatives was visible, but the soldiers face was hidden, and looked more fearsome, there eyes of the helmet glow green, by the tiny movement they all shared, they been talking among them selves, clearly visible on the civilians as they could see there mouth move but couldn't hear there voice. The two group watch each other in this fashion in a certain distance, then finally Celestia step forward a bit, earn the immediate attention of the visitors, with alarm as well, she made sure her movements are slow and not threatening. She nod slowly to them, with care not point her horn at them directly as an gesture of greeting. The being follow suit shortly the two at the center give a nod, return the gesture to Celestia. Then one of the aliens step forward and point towards the town in the distance where the the front section of the destroyed craft have rest on the ground, then mimic walking with one of it's hand over on it's other arm, indicating what they intend to do now. Clear they want to see the wreck. Celestia nod and rise her hoof in similar fusion to let them know they can walk there. She step forward and motion with her head to the other princesses to follow. Luna and Twilight nod to Celestia and they slowly lead the way towards the town. The humans began follow.

As they walk down to town they could see all the ponies now gathered around the wreck, Cadance near it with some guards In a fan out formation. The pink equine was doing calming moves with her hoof and talk to the local populous. But soon the ponies set there eyes on the slowly approaching group of alicorns and the biped creatures. The fear was intense as they cleared away from the path of the group, and either stop at the sides in a fair distance or outright take cover at a corner of a building or other objects and peek from there as things run there course. When they got close, with Celestia lead the princesses and the royal guard cleared away too, to the side, give way to the newly arrival creatures to get a closer look of the wreck. Only tale tale of sure grief, when one of the white suited one shook it's head side ways a lil. Little bit latter they unfold one of the pack, which turned out to be a machine, very thin, and soon what the ponies could see, like a strange, book came to live, the Princesses were more familiar with this, through the illusions they saw before, this was mere 2D, but soon it revealed, it can also generate those illusions, not as big, but clear, sharp, vivid images. It was magic with out magic.

“Sir we're receiving transmission from the group. They been led to the cockpit of the destroyed shuttle, the primary and secondary black box units bot survived and they been able to access it wirelessly.” Said one of the technician “Data being transferred as we speak.” “Good, lets see can we reconstruct the situation from this information. Alex. I want you dissect every and all information that is available to reconstruct the events.” “Understood captain.” Kim haven't taken off his eyes from the main Terminal. One shuttle lost but the other one landed safely, all the signs shown this tragedy must been an accident and not an intended event, as every one else began see this way, regardless a full investigation to be made, and they been higher on there alert as well. No mater how far, how more advanced they been, this shown perfectly how mortal they are to the elements of the cosmos, morbid wits of fate. Yet they fight the odds, even before they had to leave there own world, and they would keep do so, never lay down and go out quiet.

“Sir we also receiving additional stratospheric data, the microbiological presence is bare minimum and we could possibly walk about with out H.E.P.S” Kim nod to this “That is a good thing, non less protocol is there for a very good reason and we don't want an epidermic caught on us because we got careless, yes it is inevitable, as we have to become part of this new biosphere, but we have to do it slowly, immunise our selves to the local microbiological environment as much as possible.” “Indeed captain.” He directed his attention to Charles Maxwell, biologist and ecologist of the expedition team, as he continue short after. “And I believe so, for us best would be make our first base camps, settlements near the cold arctics, and slowly work our self souther. The microbiological factor much easier to be controlled in a cold environment, even though we most likely love to have a warm tropical paradise and enjoy the sun all day.” “Those are good toughs, non less most council members will wine, why we ended on this rock and voluntary deep froze our butts.” “So it's not end in hard vacuum nor a rotten biomass, eaten alive by all kind of micro organisms.” Replied plane and flatly the scientist. Captain gave a small chuckle to this comment, it's going to be difficult but not impossible to restrain the urge to 'pull the zipper' and just dive into one of the warm oceans or lay on a meadow full of soft grass. “Well lets face that once we cross that bridge, but I like the approach you propose Maxwell. And besides, the Spero will be the home for us for a couple more decades for sure. I trust as much the council to play safe and land every one on the ground at day 1.... Alright lets continue on, we have lot to do and the list morbidly grows by every tick of the clock.”

The tall biped being finished what they been doing next to the wreck, the two solider broad there stance around the wreck while the civilians packed up, and turned to the group of alicorns. The device the brought, was swiftly turned into an magic like drawing board and the holder began draw quickly, with mere touch the glowing smooth surface. Soon show the drawing, it had panels couple panels, first was showing one a pony and a human hand shake, the next shown the humans exam different objects, trees. Under this two a third show the pony guards and human guards stand next to the wreck to indicate it to be guarded.

Celestia nod to the drawing and turned her attention to her royal guard. “Captain, I'd like you remain here and guard the wreckage with the two aliens along the side, do not try disturb them for the time being, communication is still very limited at best between us.” The pony salute and they returned to there stoic guard work. Twilight came closer, she took out a sheets of paper and ink from her saddle bag with ink and a quill, then began levitate them up into the air. The humans watched, they did saw videos where they shown these strange abilities of the ponies, but it was a thing to watch in a video, and witness it up-close. “Twilight could you please draw the message to them, show we would like to lead them to the castle, either on foot or by teleportation, if that’s good for them, also if can add to the draw Trixie, so she could do more 'translating' between our people.” “Of course Celestia, should take a minute.” Twilight smile and quickly muster a drawing. Once done shown it to Celestia to approve it, she nod with a smile, and she walked slowly closer to the humans within arms reach, levitate the paper in-front of the being who took it with care and observe it. Pointing at it with it's strange limb and they been talking among them selves. After a little while they nod and point on the teleportation. To this like on clue one of the solder waved it's hand in motion for them to stop, the civvies turn around and reassured the armed figure that things should be alight. Visibly uncomfortable about the decision, but stood back to it's place. Celestia look at Cadance then and spoke. “Could you please stay here and look after everyone.” “Of course Celestia, I make sure everything should remain quiet and safe.” She gave a reassuring smile to the Diarch. Soon the two aliens been shown to follow them to the smaller clearing where Celestia stood in the middle, Luna and Twilight on her side. Celestia light up her horn and concentrate, then a very bright flash and they disappeared, teleport back to Canterlot.

In the meantime, only a few kilometres away, smoke was rising high into the night sky from the forest. The source was a newly created crater, the impact of one of the cargo containers. The unbelievably sturdy object survived the explosion and the hard landing with minor dent and burn marks on the exterior, still have an crimson glow from the re-entry and impact. After awhile a door have been opened of the container, and something crawl out from it. It's shape been blocked by the smoke and darkness of the night. It quickly leap into the even darker shadows of the forest.

Author's Note

Here's a new chapter, took longer then i expect it, need some oil on my creativity fire, and more free time. Hope you enjoy it, and agen, if any one willing to help out with proof reading the story, would be wonderful!

Prologue

Earth. Now just a memory for those who escaped, and what left was a total uncertainty for them all on-board Spero, a gigantic starship. Built to ensure Humanity future, even if the hope to reach a new world where they could restart, was astronomical small, yet the desperation to survive, with every bit there spirit, will and body they could muster took on this quest. They risked everything to build this ship, many have suffered, many more have died, the impending doom wrack it's havoc on the world. But in the end they managed to finish the ship, an selected 30000 person been took on-board, 30000 of the most talented, smartest, fittest along side with some of the elite and disgustingly rich who could, indeed, buy a ticket to survive what have to come and end every one else life on Earth, and Earth it self...

It been a long struggle even before the end it self came. Only thanks to the advance astronomy, and mad luck that they noticed the approaching disaster 15 years ahead. They saw it coming, and who was on-board Spero saw it destroy Earth as they flew away. A sight of pure terror. It was a rough planet, that was float in deep space and by fate it had dead on collision course with Earth, it was bigger then the Moon and there would no means to halt such a massive object regardless how advanced Humanity become, despite there most powerful weapons that could destroy all life many times over and over there world, nothing, by any means, could come up close to the force of ruthless nature at this scale. All that left is hope that few could live while all else watch as the orb of death keep growing, and growing, and engulf the whole sky, bring darkness, cause the oceans bulge in an insane tidal-wave rushing towards where it would hit, cause storm and earthquakes as the two planet gravitation field began tear the surface apart. It was all that the Bible described as the Apocalypse. The two worlds collided, tear each other into shreds, totally annihilated. And so that’s how the world ended, and that’s how the living hell started for all who still breath, cling on to nothing else, just hope... Spero...