MLP: Friendship is Artistically Done

by jidbrony

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Discord, Crossover, Human, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 8053

Grand Admiral Thrawn desires to be the new ruler o the Empire and requires a great deal of magical power to get it.

A long time ago in a Galaxy far, far away

STAR WARS
It is a time of great turmoil and civil war in the Emprie.
After the death of Emperor Palpatine the once mighty empire that spanned across the galaxy is now in turmoil divided among the various warlords who would rather fight amongst each other than serve the greater good of the empire. However one has emerged among the ranks to bring knew hope to this once glorious civilization. A chiss officer who's skills and intelligence has helped him rise to the rank of Grand Admiral has returned to the known universe as now commands the Star Destroyer Chimera which is now posted near the horseshoe sector. But it will take a great deal of the skill and intelligence and a great deal of magic in order to "persuade" these warlords to re-join the Empire.

Published 2013-09-10 02:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-09-12 16:46:05 UTC

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Space, a vast and remote openness with thousands of planets and star systems that spanned to as far as the eye could see. In the vastness of this dark realm the Imperial Star Destroyer Chimera drifted along its normal patrol rout as usual. Captain Pellaeon looks out that observation window on the bridge, gazing out into the vast darkness of space his mind at ease as all he could here was the sound of footsteps of officers moving around the bridge attending to there duies .

"Sir!", A young voice shouted shattering Pellaeon state of mind. Pellaeon turns around as he sees a young naval Lieutenant heading toward him in a hurry.

"Yes lieutenant." replied Pellaeon is his stern gruff voice.

The young lieutenant handed Pellaeon the holobard as he began to look it over. The lieutenant seemed nervous most of these young officers did when they around a elderly veteran such as Pellaeon who had bee in military service since they days of the old republic ."As you can see sir, it's not looking good the other factions ore hesitant if no openly hostile to joining..."

Pellaeon stopped him before he could finish his sentence. "Very well lieutenant, I'll tell him myself, dismissed." The young officer saluted him as he walked off returning to his post. Captain Pellaeon took a deep sigh as he knew what he had to do, straitening up his uniforms and adjusting his officers cap to insure that they were both in tip top military shape Pellaeon exited the bridge and headed down the metal halls of the Imperial Star Destroyer passing by several Imperial naval officers and guards roaming around the ship attending to there duties. As he does he sees just how young many of these officers were, gone were the days when ships like the Chimera only took the best and the most experienced Imperial Officers and soldiers on its deck but now all that was left was recruits and conscript . What was left of the Empire best and elite had either died in the chaos following the defeat of Endor and the death of the Emperor or had abounded the Empire to join the warlords. Pellaeon face hardened as he thought of that word . Warlord, for him that word was the foulest word in the galaxy fouler then even rebel, for these "Warlords" were ruining and continuing to ruin what was once his beloved Empire, an Empire that he had given years of dedicated and loyal service to. Finally he made it the room area of the ship he wanted to get to. Pellaeon took one for sigh as he consolidate the courage to go into the room for he knew that within this room laid the last hope for the Empire he had once loved.

As the door slowly opened Pellaeon began to enter the room blackened the only light coming from the holographic images of strange alien artwork artwork surrounding the walls. From behind him a large shadow began to descend upon Pellaeon, slowly the old officer turned around and jump as great muscular lizard creature stood behind him hissing in laughter.

"Rukh, I hate it when you do that." Pellaeon scolded at him.

"Just attending to my duties as the Admirals body guard." Rukh said hissing.

Pellaeon just scoffed as he turned around to head towards the large metal chair In the center of the room its back turned away from Pellaeon stood there silent and emotionless, but Pellaeon knew that the chair was not vacant as he slowly began to approach it.

"Sir." Pellaeon said nervously. "I have a progress report on the negotiations with the....

"I know." said a cold voice as Pellaeon could see a light blue hand raised slowly begging to lower as it pushed the button on the arm chair causing it to turn around, there Pellaeon saw his commanding officer in his entirety, wearing his clean white uniform, his blue skinned head looking up as his cold red eyes glared at Pellaeon examining him thoroughly.

Pellaeon then got out the holoboard from under his shoulder and gave it to him. "Here are the reports Grand Admiral Thrawn." Pellaeon trying to stay calm.

Thrawn took the holoboard and examined it going over every report not once showing any emotion at all. "Disappointing. " he said laying the holoboard on the side of his chair, he then leaned back his hands pressed together thinking about what next to do.

"We've managed to gain the support of a few victor class cruisers a couple of dreadnoughts. Sadly though none of the main factions have said whether they join us or not....not to mention your support from the ruling council is weary at best to non -existent. They refuse to give you command of there forces, they don't want to give up there influence sir."

Then Thrawn pushed a button on the arm of his command chair which cleared the holograms away and replaced them with images of of High ranking military officers and high level bureaucrats many of them overweight and wearing high decorative uniforms .

"Bureaucrats and Warlords, the real scum of the galaxy." Thrawn said looking over the portraits. "These people are the real threats to order, greater than the even the rebellion could ever be. A threat to a re-unified Empire and the return of order to his chaotic galaxy. But, although they might be strong in arms they are weak in mind." Pellaeon didn't seem to understand what he was talking about, Thrawn must have noticed for he gave a small smile. "Allow to me to explain the metaphor captain.

Grand Admiral Thrawn got up and walked around the room continuing to examine the holographic portraits in the room. "Many of these men, are nothing more than egotist with illustrations of grandeur, men compensating for something. Although they command armies, they don't know how to use them."

Pellaeon seemed stunned by that statement. "But sir, many of these barbaric warlords although horrendous were some of the Empire top General and Admirals."

"Indeed' Thrawn said his voice cold yet amused. "But there Pellaeon is the key word. Were. They were General and Admirals but now they have become politicians and now no longer see things in a military point of view but rather what sets there best interest Although to be honest many of them got there ranks through Emperor's patronage so I guess we shouldn't be surprised." Thrawn eyes narrowed at though of this dishonor. Thrawn then took a deep sigh and looked up at Pellaeon. "I believe Pellaeon that if we are going to re unite the Empire we are going to take a page out of the Emperor's own personal handbook.

Pellaeon still didn't understand the Emperor had many tactics and strategies he had used over the decades to consolidate power many even to Pellaeon own distaste although he always obey a command given to him by a superior .

Thrawn smiled. "What I mean captain, we need....a grand demonstration of power. One great act that will force all the factions to come to our heal" Thrawn walked back to his chair and pushed another button that deactivated the portraits and then a large planet appeared in the room. "Do you know were this is?" Thrawn asked as he saw Pellaeon looking at the planet examining it with curiosity.

"Um...No sir, it looks like any ordinary planet to me," Pellaeon answered as he saw Thrawn eye narrowing before he continued to explain.

"As you know captain, for many years I have spent most of my time in the unknown regions of the galaxy, my duty there was to expand the territorial as influential reach of the Empire and the Emperor, during my time I discovered strains and exotic realms and enemies no mere mortal would even begin to comprehend." Pellaeon shivered at the thought but regain his nerve as he continued to listen to the Grand Admiral. "Before I returned to the known regions I stumbled upon this planet, at first i had no interest for scans had showed that technologically wise they were as backward as a wookie. But then the scanners on the ship picked up a massive energy reading coming from the planet and in a instant that it appeared it vanished."

Pellaeon looked amazed at this revelation. "How powerful was the energy reading sir?" he asked his curiosity bubbling.

Thrawn smiled. "Enough to power a legion of death stars."

Pellaeon looked amazed he had never heard about such power before, except when he he tale of the Jedi and Sith of old. "Amazing sir." but then a though crossed his head, something that worried him. "Sir...If I may be so bold, why did you not seize the power before you returned."

Thrawn raised a eyebrow. "Do you think I would just leave a planet of great power untouched. No.... I have sent several probe droids towards the planet and have to examine the local population I did intend to investigate the planet myself but I needed to deal with things here first before I could go back, but now things have changed course and I now a opening has occurred in my schedule that will allow me to further investigate this power surge.."

"But what sort of of demonstration do you plan to exert once you have the power you most definitely seek sir." Pellaeon asked sounding extremely curious now about Thrawn's discovery.

Thrawn thought that question over. "I do not know captain, for I do not know the power I am seeking and I do not intend to seize that power until I know what it is, for you see, it is not about having power that matters but understanding it that determines success. For the only true power in the universe is intellect and nothing else."

Captain Pellaeon looked disappointed hoping to gain greater insight into the Grand Admirals plan. Thrawn obviously noticed as he chuckled while heading back down to his command chair. "Do not fear captain, I assure you that when I discover what power we are looking for is I will give you and the rest of those treacherous warlords a real lesson of what happens to all those who dare threaten the destiny of the Empire." Pellaeon smiled at the thought of the warlords finally getting what was coming to them.

"Now captain. Prepare the ship were leaving in 10 minutes." Thrawn ordered.

"Yes sir." Captain Pellaeon saluted as he walked of the room wondering about what plans Thrawn had in store but all he knew for sure is that if the planets population resisted they would soon face the wrath of the most brilliant mind the galaxy if not the universe had ever seen.

******
Looking up at the sky Twilight Sparkle observed the stars with her telescope for she was on assignment by Princess Celestia about learning as many of the constellation as she could and there specific character traits. Twilight always enjoyed looking up at the night sky, she was one of the few who appreciated its beauty, one of the things she had in common with the Princess of Night Luna.

"Twilight." said a young voice coming from behind her, she turned around and saw Spike watching her observe the sky with her telescope. "Twilight. it's getting late you should got to bed before your to tired for tomorrow.

"No Spike I have to do this tonight or I'll have to re calibrate all the telescope tomorrow because the stars and planets won't be in the same place." Twilight said continuing to focus on her studies.

"Alright but if you sleep in your going to miss the picnic were having with our friends tomorrow." Spike reminded.

"Don't worry Spike, it won't take long, I just have a few more things to right down on my report." Twilight said sounding confident in her abilities. "Now off to bed before you get sleepy too."

Spike smiled as he got into his little basket and then covered himself with his blanket and drifted off into the world of dreams. As he did Twilight continued her studies looking up into the vastness of space, amazed by just how great and wonderful it was, her amazement was broken however when she saw a flash of light in space and then to her amazement a strange metal ship floating above in space. Twilight then rubbed her eyes making sure she wasn't seeing things she looked back into the telescope, but the ship wasn't there it was gone. She continued to look around the skies hoping to spot the anomaly again but she couldn't find it. Seeming disappointing Twilight decided that perhaps it was best to rest and get to bed still wondering in the back in her mind what exactly she had saw and weather it was a nothing or the a omen of something bad to come.

Author's Note

Well my first attempt at Star Wars MLP crossover, please leave a comment and suggestions.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The picnic was going well, everyone was enjoying their food and the fine weather, Rainbowdash tan was slowly coming to her liking and Twilight was finally started to relax as her mind began to forget about the strange anomaly she had discovered last night, the only real crisis that happened during the picnic was when Rarity got a bit of mud on her hoof. Everything for the most part was at peace.

"RAINBOWDASH" said a high pitch voice coming from a distance, everyone turned around to see, Scootaloo running toward them looking excited followed by Sweetiebelle and Applebloom.

"Hey squirt." Rainbowdash said looking up. "Whatcha doing up to?" she asked looking curious.

"Look Rainbowdash we found one of those hidden TV cameras." Scootaloo said beaming with joy.

Applebloom just slapped her hoof on her head wondering how her friend can be so naive. "It aint one of those TV cameras." Scootaloo however didn't seem to listen as she continued to stare at Rainbowdash with awe and amazement much to her displeasure.

"Okay, kid, calm down." Rainbowdash said trying to get some space between her and Scootaloo, "What are you...

"Look." Pinkie Pie said stopping Rainbowdash mid sentence, as they saw the strange floating device hoovering behind them it's camera observing and recording everything it saw. Everyone looked shocked especially Twilight for perhaps this had something to do with the anomaly she had discovered in space. Slowly she walked up to the floating device. "What is this." she whispered to herself for she nor her friends have ever seen such a strange an unique creature before. Twilight began to examine the camera in the creatures head wondering who or what was taping them.

"What do you make of it Twilight." Applejack asked

"I don't know, girls were did you find it." Twilight asked the Cutie Mark Crusaders. As soon as she asked the three fillies became embarrassed lowing their heads between there legs.

"Girls" Applejack said sounding suspicious. "Did you go into the Everfree forest again?"

There was a brief silence until at once all three fillies answered. "Yes."

Applejack rolled her eyes in frustration. "Applebloom how many times to I have to say it, the Everfree Forest is way to dangerous. Your getting double chore duty for a weak."

"Same goes for you Sweetiebelle." Rarity said sounding disjointed in her little sister. Sweetiebelle lowered her head in shame.

Scootaloo just looked at Rainbowdash almost looking excited that she would punish her. Rainbowdash didn't seem to understand what the fuss was all about.

"What?" she asked not sure what to do. Scootaloo seemed a little disappointed only because she knew Rainbowdash wasn't officially her big sister and couldn't really punish her. But one day, she thought to herself.

Twilight continued to examine the device, looking over all its strange aspects thoroughly. "Well, it definitely has a camera so it purpose was probably to film us, also this antenna looks like it's transmitting whatever it's recording to someplace, but were though. Also it how does it float, perhaps there is some sort of of anti-gravity device." Twilight continued to look at it wondering how this thing existed at all and why it was here in Equestria

******
On the bridge of the Chimera Thrawn watched the screen as she saw the purple pony touching his probe droid with curiosity. "Hmm, curious creatures these ponies are." Thrawn commented Pellaeon watching along with him.

"What do you plan to do sir." Pellaeon asked.

"I believe captain, it is time to make our introductions." Thrawn said.

Pellaeon looked surprised and a bit hesitant. "Are...are you sure sir. I don't mean to question your judgment but these creatures do not seem to know about the existence of other worlds let alone...."

"Well then captain, what better time for them to take a leap into the future." Thrawn interrupted before Pellaeon continued his discomfort of the plan. Thrawn turned to the communications officer. "Activate the probes holographic images I wish to great these ponies."

"Yes Sir." The Communication officer said as began to tap into the probes holographic image projector. It was time to say hello to these ponies.

********
Twilight then started poking the camera hoping to see what made it tick suddenly the device started beeping as it's upper head made a complete 180 degree turn. Then a bright blue projecting light began protruding through it and formed into a image of a tall creature standing on its hind legs wearing a white uniform and blue skin in front of them his red eyes staring at all the ponies in the area.

"Who, what is that." Rainbowdash said as she got up from her relaxing tan looking shock at the image.

There was still a moment of silence as the staring contest between Thrawn and the rest of the ponies continued, in the end it was Thrawn who decided to break the ice.

"Greetings." he said in his calm yet cold demeanor. He shocked many of the Ponies who took a few hoofs back from the holographic image.

Twilight then slowly walked back up to the image seeming nervous and hesitant. Slowly she began to opened her mouth trying to conjure the correct response. "Hello." she whispered looking up at the the strangers red eyes that looked down upon her as if trying to assert it's dominance. Twilight couldn't let this intimidation get to her as she continued to complete her greetings. 'My, name is Twilight Sparkle....and you are?"

Thrawn smiled. "Ah yes of course where are my manners, I am Grand Admirals Thrawn." He then noticed Twilight was about to ask another question but before she could, Thrawn interrupted her. "And if you are wondering, I am a Chiss, an alien lifeforms from another planet and no I do not live inside the robot this is what you would call a holographic projection, a way of communicating were I come from."

Twilight was amazed how did this creature know exactly what she was going to ask before she asked it, however she decided that perhaps it would be best if she knew why this Thrawn character was here on her planet. "Well, then, why are you here? We don't many aliens as company, in fact...we never have had aliens as company before."

Thrawn was silent for a brief moment pondering how much information to give his new found contacts, he then spoke trying to keep on the charm. "Me and my crew are, expeditiousness, we travel from planet to planet to explore and learn about other cultures in this area of the galaxy."

Then at that moment it clicked to Twilight. "You!" She shouted sounding excited. "I saw your ship last night, for only a few seconds go appear in space when i was observing the stars with my telescope."

Thrawn eyes slowly narrowed a bit discerned that they had been spotted when they jumped out of hyperspace, but in the long term it didn't really matter. "Indeed you did miss Sparkle, very clever. Normally, we don't make contact with the species for fear of harming the natural order of things but in your case we made a exception especially those little ones found or probe droid" Thrawns eyes shifted onto the Cutie Mark crusaders for a brief moment then back at Twilight. "Since ,we made contact, I ask humbly that I and a few associates of mine are allowed down on the planet to study your world, with you permission of course."

Twilight thought it over looking at the others to see what they thought of the strangers officer. "Well...I don't know. Guys?"

"I think it would be cool, we get to be see aliens." Rainbowdash said sounding excited.

"Alien party!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed her cakes and party hats at the ready.

"I don't know Twi, we've never been invaded by aliens before." Applejack said sounding hesitant.

"I think he seems he seems okay, his uniform is stunning I have to say." Rarity said eyeing Thrawn's uniform.

"Well, as long as he's nice." Fluttershy whispered.

Twilight continued to think it over Thrawn watching them examining their every move. In the end of discussing with her friends Twilight turned back towards Thrawn and gave him his answer. "I believe that perhaps you should meet are leader Princess Celestia in Canterlot, that's are capital and ask her."

Thrawn's became intrigued by her proposal but also a bit skeptical. "And, you can give me this audience with the head of your government."

"Why yes." Twilight said sounding a bit impressed with herself. "I'm her number one student and I'm sure I can arrange something. Spike." The young dragon then rushed to her side his pen and quill at the ready. "Send a letter to the princess about the situation and tell her that we wish a meeting,"

Spike quickly began to right the letter and to Thrawn's amazement used his magical fire breath to send the letter to Princess Celestia.

"Fascinating." Thrawn said aloud as he saw the letter drift off into the sky. "How was that done."

"Magic." Spike said sounding as if this was common knowledge. Thrawn merely stroke his chin in interest he was of course no stranger to the mythical wonders of universe, he had seen first hand the powers of the Emperor and the Lord Vader who was a master of the force and other mythical talents, but he knew that if some of these creatures wielded magical abilities his mission to take the power he had discovered would be more difficult .

A moment later Spike burped up a message from the Princess, he opened it up and read it. "The Princess said she would like to meet you in person Grand Admiral Thrawn." Spike said after reading the letter. "Tomorrow afternoon, if that's okay."

Thrawn nodded. "I would be honored, tell your princess that my shuttle will take me from my ship to this location, from there I hope that one of you will lead me to your capital."

"Will be happy to." Twilight said

"Excellent, I will be coming tomorrow in at around 0.900 hours." Thrawn replied.

"900 hundreds hours, Rainbowdash said, sounding confued. "But that's like a hundred days from now."

"No, No Rainbowdash, 0.900 is military time for 9.00 o clock in the morning." Twilight explained to her friends.

"Then, I guess I'll see you there. Goodbye for now." with that the image of Thrawn vanished as the probe droid then began to drift into space and head towards the stars to were Thrawn ship was.

Once the probe was gone the girls and Spike began to comprehend and take in just what had occurred to them a few moments ago.

"So, wow, aliens from outer space, guess we you an apology Twi, you did see something out there." Applejack said still sounding a bit concerned of the whole ordeal.

"That's okay Applejack, I didn't know there was life out there either." Twilight responded rubbing her head with her hoof. "I just wonder if we can trust this Thrawn person."

"He didn't seem mean." Fluttershy said, trying to be a voice of reason.

"True, but still he had a bit of a cold chilling affect." Twilight said remembering Thrawn red eyes and how they looked like they were always examining you. Some of her friends must have been thinking the same thing for they started to shiver a bit their faces looking concerned.

"Well, I guess will let Princess Celestia be the judge." Rainbowdash commented trying to calm everyone's fears.

"Yeah, I agree." Twilight said trying to cast aside any fears she might have about Thrawn hoping that he was a man who just wanted peace.

*****
In his private quarters Thrawn moved around the chambers looking at the holographic art work. The display he had on today was far different then his usual collection, for this display was new, retrieved from the databanks of the probe that had been scanning the planet. However Thrawns concentration was broken as the he heard the sound of the automatic doors opening as Captain Pellaeon entered the room.

"Your shuttle is ready for tomorrows trip sir." Pellaeon replied.

"Good." Thrawn said ncontinuing to examine the artwork. Pellaeon began to look at the art himself and seemed a bit perplexed by it.

"This artwork sir....It's....quite different from you usual collection." Pellaeon commented noticing that artwork that Thrawn had on display look very round and colorful almost in his mind at least childish.

Thrawn must have taken notice at Pellaeon interest in the art for he walked over to him and said, "Adorable."

Pellaeon looked up shocked by what Thrawn had said. "What sir?"

"Adorable," Thrawn repeated pointing at the art work. "From many of the portraits I have observed these ponies have what can honestly be described as.... a cute factor." Pellaeon looked confused, he never heard Thrawn using such words as cute and adorable before, it didn't seem right to him. Thrawn must have noticed for he gave a small little smile. "I use these words captain for they are strategic not because I am embarrassing my inner child." Pellaeon had difficulty picturing Thrawn being a child let alone having a inner child, his thought was interrupted when Thrawn continued his lecture. "It is quite possible for a society to be based on cuteness but that does not mean we should understatement them, less we repeat our mistakes with the Ewoks."

Pellaeon shivered remembering how the most elite of Imperial Stormtroopers were defeated by nothing more than a bunch of teddy bears.

"Also," Thrawn continued. "I have also noticed something that might explain the core of this society." Thrawn pointed at another portrait one made entirely out of stain glass. "Do you notice anything Pellaeon."

Pellaeon looked hard at the stain glass portrait examining for a while not quite sure what to make of it until it finally hit him. "Those are the ponies you communicated with sir." he said looking highly suprised.

"Indeed." Thrawn said. "But that is not the only thing I learned, if you notice from the other portraits, most of them that involve figures or individuals that are never alone." Thrawn pointed to the other sculptures and pieces of art. Slowly Pellaeon did begin to discover a pattern all the portraits involving ponies never did one have a pony that was alone, they were either in groups of two, three maybe even more.

"Yes captain." Thrawn said his eyes glowing the darkness of the room as he saw Pellaeon come to the realization he had come to. "I have determined that the core of this society....is friendship."

As soon as he heard that Pellaeon couldn't help himself but chuckle and look smug much to Thrawn's displeasure.

"DO NOT TAKE THAT LIGHTLY ! CAPTAIN!" he shouted. Pellaeon jumped to attention this was one of the first if ever heard Grand Admiral Thrawn raise his voice in anger. Slowly Thrawn took a deep breath to calm himself and regain control of his emotions. "I realize your smugness captain. I myself have never had any personal use for the concept of friendship, but it is a powerful thing. Fighting and dying for one that is called friend is a very power cause. Which is why merely conquering this planet will not only waster are potential forces for greater battles in the future, but will spare any time crushing what would be harsh resistance should we attempt to rule the planet now."

"And that is why you decided to make contact with these ponies." Pellaeon said coming to realize the full concept of Thrawn's plan so far. "Do you hope that by befriending these ponies they will give you power you are searching for."

"No." Thrawn said coldly. "But it will give me time to learn every aspect about these ponies and to find ways to turn there strengths into their weakness then and only then will we show them are full might should we need to."

"But sir, what if they refuse to let you in. What if there Princess does not trust you" Pellaeon asked sounding concerned.

"Oh they will .They will trust me." Thrawn said sounding confident. "Like I said, friendship is there core value, they will try to befriend me and I will allow it... for now. Until it suits me to no longer be their friend." Pellaeon understood as he exited Thrawn's chambers wondering if these ponies had any idea who they were about to encounter. But he knew one thing for sure Thrawn had something in store for them, something that will secure the stability of the Empire once and for all.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"We have arrived at the planet sir." The officer said through the communications module.

"I can see that private." said a cold icy voice heading toward the deck. The officer turned around as he saw Grand Admiral Thrawn walking onto the bridge to view the planet in person.

"GRAND ADMIRAL ON BRIDGE!" Shouted a officer as he and all the other officers gave him the Imperial salute. Thrawn saluted back.

"At ease." Thrawn sad in his calm manner as Captain Pellaeon joined him by his side. "Now, I want a full readout on the planet."

"Yes sir." said another officer as he began to scan the planet's surface. "Sir, according to the scanner the planet is mostly rural in nature only a few heavily populated areas and....well."

"What." Thrawn said sounding cold and menacing.

"Well....There is one city that appears to be in the sky." the officer said sounding a bit perplexed.

Thrawn didn't seem to be that interested in this discover, there have been plenty of cities that floated in mid air, Cloud City on the planet of Bespin being a perfect example. Thrawn however deduced that the reason the officer was surprised was because during the briefing, Thrawn had told them about the the primitive technological nature of the planet. "Have you made contact with the probe droids I've sent down to the planet?" he asked.

"We are doing that as we speak sir, but it will take some time to locate them especially if there scattered across the plant." The officer responded continuing to scan the planet.

Thrawn turned to Pellaeon. "I want any probe you find to immediately be brought back to the ship, the information they carry on planet will be of great value to me. Understand. Also move the ship to insure that we can not be seen by any prying eyes perhaps behind the worlds moon, there technology may be primitive but we cannot risk that means they are stupid."

"Yes sir." Pellaeon said. "Anything else."

"Yes." Thrawn replied coldly. "If any of the probes scanned any of these species artwork no matter how primitive or not it is to be brought directly to me immediately." With that command Thrawn turned around and walked off the bridge leaving Pellaeon to supervise the recovery operation.

"The Grand Admiral always get very serious when it comes to artwork." the communication officer said to Pellaeon.

"Indeed." Pellaeon said quietly. "But that's what separates him from the rest of us." With that Pellaeon and the rest of the bridge got back to work carrying out there leaders orders.

*******
It was mid-afternoon on a warm sunny day, everypony on town was busy doing their daily routine as on any normal mid-afternoon. Except for Twilight Sparkle who was deep in her bed tired and exhausted for although she had tried to go to sleep last night she couldn't help but spend most of her time up all night trying to search fro that strange anomaly in the sky but to little avail. Slowly Twilight began to awake again and notice that she was no longer on her bed but in the middle of the ground on her hard wooden floor.

"Ugh....What happened." Twilight groaned She looked around at her room which was a total and complete mess notes and books are are all over the place, she then looks at her clock and notices the time. "Oh no the picnic." Twilight said suddenly became alert as she began to scuffle around the room making sure her mane was clean and teeth brushed so she would at least look decent for the picnic.

"Oh...It hope I won't be late" Twilight said as she quickly excited her home hoping that her friends would not be to displeased with her.

Outside in the grassy park outside of Ponyville everyone was setting up for the picnic. Applejack was looking around looking worried.

"No sign of Twilight yet." she said sounding concerned.

"Don't worry Applejack she's probably just making sure all her books are in the correct order or something, besides Spike said she stayed up a little late last night." Rainbowdash said as she put on her sunglasses and started to get a tan.

"I would have woke her up, but I thought it would be best if I let her sleep those late night studies can really take one out of you." Spike said having a gem sandwich

"Oh, Oh I see here coming." Pinkie Pie said sounding excited slowly however her smile started diminish. "Oh...She looks terrible."

"Sorry guys I slept in." Twilight said her mane disheveled and the bags under her eye rooted deep.

"Twilight darling, you look terrible what happened." Rarity asked sounding concerned.

"Well....Last night when I was doing my studies for the princess about the constellations of the stars I saw a strange anomaly appear in space." Twilight said.

Everyone in the group seemed confused not quite sure what Twilight was even talking about.

"An anoma what now." Applejack asked not sure what that word ment.

"An anomaly Applejack." Twilight explained. "Something strange up in space.'

"Like what a UFO." Rainbowdash said with a tone of sarcasm in her voice.

"Well, actually yes." Twilight said much to Rainbowdash surprise.

Pinkie Pie then zoomed toward Twilight and started bombarding her with questions. "UFO cool do you think they were from another planet, are they coming here, did it have green glowing lights and...."

Twilight stopped her before she could continue to go on with her continuing question. "Actually Pinkie I only saw it for a few seconds before it vanished. I spent most of the night looking for it.....before I passed out." Twilight looked a bit embarrassed by that as everyone else looked at Twilight seeming skeptical.

"So what your saying is that you saw something for a couple of seconds in the middle of night and then it was gone." Applejack said not quite sure if she believed Twilight's statement.

"Yes," Twilight responded, everyone else continued to remain silent for a brief moment until Applejack spoke again.

"Twi, are you weren't just seeing things."

This was not the response that Twilight had expected from her friends but then again, this did bring something that he hadn't thought to mind. "Perhaps....But It seemed to real."

"Maybe it was just a shooting star." Pinkie Pie said.

"No, no, because it stood very still when I first saw it." Twilight said remembering exactly what had happened last night. "Maybe it a ship that moves very fast."

"How can a ship move fast without water." Rainbowdash asked still sounding skeptical about the whole ordeal, it wasn't as if she though Twilight was lying but she had never heard of a ship that traveled in space.

"I'm sure it was nothing Twilight now relax and enjoy this delightful picnic." Rarity said.

Twilight still wanted to convince her friends of what she saw but in the end she knew that right now she didn't have the evidence to convince them. "Oh...Okay, your right." She then sat down on the picnic mat and joined in the festivities and fun with her friends still thinking in the back of her mind of what she saw in space.

*****
"All right Cutie Mark Crusaders today were going to get our cutie mark in plant collecting." Applebloom said sounding confidant that today her and her friends Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo will finally complete there mission of getting there cutie marks.

"Yay! Plan collecting." Sweetiebelle squeaked, then a though crossed her mind. "Um...What plants are we collecting."

Applebloom then pulled out a book from her saddle bag and showed it to her. "All of them. I found this book in Twilight's library when I was there with Applejack a few days ago, It has all these pictures of cool plants from all over equestria." Applebloom showed her friends the pictures that were inside the book. "Then Applejack told me about when she was a filly she used to collect leaves and put them in a book. Maybe we could do that with these plants."

"Cool." Scootaloo said sounding enthusiastic about the idea. "I bet the Everfree Forest has all sort of cool plants in there."

"But were not allowed to go in the Everfree forest." Sweetiebelle said sounding concerned.

"When has that stopped us before." Scootaloo pointed out.

"True." Sweetiebelle said agreeing with her friends logic.

"Alright Cutie Mark Crusaders lets start crusading." Applebloom said as she led the way into the Everfree forest hoping they will find what they are looking for.

The Everfree forest a dark and dangerous place filled with several monsters and mysteries that no Pony could understand let alone a young filly, so obviously that meant it was the favorite place for these three little fillies to explore all the time. The Cutie Mark Crusaders traveled through these woods looking around and the flora and fauna that covered the area.

"So what kind of plants are we looking for." Scootaloo asked becoming a bit board of walking throw nothing but forest or what only was around 20 minutes."Hope were not looking for a hearts desire again, remember what happened when you tried that.

"No, no, trust me I learned my lesson." Applebloom said looking in the book trying to find the planet she and the others were looking for. "Were looking for.....this." Applebloom showed them a picture of the first plan they'll be looking for, the plant was blue its vines thin and spider like while it head was round and circular. "It's called a spider plant according to the book it can be found in this part of the forest." she said.

"Looks kinda of creepy." Sweetiebelle commented looking uneasy at the creature.

"I think it looks cool." Scootaloo said her eyes widening as she looked the picture in the book.

"Well come on then crusaders lets get looking." Applebloom said

The three little fillies began to cover all areas of the forest covering every tree looking over every rock and bush searching for the spider plan, there search went on for seemed like hours with each passing moment boardum began to consume these small ponies until finally it took hold.

"This stinks." Scootaloo said as she laid down on the ground he body aching from all the searching they've been doing."We can't even find our first plan."

"There goes are Plan searching cutie marks." Applebloom said with a look of disappointment on her face.

Sweetiebelle too looked disappointed as she sat down on one of the rocks in the woods, however the minute she sat down she felt the rocks seemed odd, it had a cold metal exterior to it. Then all of a sudden a bunch of bleeps and humming began to come from the rock. Sweetiebelle immediate got up to see what was going on. Suddenly to her surprise the rock began to rise in the air and sprout Spider like legs. "Guys come here!" she shouted looking amazed. Scootaloo and Applebloom ran toward her looking concerned.

"Whats wrong?" Scootaloo asked sounding concerned. She saw Sweetiebelle pointing her hoof into the air, she turned to see what she was pointing at as she too noticed the strange thing floating in the air. "Applebloom is that the Spider plant?" she asked

Applebloom began fumbling through the book. "Hmm....Well, it looks like it, but this book doesn't mention it floats."

"Hey look!" Scootaloo said pointing at the strange thing and noticing that it had sprouted what looked like a camera on its head. "Is it....Is it filming us....ARE WE ON TV!" Scootaloo said sounding excited and flexing her muscles. "I hope Rainbowdash can see me and see my awesome moves."

Applebloom and Sweetiebelle with concern just looked at the strange thing wondering were it came from. Then all of a sudden the strange creature sprouted what looked like a antenna on its head and started beeping. Slowly it began to drift higher into the sky, only for Scootaloo to grab onto it.

"Hey...I'm not done showing you my moves yet." Scootaloo said sounding annoyed as she was stopping the strange thing from floating in the air. However it seamed the device was stronger than a young filly as it began to take Scootaloo into the sky. Applebloom and Sweetiebelle grabbed on to there friends and caused the device to be at a standstill.

"Scootaloo let go." Sweetiebelle pleaded.

"No, I have to show it my moves so it can record me." Scootaloo retorted.

Applebloom rolled her eyes. "You don't even know if it is a camera!"

The three fillies continue to hang on to the strange device hoping that the wouldn't float up into space because of it.

*****
On the bridge of the Chimera Captain Pellaeon continued to supervise the recover of the probe droids. So far most of the probe droids the Grand Admiral had sent have returned to the chimera and there databanks being downloaded on the ships main data banks. Then all of a sudden a light beeping sound came from one of the communication modules."What's wrong" Pellaeon asked the communications officer.

"Sir, apparently we are having difficulty getting one of the probe droids onto the ship, it's having trouble leaving the planet." the officer said sounding nervous.

Pellaeon seemed perplexed they haven't had any trouble getting any of the other probes back on the ship. Pellaeon thought for a moment trying to come with a solution. "Were is it it."

"In the forest near that small town sir." the communication officer said. "Our scanners are reporting three individuals near the probe, perhaps some birds sir."

"Perhaps, have the probe fire it's blaster on them." Pellaeon ordered.

"Delay that ordered!" said a harsh cold voice. Pellaeon turned around to see Thrawn entering the room his eyes cold and menacing. "Connect with the probes visual scanners and put it on screen." he ordered with a sense of urgency.

The communication officer began to make contact with the probe trying to link it's visual scanners to the ships main computer screen. After a few moments the link was connected and the screen displayed what the probe was seeing to Pellaeon shocked he saw what looked like horses, three little horses grabbing on to the probe struggling bring it down to the grown he looked at Thrawn who merely starred at them examining each and every detail carefully.

"There horses sir." Pellaeon said, to Thrawn.

"No captain, Ponies, fillies to be exact by the look of there size." Thrawn responded calmly as he continued to watch them play tug of war with the probe droid.

Then to Pellaeon's even greater amazement he heard one of the fillies, the yellow one to be exact, speak.

"Scootaloo let go, your going to go off into space."

"No, I just want to show...it ...some ...of my ...moves." said the one called Scootaloo.

Pellaeon looked up at Thrawn who slowly began to have a intrigued look on his face. "Lieutenant, stop of the recall of this probe droid."

"Yes sir." Replied the communication officer as he began to abort the recall.

On screen Thrawn saw the picture lower as the three little fillies fell down to the grown and tumbled over. Thrawn continued to watch as he saw the three fillies get back up and clean there manes up. Then the yellow Pony spoke.

"Come on ya'll maybe we should leave this thing alone."

"I agree Applebloom." said the white pony with the pink mane. The one called Scootaloo however seemed a little defiant at first but in the end agreed to go with her two friends

"Have the probe follow them." Thrawn ordered the communication officer Pellaeon looked stunned.

"Sir, don't you think we should keep the element of surprise." Captain Pellaeon asked

Thrawn merely smiled. "Technically as long they don't know of our plan we do have the element surprise, Besides I want to see if these three children can help me in a social experiment."

*******
The Cutie Mark Crusaders began heading out the EverFree forest, however they as they continued walking they heard a faint humming sound coming from behind them. All three turn around and see the strange looking device following them as they leave the forest.

"Uh, girls, I think it's following us." Applebloom whipsered sounding nervous as she stared at the device. Sweetiebelle as well seemed nervous by this thought but Scootaloo seemed more excited then scared.

"I say we take it to Rainbowdash so she and I can be filmed on TV together." Scootaloo slowly began to drift into the deep wonders of her mind the thought began to expand. "Me and Rainbowdash on TV." she said in a dreamy like state.

"Well, Rarity was going to be with Rainbowdash at a picnic with the rest of our friends maybe Twilight will know what it is." Sweetebelle said Applebloom seemed to agree with her.

"Okay. Scootaloo. SCOOTALOO!" Applebloom shouted out snapping her friend out her fantasy.

"Who, what were, Rainbowdash!" she said frantically as she started to come back to attention, she then noticed her two friends heading off without. "Hey! Wait for me!" she ran off joining her friends as the probe droid followed behind them hoovering along .

*****
On the Chimera Thrawn, Pellaeon and the rest of the crew were watching this little spectral play out. Thrawn gave a light chuckle as he watched. "Ah, children and curiosity, I always knew that one day those two would help in my efforts."

Pellaeon still didn't understand what Thrawn's strategy was. "Sir, I don't fully understand why are we revealing ourselves now."

"Simple Pellaeon." Thrawn said his voice becoming harsher."I sent those probes to learn about the planet, but probes can only be so useful, direct contact with the species is far better a learning tool then anything else, and by having these three innocent fillies help in our introductions to the adult ponies, we will have a better chance to learn and study them."

Captain Pellaeon nodded his head as he continued to run through Thrawn's plan in his brain over and over.

Thrawn on the other hand continued to watch the screen his eyes narrowing and voice becoming sinister. "Then....once i have learned everything about this species and what that power was.... then I will strike an no one will stand in my way."

Author's Note

Yes I realized I mention PONY TV....Don't worry I won't go into to much on that.