A Search in the Darkness

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1: Awakening
Chapter 2: 5003 A.N.
Chapter 3: 4000 Years of History
Chapter 4: 5000 Years of History
Chapter 5: Car Ride
Chapter 6: Meeting the Crew

Prologue

=====================================================================

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. -Buddha

"Another cup of Emerald powder," Twilight ordered. She frowned in concentration as she tried to get the runes drawn just right. Emerald was hard to come by especially in a backwater town like Ponyville. Most of Equestria’s mineral deposits are imported from Griffin mines. Few would brave the Diamond Dog mining tunnels. The only others with a sizable mineral supply were the zebras, but Twilight couldn’t imagine how people who live in huts could provide anything for Equestria. Not even if the false rumors of new technological advancements happening in Zebrica were true. Zecora simply nodded to Twilight’s command and put in the appropriate amount as Twilight's other friends stood off to the side in Zecora's hut. Pinkie jumped up and down steadily as Twilight began the finishing touches, Rarity tried to use her meager knowledge on unicorn magic to decipher the ruins, but soon gave up, Applejack quietly whispered to Fluttershy about the spell, and Rainbow tried to occupy herself with something to overcome the boredom.

"How much longer," Rainbow complained as she lazily floated past the shamans various potions and trinkets. Zecora’s hut was crowded with items only she knew about since she had been the only zebra or pony to take up permanent residence in Equestria’s most dangerous forest. When asked why she didn’t make the hut larger, she said to prevent damage from coming to the forest.

"For the hundredth time Rainbow, I have to get this exactly right or the long distance teleportation spell will blow up in all of our faces," Twilight stated. She was as close to the runes as she could get without touching them. She used her magic to get the runes in their positions as precisely as possible. Just as Rainbow was about to lose it the lavender unicorn then finished the last rune and got up with a smile set on her face. "Besides, I'm almost done. We just need to sprinkle some of the brew on the runes."

Twilight then used her magic to carefully pour the brew where it needed to be. Pinkie began jumping up and down as the rest leaned forward in anticipation. The purple unicorn began the spell and the runes began to glow in her magic. The magical aura soon turned the shade of lilac her magic glows when Twilight used more powerful magic.

"Whoa," Rainbow Dash said. She began backing away from the activating spell, but accidentally bumped into a cabinet. Unfortunately this shook a shelf enough to knock down a single bottle with a strange substance. This bottle bounced off Rainbow's head and cracked open near the center of the room. Twilight, deep in concentration didn't notice the liquid slowly advancing to the glowing runes.

After Rainbow recovered from her daze she got up and looked at the broken bottle. It read 'Highly Concentrated Liquid Magic.' Exactly then the liquid came in contact with the runes. Faster than anypony's eyes could follow, the entire super heavy magical element was sucked into the spell.

Twilight felt a giant surge of power explode in the spell. It was similar to the ironically chaotic river that was the magic of the elements of harmony, but this time it felt as if she was fighting against it. She tried to push the energy down with her own magic, but lost her concentration as a bolt of purple lightning fired out of the runes inches in front of her. Leaping back in fear she accidentally stepped on some runes. Looking down she realized, to her horror, that she'd smudged the coordinates. It would no longer teleport her to the Canterlot Castle where the princesses waited.

Meanwhile, her friends could see something had gone wrong. White tendrils latched themselves to Twilight and held her down. Rainbow and Applejack, seeing the danger Twilight was in jumped towards the rune circle to free their friend.

Twilight looked to her side to see her friends rushing towards her. Realizing what they were trying to do she yelled, "No wait, stay ba-." She was interrupted by a bright light that swallowed up the three mares that were standing within the magic circle. It expanded to a bubble pressing, the borders of the runes. The 3 ponies in the center were consumed. The formerly dim room was awash with light and the ponies and 1 zebra backed away from the out of control spell. All of a sudden the light retracted and extended back in an explosion. The force flung the group of equines who had all conveniently backed up to the open doorway. They fortunately fell in the pond right outside Zecora's hut as another even larger explosion consumed Zecora's hut in a giant fireball. Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity with Zecora in tow rushed back to the fiery scene. The runes were scarred into the ground, but there was not a trace of their friends.

=====================================================================

Back in the Golden Oaks Library the display holding the elements began to glow. The elements quickly expanded and lost their glow even faster. 5 large circular stones burst through the glass, almost crushing Spike who was cataloging books nearby.

Chapter 1: Awakening

=====================================================================

Twilight felt like she was weightless. As if she was a lonely cloud on a sunny day. However, she was not shining in the bright light of Celestia’s sun. Only darkness surrounded her. But it was not empty. Strange blurry images flew past too fast for her eyes to focus on. Strange bursts of color in a world that saw so little. Every time she saw these flashes, she felt a deep longing for it. As if it the images were derived from her very essence. She would never remember it, but the images started coming more frequently. Until the bursts overwhelmed the darkness itself. They came faster and faster also seeming to get clearer, yet never clear enough to comprehend what the picture was. Finally the light grew to what would’ve been a painful brightness, but she could not stop looking. It didn’t seem like she was being given the choice. All of a sudden the world broke away and a deafeningly loud roar burst in her ears. The ground slammed into her and she felt as if weighed as much as a hydra. Two thuds could be heard falling next to her. The floor was cold and her eyes were blurry. As a wave of weariness struck her, her mind began to fall back into a slumber. The last thing she heard were a large amount of hoofsteps approaching.

=====================================================================

Twilight woke up taking a deep breath. The first thing the confused unicorn noticed was that she was lying on a soft bed. A soft beeping sounded off to the side. Tilting her head to the left she saw a heart monitor. Something felt long wrong about it. It had the same noise and color that she had gotten familiar with while visiting Rainbow after her many crashes, but there was a difference that she could not point out. It was then that the unicorn realized it was built into the wall. It also showed a lot of other data like her current temperature, her medical specs, and something called her Thaumic Reservoir Percentage which read at 9%. As she looked around, she noticed that the well-lit room was a stark white that matched her bed. She laid back down pressing her head into the softest pillow she’d ever felt. ‘I guess it makes sense. They would reserve the best equipment for the princesses in the Canterlot Castle… Canterlot!’ Twilight got up her hooves and pushed the blanket off her back with her right foreleg, noting the hospital gown she’d been given. Jumping off the bed she trotted over to the door. Looking around frantically, she searched the door for a door knob to bite on to, but could not find one. Meanwhile she was thinking a million miles per hour. ‘Does this mean it worked? Did it go as planned?’ Twilight growled in frustration as her search proved denied her the answer. Looking at the door, she began using her magic to force it open, but immediately stopped as massive headache erupted from the tip of her horn. She quickly disabled the spell and was left panting on the floor as though she’d just ran the ‘Running of the Leaves’ all over again. However the minor hindrance could not keep her down as she got up and began pounding her hooves on the door. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the door made a soft beep before siding quickly to the side. On the other side was a pearl white Earth pony with a white coat and fuchsia mane. She noted that she had a full Nurse outfit that covered her from her neck to her hindhooves.

“Calm down Miss Sparkle. I’m just here to check on you,” the pink-maned pony said as Twilight stopped her hooves from contacting the mare’s face. She brought her hoof down and gave a smile with a blush. The nurse continued, “It’s good to see you up. Your thaumic energy levels were dangerously low, but it looks like a some sleep was all you needed.”

Twilight climbed back up on the bed as nurse moved to watch the strange heartbeat monitor. She mumbled under her breath and took down notes on a strange pad using a blunt object.

Twilight looked at the device which was holding the notes. ‘I’m really falling behind on the new magic spells.’ Sadly, word reaches quaint villages like Ponyville last. Trying to strike up a conversation she asked, “So when did you start working at Canterlot, Nurse Redheart?”

“Who’s Nurse Redheart? My name is Healing Hoof.” the nurse replied, not taking her eyes off her note. “Also, next time you want you need to get help, just press the assistance button. Actually you probably might not need to. Looks like you’ll be getting discharged today. Just lay off using on using the horn for at least a week. I don’t what you did, but it did a number on your reserves.”

Twilight decided to learn about the assistance button later and waited as the Nurse finished her notes.

“Just place your hoof right here and you can be on your way to meet the princesses,” the Nurse told Twilight. Twilight, encouraged by the notion of meeting the princesses, quickly placed her hoof on it.

“Now wait here for a few minutes and I’ll come back with someone who can lead you to the princesses in a few moments. And get you something to wear,” Healing Hoof said as she walked out the door. The last part was cut off by the sound of the dooming sliding shut.

Twilight quickly got up. Untying her hospital gown, she tossed it on the bed and waited quietly while stretching out her sore hooves.

Mid-stretch, the door opened and the Nurse walked in followed by a blue stallion saying, “Well Miss, my little brother, Helping Hoof will be taking you to meet the Princes-,” the Nurse was cut off as she saw the mare stretching in front of her. The unicorn’s left hindhoof was angled away from her body and her tail lifted up, mimicking the limb’s attempt of stretching.

“Whoa,” Helping Hoof said coming to a stop next to his sister. His sister however wasn’t listening, her mind trying to make sense of what her eyes seeing. The upward angled, completely exposed area set between two outrageous flanks. Healing Hoof’s eyes were glued to the same spot as the unsuspecting unicorn quivered to get out the last pops.

“Ok, Helping Hoof, I’m ready to leave right now,” Twilight said as she turned around to face the twins.

“Wh-wh-wh-what are y-you doing?” Nurse Healing stammered.

“Waiting to the meet the princesses, like you told me to do,” Twilight stated.

“WHAT! YOU WANT TO MEET THE PRINCESSES LIKE THAT? HAVE YOU NO SHAME FILLY!” the female twin exploded. Her eyes seeming to go red.

Now it was Twilight’s turn to stammer, “Wh-wh-what are you talking about?”

Healing Hoof didn’t respond, but turned to her brother and yelled, “And you! Stop staring and get out of here." She began pushing him out the door. Looking back she said, "Put these clothes on. And then I'll be taking you to Celestia myself. I think you broke my brother."

Twilight looked at the clothes. 'I never remember the Castle staff being so strict. Guess a lot can change in 3 years.' She put the slightly uncomfortable clothes. When she was done, she mimicked what the nurse had done placed her hoof on the blue glowing console next to the door. Healing was waiting outside, but her brother had disappeared. The Nurse motioned her in the right direction and Twilight began the trot to through the halls as the Nurse followed from behind. As she walked through the walls, she noticed how much the Palace had changed. The consoles were everywhere and everypony she came across was dressed completely. 'Maybe it's another stupid rule the Nobles passed,' she thought as she walked past a trio of ponies in cerulean uniforms.

At one point, Twilight tripped and her forehooves slipped making her chin hit the floor while her hindhooves held her torso up. This ticked Healing off as she shouted, "That's it. I can't walk behind you, just follow me."

They finally reached a door that was larger and more extravagant than the others. It had carvings of the moon and a familiar Moon princess.

Nurse Healing pressed an icon in the console and spoke through holes arranged in a circular pattern, "She's here your Majesty."

They waited moment and then the doors slid open revealing a tall majestic alicorn. Her blowing mane filled with the stars and her navy blue mane was practically glowing. She had strange clothing on, less fabulous than what the nobles wear, but it seemed hold an aura of authority and grandeur. Before Twilight could say anything she was swept into the hooves of the Princess of the night.

"Oh Twilight, how we've missed you," Luna shrieked in joy spinning the mare around. The Nurse took it as motion to leave as the door closed on the two old friends.

"Whoa, it's nice to meet you to Princess," Twilight said. When she got a good look at the alicorn she realized how much taller and more magnificent, a true ruler of the night. "I have so many questions to ask you Princess. Did my spell work? Why are you so tall now? What's with all the cool magical things I've seen hanging around? When did the castle get these renovations?"

"Calm down Twilight. I shall tell you everything that you need to know once your friends are here… and that should be right,” Luna stated as Rainbow Dash and AppleJack came through a door. They were followed by a different Nurse who looked as equally ticked off as Healing was. She too left when her friends were delivered.

“Jeez, these guys have some weird rules,” Rainbow exclaimed as she picked at her collar.

“Yeah. And what’s the point of covering your whole backside like this,” AppleJack asked to nopony in particular.

Twilight gave a slight frown as she realized 3 of her friends were missing. “Where’s Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity?” she asked Luna.

Luna’s face darkened, she got faraway look in her eyes that quieted Rainbow and AppleJack down. The silence continued for several minutes until Luna got off her beds and said, “That’s part of what I have to tell you. Follow me.”

The three elements present followed the Alicorn of the night to window shrouded by curtains.

“First I would like to say welcome,” Luna said. Twilight, Rainbow, and AppleJack looked at each other with similar expressions. The Princess pressed a button and continued, “Welcome to Canterlot. The Capital of the Celestial Empire.” The curtains reclined by themselves and the darkened windows cleared themselves. The elements gasped; in front of them lay a sprawling metropolis with buildings that shot farther into the sky than Pegasi could even fly. Giant ships floated like airships; however they were completely surrounded by metal. Looking closer they noticed thousands of smaller flying vessels moving through the monstrous city at speeds that rivaled Rainbow Dash. The city was grander than anything the 3 could’ve even imagined. Luna looked straight at the 3 mares and with finality said, “Welcome, welcome to future.”

Chapter 2: 5003 A.N.

=====================================================================

Rainbow pressed her muzzle to the glass. Applejack just stood there mouth open like she had been doing for the last few minutes. However Twilight was not taking in the sights of the city, but staring with her mouth agape at Luna.

“We shouldn't be here. We can’t be here,” Twilight said starting to get panicky. Her two friends turned away when they heard Twilight’s statement. The unicorn continued, “We outlawed time travel for a reason. We could change the space-time continuum! What if we do something because we learned of this when we go back to our own time? Unless…”

Luna just nodded with an extremely sad expression that could break hearts. Twilight just lay down, grabbing her head with her hooves.

“What’s going on Twi,” Applejack asked.

“Yeah, what’s wrong,” Rainbow added.

However Twilight just laid there shaking, she couldn’t tell them that she’d trapped them in the future forever. The two looked onward unsure of what to do. As two whole minutes passed by, it became obvious that they would not get their answer from the unicorn.

Luna sighed and with a look of sorrow began, "Time Travel can be used to travel to the past and the future. It lets us see what once was, and what will be. However, time is locked, things can never be altered. What is meant to happen will happen. And 4000 years ago, what was meant to happen and did happen… was that you three disappeared forever after a terrible magical incident."

"You mean we never came back," Applejack asked. Luna nodded sadly.

"And we'll never see our friends again," Rainbow stated.

"No, your friends, your family, and your homes are all gone. Ponyville isn't even Ponyville anymore. It's a sprawling metropolis larger than Canterlot," Luna explained. Then the silence was back. The only noise was the sniffles from Twilight. Applejack covered her face with her hat, no doubt thinking about her long dead family. Rainbow was the most composed of the three. She turned to look out the window, her eyes pointed forward straight not focusing on anything in particular.

After a while, Twilight got up and said in shaky voice, "I'm so sorry guys. Because I wasn't more careful I got you stuck in the future. I know you probably hate me and I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'd like to still say I'm sorry."

"Nonsense Twilight, You couldn't possibly have known this would happen," Applejack reassured as she calmly rubbed her back. Normally this would have calmed the librarian down considering it was coming from the Element of Honesty herself, but none of this situation could be considered normal. "Ain't I right Dash?"

"Yea, if it's anypony's fault it's mine. I shouldn't have spilled the bottle on the runes," Rainbow said grimacing at her own words.

Twilight watched as Rainbow dipped her head in guilt. Realizing that the Pegasus was feeling the same feeling she had felt only moments ago, she teleported to Rainbow and wrapped her hooves around her. Rainbow gasped at the close contact, but didn't move away as Twilight whispered just loud enough for everyone to hear, "Don't ever say it was your fault. Who in their right mind casts an experimental spell in a room full of volatile instruments? And even if it was somehow your fault, my home will be with any of you guys." Applejack joined the hug. They all grew smiles on their faces and shed no small amount of tears.

Luna smiled the smile that only beings with immortal lifespans can create. 'I'm glad to see that in these thousands of years friendship has remained unchanged. It is good that they have each other; the problem cannot be solved just now. But they can hold into each other until they come to terms with their own fate.'

The three eventually cried themselves to sleep on Luna's bed. The Alicorn raised her wings and engulfed the three. The Night Princess kept their troubled minds safe from the nightmares that would've surely occurred without her intervention.

=====================================================================

Twilight woke up in Luna's bed with Applejack and Rainbow by her side. The Night Princess herself was gone; presumably off doing 'Princessy' stuff. Twilight’s stirring awoke her two friends who promptly began to stretch themselves on the bed. Applejack yawned loudly, blowing morning breath right into Twilight’s muzzle. Her nose cringed and she jumped off the bed and away from the terrible stench.

“Girls, I think we need some toothpaste fast. We stink,” Twilight exclaimed.

“How are we gonna get to a bathroom? These doors don’t have doorknobs,” Rainbow stated flatly while she lazily floated in place.

Applejack looked at the strange metal slab which she knew acted as a door. She walked closer, observing the strange device located next to the door and began raising her hoof while muttering, “Maybe if I touch thi- whoa!” She jumped back as a translucent mare materialized besides her. She backed away screaming, “A G-ghost!” Twilight yelped and teleported underneath the covers while Rainbow and Applejack dived under the bed.

“Applejack go buck that ghost,” Rainbow whispered under the bed.

“What’ll that do? I’d go right through it, and then it’ll eat my soul or something. Ok so my Grandma once taught me this sermon to ward off evil spirits. But I’m not sure if I remember it right,” Applejack answered.

“Well you’re not figure sitting here,” Rainbow said as she shoved Applejack out from under the bed.

Applejack cursed as she was forced into the open. She was about to open her mouth to begin the sermon when she heard laughter. It wasn’t the laughter of a demonic being, but of a mare who’d heard the joke of a lifetime. She looked on confused as Twilight held up her blanket revealing a face that mirrored Applejacks. Rainbow crawled out the other side of the bed. After a while Applejack asked, “What’s so funny?”

“All of you,” the translucent equine answered as another wave of laughter came over her. When she recovered she continued, “All records in history point to you being fearless warriors that faced perilous challenges. And hear you are scared out of your wits, hiding under a bed.”

A scowl came across Pegasus’s face and she yelled, “I wasn’t scared."

"Yeah, I could see that, from how quickly you dived under that bed," the being said.

"Wait, you said all of history. What ghost reads history books," Twilight said with eyebrows raised.

"Because, my little primitive ancestor of my creators, I am not a ghost. I am an artificial intelligence. Harmony Model Type 303337 to be exact," the glowing pony stated.

"What? Does that mean you're smart or something," Applejack asked.

"Yes I am smart. I have computational ability greater than that of the entirety of Ponykind. But that is not specifically what an artificial intelligence is. It means I am an artificial sapient pony that was created to do what ponies couldn't do on their own," Harmony explained. "Princess Luna commanded me to take you to the cafeteria to get something for you organics to consume. Once you have finished you shall be taken to a VRR to get a history lesson on the last 5000 years you happened to miss. Now wait a few seconds as the sanitation screen shall remove all harmful pathogens plaguing your bodies while also removing all bodily waste."

As soon as Harmony finished a screen of red lasers swept through the room. True to its words, the screen had gotten rid of Twilight's need to urinate. Even her mouth felt minty fresh, however she had no idea how that'd happened. 'Don't think about it Twilight. This place makes about as much sense as Pinkie Pie.' Soon the three were on their. They followed a blue line on the ground that Harmony had explained would lead them to their destination. After a short walk through corridor they came to a pair of the sliding doors which opened up when they sensed the pony’s presence in front of them. The doors slid open to reveal a large room with a high ceiling. There were hundreds of ponies among other creatures all sitting around and chatting with each other as they ate their food. There were Gryphons, Zebras, Minotaur’s, Deer, and over a dozen others Twilight could not name.

"Hey, why is everypony wearing clothes," Twilight asked Harmony who had appeared next to them.

“It shall be explained later. You will not be able to understand it until after the lesson. For now, take what sustenance you require. I’ll be waiting for you when you finish,” the AI said as she flickered off.

Twilight, Rainbow, and Applejack all stood in the line for food. When it was her turn, Twilight saw that it was a monitor with a tray that had appeared beneath it.

“Um hello? Is this where I get the food?” Twilight said as she tried tapping the monitor like how some ponies pressed the displays next to the doors.

“Please state your order,” a loud robotic voice said.

“Ok good. I’d like a Daisy sandwich and glass of lemonade,” Twilight said. ‘I hope they have daisy sandwiches. I wish they had a menu around here.’

A loud sound of a vacuum blared from a tube Twilight only just now noticed. It flung an object that was too fast to for her eyes to follow at her tray. Right before it would collide, the object, that Twilight realized was the Daisy sandwich, slowed down considerably which avoided a messy splattering of food.

As if to mock her expectations, a perfectly assembled sat still on the tray. It didn’t have a petal out of place. Milliseconds later, a glass of lemonade dropped down in a similar fashion. ‘How is this even possible?’ Twilight thought to herself. ‘There’s magic, but not enough to come close to making something like this. What else is there?’

She pondered it for a few moments as they trotted to an empty table. Rainbow had gotten a hayburger with side of hayfries. Applejack had gotten some waffles and some apple cider. Twilight sat down across from Applejack who had sat next to Rainbow Dash. The purple pony picked up the sandwich and gave it a taste.

“This is one of the best daisy sandwiches I’ve tasted,” Twilight exclaimed. She could see that her friends thought so too as Rainbow was taking enormous bites out of hayburger while Applejack was chugging her cider. The food didn’t last long and the 3 sighed contentedly in unison. With their moods brightened, the 3 ponies trotted back to the entrance of the cafeteria.

Harmony appeared before the ponies. “So how did you find the food here,” she questioned.

“Best darn food I’ve ever tasted. Besides my own of course,” Applejack announced as her two friends nodded their heads vigorously.

“That’s good to hear. We shall be heading to the VRR now,” Harmony stated.

The 3 ponies followed the second line that had lit up for them today. It wasn’t a long walk and they were soon in front of a room that had the letters VRR.

“I’ve been meaning to ask. What does VRR stand for?” Twilight questioned Harmony.

The 3 ponies walked in through the doors into a completely white room. There luminescent surroundings prevented the ponies from casting any shadows that could be seen. The door slid shut behind them and the white changed to pitch black. “VRR stands for Virtual Reality Room,” the AI proclaimed.

Chapter 3: 4000 Years of History

Chapter 3: 4000 Years of history

=====================================================================

“VRR stands for the Virtual Reality Room,” the AI proclaimed. The colors on the wall changed again. A magnifying glass with a white box next to it materialized in front of Twilight and her friends. The box had the word ‘Search’ inside of it and the ponies had to hold back the urge to reach out and touch it.

“4000 years have gone by since you were gone so we have a lot to cover. This room will allow us to go through over the more important and influential events in Equis’s history. I’ll set it up so that we begin with the creation of the,” Harmony said.

The Search box changed as Harmony typed in Equestria. Millions of results showed up that displayed information on the ancient nation. Harmony kept scrolling down until she found an item called ‘The Space Race.’ As she clicked it the entire became dark again. As the 3 ponies waited trumpets began before it became a full blown song. All of a sudden the 3 ponies were in a gigantic flat field that seemed to stretch for miles with the blue sky above them. Directly to their 12 O’clock was one of the tallest structures they’d ever seen sans the futuristic Canterlot that they’d seen. It was pointed towards the sky and connected to strange red structure. Without warning the red structures severed its connections as the first building began firing off a large amount of fire and smoke from its bottom. At first Twilight thought that something had gone wrong, but then the building started to lift off the ground without the aid of any visible wings. Just as the smoke cloud was going to reach the trio the scenery changed once again. The Elements were standing on a dull white landscape. The world turned for them until they saw a pony in a large white suit. He wore a helmet with an orange visor. Behind him was a strange building with a funnel sticking out at the bottom. In the star filled hung a blue object Twilight realized was the planet Equis. The world morphed a plethora of colors. They were now in a hospital with two doctors and their patient. The patient had a metal hoof and he used it throw a hoofball while one of the doctors took down notes on a notepad. The other doctor held up an x-ray of the patient’s head and the world seemed to zoom into the x-ray. The world morphed and the x-ray became a real brain that shot out waves of electricity. One surge went to eyes which reflected a red cursor. The world zoomed out of the eyes of a pony who was wearing dull green camo. The stallion was in a muddy trench with a few other similarly dressed ponies beside him. Large explosions kicked up dirt around the group as one pony quickly loaded something into a large tube. Bringing the tube up to point horizontally, he pulled a trigger causing an object to be ejected moving at speeds that could keep up with Rainbow Dash even on a good day. The smoke consumed their surroundings, but faded to show a different landscape with a strange tower in front of them. It looked like someone had begun the frame of a building and given up. Off the top came shockwaves energy and the world moved to follow these shockwaves. They quickly gained altitude looking down as they saw the shockwave spread further and further across Equestria. Everywhere it spread lights came on lighting up the night. Soon they were above Equestria’s atmosphere looking down at the night side of Equis. A giant grid of lights spread out below them as Giant Letters appeared. They were ‘Origins of the Celestial Empire: The Space Race.’ Then everything around the ponies faded to dark again.

“It was a cold October in 2016 A.N. when a new object entered the sky. An object that wasn’t controlled by an Alicorn. It was Zebra-1, the first ever artificial satellite that was launched successfully into Space,” the voice of a mare rang around them. The three ponies found themselves watching an object ejecting a large amount of smoke as reached further into the sky. “Zebra-1 was created by the United Tribes of Zebrica. In the last few decades the Zebricans had made advancement after advancement in their technology. It sent shockwaves throughout the world as the world power made its debut not as an underdeveloped country, but the most technologically advanced nation in the world.” The view changed to show a futuristic city. There were roads paved with a strange black substance. Buildings similar, but smaller than that of the metropolis outside. “This caused many of the other nations to hyperdrive their own space programs, but it would still take 1, 2, 3, and 5 more years for the Dragon Nation, Griffin United Kingdoms, Minotaur Republic, and Equestria to accomplish the same goal respectively. Using new inventions like the radio and the computer they pushed almost every frontier of science. Most famously the science of space. In the midst of these technological revolutions, Equestria found itself left behind where it once had been a leader. It was then that a massive reconstruction of the country's government began.” Twilight saw a room full of ponies of all shapes and sizes inhabiting a circular room with the 3 princess city in the middle. A closer look showed that the ponies around the room were different delegations from different parts of Equestria. The Manehattan delegation sat near the front looking more like businessmen rather than, the Crystal Pony delegation all had their traditional headdresses done, among many others. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna dissolved the old Equestria and created the Celestial Empire. There was also massive reworking in the fields of education, technology, and military. It would take many years, but the nation would be reborn,” the narrator said as the red flag of the Celestial Empire became the forefront of their vision. The flag had a red background with a sun taking much of the center. Inside the sun from left to write were a horn, an apple tree, and a pair of wings. “Thus began the Space Race. The nations of Equis used their brightest minds to send their ponies further and farther than anypony had ever gone before. Hundreds of satellites took residence in orbit around Equis. The Zebricans were the first to send a satellite out of Equis’s orbit in 2032, the Griffins established the first long term space station in 2047, the Minotaurs sent dozens of probes with magical scanners to the colossal gas giants at the edge of our system in the 2050s, the Dragon nation created an array of telescopes that allowed them to see further and clearer without the distortion effects of our atmosphere in 2055, and the ponies sent the first pony to the moon in 2063.” A map of their star system appeared with markings that showed the locations and paths of Equis’s earliest space borne vessels. “However these achievements would pale in comparison to what Zebrican scientists would develop in the 22nd century. In the late summer of 2167, Zebrica tested out the first functional hyperdrive from their base in the rings of Serin. A magical version was finished only weeks later by the Celestial Empire.” Applejack stared intently at a strange vessel made entirely of metal. Behind them was one of the Equis system’s gas giants, its rings much more clear and visible than with a telescope back on Equis. A strange rift in space opened up in front of the vessel. “At first, hyper drives were unpredictable and volatile. Pieces of ships would be left behind and the question of their final destinations was purely guesses. It would take many years for the proper sensors and shields allowed manned vessels to brave the dangers of Hyperspace.” The video changed to show paths that the various empires would take on their conquests out of their home system. “The Celestial Empire was the first nation to establish an out of system colony in the Archaes star system. Terraforming methods used on Serin’s moons were applied greatly and the territory of the nations grew exponentially. The species of Equis had left their mark on hundreds of planets light years apart.” The room darkened to a pitch black again and stayed like that for a few moments. Just when they thought their lesson had ended the virtual reality room came back to life. It showed a thriving colony at the edge of the Celestial Empire. Elione V according to the label it had been given. “In the year 2870, an event that would change the way everypony thought occurred over the prosperous colony of Elione V. First Contact. It began when 23 Toel ships entered the edge system. Already having discovered the ponies, the Toel waited behind the Class 1 gas giant in the Elione star system. The 31st Fleet met the Toel ships and caused a 37 hour long tense standoff. They contacted Imperial High Command and 3 three more fleets were sent to hold off the possibly hostile threat. Keeping it a secret turned out to be impossible for the government when it was posted on PonyNet. Billions of ponies came online, pushing the servers to the very edge.” It showed ponies interacting with displays, rioting on the streets, and several ponies that held up cardboard signs that said, ‘The end was coming.’ “The other nations demanded info and access to the aliens themselves. In the end, when the Toel opened communications it was to the conjoined fleets of all of Equis’s races.” The ponies watched from the Toel ship’s view that beheld a giant armada of ships in front of them. “The Toel had come to make an alliance and also to open up trade between all of our nations. They offered many things to the races of Equis, but what would end up being the most important would be their knowledge on the different races they had encountered. Knowledge of the Nar’tik that enslaved less advanced races, the Frane that made a hobby out of infiltrating and destroying their neighbors from within, and the Vallions that terraform planets inhabited by sapient species in the outer arm of our galaxy amongst many other races that would to see the destruction of Equis’s races.” The three elements watched a short video displaying what heinous acts each of these alien empires committed. “This knowledge would prove to be crucial when we would come into contact with the various races. It allowed us to destroy the Nar’tik and dismantle the Frane. During the war against the Frane, an offensive at Equis itself was launched.” The camera that had captured the footage panned over a ruined city. Barely half of its buildings left standing. “The resulting battle caused civilian casualties to rise up to the billions and it left very few cities on Equis standing. Later investigation would prove that the reason the attack was so effective was because the lack of coordination between our various nations preventing a timely and effective response. Our division left our individual nations vulnerable. A disadvantage at a time when we battled empires which had thousands of years on us. Empress Celestia proposed to combine our governments. However it was not received as well we had thought it would. Only the Minotaur Republic which had been suffering a crippling economic depression agreed to join. Realizing there wouldn’t be another, the Celestial Empire declared war on all the other nations. The Dragon nation was the first to go. It won almost every ground battle, but their sheer size and power could not prevent their ships from getting blasted out of space by magical cannons. The Zebricans would turn out to be much more powerful foe. They had never lost their touch with technology and it showed in many parts of their life. Their ships were faster, stronger, and more defended than ours. It was only the help of Princess Luna who deployed thousands of brilliants tactics and showed that technology. The Griffins finding themselves alone and surrounded quickly surrendered and agreed to become a part of the Celestial Empire. Now with the Celestial Empire controlling the combined territories of 5 separate nations, Equis was finally united. The knowledge gained from the space battles that occurred allowed the Celestial Empire to fight toe to toe with older more experienced races. Applying the tactics used during this war achieved us numerous victories over the Natrik and Frane. It was only in the face of the endless navy of the Vallions did our fleets begin to fail. The war with the Vallions was difficult on the Celestial Empire. We attacked them, trying to end the war quickly with a preemptive strike. However our forces were beaten back with ease. Very soon it was we who were on the defensive. They launched hit and run attacks. Our outer colonies taking massive hits before the proper forces could arrive to drive them out. After many years our navy was tired and many of our worlds were nothing but rubble. But just when we thought our lines would break the attacks stopped. There wasn’t a single attack for months. It gave us the time to recuperate. Rebuild the broken cities we’d lost. The Toel soon got information that something was destroying the Vallions from the inside. Our generals came up with an offensive to strike the Vallion Empire’s most crucial points. With the Toel, we managed to raise a fleet that was able to be assembled quickly and also take on the Vallions on their own territory.” The screen depicted a fleet larger than they’d seen and the routes they would take through Vallion space which was in dark grey. “We began our push, taking back the land we’d lost with almost no resistance. We ran through what was supposed to be the most powerful empire in explored space like it was nothing. There were only colonies with broken people and broken ships in the skies over them. Within a month we were on their capital’s doorstep. While we saw a larger amount of security, there had been only incident where they posed us any problems. Finally, we came to their capital. Our fleet came prepared for the largest battle in this entire war. We came to find it almost over.” The screen showed a strange force the ponies hadn’t seen before. It was neither pony, Toel, nor Vallion. It was the Celestial Empire’s first meeting with a race originating outside our arm of the galaxy. The sight was a fearsome one. These unidentified ships ripped through Vallion dreadnoughts with ease. Bringing down the ships that months before had caused dread to come to our troops in the outer edges of our empire. Within minutes, the Vallion homefleet had fallen. They couldn’t even escape as strange devices on the newcomer’s ships prevented them from entering hyperspace.” Twilight watched from the cabin of one of the Equestrian ships as the Vallions were ripped apart. The Vallions had been evil, they abused the power they were given. However nopony should have to be destroyed completely as this strange new force had done. “When they were done, their entire navy turned to us. Panicking many of our captains attempted to retreat into hyperspace, but the devices which prevented the Vallions from leaving also prevented us. Admiral Luna ordered the lines to hold as the possible threat approached. She hoped they could open up contact with them. Later reports showed that the other force had been hoping to do the same. However what happened next would be considered one of ponykind’s biggest mistakes. A captain by the name Stellar Wind was commanding an assault battleship on the left flank. He was part of the roughly half of the captains that had begun panicking. However, instead of attempting to retreat into hyperspace, he deployed one of the Celestial Empire's most powerful weapons that are only held in ships of his kind. The MR-14 warhead or the ‘planet buster’ as it is better known. It exploded as soon as the alien fleet came within range. The aliens were caught in a fiery explosion which seemed to also break the device’s hold on the hyper drives. They escaped into a nearby system to avoid the explosion and made a beeline for pony and Toel controlled space. We brought our security systems to full alert in every star system we owned. It was hard controlling the panicky populace we had. They believed a large Vallion attack approached. It was difficult to tell them that it was something much worse. And when the aliens came it was much more terrifying than anyone could have imagined. The day they appeared over the skies of Equis. Home fleet pointed every gun they had at them. But this turned out to be a pointless gesture as the aliens were able to disable every weapon and ship in the system without firing a shot. Home fleet had to watch as the alien fleet swiftly flew past them undeterred. However the Celestial Empire’s nightmare did not come true that day. Equis was not burned to a crisp. Nopony was enslaved nor was a single shot fired. They contacted Princess Luna and Empress Celestia in the castle sent a diplomatic envoy. What we learned that day changed once again changed what we knew of the universe. We learned that for a thousand years a war much larger than the one against the Vallions had been fought and was still continuing to be fought. Against an enemy much more horrifying. That was the day we learned of the Titan War.”

Chapter 4: 5000 Years of History

Chapter 4: 5000 Years of history

=====================================================================

“The Titan War began nearly 5000 years ago. It is war that encompasses nearly the entire galaxy with 3 species being at the center of it. The Tharovak, the Kareen, and the Humans. The humans are the ones who we came to Equis that day. The war started in the year 5004 A.D. in the human calendar which is roughly the year A.N. in the pony calendar.” Now the ponies were looking at some beetle-like creature. “The Tharovak Empire had existed for many years. Some ponies believe even before the dawn of the Human or Kareen civilizations. Their own home planet is speculated to have been situated in the void between the Sagittarius and Orion arms.” The voice said as the image focused on a portion marked a small gap between 2 large bangs of white. “This species of insectoids operate under a hive mind which has prevented crime, rebellions, or even enmity between their people. However because of this they have come to see species that do not share this communication as beings of lesser intelligence and unfit to live. When they stumbled upon the Council of Free Species, a union of sorts founded by humanity and many other species long ago, they invaded Council space to continue the very successful genocidal campaign they’d been waging. Directing a giant fleet at the center of the Orion arm which held most of Council space, they caught the peaceful and prosperous alliance off guard. The entire Western border of Council space was taken before a response could be readied by the Council. They sent out envoys to meet these outside forces, but none returned and were presumed dead. The fleets all moved in to hopefully quickly remove this unfamiliar foe. What they found horrified them. Planet glassing, unrestricted bioweapon usage, horrible torturing procedures and others were utilized by the invading Tharovak. Methods that had been banned by the Council of Free Species long ago. The resulting battles were harsh, especially to the Council who had little to no military tech or experience after nearly 5000 years of peace. The first few months forced the Council to learn very quickly. Many years would pass with the Council’s defensive line being established just over a thousand light years away from the Council’s Capital. However Council forces would always be at a disadvantage. Many among the Tharovak were called psykers. It was for their ability to affect the thaumic energies surrounding them. The Council had not a single species that could bend these thaumic energies to their will. They hadn’t even known that thaumic energies existed until meeting the Tharovak. With a losing navy and constant battling on Western front, the last thing they needed was another enemy. However this exactly would happen. When a Council ship discovered unknown ship activity in the Northeastern border, they sent a fleet to remove their presence there. What they found were ships they’d never seen before. These ships were of the Kareen Empire. A rapidly expanding empire in the Orion’s eastern edge with a ‘join or die’ philosophy. When the Tharovak sent a portion of their navy to swing around to surround the Council species, they came into contact with the Kareen. Fighting quickly broke out between the two forces without the Council noticing a change. The Kareen had gone northwest to remove the Tharovak presence there and found the council ships. Nobody knows who started the battle. Some say it was the Council fleet that detected Psykers onboard the Kareen ships and opened fire. Others believe it was the Kareen ships who had been ordered to ‘Eliminate all possible alien forces.’ The battle left the Kareen retreating however it wouldn’t stay that long. The Kareen made a large offensive into Council Forces opening a second front for the battle weary Council Navy. Having taken casualties that were too high early on, the Council realized they weren’t going to win the war. When only the Human portion of Council space was left standing they made plans for an escape. Rigging Starbases all across the Human colonies they assembled a large military fleet out of all of the remaining Council ships and an even larger civilian fleet to escort. The explosions of their various Starbases gave the Council ships the time and space they needed to escape the encroaching empires. Regrouping in the Perseus arm they decided to dissolve the Council. It stood as a beacon of hope during peacetime, but had hindered them during the war. It also was a form of government that was very ant expansionist. However to fight the Tharovak and the Kareen they needed to attain as many resources as they could. When they broke the Council, they created the Human Empire. Only the Humans had a sizeable existing population anymore with and with 99% of the species of the original Council being placed on the dangerous species the Humans disassembled the same Council that they’d tried so hard to create. Almost immediately they began establishing their territory. Within 700 years they had control of the entire Perseus and Outer Arms. However even this is small in comparison to other Titan races which have divvied the rest of the galaxy up nearly exactly in half. There has been a lull in the fighting however all 3 sides are preparing their armies and it’s only a matter of time before the fighting will break out more devastating than ever.”

Luna stated the line, her voice matching the others. “You did a good job with that crash course.”

“It was just something I put together in a few minutes,” Harmony said.

“Nonetheless, It exceeded all of my expectations, of course they’ll have to learn a lot more before they can make a life here in the Celestial Empire,” the Princess added.

“I’ve been meaning to ask about that. I mean…wow. The world’s changed so much. Heck, it’s not even the world to all of you anymore. It’s more of a galaxy… or even the universe. I don’t know how I’ll be able to make a living here anymore,” Twilight explained as both of her friends nodded sadly. “I mean. I don’t think we’re even the Elements anymore.”

“Ah! But that’s what I was going to talk to you about,” Luna exclaimed. She began “For 4000 years we haven’t had any Elements of Harmony. They stopped working after you 3 disappeared. You still hold the same connection however. I want you three to find the Elements of Kindness, Generosity, and Laughter. If you can find them…maybe we can end this madness once and for all.”

The idea of another adventure brightened the 3 up. However Applejack found a problem. “Y’all said that it isn’t just Equis anymore, but a bunch of dem colonies. I don’t think we’ll be able to get through a single city if Canterlot is any standard.”

“Don’t worry. The connection to the Elements seems to pass down their genes. We’ve already locked it down a few candidates across the empire. And of course you’ll get your own ship for your mission. It’s one of the fastest ships in the navy,” she said causing Rainbow’s ears to perk up. “It’s a Loyalty class scout frigate. The Rainbow Dash, I believe it’s called.”

Chapter 5: Car Ride

=====================================================================

The spires of Canterlot broke the skies. It was like from an old filly tail they told foals. The one about an Earthpony Prince who built a tower so tall that it broke the cloud layer. The one he used to talk the beautiful Pegasus Princess everyday. But this was no filly tail. This was right here right now. In the grandest city she’d ever seen. If the towers weren’t amazing enough, their ride seemed to defy gravity itself. The princess had called it a tram. Such an ugly word for something that moved with the grace of an eagle and wielded the power of a charging Rhino. It floated through the city, free of any supports.

“And there’s the Museum of Equinity. Largest museum dedicated to the study of Equinology. They moved many of the books and scrolls in Royal Archives there,” Luna stated as they passed the large rectangular building.

Twilight placed that on her list of place she ‘must’ visit. That was only one of the things Luna had shown them on their first ride through the city. They had seen the orbital space elevator, the national park, and the newest expansions of the city.

“Princess, I’ve been meaning ask. Why are we using a military vessel? The only pony who’s any sort of combat here is Rainbow,” Twilight questioned.

Luna waved the 2 ponies wearing tuxedos away. The 2 promptly touched their ears and whispered something inaudible as they quickly exited their room. “That video had a lot of uncensored stuff on it. But it didn’t tell the whole story either. The situation is much worse than you can believe. We’re getting reports of Tharovak incursions getting more frequent by the day. Sightings of Kareen scout ships in the inner systems. War is closer and more severe than the public knows. When war breaks out, the other galactic giants will make sure the Celestial Empire won’t come out unscathed. Listen now closely. The flames of war will reignite probably while you are still gathering the elements. You must never lose heart. For if you do, the entire galaxy will be consumed in a war that will kill billions. And even before the war starts, I believe you will come to need a vessel that can pack a punch and get away quickly. Pirate raiders and insurrectionist fighters are not uncommon and can quickly overwhelm most civilian vessels. A scout frigate wouldn’t be able to take 2 hits from a heavy cruiser so never tarry in a heated combat. However it should be able to hold off or outrun anything that you come up against.”

Luna was cutoff by a small ding as tram slowed to a stop. One of the guards before opened the door. He told the group they had arrived and made gestures towards the exit. The group left the tram and exited into the station. Hundreds of ponies, griffons, zebras, and creatures of other species that Twilight was still learning about mingled. Each one trotting, or walking, quickly to their terminals. Twilight frowned at the crowd. The last time she’d been in Canterlot, it was almost mandatory for ponies to stop and bow their heads as member of royalty passed. Now only a few ponies exercised this tradition and every nonpony seemed to be trying their hardest to avoid the entourage.

“How can these ponies be so disrespectful,” Applejack growled quietly as she glared at an old stallion that paid them no heed. “Don’t they know it’s common manners to bow before the Princess’s?” Applejack asked Rainbow.

“Times have changed. Not everypony loves us like they used to. And those who aren’t ponies...some of them downright hate us,” Luna sighed, speaking just loud enough for the Elements to hear.

“Why would anypony hate you?” Twilight asked.

“Like I said a lot has happened. Celestia thinks it’s because we’ve had wars happen almost right after the last ever since the creation of the empire. I think it’s because ponies are so much smarter these days. The News networks are unbiased and bring the info to the public while it’s happening. Ponies have begun to ask questions. Many believe they don’t get their voices heard. The Toel, Marian, and Ghaus Empires which follow very democratic systems appeal to them. Others seek government systems like the Human’s Technocracy. Monarchies are extremely rare these days. Dirachies even more so,” Luna explained. The Elements walked, each deep in thought.

“We’re here,” Luna yelled shocking the ponies from their thoughts. Twilight looked at Luna and saw the Princess giggling quietly. Applejack and Rainbow frowned at the Princess.

“Come on. I can’t have you all so serious when you meet your crew,” Luna told them.

“Our crew,” the Elements asked simultaneously.

“Well of course. The Rainbow Dash is a frigate. It is a big that requires a small crew at the very least to run it. Unless any of you know how to work a hyperspace engine,” Luna said. “Let’s wait here till they arrive. You can look at the ship as they get it ready for use.”

The 3 ponies walked to the large glass window that overlooked the docking stations. Docking Station 19 contained the ship they were looking for. The ship had it’s name painted in the same Cyan color as it’s namesake. The rest of the ship was a light grey except the cyan tipped wings. It was of a sleek design, one could easily imagine it cutting through space. The whole of the ship gave out an aura of aerodynamcy that fits very well with it’s name.

Chapter 6: Meeting the Crew

=====================================================================

The crew of the Rainbow Dash arrived in droves. Most paid no attention to the Elements or the Princess, just heading out into the dock. The first to greet the ponies was the captain after he was called forth by Luna.

“Come here Blunt Quasar. Don’t you wanna meet your charges,” Luna asked.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the worlds your majesty,” he replied. Blunt Quasar was white coated stallion with an orange mane. He stopped right in front of the Elements and put a hoof to his chin, seemingly in deep thought. His face quickly brightened as he quickly shook each of the ponies saying, “And you must be the Elements. Commander Quasar at your service,” he said with an exaggerated bow. Continuing he said, “Well I’m huge fans of you guys. I loved the book, but the Virtual Movie sucked. I mean they made Fluttershy’s stunt double was a guy.”

This made the Elements laugh and brought a smile to the Princess’s face. The joke brought back old memories in all. “This here is Commander Quasar. I taught him myself back in the Lunar Naval Academy. He’s probably the youngest officer to receive a vessel of his own. How’s patrolling in Marian space?”

“I know you pulled some strings, Princess. And patrols weren’t good. As you know, a huge amount of our navy was pulled to aid our allies since they seem to be getting the brunt of the incursions. Morale’s low as they seem to come from anywhere at any time. We’ve only had one major incident, but that only served to lower our spirits. It was when a Tharovak light cruiser jumped to the Yeu system. Only a frigate flotilla was stationed there at the time. They should’ve waited for reinforcements, but they all went in gung-ho attacking the cruiser. When reinforcements did arrive, all they found was a lot of debris and dead ponies and Marians. The Human cruisers destroyed it before it got away, but many ponies are starting to get the idea that we aren’t gonna last a week if total war breaks out,” the Commander explained.

“I heard about that incident. I didn’t realize it affected our ponies so intensely. I think I’ll make a visit there soon,” Luna said.

“Of course. The Dominatus will be a welcome sight the next time the Tharovaks decide to rear their ugly heads. Anyway, let’s get you acquainted with the crew,” the Commander told them. He led them to a small group of the crew that was separated from the mingling mass further back. “This here is Nebula Switch our Navigator and head pilot.”

“Hello ladies. I know it must be hard with all these changes you’re facing in the future. My room is a clothes-free zone, feel free to join me whenever,” he said with a sickening smirk. He was a black Pegasus with a dull white mane.

“In your dreams,” Rainbow replied.

“I truly hope so,” Nebula said causing the cyan Pegasus’s face to turn into a frown and the color of a beet red.

“He’s one of the best pilots in the Navy...just don’t ever get drunk around him,” he warned them. “And this is Crescent Knife, our weapons expert,” he said gesturing to dark blue earth pony with a violet mane. Two light blue stripes ran down her mane.

“She’s the only pony I know who has gotten plasma cannon working from parts removed from a drop ship allowing a cruiser to fight off dozens of Vallion boarding vessels,” Commander Quasar explained.

“You must be the lost heroes from the past. If you ever feel like you’re outgunned you know who to call,” she told them.

Leading them to the last pony, he introduced “Stellar Geas, our magical expert.”

“Hmmm, Element of Magic. I think we’ll have a lot to talk about. Oh and you can explain that one theory you made that nopony’s ever been able to understand,” the unicorn said.

“I think I’d love that,” Twilight responded. ‘Magic. Doesn’t matter if there are aliens and spaceships everywhere. Magic will always stay the same.’

“And lastly our head nurse Soft Touch,” he directed them to an Earth pony mare. She had a soft pink coat with a red mane.

“Hey there fillies. It don’t matter how many holes the Tharovak or Kareen poke through you with, spend an hour with me and I’ll have you up and on your feet.”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. The Princess would kill me,” Commander Quasar said.

A bing rang out and the red light over the terminal turned green. The crew all began picking up their gear and heading down the tunnel.

“This is where we must depart. As it is your time to go,” Princess Luna said as trotted up from behind them.

“We’ll miss you Princess,” Twilight said as they came together in a group hug.

“Be careful out there my little ponies. And remember, never let anything ever break apart the friendships you’ve made,” the Princess said as they began to move away. The ponies nodded as they entered the tunnel. When they got to the end of the tunnel, they got into line for checking in. 2 security guards checked scanned the ponies back. The other crew members seemed to have at least a single bag while the Elements carried nothing, but a hoof pad the guards would use when checking them in. Once they had been led inside they found the inside of the ship to be very similar to the metal corridors that seemingly all of the Capital was made of.

Commander Quasar led them through the maze that put more thought into function than fashion. Not that it was ugly, the uniform symmetry and the bedazzling amount of lights was more amazing than Twilight could have ever imagined. ‘To think that every screw and light had a specific purpose. Everything was designed to improve efficiency and functionality.’

“Here we are,” the Commander told them. They stood before 3 different doors in a part of the ship that seemed no different from the rest. The consoles next to the doors each held one of the Element’s cutie marks. Twilight walked into her fairly sized room and jumped onto the bed.

“And before I go, we’ll be undocking and lifting off. You might want to come up to the cabin. From my limited knowledge of Ancient history, I believe that is something that may interest you,” he offered.

“I’d love to. It’s one thing learning about space travel. Experiencing it is another. I’m sure my friends would love to come too,” Twilight added.

“Sure, bring whoever you want,” the Commander said as he pressed the button to close the door.

=====================================================================

Princess Luna walked into a dimly lit room. “Harmony, give me a playback of the recent Tharovak attack,” the Princess commanded.

“I assume it’s the one that occurred in the Yeu system,” the AI said. Luna said, only nodding her head. The room came to life as an Equis-like planet came into existence. “The Yeu system contains a terran planet with a mineral refinery in the nearby asteroid field. 5 Equestrian frigates and 7 Marian frigates. The Tharovak cruiser entered the 17:05:01." Each ship was labeled with its name and bars that displayed its hull integrity and shield capacity. Each of the Equestrian ships was an Arrow class heavy combat frigate. Their name was partially derived from their design. The Arrows looked like 2 arrowheads crossed together. Each one contained 4 plasma cannons could each fire on its own independent target. 6 of the Marian ships were the Arrow's Marian counterparts. They were boxlike ships that contained a single large plasma cannon. Only one ship was not a heavy combat frigate. The Mark 3 Marian Scout Frigate. It was similar to the Equestrian Loyalty class frigate, but was a little bit slower. It sacrificed speed for a denser hull. The ship contained no Plasma cannons and relied only on its plasma torpedoes and low powered laser cannons. The frigates were large ships when compared to any merchant vessel, but each was dwarfed by the Tharovak light cruiser. It was an oddly shaped ship. Even in comparison to other Tharovak ships. The main body was a metal sphere that had a scoop taken out of it. From the sides, two thin arms extended outwards. On the end of these arms was the Light Cruiser's main armament, 2 plasma batteries. Each one could more powerful than anything the Equestrians or Marians had. "At 17:07:42 the fleet stationed at Yeu III left their positions in low orbit and moved to confront the enemy vessel. The fleet was aided by a bomber squadron “In the corner of the display, footage from surveillance cameras on the Equestrian ships began to play. Orange flames propelled the ships toward the enemy. A camera caught a view of the bomber squadron as they flew past the lead frigate. They looked like bees as they passed the large ships. "The bomber squadron fired the first shot at 17:10:27." The small ships fired a wave of plasma torpedoes once they got in range. The torpedoes lit up the red shield of the ship, but did little to harm the vessel itself. Small lasers fired at the bomber squadron slightly decreasing their numbers. "By the time bombers had gotten out of range, the frigates had taken formation and began firing at the cruiser." The Equestrian ships opened up firing bursts of plasma charges while the Marians shot a single large plasma bolt. Ripples appeared on the shields of the cruiser, like a shower of pebbles in a pond. Missiles and plasma weapons could not shake its bubble shield. The Tharovak cruiser's weapons aligned themselves with the scout frigate. The scout’s light shields and armor gave away to the high powered plasma cannons of the cruiser. The ship exploded into pieces. Their wouldn’t have been time for anypony to get to any escape pods.

'Why would they fire at the scout frigate first? Shouldn't you direct your fire towards the ship with the most powerful weapons' Luna thought to herself. As the cruiser cut more bombers down, Luna came to a horrifying conclusion. 'They knew from the beginning who was going to win. They took out the only ship capable of evading them. The Tharovak were planning to annihilate them all along.'

The Tharovak began concentrating on the formation of heavy combat frigates. A Marian cruiser went out much like the scout frigate did. An Equestrian frigate's shield on the left flank gave out. It floated still for 10 seconds, a deathly quiet as the shields flickered weakly, trying to reestablish themselves. A red plasma bolt struck in the center propelling each wing away from its once convergent body. The shot had been aimed at the cabin crew. The bomber squadron began an attack a third time. Weaving through the fire in the no man’s land, they arrived within range of the Tharovak anti-strikecraft weapons. The bombers weren’t as fortunate as before as the full might of the close defense laser and missiles came to bear upon them Most didn't get time to release their torpedoes before red lasers sliced their craft in half, only 5 bombers remained to escape . The cruiser shot a Marian frigate whose shields had been knocked out. The shot missed the center of the ship, but hit the left portion completely destroying it. With its shield down and a gaping hole in its side, the frigate began to spin out of control, its propulsion system having been severely damaged. Lifepods could be seen exiting the ship only to be swatted down by the hull of the frigate. The frigate flew straight into an Equestrian frigate. The shields of the Equestrian frigate held, but the Marian ship exploded on its side. The weakened shield of the Equestrian frigate made it the very next target of the Tharovak cruiser. 2 more minutes and 3 more vessels had been taken out by continuous fire from the Tharovak’s plasma batteries.

“It was when only 2 Equestrian frigates and 2 Marian frigates left did Captain D’arkeen called a retreat of his ships into low orbit over the Yeu III. He commanded the Equestrian frigates to exit the system and took up a defensive formation over the planet.” As Harmony explained this, Luna saw a camera in the cabin crew record the command being relayed. The Pony captains on the screen nodded grimly before signing out of the hologram. Other cameras showed the ships turn away and retreat from their invincible foe. To give the other frigates time an Equestrian frigate moved towards the looming monster asking for the cruiser’s attention. For 30 seconds it got just that. The remaining bombers returned, hoping to aid the frigate in its suicidal mission. They flew in with light of Yeu behind them. 2 were cleaved in half before coming in range. The last 3 unloaded their payload which landed uselessly on the shields. The bombers didn’t even attempt to escape before they were blasted apart by lasers. Meanwhile, the concentrated fire of both plasma batteries had punched through the shields. In only seconds, the strongest frigate model in the Celestial Empire’s Navy was caught up in a large explosion that left none on board alive. While it had cost the Celestial hundreds of ponies, it gave the other frigate the time to charge up its hyperdrive. The frigate turned off its sublight engines as the Hyperspace window opened in front of it. A distortion in space that had high power currents running through its length. Then the FTL engines truly turned on the ship seemed to bend forward as if being sucked into a black hole. As soon as the forward hull connected with the spatial distortion it was pulled in lightning fast, it entered full Hyperspace only for it to come out a few hundred miles away.

‘Obviously the Tharovak have the same hyperdrive disabling device as the humans,’ Luna thought.

It wasn’t long before the cruiser decreased the distance enough to fire its plasma batteries. The frigate didn’t put up much of a fight and soon resembled all of the other Equestrian frigates. The Tharovak cruiser, instead of moving into combat the Marian frigates stationed over the planet, began moving through the debris. It hunted for and destroyed any lifepods. The Tharovak were going to make their victory absolute. When it finished its hateful purge, it leisurely moved towards the Marian frigates.

Luna didn’t need to see what happened next. She yelled, “Turn it off!” Harmony complied, immediately the scenes from the cameras gave way to the dim office. “Oh mother help us all. So many of my little ponies will die before the Tharovak are defeated,” Luna exclaimed. Shortly after she looked up with fire in her eyes. Her hair frizzled as it reacted to her anger. Nearly shouting, the ancient alicorn proclaimed, “Harmony, order the Dominatus to be ready. I shall be joining my sister in the front lines.”