A Search in the Darkness

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.