A Journey Beyond: Equestria's First Ambassadors

by Dusk_Runner

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, Adventure, Dark
Length: 13322

Equestria sends it's first expeditionary vessel beyond it's borders, but is the nation really prepared for what may lie outside of it's sheltered lands?

Long ago, a war tore Equestria in two. Only through the sacrifices of their leaders was peace able to be restored to the land, and those corrupted by hate exiled from Equestria. With peace restored, Equestria went through generations of prosperity, but grew to be an isolationist nation whose only outside influence came from the Gryphon Kingdoms. Many began to forget of the war, and the stories of the evil exiles living in lands beyond the borders slowly became stories that mothers would tell young fillies and colts to keep them from running off alone.

A recent conflict between an unknown entity and the Regency of the Royal Equestian Sky Navy leaves Celestia in a state of unease about the condition of the outside world, and rumors abound that the entity may be a sign of the exiles making a move to return to Equestria once more. Luna quickly offers to design a ship and fill it it with some of Equestria's finest to venture beyond the kingdom's borders. The hoof-picked crew, composed of bat ponies, pegasi, unicorns, Earth ponies, and even a gryphon are all the top of their field, and each were selected because of a unique skill that will be indispensable on their mission. Their hearts are filled with anticipation and excitement, each an explorer in their own right. They believe they are ready, but will their resolve really last on an extended voyage? Is it merely naiveté, an ignorance of the perils that could lie beyond the sheltered lands of their home, that is keeping them from turning back?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-09 05:49:35 UTC

Prologue Part 1 - A Spot of Tea

A small kingdom in an inconspicuous corner of the world begins to wonder what could lie beyond their borders

Prologue Part 1

A spot of tea

Luna sat alone in the gardens of Canterlot, a kettle and two teacups sat on the marble topped table before her.  Her mind searched for topics and icebreakers as she looked around at the scenery.  It had been far too long since she and Celestia had gotten a moment to sit alone and talk, but Celestia had made good on her promise meet for tea.  “I'm glad you were able to make it!” Luna said as enthusiastically as she could as Celestia sat down on the opposing side of the table.

Luna poured some tea and pushed a cup to the opposite side of the table, but Celestia barely paid it notice before she began speaking, “Luna...”

Celestia's voice revealed a subtle color of unease, so little there would be no picking it up had her sister not been the one hearing it.  “Yes, Sister?”  Replied Luna.

“Recent events have got me thinking...”  Celestia trailed off as she took a sip of her tea, most likely an excuse to collect her thoughts.

Luna produced a wry smile, “Thinking is a dangerous pastime, Sister.  But if I might, which recent events do you speak of?”

“Well, simply put, there are some affairs that I feel are in desperate need of... improvement.”

Luna was taken a bit off guard by her sisters words, “What affairs could you possibly be speaking of, dear sister?  Equestria is truly awe inspiring, with every city and town seeming to be even more wonderful than the last!  I've even visited frontier colonies like Appleoosa, and even at the worst of times they're great places.  There are no food or water shortages, and the ponies are friendly.  Dear sister, I am simply lost as to what could be so amiss to have you appear so troubled.”

Celestia smiled, Luna's praise of the kingdom seemingly more pleasing than the blind praise she received on a daily basis.  “I'm quite glad you find the kingdom to so... excellent, Luna.  To maintain it after your banish—” Celestia's eyes widened as she stumbled over her own words, “After Nightmare Moon's banishment has been truly difficult... I'm so truly glad to have you back again.”

“And I'm truly glad to be back in Canterlot, sitting here with you.”  She replied, trying to put Celestia's stumble in the past for both their sake.

The conversation died for a moment, and the two took the opportunity to take a few long sips of their tea.  After a quick sip, Luna set down her tea and began again, “Something tells me you're still troubled, and no amount of praising the kingdom will fix it.”

“Astute as ever, Luna.  You always were one of the few that could see right through me...” Celestia's voice was melancholic, indicating to Luna that her sister was more worried about this issue than she had initially thought.  “Well...” Celestia said, sighing as she spoke, “Your return, the reappearance of the Crystal Empire...”

“Surely those can't be the only two things to cause my dear sister such unrest?”  Her assumption coming more from knowing Celestia than from what she was actually letting on.

“The recent incident involving the Royal Equestrian Ship Regency...”  Celestia's troubled look intensified.

“The Regency?  Now, I'll believe that.  I haven't looked into it much, but I've heard quite a few whisperings regarding it.”  Luna replied.

“Then surely it's only natural for my mind to be so preoccupied with it?”  Celestia looked at Luna, her eyes showing worry.  “It's got me thinking on... Well, everything.  The kingdom, what we know... but more importantly, what we don't know.  We don't know of anything even similar to what the Regency encountered, and I can only help but wonder what else might lie outside of Equestria's borders that we simply don't know of.”

“We must know of at least some of the world beyond our borders.  The records I've read showed no wars, no conflict, no—”

Celestia cut her off, “That's just it, Luna.  There's nothing to speak of!  The Kingdom of Equestria has been completely isolated from the rest of the planet!  We scarcely know the land just a mile outside our borders, let alone in the rest of the world!  There could be an entire civilization just miles from our borders and we wouldn't even know!”

Luna wasn't sure what to say, and before she had even the time to form a reply Celestia continued her tirade.

“Why, our most accurate map points outside our borders and says 'Here be Dragons'.  Here be Dragons?!  By the heavens, how absurd!  There's a reason literature like Daring Do is so popular, it's because no one actually goes to far away lands to explore anymore!”

Luna already had the beginnings of a solution in her mind, and this pause gave her what she thought was an opening to inject it, “Tia, I th—” Luna was wrong, and was promptly cut off again by her sister.

“And as far as trade goes, hah!  Besides the gryphons, no one has even—”

“CELESTIA!”  Luna said in a raised voice, trying to stop Celestia's rant for her own health.

“Oh...”  She sighed, “I'm sorry, Luna.  I just... got a bit carried away.  For the last thousand years I haven't had anyone to talk to about this sort of thing and it all just sort of started venting out.  The Regency incident really...”

“I understand, and now you do have someone to talk to about this sort of thing.  Additionally, this person has an idea that may be able to solve your problem!”

“I... please do enlighten me as to your idea.”  Celestia said in a pant.  Her rant had taken a lot out of her.

“What say we get together some of our best and brightest, give them a fine ship, mapping tools, and full authority as our diplomats?  Then, we'll send them away to explore the lands, mapping the world as they go.  Additionally, they'll collect information on any phenomena that they encounter.  Be it natural or intelligently made.”

Celestia's expression now more pensive, she was thoroughly examining the idea in her head, “And what of the danger?” Came a reply, finally.  “Beyond our borders, no safety can be guaranteed.  That's the primary reason our borders haven't grown in the last thousand years, and why we have this whole problem in the first place.”

“Safety need not be guaranteed.” Luna lowered her head and switched to a more serious tone,  “Trust me, Tia.  There are more than a few ponies out there that would sign up for the adventure alone, not to mention the betterment of the kingdom.  Hay, most ponies would accept the task simply because their princesses asked them too!  Our citizens have long been complacent living within our borders, but I believe that complacency has bred a new generation of explorers.”

Celestia's expression was now less severe, and was slowly lightening up; however it still betrayed her reservations regarding the project, “Well, it's quite the proposition, Luna.  ...I don't think I would be able to organize any of it.  Finding the time just to sit here with you was an ordeal already.  Between roya—”

“Leave it to me, Tia.  You're busy and I need a project to occupy my time.”  Luna showed a confidence in her statement that Celestia hadn't seen from her, or anypony, for a long time.

“I don't know how I managed for so long without you, Luna.”  Celestia said, finally cracking a smile.  The two laughed heartily at themselves, but finally Celestia regained enough control to say “Oh, it feels like it's been millennia since I just... laughed.  You handling this has taken a huge cloud off my horizon.  You'll have my full support.  The kingdom's resources are open to you.  Just keep me informed.”

“I'll not spend a single bit without you knowing, if it is your wish!”

Celestia's smile was telling, “We've not been out here for more than ten minutes and we've gotten more done than I would have with hours in there!” Celestia exclaimed as she motioned back to the castle.

“We should make a habit of this, Tia.”

“I would very much like that, but between duties and... No.  I will make the time.  Every day, here.  At noon?”

“Don't trouble yourself too much to make it, I know it could be a serious pain.” Luna perked up a bit, “But, you being here every day would give us a chance to discuss the Heavenly Endeavor.”

“What's the Heavenly Endeav—” Celestia paused for a moment, processing.  “Have you already gone and named the expedition?”

“Named it?  I've already got ship designs in mind!”  Luna replied, in the most childish way she could muster.  The two princesses shared another hearty laugh, they seemed as though they were both content for the first time in ages.

They sat in silence and sipped at their tea, enjoying each others company.  This location had been an excellent choice, and Celestia was feeling relaxed and far better off than when she had exited the castle.  Though, whether this was due to Luna's proposition, a few minutes away from bureaucracy, or the atmosphere of the garden, she wasn't sure.  Perhaps, she thought, it was a mixture of all three.  Eventually, Celestia finished her tea, sighed, and began speaking, “Well, I really should get back to my duties...”

“Yeah...” Luna replied, looking a bit sullen.  “I'm glad we were able to have some time together, at least.”

Celestia frowned, “Oh Luna, don't give me that look!  We'll be right here again, tomorrow at noon!”

“I know... it's just that it took so long to organize just this meeting.  What if something comes up and—”

Celestia quickly cut her off, “Luna, I'll be here noon tomorrow, I promise.  Besides, now I'll be able to pull myself away from those menial tasks the nobles put me through so we can discuss foreign affairs, right?” Celestia winked.

“PRINCESS!” A guardspony yelled from the doorway to the castle, “YOU ARE REQUESTED IN THE THRONE ROOM!”

Celestia turned to Luna, clearly saddened by her summons,  “Well then, it seems my free time is up for now.”  She said before gathering up the teacups from the table.

“I'm glad we were able to talk, Tia.” Luna smiled

“I am doubly as glad,” Celestia replied as she walked back towards the castle door, “And remember, we'll be doing this again tomorrow.”

Once Celestia disappeared into the castle door, Luna walked up to the marble railing of the balcony.  Looking out over Canterlot, she began thinking.  Canterlot's architecture was very unique, and despite the regional differences, most equestrian architecture was easily recognizable.  It was hard to imagine what another culture might call 'home'.  What their buildings may look like, or what they themselves would look like.  Luna quickly became lost in her thoughts.  It wasn't until she heard a distant bell ringing in the start of a new hour that she came back to reality.

Prologue Part 2 - The Ministry

Prologue Part 2

The Ministry

“Ah... What were they called...?”  Luna whispered to herself as she looked out into the city.  “Ah yes, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs!  Now where would be an appropriate place for one such thing...”

A day had passed since Celestia and Luna had discussed and officially began their foreign affairs project dubbed 'The Heavenly Endeavor'.  The sun was now setting, which put the city in Luna's domain.  She much preferred moving throughout the city during the Night.  She was never quite sure why, but the way something as simple as the day giving way to night could change the atmosphere of a city so greatly was inspiring.

Luna was laden with a map tube strapped to her back and a pair of saddle bags as she set off into the city.  She was hoping for both easy access and a central, regal location.  Both to look a bit showy should any foreign officials ever arrive, and so as to not give them unnecessary headaches in arrival.  There would be no perfect place in the crowded city, so she would have to settle for acceptable and make it as close to perfect as possible.  One of the absolute necessities of the ministry would be that it needs to be on the outer ring of the city so as to allow direct airship access.  Luckily, this considerably narrowed down locations.

In her first hour, she ran into many a place that would have been ideal... had it not been already occupied by a building or business.  The outer ring of Canterlot was probably the most upscale and well-run area of the city.  It made sense, considering the beautiful view of the surrounding lands and the accessibility for cargo and merchant airships, however it certainly didn't make Luna's job any easier.

The first few hours the streets were relatively crowded as the masses shuffled home from their work day.  Luna garnered a lot of glances and double takes, as if it wasn't a common occurrence for royalty to be trotting around in the public’s eye!  Once the sun had finally completely sunk behind the horizon, Luna pulled the map out from the canister on her back.  Examining it, she realized she had barely covered an eighth of the outer ring.

Despite the general high-class of the outer ring, the patronage and architecture varied greatly.  When she first set out she had been prepared to see nothing but ritzy restaurants and taverns.  The longer she had explored, however, it became apparent that it was home to everything from Earth pony specialty bakeries to seedy looking gryphon-run taverns.  While looking at her map, she realized she'd been trotting for hours and hadn't so much as taken a drink.  It was then that she realized she had neglected to fill her water bottle before departing.

A small group of bat ponies and griffons were clustered outside the doorway to a tavern just a bit further along the road.  Luna decided she would stop there to fill her canteen and get a drink.  Luna had always had an affinity with the bat ponies, her entire personal guard was comprised of them after all.  However she was unsure how their culture had evolved in the thousand years she had been absent, which made her slightly uneasy when heading into the tavern.

Slowly but confidently she approached the tavern.  An aura of laughter and joyous merriment emanated from the establishment, something which helped put Luna to ease a bit.  Upon entering the front door and taking a few steps in the noise hushed in a cascade away from her.  Every patron of the establishment had their eyes fixated on her, at least for a few moments.  Whispering started back up, then cheering, laughing, and eventually the tavern was back to as it was before she had even entered.  Bat ponies, gryphons, Earth Ponies, pegasi, and unicorns all enjoying themselves.

Luna approached the bar and took a seat as the barkeep approached her.  The barkeep was a stout older bat pony, an eyepatch adorning his face.  The edges of a scar escaping the eyepatch, betraying what lied beneath. “'Ello tha', Princess!”  The barkeep said, his voice deep and gravely yet containing a sort of merriment.

The bat pony barkeepers cordial tone sounded sincere as could be, “Hello, art thou the proprietor of this establishment?”  Luna replied.

“Ah'm indeed, m'lady!  Been runnin' this 'ere establishment for ten years now.  Been doin' quite 'ell too, if I don't say so m'self.”

Luna was a little taken off guard by the casual tone the barkeep had.  Before her absence, speech had been filled with formalities.  Despite her prior revelations in Ponyville, it was still difficult for her to wrap her head around modern speech.  Even so, the lessened formalities was one of the reasons Luna had enjoyed the bat ponies company before her absence.  Luna cleared her throat, “Yes, well it does seem that your patrons are enjoying themselves to the fullest.  I'm somewhat envious of this carefree environment.”

“Aha!”  Laughed the barkeep, “'Ell, I guess you princesses are trapped up in that castle all day so we can 'njoy our lives down here to thar' fullest!  Truly, we owe it to th' both of ya fer our way a' life!”  The barkeep laughed heartily, “Anyway, what could I 'elp y'to, m'lady?  Ah'm not so thick as ta' thinkin' you came in 'ere jus' to sit n' talk!”

“The insight afforded just by this short conversation has done wonders for me, as it were.  However, you are correct.  I require my canteen to be filled, I would also like to request a pint of your finest cider.”  Luna said, relaxing her speech just enough to still maintain a regal tone to her voice.

“Ah, you flatter me, y'do.  If'n only some'a those OTHER patrons took me words to 'eart as much as you do!”  As the barkeep put emphasis on his words, he looked at another group seemingly enjoying themselves off on the other end of the bar.  They looked up as he obviously was referring to them.

“Ah, farget'chyou, Silver!  Jus' get the princess her drink, eh?”  One of them yelled from across the bar.

The barkeep turned back to Luna, “Those there guys 'ave been comin' 'ere about every night since I opened.  When they first came in, I was hopin' they'd ne'er return... Over the years they've grown on me heart, however.  I'd prob'ly get worried if they didn't show one night!  Hah!  Me, worried about that lot?  Ah, how time can change things.  Anyway~  May I have your canteen, m'lady?”

Luna produced the canteen, and as the barkeep retreated to the water basin behind the counter, she thought about what he had said.  How time can affect one's feelings... If just a few years had turned him and a group of enemies into friends, she wondered how her absence had affected Celestia... and how it affected herself.  Though she could remember her time as nightmare moon, it was very vague and didn't feel her own.  It was as if she had been living in someone else's body, not able to talk, scream, or even cry.  She had willingly let Nightmare Moon get out of control, but had that never happened... there's no telling what could have transpired.  Had the hate just grown, and had the silent dissent continued... despite Luna's thousand year absence, she was still able to repair her relationship with her sister.  Had Nightmare Moon never appeared, she may have continued to let her relationship silently fall apart until it was irreparable.  It wasn't a pleasant thought.

Luckily, her thoughts were interrupted by the returning barkeep, “'Ere y'go m'lady!  The houses finest cider, and some basin water.  Can't say I really think either are fit fer royalty, but it's the best I've got on hand.  Apologies if'n it's not up to snuff.”

Luna smiled, “I'm sure both will be enjoyable.  How much do you require in compensation?”  Luna asked as she brought up one of her saddle bags.

A sort of look of disbelief shot across the barkeeps face, “Ah, we'll 'ave none of that 'ere!  Din'cha just 'ear me say you and yer sister are the reasons why we down 'ere can live our lives the way we can?  I wouldn't live with m'self fer chargin you even more than that.  A pint of cider and some water is a small price ta' pay!”

Luna made one of the happiest smiles she'd made in a long time, “It's been a long time since I've heard words as kind as those.  Thank you.”

“Think nothin' of it, m'lady.  I'm the one that should be thankin' you!”

“By the way, I don't believe you ever gave me your name.”

“Me legal name is Silver Tap.  But fer'get all that legal-like talkin', folks call me Silver.”

“Silver, I see.  I shall remember it.  Thank you for your hospitality.”  Luna nodded her head at Silver, then drained her pint in one solid go.  Silver's face was of pure shock, he clearly wasn't expecting the princess to be capable of such an action.  Luna returned the pint mug to the bar counter and promptly left, nodding at Silver again.  After Luna had exited the building, she heard the noise within die down again, followed by what sounded like Silver yelling at the top of his lungs.  She couldn't quite make out what he said, but after he finished the tavern roared with cheering even louder than before.  Perhaps she was being a bit full of herself, but she couldn't help but assume she had made a good first impression upon this particular sect of ponies.  It would be a long time before she could consider her relationship now and the relationship she had had to be similar,  but it was enough to allow herself to smile as she walked away.

Luna's renewed efforts were much more enthusiastic than before.  A little interaction with her subjects went a long way, and the crass wisdom of Silver had rejuvenated her commitment to the kingdom.  It had been a difficult journey for her to realize that she truly was appreciated, and that Equestria's inhabitants truly enjoyed the night.  Talking to people who thrived on the night life such as Silver only reaffirmed that for her.

<<♃>>

Thanks to the encounter at the tavern Luna was in high spirits, and despite her nearly all-night search she didn't feel even slightly fatigued many hours later when she came across something that finally looked decent.  The sizable structure sat just within the outer rim, but airship docks extended out into the aether.  The docks weren't in any better shape than the buildings, with stray ropes hanging from them blowing in the wind while the aged wooden docks gave off ominous creaking noises.  The structure appeared to be an old row of trading houses, all apparently had shared the same docking area to save on costs.  This was a common practice among traders and merchants, however it was rare for the companies involved in such an agreement to all go under.

“Certainly not the best template...” Thought Luna as she looked around, “But it'll suffice.”

Luna pulled out the map she had borrowed from the royal archives showing current property ownerships within the city of Canterlot.  Luna was pleased to find that the old trading houses that stood before her were indeed unowned, and actually scheduled for demolition and the location for auction by city officials.  “Not anymore...” She said aloud, stamping the property with the royal seal to denote it's new found ownership.  Along with that, she filled out a small scroll informing Celestia of the seizure of the property and sent it off to her in a puff of smoke.  To finalize her requisition of the property, she affixed a royal decree to the doors of the structure.

“Now then... to work.” She said as she cracked the front door of the center trading house, dust falling from the doorframe.  Luna walked through the property, giving it a cursory inspection.  All the while, she filled in a blank scroll with required changes and repairs that would need to be undertaken before it could serve as a foreign ministry.  It had a mostly open floor plan, with occasional large rooms either for meetings or storage off to the sides, but it was indeed a sizable complex; a full three floors, each with ample amounts of space.  She was also pleased to find that the structure seemed to have been built as one large structure, and the partitions for each individual trading house were merely addons, something which would allow conversion to a ministry to be even easier.

As she walked through the building she could feel the wind finding it's way between the wood, stone, and brick that that the structure was comprised of, letting her know that a good amount of insulation work would definitely need to be done.  The Canterlot winters were harsh, the altitude of the city in large part responsible.  The more she looked through the building though, the more she liked it, despite all it's current flaws.  Due to the nature of a trading house, most of the rooms on the upper floors were smaller to accommodate guests or live-in workers, but would need renovation.  A bit of 'prettifying' would do the place good, but some support beams were a bit worse for wear, and she made sure to note that the supports be the first problem with the place to be tackled.  Before heading back outside, she made a copy of her notes and left them on a dust covered table in the lobby of the building.

The exterior was as bad as it had looked at first glance, but wouldn't take too much work to fix up thanks to the construction materials used.  The walls were paneled hardwood and stone, and therefore could be cleaned up, repainted, and all around improved  pretty easily.  The place would be a hefty chunk of work, but in the end would be cheaper than building one from scratch.  Besides that, Luna felt that a building originally constructed by the citizens of Equestria rather than their governing body was somehow more fitting to serve as a foreign ministry.  The rustic feel of the place certainly gave off a friendly aura.  The finished product was already taking shape in Luna's mind, and upon returning to the castle finalizing that vision and putting it on paper would be among her top priorities.

Luna made her way around back to the docks after surveying the prospective ministry building.  As she walked out towards the end of the docks she realized they would most likely need to be completely replaced.  They were worn to the point of near-collapse from who-knows-how-long of lack of maintenance and exposure to the elements.  Every step she took, she felt like the wooden planks beneath her could give way.  The only thing that kept her from turning back was the comforting fact that she could fly should the docks decide they no longer wish to support her.

Luna let a contended sigh escape from her lips as she sat down at the end of the docks, the soft fall breeze causing her ethereal mane to flow to her side.  The sun was beginning to rise far off in the distance, bathing the scene in a soft amber.  She had spent the entire night looking for the perfect place, and although the property at which she now sat was far from perfect, there was no other place she would have rather chosen.

She gazed out into the lands of Equestria, stretching as far as she could see.  The size of the lands of the kingdom, and just how big the lands beyond their borders must be  sank in in this moment.  It was intimidating, but she felt honored and humbled to be in charge of such an undertaking.

“The world can only get smaller,” She said to the wind.

Prologue Part 3 - The Princess, the Sister, and the Ship

Prologue Part 3

The Princess, the Sister, and the Ship

Celestia awoke feeling quite well rested.  As she started to stir, the burdens and obligations of the day to come started to push out her warm feeling of rest.  She sighed and gazed around the room; a few rays of light bled through the windows onto the stand containing her crown, hoof boots, and other daily attire.  Slowly, she rose from her bed and started putting it all on.  As she stood there slowly raising the items from the stand and applying them to herself, she started gazing around the room again.

Something wasn't quite right... yet she couldn't quite put her hoof on it.  Everything seemed to be in order, yet as she sleepily moved her gaze from wall to wall something was amiss.  As she raised her crown to her head, the sun glinted off of it and caused her to squint for a moment.  Then it finally hit her,  “The... sun?” She whispered to herself.

Her eye's widened and she immediately turned to her window.  The feeling of something being amiss now making complete sense, the sun was up!  She hurriedly threw her crown on and dashed to her door in a near panic.

“Good morning, Princess!”  Came the disembodied voice of a guard that Celestia hadn't even noticed yet.

“Buh, huh?”  Celestia stopped in her tracks upon hearing the voice.

The white pegasus guardspony was now in view, a bandage and gauze visible beneath her helmet.  She tensed up as she noticed Celestia's distress, “Is everything okay, your highness?!”

Celestia only managed to stutter out a few disconnected words, “I... Uh... Well, I... Yes.”

“...I'm sorry, your highness?”  The guardspony replied, cocking her head.

“I... Yes.  Everything's fine... what time is it?”  Celestia finally regaining her cool head, she managed a bit more of a complete sentence.

“It's just past noon, ma'am.”

Celestia's eyes visibly widened again, “NOON?”

“Princess,” The guardspony quickly added, “before you worry any further I might be able to clear some things up.”

“Please, anything to ease my confusion.”

“Your sister told me to relay you this when you awoke.”  The guardspony cleared her throat and began reading from a scroll she was holding, “Tia, I've taken care of your appointments and obligations for the day.  You have but one obligation today, and that is to meet me in the archives once you're awake.  Luna.”

Celestia was still utterly lost, but now at least she had a directive to follow.  “I... see.”  Came her terse reply.

The guardspony cracked a barely visible smile, “I'm glad that could resolve some of your confusion.”

“If only it hadn't brought on even more questions.”  Celestia said wearily, wishing she knew exactly what was happening.

“Unfortunately, I will not be able to help you any further.”  The guardspony searched the air for some appropriate words, but came up with nothing.

Celestia nodded, “Of course, of course...  You're dismissed then.”

“Aye, your highness”  The guardspony replied before turning to go down the hallway.

“Lightning Gale, was it?”

The guardspony turned, for a royal to know your name offhand was either a very good or a very bad thing... and she wasn't quite sure which end of the spectrum she was on.  Having little other choice though, she replied, “Commander Lightning Gale of the Royal Equestrian Sky Navy, your highness.”  She said as she bowed to the princess.

“Thank you.  Be on your way, then.”  Celestia's words were flat, and it was impossible for Lightning Gale to tell whether she had good or bad intentions.  Without any further business, Lightning Gale turned back down the hallway and left without another word.

Celestia mused, “Commander Lightning Gale... the acting captain of the R.E.S. Regency when it was lost.  I'd forgotten she'd been assigned here.”  Celestia muttered to herself.

<<♃>>

Luna was completely lost in her work.  She was shifting from book to book, marking this, scribbling on that.  She had at least four books completely marked up in what would look like complete gibberish to anyone but her.  In-fact, she was so engrossed in her work that she didn't even notice Celestia walk through the doorway and over to her desk.  It wasn't until she tapped her shoulder that she noticed she wasn't alone anymore.  “AH!”  Luna cried at the sudden poke, dropping the book she had been hovering in front of her.

“What do you think you're doing?”  Celestia's tone was stern.

Luna's reply was playful, “Just being a bit proactive, dear sister.”  She said as she picked the book she had been hovering back up.

“How exactly did you take care of all my duties for the day?”

Luna gave a wide smile, “I have my ways... I must say, for everything you do throughout the day, it's amazing how easily ponies accept 'Unfortunately she won't be able to make it today.' as an excuse.”

Celestia sighed, “I... I see.  May I ask you your motive at least?”

Luna just motioned to the mess of books around her, “This.”

Celestia's reply was quick, and her tone was still stern, “What exactly is 'This'?”

“They're all books cataloging and recording all modern airship designs.  From freighters to warships.  Ever since our tea time a few days ago, I've been doing solid work for the Heavenly Endeavor.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow as she looked them over a bit more closely, “And what exactly are all these markings on them?”

“They outline what would need to be changed and fitted on them to make them acceptable for an expeditionary mission.  Not only that, they each have an estimated cost.”

“You didn't need to go through the extra trouble of estimating a cost, I'm sure we'd be able to foot the cost of any ship you could draw up.”

“When one works with no budget or restrictions in mind, one does not work to their fullest.”  Luna quickly tried to pull the conversation back to the task at hand, “As I was saying, I did a cursory look over of each one to see how viable they would be to convert to a proper expeditionary vessel.”

“Do you have any preference?”  Inquired Celestia.

Luna rolled her eyes around a bit, “Well...”

“I told you, if your reservations arise from cost, we can foot the bill of any ship you put forth.   We want and need the best.  The ship will be representing the entire kingdom to any foreigners, after all.”

Luna giggled, “Well then...”

“I feel like I've just walked into one of your traps...”

Luna winked at her sister before turning to the saddlebags sitting by her side.  After rummaging around for a moment, she used her magic to lay out a couple scrolls on the floor between herself and Celestia.  “I drew this up myself.  It's what took the better part of my time.”

“Better part of your time...?” Celestia replied, laughter and disbelief in her voice, “These look like they'd of taken a shipwright ages!  Where did you even learn to design airships?!”

Luna seemed almost reluctant to elaborate on the reason behind her substantial knowledge on ships, “Well... I'm sure you know that the sun and moon have always been used for navigation...”

“But of course.”

“Well, for more fine-tuned navigation required by ships and airships, the stars have always been the answer.  I'd spend a lot of time at dockyards, watching ships come and go... many a sailor had even thanked me for 'creating such an excellent night to sail by' back then...” Luna looked down, greeting the floor with a wistful smile, “For them to study my night so closely as to be able to navigate by it, it seemed only appropriate for me to study ships and airships at least a little bit.”

“I... I see.” Replied Celestia, “I wasn't aware of the intimate relationship between the night and naval navigation...”

“Besides the sailors themselves, few are.”

“'Tis a shame... navigation by the stars sounds quite interesting.”  The two sat in heavy silence for a moment before Celestia revived the conversation, “I don't see a balloon anywhere.  How does it even fly?”

“Aha!” Luna said as she perked up, “That's one of my favorite parts about it!  I was reading about how some newer airships have enchanted cores to allow more cargo storage, or smaller balloons, but with proper enchanting and load spacing we can eliminate balloons entirely.  You and I wil need to help with the initial enchanting of the core since it will be a monster, but I think it's possible for a regular unicorn to keep it flying.”

“You think?”

“I'm positive it's possible.  I wouldn't have designed the ship around it if I were beyond a shadow of a doubt.”

Celestia tossed the idea around in her head before finally accepting the fact that she barely grasped the concept despite her outward appearance, and that agreeing with Luna on this front would be the best course of action, “Then I can accept the risk, especially if it removes the inherent risk of balloons.”

“My sentiments exactly.  We don't know what the weather may be like, or what other conditions might arise out there, and balloon-floated ships could easily be disabled by strong winds or other nasty circumstances.   Besides that, look here...”  Luna placed her hoof on the paper, “See this?  There's four of these, two in the front and two in the back.  They're emergency balloons.  Should something go awry with the core, these can be deployed.  Though they aren't really suitable for long distances, they could allow the crew to land the ship safely.”

“I see you've thought this design through far more than I initially gave you credit for.  Does it have any... you know... defenses?”  Defenses were the one thing on airships that Celestia was familiar with, so it was natural for her to steer the conversation to familiar territory.

Luna glanced around the room, before moving her hoof, “Here.  The hull will need to be extremely well worked.  The hatches will sit flush with the hull, so they should be all but invisible to an exterior viewer when closed.  When opened, four cannons can be rolled forward, two on each broadside.  I've done some research on modern naval warfare; there are only four cannons, so the ship wouldn't be able to trade broadsides with our largest warships, but it would be able to hold it's own against most small to lightly armed medium ships. I can't say for what they may encounter 'out there', but this being a diplomatic ship, we can't afford to have it bristling with weapons.  Best we have four of our best cannons and have them concealed.”

“I agree.  That should be more than enough for what it's mission is... also, now that I've seen it a bit closer... I must say, your design of the ship is quite...”  Celestia wasn't quite sure on what words she should use, but quickly settled on “befitting of the kingdom.”

Luna smiled, pleased at receiving the praise of her sister but continued on the explanation of the ship, “Every nook and cranny in the hull is used for something... well, all the 'functional' areas are.”

Celestia seemed perplexed, “functional areas?”

“Areas you would see on a normal ship.  Besides those, I've allocated an area that's a bit removed from the 'guts' of the ship for any foreign dignitaries.  It's regal and fancy, which should please even the snobbiest of emissaries.  There's enough space for eight comfortably, though realistically only about six should come aboard at a time, and the other rooms would be used for negotiations, meetings, and leisure.”

“I see, but what about the crew?”

“Well, due to the lack of balloons, a crew of six should suffice to maintain the ship.  Possibly seven, depending.  There's enough room for eight crew members, but that design choice was more for prudence than practicality.  The crew quarters are pretty standard for a ship of this size, though a bit nicer than what you'd find on a typical warship of our navy.”

“Ah... do you happen to have any choices or preferences for crew members specifically yet?”

Luna thought for a few moments, “Well, I'd imagine it would be almost essential for at least two unicorns to be members of the crew, thanks to the magical core.  Though I'm not even sure of that... and won't be until we have the core running.”

“I mean, did you have anypony specifically in mind?”

“Oh,” Luna blinked, “no... I don't.  Nor do I have any idea where to start.”

“I see.  Well I can have a scribe deliver you a list and brief history of our best and brightest, as a start.”

Luna perked up, “Could you have them ensure that at least a few either currently or have served or worked on an airship?  I can't expect them all to have experience, but at least a few should to make up for the others.”  Luna paused to think over any other essential attributes, “...We should also make sure none of them are afraid of heights.”  Luna chuckled at the thought.

“That wouldn't be a problem at all.  I'll have the scribe deliver you the lists by tomorrow, evening at the latest.  Though...”

“Hmm...?” Mused Luna, “Do you know somepony offhand?”

“Well, that pegasus who delivered your message to me, Lightning Gale.  As I recall, she served as first officer aboard the R.E.S. Regency.  That ship has some fairly similar specifications to your design.  She's always followed any orders implicitly, and those under her command always seemed to like her, an uncommon quality.  The one problem is... well, I'm sure you've heard that it was under her command that the Regency was lost.”

“I have, but I understand she handled the unprecedented circumstances calmly and with professionalism.  Considering that nearly everything they will encounter beyond our borders will be 'unprecedented', she may just be the perfect mare for the job.  Have her dossier included with the rest of that list of candidates.”  She went silent for a second before adding, “...I just want to look it over.  I don't doubt your judgment.”

Celestia chuckled, “You know far more about airships than I!  Perhaps you should doubt it.”

“I'll be sure to go over her dossier twice then!”  Luna laughed, but the atmosphere cooled back down to business after a few moments and she continued, “Anyway, Tia.  Before I let you go, I've got one more thing to show you.”

“Would it happen to have anything to do with that building you suddenly seized two days ago?”

“...It would.” Luna seemed a bit taken aback that Celestia had guessed it so quickly, “I take it that came across your desk quite quickly, then.”

“Of course, it was a royal requisition!”

Luna put her blueprints in her saddlebags and quickly stacked all the books she had been working with, “Well, that's good then.  Come, follow me.”  She said as she left the archives.

<<♃>>

“So,” Celestia started, after about fifteen minutes of walking in silence. “I take it that building is to be the ministry of foreign affairs?”

“It will be... Once it's complete.”

“Complete?”  Celestia asked, inquisitive.

“Well... you'll see.”

Celestia narrowed her eyes, “See what?”

They rounded a corner, “Well... see.”  Luna replied, motioning with her hoof.  The building was a decent distance from the castle, but now that she had a destination rather than just exploring the outer rim it was a relatively quick trip.

“I... wow.” Celestia's expression showed disappointment,  “It's a sizable building but it's so... rundown.”

The two approached it, and once they were at a distance to properly appreciate it, Luna replied, “It won't be for long.  Look...”  Luna went silent, and her horn began to glow.  Before Celestia could ask what she was doing, a haze began to form around the building.  Before long, it compressed itself into a facade around the structure.  It was impressive to say the least.  Many of the exposed beams had been decorated with a light gold accent, most wooden beams and window panes had been replaced with beautiful sealed cherry wood, and banners and flags hung in several spots around the building.  It's rustic atmosphere was regal and imposing, yet somehow inviting and friendly.  It's air was reminiscent of the castles built in days of olde.

“That's quite the change!” Celestia exclaimed, her expression of disappointment all but melted away, “but now it seems very... formal.”

“This is the ceremonial configuration.  Allow me...”  The field broke into a haze again, before solidifying into a slightly different image.  The banners were now gone, as well as the red carpet in the doorway that Celestia had scarcely noticed before.  It still communicated a message of regality and formality, as to be expected of a foreign ministry, but it was now much less ceremonial.  After a few minutes and a good few eyefuls of the structure, Luna let the facade collapse and the buildings looks fell back to reality.

“So,” Celestia started, “who's the lucky team to undertake your renovations of this place?”

Luna showed disappointment in herself, “I... have yet to tackle that problem.”

“The team who maintains the Canterlot castle could do it.  They do good work, of course.”

“That would be a great help.  It's been a long time since I've been here... none of my acquaintances... besides you, of course... are...” Luna face had reddened, she was definitely getting emotional, “Available, anymore.”  She managed to say.

Celestia took a deep breath and began comforting her sister, “I understand how you feel.  I as well have had to see countless friends and acquaintances go before me.”

Luna smiled knowingly at her sister, but figured it would be best to move on from this sensitive subject for both their sakes.  “I'll also need a team to construct the ship.”

“I have a number of shipwrights I could-”

Luna quickly cut in, “Any shipwright must be trusted implicitly.”  Luna took a quick look around, “None but the crew and the ones who build it should know about the hidden cannon hatches, nor the rest of the vessels defense and offense capabilities.”

“I can have a select few of our regular shipwrights work on it, I've trusted them with slipping hidden components into our warships before; all of them together should be able to build your entire ship while keeping their lips sealed.”

“If you trust them, then I trust them.  I'll have the blueprint ready by tomorrow.”  A contented sigh escaped from Luna's lips, “I guess that's all I have to show you for now.  All that's left to do is actually 'do' all this.  Select the crew... begin construction of the ship... renovations of this building.  I'd say we can get the mission going within a month or two.  The ministry might not be done by then, but I doubt our explorers will bring back any foreign dignitaries within the few extra weeks that we'll need to finish it after they launch.”

“Agreed.”

Luna rolled her eyes around, “Well, I guess that's it.  I'll head back to the archives and finish up this blueprint... you enjoy the rest of your day off.”  Luna turned to head back to the castle, but was stopped by Celestia before taking a step.

“Luna.”

Luna turned back around to face her sister, “Yes, Tia?”

Celestia struggled with her next sentence, it had been a long time since she felt so thankful to anyone, let alone her sister who had been gone for over a thousand years.  “I just... I don't think you realize how much you doing all this means to me.  Thanks.  Truly.”

Luna nuzzled Celestia, “You're welcome.  I just hope I'll be able to meet your expectations.”

“Well, you've already failed me on one account.”  Celestia replied, no emotion in her voice and a stern look focused on Luna.

Luna was taken aback.  Her eyes wide she replied, “I-In what way have I failed you?”

“I've had a long time to get familiar with the sun, and through that experience I can tell you it's past noon on this day, and for the last few days similar events have come to pass.”  Celestia's expression was still solid.

“What could it being noon have to do with anythi-”

Celestia cut her off as she cracked a smile, “It's tea time, Luna.”

Chapter 1 - Lightning Gale

"Every ship has to have a captain, and in these sheltered lands of Equestria it is slim pickings for captains that can deal with unprecedented circumstances." -Princess Luna

Chapter 1

Lightning Gale

Lightning Gale looked out to the stern of her ship.  Beyond the bannisters, she was greeted by nothing but a solid endless gray.  The intense fog swallowed what would normally be a beautiful starry night and a lush beach side valley.  Currently the only hint to their surroundings was the distant crashing of waves.  The torches positioned along the length of the ship warded off the fog, if only enough to see from bow to stern.

“Acting Captain,” A young brown unicorn addressed Lightning Gale, “Report from Acoustics.”

“Let me hear it,” Replied Lightning Gale.

“Ma'am, Acoustics reports that all listening devices have failed, echolocation is impossible.  We're essentially blind. We can't get our altitude or location either.”

“Ensign, I can still hear the ocean so our systems shouldn't be having trouble.  How is it possible that our echolocation systems failed?”

“I don't know, Ma'am.  Additionally, our compasses have gone out.  We can't get a reliable read from them.”

Lightning Gale sighed, “Compasses don't just fail, ensign.  Report back to acoustics and navigation.  I want a full report from them asap.”

“Y-yes, Ma'am!”  The ensigns tone was worried.

Once the ensign had disappeared below deck, Lightning Gale made her way to the nearest voicepipe and began to dish out orders in her command voice, being sure to show no sign of her unease.  “Change speed, Ahead slow.  Ascend to 4,000 feet.  All crew move to yellow alert.  Light all torches.  Augmented crew shifts, 12A.”

Moments after Lightning Gale let out the orders, a bell rung out and the ship became buzzed with activity.  Sales were tied, the balloons torch roared as the ship began to ascend, and ponies made their way across the deck to their stations.  As the crew carried out her orders, she relocated to the bow of the ship, situating herself near the forward thicket of voicepipes.  It wasn't long before all stations reported back green.

“Attention,”  Lightning Gale said into the voicepipes, again maintaining an authoritative voice despite the unease mounting on her, “We've encountered an unknown anomaly that is interfering with all forms of navigation.”  The crew on deck were fixated upon her.  She took a deep breath and continued,  “At this time, it is unknown whether the current fog conditions are coincidental or tied to the anomalous behavior of our instruments.  We will continue ahead slow on our current bearing until we either regain our navigational abilities, or we break free of this fog.  I have the highest degree of confidence in all of yo...”  Lightning Gale trailed off.  It hadn't registered with her until just then, but something had changed.

Finally, it struck her.  There was no sound, the telltale flapping of the balloon and the sails had completely gone, as well had the creaking of the wooden ship.  Additionally, the distant crashing of the waves had disappeared.  It was a true and dead silence that sent a chill up her spine.  Despite this, Lightning Gale steeled herself and continued her speech, “I have the highest confidence in all of you to carry out yo-”  The words froze in her mouth, the crew had shifted their view from her to just a few feet above her.  There was a look of terror in their eyes; out of reflex she wheeled around to look.  Before she was able to turn around completely a deafening crack like that of lightning tore through the silence and her ship made a sickening lurch to the side, the sudden movement sent a pulley block into the side of her head, knocking her to the ground.  As her consciousness faded, she caught a blurred glimpse of a black airship to the bow.  She wanted to yell out, to scream 'Evasive action!  Return fire!'.  All she managed was to cough some blood onto the deck before her consciousness slipped away.

<<♃>>

Lightning Gale looked up, a cider filled wooden stein and a worn wooden table against a dimly lit, sparsely populated tavern filled her view.  Her head still down against the table she let out a pained sigh, “That dream again...”  She muttered.  She knew she was lying to herself, it was more of a flashback than a dream.  She still wasn't sure of what had happened and nopony else acknowledged seeing a ship, so she had resigned herself to the belief that it had been a hallucination by her head trauma.  Still, the nightmares and flashbacks haunted her, as well as the memory of the crewmen they had lost that night.

She slowly rose to a normal posture, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes as she did.  With those thoughts still on her mind, she absently looked out at the rest of the tavern.    The atmosphere of the tavern was oddly relaxing, possibly due to the light thunderstorm taking place outside.  The pitter patter of rain against the windows, and the infrequent flashes of distant lightning was calming.  The patrons were sparse, arranged into groups here and there with the exception of a few lonely souls scattered around.  Unicorns, pegasi, and Earth ponies; but the tavern was largely dominated by bat ponies and griffons.  The area of Canterlot she was in had a very high density of the two, and so it wasn't a shock that they would frequent such a tavern.  Lightning herself, a white pegasus with a two-tone blue and white mane stuck out in the tavern.  The bandage on her head covering the bruising and scrapes from the injury she had sustained when the Regency was lost only caused her to stick out more.  Fortunately, she'd been frequenting the tavern, and thus none of the regulars paid her any more mind than normal.

As she scanned the tavern a little more closely she noticed two officers of the royals sitting together in a corner table.  To her they stuck out like a sore thumb, but no one else seemed to pay them any mind.  The royal officer uniforms were very unassuming, and to an untrained eye would look more like regular streetwear of the upper class.  They kept briefly scanning the tavern before looking back at each other and talking.  While she was inspecting the officers, the door swung open and a pony wearing a large black cloak entered.  She expected the pony to flip their hood down after getting out of the rain, but when they didn't she assumed it was just another seedy character wishing to stay anonymous.  They weren't uncommon in this area of Canterlot.

Just as Lightning Gale turned her focus back to her cider, the cloaked pony she had noticed sat down at her table.  “Erm, can I help you?”  Lightning Gale said, raising an eyebrow at the stranger.

“I do believe you can.”  Came the cloaked ponies terse reply, the voice female.

Lightning Gale wasn't quite sure how to continue the conversation, but after a few moments of awkward silence she managed, “May I ask you who you are before we proceed with this conversation?”

“Luna.” Came the flat reply.

Lightning Gale mulled the name over for a bit.  She'd known a couple 'Luna's' before, and Luna was a popular alias for those who'd rather stay anonymous.  Regardless of the circumstances behind it, she now had a name to address the stranger by.  “What do you ask of me then, 'Luna'?”

“I require a captain for a newly commissioned ship.  It's mission shall be diffcult.”

Lightning Gale's eyes faded, “I'm not your mare.  I'm not going to be anyone’s captain anytime soon.”  She replied, her tone sullen and her gaze sinking to the floor.

“Wrong.”  'Luna' said firmly, “You're the ONLY mare for the job.”  After a few moments of silence, 'Luna' continued,  “...I know about the incident.”

Lightning Gale's gaze shot up at her statement, her eye's so wide it almost hurt, “How could you know?!”

“I have my ways.” 'Luna' replied.  “You are the only captain with experience in unknown conditions, and you conducted yourself admirably.”

Lightning Gale's shock gave way to a helplessness deep within her, “And none of my actions kept my ship from becoming a total loss, or my crew from their injuries.  It's by sheer luck alone that I was left with only this.”  She said as she rubbed the bandage on the side of her head.

“There's no way you could have prevented that.  It was no fault of yours.”

“THEN WHOSE WAS IT?!”  Snapped Lightning Gale, “My crew trusted me, and I led them to that fate!”

“Nothing you could have done would have prevented the incident.  After reading the reports from you and your crew, this was no accident.  I believe you were attacked.”

“How... how could you have read my reports?  That's classified information.”  Lightning Gale tensed up.

'Luna' looked around, then she moved her hood back just enough to finally allow the dim torch light to fall on her face, revealing her identity.

“Y-Your highness!”  Lightning Gale exclaimed before bowing her head.

Luna moved her hood forward before looking around the bar again, luckily no one had been within earshot.  It would have been difficult to discuss these matters had anyone walked over.  “Formalities are to be avoided here.  They may draw unwanted attention, and the nature of our talks are classified.”

“Understood, Pr--  Lun-- Ma'am.”  Lightning Gale raised her head, not quite sure how to address the princess before her.

“Good, now back to my original question.  I need a captain and you're the best pony for the job.”

“What sort of mission is it?”

“To leave Equestria's borders.  Reports of strange encounters have increased recently, and yours is the apex of it thus far.”

“Venture beyond our borders?  With all due respect, since when do we have an interest in the outside world?”

“Like I said, strange encounters have increased.  These things may be normal on the outside, or the outside may know what they are and how to prevent them... if there even is an outside civilization.”

“I... see.”  Lightning Gale's ears drooped.

“Beyond that, we also want to contact other civilizations.  Our isolationist policy is becoming outdated.  We need to make contact with others, isolating ourselves is not the answer.  Especially when our actions most likely affect other inhabitants of our planet.”

Lightning Gale sighed before looking up, “Ma'am, I don't think I want to find a place where ghost ships with power like what I witnessed are common.”  Luna and Lightning shared a reserved chuckle, “But, I am intrigued with the concept of foreigners.”

“Sounds like I've got you hooked then.  Exactly what I wanted.”  Luna made a strange motion in the air with her hoof, and the two officers she had noticed earlier rose.  As they left, Lightning was able to identify one of them as a bat pony.

“Do you have a special connection with bat ponies, Luna?”

“They are big fans of the night.  Suffice it to say I'm more popular with them than with any of the other pony races.  Why do you ask?”

“No reason...”  In truth, there was.  Bat ponies were uncommon in the royal guard, but were the vast majority of Luna's personal guard.  “So when do I get details on this new assignment?”

“Report to the castle tomorrow at noon.  I'll take care of your other duties, don't bother reporting in at the air yard.”  Luna said, adjusting her cloak as she stood.  “I'll be expecting you.”  She said as she turned and headed for the door.  Like that, she disappeared just as fast as she had appeared.

Lightning Gale had a lot going through her head.  As she was mulling over the conversation, she looked down at the table.  A small card had been left on the table where Luna had been sitting.  She picked it up and began to read the handwritting, “A ship will need a crew, and a crew will need uniforms.  Head over to the Wooden Horse Boutique to choose a uniform for your crew.  I've pre-approved some designs, all you have to do is choose from them.  Additionally, if you have any luxury provisions in mind stop at the general stores near the boutique.  The opposite side of this card bears the royal seal, have them bill the castle.  You may purchase anything you feel necessary beyond standard Airship provisions.  Do not feel pressured, the ship will be well equipped and funded.  Should necessities arise during the voyage, they can be procured.”

Lightning Gale looked up, a bit stunned.  She had only just agreed to the assignment, and she had already been allowed to purchase anything she felt necessary on the royal's dime, and Luna had already authorized several uniforms to choose from.  The popular perception of the public was that Luna was a maladjusted princess over a thousand years behind the times.  One who couldn't enter the public's eye without yelling in the archaic Royal Canterlot Voice, couldn't be seen without royal garb on, or was even capable of something as clandestine as what had just happened.  However, the meeting had shattered these preconceptions.

“Huh.”  She slipped out before finally taking a few hearty gulps of her warming cider.

Chapter 2 - The City of Canterlot

Chapter 2

The City of Canterlot

A soft 'ding' noise was heard as Lightning pushed open the front door to the tailors.  Not expecting a bell, she looked up to find the source of the noise on instinct.  In that split second, the tailor pony popped up from behind her counter and said, "Welcome to my shop, Miss!"

Lightning's gaze immediately shot over to the tailor, "Ah! Er, ah.  Hello."  She sputtered.

The tailor raised one of her eyebrows, "...You may call me Mantua.  If I might, what is your name?"

"Err, I'm Lightning Gale."

"Alright Lightning Gale... is there anything I can help you with?"

"Yes, yes.  Here..."  Lightning rummaged around finally produced the card Luna had left with her.

"Aha!"  Mantua's eyes sparkled, "You're finally here!"  She exclaimed as she rushed around the counter and began measuring each and every piece of Lightning's person.

"I uhm... I'm here for the uniforms..."

"Yes, yes.  I know you are!  I just had to be certain that the measurements I received were indeed correct.  I am happy to report that they were!"  Before allowing Lightning another word, she ushered her to a back room where several uniforms were laid out along the wall.  "You'll need  an everyday uniform and a dress uniform.  Pick any one you like."

"Aye..."  Lightning replied as her eyes searched around.  One uniform immediately caught her eye.  It was a relatively simple white and royal blue with an inlaid gold pattern on the collar.  There was a work uniform which looked nearly identical sans the gold pattern and other nonessential aesthetics.  She gathered up the two uniforms and then turned back to the doorway where she caught the slightly shocked tailor.  "...Is there something wrong with these?"  She asked.

The tailor shook her head, "No, no.  Not at all."  She replied as she turned to walk out of the room.  She muttered, "They're just so last season..." as she retreated from the room.

Lightning followed and in moments they were back in the front room.  Lightning set the uniforms on the counter where, again, the tailor gave her an odd look.  "Is something wrong...?"  Lightning asked the tailor, not quite sure what else to do.

"These have all been fully paid for by the royals... I figured they would have informed you of that.  You may leave, unless you wish to put them on now."

Being that Lightning need to head directly to the castle, she realized that putting on her uniform before leaving would probably be prudent.  "I think I will make use of that offer, then."

"Very well, the dressing room is just over there."  The tailor said, pointing her hoof in the direction of a wooden door.

"Thank you."  Lightning gale said as she slipped in.

The clothing fit like a glove, and looked great on her.  It certainly projected a presence befitting the captain of a vessel such as the one she was to take command of.  It wasn't long before she was out the door and trotting her way to the castle.

<<♃>>

Upon arriving at the castle, Lightning was immediately ushered inside by a duo of guardsponies standing on the front steps.  They didn't tell her anything more than a terse, "Follow us."  They went deep into the castle, and then began ascending a tower she swore was taller on the inside than the outside, and was starting to hope she'd never see steps again.  To her relief, the two guardsponies finally stopped and took a position on either side of a doorway and ordered her to enters.

The dim torchlit staircase was a steep contrast to the brightly lit room which the doorway led to.  Because of this, Lightning had to squint her eyes as she entered.  "Good morning, Captain."  Luna's unmistakable voice greeted her.  She took several tight blinks before her eyes had fully adjusted to the room.  When they had, she noticed that there were four other ponies besides her and the princess in the room.  The other four were sitting around the room, pointed at Luna.  Luna was positioned in front of a chalkboard which had some hand drawn diagrams and layouts.  This was  a briefing.

"Good morning Luna.  Everyone."  Nodding to Luna and then the others in the room.

"I've finished the briefing with your crew.  I'd love for you all to be able to discuss the expedition now, however we are short on time.  The expedition does depart today, after all!"

Lightning Gale's eyes widened and her mouth fell slightly agape but she quickly caught herself and regained her composure.  "Aye!  The expedition waits only for your command."

"Do any of you have any questions or concerns before the briefing is dismissed?"

"Yeah, we've not even seen the ship firsthand.  Is it really such a good idea to depart already?"  One of the crewponies asked.

"What better way to become acquainted with a ship than to fly with her?"  Lightning Gale replied.  The four began nodding in silent agreement upon hearing Lightning's words.

"Captain, would you like to say anything else before the crew departs?  It will be your first and last chance before you're all aboard the ship."  Luna asked.

"Just a few..."  Lightning said as she cleared her throat, "On this expedition we will all fly as equals.  Today we are short on time, so unfortunately we will not have the pleasure to properly introduce ourselves to each other.  I am of the firm belief that a crew should be tight knit, nearly a family if you will.  Today the foundations for such a relationship shall be laid, but the bonds I wish for you all to form can only be forged with time.  As to our mission, we are entrusted by the kingdom of Equestria to act as envoys and carry out the will of the two Princesses.  Each one of you was hand picked for this mission.  I have no doubts that you all will perform to your fullest."  She turned back to Luna, "That will be all."

"I don't believe I could have put it better myself.  Crew of the heavenly endeavor, you are dismissed.  We will convene at the location mentioned earlier at thirteen hundred hours.  All take your leave, Lightning please remain here."

The other crewmen all filed out to the staircase without another word, passing Lightning Gale who had only advanced a few feet into the room.  Once they had all left and were safely out of earshot, Luna began to speak, "Consider this another test from me."

"You mean not telling me that I'm to leave today?!  What am I to do with my residence when I leave?!"  Lightning Gale raised her voice, "I'd need to inform my landlord, I'd need to prepay in advance, I'd need to-!"

Luna cute her off, "Do be careful with your tone.  As friendly as I've been with you, it remains that I am your commanding officer and your superior.  Under royal decree, your residence has been taken care of.  It will be just as you left it when you return."

Lightning blinked, sighed, and then bowed her head, "Apologies, Ma'am.  I was out of line, Ma'am."

"Apology accepted Captain.  Now go, you have a couple hours before you must board the ship.  Use it to gather any personal effects you'd like to bring with you.  Take this scroll, it outlines specifics of your orders for today."  She said as she handed her a small scroll stamped with a wax seal.

"Yes, your highness."  Lightning finally raised her head and backed out of the room.

<<♃>>

"The first meeting with my crew went awfully."  "I can't believe how taken off guard I was.  I'm sure the crew picked up on it."  "I can't believe Luna would do such a thing!  Not tell me when I'm to leave for who knows how long!"  Were just a few of the many thoughts passing through Lightning's mind as she collected the belongings around her home that she would be taking on the voyage.  She'd always had a spartan homestead, and as such it didn't take long for her to gather up everything she planned on taking and put it in her saddlebags.  Once it was all together, she poked one of her saddlebags with her hoof.  It gave off a little rattle, revealing how empty they truly were.  She frowned, something about bringing so little on an extended voyage didn't sit right with her.  Nevertheless, she continued out into the city.

She wandered aimlessly around for a while, passing through various districts of Canterlot.  It wasn't often that she had free time, and thus she had never really gotten too familiar with the city.  She only knew the tavern she frequented and a few places close to her home that made decent food.  While perusing the various districts and window shopping, she stopped into a small knick-knack shop to kill time.  While browsing the worn shelves of the shop, she spotted a snowglobe featuring the Canterlot castle within.  It had a visible layer of dust, and was pushed far to the back of the shelf behind other assorted giftshop-esque junk.  Lightning Gale poked her saddlebags again and was greeted with the same empty rattling as before.  Not but a few moments later she was exiting the shop, the proud new owner of the snowglobe.

Just outside was a dining district, carts and stalls speckling the square.  Zebras hocking stories about how what they were selling were 'delicacies' from their homeland.  Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth ponies could all be found doing much the same thing.  "Miss, come sample this dish here!  It's a delicacy back in Cloudsdale!" and "Over here!  These are the finest sandwiches you'll find not only here, but the planet over!  Why, even the king of the Gryphons gave them his stamp of approval!" were just a few of the hooks being shouted at the patrons of the dining district.

Eventually something did catch her eye, however it was none of the food.  A pony she recognized from the briefing in the castle earlier was sitting at one of the tables, a newspaper and some sort of exotic breakfast dish sat on the table before her.  Cimmerion, she remembered her name as.  A middle aged bat pony, she had a navy blue mane, a vivid burgundy coat, and piercing sky blue eyes.  A single streak of silver ran through her mane, betraying the stresses she'd gone through.  Lightning decided it would be as good a time as any to attempt to meet at least one of her crew and began to head over.

"Hello!"  Lightning called out as she approached the table.  "You're Cimmerion, right?"

"Ah, Captain."  She said as she put down her teacup to salute, "Lieutenant Commander Cimmerion, at your service.  What a coincidence to see you here."

"Indeed."  Replied  Lightning Gale, "At ease."

"Aye."  Cimmerion replied, raising her teacup once again.  A somewhat awkward silence followed as Cimmerion went back to her tea and reading the newspaper on the table.  Lightning's mind was racing for a conversation topic, but none came.  Finally, Cimmerion spoke up again, "Captain Gale?"

"Yes?"

"Permission to speak freely?"

"Of course."

"I'm attempting to make peace with the fact that I'm not only leaving my hometown, but the entire kingdom of Equestria."

"I'm... wrestling with a similar problem."  She looked off into the distance, the anger at not being told she was to depart today coloring her expression.

"Then hopefully you will understand my request, made with all due respect, that I be left alone to examine my thoughts until our scheduled departure time."

Lightning wasn't really prepared for a request such as that, especially not one made as eloquently as it was.  "Yes, I understand."  Was all she managed before getting up to leave.

"Thank you."  Was Cimmerion's quiet response.

<<♃>>

Lightning's arrival time at the ship was different than that of the rest of her crew.  The scroll specified a time that was two hours later than the rest of the crew.  Additionally, the scroll ordered her to a different location than the ship itself.  For what reasons she did not know, but as they were Luna's orders she had no choice but to follow them.  And so, after hours of wandering around and passing time, she approached the location outlined in the scroll.  The castle took a much more overbearing position on the skyline, and the buildings grew taller.  This was the area of the city where much of the more well established companies and businesses called their home.  In addition to that, decorations began appearing.  Banners, flags, ribbons, and everything else you'd expect for a royal parade, though to her knowledge no such event was to happen today.  The decorations only increased in intensity as she continued forward, and she suddenly experienced a sinking feeling.  The talk of  'a fancy new ship' and 'a crazy mission' she had overheard in the tavern suddenly starting to click.  Rumors were the norm for a tavern and she had learned to just tone them out, but suddenly she realized they weren't rumors.  "Is this all for a celebration of launching the ship?"

"It is indeed."

Startled, Lightning Gale jumped and turned to face the source of the voice.  "Princess!"  She exclaimed as she laid eyes on the owner of the voice, bowing her head.

"At ease, Lightning Gale.   You're here in time, however it seems I miscalculated a little bit.  We've got little time, follow me."  Luna said as she turned down a nearby alley.

"Uhm, Luna... Is that not a dead end?"  Lightning ventured to ask.

"To most it is.  However..."  She stopped and turned to a nook, her horn glowing.  She stepped forward, her hooves sinking into the ground before turning back to Lightning.  “To us, it is not.”  She continued forward, and the ground seemed to swallow Luna whole.

Lightning Gale blinked at the impossible scene she had just witnessed.  Stepping up to where Luna had disappeared, she put her hoof forward and watched it seemingly sink through the solid matter.  As she lowered it, it eventually came to rest on a solid surface.  Cautiously, she continued with the next step, reaching slightly further forward than the first.  It sank even further than the first.  She continued this process slowly and steadily, and within moments she had descended below the road into a large tunnel.  "What is this?"  She asked as she looked around with a look of bewildered amazement.

"This is an old passageway built when the castle was first constructed.  It was to aid in escape and troop movements if it had ever been attacked.  Since that eventuality has never occurred, very few remember their existence... and even less know the spell to access them."

"Incredible...  but why are we taking it and not simply taking normal routes?"

"We'll be using it to go directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where your ship is currently docked.  The crowds are getting large already, this is just to ease our travel."

"E-exactly how big of an event is this?"  Lightning said, her disbelief causing her to stumble over her own words.

"We're sending a ship to lands unknown!”  Luna exclaimed, “I wouldn't be surprised if most of the shops in the city are closed at the moment just so they can go witness the ceremony."

It was all true.  All the whisperings of a grand new ship launching today that she had overheard in the tavern.  It had become second nature to her to simply tune out rumors, and talkings of a 'grand ship' with 'an impossible' or 'crazy' mission had easily flipped her rumor switch.  "I must have just... tuned it all out."  She said, dumbfounded.

"I assumed as much by your shock at today being the departure day.  Habits such as those need to be broken.  Although you passed my test on dealing with the unexpected, you failed on information gathering.  I'm not angry, merely wish for you to improve.  On a ship, keeping your ear to the whisperings of the crew is something a Captain should be doing at all times."  Luna gave her a stern look, but cracked a small smile.

"Aye, Ma'am."

"Now then, let us continue.  There's a lot of ponies waiting for us."

<<♃>>

The two emerged from the tunnel in the same way they had entered, however this end of the tunnel let out directly into a building, and a building undergoing heavy remodeling work at that.  Many walls were either halfway constructed or partially torn down.  Many of the structural beams were either bulked up by braces or being completely replaced, and in various spots scattered around the floor were swept piles of dust and wood shavings, or bits of unusable scrap wood and planks.  In addition to all this, tapestries had been hung over each window, presumably to keep the mess inside as concealed as possible.  One final thing that had not been immediately noticeable was a muffled hum.  The only thing Lightning was able to compare it to was the sort of sound she'd hear in the back room of a crowded tavern... however this sound was much more pervasive, seeming to come from all directions.

"T'will be less than a fortnight before it's completion."  Luna mused.

"What... even is this place?"  Lightning asked, even as she looked around for clues as to where they might be.

"Tis the new... or rather, the first Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  From here, your ship will launch it's mission, and from here any foreign diplomats will be received.  T'was a trading house in it's history, but I felt it more than met our needs for a Ministry.  Err, or will meet the needs of our Ministry once it's complete."

"And how long is that going to take?"  Lightning asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Like I said, less than a fortnight.  It did not feel acceptable to try and delay the expedition any further."

"And what if we return with foreigners before the Ministry is complete?"

"I do not anticipate that to be an issue... however there are contingencies in place.  Do not worry, nothing going on here in Canterlot is of your concern."

"I can't see how not... but for the sake of time, I will concede."

Luna rolled her eyes, "Don't let these domestic matters concern you.  They are in capable hooves.  Now then, let us continue on.  We've a ceremony to put on, and more than a few ponies are waiting for us."

"Aye, ma'am."  The two proceeded to walk through room after room.  While passing through a particularly narrow hallway, the distant and muffled hum grew more pronounced, begging her to peak through a window at it's source.  Her curiosity getting the best of her, she pulled the tapestry away just a crack on the next window she passed.  The sight she was met with left her in amazement.  There were thick crowds of ponies covering every square inch of the street she could see.  Some were holding banners and flags bearing the Kingdoms seal, while others had more ornate flags depicting the royal sisters, the Canterlot castle, or any number of other things.  Gazing out, Lightning realized that this mission was far beyond her and her crew.  The atmosphere of the crowd was full of hope, overjoyed at the promise of a future and of what the expedition may find.  It was the sort of thing that she'd thought didn't exist anymore; the sort of awe and wonder that only a young filly or colt might be able to have.  Yet, there it was before her own eyes, a crowd amassed to witness the start of something that seemed as simple as an expedition beyond the Kingdoms borders.

Luna put a hoof on Lightning's shoulder, snapping her attention back and causing her to realize how long she'd been staring.  "Like it or not,"  Luna began, "The ship and the expedition have become a symbol of Equestria's future.  It will be a heavy burden, believe me.  I'm one of the few people in all of Equestria who can actually understand that."

Lightning's gaze shifted to the floor as she let the tapestry flap back into it's place over the window, "Ma'am, to give ponies hope was what I joined the Equestrian Sky Navy for.  There's no way I'd let second thoughts get the best of me when I'm this close."

"Nor would I expect you to.  However, I know how much a burden such as this can weigh on a ponies conscience.  Should you ever have the need, do not hesitate to talk with me.  Sometimes just letting another pony know can more than solve the stresses that these weights can cause.  Remember, even when you and your crew are away I will always be watching over you come nightfall.”

Lightnings hair raised at the promise.  “Yes, Ma'am.  Thank you Ma'am.”  Those were promises that every young filly or colt heard about the princesses when they were young, but to have one of the princesses themselves promise such a thing carried a different weight in her heart.

“Ahem.”  Luna coughed to switch gears, “Well, here's the door!”  Luna said as she took a turn at the end of the hallway.  “Are you prepared?”

“As prepared as I'll ever be.”

“Very well.  Follow two paces behind me and hold your head high!  Remember to smile and wave!”  Luna opened the door and exited in one smooth motion, a presence emanating from her.  It wasn't until she witnessed the princess in public that Lightning was reminded that she was truly royalty.  The rolling chatter had all but stopped, and it was replaced with a hushed silence.  However, the silence was short lived as the sound grew slowly from hushed whispers to roaring applause at Luna's appearance.  Now was not a time to gawk however, and Lightning quickly found her place two paces behind the princess.

Luna turned from left to right, offering an occasional wave to the crowd.  Although Lightning smiled as well, it was for a completely different reason.  They were walking straight towards a magnificent ship.  To her trained eye, it was obviously a long range ship designed for the expedition, but the lack of a balloon and presence of sales surprised her.  It was of mostly wooden construction, with white, gold, and purple accents across the ornate hull.  The ship bore a striking resemblance to the architecture of the capitol city of it's designers.  The picturesque sky as a backdrop for the beauty of a ship almost brought a tear to Lightning's eye.  She didn't get emotional about many things, but seeing her new command for the first time was definitely such an occasion.  Luckily, despite her emotions the pair boarded the ship without any complications.