Exodus

  Agricol Malus, or Apple Buck as he preferred to be called (He despised his High Equestrian name) carried a moaning pony on his back as he strode towards the medical bay. Apple Buck was tall. Taller than an average horse. That meant that he absolutely towered over regular ponies and had to be careful when walking The Ark's corridors, as he was bound to hit his head on a pipe, lamp or window, to name only a few of the objects which had collided with his face over the past week and a half.

Long days spent apple bucking in the orchards outside Canterlot city had gifted him with well toned muscles which either impressed or intimidated everypony who laid eyes upon him. Most farmers had preferred to delegate their work to robotic machinery or alien slaves, but Apple Buck had never understood such practices, as he firmly believed in the benefits of good, honest labour. The proof of which was evident in the way his shoulder and leg muscles rippled as he moved.

“Buckin’…worst headache ever…. How do I look?” The pony on Buck’s back muttered. He was a white coated pegasus with a close cropped red, green and blue mane. From what Apple Buck had gathered, the pony was a member of the military complement aboard The Ark, and had been off duty at the time of the riot. He had loyally attempted to intervene when Captain Fortis’ troops had been attacked by the rioters, and had taken the edge of a metal serving tray to the back of the head, several times, for his trouble. As a result, his mane was blood soaked and plastered to his skull, a small gash visible through the hair.

“Ya’ll look positively terrible.” He drawled, enunciating every syllable slowly for emphasis, unsure of the pony’s ability to comprehend speech at the moment.

“Thanks.” The pegasus mumbled, his speech slurred and obviously pained “I feel so much bucking better.”

Apple Buck raised an eyebrow at this harsh language. He supposed that not everyone appreciated his own brand of brutal honesty.

The tall, red furred and blonde haired earth horse was currently assisting in clean up duties after the shameful events of the riot several hours ago. Apple Buck's actions in the fighting had been restricted to restraining small groups of ponies and preventing them from disgracing themselves by fighting each other. Thankfully, he had not had to perform this exhausting task more than twice, as Princess Celestia's voice had immediately removed such necessity.

She had not demanded or commanded peace. She had simply asked for it. She had asked for forgiveness to be given for all parties involved, and especially for her and Luna, who, in her own words, had delayed action for an unacceptably long amount of time. With all who heard her in her hooves, she had gently commanded that The Ark be made fit for her and her sister to travel, as it was time for them to assume their duties as the new monarchs of the Equine civilization.

Ten minutes later, Apple Buck stepped into one of The Ark’s medical facilities, no longer pristine, with dozens of patients occupying the waiting room and clutching a wide variety of injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to stab wounds. Doctors were moving through the crowd and frantically trying to take care of the more serious cases before moving on to others. The nurse at the front desk was a flustered looking pegasus horse who was visibly struggling to keep up with the sheer volume of patients.

Tacita Scolaris had attempted to account for this, assigning any and all equines with even rudimentary medical experience to basic medical duties. His efforts had helped immensely, yet had not gone far enough to make the workload manageable, with what looked like hundreds of injured ponies and horses clogging every medical bay on The Ark.

It was not hard for Apple Buck to make his way through a crowd of equines sporting relatively minor injuries, the crowd quickly parting before him to make way for his titanic build. As the nurse was a horse, he did not have to lower his head much to make direct eye contact. Despite opening his mouth to speak first, he did not have the privilege of getting the first word in.

“What’s wrong with you?” The nurse had obviously dispensed with social niceties as she spoke in a clipped, blunt and tired voice.

“Nothin’s wrong with me. I’m bringin’ this one here,” Apple Buck nodded his head back, indicating the moaning pegasus on his back. “He’s hurt real bad.”

The nurse was visibly growing impatient with Apple Buck’s slow drawl. After hearing his amateur diagnosis, she jerked her head back and whinnied in annoyance.

“Wonderful! So are dozens of ponies here!” She swept her hoof across the medical bay for emphasis. “What exactly makes his case so special?”

Apple buck decided not to waste more time giving the nurse a lesson in manners, though it was obviously required at some point.

“He’s cut real bad on the back of his head. His hair’s soaked with his own blood and he almost passed out on the way here. He needs help now.” His effort at rapid speech had rendered him breathless, so he was content to wait patiently for the nurse to respond.

She was, however, unfazed, and pointed at a line of ponies and horses near the wall who were obviously far more severely injured than the norm, being tended to by several sweating and overworked medical personnel.

“Go over there and wait.” Craning her head to look over Apple Buck’s shoulder, she shouted “NEXT!”

Apple Buck turned to look at the pegasus’ wound again, then turned back to the nurse.

“Ah’m not comfortable with waitin’. This pony looks like he might die. Ah won’t...” As if on cue, the pegasus began retching violently. He soon vomited on the floor, in such volume that Apple Buck’s fetlocks were soaked by the liquid. Nearby equines verbally reacted with disgust. Several began retching themselves. The nurse’s eye twitched as she imagined a chain reaction of vomiting equines throughout the entire medical bay.

“He is suffering from a severe concussion. All it needs is bed rest and a few stitches.” A gentle voice came from behind Apple Buck, and he turned to regard a slender, blue coloured unicorn pony with a flowing silver mane tied up in a bun. She was dressed in a full body gown stained with blood and other distasteful substances. A surgical mask hung around her neck, and she levitated a clipboard and pen next to her.

“Only a few of our patients have anything more than minor injuries.” The unicorn addressed the nurse, her voice gentle but confident “I’m sure that we have a free bed to accommodate this one.” Now she turned to Apple Buck and gave him a reassuring smile. “Follow me please.”

The doctor led Apple Buck and his cargo through a nearby set of double doors, the nurse behind them exceedingly happy at not wasting more time. A loud, relieved and slightly angry voice cried behind them “NEXT!”

“That was mighty kind of ya’ll, helpin’ my friend out there.” Apple Buck was genuinely grateful for the doctor’s intervention. She had had no reason to assist him. She had hundreds of patients to attend to, and most wouldn’t have spared a horse in his same position a second glance. That she had bothered at all spoke depths for her character.

“Don’t mention it, please.” Her voice was soft and demure now that their conversation was private.

“A concussion will rapidly get worse if left unattended. I just did what any responsible doctor would do.”

At her words, Apple Buck was even more impressed. Her modesty was refreshing, especially in the ravenously meritocratic society of the old Imperium, where equines ascended the social ladder only through achievement, a situation which was fair but encouraged arrogance in just about everypony who became even slightly confident in their skills.

“Not many ponies out there who woulda done somethin’ like that for a stranger.”

“I’ve always liked helping other ponies. Please, I’m really not that special.”

The two equines lapsed into awkward silence, both unsure of what to say next.

“How…a-adorable. You two’re something else.” The pegasus chuckled weakly, earning a glare from Apple Buck and embarrassed silence from the doctor.

The pegasus groaned as he was laid onto a pristine hospital bed. The doctor wasted no time, retrieving a medical kit from a nearby shelf and preparing a needle and thread. She produced a pill from a pocket in her surgical gown and levitated it to the pegasus’ mouth.

“Please swallow this; it will soothe your pain.”

The pegasus gratefully obliged, and the doctor went to work, turning him over to examine the cut. She dipped a small square of white cloth in a bottle of alcohol and swabbed the wound, to the pegasus’ audible discomfort. Working expertly, she telekinetically controlled the needle and deftly threaded it through the cut in an alternating pattern, sealing it tightly shut. When she was finished, she stepped back and signaled a nearby orderly to clean and bandage the wound.

“Is this your first concussion?” She asked the pegasus softly, mindful that he likely intended to go to sleep as soon as possible.

“Hell no… s’probly my…third?” The pegasus was already drifting off as both the doctor and Apple Buck dropped their jaws slightly.

“They don’t call me… Spectral Blaze for nothing.” Apple Buck stepped up, an amused smile creasing his features.

“Apple Buck, pleasure to make yer acquaintance.” Spectral Blaze merely nodded weakly and lapsed into unconsciousness. As the orderly began his work, Apple Buck realized his massive social faux pas and turned to the doctor.

“Ah’m mighty sorry. Ah forgot to ask your name.” He held out a hoof.

The unicorn was hesitant for a moment, then tentatively stretched out her own hoof. When it connected with Apple Buck’s, she was visibly relieved, as if she’d been expecting to see the hoof withdrawn.

“Doctor Benevoletia Amor. But you may call me Tender Heart.” She flashed Buck a nervous smile. “It is very nice to meet you.”

Ponies and horses alike prostrated themselves on the floor as Celestia and Luna passed. A column of Imperial marines led the two princesses through The Ark towards the bridge, where Admiral Argo had called a second planning session to decide on a new course of action for the entire Exodus fleet. Captain Fortis trotted beside both princesses as the procession made its way towards the bridge, his expression disciplined and proud to an appropriately subdued degree. A master of acting like an illustrious war hero, a skill which had not only ensured his placement on The Ark but had brought him respect and authority in the Imperial army, Fortis presented an image of martial pride which was wasted in this situation, with all eyes on Celestia and Luna if they weren’t on the floor.

“I understand that the tardiness of both myself and my sister in failing to assume our responsibilities was the root cause of the riot. Is this true, captain?” Celestia’s voice was serene and controlled to a degree of perfection. Despite her young age of thirty, she sounded exactly like an ancient Goddess empress would be expected to sound, something which she had Dictito Contemplorae’s oratory lessons to thank for, rest his soul.

“I would not be so quick to lay blame on your royal person, your majesty. After all, the hearts of ponies are fragile things, and easily broken by a variety of fac…” Fortis’ smooth attempt at currying favour was cut off as Celestia interrupted him, her voice as serene and calm as ever.

“I also understand that you heroically took it upon yourself to end the riot, yet were met with limited success.” Fortis was unsure of the princesses’ meaning, and was rapidly becoming uneasy with this line of questioning.

“Yes, your majesty.” At this, Celestia turned and looked straight into his eyes.

“Your dedication and initiative are commendable, if rather heavy hoofed. Please, do try to control yourself in the future.” This was spoken audibly and normally, loud enough for all nearby to hear. In Fortis’ mind however, Celestia continued speaking through magical means intended for his ears alone.

I do not appreciate thugs, or cowards. The meaning was clear, and Fortis had to restrain the urge to gulp when Luna turned and glanced at him. A subtle flash in her eyes told him that she had heard everything her sister had said, and fully agreed.

The triumphant air of the procession was dampened slightly, with Fortis’ shoulders and posture no longer as straight with martial pride as they had been a few minutes ago.

Admiral Argo, hero of the Battle of Enchoris III, fifty year veteran of the Imperial navy, and one of the greatest naval minds that the Imperium had possessed in the last years before its destruction, knelt on his front legs and lowered his head in respect as the two princesses stepped onto the steel plated floor of his bridge.

The civilian representatives and the captains of the Exodus fleet prostrated themselves behind Argo, their heads touching the floor in deference to the admiral’s superior, yet inferior rank when compared to the two princesses, in true Equestrian fashion. A single line of naval officers and ensigns were arrayed around the door and all across the massive bridge in a box formation which enclosed the princesses and VIPs.

“Loyal subjects, rise. Rise, all of you. The trials of the past week have granted thee at least the reprieve of comfort.” Celestia and Luna spoke as one, their voices projecting across the bridge in the traditional Canterlot voice, another result of Dictito’s relentless tutoring.

Rather melodramatic, don’t you think, sister? Luna thought, her tone playful and excited. Mindspeak was a feat only the most powerful magic users were capable of, as it drained energy rapidly and thus was only possible occasionally. It was capable of transmitting emotion and meaning in a way that regular speech was simply incapable of emulating, in addition to being discreet and inconspicuous. Right now, Celestia could sense Luna overflowing with excitement and anticipation at the prospect of ruling, and responded to those emotions rather than to her words.

Be mindful of overconfidence, Luna. We are still ignorant of the subtle nuances of ruling.  A small smile creased Celestia’s lips, and a ray of satisfaction shone into Luna’s mind. That said, that was still unexplainably satisfying.

Admiral Argo stood first, his eyes locked on Celestia and Luna. Though his posture was professional and his stance soldierly, his eyes betrayed trepidation at these two untried and untested leaders. When he spoke, his tone carried a faint undertone of uncertainty. It was slight, but it was there.

“Your majesties. The Exodus fleet is at your command. What are your first orders?”

Celestia’s eyes traveled the room, examining each equine within it with a serene yet critical eye. When she had done so, she gave admiral Argo a comforting smile. When she spoke, she did so normally, without the projection of the Canterlot voice.

“Admiral, I humbly request that you cease these shows of deference.” Celestia swept a hoof across the bridge. “We are merely ponies, not deities worthy of worship.” Though it had been stated otherwise, it was obvious to all present that Celestia’s words were an order. Not a request.

The admiral quirked an eyebrow and nodded his head. “Of course, your majesties.” He stood upright and nodded to his bridge crew, who dispersed and took their stations in silence, military discipline imposing itself in the face of their new monarchs.

When all had done so, Celestia trotted up to the admiral and looked over his shoulder at the various VIPs.

“Let us begin with introductions.”

*One week earlier*

Lord Admiral Howard Steiner stood on the bridge of the FGS Kraken, regarded the massive asteroid field that had once been a planet and narrowed his eyes. Victory had been bought at a heavy cost. Over ten million Federal troops had landed on Equestria Prime. More than half had died on the surface, mostly during the catastrophic event which had literally shattered the planet. The navy had frantically tried to rescue as many troops as it possibly could, but had only been able to save a minority, with volcanoes, earthquakes and boulders making landing or even flying extremely difficult.

Even worse, the victory, costly as it was, had not been total. The Equine had survived the battle, which was something that Howard absolutely would not tolerate. Not with the sacrifices of so many millions of good men over the past four centuries, who had been lost in battle against the Imperium.

“Sir?” Howard realized that his bridge crew was waiting expectantly for further orders. He turned to regard a large monitor behind him which displayed images of a massive black ship launching from under Canterlot city, and then joining up with the remnants of the Imperial fleet and warping out of the system.

“Do we know their intended course?” Howard got in reply a chorus of negatives, the expected reply. He pressed a key on the monitor’s control panel and sent the images to every fleet sub-commander in the system. When this was done, he motioned for a nearby aide to take down orders.

“I want each fleet to muster the fastest ships available and organize them into standard five ship reconnaissance parties. Those parties are to follow the imperial fleet starting from its point of departure and exploring all possible routes it might have taken.” Howard paused to consider his next move. “Disperse all other remaining ships to the star systems surrounding Equestria Prime, especially the ones which might be in the way of our escapees.”

As his command staff carried out his orders, Howard examined the photos of the imperial fleet, zooming in on the largest ship in its midst. Stenciled on the side were High Equestrian runes which had been translated to the biblical word Ark. The Lord Admiral narrowed his eyes at the implications of such a name, and leaned forward.

“You can’t run from me, wherever you are.”