Flight of The Avali: Season One

Einuli had entered his biology lab. An area he spent a lot of time in when he was alone.

It looked just like any biological research lab, sterile, white, and scientific. There was one key difference from any others though, inside a largely empty cryogenic freezer, with a see-through front, were a few bright green feathers. The last thing he had of the last Avali he ever had contact with, Sithali. It was a grim reminder of his work, trying to desperately synthesize a cure to the biological agent the Floran Pirates had. From what he’d been able to deduce, he’d succeeded as laying under the feathers was a vial. “I’m going to complete my promise today. These Floran’s won’t hurt a single soul ever again.” He stated with a low growl, he withdrew the vial, loading it into his custom grenade launcher. This sample was one that could be made airborne. Weakening the abominations the Floran had created, it’d provide a great boon for them when they made it onboard.

He walked over to the synthesis table. Another few vials were in cryogenic storage system. He withdrew one, loading it into a nanite syringe. “Just in case.” He said, tucking it away in a place where it wouldn’t get destroyed unless he was. He took in a deep breath and left the lab, making his way to the shuttle they’d be taking to the Floran Ship.

“Alright, listen up. We’ve got one shot. Once we breach the ship itself, they’ll know. We have to scour the ship to locate where they’re holding Celestia. Our best bet is in the brig.” Dandy explained. “All of your helmets have copies of the plans. Now, if things go wrong, we are not to separate. There will be no ‘teams’ we are a single unit. If you leave the group, you’ll be considered MIA unless you can get back to us. We will not go looking for you. The longer we’re onboard their ship, the more dangerous it’ll become. I don’t want to risk anyone, especially not our target. Though…”

“If we can manage it, we’ll try to start a reactor meltdown. That’d be a best case scenario. It’d not only give us a means of escape, as they won’t want to lose their ship… but, it’ll also give us an opening to blow them to kingdom fucking come.” Oxoloc added. “And, I know that’s something all of us want to see.”

“Also, remember for the veterans, we have four newbies with us. Keep them locked down and safe.” Dandy stated. “Any questions before we get in the shuttle and head to the Floran Ship?”

“Why don’t we just teleport on?” Twilight asked.

“We aren’t on their frequency. And, the only way we can find their frequency is to board their ship. Now, if we can get that… not only can we get Celestia out, but we can teleport extra supplies in. Allowing us to actually either storm the bridge, or set off the reactors, thereby killing them all.” Dandy said. “If we can find their teleporter room, we’ll give Einuli cover so he can breach their systems. If not, don’t worry. We’ll just take Celestia back to the shuttle and get out.”

“And what if shit hits the fan?” Suzy asked.

“Then… well, we work with what we can. Depending on what could happen… we might have to find the teleporter room. Though, I doubt the Florans did much interior redesign. So, if the schematics we have are still accurate, it’ll just be a slog through hell to get to it from the brig.” Dandy said, “Now, let's not waste anymore time.” He boarded the shuttle, followed quickly by everyone else.

Meanwhile:

The others had gathered in the cockpit, Femati activating the helmet cams so they could watch what was going on from each perspective.

“Hey… Femati.” Starlight began.

“Yesss?” Femati asked.

“Would… it be possible to have this broadcasted onto Equestria? Maybe over television or some such?” Starlight asked. “It… might help turn a lot of ponies for you and your friends. Especially if they’re going in to rescue Celestia.

Femati was silent for a few moments. “I’ll try.” She responded, typing away at the console.

“Alright…” Starlight said.

The door slid open, surprising all of them as Luna walked in. “Where is everypony else?” She asked, barely giving the ponies inside a glance. The rest not even giving her any attention once they realized it was her.

“Ssscreen.” Femati stated, “I’m busssy.”

Luna looked up at the screen, surprised by both what she saw, and what she heard.

In the Shuttle:

“So… uuh, what are the chances…” Dash began.

“If you’re worried about taking a life, than you shouldn’t have come.” Suzy stated. “The universe is deadly, cold, violent, uncaring, and chaotic. Life isn’t easy. You’ll have to fight to survive, and kill to live.”

“No. I’m not talking about that… I’m asking… what are the chances of us… well, not coming back?” Dash stated.

“High if we don’t work as a team. Medium if we do.” Dandy said. “Look. We’re going to try our damndest to get you four and Celestia back. Our lives our moot at this point, and… if only you five can get back. We’ll make sure that their ship can’t threaten your planet ever again.”

“Don’t worry about us. This is a day in our life at this point. Whether it’d be fighting Avian Kluex adherents…” Chotl said.

“Hylotl still stuck in the Floran Hylotl war. Those are always fun to come across…” Ayaka added.

“USCM… the xenophobic bastards…” Suzy growled.

“The Illuminate.” Einuli added.

“Novakid Outlaws.” Dandy said.

“Space Pirates…” Oxoloc said.

“Floran cannibals and hunters.” Chotl continued. “It’s a hellish place out here. Death is common, and friendships don’t last very long if you can’t protect each other.”

“But, if you can…” Suzy said.

“You become unshakable and death doesn’t seem so frightening. It’s just… the end.” Einuli said.

“But, as dark and hostile a place as it is.” Dandy said.

“You meet those that are willing to help, willing to let you in.” Ayaka continued.

“You meet wonderful and amazing races, learn things you never could’ve imagined…” Oxoloc sighed.

“See wondrous worlds you’d think were impossible.” Einuli said.

“Find ancient ruins, and be the first to explore them…” Chotl added.

“Discover lost technology, save others… be called a hero.” Suzy finished.

“There may be bad people out there. But, there’s always good ones who outweigh them. And if you search hard enough, you’ll find those who will fight right beside you, and make this cold dark void not feel so lonely.” Oxocol said.

“Staying on one planet may be safe… but it’s boring. Which is why we’ve taken up the mantel of nomads. Always moving, always searching, always in danger… It’s fun, you know?” Dandy laughed. “Just… another day on the job.”

Twilight, Dash, Applejack, and Spike were silent, looking between each other.

“We’d never force anyone to join us. Hell, we’d actively push you away from it. This life ain’t for the weak. If you don’t push past your limits, you’ll die.” Dandy said.

“But we’ll still offer it to anyone we deem…” Suzy started. “Fit… for it.”

“It’s difficult. You have to let go of the pretense of ‘peace’ and ‘harmony’. There are those out here that’d leave you for dead, simply because they can get away with it.” Oxocol said.

“Things are never what they seem out here. Everything can fall apart at a moment's notice.” Dandy said.

“And it has, several times.” Suzy nodded.

“Why are you telling us all of this?” Twilight asked.

“I think… it’s mainly to put me off from joining them.” Spike said with a sigh. “To be honest… It’s getting a little boring… just doing the same things for all of you girls day after day. I want a bit of change, something new every day… like it was back when we first got to Ponyville.” He went quiet for a few moments. “It just seemed like… it’d be an adventure. I’m going to outlive most of you… and I don’t want to have to really face that I guess… and if I’m out exploring the galaxy… I can come back home, and have something, anything to give in the way of help. Make things better. Be something more than just… an assistant. Sure. Suzy and Femanti treated me like a student. But they were teaching me something. Showing me what I was capable of with the right things, what I could become if I just… pushed for it.” He looked up at Twilight. “I feel left out most of the time, being a second to everything. But, here… they welcomed me instantly, I’ve learned so much about each of them and what they’ve done in the past few days. It… started a fire… and it just won’t go out.”

“Spike… it’s your choice. I won’t tell you to stay.” Twilight said. “I… Don’t want you to though… you’re my brother now. Nothing can replace you. But, I don’t want you to be unhappy. And if you’re unhappy here… then… there’s not much I can do, is there?”

“I… just don’t…” Spike muttered.

“Spike. You’re your own dragon. Nopony else can tell you what to do. If you want to go out and explore the galaxy, then join them. Just… come back to visit us every now and again, alright?” Dash asked.

“I wouldn’t dream of not coming back. Equestria’s my home.” Spike said. “But… I’d also like it even more if… I dunno, you all came along too… it’d be fun again. Going on adventures. Seeing something new every day…”

“It does sound fun…” Dash nodded. “Though… that’s just the best parts of it…”

“We’re nearly there, everyone brace yourselves for the breach! We’re going to be entering in through the hold!” Dandy said, everyone on board the ship bracing for the coming impact.

On the Dome:

Everyone there was silent after hearing the conversation taking place.

“Spikey… wants to leave?” Rarity finally spoke.

“Heh… kid wantsss to join ussss…” Femati muttered. “Honessstly… Ssseeing him in action… without being held back. He’d make a great sssoldier…”

“What have you done to him?” Rarity growled.

Femati turned to face her. “Taught him what I know. Ssssuzy also helped train him. We didn’t sssee anything wrong with ssshowing him a few things. And he’sss a natural learner.” The floran stated. “He might be a new blood, but I’d trussst him with my life already.”

“He doesn’t need to be a fighter! Don’t try to change him!” Rarity snapped.

“You’re lisstening to him. It wasss hissss choice. We didn’t force him into training. He wanted to join in, and we helped him figure thingsss out.” Femati stated firmly. “Are you jussst trying to keep him as one thing, never letting him become what he wantsss? That’sss a bit… wrong, don’t you think?”

Rarity fell silent.

“He… has been seeming disinterested recently…” Fluttershy said quietly.

“I think it’d be great for him.” Pinkie said. “I mean… if he ever wants to get out of it, you guys wouldn’t keep him on your ship would you?”

“No. We’d bring him back here.” Femati shook her head.

“Well… I don’t see a problem with it.” Starlight said.

Luna had quietly sat down in the back, beginning to deeply mull over everything that’d happened recently. They were going on a rescue mission for Celestia… they planned… if they needed to, to sacrifice their lives to protect Spike, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Celestia… they’d do that despite how Luna had treated Einuli.

“Oh boy… they battle’sss about to begin… if you’re ssssqueamish, or don’t like blood… you’d best leave. I’ll come get you when they have Celestia and are returning.”

“I’ll… just wait for that…” Fluttershy mumbled, standing up and walking out.

“So… will I.” Rarity nodded, walking out with Fluttershy.

Pinkie also stood up and left without a word.

Now only Starlight, Luna, and Femati were in the cockpit. Femati had sent the CMC back to the surface at the first signs of trouble, despite their protests.

“I hope Celestia’s unharmed… and I hope they return safely…” Luna mumbled quietly. “All of them…”