After The Fall

by Android

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Human, Dark, Romance
Length: 46883

Freedom has fallen. This is the story of what happens to those who survived the Fall.

This isn't the story of the heroic crusade against tryany. The good guys don't win. One year After The Fall of the Atlantis Confederation, Omni Soldier Dax 007 is still on the run. He has a few advantages, his skills as a super soldier, his A.I. caretaker, AJAX , and the most advaced ship in the galaxy.

While fleeing an Earth cruiser, Dax makes his way into a nebula and finds something he never expects to find. A planet inhabited by humans. Only these humans are different. Some can fly with angel wings and walk on clouds and control the weather, Others can do magic like feats, possibly even real magic, And others still have strength to rival his.

Vinyl Scratch is dealing with loneliness when a stranger saves her life. He has the strength of the Earth people, but the powers of the Unicorn people. He can even fly like the Pegasus people but he has no wings.

What will happen when this last remnent of a war long lost lands in a place that looks like paradise? A more trusting place, a free place, a place that survived The Fall.

Note: All Characters are Humanized.
None of the names are Changed.
None of the places' names are Changed.
All characters are their same old selves.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-09-19 22:16:30 UTC

Chapter 2. One year later: The Discovery of a Lifetime

One Year After The Fall.

The Fall is what they were calling it. The day when the A.C. is said to have had their final stand. After The Hoop collapsed down onto Colombia, what wasn’t turned to glass by the impact was destroyed the G.E.E.s Planet Killers. The fleet proceeded drop five heavy antimatter charges on the major cities. The planet was irradiated and would remain uninhabitable for thousands of years.

After the death of the last company of Omni Soldiers and the loss of Fleet Admiral Hale, the A.C. quickly fell. The A.C. valiantly destroyed all materials and A.I. and prototypes; making sure that the last hope for freedom would survive. The G.E.E ruled over the A.C. space with an iron fist. Their ships patrolled the once free space. Gangs, cartels, and other crime syndicates quickly popped up. The space was weak and fragmented. But one last ship still roamed the now lawless space of the old A.C. The game changer, the one ship that escaped The Fall. The last Shock Trooper, the last A.I., the best ship.

Dax jumped awake. He was in his quarters on the Galactic North. The ship had become his home. And a good home she was. An energy reactor beyond what even Ajax could comprehend powered the ship. Every system was hooked up to the reactor. Regenerative antiproton torpedo launchers, energy cannons, point defense systems, shields, the stealth technology, the replicator capable of building anything in the ship’s vast data base, the armory, a simulation room, a machine shop, a medical bay, a mess hall and even a port for Dax to recharge and repair his armor. Not that he needed to do that; the armor’s reactor could power the suit for 20 years consecutively.

The ship’s drive systems weren’t entirely unlocked. Ajax, after further investigation discovered the ship’s computer contained a map of the galaxy that using a complex math formula was always accurate. The drive and map allowed the ship to jump to any point in the galaxy, even into the unexplored space outside the Orion arm of the galaxy. The ship’s alloy contained a nanotechnology that allowed the ship to repair its self as long as the reactor was powered up. The rest of the technology was still beyond Dax’s and Ajax’s understanding, for now.

“Lights,” he said. The room lit up. He was sleeping in his bed next his one way window. The window was made of the same alloy as the rest of the ship yet it allowed for transparency. It was still beyond his comprehension but he didn’t care.

He reached onto the night stand and grabbed his pad. His room was a simple one; a bed, a desk, a nightstand, a dresser and closet. There was even a connection to the galactic internet. It kept him entertained when they were in the darkness of intersystem space. Boredom was something Ajax never suffered. When she had any free time she attempted to delve deeper into the ship’s data base. So far she found that an object of unknown origin was found on orbital object D9387X763. It had apparently crashed 300000 years ago. Atlantis scientists attempted to reverse engineer the technology but only succeeded in repairing it and unlocking a little of its secrets. But then, just as they were beginning to make progress, Colombia was turned to glass.

Dax pulled on a set of civilian clothes and walked to the galley.

“Ajax, any updates?” He asked. He did this on a daily basis but didn’t expect the answer he wanted to hear.

“No, not today. No signs of any organized rebellion, or anything resembling one. Just a few terrorist attacks in the last 18 hours,” her form appeared next to him and joined him on his walk.

“Any friendly ships detected?”

“Again, no.”

Dax entered the galley. He walked to the replicator. His morning tea and egg was waiting for him. He took the cup and took a sip before looking at his pad.

“Are there any signs of…of any surviving shock troops?” he asked hopefully.

“Again, no. I’m sorry Dax but you may have to accept that you’re the last. And not just the last of you company, the last one entirely. I hate to be so harsh with you but you need to be realistic here.”

He sighed, “I know Ajax.”

There was a silence for a long time as Dax drank his tea and ate his breakfast.

“Alright, what’s on the agenda for today?” he asked tossed the plate and cup into the recycler.

“Same as always, wake up, get materials for another safe house, build the safe house, stock it up, and move on.”

“Now that safe house 8 is complete, where can we get the necessary materials for the next?”

“Bolide station is only a few light years away. And since this ship’s computer somehow omnipotently updates information on everything in human explored space, the computer says that the station is relatively friendly. We could acquire the metals and raw materials we need there,” Ajax finished.

“Good, the more places to hid we have, the better.”

“Another thing, since currency in that part of space is basically moot, we’ll have to trade. We can trade some more plasma coils, we don’t even need those, some ditrenzite monoacetate, some hextainium alloy, and some tritium.”

“Hmm, let’s get rid of some of those plasma coils if we can, the ditrenzite I think we need. I think we need to get rid of that tritium. I don’t want to risk that coming into contact with the air any longer than we have to. And I absolutely don’t want to have to clean up any radioactive water if it does.”

“You remembering when Malcolm lost all his hair when he ‘accidently’ broke a container of that stuff?”

“Yeah, it kinda sucks when you get tritiated water on your skin.”

The shared a rare laugh before setting course for Bolide station.

***

Vinyl Scratch woke up. She groggily rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. He raised her arm up, the patterns on her hands glowed as her trademark glasses flew off her desk and into her hands.

She pulled on a tank top and some cargo pants with her cutie mark on them before trudging down into her kitchen.

“Uh, I don’t feel like cooking today,” she said. She pulled on her shades and walked out her house. She pulled out her phone and checked the time; 9:00. Good. Still enough time for breakfast.

She walked down the streets of Ponyville. People were going about their daily business. Pinkie Pie decided it would be another great time to break the laws of physics as she popped out of a chimney, smiling before jumping back down and popping out of a hole in a nearby tree.

Vinyl giggled as she waved to her friend. Surprisingly, Twilight decided not to continue any Pinkie related research into how she defied all logic and understanding.

She approached a café. She sat down at one of the outdoor tables that offered a nice view of the promenade. She ordered a muffin and coffee.

Her friend Twilight Sparkle approached.

“Hi, Vinyl,” She smiled warmly, “Mind if I join you?”

“No, go ahead,” she said, “So did you see the shooting star last night?”

“What? There was a shooting star last night? I must’ve missed it.”

“Yup, it was particularly vibrant.”

“So, did you make a wish?” Twilight asked eagerly.

“Uh, I…uh…”

“Yeah, you did. I can see it on your face. What’d ya wish for?”

“Uh, I’m feeling lonely right now and I haven’t been having much luck with relationships. I can’t really find a guy who, you know, likes me for me or a guy I like for him being him. So, I wished not to be lonely anymore.”

They paused as the muffin and coffee arrived. The waiter asked Twi if she wanted anything but she declined.

“So,” Vinyl said as she took a sip from the cup, “Do you think it will come true?”

“Of course it will,” Twilight said, “That’s the magic of shooting stars. If you make a wish on one, it’s bound to come true. You were lucky that you happened to see the first one this year. Princess Luna doesn’t make them very often.”

“I guess you’re right. Speaking of which, has Spike gotten the courage to confess to Rarity yet?”

“Nope, he’s so nervous that he’s been grinding his arms against side of the tree without knowing. It’s kinda funny. There’s one part of the bark that’s smoother than silk.”

“I’d like to see that,” Vinyl laughed, “Have his wings developed yet?”

“Not yet. Princess Celestia says that they won’t show up until he’s reached adolescence.”

“Hmm, I’m so glad I’m finally off tour for now. I hate those hectic schedules.”

“You’re telling me? You should see AJ during Apple harvesting season.”

“You referring to that time when she got like three hours of sleep a night just so she could harvest all those apple trees herself?”

“Yeah,” Twilight giggled, “She was so stubborn that week. She wouldn’t accept any help.”

“I remember that. I saw Rainbow Dash flying across the sky that Tuesday.”

They laughed as they remembered the Rainbow haired pegasus girl shooting across the sky like a cannon ball.

***

Bolide station was huge. But then again, most orbital docks were. It was a huge almost mushroom looking structure with smaller bubbles and buildings popping out of the top and bottom. A large spire rose out of the top. There was an opening in the mushroom to allow for larger craft to dock with the station.

Dax brought the Galactic North closer to the behemoth.

“Thank god that this thing came with a false transponder generator,” Ajax said, “For this mission, we’re officially the ore trader Work Horse, looking to sell some tritium and plasma coils. That should work.”

“Hopefully we don’t run into any Earth patrol ships like last time,” Dax said.

A gruff voice flooded into the cabin, “Ore hauler Work Horse you will proceed to dock 492.”

“Thank you kindly, Sir,” Dax said, doing his best impression of a southern drawl.

He brought the ship into the hanger of the station. It was an open, arching area. Lights and advertisements flashed, there were all sorts of areas for one to park his/her ship. There were landing pads for smaller craft, huge piers with docking arms for the larger ship.

The Galactic North’s computer guided them to their assigned dock. They landed the ship on the large platform. Dax grabbed his pad and loaded Ajax onto it. He walked out of his new home and into the station’s atmosphere.

The station had a musky, oily smell mixed with fumes from engines and burnt metal. In this industrial environment, the sleek, shiny form of the Galactic North seemed out of place.

Dax walked up to a terminal and loaded the station’s map onto his pad. He searched for metal merchants among the chaos of the station. He quickly found what he was looking for and walked out of the shipyard.

The interior of the station was cleaner than the yard, but not by much. Shops and stores lined the interior promenade. People going about their daily business in the hustle and bustle of station life. After the fall, many chose the lawlessness of space over the tyranny of planet life.

Dax paused to take in his surroundings. A hardware store selling all sorts of things needed for life in space. A grocery store selling foods designed to last long in the vastness of the vacuum. There were even stores selling small transports and shuttles. No one was paying much attention to the escape pods. It was a taboo in the space industry to purchase any escape pods that didn’t already come with the ship. It was supposed to be bad luck.

He continued to watch. Teens running around with their friends, most likely getting into all sorts of mischief. He watched a boy and his friend rant on about the tyranny of Earth and the once greatness of the A.C. to the girls next to him. They were happy to watch them boast. The tradition of wooing women and women choosing who got to woo them was one of the few constants in space. He looked further down the promenade. A girl with a mischievous look dragged her boyfriend out of sight and into an alley.

Dax continued on until he found the metals shop. He walked in and headed to the customer service desk.

“Hello, how may I help you today?” a woman who looked too clean for her current environment said.

“Hi,” Dax said, “Do you sell tritainum alloy here?”

“Yes we do. What do you have to trade?”

Dax held up his pad. A holographic list popped up.

“I have twelve hundred liters of tritium and twenty plasma coils. The coils are in reasonably good condition and-”

A muffled boom came into the door of the shop. The floor shock and gravity momentarily fluctuated. Alarms sounded. Dax pulled his pad and Ajax back into his pocket in one fast motion. He had seen this before. He jumped and headed for the door, he rolled out of the shop just as the blast door closed behind him with a thud.

“Ajax, what’s happening?!” he yelled. Pieces of the ceiling had fallen; people were running and screaming in a craze. Far down the street, smoke billowed in from the ship yard. Another boom shook the station. Again gravity cut. Debris floated up and fires began to spread faster. Gravity returned and metal and fire all returned to the ground.

“I don’t have a lot of information right now. The most I can tell you is the obvious,” Ajax’s British accent flowed into his ear piece.

“Come on, we’re out of here.” Dax ran down the promenade toward the shipyard. Dax emerged in docks. The yard was burning. Two ships were severally damaged and burning in their berths. Dax activated his integrated HUD. He zoomed in one of the ships. It was an Earth battle cruiser. From the looks of it, someone had flown a small craft loaded with explosives right next to the hull and remotely detonated it. The other looked like it had a similar problem.

Smoke billowed from the hulks. Pieces of flaming debris had set fires in the yard. Another explosion rocked one of the cruisers; presumably a weapon emplacement. Pieces of the battery and undetonated shells sailed across the yard, impacting a heavy cargo vessel, ripping a hole in its hull.

“This looks like another terrorist attack,” Ajax said, “I wasn’t even aware that there were Earth ships on station.”

“Yeah, let’s not wait to find out if there are any more.”

He ran back towards the Galactic North. The gangplank descended and Dax ran back onto the ship. He bounded onto the bridge with gangplank closing behind him. He powered up the ship’s engines and lifted off the landing pad.

Other ships were doing the same. Dax slapped Ajax back into the ship’s computer and took control of the sticks. The interface activated as he brought the ship out of the station. Other craft were close behind him.

Outside was a small battle group. Two cruisers and a destroyer. A voice came over the com.

“All craft, this station is under lockdown by order of the Galactic Earth Empire. You will return to your berths and await further instruction.”

Three small gas haulers obviously didn’t get the message and accelerated. The destroyer fired a missile. The antimatter rocket impacted a gas hauler, turning it into a small sun. The other two jumped before the destroyer could get another lock.

Dax accelerated the ship away from the station. He was approaching the six G mark where all other ships had to top out before their inertial dampeners failed and acceleration forces killed the ship’s occupants.

“Work Horse, you will reduce speed or be fired upon.”

“Like fuck,” Dax responded. I should paint that on the stern later, he thought. He seemed to say that whenever a G.E.E ship ordered him to do something.

One of the cruisers broke formation and accelerated after him, like a shark chasing its prey.

An antimatter lance hit the shields of the ship. The North paid no heed and continued on.

“I love this ship,” Dax said, “Ajax; prepare to jump to emergency coordinates Alpha 7.”

“On it.”

“Work Horse you will reduce speed or be fired upon again.”

“Yeah? Your threats mean nothing unless you have something a little bigger in your magazine.”

The cruiser fired again. Again the shots did nothing. The cruiser opened up with all it had. Point defense cannons, antimatter lances, plasma cannons, and even chemical lasers.

“Alright, I’ve had enough of this. Ajax, activate weapons. Target their laser arrays and fire a spread of torpedoes.”

“Weapons online, target locked, firing torpedoes,” Ajax said. The rear screen showed three blue shots arcing across the darkness. The torpedoes phased through the ship’s shields and impacted the arrays. Blue explosions rocked the warship. The lasers cut off and the point defense fire thinned.

“Jump prep complete. Standing by to jump,” Ajax said.

“Get us out of here Ajax.”

Forces in the Hawking drive activated. Spatial distortions began to form. The worm hole opened and the Galactic North jumped out of existence.

***

“Vinyl.”

“Vinyl wake up.”

“Vinyl!”

Vinyl Scratched jump awake. She had fallen asleep listening to her music in a tree. She looked down. Octavia stood tapping her foot beneath the tree.

“Oh, hi Tavi,” Vinyl said.

“Nice to see you to, Scratchy,” Octavia said. She sat down at the park bench under the tree.

Vinyl jumped down and took a seat next to her longtime friend.

“You called?” Octavia said.

“Yeah. Thanks for coming. I wanna talk to you about something.”

“Fire away.”

“I talked to Twilight about this but I wanted to hear your opinion. I’m having relationship problems and well… I wanna know how you’ve had so much luck with them.”

“Well… that’s a tough one. Well when Noteworthy and I met I wasn’t looking for anything special. He was at the Equestrian Orchestra’s Winter Recital playing the piano. I was a cello player in the strings group but after I saw his playing I wanted to know him. I was fascinated with his playing. We quickly became friends. I would listen to his playing and he would watch me play the cello. We ended up practicing together. Then…uh…I guess… I don’t really know what happened. It was spontaneous I guess.”

“Well… I wish I had your luck. All the guys I meet only want one of two things or both.”

“Well, be patient Vinyl. Something like that won’t take forever. You’ll eventually meet someone.”

“Yeah, some guy is just gonna fall out of the sky,” Vinyl said sarcastically.

“Hey! You never know. Some nice pegasus boy might hurt himself and crash onto your balcony,” Octavia giggled.

“I can guarantee that will not happen. The only reason some guy will fall out the sky is if Rainbow Dash says yes to one. It wouldn’t be that he hurt himself, it would be he had a heart attack and lost control.”

“Well, I have a rehearsal to get to. Sorry to cut this short Vinyl but as they say in the Wonderbolts, ‘Duty Calls.’”

“Thanks for the talk, Tavi. I’ll see ya later.”

They got up and went their separate ways. Octavia to the concert hall and Vinyl to her recording studio.

As she walked down the street, Vinyl failed to notice the man in the black trench coat taking notes in a little black notebook.

***

Nebula 12B-222 is what its official registry was. Slang terms were ‘The Devil’s Nebula’ and ‘The Black Cloud.’

No one ever entered the cloud. All those who did never came back out. Those who did were found to be dead with serious damage to their ships. No one had gotten within one light year of the nebula. Not even the G.E.E ventured here, making it the perfect hiding place.

Space ripped open and the Galactic North reentered normal space. Dax switched the ship to auto pilot and deactivated the neural interface. He sat back in his chair and looked at the swirling mass of clouds before him. It looked almost like the storms of Jupiter and Saturn with more vibrant blues and reds mixed in. Everyone said the friendly colors were used to lure ships to their deaths.

“Well that was mildly unpleasant,” Ajax said, “Last time it was a battleship.”

“Yeah, that sucked. That antimatter beam was particularly nasty.”

They both stared at the swirling clouds.

“Hey Ajax, this ship’s sensors are more advanced than anything the rest of the galaxy has. Can they scan into that soup?”

“Hmm. Let me check,” She said. She paused, her avatar holding her temples, “Yes! Yes we can. We can actually see what’s inside ‘The Devil’s Nebula’. I never thought I’d see the day.”

“Well what are you waiting for? Let’s see what that cloud hides.”

The sensors began to scan. A map of the nebula began to take shape. Soon the 3d representation was complete.

“Well what’s been killing every ship that’s gone in there?”

“Well it looks like an extremely thick asteroid field lies hidden behind those clouds. There are also some electromagnetic anomalies that I can’t identify. That combination could kill any ship; accept ours of course. The EM anomalies most likely kill power and the asteroids kill the ships.”

A beep on the console got their attention. Ajax examined the new sensor data.

“I don’t believe it,” she gasped.

“What?”

“That shouldn’t even be possible.”

“What shouldn’t be possible?”

“The nebula is hollow on the inside. There’s an area about one light year across inside where there is no gas or any asteroids or EM activity. But there is something else inside that absolutely baffles me.”

“What already?”

“There is an H class planet in the center of the nebula.”

“H class? How is there a habitable planet in that?” Dax said pointing at the cloud.

“I don’t know, but the sensors say there’s a habitable planet in there and, if I’m not mistaken, life.”

“There’s life on that planet?”

“Unless I have glitch then yes.”

Dax sat in his chair for the longest time. A habitable planet inside a nebula no one returned from alive. An opportunity to explore a new world. To boldly go where no one has gone before. The opportunity was here and he was going to take it.

“Let’s see what’s in there, shall we?”

“What?”

“Why not? It’s an opportunity to go somewhere no one has ever been before. I always wanted to have an opportunity to explore like this since I was a small child. Even before I was a Shock Trooper. Let’s do it, at the very least for setting up another safe house.”

“Alright,” Ajax said a hint of reluctance and adventure in her voice, “Stand by to jump.”

The ship jumped again. It only lasted a few seconds before the ship emerged in orbit of the new world.

“Report,” Dax said in his best impression of a certain famous captain.

“I don’t believe my sensors,” Ajax said.

Dax stood up to see what she was looking at. Instead of a planet orbiting a star it was the other way around. A small ball of flaming gas was in a high orbit above the planet. On the other end was a small moon.

“How is this possible? Are there any other cases even remotely similar to this?”

“No, none at all. As far as I know, this is the first time anyone has seen a star system of this configuration.”

Dax stared into the darkness beyond the planet. Small pinpricks of light were visible. They resembled stars.

“Ajax, what are those?”

“Let’s see here,” she said, “uh, my best guess would be that they are micro neutron stars. That’s the closest I can come up with for what they are.”

“Scan the surface; is there any sentient life down there?”

Again, more waiting. Soon the console beeped again. A series of forms appeared floating above the console.

Ajax and Dax gasped.

The life forms were humans. Or nearly human. One had wings, another had strange marks on its hands, the other looked normal accept that the sensor data on it said its density was higher than the others. There were more still, others had bull horns, others had dragon wings and sharp teeth, there were all sorts of strange human looking variants. All were sentient.

“These are the races that live here?” Dax finally gasped.

“Uh… um… yes. This is the computer’s extrapolation of what a general looking member of each species would look like.”

“Why isn’t any of the hair colored? Is that just a part of the race?”

“No. The hair colors range so much that the computer defaulted to white.”

“Hmm.”

Another beep.

“You should also know that they have a universal language. You may wanna sit down for this one.”

Dax took his seat.

“It’s ours. They speak perfect English.”

Dax gasped, “Meaning, we can communicate with them?”

“Yes surprisingly.”

“What’s the geographical information on their civilization?”

“From the looks of it,” Ajax pulled a map up of the eastern hemisphere of the planet, “They are all concentrated on this side of the planet. For some odd reason, the western half of their world remains unexplored.”

“What are the power distributions? What nation is the most powerful?”

“Well, from what we can glean they are an extremely peaceful and trusting planet. But the main ‘power’ if you will is a nation located here,” the borders began to appear. Ajax pointed at a nation on a continent that stretched over both the northern and southern hemispheres. The nation bordered the ocean and had many cities and towns.

“They call it, Equestria.”

Chapter 3. Strange New Worlds

“So,” Ajax asked. She was beginning to look like the kid who wanted something from their parents and were working on a way to ask for it so they were guaranteed to get it.

“When are we going planet side?” she asked hopefully.

“You’re asking me when we’re going planet side?” Dax asked amazed.

“Well we are in the center of a nebula that no one in their right mind would ever think to get within one light year of, let alone go inside. My calculations show that the probability of someone finding us in here is approximately 9,997,127,874,567 to 1. I’m fairly sure we’re safe here and we should take the time to learn about this vaguely familiar yet alien culture,” she hummed.

“You’re not thinking about making first contact yet are you?”

“No, but we could do some stealth reconnaissance of the planet. Oh and they apparently have something resembling a world wide web. That’s how the computer was able to draw up so much about them.”

“Alright,” Dax said, “Why not? Prepare to take the ship into atmosphere. Activate stealth mode before we do; don’t want anyone seeing us too early now.”

“Aye aye captain. Preparing for atmospheric flight, maneuvering thrusters are offline, antigravity systems online, activating flaps and airbrakes.”

The Galactic North broke orbit and descended into the atmosphere. The stealth technology hiding their entry they began to search for a spot to leave the ship before heading out.

“Let’s not land her just yet,” Dax said, “Keep her well above the estimated flight range of those angel looking people. I don’t want anyone to be walking or flying along and smash their face on the hull.”

“Roger that, bringing her to a hover at 7000 meters.”

Dax grabbed his pad and walked down to the armory. His armor sat, waiting for when he needed it. He grabbed his armor’s helmet and a flight suit and a stealth field unit.

“Not bringing the whole package I see.”

“The whole suit isn’t necessary. Just the helmet so I can breathe at this height and the flight suit so I don’t freeze my balls off when I walk out the hanger door.”

He walked over to the bridge’s A.I. pedestal and tapped his pad on it.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Dax walked over to the rear of the ship. He passed the computer core on the way there. He opened the hanger/cargo bay door. Ajax gave him the go signal as he jumped out of the ship and into the night.

***

Vinyl walked out of her studio. She was overall pretty happy. It had been a productive night; she had gotten the vocals and the main tempo down for her next song. She decided to head over to a bar.

“Don’t get too wasted Scratchy!” Pinkie Pie popped out of a chimney.

“Don’t worry Pinkie, I’m just goin in for a few drinks,” Vinyl said without looking up. She was used to Pinkie’s defiance of the laws of physics.

She walked by Rarity’s shop. The fashion designer was lightly humming to herself as she snipped and sewed. She walked by the library. Twilight could be seen through the window returning some books to a shelf as she closed up shop for the night.

She put on her headphones and played some Daft Pony. She nodded her head to the beat as she walked down the street.

In her musical bliss she failed to notice the man in a black trench coat following at a distance. He watched her, his yellow eyes glistening in the moonlight, as she entered the Waterfall bar and club.

The lights flashed, the beat of the music flowed over her. Vinyl felt at home in this techno musical environment. Though this was only one of a few clubs in Ponyville it was one of the good ones. Not the best club obviously but good enough for Vinyl.

The famous and august DJ drew some looks as she entered the club. She removed her signature sunglasses to reveal her ruby eyes. She took a seat at the bar and ordered a drink. She listened carefully to the DJ at the turntables. He made a few mistakes but not enough for the party goers to notice. She however noticed but with enough practice he could become very good so she let it go. Her drink arrived. An Aurora, the vibrant blue and orange colors glowed in the dimly lit environment. They danced up and down the glass.

Vinyl stared at the color concoction before downing the beverage in one sip. She ordered another and watched the colors change and swirl. They danced and glowed, casting their rainbow hue on Vinyl’s pale skin. She felt a presence behind her. A hand was placed on her shoulder.

“Hey,” a masculine voice said, “You’re DJ Pon-3.”

“Yes.”

“You wanna come dance with me? I’ll show some nasty dance moves. Maybe even a little more than dances if you’re lucky,” the voice said.

“No, I’m fine,” she said as she stared into her drink.

“Come on girl. It’s just a dance,” He said. He turned her around in her seat.

“I said no. Now you’re gonna get your hand off me you won’t get it back,” her red eyes bringing forth her malevolent fury.

The guy let go. He mumbled something under his breath before stomping off.

Vinyl sighed. Every confrontation like that left her tired. She could see it on his face what he really wanted. She returned to the colors of the drink. It’s light reflecting off her eyes. She pulled it up to her mouth and gulped it down. She stood up and then with a look of confidence ran into the fray of dancers.

***

Dax was hovering just outside the city. It was unlike anything he’d ever seen. It was a massive structure that was floating high above the ground, seemingly of its accord.

“So Ajax,” he said, “Can you tell me exactly how that’s possible?”

“Um no. Not right now,” she responded, “all I really know is that it’s composed of some unknown material.”

“Could it possibly be the same stuff the North is made of?”

“No, defiantly not. This stuff has a varying density and composition. Some of it is water vapor, almost like a cloud but the other stuff in it is beyond me. But from the looks of it, what their ‘internet’ if you will says is that this city’s name is Cloudsdale. It is mostly populated by those winged people. For some unknown reason only those winged people can live in the city.”

“Is it a racial issue or physically?”

“Neither. They seem very open to any race living in the city and there is a means to get up there but for some unknown reason only those winged people can physically walk in the city. All others simply fall through.”

“So it’s some unknown physiological issue.”

“Wanna see if you can walk on it?”

“Are you sure about that? I mean I could fall through,” Dax said being unusually cautious.

“Yeah, I mean the worst that could happen is you falling through and you have to fly back up here.”

“Alright,” Dax said. He activated the stealth and instantly became invisible, “Just in case someone is up at this hour.”

He took off toward the city. He flew over what looked like a factory type building. It had a few lights on but looked like most of the people had gone home for the night.

“Ajax, do we know what that is?”

“Well it says that it’s a ‘weather factory.’ Though I don’t know how one manufactures weather. It must serve some purpose.”

Dax found an alley way and landed with a quiet thud. He didn’t fall through. The ground was solid like a type of stone or crystal. The buildings were all white.

He stepped out of the alley way. An angel man in a police uniform walked by. He didn’t even see Dax as he continued on his way. Dax stepped into the city’s streets. The city was quiet for the most part. A couple came stumbling out of an intersection. The girl had flame colored hair and the guy had blue. Both were laughing they ran past Dax and into the dark.

“Wanna see where they came from?” Dax asked.

“Sure, maybe we’ll get to see some of the culture of this place.”

They went in the direction the two came from. They came into a place that could best be described as Las Vegas. A huge dome rose up over the street. It seemed to be one way and allowed the starlight in but kept the city light out. Lights and advertisements blared. People were laughing and bustling about in the night life of the city. Restaurants and casinos were all over. Clubs and hotels left and right. There was even the occasional strip club. Music by all sorts of artists could be heard. Signs promoting each artist were all over the place.

Daft Pony, The Mustangs, Black Jacket, Archie, all sorts of signs for all sorts of artists. Dax and Ajax walked into the fray, careful to avoid bumping into anyone. Ajax was eagerly taking all sorts of notes and observations on the culture and attitude of this world. She began to talk excitedly.

“This is so amazing! What are the odds of another humanoid civilization evolving in a star system unlike any we’ve ever seen in the center of a nebula no one has ever been in? You were right. This is an opportunity to learn about an alien culture first hand!”

“Now why does this society seem familiar? Other than the obvious reasons,” Dax said.

“Well they most closely resemble a 21st century earth but they also have a Steampunk type aspect to them. While they have technology like…well this. Many of their machines and modes of transport are surprisingly Victorian. They still use airships as a means to get from place to place.”

“Hmm. That’s a little strange but I guess this situation is anything but normal.”

Dax allowed Ajax to conduct her research. He wanted to immerse himself in the culture of this place. He stared at a large screen, watching the advertisements and signs change. A new sign loaded up and glowed brightly.

Dax read the sign, “Vinyl Scratch. Hmm. Interesting name. Hey Ajax!”

“Yes?”

“Who’s that?” he said pointing at the sign.

“Let me check. Ah here it is, that’s ‘DJ Pon-3’ or as the sign says ‘Vinyl Scratch.’ From the looks of it she’s an extremely popular DJ and artist.”

“Cool.”

They continued to walk around the strip. Ajax going on about the complexities of this new culture and the history behind it. Dax simply let the feeling of normality over take him. Though this was an alien culture and a new and exciting place, he felt strangely civilian. He hadn’t felt like a normal person in years. For eight years all he did was train and kill. He’d commanded ships, sent thousands of sailors on the other side to their deaths, he’d flown fighters, shot down enemy fighter and watched pilots burn in their craft as they began to explode, and he’d even been on the ground, boots in the mud, shooting and getting shot at.

He finally convinced Ajax to let him fly up to the top of the dome and enjoy the view of the floating city.

“It’s almost magical,” Ajax said.

“Yes it is.”

The center of the city glowed like a gem. The lights twinkling like stars in the sky. He sat and enjoyed the view. The magic of being under an alien sky, in an alien city, on an alien world felt great. True exploration.

Dax looked over. He noticed something on the ground to the east. It was a small town.

“Hey Ajax,” he said, “Wanna check that out? We’ve seen a city floating the sky, why not something a little closer to normal?”

“Alright. It would be interesting to see what normal town life is like.”

Dax jumped off the dome and dove towards the town. A small town called Ponyville.

***

Vinyl stumbled out of the club. She had a little too much to drink and was bit buzzed. She tapped the top of her head. Her signature glasses were there. She attempted to make her way back home. She was gonna have one hell of a fucking hangover tomorrow.

A figure ran up behind her, “Hey! You’re Vinyl Scratch right?”

She turned around, “The one and only.”

“Can I have your autograph?” he said handing her a piece of paper.

“Sure, who should I make th-” She let out a muffled scream as a cloth was pushed into her face. She began to thrash but was soon unconscious; limp as a ragdoll.

“Alright then,” the man said. Another figure came out of the shadows.

“Come on,” he said, “You have the guns?”

He pulled a bolt action rifle and shot gun off of his back. These were the two most advanced weapons in the world.

They grabbed Vinyl’s limp body and dragged her down the street.

***

Vinyl awoke. Her vision was blurred but slowly returning to her. She attempted to move but found she couldn’t. She was tied to a chair, her arms behind her back. She examined her surroundings. She was in her house in the kitchen. There was a man in her living room. He was looking for something. In his hand was a…a…what is that? Oh sweet Celestia it was a gun!

She screamed.

The man with the gun stood up, “Well, well, looks like your awake. Now tha-”

A man in a trench coat entered the room, “Silver! You were supposed to silence her! Who knows how many people she just woke? Go tape her mouth now!”

The man with the gun came into the kitchen. Vinyl whimpered as the man pulled a roll of tap out of his pocket and put a piece over her mouth. She was silenced.

“Now, will you please resume looking?” he said. Glass shattered as another man climbed through the window, “Good, you made it. Now you can go help this jar head over here.”

The man walked passed Vinyl and into the living room. Vinyl was terrified.

***

Dax landed just on the outskirts of the town. There were a few houses and buildings here. He looked up at the sky. The city of Cloudsdale was still visible as a black blob in the sky. He checked his stealth kit’s battery. It had a few minutes left. Just enough time to get a quick look at town.

“So, Ajax. Where should we spend our last few minutes before we have to return to the ship?”

“I don’t know. Though I’m liking tha-” A scream broke the serenity of the night. Instantly Dax’s helmet searched for the source. The sensors finally located the source. A house.

“What the fuck was that?” Ajax asked.

“I have no idea but whatever it was it came from there,” his helmet pointed at the house.

“That didn’t sound good. It sounded like someone was terrified.”

Dax looked at the house. A man was smashing the window and climbing his way into the home. Dax’s mind instantly analyzed the situation. He’d seen it before. A scream of terror, a man climbing into someone’s home. It wasn’t too hard to put two and two together and get a burglary.

“Alright. This may be an alien place but I’m pretty sure a home invasion looks the same where ever you go.”

“I’m with you on this on.”

Dax ran towards the house. He peered through a window. There was a young woman tied to a chair. Three men were going through her things in the living room. One of the men strolled through the kitchen towards the back door. He opened it and looked out.

“When we have what we need we can head out here. No reason to risk anyone seeing us.”

He returned to the living room before moving on to another room in the house. Dax’s military training kicked it. He crept along the back patio until he reached the door. He carefully and quietly pushed it open and crept inside. The girl tied to the chair looked vaguely familiar. She had ruby red eyes and electric blue, spiky hair. He crept past the island towards the fridge.

His HUD flashed a warning. The stealth kit’s battery was empty. He would be visible in a few seconds.

“Well fuck,” he whispered to Ajax, “If we’re going to be seen at least we’re stopping a home invasion. Let’s clean house.”

“Let’s.”

***

Vinyl looked desperately for something to cut her bonds. She looked towards the island. If she could get there she might have the slightest chance of getting a knife. Something near the fridge and kitchen door caught her eye.

A form began to appear; first the legs, then the lower torso, the lower arms, the upper torso and shoulders, and finally the head. A helmeted figure in a sleek suit stood before her. The visor on its helmet hid its face. On its arm was some touch pad and a small pad was hooked up to it.

She attempted to let out a muffled scream. The figure reacted quickly. He held up a finger in front of his helmet. The universal ‘sshhh’ sign. She silenced herself. The figure moved quietly and quickly. He held up a knife and pointed at her bonds. He moved behind her. She felt the ropes being cut. Soon she was free. It grabbed her and stood her up holding out its hands in a ‘stay, don’t move’ sign. He moved next to the fridge next to the kitchen door way; unseen by her uninvited guests.

The one with in the trench coat noticed she was up, “Hey! How did you get out of those?” He began to walk towards her. As soon as he cleared the kitchen door he was met with a fist. The figure moved fast. Its fist impacting his head, throwing him across the room and impacting the counter top bar. He wasn’t moving.

The noise alerted the others. The window man came in to the right of Vinyl from her den/computer room.

He saw his fellow burglar sprawled along the floor, blood leaking from his head.

“What the fuck?! You!” he made a run toward Vinyl only to be tackled by the figure. He smashed the man onto the ground before punching him in the face, knocking him out.

The one with the guns appeared near the doorway. The figure stood up and began walking towards him.

“Holy fuck, eat this asshole!” he yelled. He held up his bolt action and fired. The bullet impacted the figure’s upper torso. It looked down at the wound. Blood began pouring out before the suit sealed itself off. The figure looked up and continued walking.

“Shit!” he threw his gun at the figure while grabbing another off his back. The figure grabbed the gun out of the air and snapped it. The man put the shotgun to his shoulder.

“Survive this, fucker!” he fired the shotgun. The metal pellets impacted the figure. The figure reeled back, falling to its knees. Cracks had formed along the visor. Blood began to pour out of several wounds in its chest and legs. It stood up. It pulled the knife used to cut Vinyl free out of a pocket and threw it. The knife sailed across the room and hit the man in the chest. He dropped the gun and fell to the ground.

The figure turned back to Vinyl. She shrunk back. It looked hurt. It put its arm against the wall, supporting itself. It held its other arm up. It started to sway before collapsing to the ground.

Vinyl was scared. In her presence was a creature that had incapacitated, possibly killing her attackers. If it wanted to hurt her it most likely would have done it already. It had risked its life to save her. And now she had to save it.

Chapter 4. Recovery

His vision was blurry. That shotgun did a lot of damage to him. Fuck, Dax thought, I should have worn the armor.

“Dax!” Ajax’s voice was getting muffled.

A few beeps in his helmet could be heard. Ajax’s voice could be heard clearer now.

“Dax, I’m taking over your medical systems. I’m going to attempt to stop the bleeding…”

Dax lost consciousness.

***

What happened here?

Attackers?

Half of this blood belongs to that?

Get that suit off of him.

***

BEEP

BEEP

He has multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and legs.

Let’s take a look.

Sweet Celestia, who is this guy?

He’s built like a tank. I’ve never seen bones so strong before.

He took a 12 gauge buck shot rounds to the chest. He shouldn’t even be alive.

I’m sorry Miss but you’re gonna have to leave.

***

So what are you saying doctor?

I’m saying his DNA and physiology varies from ours.

His DNA is different from ours by 1% He doesn’t carry any of the Earth, Pegasus, Unicorn, or any of those genes that he should. He also has an extra organ and some type of computer system in his spine. I don’t know what any of those systems do so I left them be. But what I’m saying is he’s not of our world.

So he’s an alien.

Be quiet Rainbow Dash and let the nice man finish.

He is an alien and he isn’t. He’s close to the same species as ours but not the same race. So to speak.

What about his suit he was wearing?

I assumed it was part of his clothes and left them on the chair next to his bed. That suit he was wearing is amazing. All the holes in it are repaired. The cracks in his visor are repairing themselves too.

Sorry Rarity. No fashion designing this time.

***

Dax awoke. Something wasn’t right. He felt another presence in his mind. Oh great, he thought, Ajax.

“I heard that,” she said. Her voice echoed around in his mind.

“Why are you in my mind?”

“Well you were bleeding so I transferred myself into your neural systems to help stop the bleeding and seal the wounds.”

“Where are we?”

“Well I could only use your ears while you were in la la land so I couldn’t hear much. But I would guess that we’re lying in a hospital bed in a hospital.”

“Great.”

“You should also be aware that they know.”

“Know what?”

“That you’re an alien; that you’re not from their world. Though they don’t really care much about that from what I can hear.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, they seem really curious about you. One of them is dying to learn about where we come from though I don’t think she’ll like the answer. Oh and I learned that the woman you saved was that DJ on the sign you saw.”

“Really? What was her name again? Vivian? Sarah? Uh this is gonna bother me.”

“Vinyl Scratch is her name. She and six others are sitting in the room looking at you. They’re all wondering when you’re gonna wake up.”

“Can I have my ears back?”

“Sure, oh and get me back into your pad as soon as possible. Your neural systems don’t have a lot of processing power.”

“Alright.”

Sound returned. Control of his body also came back. Dax continued to lie in the bed, listening.

“Why can’t I just slap him across the face? That should work!” came a crackly feminine voice.

“Rainbow Dash, that would be rude. You wouldn’t like if you woke up in some strange place with some strange, Rainbow haired gal smacking you in the face,” said another voice with a country accent.

“Wait, look!” said another voice, “His high brain activity just went down.”

“Is that good?”

“I don’t know. He had abnormally high brain activity to begin with.”

Dax opened his eyes and shot up like a bullet. He saw seven girls sitting in chairs around the room jump. One of them with a tomboyish look and Rainbow hair jumped out of her chair and flew towards him, fists and wings at the ready.

Dax raised his arm, he stopped the girl midflight.

“Ah! What is this?!” she yelled flapping her cyan wings in attempt to escape.

“Why are you trying to punch me?” Dax said. He searched for his pad and found it on the nightstand next to him. He grabbed it and felt Ajax leave his system.

“You jumped up like that. That and you’re an alien. You could have been attacking,” she protested.

“Oh Rainbow stop it now; the fella was probably startled. Waking up in a strange hospital like this,” a blond haired girl in a pair of work jeans and a shirt said. A Stetson hat sat upon her head.

“Fine,” Rainbow Dash said, “Can you put me down now?”

He put the girl back into her chair. Suddenly there was a pink blob in his face. A girl with pink hair was talking a mile a minute, “OOOOOHHH, an alien! We should have a party for the first alien in Ponyville! Do you have parties where you’re from? I bet you have parties. I love parties an-”

An arm cut her off. A girl with purple hair and pink highlights spoke up, “I’m sorry about this; waking up and having Rainbow Dash try to beat you up and Pinkie going crazy just as you wake up must be a little scary.”

“Not really,” Dax said remembering Bolide Station.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle,” the girl said, “The one with pink hair and wings is Fluttershy, the purple haired one is Rarity, the pink girl you just met is Pinkie Pie, you already met Rainbow Dash, the blond one with the hat is Applejack, and the blue haired one is Vinyl Scratch.”

“Howdy partner,” Applejack said.

“Pleasure to meet you Darling,” Rarity said in a fancy, Victorian voice.

“Sorry I tried to kill you,” Rainbow Dash laughed.

“Um, hi,” whispered Fluttershy.

“Hi!” said Pinkie Pie.

Vinyl jumped out of her seat and gripped the super soldier in a bear hug.

“Thank you, thank you so much! I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t saved me!” her slangy, melodious voice cried.

Dax cringed, “Gunshots?!”

“Oh, right. Sorry ‘bout that,” she jumped back into her seat.

“So where’re you from?” Applejack asked.

“Uh… can we talk about that later?”

“Sure.”

“Can you show us that telekinesis you used to stop Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.

“Sure,” Dax pulled his pad up from the nightstand. It hovered above his hand, rotating to his will.

“How are you doing that?” Twilight asked, taking notes on a note pad, “You don’t have any genes that would be indicative of any abilities like this.”

“Well I can explain that later,” Dax said.

“What about you abnormally high brain activity? Is that normal for you or is it something else?”

“Well that would be better explained if I introduced you to someone,” Dax said.

The girls all looked at each other. He came into the hospital alone, right? Dax grabbed his pad and tapped a few buttons.

“Come on out Ajax,” Dax said. The pad’s screen began to glow and Ajax’s avatar popped into existence.

“Hello everyone,” Ajax said.

Ajax’s avatar stood life sized next to the bed. Everyone stared in awe at the person who now stood before them.

“Everyone,” Dax said, “This is Ajax. She is my caretaker artificial intelligence. She was kind of in my mind earlier.”

Twilight smiled. She ran up to the hologram, “You’re an A.I.?!”

“Yes, I am an A.I.”

“Oh my gosh! What’s it like being a computer? How much processing power do you have? What kind of software do you run on? Are you a smart or dumb A.I.? What’s your life expectancy?”

Everyone watched in awe as Ajax answered all of Twilight’s questions in quick succession until finally Twilight ran out of questions to ask the A.I.

Ajax didn’t mind. It seemed she was enjoying talking to someone other than Dax. She’d only talked to Dax for the past one year. Though she wouldn’t admit it to Dax or herself she did enjoy talking to another person.

“So you’re a computer?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Not exactly,” Dax said, “She just happens to live in one. And unlike us, her abilities to function are only limited by how much processing power she has access to.”

“So…Can you explain that in plain Equestrian?” She asked.

“Take your ability to fly, Rainbow,” Twilight said, “In a large room you can do more of your tricks and flips, but in a smaller room you can’t do as much. It’s the same thing for her.”

“Oh I get it now.”

“It’s so amazing to be talking to an A.I. I mean a real artificial intelligence. Equestrian scientists have been trying to build an A.I. for years now but haven’t been making much progress.”

“Well it took scientists from my worlds hundreds of years before anything like Ajax was built.”

A holographic chair materialized next to Ajax. She took her seat.

“Well how long do you plan on bein on our fine world Mister….mister…? What did you say ur name was?” Applejack asked.

“Oh dear, girls!” Rarity said as hushed as she could, “No one asked his name!”

“Just saying, I can hear you Miss Rarity,” Dax said, “My name is Dax.”

“Well it’s mighty nice to make your acquaintance Dax,” AJ said.

“Thanks. Vinyl is it?” Dax asked turning to the DJ.

“Yup,” Vinyl bounced.

“Do you know who those guys were who attacked you?”

She shrunk down at mention of the previous night, “No, I don’t. I just remember walking home and having a cloth shoved in my face. After that I woke up tied to a chair. I don’t even want to know what would have happened if you didn’t show up when you did.”

“Well I just happened to be in the neighborhood.”

“That brings up another question; why are you here? I mean not that you aren’t welcome but why did you come to our planet?” Twilight asked.

“Well,” Dax said. He knew he was lying or only telling part of the truth. Right now there was no need for them to know what he did, “I was exploring. My ship detected your planet and found that it contained life so Ajax and I decided to study the culture here. We were about to get a rough outline of this town before we heard Vinyl’s scream. After that, well the rest you already know.”

“Wait! You were here trying to learn more about us?” Vinyl said.

“Yeah, your culture is interesting. You have a very interesting society here. Just last night I was exploring Cloudsdale.”

“You were in Cloudsdale? That means you can walk on clouds! How were you not seen? I’m pretty sure that someone walking around without wings in a suit like that would be noticed,” Rainbow said.

“Well my suit has a stealth kit. It allows me to be invisible and unheard by anyone. As for walking on clouds, Ajax is still trying to figure that one out.”

“Give me a few days and I can probably figure it out,” Ajax said.

“So you’re planning to learn more about us?” Applejack asked.

“If you’ll allow. If not then I’ll return to my ship and depart without question. I’ll be disappointed but I’ll respect your wishes.”

“Aw heck. You can stay as long as you like, it’s not every day an alien saves the life of one of our friends. You’re A OK in my book,” Applejack smiled.

“Oh what the heck, you’re fine by me too,” Rainbow Dash said.

“This is so amazing! A real life alien! And an A.I.! You can stay as long as you like.”

“I like him,” Vinyl smirked, “He saved my life, the least I can do is expose him to the best Equestria has to offer.”

Dax proceeded to ask and answer a series of questions. He learned that Equestria is ruled by a pair of extremely benevolent sisters named Princesses Celestia and Luna. He was amazed to learn that the two actually physically controlled the orbits of the star and moon that hung above the planet.

Dax was released from the hospital later that day. The doctors gave him some cream to rub into the bandages. He would be fine in a few days they said. He walked out on crutches. Vinyl held his helmet.

The nine of them, Ajax included, her avatar ‘walking’ along with them, headed to the Library.

“So,” Rainbow Dash said, “you said you can walk on clouds. But can you fly?”

“Actually yes,” Dax said. He turned to Applejack, “Can you hold these for a second?” he asked holding up the crutches. She took them and joined the others in watching. Dax floated into the air. They all gasped as he floated into the sky. He had no wings yet he floated up.

Rainbow Dash leapt into the air and followed.

“Whoa, how are you doing that without wings?” she asked amazed. She hovered next to Dax.

“I’m an alien remember? I don’t have to obey the laws of physics.”

“Like Meeee!” Pinkie Pie sang from the ground.

The nine headed over to Twilight’s tree house. They had fun with each other. Ajax, ever the intellectual kept the attention of Rarity, Twilight, and Fluttershy. Dax kept close the group so Ajax didn’t phase out of existence. It felt nice to fly again. They finally reached the house; Vinyl helped Dax back onto his crutches.

Twilight knocked. The door was answered by a boy in a green shirt and blue shorts answered the door. He had green and purple, spiky hair and looked no older than 12 or 13 years old.

“Hi Twilight,” He said looking over at Dax on his crutches, “Who’s your new friend?”

“Hi Spike, This is Dax. He’s the one who saved Vinyl last night.”

Spike’s eyes widened, “You’re the alien Twilight says took a shotgun round to the chest? That’s so cool! Come in!”

They all filed in in succession. The library was huge. Dax and Ajax stood in amazement. There were shelves and shelves of books lining the walls. A table stood in the center of the room, holding a lamp and book. A couch sat in one end along with several chairs and benches.

Vinyl helped Dax onto the couch. Ajax’s chair materialized much to Spike’s amazement. Vinyl took a seat next to Dax.

“Do you mind if I inform the Princesses that you’re here and on your feet?” Twilight asked.

“Not at all,” Dax responded. He pulled up his pad and checked his medical data. The nanites in his body were repairing his wounds. He should be fine in a few days.

Spike had grabbed a paper and quill and began to write. He was finished and rolled up the paper and breathed a burst of green fire onto it. It burned and turned to smoke in one quick burst.

“Well that was interesting,” Ajax said.

“Very but not the craziest thing I’ve seen.”

“What kind of crazy things have you seen then, Darling?” Rarity asked.

“Well I once saw a guy lose all his hair after smashing a container of tritium.”

“Um, what’s tritium?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh I know!” Pinkie yipped, “Tritium is an isotope of hydrogen that can form tritiated water which is a radioactive form of water that can be toxic when it comes into contact with skin.”

“Uh, yeah. That’s exactly what it is,” Dax said amazed, “How’d you know that?”

“It was under T!” she sang as she bounced into the kitchen.

“So I should be back to normal within a few days. I’m looking forward to learning all about you guys. So far we’ve only scratched the surface. We only know the names of a few artists, similarities between my culture and yours’, brand names, ect. Only a little bit.”

“What artists do you know?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well we saw some posters for Daft Pony, The Mustangs, Black Jacket, Archie, and one for Ms. Scratch over here.”

Vinyl blushed at the recognition. Pinkie returned with some pastries and apple juice. She handed a muffin to Dax. He held his pad up to it. Nothing that wasn’t consistent a normal blueberry muffin.

“Sorry,” he said, “Alien food and all, I don’t want to happen to eat anything that may be toxic to me.”

“Understandable,” Applejack said, “Later you should try some good ole fashion, homegrown, Apple family apples. Best apples in all of Equestria.”

“I’ll take you up on that offer.”

“So if you’re gonna be learning about our culture and customs, where are you gonna be staying?” Vinyl asked.

“Well I don’t really need a place to stay as much as a place to park.”

“Park?” Vinyl asked.

“Well right now my ship is about 7000 meters above the ground just outside of Cloudsdale.”

“Well there are some unused plots of land that the mayor has been dying to get rid of. I’m sure she won’t mind you taking a few acres off her hands,” Twilight said.

“Cool,” Dax said. A crash of thunder could be heard outside. Rain began to pour.

“Uh, I flew past a weather factory in Cloudsdale. Aren’t you…uh pegasi supposed to be able to control the weather?”

“Aw Luna’s fury,” Rainbow moaned, “I forgot there was a thunderstorm scheduled for today. Well, looks like the weather patrol did a good job without me there today.”

“Well we could always do a slumber party!” Pinkie said. Ran up to a book shelf and pulled a book. The shelf turned revealing a wall of party supplies. Streamers, ribbons, games and sleeping bags lined the wall.

“I have party supplies stashed allover Ponyville. In case of party emergencies,” Pinkie said, grabbing a party horn.

“When did you get time to build this?” Rarity asked.

“Oh Rarity, you have to see past the fourth wall! For now, let’s party!”

With that she grabbed a hat off the wall, removed some streamers and ribbons and began to decorate the library. Vinyl grabbed a pair of turn tables off the wall and some records. The others grabbed their sleeping bags.

Ajax’s form disappeared before rematerializing in some PJs and a party hat. Dax gave her a look.

“What?” she asked.

“You never told me you could do that.”

Pinkie ran up to him and tossed a party hat on his head. She bounced away before coming back with a pair of party glasses, beads, confetti, and a party horn. As Pinkie bounced away he failed to notice Vinyl throwing him a sleeping bag. She put a hand to her mouth as it smacked him across his head. Ajax laughed.

“Oh my gosh! You alright?” she asked.

“Yeah, not every day I’m assaulted with party supplies and a sleeping bag.”

Applejack grabbed a board game off the wall. Vinyl returned to the turntables and tossed a record on. She rejoined the group. It was a simple game. The objective was to get one’s piece around the board in a series of circuits. Dax and Ajax watched while the others played; Ajax taking notes on the rules and quirks of the game.

Social situations like this weren’t unfamiliar to Dax. He’d normally been the observer in most of them. At any party or any dinner with the Brass he’d pay his respects before withdrawing to the courtyard or outside or anywhere away from attention. Here he felt reasonably comfortable sitting on the couch observing like always.

Not like six years ago. He’d never really forgiven Naomi or Ajax for that, though he had a great time.

***

Six Year Ago. Shock Trooper Training School. Third Year of Training.

Mess Hall.

“So an Earth Corporate, a Priest, and a normal guy all walk into a bar,” Adrian says, “The bartender looks up to the corporate and says, ‘Fuck outta here you cheap bastard. Your wallet is rustier than a hatch on a water hauler.’ He turns to the priest and says, ‘What the fuck are you doing here, father? Shouldn’t you be harassing some kids at a daycare or something?’ The last guy sits at the bar and orders a drink and says, ‘what’s my problem then?’ The bartender looks at him and says, ‘Nothing, now get the fuck outta here.’”

They all shared a laugh. Dax, Adrian, Danny, Naomi, and Daisy all sat the table. The mess hall was a nice place. The large windows offered a nice view of Colombia’s star. They sat eating their supper.

Daisy spook up, “So everyone’s going to that ‘social dinner’ tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” Naomi said, “We all know what it really is. A party for us. The Brass isn’t allowed to actually throw a party for us, regulations make sure to that. But that doesn’t stop them from throwing one for the Admiral.”

“I like the Admiral,” Danny said, “Everyone says his glares can cut a hole through a bulkhead but he has a soft side.”

No one noticed Dax get up and attempt to leave, in an attempt to get out of going to the party. This one happened to be optional and Dax was going to do everything he could to get out of it. No one noticed him leave. No one except Naomi.

He was almost at the exit when he felt an arm grab him by the collar.

“Just where do you think you’re going?” she asked. He turned around, her face burning a hole through him, “You are going to that party.”

“No I’m not,” Dax said.

“You want me to make this an order? Leader rotation isn’t until next week so I’m squad leader until then. So unless the Admiral appoints a leader out of the five of us like he did for half the other squads you’re going to that party.”

“Not under regulation 435. If I have prior commitments then I’m off the hook.”

“What prior commitments do you supposeably have?”

“Medical.”

She let go of him, “Fine.” She looked a bit disappointed as he walked out of the Mess hall. Ajax appeared next to her.

“Just so you know,” she said, “He’s going whether he knows it or not.”

“And how do you plan on getting him to do that?” Naomi asked glumly.

“Meet me in medical bay 36. I figured he’d try to volunteer for some new treatment so I switched what he signed up for. He’ll be ‘testing’ an anesthetic and a new neural drug. The neural drug makes people more compliant and submissive,” Ajax grinned, “You’ll find him unconscious on a table. Make him have a good time, he’s too high strung.”

Naomi starred at the A.I. If anyone said A.I.s weren’t fully sentient she had an argument against it. She’d just played her own trainee.

“Just don’t have too much fun with him or I will know,” She gave Naomi a sly grin before ‘walking’ down the hall.

Naomi smiled and ran back into the mess hall.

“Guys, Dax is coming. But I’m gonna need your help carrying him.”

Friday.

The four trainees had their dress uniforms on. Underneath they wore common casuals. They reported to Medical Bay 36. Dax was unconscious on the bed.

Dax awoke. This wasn’t right. This wasn’t the med bay. He was in a chair at a table in the hanger. Trainees were mingling around with each other. He looked down; he was in his dress suit. Naomi.

She ran up to him, a huge grin plastered on her face, “Hi Dax!”

“What the fuck Naomi. Why am I here?” he asked, fury beginning to make its way up to his face.

“I don’t know. You tell me,” she said mischievously.

“You drugged me. You switched what I had signed up for,” he said angrily.

“Wrong! That was Ajax. I just brought you here,” she grinned.

“Eh what?! AJAX!” he yelled. The A.I. appeared next to his chair.

“Yes?” she smiled.

“Don’t you get smug with me! What did you do to me?!”

“Oh just a little something, something,” she said, “Let’s test it out; stand up.”

Dax stood up.

“Put your hand on your nose,” she said.

He felt his hand moving of its own accord. He wasn’t doing this. What was this?

A look of horror crossed his face, “What did you do to me?”

“Jump up and down.”

He did.

“You’re a bit high strung Dax,” the A.I. said, “Relax, have a good time.”

Naomi was going to enjoy this.

“I’m going to kill you, both of you.”

The ceremony for the admiral was short and sweet. Soon the DJ came on stage. The music began to play, the lights dimmed. Laser lights and strobes came on. Ajax winked out of existence. People began dancing.

Naomi grabbed his hand, “Let’s have some fun. Dance.”

He found himself following her into the fray, “I hate you.”

“I know,” she grinned, “Thanks Ajax!”

***

His pleasant thoughts were interrupted. Rainbow Dash had fallen asleep on the floor, sprawled out like a cat. Applejack was curled up in a ball. Pinkie Pie was packing up the game.

“I think it’s time to get to sleep,” Twilight said yawning.

“I agree,” Rarity yawned. She pulled herself into her sleeping bag.

They packed up the party gear and killed the lights. Ajax’s avatar vanished as they all climbed into their bags. Dax lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling. None of his old friends survived. Here he was in this alien world; and yet something about these people made him want to trust them. In his one day of being here he’d already made some friends. Maybe he could finally take some time off running and relax. If there was one thing Naomi taught him it was that. As he fell asleep he was unaware of a pair of red eyes curiously watching him…

Chapter 5. Memories

“So what exactly are you saying?” the mayor said amazed.

“Well I’d like to take a few acres of that unused land off your hands,” Dax said. The others stood nearby.

“And what would you like in payment?” she asked.

“Oh uh nothing. I just need the land, nothing else,” Dax said.

“What?! No one in Ponyville wants that land. I’ve had to pay people to take that land. You can’t be serious; I mean why would an alien want that land?”

“Oh he just needs a place to land his ship,” Vinyl said.

“Well ok then,” the mayor said pulling a piece of paper out from under her desk, “I just need you to sign here and the land is yours to do what you wish.”

He signed. The mayor gave him the charter and it was done.

“Well that was easy,” Dax said.

“I’ll say,” Twilight said, “They mayor’s been wanting to get rid of those acres for years.”

“Now that you have it, watcha plannin on doin with it?” Applejack asked.

“Well my ship is large enough so I might add a garden or something to it. Maybe I’ll plant a few trees or something, I don’t know yet. I’ll have to see what I’m dealing with here,” Dax said.

Dax was off his crutches now and only walked with a limp and a cane. Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack had all gone back to their respective homes and work places for the day after saying a friendly goodbye. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Vinyl all followed Dax and Ajax to the new land he’d just acquired.

It was on the outskirts of town. Good, Dax thought, No neighbors. It was a grassy area but Ajax, always the optimist, saw potential in the place.

“Alright,” Dax said, “Now it just needs one thing. We’ll be back.” Dax said as he rose into the air. He soon disappeared into the clouds.

***

“How long has it been?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“He’s only been gone 15 minutes,” Vinyl said, “Be patient.”

“I wonder what his ship lo-” Twilight was cut off by a rushing of wind and dust. A soft impact was heard. The dust settled. Nothing was there.

“What the he-” Rainbow was cut off as a large white object began to materialize before her. It was a sleek clean ship with two engines on the side. Three landing struts descended from the bottom. The gangplank opened.

Dax stood walked down the gangplank, “Hope I didn’t startle anyone.”

“Just a little surprised,” Vinyl said, dusting herself off.

“Well come on in,” Dax said.

They entered into a large room. It served as Dax’s main living area. It had a small couch, coffee table, and arm chair. A large screen sat on a pedestal in front of the table. A stair case led up to the second level. Though it wasn’t visible, the way behind the stairs contained the armory and engineering sections.

“Welcome aboard my ship, The Galactic North.”

“This is incredible!” Twilight said.

“Yeah I guess it is,” Dax sighed as he remembered the ship’s original purpose. Now he was its caretaker, its protector.

“Come on,” Dax said, “I’ll show you the bridge.”

The three followed him up the staircase. He led them into an open area with two chairs and a control board. A pedestal stood in between the two chairs. A large holo-table sat behind them. Ajax’s form stood next to the table.

Immediately Twilight ran to examine the controls. They were dark, “Why are there no controls? How do you fly this thing?”

“There are controls, they’re just not activated,” Dax tapped the board and instantly displays and feeds appeared. Two control sticks extended up and out.

“You fly this manually? That must be so difficult!”

“I actually prefer manual. It links up to my neural systems and allows me to better control the ship. In some ways I become the ship.”

“Ooh! What’s this?” Rainbow Dash said, touching the table. Instantly it lit up and displayed a hologram of the planet. It slowly rotated.

“This is…our world?” She asked amazed.

“Yup. It’s a scan of your planet I got from orbit.”

Vinyl tapped the hologram. Instantly boundary lines began to appear.

“How come this side of our planet isn’t outlined like this?” She asked.

“Well put quite simply, it’s unexplored by your people. Quite honestly I have no idea what’s on that side of the world.”

“Hmm,” she said, “I wonder wh-”

A letter materialized next to Twilight, “Oh, this must be the Princesses’ reply.”

It read,

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

We’re glad to know our alien friend is up on his feet again. Please inform him that he has our eternal gratitude for protecting one of our subjects at great personal risk to him. We understand he is an explorer and wishes to learn more about us. We would like to meet him as soon as possible to discuss his future in our society.

Sincerely,

Princesses Celestia and Luna.

“Well I have some news,” Twilight said, “The princesses would like to meet you in Cantorlot as soon as possible.”

“Fine by me,” Dax said, “When can we leave?”

“Now if you like.”

“Cool. Hold down the fort while I’m gone, Ajax.”

“Why can’t I come?” she protested.

“If someone gets too curious I don’t want them getting too close or touching anything.”

“Fine,” She sighed.

***

The palace was magnificent. Somehow it remained pristine and clean beyond all expectations. Even Dax’s boots on the floor left no scuff marks or prints. He stood outside of the throne room, waiting for admittance.

A guard opened the door, “The Princess will see you now.”

Dax stepped forward and into the room. The others attempted to follow but were stopped, “Only the alien.”

Dax stepped forward. His boots clicking on the floor as he walked. He was in a large cathedral like room. Panes of glass depicted several stories. Dax activated his eye cams, capturing as much of them as he could as he walked. Two thrones sat at the end of the room, only one was occupied.

A tall woman with large white wings stood up. She had a rainbow spectrum of hair. Not like Rainbow Dash’s but similar. It flowed nicely and sparkled in the light. She had a warm smile on her face.

“I welcome you to our land, strange one,” She said warmly, “And thank you. If not for your ‘divine’ intervention as Ms. Scratch is calling it, something terrible might have happened that night.”

“It was simple instinct for me, Princess…Uh…”

“Celestia. I’m sorry my sister couldn’t be here today but she had to depart for a mandatory inspection of the Lunar prisons.”

“I hope those men were brought to justice for what they did. No matter what planet you’re on, a home invasion is wrong.”

“They are currently residing on the moon. They won’t be leaving anytime soon.”

“That’s comforting.”

She stared at Dax. Her eyes analyzing. Dax noticed marks on her hands glowing.

“You are a difficult one to read Dax,” she said.

“How do you know my name?” he asked amazed.

“My magic allows me to do many abilities. But I’m worried about you. You have good intentions and a good heart but there is something you’re not forgiving yourself for, something you’re hiding. I won’t lie to you Dax. I know what you are, I can read that much of you. You are a soldier, a militant, a small piece in a war larger than I can imagine. I won’t lie that that doesn’t disturb me; our world hasn’t known war for thousands of years. But I also know see a good in you, something you’ve locked away, something you keep hidden, separate from you, something you haven’t let yourself experience in a long time. You may not know what it is but you will see soon enough. I can see you’ve seen things and experienced pains no one here can imagine. I know it hurts.”

Dax was dumbfounded. This woman was reading him like a book. It was as if Ajax had told her what to say, but Dax knew otherwise. This Princess seemed to understand him, almost to a degree of pity. Her eyes displayed wisdom and an understanding to his scars of war. He responded, “More than you know.”

“Which is why I’d like to offer you citizenship to our fine nation. I understand you wish to learn more about us and our culture. Just be aware that you will find this place differs greatly from anything you’ve experienced before,” she smiled. She held up her hand and the doors opened. Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Vinyl walked in.

“Ah, ladies,” the princess said, “We were just discussing Dax’s situation. I’ve granted him citizenship while he explores and learns about our world.”

“That’s great news princess!” Twilight said.

“I’m also appointing Ms. Scratch here as Dax’s guide to our culture and customs. Who better to guide him than a cultural icon herself?”

Vinyl gasped, “You want me to expose him to our culture?”

“As much as you can. I have no idea when or if our guest has to depart so I hope you make excellent use of your time. That is all,” she smiled. The three bowed. Dax did the same. They turned and exited the throne room.

***

Dax walked back to the train. He stayed quiet. What had the princess meant by something he’d locked away? The thing he kept hidden was easy enough to figure out. The Fall, being ordered to run when every instinct screamed Fight. Running while his brothers and sisters died for him to escape. The first four months after were the hardest. Dax dealt with depression and horrible guilt. Why had he been forced to live when all the others died? Why was he denied his right to go down fighting? It was his purpose as a soldier. But now he had no purpose. No reason to live. No war to fight. He’d considered destroying the ship and killing himself. He’d have shot himself out an airlock if Ajax hadn’t stopped him. She’d convinced him to stay alive. He’d finally bottled up her emotions and found a new purpose. Wait for revolution. He’d spent the last year preparing and stocking up.

His thoughts were interrupted by six pairs of eyes staring intently at his face.

“What’s wrong?” Vinyl asked; her red eyes wide with worry.

“Nothing, I’m just thinking,” Dax said, “Just doing some reflecting.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, I’d prefer just to be let be for now. I’m sorry but I need time to think.”

“Ok,” Vinyl said solemnly. The three sat on a bench while they waited for the train to arrive. Dax sat on a bench a few meters away. He thought for a long time…

***

Ten months ago.

Dax sat on in the hanger. They say you can only kill a man once but Dax had found an argument against that. He’d been forced to run while his family died. The man who was the father in his life had ordered it. He’d been ordered to run while his best friends were killed. He sat looking at their holograms. All 199 of them stood in the hanger. Dax wept again. The holograms offered a wry smile.

He’d finished his last message to Ajax. It ordered her to fly the ship into the nearest star after he was gone. He deactivated the program before he walked up to the hanger door. He found the controls and deactivated the safety protocols. He entered in the code and prepared to open the door.

Ajax appeared before him, “DAX NO!”

Dax turned around, “Why not?!” he sobbed, “They’re gone and I should be to!”

“Don’t say that Dax. They’re not gone and you don’t believe that. I know what you do believe and it’s not that.”

“Yes I do! I should have died back there! I should have gone down with my brothers and sisters! That was my purpose! But that stupid old man denied me that one right! He cheated me out of it and made me run! He made me flee like a coward! And for what?!” He yelled. He ran over to a container and smashed it.

“For what?! For this stupid ship?! What’s so important about this ship that they had to die for it?! Why couldn’t I stay with them? Why did they have to die?” he pounded the wall.

“Why did they have to die? They were my best friends. I loved them like they were my family. They were my family and they died for me. Why did they have to die?” He collapsed onto the floor crying. He curled into a ball, sobs rocked his body.

“I miss them so much!” he cried.

Ajax stood over him. For the first time in her life she didn’t know what to do. It pained her to see him like this. She severally doubted any A.I. could be programed to handle something like this. She knelt next to him. She had to tell him.

“I miss them to Dax,” she said, “Not a millisecond goes by without one of their faces going through my mind. Part of me wishes we had died back there with them but... but they all died so you could live Dax. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for you so you could survive.”

She pulled up a file in her hands. It was a message from the Admiral, recorded a few minutes before he died. She played it.

“Hello son,” his voice said. He was standing on the bridge of his ship, “You’re probably wondering why I ordered you to run. Well the truth is-” The message cut off and revealed new scenery. It was a prerecorded message from his company on the day they died; just before they boarded their fighters. They all were standing in front of a screen, sad smiles on their faces.

Naomi stepped forward, “Hello Dax,” she said. Her voice was kind and warm, “Old silver back is probably giving you a lecture on duty and honor and all the good stuff. But we just wanted to say one final good bye before we leave. You were a great leader, soldier, and above all a great friend,” she started to tear up, “None of us will ever forget the great times we all had. Jokes in the mess hall, parties in the hanger bays, pranks on the brass, even detention. I think that’s what makes a good friend Dax. You can always have a good time and bring out the best in us. When we’re gone, we promise to watch over you. I know how much you can get lost in new places so we’ll be there...” There was a long pause as Naomi brought the back of her hand to her face. “Gosh I’ve never been too good at good byes,” she said tears flowing freely down her face, “So I won’t say good bye, only until we meet again. We’ll be watching Dax so if you ever feel alone, just remember that. We love you, you awkward old oaf, until we meet again,” The company gave a final salute, all were crying. They pulled on their helmets and killed the feed. The admiral’s face returned, “They hijacked the feed didn’t they? They deserve they’re last bit of fun. It’s the least I owe them. Good bye Dax and Godspeed.” The doors to the bridge opened and Dax stepped on.

The message ended. Dax stared at it for the longest time. Ajax’s form flickered. That happened whenever she was under emotional stress.

Dax stood up suddenly. He gave a solemn salute, “Come on Ajax. We have work to do.”

He reactivated the safety protocols and turned towards the bridge. Ajax followed. He sat in his chair and activated the interface. He turned to Ajax, “Thanks for that.”

She smiled sadly, “It’s the least you deserve, the least all of you deserve.”

The North sped through space before jumping away.

***

Vinyl waited for the train. It would be at the station in a few minutes. She stared at Dax. Something was wrong. She felt it when she was near him. A horrible depression and sadness. Something had happened. She turned to Twilight, “Do you feel it too?”

“Yes, it’s been going on since he left the throne room.”

“I’m worried about him; he’s hiding something. He’s been in relatively good control of his emotions since he saved me but now something isn’t right.”

She continued to stare. Her eyes full of worry she stood up and walked toward him. He had his head in his hands. She gasped inside. He suddenly looked older. Like an old memory. She sat down next to him.

“Hey,” she said, “what’s wrong? You’re sad, I can feel it.”

“Nothing, I’m just remembering something,” he said.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I’m sorry Vinyl, you wouldn’t understand. I can’t,” he said. The train arrived. Passengers began filling on and off the train. Dax stood up followed by Vinyl, RD, and Twilight.

The train ride back to Ponyville was uneventful. Dax stared out the window at the sunset. He sat alone. Twilight and Rainbow talked but Vinyl was worried. What had him so depressed? What had happened to him? Something was wrong and she intended to find out what. It was the least she owed him…

***

Dax exited the train. After saying goodbye to Vinyl, Twilight, and Rainbow he headed back to his ship. It was dark when he walked onto the ship. Ajax was there with a friendly greeting.

“How was the meeting?” she asked, “Did you get any interesting data while you were there?”

“Yeah,” he said tapping his hand on the holo-table, transferring what he’d captured, “the meeting went well. We’ve gotten citizenship now. But there’s something strange about this place. The princess read me like a book. She knows what I am but for some reason doesn’t let that bother her too much.”

“Really? Wow this is one friendly place.”

“She also knows, to a degree, what happened at The Fall. She doesn’t know exactly what happened but knows something. Like I said earlier, she read me like a book.”

Ajax sighed, “I know how much they meant to you but there’s nothing you could have done. You have to let it go. You can’t keep carrying that guilt around like that.”

“I know, but I can’t help it. I can’t help but feel responsible,” he sighed

Ajax gave a blank face. She didn’t want a repeat of 10 months ago. She needed to keep his mind off of it and have him focus on something else. And this world was going to help her. She analyzed the data he captured. She smiled.

“Well from the looks of things this is a very cultured and interesting place with many customs and stories to tell. And it looks like Ms. Scratch has been assigned to guide you through it. Come on. You have a big day tomorrow. Get some sleep.”

“In a minute, I have work to do,” he pulled up a topographical map of the country.

“Oh no you don’t,” she killed the feed, “Get to bed and get some rest.”

Dax smiled, “Fine mom.”

He walked back to his quarters. As soon as he was gone Ajax cried. She hated herself for it. An A.I that could cry! But she did. She missed her counterparts and their trainees. She remembered each of their faces. But new faces made their way into her memories. Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Vinyl. They all offered warm smiles. This was new but not unwelcome. She silently thanked them for the comfort they offered. They cheered her up. She and Dax had made new friends in this place. Maybe, just maybe, she and their new friends could convince him to stay…

Chapter 6. Up Close and Personal

BEEP

BEEP

BEEP

“Ah! Ajax! What the hell is that racket?” Dax yelled as he fell out of his bed.

“An alarm clock,” she giggled as she materialized in the room.

“Why?”

“You have a big day ahead of you. That and you need to get out of this ship and get some air.”

“I was out yesterday and the day before that I was shot at with a shotgun and the day before that I survived another encounter with those earth nutjobs. Not to mention that station nearly blew up with us in it.”

“Space station air doesn’t count. Anyway I let you sleep in early enough. It’s 9:00 and you need to eat something.”

“Fine,” Dax pulled himself out of bed and pulled on some normal civilian garb. Not to military or he would stick out like a sore thumb. He went to the mess hall and chowed down. He downed his last cup of tea before walking up onto the bridge.

“Alright what am I doing today?”

“Well I contacted Ms. Scratch and she’ll be over soon to pick you up and show you around the town, ect.”

“And what will Ajax be doing today?”

“Me?” she smiled, “I’ll cultivating a garden and making this place look nice. I’ve got a replicator and a few drones inside that cargo bay that could be put to good use. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at gardening!”

“Alright then, just don’t scare anyone with those drones. They can be intimidating. Also don’t grow any invasive species here; you don’t know what kind of effect some of our plants will have on the soil here.”

“Oh don’t worry. I’m only growing plants native to this world. I had a few species scanned into the database when we landed.”

“Alright then,” Dax said. He turned to the holotable. He activated it and pulled up a few displays.

“What are you doing?” Ajax asked.

“Checking out the last known positions of the Earth fleets. I was wond-Hey!” he yelled as Ajax killed the display.

“No. No Earth fleet is going to show up here. No Earth fleet is going to find us. No Earth fleet is going to turn this planet to glass. Relax Dax. Heh heh I made a rhyme, but anyway, relax. We’re safe here. Stop being so uptight and high strung. Relax.”

“Oh fine,” Dax smiled. The com turned on.

“Um hello?” a slangy voice came through the speakers, “Dax? Are you in there?” A screen displaying an electric blue haired girl with red eyes came up.

“Guess I should get going then huh?”

“Yeah, and take some recording equipment too. And stay out as long as possible! This’ll be the first time I’ll have the ship to myself and I plan to take advantage of it!”

“Whatever you say Ajax!” Dax said as he pulled on a small head set. It was barely visible but contained enough recording equipment to record enough.

He ran down the stairs to the living area. He opened the gangplank. Vinyl was standing outside.

“Dax!” she bounced. Dax walked off the gangplank. He pulled his watch out of his pocket and tapped on the screen. The ship closed behind him.

“So are you ready for some of the best Equestrian culture ever?!”

“Uh, I guess-”

“Great! Come on let’s go!” She grabbed his hand and pulled him down the road. He had to run to keep up with her. She finally let go when they reached a park.

“So watcha wanna learn about first big guy?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. What do you guys do for fun around here?”

“Hmm, well we have raves but I’m savin that one for later. Well normally I’m composing new songs but when I’m not doing that I like to play games and stuff.”

“Like what?”

“Well I like to play manhunt but that only works at night. But there is one other game I like to play but we need more people. Come on, let’s go find Rainbow Dash.”

***

Ajax hummed to herself as she opened up the hanger. She walked out of the ship and onto the grass. A drone followed but several buckets. She went to the front of the ship and began to direct the machine. It dug a hole in the ground, mashed up the dirt began spreading mulch. She began to plant seeds in the newly formed empty garden.

She sighed to herself as she looked up at the sun. Her programing made her obligated to help her soldier in whatever he did. But she didn’t want to leave this place. She was quite at peace here and wanted to stay. If only the same could be said about Dax. She wanted him to be happy and to find his peace here. Maybe…just maybe…he would find something that made him want to stay. But for now she would wait. She had some petunias to plant.

***

Dax had the ball. Just a few more yards and he would be at the goal. He had to admit. This game was fun. It was like football but different. Each team had their own ball and you couldn’t throw it. You had to hand it off to pass. Each team had a goal. The point was to cross over to the other team’s side of the field and score.

Dax was almost at the goal. Rainbow Dash couldn’t keep up with him. Not when he wasn’t limping from a gunshot. He was almost there when something blue tackled him to the ground. He was in jail. The other team could tackle you if you crossed onto their side. If they did you were sent to a jail and had to be tagged for anyone to get out.

Dax rolled over to see Vinyl. She was giggling. Fluttershy blew the whistle. The round was over.

Vinyl helped him up, “Heh heh, you alright?”

“Yeah, just wasn’t expecting you to smash into me like that.”

“Well after you outran Rainbow Dash and Noteworthy it was just me defending the goal.”

“Yeah!” Rainbow said, “While you may be faster on the ground, I’ll still out fly you in the air.”

“We’ll see,” Dax taunted, “But not today. That was fun! On my planet we have a few games similar to this.”

“Like?” Vinyl asked.

“Well the goal scoring and tackling is like football but the two sides of the field and jails are like capture the flag.”

“Oh! We have Capture the flag here too.”

The sound of Rainbow’s stomach interrupted, “Well I’m hungry!” she said, “Anyone up for lunch? My treat.”

“Sure, I’ll come,” Vinyl said, “This would be a good opportunity for Dax to sample some of our finest foods.”

“You comin Fluttershy?”

“Oh I’d love too but I have to feed Angel and the others. You know how stubborn Angel can be,” Fluttershy said as she fluttered off.

“Alright,” Rainbow said turning to Dax and Vinyl, “Well let’s go. I know a cool Café where we can get some of the best eats in Ponyville.”

“Cool,” Dax said. Vinyl grabbed her trademark glasses off the sidelines.

They walked down the street until they reached the Café. The White Rose. They head to an outdoor patio and take their seats. A waiter walked over.

“Hello, welcome to the White Rose. May I take your order,” the waiter said. He was surprisingly casual and friendly for such a high end looking restaurant.

“Yes,” Vinyl said, “I’ll have a Rose petal sandwich with a glass of lemonade.”

“Me too!” Rainbow said.

“I, Uh, I’ll have what they’re having,” Dax says.

The waiter nods and walks into the café. Dax turns back to the girls, “Rose petal sandwiches?”

“I don’t know what kind of food you eat where you come from but here we’re all mostly vegetarians. Try the sandwich you may like it,” Vinyl says.

The waiter arrives with the sandwiches and lemonade. Rainbow and Vinyl begin to eat. Dax stares at the sandwich. It has lettuce, cheese, and yes Rose petals. Rainbow and Vinyl take notice at his staring.

“Come on Dax. Don’t knock it till you try it,” She smiles. Tentatively Dax picked up the sandwich and took a bite. His eyes widened. It was delicious; sweet, not a bit of bitterness. The flavors swim nicely over his tongue.

“So? You like it?” Rainbow Dash asks.

“Yeah!” Dax says between bites, “It’s delicious!”

“Knew you’d like it,” She says as the three continue to eat. They all finish.

“What’s this?” Dax asks looking at a small berry left on the plate.

“Oh that!” Vinyl says, “That’s the best part!” she grabs hers and tosses it into her mouth.

Hmm, Dax thought, Why not? He grabs the berry and chomps down on it just as Vinyl spits hers out. She and Rainbow both suppress laughs.

“What’s so funny?” Dax asks cautiously, “Why are you two-oh dear lord.” There’s a hot burning in his mouth. His face turns red. Vinyl and Rainbow break out in laughter.

“What…Was…That?” Dax huffs. His mouth was on fire.

“That was a seasoning that you’re supposed to squeeze onto the sandwich!” Vinyl says between laughs.

Dax grabs his lemonade and downs it. Finally some cool relief. He looks up at the two. They stare at his face for a few seconds before exploding into laughter.

Dax begins to crack up, “That wasn’t funny.”

“You’re right! It was hilarious!” Vinyl says. Dax cracks up.

Dax pulls a serious face, “If you ever do something like that again, I’ll abduct you.” They stare at him before all three crack up laughing again. Vinyl stands up.

“Come on, there’s still a lot to do and the day’s only half over.”

***

Vinyl walked towards the concert hall. The sun was setting making a nice array of colors along the horizon. It had been fun with Dax. After lunch she’d taken him to watch a few classical movies. She’d fallen asleep halfway through the first one but Dax was watching intently. Even taking a few notes. He’d listened to some classical Equestrian pieces with the analytical mind of a musical genius. She’d been required to show him all the classical pieces of music, film, theater, and literature as his cultural guide, even if it was going to be a boring process.

She arrived at the theater and strolled in. She walked past the ticket booths, the souvenir shop and into the auditorium. Octavia sat alone on stage, practicing her next piece of music for her next recital. She sat in an empty seat and waited for her friend to finish.

Octavia put her cello back in its case, “Hey Vinyl. How’s it going?”

“Pretty good. I’m sure you’re aware of the alien who saved my life the other night?”

“Who isn’t? I hope you didn’t tell him they spent the rest of that night cleaning his blood off the ground.”

“No I went into graphic detail when he woke up,” Vinyl said sarcastically, “But anyway, he was here studying our culture when he found me. Now I’ve been appointed by the princess to show him around and expose him to the ‘finest our fine nation has to offer.’”

“Really? That’s interesting. What’s he like?”

“Dax? He’s very mellow and kind, he can take a joke and dish one out, he seems like he can have a good time if he wants…”

“But?”

Vinyl sighed, “He’s hiding something. I saw it on the train ride back from Canterlot. Something is bothering him.”

“Did you talk to him about it?” Octavia had joined her friend in the seats.

“I tried,” Vinyl sighed, “But he didn’t want to talk about it? I just want him to feel like he can trust me. I mean, he’s an alien from another world who rushed to my rescue when I was in trouble. I trust him perfectly but for however long he’s here, I want him to leave knowing he has friends here.”

“Well it sounds like he already has friends he can trust here. And it sounds like you’ve found yourself a prince charming,” Octavia laughed.

“What?!” Vinyl screeched standing up, “Now just wait one moment here! He saved my life yes but that doesn’t mean I’m in love with him!” Vinyl was red.

“I’m just joking Scratchy! Ha ha,” Octavia laughed, “But in all seriousness, it sounds like he’s earned the trust of everyone in the town and has friends here now. He’s certainly earned your trust but have you earned his?”

“Watcha mean by that?”

“Well does he have a reason to trust you?”

“Yeah! He barged into my house and nearly killed those 3 guys. I trust him,” Vinyl sighed.

“Then give it time. His first encounter with us didn’t exactly end well. He’ll warm up to you eventually.”

“I guess you’re right. Well I better get going. Thanks Tavi!” Vinyl stood up and began the trek home.

She unlocked the door. Her house was still getting repaired. The walls were patched up waiting for a final coat of paint. The counter top where one of the burglars landed after taking a fist to the face was chipped. She walked up the stairs to her bedroom. She walked over to the balcony and stared out at the night sky. The stars glistened brightly and the moon was in full. Next week would be fun. Oh so fun…

***

Dax arrived at his ship. The front looked absolutely amazing. There was grass covering all of the lawn. A nice garden went around the ship, all sorts of flowers and plants were in the garden. There were two small apple trees on the corners of the property. A stone walkway led up to the gangplank. A small pedestal stood near the gangplank. Ajax hummed to herself as she strode out of the ship.

“Wow Ajax! You really made this place look nice.”

“Dax! How was your day? Did you get anything good?”

Dax tapped his headset, “All in here. Looks like you have quite the green thumb.”

“You like it? I still have the back yard to do. I thought I’d spruce up our new home. No point in having this place look like shit as long as we’re here.”

“Yup. I’ll get this to you. Oh and ignore everything from 12:00 to 12:30.”

“Oh? And why?”

Dax shuddered remembering the burning, “I don’t wanna talk about it.” He strolled into the ship. Ajax followed, closing the door behind her. Dax strode into his room and into the bathroom. He stepped into the shower and held his breath as the water sprayed him in a full 360 degrees.

While Dax showered Ajax looked over the data. The game was interesting. Turned out it was an actual sport. She laughed when she saw Scratch and Dash get Dax to eat the Flame berry as it was called. She was intrigued with the classics of Equestria. A little annoyed when the camera shuddered, ruining Dax’s focus but got over it when she saw what caused it. Vinyl had fallen asleep and ended up landing on Dax. She listened intently to the classical music of the land. She had to admit, these were masterpieces she never would have even considered musically possible until now.

She sighed and checked up on Dax. He was fast asleep on his bed. Hmm. Better let me get some ‘shuteye’ too, she thought as she entered sleep mode. Tomorrow she would plant a vegetable garden in the back yard along with a deck that would lead off from the rear hanger.

Tomorrow would be a good day…

Chapter 7. The sound of Music

Note: I will be keeping Vinyl’s eyes red even though they are now apparently plum.

Just thought I’d through that out there.

Dax awoke in pain. His sides were sore; probably from taking a blue haired DJ to the kidneys yesterday. He pulled himself up and pulled on a new outfit. He stopped at the med bay. Ajax appeared.

“What’s up kiddo? You slept like a rock,” she smiled.

“Hi Ajax. Can you do a medical scan?” Dax sighed.

“Sure. What happened?” she said as she began the scan.

“I think Vinyl would make a good linebacker. She doesn’t look like much but she really packs.”

“I’ll say,” Ajax frowned, “You have 3 bruised ribs and a fractured wrist. Here,” she said as a drone floated up with an instrument in its hands. It moved to the injured areas and a blue beam shot out. Dax looked at the scan and watched as his healing process was sped up.

“There. You should be fine now. Now get out there. Vinyl’s been waiting in the living room for nearly an hour now.”

“An hour? What time is it?”

“About 10:00. I shut the alarm off today since from the looks of things, you took a larger beating than I thought. Now go. Vinyl’s taking you to breakfast.”

“What’ll you be doing today?” Dax asked.

“I’ll be planting a vegetable garden and begin building a hardware store.”

“A hardware store?”

“Yeah! I’ve always wanted to see what owning a business would be like and we’ll need money while we’re here and I’ve noticed that this town doesn’t have one so I thought I’d build one. I can replicate the supplies and materials and get the drones to build it.”

“Alright. I think I’ll begin looking for a job too.”

“Ok,” Ajax smiled, “See ya later! Have fun.”

Dax met Vinyl in the living room. She was playing with a holographic view of the planet. She looked up when he entered.

“Hey!” she smiled, “You ready to go?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

Dax and Vinyl walked to a local Café. They talked while they ate. Dax asked more about Equestrian history and learned about the elements of harmony and discord and Nightmare moon. The glass panels started to make more sense now.

“So…” Vinyl said, “Where are you from?”

Shit, Dax thought. He’d been hoping to avoid this subject if he could. He still could fortunately, “Oh uh, I’m from a world called Colombia.”

“Colombia? That’s a funny name. What’s it like?” she asked resting her head on her hands.

“Oh, um well it’s a nice mountainous place with large, deep tropical oceans. They we-are surprisingly clear and on a good day you could nearly see all the way to the bottom. But the deeper you get the darker the water gets. The oceans themselves are only two kilometers deep at their deepest point.”

“Cool.”

“Hey uh do you know anywhere where I could get a job?” Dax asked. He was happy to get off the subject of his home world.

“Well what are you good at?”

“Hmm,” Dax said. Well I’m good at killing but here I’m pretty sure that’s not a skill in much demand, he thought. He was good at a lot of other things, “I’m a pretty good artist, I can do engineering, architecture, vehicle design, computer programing, exploring, I can play the violin and piano, I’m pretty good with tech stuff, I can DJ and mix songs, I can-” Vinyl practically jumped across the table.

“You can DJ?!” she yelled.

Dax was pushed back in his seat, “Um yeah?” He never liked dancing at parties too much and after the Naomi and drugs incident he had to find a new excuse to get out of dancing. So he decided to DJ. It kept Naomi or anyone else from dragging him onto the floor.

“Oh buddy. After we get this boring stuff out of the way we’re gonna make up for lost time,” she smirked.

Fuck, Dax thought, these people will drive me to insanity. But, He thought, it was manageable.

Dax and Vinyl spent the morning going over more of the classics. More classic movies, plays, books, ect. Dax didn’t feel like reading all of the books so he recorded the titles for later. While watching another classic, Vinyl fell asleep again. Dax barely noticed until he felt a small white hand on his arm. He smiled; he didn’t mind and continued to watch the movie.

Later they went to lunch. As they ate, Vinyl spoke up, “So tonight my friend Octavia is having a recital with her orchestra group; I bought us two tickets to go.”

“Really? That’s cool. I don’t think I’ve met Octavia, who is she?”

“She’s a cellist in the band and my best friend. You’ll like her, she’s nice.”

“Alright. So what’s next on the list?” Dax said finishing off his sandwich.

“Let’s see,” Vinyl said, “We went over most of the classical music, plays, poems, history, and films. Hmm, I don’t think we have anything left to do until 5:00. Let’s see about getting you a job. You said you can DJ and do tech stuff?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty good at both as we do have DJs where I’m from.”

“Well let’s go to my house and you can show me what you can do,” Vinyl smirked. They paid and left. They walked to Vinyl’s house. She unlocked the door and strode in. Everything was repaired and back to normal. Dax felt a little tense. The last time he was here Vinyl was strapped to a chair and someone was shooting at him. Vinyl noticed his.

“Hey,” she said softly, “Are you alright?”

“Yeah I’m fine. Just a little uneasy,” he said.

“Hey, if you hadn’t showed up that night I don’t even want to know what would have happened,” she put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, “You saved me.” Her red eyes were digging into him. She seemed to feel safe around him. He began to relax.

“Alright Scratchy,” he smiled, “So whatcha got to work with here?”

“I have these,” she said as she led him into her second living room AKA her home studio. There were several speakers and two turntables. She led Dax up to them.

“Alright hero boy,” she smirked, “Show me whatcha got.”

Dax cracked his knuckles and stepped up.

***

Ajax surveyed her work. She’d carved out the ground for the garden and had planted a huge assortment of vegetables. Tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, cabbage, lettuce, everything in the book were there. She turned to the large plot of their used land to the left. It was perfect for a hardware store. She pulled up the blueprints for the building.

A large digger drone emerged from the ship. Ajax pointed to the land she selected and watched the drone dig a large rectangular hole in the ground. One other drone emerged and began setting the molds for the concrete. One with quick dry concrete floated over to the site and emptied a container into the molds. In a few minutes it hardened.

Ajax smiled. More drones, this time with wood, bolts, and other building materials emerged from the cargo bay. She watched as they began their work. She decided to take a break.

She ‘sat’ down and looked over Dax’s psychological file. She frowned. This wasn’t good. She pulled up another file. Everything she knew about one Vinyl Scratch.

***

Dax and Vinyl walked to the concert hall.

“That was so amazing!” she gushed, “I’ve never seen anyone DJ that well since…well…me!” she beamed.

“Oh please, I’m not that good,” Dax sighed.

“Yes you are! You know I think you might just make a good partner DJ. You’ve got it all.”

“Come one. I’m only as good as the next guy and-” he was cut off as Vinyl shoved him into a wall.

“I don’t get passionate about much but I mean this when I say ‘You are good at this.’” She smiled as she stared at him. Dax’s eyes darted back and forth. Finally Vinyl let go and fell to the ground laughing.

“Oh, ha ha, you should have seen your face!” she managed between giggles.

“Yeah hardy har har,” Dax said, “You almost done?”

“Yeah,” Vinyl giggled. She stared at Dax as he crossed his arms and tapped his foot. She finally composed herself and her and Dax continued on their way. They made it to the hall and bought their tickets. They entered the theater and sat in their seats. The orchestra was tuning their instruments. A girl with blackish grey hair jumped down from the stage and strode over to Vinyl.

“Hey Scratchy,” she said. Her voice was warm and carried a sense of importance but without sounding snobbish, “Who’s your friend?”

“Hey Tavi. This is Dax. He’s the alien who’s staying in town.”

Dax held out a friendly hand. Octavia took it and shook. She had a strong grip.

“Hi, I’m Dax,” Dax said. He smiled warmly.

“Hello, I’m Octavia. So you’re the guy who saved Vinyl’s life that night?” she asked.

“Well when you put it that way, I guess I am.”

“How else can I put it? If you hadn’t showed up…” Octavia shuddered, “Well I don’t wanna think about that. Next topic. So Vinyl’s been showing you around and such?”

“Yeah. She’s been showing me all the customs and culture of this place. And as part of that she took me here. I’m looking forward to the show.”

“Well we’ll try not to disappoint. I’ve got to get back now. It was nice meeting you,” Octavia said.

“You too.”

Vinyl turned to him, “She was my best friend at the music academy.” More people filed in and took their seats. Soon the orchestra finished tuning their instruments and the lights dimmed. The conductor stepped up.

A nice medium slow melody began to play.

Listen to this

The song was beautiful. Dax became lost in the sweet melodies of the song. It was a wonderful song; it conveyed a sense of love and beauty. Vinyl watched in fascination as Dax listened to the melody.

Soon the song ended. Dax and Vinyl watched as Octavia picked up another sheet. Soon the orchestra began again.

It began with a soft melody on the harp. Soon a horn joined it followed by Octavia on the cello. The song was amazing to Dax’s ears. It conveyed a sense of wonder and awe.

Listen to this

Dax became lost in the music. He’d never heard anything like this before. He was content to sit and let the melodies take him places he’d never thought he would ever visit in his entire life. He was blissfully unaware of a pair of ruby red eyes staring at him.

Vinyl smiled. Even she had to admit that even she, a DJ and electronica artist, was enjoying the show. Though she’d never met someone as passionate about music like this; well except her and Octavia of course. She sighed. For however long he was going to be here, she was going to enjoy her time with him.

***

Dax walked Vinyl home. She smiled as she said goodbye. Dax walked along the streets getting the occasional wave from someone who he didn’t know but apparently knew him. He walked along the road and came to the park he, Vinyl, and Rainbow Dash had played Speed ball. A small hill lay in the center of the park. The sun had gone down and the night sky was visible.

What the heck? Dax thought. He walked up the hill and lied down on the soft grass. The stars gleamed and moon shinned bright. It was a half moon. Dax sighed as he stared at the stars. They gleamed and drew him in with their promise of exploration all those years ago. But here he knew they weren’t the same stars he stared at when he was a kid but it didn’t hurt to dream. But beyond those stars lay something he hopped to never see again. He certainly hoped Ajax was right and the Earth fleets wouldn’t show their ugly faces here.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” a voice said.

Dax jumped a little and turned to see the owner of the voice. Princess Luna lay on the grass next to him.

“Yes it is,” Dax said.

“I’m glad you appreciate my work,” the princess of the night smiled.

Dax smiled to, “I’ve learned of your connection to this place and the people in it. I must say I like what you’ve done here.”

“Thanks. You must have seen them up close though. Having been from far beyond those stars you must have seen what they are. I believe you would call them Neutron stars.”

“Yes,” Dax said surprised, “How’d you know that?”

“While my sister may be the elder, as the princess of the night I do know significantly more about the stars than her. I know our world lays in the center of a nebula and my stars border the edge of that center. I don’t know however what lies beyond that.”

Dax sighed, “I do unfortunately. It used to be a magical place but sadly the bad overthrew the good. Believe me when I say you’re a lot safer here. Your nebula is a magical thing. It keeps you protected from those who would do this place harm.”

“A soldier such as yourself would know. It’s good to meet one of the good guys as you put it.”

“So you know what I am then?”

“Yes…The conflict you were involved in is beyond my comprehension and understanding. But I also know what you are looking for. Even if you don’t.”

“What am I looking for, Princess?” Dax asked.

“You’ll have to figure that one out yourself. But when you find it, a word of advice, don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

There was a long pause. Dax stared into the sky.

“What do you mean by…” she was gone. Dax stared into the moon. There were small irregular blocks on it. Incredibly small but not beyond his sight. He guessed they were the lunar prisons that Princess Celestia mentioned. Dax looked at the time, 9:38. He got up and headed back to the ship.

When he returned his jaw dropped. Ajax had out done herself this time. A building with a sign that read ‘Ponyville Hardware’ stood fifty feet next to the ship. Ajax strode out followed by two drones with cans of paint, drills, screws, and saws.

“Well you certainly had a busy day today,” Dax said.

Ajax turned, “You like it? Tomorrow I’ll stock it up and open her up at 12:00. But I need you to post fliers tomorrow.”

“Why can’t you do it?”

“No hands? Unless you can make holograms solid I can’t do that. Nor will I have a bunch of construction drones run throughout the city posting them. So you will do it.”

“Fine,” Dax tapped a chip to his headset and downloaded everything he’d captured the chip. He walked onto the ship and transmitted the data to the holo-table. He was reviewing it all when Ajax walked up.

“Just finished closing up. You get anything good?” she asked.

“Oh yes. You should really look at that orchestra. That’s some of the best music I’ve ever heard. You’ll love it.”

“Alright then.”

Dax walked off to his room. Ajax looked at the table and decided to review it later. She stared out the bridge window surveying her work. For her first building, she’d done a great job. She would fill it with supplies and commodities tomorrow.

***

Dax sat at his desk. His computer activated and he pulled up his journal. He’d kept entries in it ever since the fall. He still kept his old one but stopped recording in it after his world was turned upside down.

He sat down and began recording.

“So today was interesting to say the least. I learned more about the classics with Vinyl. Heh heh, she fell asleep on my shoulder. Don’t know why that keeps happening. She took me to see an orchestra. And let me say it was magnificent. The songs I heard were beyond anything I could have ever conceived of. I couldn’t help but be reminded of them; all of the fallen. My friends long gone.

But for some reason, somehow, I’ve made friends here. And all it took was a twelve gauge to the chest,” Dax laughed, “But in all seriousness, Ajax is right. I feel safe here. It’s weird; I’ve never felt safe anywhere. The last year has been get up, survive, go back to bed, repeat. But here, maybe I can do more. We’ll see. Laters.”

Dax went to his bed and feel asleep. Again, his dreams weren’t haunted by the faces of his friends.

***

Vinyl Scratch finally flopped onto her bed. She stared at the ceiling before breaking out in laughter.

I wish for my loneliness to end and Luna has an alien fall out of the sky and save my life, she thought, well, this is certainly interesting. Dax is certainly a nice guy. I can’t wait for next month. This is gonna be good.

She fell fast asleep in her bed, patiently waiting for the coming time in June. She was right. It was gonna be oh so good…

Chapter 8. Misallocation of Time

(Note: this contains the slightest hint of a character in a future story and what he will do. Try to figure it out if you want.)

The next few days were relatively normal considering what Dax and Ajax would normally be doing. They stocked the hardware store and opened it up to the public. It was highly successful as there hadn’t been a hardware store in Ponyville before. Now Dax and Ajax had money to spend.

Dax and Vinyl had moved out of the classics and history and moved on to more modern things. In the last few days they’d covered more modern things. But Vinyl still was avoiding one subject. Electronic music. But Dax didn’t mind. A phycology course in the battle school allowed him to see that she was preparing something and he was more than content to be patient and wait. Today he had nothing to do and was unusually bored. Today he wasn’t learning anything, building a shelter in an asteroid, or being shot at by a battleship. All in all today was unusually uneventful.

Dax was sitting on a bench doing nothing. There wasn’t much to do today. Vinyl was away planning something that Dax still was in the dark about. So he figured he’d do something. There was an aquarium in the next town so he got up and started walking.

He strolled down the road. A rainbow blur passed by above him. Dax’s gaze followed it. It was Rainbow Dash.

“Of course,” Dax chuckled.

He continued down the road. He checked his watch; 2:30.

Alright, he thought. At this rate he wouldn’t get there until dark. He flexed his legs and leapt into the air. He flew towards the town of Sunset Waters. He got a few looks as he landed in the street as he had no wings but most let it go.

The city resembled a modern Japanese city. Tall spires rose into the air while the architecture retained an ocean aesthetic.

“Alright now,” Dax said pulling up a map on his watch, “Let’s find that aquarium.” He found the address and got walking.

The aquarium was a blue building with a teardrop shaped front. Dax walked up, paid, and walked in. Inside was a place of wonder. The main lobby housed a huge tank that contained some species of giant Fluorescent jelly fish. It glowed an amethyst color and bobbed around its tank, seemingly watching all the people who commuted around it. Dax walked up and read the information page on it.

The Northern Giant Amethyst Jellyfish.

Discovered in 1912 A.D. by explorer Captain Nova of the Neptune it is the largest known jellyfish species in the world. It lives primarily in the arctic and hunts in depths of up to 1000 feet by dangling its stingers and waiting for prey to come by. It can go months without eating and was commonly seen with wonder by sailors as it glowed beneath their ships.

Hmm, Dax thought, that’s certainly interesting. He walked on to one of the other exhibits. He passed through a large glass hallway. Fish and other sea creatures swam above him. He looked up as a large whale like creature sailed above his head. He emerged from the hallway in an undersea trench exhibit. There were fish and eels that resembled aliens rather than actual fish. But here he was the alien so he couldn’t say much. He stood in front of the tank and watched as a crystal blue eel swam past. The room was dimly lit allowing for the natural glow of the fist to light the room.

Dax watched in wonder as the alien creatures sailed and danced in their tanks. He was blissfully unaware until a certain call box came into existence.

Dax turned around just as Tardis appeared in a flash of light. His sidearm was aimed at the object before he realized what it was. He lowered his weapon just as the good Doctor exited his machine.

“I say,” the doctor said. He was dressed in a brown pinstripe suit with a bowtie and rolled up trousers. He practically fell out of the machine and dusted himself off as he stood up. He turned back to his machine.

“Oh lord,” he muttered, “How much was I off by this time?”

Dax returned his gun to his holster, “Holy hell Doctor. I nearly shot you in the head.”

He turned around, “Dax! Oh it’s wonderful to see you my boy.”

“Heh heh, good to see you too Doctor. How much were you off by this time?”

“I have no idea. I’m coming from that nasty, giant cyborgs fighting demonic ‘angels’ world again. NERV just wouldn’t let me leave until I fixed up that Ayanami girl. You remember her right?”

Dax laughed remembering the two weeks him and the doctor were gone only to return to find only 14 hours passed, “Blue hair, red eyes, and pale skin? Yeah I remember her. She was a bit quiet but she was nice.”

“I know. She hurt herself pretty bad but she’s alright. Honestly, if those angel things weren’t there it would be a pretty nice place. But enough about me, how are you doing? What have you been up to since our last escapade?”

“Well since you last saw me a little bit has changed. I’m taking a break on whole running for my life thing. But for the most part not much has changed.”

“Good for you. You of all people need a vacation. Oh by the way, what planet are we on?”

“I don’t really know the name for it but it’s a planet in the center of The Devil’s Nebula.”

“Really?! So you humans have finally wormed your way into this crevice of the universe?”

“No, I just happened to find this place on my last run. That ship I got has the tech to get here.”

The Doctor smiled, “So you managed to get to Equestria huh? Well good. If it took that ship of yours to get here there’s no way Earth can possibly get here. Honestly though, I like it here. In fact my side kick is from here.”

“Who’s that?” Dax asked.

“A certain girl by the name of Ditzy Doo or Derpy hooves. Did you happen to land in Ponyville?”

“You missed it by a few miles,” Dax smiled, “After I learned of the planet in here Ajax and I decided to do some exploring. Only part of it that didn’t go according to plan was getting shot.”

“You got shot?”

“While stopping a burglary of another blue haired, red eyes, pale skinned girl.”

“Ah, one miss Vinyl Scratch I see. So how long have you been here?”

“About two weeks. Vinyl’s been showing me all the culture and other aspects of this civilization. Thought today I had free so I came here.”

“That’s nice. It’s good for you to relax. After all those years you need of all people. But while you’re here, a word of advice: don’t do anything stupid or anything you’ll regret. Believe me. You need a ride back to town?”

“Nah, I’ll fly back later.”

The Doctor smiled, “Well alright then. I’m off to get Ditzy Doo. We should catch up later. I’ll tell you where I’ve been the last five hundred years or last five months by your time frame and you can tell me what you’ve been up to.”

Dax grinned. The Doctor was one of his closest friends since his days at the battle school. He and his squad mates had all sorts of crazy adventures and quests with the timelord.

“Sound’s good Doc.”

The Doctor gave a salute and disappeared into his call box. The Device flashed and disappeared. A slight wind blew as a vacuum formed where the Tardis had once stood.

Dax smiled and walked out of the room on towards the next exhibit.

***

Vinyl looked at her schedule for the month and smiled. Only a few more days until June 1st. And she had the trip of the millennium planned. Everything was going to be perfect. She looked up from her book and back at her coffee.

From her vantage point at the café she could see the sun casting an orange glow across the sky as it disappeared over the horizon. She put her book back into her bag and downed the coffee before leaving.

She picked up her phone and called Dax.

“Hey Vinyl. What’s up?” he answered.

“Hey Dax. You wanna meet me at the Ponyville Pub in an hour? There’s some strong ass liquors that you need to try,” she grinned. Hopefully she wouldn’t be the only one stoned tonight.

“Sure. Though just so you know, I can’t get drunk. So no funny business tonight.”

“Buzz kill. Why can’t you get drunk? Something with your body?”

“Something like that. I’ll see ya in hour then?”

“Yup; can’t wait.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

She hung up and smiled. Of course the alien can’t get drunk, she thought. It would still be fun though.

***

“Ha! Ha! Who’s the tough guy now asshole?!” the man screamed. He turned and headed back into the bar.

Dax pulled himself up. Blood poured out of holes in his back. A large shard of glass was embedded in his upper back. He reached over and pulled it out; blood covering the pub logo. He looked back inside the pub and saw Vinyl still rubbing her head as the thug approached her.

“Oh you just done fucked up now,” Dax said, ignoring the pain and running back into the bar.

***

Two Hours Earlier.

Dax landed just outside the pub. The sun was setting casting a red Hugh across the sky. Vinyl lay sprawled out in the café next door; sleeping.

Dax walked up to her. She was curled up in a chair, her blue hair covering her eyes. Dax clamped down on her nose and watched as she coughed and woke herself up.

“Eh uh, what happened?” she yawned.

“Wake up buttercup,” Dax said remembering the old saying his squad used to say.

“Oh hey Dax,” Vinyl jumped up cheerfully, “Ready to go?”

“Yup.”

They got up and walked into the pub. It was dimly lit and was bustling with activity. People were talking or drinking or watching the game on the TV.

Vinyl and Dax walked up to the bar and sat down. The bar tender walked up.

“Hello, what would you like?”

“I’ll have a Lunar Night,” Vinyl said.

“Uh, I’ll have what she’s having,” Dax said.

He left and returned with two drinks. They were amber in color and had a layer of foam on the top. Dax grabbed his mug and sniffed it; beer.

Vinyl grabbed her mug and downed it in one motion. She slammed it down and gasped.

“Yeah!” she yelled, “I’ll tell you Dax, there’s nothing better than a nice cold beer at the end of a hard day!”

Dax sipped his drink. It was delicious and went down smoothly.

“What did you do today that was so hard?” Dax asked, “All I did was nothing. Though I did go to the aquarium in the next town and ran into an old friend.”

“How do you have any old friends here?”

“He’s the Doctor. I would guess you’ve heard of him?”

“Oh the Timelord. He and Ditzy go off on all sorts of shenanigans. How do you know him?”

“Oh he and my squ- I mean my friends and I have been all over the place with the Doctor.”

“What were you going to say?”

“Nothing, my tongue just slipped,” Dax said. Shesh, Dax thought, I’ve got to be more careful with my wording.

“Ok,” Vinyl smiled, “Hey bartender! Another round!”

They drank a lot. Dax’s unique physiology as a result of his super soldier training prevented him from getting drunk but he didn’t mind. He’d seen plenty of people get into all sorts of trouble under the influence and he was glad to not even be capable of getting stoned. But that didn’t extend to Vinyl who was beginning to get a bit tipsy.

“Don’t you think you’ve had enough there Vinyl?” Dax asked.

“Oh Dax. You have to learn to relaxsh,” she slurred, “You only live once and you might as well enjoy it.”

“Yeah well you won’t be saying that when you have a hangover tomorrow morning,” Dax laughed.

“Ah screw you and your logicsnessh,” she slurred, “Stop making perfecshly logical shtatements…” she said before laying her head out on the counter.

“Oh, ow,” she said. The drunkenness in her voice was gone, replaced by one of pain, “Ooh I think you were right about the hangover. Though I think I skipped the stoned stage and went straight to the migraine.” Vinyl rubbed her head.

A man got up from a table and began moving towards the bar. He approached Vinyl.

“Hey girl, wanna come over to my place? I’ll show you how to have a real good time.”

Vinyl seemed unaware of the man and continued to rub her head.

“Hey buddy I don’t think she’s in the mood to talk,” Dax said being as diplomatic as possible.

The man turned, “Fuck off guy.” He grabbed Vinyl by the shoulder, “Hey? Did you hear me? You wanna come over to my place? I’ve got some moves you’d like to see.”

Dax grabbed the guy’s shoulder, “Buddy, she’s not going anywhere. Go home.”

The man made the biggest mistake of the night. He turned and punched Dax in face, knocking him off his stool. He returned his attention to Vinyl. Dax jumped up and pulled the guy away from Vinyl, throwing him to the ground.

“What the hell man?!” he yelled, “What’s your problem?!”

He stood up, brushing himself off.

“My problem is you. She’s not in the mood to go anywhere and I’m certainly not letting some scumbag like you take advantage of her.”

“And who the hell are you to tell me what to do?”

“Her friend and right now her body guard. So I’m giving you ten seconds to get the fuck out of here before I do something you’ll regret.”

“Yeah what are you going to do buddy?” the guy smirked. His eyes traveled over Dax’s shoulder. What was he looking at?

Dax barely had time to get that thought out before a large, burly arm reached over and grabbed him by the neck. Dax sucked in as much air as he could as he tried to pry the guy’s arm off his neck. His training kicked in. He could hold his breath for five minutes so he better make them count. He let his body go limp as he feigned blacking out.

“Hmm, not so tough when you cut off his air. Bear, prop him up,” he turned as Bear held Dax up by his elbows, “Nothing to see here. Just had a little too much drink that’s all. Come on. Let’s dump this shit and bag neon hair over there.” He stood before Dax; studying him.

“Ha, he’s sleeping like a baby,” he laughed.

Dax’s eyes flew open, “Guess again fucker.” Using Bear as support he brought his legs to his chest and thrust outward, hitting the man in the chest and knocking him to the floor. Bear’s grip on him tightened.

Dax pushed tried to head but the man but only succeed in smacking the two meter man in the chest. Bear grabbed him by the arms and lifted him into the air.

Dax found the bar flying under him. He saw the shocked faces of the patrons as he sailed over. His back smashed into the window and he sailed out into the street.

Dax found himself on his back, pain in his back, side, and legs. The thug, now back on his feet, jumped out of the window and kicked Dax in the face.

“Ha! Ha! Who’s the tough guy now asshole?!” the man screamed. He turned and headed back into the bar.

Dax pulled himself up. Blood poured out of holes in his back. A large shard of glass was embedded in his upper back. He reached over and pulled it out; blood covering the pub logo. He looked back inside the pub and saw Vinyl still rubbing her head as the thug approached her.

“Oh you just done fucked up now,” Dax said, ignoring the pain and running back into the bar.

***

Applejack normally wasn’t one for staying out at night but being the element of honesty and losing a bet with Rarity both conspired against her. She’d been dragged to a play and only now had returned. She sleepily walked along as Rarity jabbered on about the nobility of the knight and how he had saved the damsel from ‘those awful ruffians.’

They neared the pub. Applejack looked up. Something wasn’t right. The front window was shattered and blood was splattered on the ground. Commotion could be heard inside.

“Hey Rarity,” Applejack said, “Yall see what’s goin on there?” She pointed at the pub.

“Come on. Something’s happening.”

“Oh heavens no!” Rarity said, “I don’t want to get my hair all messy from a fight. Let’s just keep walking and avoid it.”

“Come on Rarity, someone could need our help-” No sooner had she finished that sentence when a whooshing sound was heard and a man was thrown through the broken window like a cannon ball.

He sailed across the street and impacted Sugarcube Corner across the way. A larger, huskier man soon followed; landing on top of his friend.

Dax jumped out of the window, “If I ever see you guys within a kilometer of Vinyl I’ll rip both your heads off!” The two men nodded and ran off before Dax could carry out his threat.

Rarity and Applejack both wore looks of confusion. Dax noticed them and smiled warmly.

“Hello Miss Rarity, Miss Applejack,” he said in an uncharacteristically formal accent, “Wonderful night we’re having.”

Sounds of a fight, though it was more like a mosh pit, could be heard inside the bar. Bottles shattering and yells and cheers echoed out of the pub.

Suddenly a stool flew into Dax’s head, smashing to pieces. Dax turned murder back on in his eyes.

He grabbed the still intact, round seat of the chair and Frisbeed it back into the bar. An ‘oomph’ was heard as Dax jumped back into the fray.

The bar was in chaos. Chairs were being thrown, bottles being smashed over heads, tables being flipped over, all things consistent with a brawl. Vinyl still sat on her stool, unaware of the chaos behind her.

Rarity and AJ stood in the street. “Um, what just happened?” they both asked.

***

“Of all the stupid, most irresponsible, idiotic things to do!” Ajax chided.

“Are you going to let me tell my side of the story?” Dax asked as he lay on the medical bay bed.

“Getting in a bar fight?! What were you thinking?!”

“I was trying to protect Vinyl!” Dax yelled back. Ajax’s hologram stopped. The medical bot removing the glass and wood from Dax’s back and neck stopped too.

“What?”

“I was stopping two thugs from taking advantage of her. She was drunk out of her mind and couldn’t exactly think correctly. So I tried to stop them and got thrown into a window. After that the rest is history. I threw the assholes out of the bar and managed to get Vinyl back here only after taking a stool to the head. So if me saving Vinyl is stupid then by all means call me stupid, irresponsible, and idiotic.”

Ajax paused, “Well when you put it that way, I’m proud of you.” The bot removed the last piece of glass before shinning a beam on the wounds, healing them shut.

“So where is she now?”

“She’s sleeping in one of the guest rooms,” Dax pulled himself off the bed, “Now if you’ll excuse me; I’ve got some sleep to catch up on.”

He calmly strode out of the room and into his quarters. Ajax’s hologram disappeared only to immediately reappear on the bridge.

Everything was going to plan. Though at some point Vinyl was going to have to find the truth about who they were. Tomorrow she would implement her next phase and if everything went well, she would live the rest of her artificial life here on this world in peace…

Chapter 9. Parties and Plans

Dax climbed out of bed. He looked at his watch. Shit, 10:00. Well he did get thrown through a window, stabbed with glass, and took a stool to the head. He pulled on some clothes and walked out of his room onto the bridge.

Vinyl and Ajax were talking. Both were laughing.

“Hey there sleepy head,” Vinyl smiled, “Ajax was just filling me in about last night.”

Dax rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

“Well it was nothing really. I’m sure you would have done the same for me an-” he was cutoff as Vinyl bear hugged him.

“Sorry you have to save my sorry ass all the time,” she sighed.

“Oh please, I used to know someone who couldn’t go around the corner without getting into some sorts of trouble. Now can you please stop collapsing my lungs?” he gasped.

She grinned sheepishly, “So who was your friend?”

Dax grew solemn, “Doesn’t matter now. She’s gone and won’t be coming back anytime soon.”

Ajax took careful notes about this interaction. This had to be done right or the careful psychological pealing could become a smashing disaster.

“Ok,” Vinyl said, “But seriously, thanks for last night.”

“No problem Scratchy.”

Vinyl left and went home. Dax helped Ajax run the store for a while before heading over to Twilight’s tree. No one gawked at him now as he walked down the street. But that was probably because no one was out and about today which was strange. He was now almost a fixture of the town and the residents had welcomed him accordingly. He’d met everyone in the town at least once and could always see at least one person going about their business at any point in the day.

He walked towards the library, maybe he’d check out a book on early Equestrian history again. He opened the door. It was pitch black. Before his night vision kicked in the lights flew on and a hoard of people all yelled, “SURPRISE!!!”

Dax jumped so high he nearly smacked his head against the ceiling. As he came down he noticed a large ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ sign. Everyone in town was here. Twilight, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity, AJ, even the Doctor was here.

Pinkie Pie and Vinyl ran up to him with huge grins on their faces.

“DO YOU LIKE IT?” Pinkie yipped, “We’ve been planning this for days now! Vinyl wanted to throw this sooner but I said to wait until you were least expecting it so the surprise would be all the more surprising!”

Vinyl blushed and rubbed her neck, “We planned this for a while. Do you like it?” Her confidence seemed lulled and her spunky personality that normally shielded her seemed missing.

Dax’s jaw dropped. No one had ever done anything like this for him before. Sure Ajax drugged him and Naomi dragged him to a party but nothing like this. Though there was one thing…

“I…I…I love it,” Dax sputtered, “Thanks Pinkie.”

Vinyl’s head seemed to drop. Dax smiled, “You too Vinyl. I love it. Thank you.”

Vinyl looked up and her eyes lit up. She grinned, “It’s the least I could do. I know I can’t repay you for what you did for me but-”

“You don’t have to repay me. Just knowing a friend is safe is enough reward for me. Now come on, this is a party isn’t it?”

The mischief in her eyes returned. She slapped a pair of headphones on Dax’s head and pulled a pair on herself, “You’re on.”

She took his hand and dragged him up to the DJ station. She held up a flash drive.

“Think you can handle this?” she smirks.

Dax cracked his knuckles, “Please.”

Vinyl hit a switch and the lights shut died followed by the systematic activation of laser lights.

Dax stepped up to the turntables, “Ponyville! Are you ready?!”

A loud cheer answered him as the music started and dancing began.

***

Six years ago. Colombia, Luau Providence. Island of Donahue.

Dax was nervous. This was the first party the brass had actually thrown the trainees. After a few days of arguing the Admiral had gotten the regulation changed.

Dax and his company were on one of the tropical islands of Colombia. For the first time in three years the trainees were allowed off the Battle school for a vacation. And at this party he was going to make sure that neither Naomi nor Ajax drugged him. He’d stayed pissed at her for over a week before finally admitting to her and himself that he had fun that night.

But just to make sure that Ajax’s manipulative personality didn’t decide to show itself again he learned how to mix music and how to DJ at parties so he could remain invulnerable to her schemes. But tonight he was nervous.

“Relax,” a smooth British voice said. It was Ajax, “You’ll do great.”

Dax was sitting on one of the rocky outcropping that led back to the edge of the resort and out of the cove. The other trainees were on the beach or in the water having fun as they waited for the show to start.

“Easy for you to say,” Dax mumbled, “You won’t have everyone’s attention for the next four hours. What if I screw up? What if they laugh at me? Wha-”

“Again you are too high strung about this,” Ajax said, “Do you want me to get Naomi again?”

Dax’s old friends terror and horror returned to his face, “No no no no no no no no no no. I swear I’ll start keeping a gun on me if any of you do that to me again.”

“Then get out there. Those guys and gals are getting a bit rowdy out there. Go out there company commander,” Ajax said making a shoving motion, “Don’t be such a wuss.”

A few months ago Dax and his team did exceptionally well on one of the Admiral’s own personally designed exercises. After a few weeks Dax was promoted to squad leader. And one week before the party he was promoted to company commander.

Overall he was happy. She’s right, Dax thought, Stop having stage fright.

“Fine mom,” Dax smiled. He got up off the rock and jumped down onto the beach. He like all the other trainees was wearing tropical causal wear. He had on a bathing suit and a Hawaiian button up with a pair of aviators on his head. As he approached the party area a chant could be heard.

“DAX! DAX! DAX!” the trainees cheered as he approached the large crowd.

They all parted as he came closer, clearing a path to the turntables. I should feel comfortable, he thought, they’re all my friends. Hell they’re my family, even if some of them are a bit harder to live with, Dax grinned as he saw Naomi in the crowd.

She was wearing a sarong. The skirt fell only to her ankles. On her feet was a pair of flip flops. She wore a red top with a flower pattern running across it. In her hair was some sort of blue tropical flower. Her brown hair was tied in a ponytail behind her head.

Something other than her outfit was different about her. Her cheeks were red as she blushed furiously. Her normally spunky, straight forward personality was missing; replaced by something different.

Dax got behind the turntables and waved to the crowd. They all cheered and whistled. Dax grabbed a speaker and brought it to his face.

“Gosh this is awkward,” he blushed, “Never done a show like this before. Especially in front of all you guys.

Never realized how bad stage fright is until now. Well, better get started. I’ll try not to disappoint; be gentle, my face bruises easily.”

The crowd laughed at his joke as he pulled his shades down over his eyes. He pulled up the holoscreen and tapped a button as he pulled on his headphones. He turned back to the turntables as the music began to play.

Cheers rose up as people began to dance. Lasers and holograms danced above the crowd. It was low tide. Night was falling as the moon rose up into the sky.

Soon the party would get wilder as the tide came in. The bar would soon become a swim up as the night rode on.

The beat of the music could almost be seen sending ripples across the water. The trainees who were supposed to become super soldiers were having the time of their lives. Many of them literally let their hair down and let themselves lose control. Dax smiled as he watched some of the most serious members of the company go crazy on the beach. Unfortunately this was one of those ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ deals so he was forced to let them live the events of this night down.

Four hours later Dax finished but the party was far from over. Dax threw on a mix he made to keep the crowd entertained for the next few hours. But for now he was crowd surfing.

Cheers rose up from the crowd. From the sounds of it he did well for his first time as DJ. He felt like the center of the world. It was the best feeling in the world. He was tossed into the air and caught before being dunked in the ocean.

Dax jumped out of the water laughing along with his friends. They all came up to him, ruffling his hair and playfully punching his shoulders.

“That was so awesome!” Danny said as he ran up to him.

“Dude you are a natural at this. What were those songs you played and where can I get them?” Adrian asked.

Dax rubbed the back of his neck, “Actually those were all original compositions I made for the occasion. You’re all welcome to the files if you want.”

“Awesome!” Adrian said as the crowd cheered.

The night wore on. The shock trainees were doing all sorts of activities. Some were swimming in the ocean, playing volley ball, or just plain passed out on the beach. Others were off skinny dipping in the more secluded coves while others were just plain missing, most likely back in their hotel rooms enjoying life to the fullest.

Dax sat on his rock again overlooking the party. He’d decided to take a brief respite before rejoining the party. Ajax materialized behind him, “Some party huh?”

“I’ll say. I’m having the time of my life,” Dax grinned. But he sighed, “Some of the others seem to be having a bit more fun than some of us.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Oh I think you know,” Dax sighed, “I almost wish the Admiral didn’t give me command of the company…”

“Why? You’re the one best suited to command them. They’ll follow you to hell and back if you ordered them to. Who else but you?” Ajax asked.

Dax looked down at the party. A couple left the party and ran off back towards the hotel. It was Adrian and Daisy.

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me I-” she was cut off as Naomi walked up onto the rock. Dax didn’t seem to notice her but Ajax did. Ajax noticed something about her. Her spunky, confident, bubbly personality seemed missing. Her heartbeat was higher, her hands were trembling. This wasn’t new. This had been happening the last few weeks along with other things. Normally she’d just keep her bed head hair do and throw on whatever uniform happened to be on the floor of her quarters that morning but now she started to care more about her personal appearance. She’d grown more forgetful and was growing more worry some.

“I’ll just be going now,” Ajax said and winked out of existence.

“Wait what?” Dax turned around. Naomi was standing before him. She was holding one of her arms and was looking at her feet.

“Hey Dax,” she said, her voice softer than normal, “Can I talk to you about something?”

Hmm, Dax thought, this isn’t like her. Dax said, “Sure.” He tapped a spot on the rock next to him.

She sat down. She was careful to avoid looking into his eyes.

“So what’s bothering you?” Dax asked concerned.

She turned to face him, her face flushed.

“I…I…Uh,” she stuttered, “I…I…I have to t-tell you something.” She looked back at her feet.

Dax smiled at his second in command, “Shoot.”

***

Dax stepped out of the DJ station, letting the music play on auto. He walked to the punch bowl and grabbed a cup. Vinyl ran up to him.

“That was so awesome!” she yipped, “I may have said this before but you have a knack for this.”

Dax grinned, “I guess I do if you say so, oh Grand Master of the Turntables.”

She playfully punched him in the shoulder, “Oh stop it you.”

They shared a laugh before Vinyl got distracted.

“Oh there’s Octavia, I’ll be right back,” she said before disappearing into the crowd.

Dax grabbed a plate of vegetables and wandered through the crowd, munching on a carrot.

“This place sure is something isn’t it?” a voice behind Dax said. Dax turned. It was the Doctor.

“Doctor! How are you?” Dax said.

“I’ve been doing well these five hundred years since I last saw you or five months since you last saw me. These temporal planes are a funny thing. They never line up.”

“I wouldn’t know much about that since I’m not constantly jumping from reality to reality.”

They talked a bit about the Doctor’s adventures and all the times he’d saved the world from certain destruction and what little Dax had done the five months since the Doctor had seen him.

“You seem troubled, more than normal I mean,” The Doctor said.

“What do you mean by that?”

“You’ll find out unless you’re more clueless than your class thought, Mr. Voted Least Likely to Take a Hint.”

“You weren’t there for that, nor were you at Luau that week. How was I supposed to know?” Dax groaned.

“Gee, were you paying attention during that psychology course? You honestly should have noticed.”

“Well no one told me I was being promoted to Company Commander that week either. That fucking changed everything for me. Any hopes for anything like that went out the window as soon as they gave me those bars.”

“They wouldn’t have done that if you had been paying attention. You’re right that something like that could have affected your ability to command but you still could have worked something out. All I’m trying to say Dax is don’t make the same mistake twice. Here you aren’t restricted by military regulation. As she would have said, let your hair down,” the Doctor smiled sadly.

Dax sighed sadly, “Don’t remind me Doctor. This place reminds me of them enough,” he gave a wry smile, “But I’ll try.”

Vinyl ran up to him with a mischievous smirk on her face, “Dax! Drinking contest! Come on!” She grabbed his arm and dragged him over to a table.

Three others sat at the table; Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. Vinyl sat Dax down in a seat.

“You’re looking at the three champions for the past five years!” Vinyl said excitedly.

“And what am I doing?” Dax asked.

Vinyl put her hands on his shoulders and quietly whispered, “You’re going to win with that funny physiology of yours.”

She stood up and declared, “Alright everyone! Bets will be placed here and now!”

People gathered around and started shouting.

“I’ve got 20 bits on Rainbow Dash!” one said.

“Put 30 on AJ!” Another said.

“I’ll put 15 on Pinkie.”

Vinyl stood up, “Put it all on Dax!”

Dax gulped and looked at his competition. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie all had mischievous looks on their faces as they looked between them.

“Alright everyone! Rules are as follows: Winner is whoever drinks the most before passing out. No stealing another competitor’s cup; that means you Pinkie! Bathroom breaks are allowed,” A bartender with a tray of cups appeared and placed four in the center of the table, “And…Begin!”

Instantly Rainbow, AJ, and Pinkie all had their mugs in their hands and had downed their first round before slamming them on the table and yelling for more. Dax guzzled his drink just as Rainbow was finishing her second.

Vinyl’s red eyes watched intently. Twilight walked up to her, “Are you sure about this? I mean betting on Dax. He’s not drinking too much.”

Vinyl grinned and turned to Twilight, “Please, since has one of my ideas ever failed?”

“Well there was th-” Vinyl shushed her.

“Don’t answer that.”

The day wore on. Pinkie passed out after about 20 mugs. Rainbow passed out rather comically. She’d flapped her wings rather violently before keeling over, taking her unfinished cup with her. She’d managed to finish 30. Now it was between AJ and Dax. Dax was on his 37th cup while AJ was finishing her 40th.

“Ah’ll tell ya aliensh boyish,” she slurred, her Stetson falling off her head, “You’vesh shput up a mightly fine fight but you’re gonna loshe…” her head hit the table with a thud. Dax shrugged and continued on drinking.

He went through about 10 more, finishing about 47 mugs before he called it quits. Vinyl being the only one who bet on Dax took home about 200 bits. Everyone marveled as Dax stood up without even a hint of drunkenness.

Dax left as the party wound down. Vinyl walked with him.

“That was awesome!” Vinyl said, “Come on, high five me on that one. That was a great idea and you know it.”

Dax smiled. Her spunky personality was almost intoxicating. Her confidence contagious.

“It was,” he smirked, “So I’ve noticed that in all the time we’ve spent together you’ve never went into too much detail about any electronic music. Why’s that?”

She smirked, “You’ll see hero boy.”

“So it’s a surprise?” Dax smiled, “You know you kinda remind me o-” Dax stopped himself.

“I remind you of whom?”

Dax sighed, “No one. I’m just remembering something I’d rather forget.”

Vinyl’s expression softened, “Do you want to talk about it? I’m here for you if you need anyone. It’s the least you deserve.”

It’s the least you deserve. Those words echoed through his mind. What did he deserve? What did he want most?

“Thanks but I’m fine for now.”

They walked in silence until they reached the ship. Dax said goodbye to Vinyl before walking up the gangplank. Ajax was waiting for him.

“So what’d you do today?” she asked.

“I had a party thrown for me. I met the Doctor again. Normal stuff.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, just reflecting on what the Doctor told me.”

“What’d he tell you?”

“Don’t make the same mistake twice and to let my hair down.”

Ajax went into thought, which for an A.I. could last from a nanosecond to a full second before the complex formulas and calculations finally came to a conclusion. She knew exactly what the Doctor meant. This needed to work.

“Well maybe he’s right. This place is a paradise by our standards. Enjoy it,” Ajax said. Under her breath she continued, “And maybe you’ll find something that’ll make you stay.”

Dax smiled thinking of Vinyl, “Alright, I’ll play it your way.”

“Good.”

***

Dax woke up to someone shaking him.

“Wake up Wake up Wake up,” the slangy feminine voice said.

Dax rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. A pair of red eyes peered at him.

“Oh sweet Jesus, Vinyl?” Dax grumbled.

“Yup!”

“What are you doing here?”

“Well I have a surprise for you and Ajax let me in and told me to wake you up so get up,” she yipped pulling the blankets off of him.

“Wait Vinyl-”

“Whoa,” Vinyl turned red, “I didn’t say to get That up!”

Dax blushed and moaned, “I can’t help it. It’s morning.”

Vinyl stared at him before breaking out in laughter followed by Dax.

“Oh ha ha ha ha ha ha,” she gasped, “I don’t even know why that’s so funny!”

Dax wiped his eyes, “Me neither!”

After getting control of themselves, Vinyl let Dax get changed before joining him in the Mess hall for breakfast.

“So what type of foods do your people eat?” Vinyl asked.

“Well we are an omnivorous people so we eat a lot but a lot of us are Vegetarians. I personally know a lot of vegetarian dishes,” Dax said, “Some people were extremely picky with their eating.”

“There anything you can whip up real quick?”

“Well there is a vegetable quiche I can make.”

“What’s a ‘quiche?’”

Dax stepped up to the kitchen counter. It rested behind a bar area and had an open layout. He pulled up a kitchen hat an apron, “You’ll see.”

Vinyl had a funny expression on her face,  “Kiss the cook?”

“Wait what?!” Dax flustered. He turned behind him. Ajax was standing there with a hand covering the huge grin on her face.

“Oh you’re evil,” Dax moaned.

“I know. Wish I could stay but places to be, things to do, people to meet.” she said as she left. She reappeared on the bridge before pulling up everything she knew about the Griffon Kingdom. She would inform Dax about these recent events later but for now she would wait. Let him have his fun for now.

***

“So...” Vinyl said pacing, “I bet you’re all wondering why I called you all here.”

She was standing in Twilight’s library. Before her were Dax, Twilight, AJ, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah just a little bit,” Rainbow Dash yawned.

“Well allow me to show you something so awesome even you Rainbow Dash will be impressed by it,” she pulled an almost cartoonish motion and disappeared only to return with a huge billboard with a map of Equestria drawn on it.

“Now what do you all see here?” Vinyl asked.

“A map?!” Pinkie yipped.

“Wrong!” Vinyl shouted. She grabbed a marker and drew stars all over certain locations all along the map, “This is a map of a tour that covers all over Equestria! And I’m inviting all of you to come with me to help me show Dax the best and brightest of all of Equestria!”

“This is amazing! But a trip like this will require weeks of planning and the dates you’ve written down here will require we draw up an itinerary rather quickly,” Twilight said.

“I know,” Vinyl said, “Which is why I planned this whole thing out a month ago! Dax! You in?”

This would certainly be the first time Dax was on a road trip without having to kill something. Hmm, he thought, what the hell? Ajax said to relax so might as well say, “You bet!”

Vinyl’s face lit up like a Christmas tree, “Aw yes! Well, anyone else coming or is it just Dax and I?” A naughty, mischievous look crossed her face, “Not that I wouldn’t mind.”

Dax flushed and his eyes darted left to right, “Anyone else in?”

Pinkie pie jumped to her feet, “Oh yes yes yes I am. There will parties galore in those cities you marked.”

Rainbow Dash grinned, “I’m coming too. At the very least to keep your hands off the poor guy.”

“What?!” Now it was Vinyl’s turn to blush, “Geez it was just a joke.”

“Oh relax Darling,” Rarity said, “I will be accompanying you too. This will be an excellent opportunity to get some inspiration and new fabric for my shop. Are you coming Fluttershy dear?”

“Oh um, I guess if it’s ok.”

“I don’t know if I can,” Twilight said, “I’d have to leave the library an-”

Spike came down the stairs, “You are going! Four weeks of peace and quiet and the house to myself is not something I’m gonna pass up on. You’re going.”

“Oh I don’t know ah… Oh what the heck. The library is yours Spike.”

“Finally,” the dragon boy said, “Now to catch up on some sleep.”

“So we’re all coming? Yes? Good!” Vinyl grinned. She ran up to Dax.

“Do you know what the best part of this trip is gonna be?” she had a mischievous grin on her face.

“Uh… No?” he responded.

“The Raves,” she smirked. Dax swore that he could have seen a glint of purple light run across her ruby red eyes…

Chapter 10. Fear, Wonder, Flight.

Took a break from my Nurse Redheart story to write this. Enjoy.

Ajax was absolutely thrilled to learn that Vinyl planned a trip. She practically kicked him out of the ship after he got his things packed. He brought a few things with him. A few self-cleaning outfits, his pad, his watch, and his necklace. They all agreed to meet at Twilight’s tree but got a pleasant surprise when they arrived.

Dax stared at the object before him. Rainbow, AJ, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Twilight all had looks of astonishment on their faces. Only Rarity seemed familiar with the object, Vinyl looked a little apprehensive as she looked at it.

After Twilight wrote to the Princess informing her of her plans, the Princess was delighted to hear what Vinyl had planned and offered a gift in an amazing show of hospitality. Only problem was Vinyl’s fears.

Twilight walked up to it and removed the note from the side and read it.

Dear Twilight and Friends,

I understand that Vinyl has planned a nice trip for you all whose purpose is to show Dax the best our fine nation has to offer. So I sent this yacht to be sure you have the best accommodations on your journey. In the hold you will find all the bits and notes you’ll need along the trip. Spend it wisely. Have fun on your trip,

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia.

“Well that’s awfully nice of her,” Twilight smiled.

“I’ll say! This is so awesome,” Rainbow squealed.

“This is the same exact yacht that I had the privilege of christening when I was in Canterlot that weekend!” Rarity said, “The Princess was certainly generous. This ship has enough rooms for all of us and more. Each bedroom has its own full bathroom. There’s a full kitchen, living room, and the top deck is simply wonderful. There’s even a system for pulling water out of the air!”

“Wowie Rarity! You certainly know a lot about this boat!” Pinkie bounced.

“Of course I do darling. I was offered ownership of it when I christened it but I didn’t have the bits at the time.”

Dax stared at the yacht. It was white like old earth yachts that used to sail the seas in the 21st century. Its design was similar to a seafaring craft only that the entire craft was anchored to a large balloon. Engines that were powered by some magic he couldn’t understand were attached to the back of the yacht and along the sides of the balloon.

Two pairs of landing gear propped the large craft up as it rested on the ground. A gang plank opened up almost like the cabin door on a private jet. Another door opened to reveal the cargo bay, stocked full of supplies needed for the trip.

Dax pulled up the map that outlined all the destinations that Vinyl had given him. A holographic map appeared on his watch.

Looking back at the yacht he smiled, “This is gonna be good.”

“Um,” Fluttershy spoke up, “Who’s driving?”

“Why me of course darling!” Rarity beamed, “I took the time to learn how to fly this thing when I was in Canterlot.”

She removed her sun hat and placed a captain’s hat atop her head. Picking up her various bags with her telekinesis, she strolled on board.

“All aboard!”

The others soon followed. Twilight traveled pretty light. Only carrying one suit case. Fluttershy was the same. AJ brought with her and entire kitchen set along with her clothes and other belongings she felt she needed. Rainbow Dash traveled lightly, bringing only a duffle bag and a cloud pillow. Pinkie loaded a large, pink cannon inside the cargo bay. When Dax asked her what it was he learned it was her party cannon. She bounded onto the ship leaving only Vinyl and Dax.

Vinyl stared at the large boat like it was the gallows complete with a masked executioner.

“Hey Vinyl,” Dax asked, “You alright?”

“Y-y-Yeah I’m fine,” she stuttered.

“Here; let me get your bags for you.” Dax raised his arm and watched as his and Vinyl’s things floated into the ship.

He was on the top of the gang plank and stared at Vinyl. She was nearly shaking in her shoes as her red eyes stared at the yacht.

“Are you coming?” Dax asked.

“Y-y-yeah. Uh… Just give me a minute.”

Dax was worried. Phobias weren’t something people got over easily. He walked over to her and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Hey, I’m here. Your fine. Nothing is going to hurt you.” He held out a hand.

Vinyl looked up and offered a wry smile. Tentatively she took his hand. Dax gracefully guided her up the gang plank and onto the ship.

“Aww,” Rarity said from the top deck. Dax shot her a look before disappearing in the belly of the yacht. Inside was elegant. A large foyer greeted them as the group got settled in. The floor had a large compass pattern built into it. A large spiral stair case led up to the next level. One hallway lead to the bedrooms whiles another lead to the kitchen and dining room. The top deck was mostly open accept for where another eating area was situated. It was roofed over with a stair case that lead up to the enclosed bridge that over looked the top deck.

Dax found the two rooms reserved for Vinyl and himself before placing their respective things inside. He returned to the lobby and found Vinyl still staring in awe at the yacht. He smiled.

“Let’s go meet up with the others up on the bridge.”

He and Vinyl walked up to the bridge. It was a large open area with a series of controls. The one thing that Dax did immediately recognize was a large boat wheel. Rarity was checking up on the yachts systems.

Dax laughed to himself. He’d never thought the fashion designer was such a great sailor. He looked back at Vinyl who seemed to be regaining her spunky confidence.

“Alright,” Rarity said, “The A.S. Fashionista is ready to set sail!”

Seven groans echoed throughout the bridge.

“Do we have to call it that?” Rainbow Dash moaned, “Can’t we name it something awesomer? Like the Starbolt!”

“I’m with Rainbow on this one, Rarity,” Twilight said, “Since this boat is going to be our home for the next month we have to at least come to an agreement for a name for the ship.”

Fluttershy spoke up, “How about the Dandelion?”

Rainbow turned around. Her face said it all.

“What?” Fluttershy asked, “It’s a cute name.”

“How ‘bout… The Applebee,” Applejack commented.

“Ahhh….” Rainbow said, “How about no?”

“Hmm, how ‘bout the Starswirl?” Twilight asked.

“NO offense darling,” Rarity calmly said, “But we are NOT naming this boat after some old, wrinkly, wizard!”

Vinyl spoke up. “How about…The Mystro?” She said with a dramatic voice.

She got a few looks and the bickering began. Dax smiled. Something about this situation reminded him of a classic book he read at the battle school. A certain memory of a whale falling out of the sky and instantly trying to understand its purpose in life came to mind along with the memory of a bowl of petunias saying, ‘Oh no not again.’

“The Heart of Gold,” Dax said.

The bickering stopped. All the arguers stopped and stared at Dax. Suddenly under such scrutiny he shrunk down.

Vinyl spoke up, “I kinda like that.”

“Me too. It has pizazz to it,” Rainbow added.

“It sounds vaguely familiar,” Twilight said.

“It should,” Pinkie said, “That ship is the thing that smashed the fourth wall to begin with. In fact there it goes again,” she said pointing out the window, “Hi Zaphod!” She waved.

Dax stared. This was a blatant violation of the Laws of physics as he knew them. There was no conceivable way Pinkie could have any idea where he got that name.

“Ok, I’m not going to question how Pinkie knows that before my head hurts,” Dax said.

“It’s official then,” AJ said, “Heart of Gold it is.”

“It sounds fancy and fashionable. I like it too. We’ll draw a crowd when we land,” Rarity said, “The Airship Heart of Gold is ready to disembark.”

The fashion designer tapped a few buttons and levers on the controls. The ship rose off the ground. The landing gear retracted. The yacht rose into the sky.

Dax ran down onto the top deck. It was exposed and open to the air. Like a kid on the last day of school he ran to the railing and peered over the edge. Ponyville was getting smaller and smaller as the yacht rose higher. People watched in awe as the yacht sailed over head. A few pegasi people flew by the boat and waved.

Pinkie, Rainbow, AJ, Twilight, and Vinyl walked onto the deck. Vinyl stayed as far away from the railings as possible. Dax looked at the map. Their fist destination was the city of Trottingham, followed by Rodamnaly, Terminus, and lastly Las Pegasus.

While the others watched at the world below them in wonder and enjoyed Rarity’s driving before she set the yacht to auto pilot, Vinyl sat in the center of the deck, pulling her legs in a hug. Dax walked up to her.

“What’s wrong?” he asked as he sat next to her.

She sighed, “Can you keep a secret?”

“For you, sure.”

She whispered in his ear, “I’m afraid of flying.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I’m terrified. Always have been. I have no problem with high buildings or being atop a mountain or anything but this?” she waved around, “I’m scared. What if the balloon has a hole in it? Or what if the yacht breaks free and falls?”

“Can I tell you a secret?” Dax asked.

“Uh, sure I guess,” Vinyl said.

“I used to be afraid of the ground.”

Vinyl laughed, “The ground?”

“Yeah, I was terrified of it. Well mainly going planet side. Growing up in space most of your life does that. I heard stories of diseases people got planet side, natural disasters, and atmospheric pollution. It all scared me. I was used to having no worries about diseases since I lived in a space station, the largest natural disaster I ever saw was an asteroid impacting our moon, and pollution wasn’t ever a problem since our air was filtered.”

“So you developed a fear of your own planet?”

“Yeah. It wasn’t until the sixth grade that my parents finally forced me to go down there and stay with my cousins. Sure I was scared halfway to hell the first week. You’re gonna laugh at this; I brought a gas mask with me. But I my cousin got me to appreciate the majesty and serenity of planet life. By the end of that summer I was perfectly fine with living in either space or on a world.”

“But didn’t any of those things you were afraid of happen?”

“Oh yeah,” Dax laughed, “That summer alone there was a problem with the weather control and a hurricane formed. It nearly destroyed the house but when I saw how my family reacted to it I realized that I couldn’t go my entire life afraid of the world. After that I caught Colombian malaria and was hospitalized for three days but I honestly didn’t care at that point. I was too caught up with exploring my home world to notice my fears. I honestly didn’t even remember them until my mother brought them up.”

“So you managed to get over your fear even after the things you were afraid of happened?”

“Yeah, I guess I did. And now I’m on a completely alien world explaining one of my oldest secrets to a girl I had no idea existed two months ago. And none of this would have happened if I hadn’t gotten over my fears.”

Dax stood up, “I’m not going to make you face your fear but if I never did, half my life would have never happened the way it did.”

He returned to the railing and stared at the cloudscape before him. It was an ocean of churning marshmallow fluff. He admired the way the sun, high in the sky, reflected off the water in the clouds. Behind him Pinkie talked with Twilight and rest. Rainbow Dash bounced along one of the clouds off the edge of the ship. Dax laughed at her comical activities.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see the blue haired DJ standing at the railing. She gripped his shoulder, still unsure. Dax smiled at her and pulled her in for a hug.

“So this is what it’s like to fly?” Vinyl asked as she stared over the edge for the first time.

“Not really but this is what flight is like for someone without wings I guess. It’s not bad now is it?”

“No I guess not,” Vinyl laughed.

A thud was heard. Vinyl and Dax turned to see Pinkie pushing Vinyl’s turntables up the stairs and into a comfortable position in front of a support pillar that held the bridge up. The station sat on the exposed deck as Pinkie brought her party cannon onto the deck and shot decorations all over the deck.

Soon the place looked ready for a party. Drinks and snacks, courtesy of Applejack rested on a buffet table. Small speakers were rigged onto the railings.

“Oh I see what you did here,” Dax said turning to Vinyl, “She made a party boat.”

“You bet your cupcakes I did,” Pinkie smiled.

“Well what’re yall waiting for?” AJ asked.

Rainbow bounced back onto the ship, “Let’s party!”

“Isn’t it a little early for this?” Rarity asked.

“It’s never too early for a party!” Pinkie said.

Vinyl turned to Dax and winked. The two ran up to the turntables and pulled on their DJ shades. Vinyl with her amethyst purple shades and Dax with his gold aviators.

Vinyl grabbed her laptop and selected a song.

Listen to This

Dax and Vinyl pulled on their headphones and began nodding their heads to the music. Rainbow, AJ, Rarity, Twilight, and Pinkie all danced to the song while Fluttershy sat in a chair humming along to the beat.

The party boat got closer to the city as the day wore on. The impromptu party wound down at about dinner time.

After an extremely well cooked meal by AJ and surprisingly Rainbow Dash, Dax walked back onto the deck. The stars were beginning to come out as the sun finished setting. The others joined him and watched as the stars emerged. He walked up to a railing and leaned against it as the star scape came into view. Vinyl joined him at the railing, surprisingly not bothered by the aspect of being a couple hundred feet off the ground. Most likely because she couldn’t see it in the dark. She stared off at the stars with him.

“They’re beautiful aren’t they,” Vinyl said.

“Yes they are,” Dax said.

“You’ve been out there before,” Vinyl said, “Have you met any other people like us?”

Hmm, Dax thought, the answer was yes and no. He’d seen relics and ruins of cities that were millennia ahead of what humans could even conceive of so there obviously was life other than his in the galaxy at one point in time but where it went was anyone’s guess.

“Nope,” he said, “You’re the first. Though it would have been inter-” He was interrupted by his watch. It blinked and beeped. He brought his arm up and checked the ID. Ajax.

“Hold on,” he said.

He walked up to the unoccupied bow of the ship and tapped the watch. Ajax’s from appeared on the device.

“You called?” Dax said.

“Dax, you’re heading along the Equestria/Griffin kingdom border correct?” she asked.

“Yes, why?”

“Here,” she said and sent a file over. Dax sent it to his integrated HUD and read the document.

“Throughout the past few hundred years there have been repeated conflicts between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom. But in recent years there have been movements for peace between the two. Radical new leaders have won the support of the people and have brought peace between them. But there’s a group in the Griffon Kingdom called The Raven’s Claw who doesn’t want peace. While their views in no way reflect those of the general public, they have threatened drastic action. So while you’re near the border, watch out for possible military action by both sides against this terrorist group.”

“Got it,” Dax said, “Thanks for the heads up.”

“Be cautious until you’re away from the border. Inform your companions about this too. I don’t think they know.”

“Will do Ajax. Dax out.”

She nodded as her form faded from existence. Good thing he packed a rifle with him.

He walked back to the group.

Vinyl saw him returning and smiled, “Hey Dax, who was that?”

“Ajax. She called to tell me tha-” He was cut off by something sounding like a military jet flew overhead. It was a small object about the size of a small car. Several more flew past both above and below the boat, their collective wakes rocking the yacht. Dax gripped the railing as the boat rocked.

Dax barely had time to notice who the task force was before he heard several screams. He turned and saw AJ go over the side followed by Rainbow Dash who managed to catch her. Another belonged to Rarity as she watched Vinyl scream as she went over the edge.

“Shit!” Dax yelled. He let go of the railing and let himself slid off the edge of the ship and into the night below.

***

One year ago.

“Do you accurately understand your mission, Captain?” The commander asked.

Gilda looked up, tears in her eyes. She brought her clawed hand to her face and whipped away her tears. Dash was her best friend from flight school and now she had to commit the ultimate betrayal.

“Yes,” she sighed. She ran a hand through her white hair atop her head.

The commander sighed, “I know this is hard but you can’t be affiliated with any of the Elements in any positive way for this to work. I’m sorry you have to do this but it could only be you. If you succeed then you’ll be saving both our Kingdom and hers.”

“I know,” she sobbed, “But the fact she’s my best friend doesn’t make this any easier!”

“I know. You’ve trained for years for this and now you have to do this. Do it for all your family, friends, and colleagues, even those you don’t know.”

Gilda grew stolid again, “I will.”

“Good, Dismissed”

Gilda stood up, grabbing the manila envelope off the table and reading her mission details. The file read,

Operation Wolf in a Sheep’s clothing.

Infiltrate terrorist organization known as The Raven’s Claw and conduct emergency info drop offs, assassinations, and deception schemes.

The rest of the details were irrelevant to Gilda. This would be easy for her. The hardest part would be hurting her best friend.

“Dash forgive me,” Gilda said before exiting the compound and emerging into the bright light of Celestia’s sun.

“For the good of the mission,” she muttered to herself.

***

Spitfire looked down from her jet. If it could be called that. She sat laying down on a pair of wings with an engine directly underneath her. The tail of the craft only extended about a meter behind her. On the bottom of the wings were bombs. On the front of the wings where they met the engine were two prototype guns. They were the first rapid fire devices ever devised. And now they were mounted on her squadron’s Bijets as they were called.

The task force was a combination of Griffon and Equestrian forces meant to bomb a weapon’s depot. The location and contents were all carefully detailed in the info drop Fleetfoot picked up. Both governments knew there was a mole in The Raven’s Claw but refused to go beyond that.

She looked ahead. The border was only a few more kilometers from her current position. Suddenly there was a large airship getting really close really fast.

“Evasive maneuvers,” she whispered into her radio. The formation zipped past the ship. Spitfire looked back and noticed the yacht fading into the background. She turned back and looked at her Griffon counterpart. He gave an all clear.

“For the good of the mission,” was heard over the channel.

Chapter 11. Speed

Gilda stood outside the cave. She crept along the cliff face until she was out of the camp. She moved crept down the mountain into the forest. She ran along the edge until she found a series of rocks.

“One, Two, Three,” she whispered, “Ah here we are, four.” She picked up the fourth rock. Underneath it was a message.

Coordinates Received.

She smiled. She grabbed her lighter and set fire to the paper before tossing it to the ground. She replaced the rock and stood up. She looked towards the direction of the weapons depot as a series of whooshes sounded overhead.

Booms could be heard as the jets disappeared from view. Gilda shoved the lighter back into her pocket and ran off towards the camp.

***

Twilight, AJ, Rarity, Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Pinkie all ran to the edge of the yacht. It stopped rocking soon after the jets had passed but not before Vinyl went over the edge followed by Dax. Only Dax went over on purpose.

Dax fell. He streamlined his body and followed Vinyl’s screams as she fell. He recognized her pale form in the darkness. Fortunately she had spread her body out as to create the most air resistance as she fell.

The air rushed passed. If not for his enhanced hearing he might not have even found Vinyl. But Vinyl couldn’t hear him so that left him at a disadvantage if he wanted to call to her. He pushed himself farther down beyond his terminal velocity.

He was only two meters away from her though the ground was getting a little too close for comfort. Dax reached out. He had to do this right for if he grabbed her the wrong way he could dislocated her harm, rip a tendon, pop her shoulder out of its socket, or worse. There was also the possibility that she would hit the ground making all other points moot. He was directly above her. He hooked his arms under hers.

Vinyl’s head turned, her red eyes stared into his. All fear disappeared when she realized who he was. She instantly gripped him as hard as she could and closed her eyes.

Ok, that would also work. He began to slow his descant. Too fast and the G forces could kill her. He began to slow until he was at a hover only a few meters above the ground. He looked up. His HUD quickly found the yacht still high above.

With Vinyl still squeezing him he began to rise.

***

“Can anyone see anything?!” Twilight asked.

“No, maybe I can fly down there an-” Rainbow was cut off.

“Wait! What’s that?!” Pinkie pointed. An object was ascending. Soon it became visible just as it shot up and landed softly on the deck.

“Oh my gosh! Dax! Vinyl! Are you alright?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah I’m fine,” Dax sighed, “Hey Vinyl? You ok?”

She finally began to loosen her grip, “THANK YOU! Thank you thank you thank you.” She let her feet touch the deck and kissed him on the cheek, causing Dax to blush and leaving a bluish stain on his face.

“So I take that as a yes?”

“Yes,” she said still holding onto him, “I’m alright thanks to you…” She suppressed a sob with a sniff, “You saved me again. I don’t know how I’m gonna repay you for the last few times.”

“Vinyl, you don’t have to. Just knowing you’re safe is enough for me.”

She wiped her nose, “You’re too good to me. Thanks.”

“So anybody know what the hay made the boat rock?” Applejack asked.

“They were some kind of plane,” Dax said, “Just before they passed by Ajax called me. She said we should be careful as we travel towards Trottingham. Something about a terrorist group hating the peace between Equestria and the Griffin Kingdom?”

Twilight sighed, “The Princess told me something similar. The Black Claw has been giving both Kingdoms trouble for a while now.”

“Well if need be I can get my ship here in minutes. But let’s not let that ruin our vacation.”

“Sure. I don’t think they’ll be much trouble anyway. The Princess and the Griffon king are both working to stop their efforts.”

“Good,” Dax said. He turned to Vinyl. He wondered if she was alright from her experience, “So I bet you don’t like flying anymore,” Dax sighed.

Vinyl let go but blushed a little, “Actually, it’s not that bad.”

Dax’s eyes along with everyone else’s shot open wider than dinner plates.

A collective, “WHAT?!” was heard.

Vinyl gave a sheepish grin, “I don’t know why but I’m not afraid anymore. Though I’m scared to death of falling but for some reason I’m fine with flight.”

Dax sighed and smiled, “I won’t even try to understand how that happened.”

“Oh I understand it perfectly!” Pinkie said, “She got over-” She was silenced by Rainbow’s hand.

“Yeah I don’t know about you guys but I’m bushed. Time to hit the sack,” she trudged down the stairs towards her room.

“Me too,” Dax said, “I’m taking a shower. I think I hit a swarm of bugs on the way down.”

He headed to his room with Vinyl following close behind.

Rarity sighed, “Oh it’s so cute.”

“What?” Twilight asked.

“Them. It’s so fairy tale. Can’t you see it?”

“No, what?”

“He’s saved her life twice now and saved her from other… undesirables… too. It’s like that play Applejack and I saw. He’s the hero and she’s the princess.”

“So?”

“So she’s going to fall for him and he’s going to fall for her.”

***

Dax’s sleep was interrupted. A rustling could be heard at his door. He opened his eyes a peak. Vinyl stood at his door, fumbling with her hands. She stared at her feet.

Dax sat up in his bed, “Hey Vinyl, something wrong?”

“Oh um…Well I… I had a nightmare and…Well…I was wondering… If I… If I could…Stay with you for the night,” she peeped looking at the floor.

Dax smiled and moved over, “Sure, make yourself at home.”

She looked up, “Thanks Dax.” She crept over and got under the covers. Dax laid back on his pillow and began to fall back asleep.

Vinyl smiled and rolled over towards Dax. In truth she lied. There was no nightmare and never would be.

***

Dax woke up. There was a warm lump next to him. He rolled over and saw Vinyl, sound asleep next to him. He nearly jumped onto the floor but remembered what happened last night. He quietly crept out of his bed and grabbed some clothes from the closet.

After changing in the bathroom he quietly left the room and headed to the kitchen. He found Applejack humming to herself as she made pancakes with (you guessed it) apples.

Dax yawned and made himself a cup of tea.

“Morning AJ,” he said.

She turned, “Well howdy there hero boy.”

Dax sipped his tea. He found took a seat on an unoccupied chair at the table.

“Don’t call me that. I just did what any other person with the ability to fly would do.”

“Yeah,” Applejack said as she flipped a pancake onto a plate, “But you’ve done it about three times. You were even shot!”

“Still no hero.”

“Ya know you’re ‘bout as stubborn as Rainbow Dash.”

“Excuse me?” Rainbow Dash said, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, “I’m stubborn? Do you remember Applebuck season two years ago?”

“Mornin to you too RD,” AJ sighed.

“What happened two years ago?” Dax asked.

“Well,” Rainbow began smugly, “This one here thought she could harvest an entire apple field by herself. Though she went a little loco in the process.” Rainbow giggled at the last part.

“Ha ha ha ha,” Applejack said, “What about when you broke into a hospital just to-” Rainbow’s hand instantly shot out to silence the farm girl.

Dax laughed, “That’s a story I’d like to hear.”

“What’s a story you’d like to hear?” Vinyl said as she trudged into the kitchen.

“The story of when Rainbow broke into a hospital.”

“Oh that one. Just saying Rainbow, Twilight is the librarian and the books were most likely from the library to begin with,” she said with a giggle.

Rainbow frowned with an embarrassing blush across her face, “And how was I supposed to know that?”

Vinyl formed a ‘duh’ expression before saying, “Um books? Library? Friend is a librarian? Duh?”

“Humph,” she said before taking a seat herself, “Gosh I’m starved.”

“Well if you wait a few minutes breakfast’ll be done cooking,” AJ said.

Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity all walked into the kitchen. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Vinyl, and Dax all screamed when they saw Rarity’s face covered in a beauty mask.

“Oh my sweet Celestia!” Vinyl screamed, “Dax! Where’s the window?!”

“Oh relax Vinyl,” Twilight said, “It’s just Rarity.”

“She knows its Rarity,” Rainbow gasped, “But what’s that thing devouring her face?!”

“And why’s it green?!” Applejack asked.

“Oh girls,” Pinkie giggled, “It’s just a beauty mask.”

“After all, the element of Generosity needs to look her best when we land tomorrow,” Rarity said, walking to the sink and removing the mask.

“So what’s for breakfast?” Twilight asked

“Pancakes,” Dax said.

“Ooh yum. So how’d everyone sleep?”

“I slept like a baby!” Pinkie said.

“Like a rock,” AJ said.

“I have no idea,” Rainbow Dash said.

“I woke up in the middle of the night,” Dax said, “I guess Vinyl had trouble sleeping. But I guess that’s understandable after falling off a yacht.”

Vinyl blushed, “Yeah, uh, I had a nightmare.”

“So we’ll be approaching the city by tomorrow?” Dax asked.

“Yes. I heard Trottingham is a nice forested city. I’ve never been there before but from what I’ve read it’s really nice this time of year,” Twilight said.

“Cool.”

“Breakfast’s ready!” AJ said. She grabbed a large plate of pancakes and placed it on the table followed by a bottle of syrup.

“Awesome! I’m starved!” Rainbow Dash said stabbing fork into the pile, taking a mountain of pancakes to her plate.

“Rainbow! Don’t be such a barbarian!” Rarity scolded.

“Oh relax Rarity,” RD responded between bits.

“Eh what the heck?” Vinyl said before stabbing her fork into the mountain and removing a large amount of pancakes to her plate.

They all laughed before digging in. After enjoying half an hour of pleasant conversation and good food they washed the dishes, Rarity complaining the whole time, before returning up to the deck.

The sun had begun its assent into the sky. There some clouds in the sky making for a nice sky scape. There wasn’t too much to do until they reached the city.

Dax went back to his room and grabbed a drawing pad and a pencil. He returned to the deck and began to sketch. It always was a nice way for him to pass the time. One of the few things he had left of them…

***

Two years ago.

“I really hate this,” Adrian said.

“What is it this time?” Danny responded.

“Well let’s see, we’re in the middle of a heavy cargo container that’s strapped to the bottom of a container ship waiting for the next five days until we actually make landfall.”

“We have to stay in this container,” Daisy said, “It’s the only way we can make a covert insertion into G.E.E. space without being detected. Also the container we’re in offers a lot of radiation shielding since Atlas 2’s radiation can get lethal at those orbits.”

“So let’s review. Break into station; steal logistical information and weapons data, leave. Simple as that,” Dax said.

“First two are easy. Problem is we need a way off the station as the extraction point is several AUs out,” Naomi said.

“Eh we’ll deal with that when we come to it,” Dax said, “But for now I’m gonna try to not die from boredom for the next five days. Anyone got any ideas?”

“Bring your turntables DJ Dax?” Naomi said with a grin.

“No,” Dax said.

“Well I don’t know about you guys but Adrian and I are going to enjoy some quality time together,” Daisy said with a sly grin. She grabbed his hand and ran off to another part of the box, closing the door behind her.

“Well this is just great,” Danny said, “I was planning on catching up on some Zs but those two completely ruined my desire to return to the barracks. Fuckin great, no pun intended.” Danny got up and headed to the hanger part of the container, falling asleep in a jeep.

“I honestly have no clue what to do,” Dax said.

“You need a hobby,” Naomi said.

“I kill people for a living. Not much room for hobbies.”

“Jeez you are simply determined not to enjoy life to the fullest. Here!”

A pencil bounced off his head followed by a slap to the face by a pad of paper.

“What the hell is this?”

“A hobby. If you’re so determined not to have fun, at least do something that fits your boring personality.”

“I already DJ during the parties we have during shore leave.”

“Just so you would avoid Ajax possibly drugging you.”

“Throwing me out to dry huh?” Ajax said popping into existence.

“Fine,” Dax said taking the paper and pencil, “I’ll be in the armory.”

He got up and left, slamming the door behind him.

As soon as he left Naomi’s bubbly façade fell apart. She sat down on a couch and held her head in her hands.

“He doesn’t mean to be like that,” Ajax said.

“Could’ve fooled me,” Naomi said miserably.

“Naomi, he has the hardest job out of all of you.”

“Don’t patronize him,” she said bitterly.

“Listen!” Ajax said causing Naomi to look up, “Tade! This is your job!”

A bald A.I. in monk robs appeared, “No. This problem involves your trooper, not mine.”

“But she’s your trooper.”

“Your soldier! You tell her!”

“You are fucking insufferable! Fine! Just get outta my processing blocks.”

Tade disappeared.

“Tell me what?” Naomi asked.

“Naomi, Dax is squad leader as you know.”

“So? What does that have to do with anything?”

“Everything! He has the hardest job out of all of you! Being in charge of 200 other people he knows as well as he should his own family doesn’t just leave your state of mind untouched.”

“And?”

“If you want an example of how hard it is just look in the barracks.”

“Daisy and Adrian?”

“Yes. Things like that make his job much harder. In his mind, intimate relationships complicate things. Worse than civilians in a combat zone. What if he makes the wrong decision that results in one of them dying? What will the other think? And it’s not just them. The other fifty couples in the company make his command decisions limited. At the end of the day he has to make sure that all of them make it back alive and uninjured.”

By now she had Naomi’s attention.

“Have you ever looked at the causality reports?”

“No. Why? No one’s died, the most we’ve ever had is a few shots to the stomach.”

“That’s it right there. Simulations have shown that by now in the war at least half of you should be dead. That’s the bare minimum.”

“That’s not common among us?”

“Look at the other shock trooper companies. Ours is the only one where there has not been a single casualty. The closest any other company has come is losing 25% of their original trainees. Dax has had to compensate for the fact that some missions are more high risk than others, couples getting assigned to different missions with a chance that some will have a larger chance of dying than the others. Also, all of your company’s missions have had extreme implications for the war effort.”

“Like?”

“You don’t need to know. Just say you’ve kept a lot of people in their homes instead of in refugee camps. Dax literally has to plan to win the no-win scenario. He’s under more stress than even he knows.”

Naomi looked towards the armory door. Was she wrong? Was she just being selfish? Was that the reason for what happened four years ago?

“He’s under extreme amounts of stress to the point where medical reports are sounding alarms all across the board.”

Naomi looked up, “What’s wrong?”

“If he doesn’t get his stress levels down then he’s likely not to live to see his 40th birthday.”

“He’s dying?!” Naomi gasped. Danny rolled over in the jeep. Naomi’s voice returned to a whisper, “He’s dying?”

“Slowly. To the point where it’s nearly immeasurable. Just try not to antagonize him. He’s kept you all alive; but some point soon he may break. Even he himself doesn’t know the full extent of his condition. Just make him comfortable. If he’s to survive this he’ll need all the help he can get.”

The armory door opened, Ajax disappeared.

“Here you go,” Dax said tossing the pad at Naomi, “I have a hobby now.”

Naomi looked at Dax. He seemed normal but then again he hid a lot of things from her and everyone. From what Ajax just told her, she wasn’t being fair with him. Come to think of it, none of them were being fair with him unknowingly.

“Something wrong number one?” Dax joked in his best Patrick Stewart voice he could muster, “Aren’t you gonna look at the drawing?”

She gave a forced smile and looked at the picture. It was amazing. Their entire squad from the training days in a happy pose, joking with each other, ruffling hair, play full punches, so nostalgic.

She looked up at Dax, the façade returning, “This is amazing! See? You could make this your hobby.”

“Maybe. It is relaxing. Hmm. Eh what the hell? I’m not doing anything for the next few days; I’ll be in the hanger if you need me.” He strolled off towards the hanger and sat down in front of Danny and began drawing his heavy weapons specialist snoring away.

Ajax appeared and gave a simple thumb up before fading away.

Naomi sighed. If it had been different would he have said yes? If they had met somewhere outside the battle school how would it have been different?

Maybe if they both survived this war it could be. But until then…

***

“Whatcha doin?” A voice said behind him.

Dax was instantly sucked out of his drawing and back into his head.

“Oh what?” he asked.

“What. Are. You. Doing,” Vinyl asked.

“Drawing. Keeps me occupied.”

“What did you draw?” she asked moving next to him on the railing. Dax held up the pad as Vinyl peered at it. It was simple drawing of a cloud scape with the North floating partially obscured behind some clouds.

“Cool! So you excited to make landfall?!”

“Landfall? When?”

“Now, you dummy!” Vinyl laughed pointing off in the distance.

Dax looked along with her as the clouds gave way to the form of a city hidden among the trees…

End of Part 1. Will continue after finals. Which end on the 19th

Chapter 13. Drunk.

After much bugging and nagging from Vinyl, Dax got up. After watching the sunset they headed towards the club. Needless to say the club here was something else. It was in the center of the city atop the tallest tree. Located in the great mesh of leaves and branches it was well insulated from the rest of the city. In fact it one could probably detonated a bomb inside the club and the most someone on the main levels of the city would notice was a slight rustling.

And when night fell Vinyl became an entirely different person. She was still Vinyl but more mischievous and eccentric. The more Dax thought about it the more he realized he’d never seen her DJ before. She’d seen his performances and thought they were amazing. They were nothing special to him, just a talent that started as a way to avoid getting injected with sedatives.

They walked along the high walkways of the city towards the club. Vinyl wore her purple shades. Which was a little weird since she wore them at any time of day, during the day when it was reasonable, but at night? How the hell could she see with them on? She also walked with a swagger and friskiness about her. She was turning into DJ PON3. Her alter ego.

Dax had to admit it was fun to watch. It wasn’t so much of a transformation as more of as an awakening. Vinyl slowly became the crazy DJ everyone knows and loves.

The club was in sight. The entrance was carved into the side of the tree, almost like a gaping mouth. But inside, faint lights and a soft beat managed to escape the darkness. Dax knew from experience that the music was a lot louder and the lights brighter. Vinyl looked giddy like a kid ready to enter a toy store.

“Oh my gawd I can’t wait!” Vinyl yipped.

“Are you always like this before you go buck wild?” Dax asked with amusement.

“I don’t know. Octavia says so but, meh, what does she know?”

“Wasn’t she your roommate in college?”

“Oh shut up. Look we’re here.”

There was a bouncer who stood behind a velvet rope. The typical big muscular guy who was supposed to be intimidating. Dax certainly wasn’t as huge but was confident he could turn him inside out if he desired.

There was a line of people waiting to get.

“Excuse us, coming through, yeah please move, Ah here we are.”

“Are you on the list?”

“Fuck the list! I’m Vinyl Scratch!” Vinyl said removing her purple tinted glasses revealing her red eyes.

“ID?”

“Ugh! Fine,” she held up her ID card, “Good enough for ya?”

“Yeah you’re good.”

“Thank you!” Vinyl walked forward and into the club. Dax however was blocked.

“Oh wait he’s cool! Let him in!” Vinyl yelled.

“Who is he?”

“Uh he’s my, uh, my Body guard! Yeah my body guard!”

“Fine.”

The man moved and Dax followed Vinyl in.

“Good thing you said something. As body guard it’s my job to stay with Madam Disk Jockey at all costs,” He laughed mimicking a pompous Victorian accent.

“Oh shut up. Come on. There’s a party in there and I wanna join it!”

Dax rolled his eyes as he followed Vinyl into the club. Yeah, party girl to the core.

***

The lights flashed and beat pounded away inside the club. It was wild blend of music, lights, and sweat that all came together on the dance floor.

Dax was sitting in a booth overlooking the dance floor while Vinyl danced the night away. Dax was content to watch from a safe distance. He’d attended enough parties to know to stay away.

He looked at the drink in his cup. It was a strange mix of two unknown drinks that had a blue and green swirl to it. It was pretty tasty, with a tangy blueberry flavor. He laughed as Vinyl pulled off some of the craziest and wackiest dance moves he’d ever seen. He had to admit, this girl was giving Naomi a run for her money with the dance moves.

He laughed and leaned back against his seat. The booth he sat in offered a wonderful view of the dance floor while some sort of muffling spell kept the music from getting too loud up there.

“Dax! There you are! Come on! Let’s dance!” Vinyl yipped.

Dax threw his eyes opened. Oh no. Dancing was not his forte. He never did well in situations where his social behavior would be judged.

“What? Oh no no no no no no no.”

“Come on!” Vinyl slurred slightly, “It’s just one dance big guy! Now come on!”

She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the booth and down the stairs to the dance floor. No this was the entire reason he was a DJ. So he wouldn’t get dragged onto the dance floor by Naomi or someone like Vinyl who appeared to be slightly drunk.

“Vinyl, are you drunk?” Dax asked.

“Well Duh! Being drunk is half the fun! Now come on! Dance with me!”

Dax sighed. Well if he had to be dragged into something he didn’t want to do, at least he wasn’t drugged into doing it. And at least it was Vinyl whom he’d only known for a few weeks and not someone he’d known for… most of his life… who had his back when times were tough… who…

NO! Don’t think about that! She’s DEAD! And there’s nothing you can do to bring her back! What would she say?

“Stop being a Debby Downer! Be happy! Smile!”

Fine, I’ll try.

He still had his drink in hand. He took a hug sip, knowing full well it wouldn’t do anything but felt he needed the psychological support, and let himself be dragged onto the dance floor.

***

Well overall that went well. Though Dax was still a little confused. When he was dancing with Vinyl all his inhibitions disappeared. Though most of it was a blur. When he did finally manage to refocus himself he was back in the booth with Vinyl passed out next to him.

He laughed, “Vinyl my dear tomorrow will be hell for you.”

He’d seen this before; the hangover highway. Started off nice the night before but by the end it felt like there was a fully automatic machine gun going off in your head.

He leaned back and relaxed. Funny, the last time he’d actually tried relaxing in a club was the time Danny spilled a tray of seven beers all over him. Needless to say Danny ended up doing push-ups on the club floor.

Dax looked at his watch. It was getting late. They should be going. He stared at Vinyl. She was plastered. He laughed. She reminded him so much of Naomi. Only Naomi stayed conscious when she was drunk. He remembered a few times his number two showed up at his door… a little… frisky so to speak. He had to politely turn her down and escort her home. And the next day after such instances he rarely saw her since she would avoid him like a plague out of embarrassment.

He sighed and stood up. He roused her from her slumber.

“Vinyl.”

“Ugh, come on daddy. Five more minutes,” she moaned from the booth.

“Vinyl come on. It’s getting late and we have to go.”

“Dad I don’t want to go to school.”

“Vinyl I’m not your father,” Dax sighed, “Now come on, we have to get back to the yacht.”

He wasn’t sure if she was sleep walking or what but she got up, still looking quite asleep, and leaned against him. He rolled his eyes.

“Come on girl. I’ll walk you home,” he laughed as he pulled Vinyl to her feet and helped walk her out of the club. He got a few looks as he left along with some unwanted attention. Dax managed to get the stoned DJ out safely and onto the walkways. Dax looked down over the edge of the railing. He sighed. It was gonna be a LONG walk down to the yacht.

He started walking but soon realized the weight at his shoulder was beginning to gain some weight. He looked to his shoulder. Vinyl had reentered her deep slumber and was out like a light.

“I’m gonna have to carry your ass aren’t I?”

She didn’t offer a response other than a quiet snore. Dax sighed.

“Yeah I’ll take that as a yes.”

He reached down and placed one of his arms under her legs and lifted her up so she fell gently onto his other arm. Gosh she was heavy for her size. He carried her down the walkways towards the shipyard. He noticed her body. She seemed to keep in shape quite nicely. He stared at her face. Her glasses rested just above her eyes on her forehead. Her red eyes were closed and her blue, lipstick, coated lips curved upwards in a content smile.

She’s so much like Naomi and yet she’s her own person. In another world they could have been sisters, Dax thought. He carried the ‘sleeping’ DJ down the tree walkways towards the main levels of the city. It was night time and so no one was out, either at the club or in their homes asleep.

He finally reached the shipyard. The lights in the yacht were still on and the gang plank was down. Dax walked towards the vessel and stepped on board. Voices could be heard talking on the deck upstairs so he decided to head there.

“Now Pinkie Pie, where exactly did you go today?” RD’s voice asked.

“Oh Dashie, you’re such a silly girl sometimes. You wouldn’t understand where I went. Not unless you can break the fourth wall,” Pinkie yipped.

“Darling, what is this ‘Fourth Wall’ you keep talking about?” Rarity asked.

“It’s a quantum barrier that separates our reality and temporal plane from the other infinitely many other universes out there. You wouldn’t understand,” She said in a matter of fact manner.

“Pinkie, sometimes I wonder about you,” Twilight said.

Dax walked up onto the deck and set Vinyl down in a nearby deck chair. He sighed and plopped down in a nearby chair himself.

“Well Hiya Dax,” AJ said, “What’ve you been doin today?”

He sighed, “Well I’ve had to carry sleeping beauty here home,” he nodded towards the sleeping DJ who turned over in her chair before getting comfortable and falling  back to sleep.

“She alright?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. She’ll have on hell of a hangover tomorrow but other than that she’ll be fine.”

“It seems you two have gotten pretty close,” Rarity said.

“Yeah I guess,” Dax said as he leaned back, “I mean she is showing me around and everything.”

“No I mean-” She was cut off by an elbow to the ribs, “Ow Twilight! What was that for?”

Dax raised an eyebrow, “…O…K then. Well I’m gonna go get some sleep. See you all later.”

“And take ‘sleeping beauty’ with you!” Dash called.

The rest of them giggled. Dax gave Dash a glare before picking up his cargo and carrying her to her room. He calmly opened the door and set her down on her bed.

He closed the door and returned to his room for the night. He flopped onto his bed and fell asleep.

***

Vinyl opened her eyes. She groaned when she realized that waking up today was something she shouldn’t have done. She sat up in her bed and held her head. The pain of a hangover smashed and pounded her brain along with various aches and pains throughout her body. She was also slightly dizzy and thirsty.

“Oh. Celestia damn it! Ah this fucking hurts!”

She turned and looked at the clock next to her bed; 12:30.

“Shit,” she said momentarily forgetting about the pain in her head. She had slept in late. Even for her 12:30 was pushing it. She shot out of her bed a little too quickly, aggravating her already throbbing head and ran out of her room to the top deck of the yacht. Everyone was sitting around the table eating lunch.

“Vinyl darling you’re awake!” Rarity said cheerfully.

“Ow…” The DJ responded, “Can you say that a little quieter next time? My head still hurts like hell right now.”

“Really?!” Pinkie shouted completely ignoring what Vinyl had asked, “Even after two days?”

Vinyl’s eyes shot open, “TWO DAYS!” she yelled loud enough for her own voice to aggravate her own head.

“Yup! Dax brought you back here after you went out like a light in the club.”

Dax spoke up, “You had a little too much to drink after we quit dancing. Some kind of purple looking thing along with some blue stuff? Anyway you stayed asleep all through yesterday. Though I figured the hangover would have worn off by now.”

“Oh. I know what I had now. A Dragon’s fire and an Aqua Vita. Yeah in hindsight I probably shouldn’t have had those,” Vinyl grinned sheepishly while rubbing the back of her head.

“Why?”

“Well both of the Dragon’s fire gives LONG lasting hangovers- ow, and the Aqua Vita has this herb thing in it that makes you sleepy.”

“Well that would explain the two days of being out and the hangover,” Twilight said.

“Well how about some food there Vinyl?” AJ asked, “Ya’ll haven’t eaten anything in a day and a half.”

“Yeah that sounds good.” She walked over to the table and grabbed a sandwich from the plate. She bit into it, savoring the nourishment the food offered after her slumber.

Dax walked up to her with a cup in his hand, “Here, drink this.”

“What is it?” The DJ asked.

“Don’t be paranoid, it’s just water. You’ve been out for a day and a half and are probably a little dehydrated. Drink.”

She smiled and sipped the liquid. Her aches began to dull and her thirst and dizziness left her.

“Thanks. How’d you know I was dehydrated though?”

Dax rubbed the back of his head, “Well when you’ve been out for a day and the last thing you drank was an alcoholic beverage, it’s not too far off to predict that you’d need water. Plus it’s unhealthy to go that long without water… I think.”

“You think?”

“Well my race can only live about three to four days, if you’re lucky, without water.”

“That’s the same for us,” Twilight spoke up.

“Hmm. So our similarities go beyond simple cosmetics.”

“Yeah I guess. How many chromosomes do you have?”

“46. Why?”

“Only 46?! Celestia we have nearly twice that number!”

“Well I guess that’s where our differences begin.”

“Just wondering, where are we?” Vinyl asked.

“Oh we’re airborne again,” RD said, “We left just this morning.”

“Crap. I was hoping to see more of the city with Dax.”

“Jeez girl,” RD laughed, “What are you, his girlfriend or something?”

Vinyl cringed and turned red. Dax was merely indifferent.

“Sorry Rainbow Dash but no. And I doubt anything like that will even happen between us. We’re just friends, right Vinyl?”

“Y-yeah. Uh, just friends,” The DJ stuttered.

Rainbow leaned back, “Ugh you’re boring. You don’t aggravate easily do you?”

“Believe me, there’s nothing you could say that would get me mad. I’ve dealt with a lot worse.”

“Oh really? Like?”

Dax deadpanned, “I was drugged and dragged to a party against my own will by one of my friends. Oh and Ajax was the bitch that betrayed me and let her do that. So there’s not a lot left in that you could do.”

“Curses,” RD said, “Well we can still mess with other people that aren’t you.”

“Heh, been there done that.”

A silence followed. Everyone sat around the table eating. The flight was enjoyable so far. No planes or other objects were around to disrupt the beautiful and calm flight. Various mountains of clouds drifted by as the yacht sailed through the air. Even the occasional bird decided to rise up and rest on the masts before leaving and descending back through the clouds.

Soon lunch was over and everyone set out to own devices. Pinkie Pie set out to fix her party cannon as to have it fit more than Dax thought should be physically possible inside of it. Rainbow Dash did the usual: napping. Fluttershy fed and tended the birds that landed on the yacht. Rarity sat on the deck getting a tan. Twilight read and AJ did inventory of the food and supplies before going off to get supper ready.

Dax went to the front of the ship and sat near the mast, listening to music. He failed to notice Vinyl, who had nothing else to do, sit next to him near the mast.

“Thanks for binging me back here ok,” she said.

Dax didn’t hear her at first but removed his headphones when he noticed her presence.

“Eh what?”

“Thanks for carrying me back when I was plastered is what I said,” Vinyl laughed.

Dax laughed to. Funny. Her laugh was almost musical. Heh, it was pleasant to listen to.

“Don’t worry about it,” Dax smiled, “I’m sure you would have done the same for me.”

“Like hell!” Vinyl laughed, “You probably weigh a ton!”

“Well you weren’t a walk in the park either darling.”

“Please! I’m as fit and sexy as a fox!”

“Well you weigh as much as a bear.”

“Oh you enjoyed carrying me and you know it.”

Dax scoffed before continuing, “Yeah uh I’m pretty sure you enjoyed it more.”

Vinyl turned red, “Whadda ya mean by that?”

“I’m not saying anything.”

Rainbows scratchy voice cut through the conversation, “Oh dear Celestia! You guys aren’t talking about sex are you?!”

Dax and Vinyl both turned red and yelled back up in a synchronized voice, “SHUT UP RAINBOW!”

Rainbow Dash laughed and returned to her nap.

“Ugh,” Dax sighed, “I swear that girl is gonna drive me crazy.”

“Not before I do!”

“Don’t even consider that a challenge because you will lose!”

“Oh really?”

“Yes really.”

“How ‘bout this: when we get to Las Pegasus we can go all out and go crazy, and the first one to do something… I don’t know sketchy loses.”

“What do you mean by sketchy?”

“I don’t know, like does something crazy at a rave or something or confesses something.”

“Hmm. Alright. But you’re so gonna lose.”

“Bring it on hotstuff.”

They laughed and shared a hug, enjoying each other’s company. Vinyl leaned against her friend. She smiled contently. She’d never felt as safe around anything or anyone else as she did around him. It was a new and strange feeling if not unwelcome. She enjoyed his company and she was pretty sure he enjoyed hers. They did have a lot in common. They both were active, they both loved music if for different reasons, they both made music and again for different reasons but still. Their personalities clicked like puzzle pieces.

“Whatcha listening to?” Vinyl asked.

“Hmm? Oh nothing much.”

“Can I listen?”

“Are you sure? I mean you do have a wicked hangover right now.”

“Dude, I’m a Disk Jockey Party Girl. If I had one bit for every time I got a hangover I’d be richer than Celestia.”

“Well if you say so.”

“Cool.” Dax pulled out a pair of spare ear buds from his pocket and plugged them into his watch that also functioned as a music player. He hit the play button and let the song continue.

Vinyl’s eyes widened. The beat was calm and quiet yet it had a strange relaxing like quality to it. She felt herself lean farther back onto the deck and leaning against her protector.

Wait, when did that happen?

Well let’s see Vinyl, uh how about when he blew his own cover to save you from those criminals? Or how about when he tossed those two guys out of the bar when they tried to… well you know. Or when he jumped off of the boat to save your sorry ass when you nearly fell to your death? That sound familiar?

Fuck you.

She smiled to herself and enjoyed his company and the calming melody that played through the earphones. Soon the pain she had been feeling all but vainished.

Chapter 14. Build up to Woodstock.

Well the arrival in Las Pegasus was different considering it was at night. But it might as well have been in the day time with the level of activity the city was experiencing.

The last few weeks had been spent traveling all over Equestria. Turns out Vinyl had spared no expense when planning the trip. Probably because the Princess had insisted on covering it all but still. All their destinations were unique. From the city in the trees they departed to a city in the clouds. Twilight had to use a cloud walking spell for the few days they were there but it was still fun. From a town that rested on the edge of a cliff to one underground in a crystal cave. Dax never knew that Equestria had such a wide variety of environments. Vinyl had been a good sport about everything. Dax had dragged the Dj all over every city or town they landed in. He’d learned a lot about the country he currently found himself a citizen of and its inhabitants. Normally there would be First Contact Procedures to follow but those kind of went out the window the moment the AC died and when Dax had taken a few bullets for Vinyl.

While Dax was learning and partying at the local clubs with Vinyl, the rest of their friends had gone about on their own escapades. Rarity and Fluttershy had done a significant amount of shopping. Twilight had bought at least an entire library full of books at each town. Applejack had expanded her cooking skills and taste pallet at each stop. Pinkie Pie had… well no one quite knew what Pinkie Pie had done. It was still a mystery that even had Dax perplexed. For some reason the girl was emitting some type of radiation that even Dax didn’t know about it. He gave up trying to understand her when she apparently violated the laws of physics as he knew them for the fifteenth time. Rainbow Dash had gone off and done a lot of flying, even getting arrested in Terminus for flying through an active diamond mine. Luckily for her she was released when the rest of the element bearers showed up to bail her out. She later ran into her idol Spitfire who seemed to be in a hurry to get somewhere.

Strange. Spitfire and the rest of the Wonderbolts weren’t wearing their spandex normal Wonderbolt flight suits. Come to think of it, they weren’t even in casual pilot’s garb.

This had Rainbow Dash a bit confused and she voiced her concerns more than once that something seemed off about her idols. Spitfire seemed stressed to her, how she knew this was interesting but when you idolize someone like that you’re bound to pick up a few things. When she ran into them they were wearing greenish grey flight suits and removing helmets from their heads. Spitfire seemed to try to be friendly but had little time to speak to Rainbow.

Things like that tipped Rainbow off that something was up but she couldn’t quite place it. Normally Soarin’ was always on Spitfire’s arm but those affectionate gestures seemed to be missing. The entire team actually appeared to be on edge.

But the others quickly assured her that nothing was wrong and the Wonderbolts were probably just on a training exercise but Dax wasn’t so sure. With the planes that buzzed their yacht a few weeks ago and now this, something was up. Dax hadn’t gotten a good look at the planes but the sound their engines made indicated they were jets. And after seeing what this society was capable of technologically it was likely jets were limited to the military.

But Dax didn’t let that bother him and had shoved those thoughts from his mind. Ajax would have his head if she learned he wasn’t taking the time to ‘get some R and R and maybe even some T and A’ on this trip. He laughed as the last part was likely not to happen.

But now back to the present. Their yacht had just come over the mountains. They had been heading south east towards the sea. They cleared the last peak and soon the city came into view.

They all gasped at the sight of it. Before them, laid out like a carpet was a series of bright lights. Each on looked like a gem but in fact each one was part of a building. There were millions of them. There were towers that rose into the sky. Everything had a glow to it. The sea side town extended into the sea. Various artificial hexangular pieces of land dotted the harbor, each with a series of buildings. The city was alive with activity, even at this late hour. From one edge of the city to the other there always looked like there was something going on.

They bay was a slight crescent shape with the city going around the edge. At the mouth there was a light house that over looked the city. Farther up in the sky was the cloud part of the city. Various platforms and tiers floated above the town. Each one glowed with color as their own skyscrapers and buildings lit up the night. There were various sidewalks and streets that went across vast canyons that served as ground level roads. The streets on the ground weren’t even visible in some cases as a fog had drifted over some parts of the town.

There were a few stadiums dotting the city floor and floating in the clouds above. Las Pegasus seemed to be the capital of the world.

“Whoa,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“Yeah… whoa,” Dax said.

Vinyl laughed, “Look at you guys! First time seeing the party capital of the world! Gawking! Ha ha! I remember when I first showed up here.”

“Really?” Dax said more as a statement than a question.

“Yup, it was my first time on tour. Was only in my teens when I came here and this place blew my mind. There’s so much shit here even I haven’t seen all of it. But I do know a few places here and there that can really light up your world.”

“Well good for you girl,” Rainbow laughed, “You know any good places to fly around here?”

“Uh, did you fucking see this place? It’s a playground for all you fly boys and girls,” Vinyl grinned, “But if you ask me it’s just a waste of time. There’s A LOT more to do here than just fly around.”

“Like?”

“I don’t know, the fucking list is like a thousand miles long! Dax, you’ve been around haven’t you? What do you do for fun when you’re in a place like this?”

“I never got days off,” he said glumly, “And the nearest place anywhere like this is in enemy territory in the Sol System.”

“Enemy territory? What do you mean by that?” Vinyl asked.

“Nothing, forget I said anything.”

“Okay…” Rainbow Dash said, “Hey Rarity! You and Fluttershy planning on doing any partying while we’re here?!”

“Egad! A lady would never subject herself to such… animalistic forms of entertainment.”

Vinyl turned and pretended to vomit. Dax laughed.

“Yeah whatever Rarity,” The Dj laughed, “Those ‘animalistic forms of entertainment’ are what makes this city worth coming to! Come on, I bet even Dax’s society parties like this.”

“I doubt it Vinyl darling. A people as sophisticated as Dax’s couldn’t possible still entertain themselves like that.”

“I don’t know Rarity,” Twilight said, “There have been a lot of similarities between our two societies. Maybe…”

Rarity tore herself away from the yacht’s wheel, “It’s not true; is it Dax?”

Dax gave a sheepish grin, “It is. Sorry to disappoint? But my people have come up with a lot more crazier ways to entertain themselves than cities like this.”

“Ooh really?” Vinyl grinned, “Like?”

“That’s a story for another day my little Dj,” Dax laughed walking over to the bow of the ship. It was around midnight and thus the city was bustling about as if it was day time.

“Ya know,” Vinyl laughed, “You suck sometimes.”

“Gee, thanks. So what’re we gonna do while we’re here?”

“Dude, the better question is what aren’t we gonna do?”

“Well I’m gonna get some sleep so my sleep cycle doesn’t get messed up.”

“Uh, why?”

“One, it’s midnight, two, I don’t want to be a grunge  monkey when I wake up again.”

“A grunge monkey?” Vinyl giggled.

“Dude, you must not know how this place works,” Rainbow Dash said falling from the masts onto the deck, “This city is out of sync with the rest of the world. Day time is night to them and Night time is day. Work days last about like five hours before everyone goes off and parties like hell. Even I know that.”

“Okay, weird but not unheard of.”

“So when we land we’ll probably want to get something to eat,” Vinyl said, “Considering we’ll be here for like a week.”

“Cool,” Dax said, “So when are we landing?”

“I dunno. Rarity! When are we landing?!”

“Now! Now would you please be quiet and let me fly the boat?!” Rarity shouted across the deck, drawing the attention of everyone on the deck.

“Geez, girl. Just asking, calm down,” Vinyl laughed.

“Hmph.”

***

The yacht landed on the edge of the town at one of the city’s docks. The dock itself was connected to a tall tower that functioned as both a dock and hotel. Two walkways cradled the boat as it landed. Soon after, the motley crew exited the yacht.

“Alright!” Vinyl said, “Whats-”

“See ya!” Rainbow said running off and taking off into the sky.

“Come on Dear!” Rarity said grabbing Fluttershy and in almost a cartoon like style running off into the tower and probably towards the shopping centers.

“Ah’ll be seein ya’ll later!” AJ said hefting a bag and walking off towards the walkways that served as sidewalks between each building and intersection in the large urban jungle.

“There’s some books and a few museums I wanna see while I’m here so I’ll meet you all back here later,” Twilight said.

“BYE!” Pinkie said before vanishing into thin air.

“-first,” Vinyl finished with a dejected expression. She sighed, pulling her shades off.

“Hey,” Dax said, “I’m still here.”

“Yeah I guess,” Vinyl sighed.

Dax gave her a smile, “Come on.”

The Dj looked confused, “Where are we going? You don’t even know your way around this city.”

“That’s the point. Get lost, don’t go back to the yacht, and see where we are in a week.”

“I like the sound of that,” Vinyl grinned as they started walking. Now that they were up close to the city it seemed like one gigantic high tech mall. They layout was remarkably similar with how the streets and walkways on the upper part of the city worked. But there was nothing really remarkable about the top third of the city. In fact it was the only remotely sane part of the party town. Everything else that was worth seeing or experiencing or rutting or smoking or dancing on or injecting into your blood stream or gambling on or kissing or fucking or inhaling or hearing or… did I miss anything? Eh whatever, was down in the lower parts of the city.

Heh Dax you are so going down, Vinyl thought.

They soon reached a large ramp like area in the street. Various vehicles drove past them as they walked along the sidewalk. A few bikes, cars, motor cycles; all sorts of vehicles flew down the well-lit road.

“Alright, so here’s the deal, we’re gonna go rent a car for the week,” Vinyl beamed, “I’ve got the money so I can afford it. Plus I have a gig or two booked here and I want to arrive in style. You dig?”

“Yup. And I believe we have a bet to settle?”

Vinyl perked up with a grin, “Hell yeah. And you are so gonna lose.”

Chapter 1. The Fall and The Mission.

Dax sat at his desk. He wasn’t paying attention to what the teacher said. She didn’t care. She had studied his psychology and neural patterns enough to know that he already knew most of the stuff she was teaching the class. She was content to let him stare out the window and dream of the stars. One less problem student meant she could focus on the other cases. Fortunately for them she had patience of a great-great-great-grandmother. Being an A.I. helped a lot too.

Dax looked out the window and into space. He could see the curve of the planet as the school remained in geosynchronous orbit above the planet. Though this window wasn’t his favorite it still allowed him to dream. From here he could only see the curve of Colombia, its moon Delta, and its near-planet object, Ra, that had been placed in orbit to help adjust the tides of the planet. But here he could still dream about the stars and exploration. He sighed as he dreamed of captaining one of the huge cruisers that journeyed every day into the stars. Of course they weren’t exploring but still.

“Dax, do you know the answer to number 12?” Dally asked. She was the A.I teacher of the class.

He looked up, “M theory, Miss Dally.” He returned to his window.

“Very good,” She said, “Now, can anyone explain why Dax got the answer correct when all he does is stare out the window every class?”

“Because he’s a bozo,” Alan answered, “And a freak.”

“Now Alan, that’s not a nice thing to say.”

“It’s true, there’s no way he’ll be selected.”

“You don’t know that. Every one of you has the same statistical probability of being selected as the next guy.”

The class stared at her. Being selected was both an honor and a curse. Those who were selected could basically kiss whatever they wanted to do with their lives goodbye. Being selected was a guaranteed ticket into the Atlantis Confederation military.

For the past five years the Atlantis Confederation had been at war with the Galactic Earth Empire. The Earth had become a tyrannical government and attempted to take over the Atlantis Confederation space. The Confederation valiantly fought back but it wasn’t enough. They had to innovate if the wanted the slightest chance of beating the vast resources of Earth. But the war seemed far away now and the high scholars went on with their lives. The war was part of daily life.

“Dax Reynolds to the administrator’s office immediately.”

Everyone looked at Dax. He sighed and stood up and walked out the door. No one said a word as the sophomore left the room.

He walked down hallway, down a flight of stairs. He passed the doors to the hanger where the transport dropped him off every day. He passed through the building’s atrium. This was his favorite part of the school. It had the largest windows with the best views. He looked out and saw the vast soup of space stations that orbited several kilometers away. Each one something different; department stores, a restaurant, a gym, all of them however were dwarfed by The Hoop. The Atlantis Confederation’s crowning achievement. It was a huge ring station that encircled the entire planet at the equator. It was a majestic sight and also Dax’s home. Little blips in the side were in fact massive hangers, capable of accommodating the largest ship. A huge belt shaped portion of the ring was passing over the capital. A huge beam shot down onto the city, delivering it its power supply for it and the surrounding county. This was a weekly occurrence. Each city along the equator received their power from The Hoop. The top of the ring was coated in photo reactive cells that turned 100% of the sun’s light into energy.

He reached the administrator’s office. Inside sat the principal, his mother and father, and two men in military garb.

“Dax, thank you for coming,” the principal said solemnly.

“What’s going on? Mom? Dad?” he said.

One of the men stood up. He held out his hand.

“Congratulations son, you’ve been selected.”

***

Vinyl Scratch sat outside the principal’s office. She was in one of the most prestigious schools in all of Equestria. This was the school the best musicians in the world came from. In this school, you could learn anything. She was most interested in learning how to DJ. She looked at her shoulder. Her cutie mark had recently appeared last week. The suspense was beginning to kill her.

Inside the office were her parents and the principal of the school. Apparently her file had been the most interesting and the principal himself felt the need to review it himself. Vinyl could hear the muffled voices of conversation inside the office.

Finally the door opened and her mother came out smiling.

“Come in, Ms. Scratch,” the principal said.

She stood up and entered the office, waiting to hear the verdict.

Her parents stared at her. The principal finally put the file down and pulled his glasses off.

“Congratulations Ms. Scratch, you’ve been selected.”

***

“So let me get this straight,” Will said at the lunch table, “They selected you? You of all the people in this school?”

“Yes,” Dax said, “apparently they don’t judge you on book smarts or physical strength like some people think.”

“Then how are you selected?” Sarah asked.

“You’re selected on military and strategy smarts, problem solving, leadership abilities, and emotional detachments.”

“Emotional detachments?” Will asked.

“You have to be able to separate yourself from your emotions is what they said. And as the first test, I’m leaving for training tomorrow.”

“WHAT?!”

The next day.

Dax walked out of the school. He was being dismissed early. He was allowed to bring few possessions and only took his pad, two changes of clothes, a knife, and his necklace.

Alan glared at him with a hatred that said it all. He wanted to be selected more than anybody and he hated Dax for that.

He boarded the transport and took his seat. There were only four other kids on the ship. The each stared at the ground. Dax strapped himself in. A woman in a military uniform walked by and plastered a name tag on his chest,

Dax 7 it read.

Dax looked out the window as the transport passed through the plasma shield and into the vacuum of space.

***

Vinyl entered he dorm. She pushed her messy, electric blue, spiky hair out of her eyes. There were two beds and two desks, a bathroom, and a kitchen area in the dorm.

She placed her bag on one of the beds and began to unpack.

“Just saying, that’s my bed,” a voice behind Vinyl said. Vinyl turned, another girl greeted her with a friendly smile.

“Sorry,” Vinyl said, “I just got into this school. I’m a bit new here.” She moved her stuff to the other bed and resumed unpacking.

“Hey, no problem,” The girl said. She had a full head of blackish grey hair, styled upward and back to form a sort of puff in the front. The rest of her hair draped down over her back.

“I’m Octavia, I’m new here too. What’s your name?” Octavia asked.

“I’m Vinyl, Vinyl Scratch. Nice to meet you.”

“Well I guess we’re roommates, Vinyl. Wanna be friends? You seem nice,” Octavia said.

“Sure, I’d like that a lot,” Vinyl smiled.

***

It had been two years since Dax had been selected into the Atlantis super soldier program. He’d sharpened his mind, body, and now they were going to sharpen him some more.

“What’s this procedure going to do?” he asked from the table.

“You will have abilities no other humans will have ever,” Ajax said. Her British accent flowed over the room. She had been his personal A.I. and caretaker since her first came to the school. Her avatar appeared in front of him. She was a woman wearing a casual military garb. The name Ajax was on her chest along with the number 7.

“We will also install a personal anti-gravity system into your body.”

“What will that allow me to do?”

“Well the official explanation is that no soldier will have to worry about falling to his/her death”

“And the actual?”

“You will have the ability to fly,” She smiled.

Dax smiled. Ajax looked towards the med tech team and gave them thumbs up. The anesthesia and other drugs pumped into his system as he fell into a deep sleep

***

“So Vinyl,” Octavia said. She sat on her bed with a music sheet in front of her as she composed, “Do you have any projects coming up?”

“Yeah,” Vinyl said. She was on laptop as she built a new song, “Deadpon3 is having us build a new club mix for Friday night. We’re going to have a rave.”

“That sounds like fun,” Octavia said, “I have to compose a rhapsody for the winter ball. Princess Celestia herself is going to be there.”

“Cool,” Vinyl said, “The other day I ran into my old friend Rainbow Dash. She was with another girl named Gilda. Rainbow was her normal, friendly self but Gilda was just plain mean. I’m worried about Rainbow; I don’t think she knows how mean Gilda is.”

“Well maybe it was one time thing. You never know, maybe she was just having a bad day,” Octavia’s wisdom made sense.

“Yeah, maybe,” Vinyl said looking out the window of the dorm.

***

“Dax. Dax wake up,” Ajax said.

Dax opened his eyes. Ajax was standing over him. Her form projecting from his pad. It was mandatory that all trainees carry the pad with them at all times. It allowed for constant communication and for their A.I. to be with them everywhere they went.

He rolled out of his bunk and onto the floor.

Ajax was still standing over him, “Come on, we have a lot to do today.”

“Yes mom,” Dax got up. He brushed his teeth and pulled on his uniform. He headed out of his dorm as Ajax directed him to his own training room. It was huge and open with a series of objects with varying sizes and weights.

“Your procedure, as you know was a complete success,” She said, “But what you don’t know is what it was meant to do.”

“It made me fly, right?”

“Partly, and you still haven’t flown yet, but it does more. You’ve been going through some subconscious training for the use of your new abilities,” she said, “Now we’re going to teach you to fly. Try hovering; just imagine you’re floating.”

Dax sighed and imagined he was floating. Sure enough, he felt gravity losing its grip on him and he began to float up towards the ceiling.

“Oh now this is awesome,” Dax laughed.

“Yes, very good Dax. Now try moving forward.”

Fuck that, Dax thought. He rushed forward. He rushed through the air to the opposite wall of the room. He did a flip and headed down.

“Now Dax, you’re moving too fast now,” Ajax said concern in her voice.

“Oh relax you worry ward,” Dax laughed. His next maneuver would have been impossible using normal aerodynamics. He pulled a full 90 degree pull up before banking and landing in front of Ajax.

“Ok. I think you got flying down,” she said, “Now let’s try your next new ability. You see those blocks over there? Try lifting one.”

He began to walk over to the blocks.

“No. Not with your arms, with your mind.”

“What?”

“You heard me,” she said, “Use your head.”

“Uh, fine,” Dax said.

He looked at the box. He raised his arm. He felt the block. It was a solid metal brick; he gripped it in his head. He raised his arm and the two ton brick moved with him.

“Now I LIKE THIS,” Dax laughed.

“I thought you might,” Ajax smiled, “Soon you will be able to move things just by focusing on them. You won’t have to use your arms.”

“Cool,” Dax said as he moved on to the next object. It was a standard military shipping container. It contained components for a type four wasp fighter. He raised his arm and the container obeyed. He looked at the palm of his hand. He manipulated the container’s position with his fingers before closing his hand in a fist. The container crushed in on itself, smashing its contents to bits.

“Now Dax, you have to be careful with this,” Ajax admonished.

“Why? This is so cool!”

“You remember last week when the station locked down?”

“Yeah, why? What does that have to do with anything?”

“Well number 76 wasn’t very careful and ripped a hole the size of a ground transport in the hull. He was recovered from space and thawed out properly but… I don’t want to see that happen to you. I’ve watched over you since before you knew you were selected and have come to think of you like a son.”

Dax stared at her. Ajax was now the closest thing to a mother her had. And she was worried that he may hurt himself if he wasn’t careful with this new power. He looked at his hands and back at the smashed container. He felt ashamed. It was extremely easy to abuse this power.

“I would give you a hug but my arms would go right through you,” he joked.

“Come on, Let’s get you some breakfast. You’ve been advancing faster than all the other trainees so you can spare some time.”

The walked out of the room and headed to the atrium.

***

It was graduation day. The day the trainees became soldiers. They had been trained in the art of war for the past four years. They had strengths and powers they hadn’t had when they entered the school. They had become brothers and sisters with their fellow trainees. They had parents now thanks to their caretaker A.I.s. Every one of them felt a sense of pride as they donned their new uniforms. The battle suit of the Omni soldier. The armor was equipped with everything. It was built for space; it could survive in the vacuum for 2 hours, had built in shields, sensors, and augmented every soldier’s strengths. It could even carry their caretaker A.I. They had been trained for every situation, every scenario, how to use every vehicle, how to command a battleship, all in the short time period of four years. They had had no weekends, no days off, only training and sleep. Their minds had been sharpened the first year to allow for fast learning. And now they were ready.

Admiral Hale stood before the company of shock troops, all 200 of them, examining the results. He finally spoke.

“When I first heard of this program ten years ago, I was skeptical. This Project Black Swan promised the best soldiers in the galaxy. Take 15 and 16 year old kids and turn them into the best fighting force in the history of humanity in the timespan of four years. Soldiers more versatile, smarter, faster, stronger, and better than even the Spartans of ancient Greece. But when I see what you all can do, all you’ve learned, all you’ve accomplished, the potential you all have, I think that it was damn well worth it. You are the new Delta Force, the new Navy Seals, and the new Green Berets. As a commander, I couldn’t ask for better troops.”

He saluted the new army. Admiral Hale was the father figure in their lives. He was the one they looked up too. His respect was everything to them and now they had it. They proudly returned the salute.

“Earth may have more resources to put into this war than us but quality over quantity I say! Let them come! Our fleets our better, our armies are better, and now, our soldiers are better too. Ad Astra Per Apera. Dismissed.”

He turned on his heal and returned to his flag ship, The Martian Fury. The shock troops pulled on their helmets, their visors hiding their faces and departed for their assigned missions.

***

Four Years Later. The A.C. is losing, badly. The Omni soldiers are spread too thin to make a major difference. The better built ships of the A.C are outnumbered by the faster built ships of Earth. It comes down to one thing…

It was bad luck. Terribly bad luck. This was the one scenario that no one had prepared for. The Hawking Drive on one small frigate just happened to malfunction and deposit the ship on the Capital world’s doorstep. And now thanks to that one incident, a fleet of ships stood ready to turn Colombia to glass.

Admiral Hale had massed as many ships as he could but not enough were going to arrive in time. The G.E.E fleet outnumbered the A.C fleet two to one.

Dax was frustrated. He felt like the one kid not going to the party on Friday night. He watched as 199 other fighters flew past the Martian Fury to join nearly one million other fighters. He watched as they passed the orbital batteries and sped on. The destroyers and frigates close behind followed by the battleships and dreadnoughts. The carriers stayed behind along with Martian Fury.

“Admiral, I don’t understand why I’m not up there with them. Ajax and I should be there,” Dax said. His frustration was evident even through the visor of his armor.

“Your mission will be more important than what your brothers and sisters are doing. Their mission is to buy you time. As much time as they can,” Admiral Hale said. He was pulling up some kind of battle strategy on his pad.

“What is my mission, sir?”

“Your mission, son, is to live. This mission comes straight from the top. You are to take a fighter and high tail it to The Hoop, hanger number X79.”

Ajax pulled up the hanger registry on The Hoop. She searched for the hanger the Admiral seemed so desperate to protect. Using Dax’s armor’s speakers she spoke.

“Admiral, there is no X79,” she said.

“Ajax, I’m uploading a file. You should find it now. Dax, you are to go that hanger and get the Galactic North out of here. This is your last mission.”

“What? What do you mean it’s my last mission?”

“We have been losing this war, Dax. And we will lose this war. Our best A.I.s calculate that the Earth tyrants will win and rule the galaxy with an iron fist. But they also say that a rebellion will form and eventually win back freedom. The G.E.E doesn’t have A.I.s to calculate this so that gives us one advantage. We will win back our freedom and a new Confederation will form and eventually rise to be the greatest power in the galaxy. Even stronger than Earth. But this hope will only exist if you succeed in your mission.”

“They’re buying me time? What is so important that they have to die for me to live?” Dax would have begun to cry if he hadn’t kept such a good grip on his emotions.

“Galactic North would have been the game changer if we had her two years ago. But now she may be everything. She is a highly advanced prototype ship that was built using technology not of our race.”

“What do you mean by ‘not of our race?’ Are you saying that thing is alien technology?”

“Partly,” The Admiral said without looking up from his pad, “That ship is thousands of years ahead of anything we can build. If Earth gets her, it’s over for all of us. That nice future our techno buddies have predicted won’t happen.”

He turned rather violently and grabbed Dax, “Get that ship out of here and survive!”

He pushed Dax toward the bridge exit, “GO! GO DAMN IT! GO!”

Dax ran through the ship until he got to the hanger. He found his fighter and jumped in and sped out of the ship. Behind him the Martian Fury accelerated into the fray. The orbital batteries fired and the Atlantis ships began their valiant march toward honorable defeat.

“Ajax, load that file and find us that hanger. Let’s not let them die in vain.”

“On it,” Ajax said.

The fighter sped towards The Hoop. In a few minutes they found the hanger and approached the aperture.

“Fighter number 7 you are in restricted airspace please divert now.”

“This is Shock Troop number 7 I’m under orders from Admiral Hale to get the Galactic North out of here.”

There was a long pause

“You’re cleared to land. And may I say it’s an honor to help carry out the Admiral’s last command.”

“What do you mean last command?”

“Don’t you know? The Admiral’s ship has been destroyed.”

A punch to the gut is what it felt like. The father figure in his life was gone.

“Roger that,” he said coldly.

He landed his fighter. He looked out the hanger and watched the battle rage on. Burning hulks fell into the atmosphere, burning and leaving scorch marks on the ground below as they impacted the planet. Others burned while others exploded, sending debris every which way.

A technician directed him to a landing pad. Before him stood a ship unlike any other he’d ever seen. It was sleek and white. Two wings extended out of it. There were no jagged edges on this ship. Two engines were located in the back of the ship. The technician pointed and left.

Dax boarded the ship. He listened to the door close behind him. He quickly found the bridge. It had two chairs in front of a control board. There was a row of windows that allowed for a nice view of space. The control board flashed on at his touch. A pair of control sticks extended out. A pad extended from the floor. Dax pulled a chip out of his TAC pad on his arm and slapped it into the pad.

“Roomy in here,” Ajax said.

“What can this ship do?”

“Let me fin- oh my god. The Admiral was right. This thing can change everything.”

“Alright, let me see here,” Dax said.

He activated the engines. The ship rose into the air. He retracted the landing gear.

“Would you like the controls in manual or automatic?” Ajax asked.

“Manual. I want to see what this thing can do.” He took hold of the sticks. Instantly the ship interfaced with his neural systems. He became the ship. He flashed the ships engines and rushed out of the hanger. He flew through space like a bird through the air. He watched as the Earth ships converged on The Hoop.

They fired their antimatter lances. The shots impacted the ring. The weakened part of the ring began to buckle under the orbital stresses. Pieces of the ring began to fall towards the planet.

Dax turned and started heading out of orbit.

“Activating shields,” he said. He pressed the control a hologram of the ships weapons and defensive systems appeared on his HUD.

He pushed the stick forward as the ship rocketed away from the planet. A shot shook the ship, bringing the shields down to 99% but leaving the ship undamaged. These were some strong shields. A voice came over the com.

“Unidentified craft, this is the G.E.E.S Retribution. Heave to and prepare to be boarded.”

“Like fuck,” Dax responded. He pushed the ship faster. His speed was approaching six Gs.

“Ajax, at what point do the inertial dampeners become ineffective?”

“Fifteen Gs.”

“Holy shit, we can go fast then, can’t we.”

“Oh yes,” Ajax smiled. Her avatar on the pad.

“Unidentified craft, you will reduce speed or be fired upon.”

“Catch me if you can cocksuckers!” he yelled back, “Ajax, what’s the FTL ratio for this ship?”

“One AU to every ten Parsecs,” she smiled, “We are one fast ship.”

“Prepare to jump,” he said, “G.E.E.S Retribution, you can kiss my ass cause I’m pushing seven Gs and your about to top out. I wish you a kind FUCK YOU and GO TO HELL.”

“Jump prep complete. Standing by to make the jump to warp space.”

“Jump!”

A special distortion began to form in front of the Galactic North. The ship’s Hawking Drive opened the worm hole and soon the ship was sucked inside and out of the system, gone and never to be seen again…

***

One Year After The Fall.

DJ Pon-3 had finally returned to her home club in Ponyville after a month on tour. She unlocked her house and sauntered up the stairs. She tossed her bag on the floor before walking out onto her balcony.

In spite of being one of the most popular DJs in the world she was unhappy. She was lonely. Every other guy she met just wanted to get into her pants; the other half only wanted access to her money. She sighed as stared at the night sky before her. It was a nice night. The constellations were visible and the moon shined bright.

She looked up and saw something that made her gasp. It was a shooting star! Princess Luna only made those once in a blue moon; and an actual blue moon only a few times every fifteen years. She stared at the falling star and made a wish.

Chapter 12. Landfall

HOLY LORD. Sorry for this chapter being so short and taking so long to get out but I hit writer's block while writing this like a freight train hitting a solid brick wall several miles thick. But this chapter, while short as hell, got me out of that rut and hopefully back on track.

“What do you mean ‘now’?” Dax asked. He thought they’d be landing tomorrow.

“I mean NOW! As in the present. As in ‘It’s happening right now.’ ‘The ship is landing now,’ Now,” Vinyl chirped.

“I thought Rarity said we’d be landing by tomorrow,” he said still confused. He shoved his pad in his pocket.

“I miscalculated Darling!” Rarity shouted from the bridge.

“I think you should leave the calculation up to the egg heads next time,” Rainbow Dash said flying down from one of the ship’s masts where she’d been sleeping.

“Well excuse me!” Rarity huffed.

“It is a beautiful city,” Fluttershy said as they got a better view.

It was a much forested place. The city was built into the side of some of the massive trees that comprised its surroundings. The trees themselves were huge. Dax had seen skyscrapers on Colombia that came close to their size but nothing like this. The towering spires of wood and leaves dwarfed the ship as it entered the outskirts of the city. Entire buildings were built into the city. In fact none of the cities buildings rested on the forest floor. Houses, restaurants, stores, shops, everything was resting in the trees above. Tall walkways connected each tree. Cable cars ferried people from one corner of the city to the other. The occasional Pegasus would fly by, waving hello before continuing on their way.

The city was literally alive.

“This place is amazing!” Dax said. His headset was recording everything he saw, “Ajax is gonna be sorry she missed out on this!”

Everything had a forest theme to it. The ship drifted towards an airship dock before quietly setting down on its landing struts.

“Looks like we’re here everyone,” Twilight said as the gangplank lowered to the deck. Everyone stood up and headed down stairs.

“Ooh! I can’t wait to sample all the sweets!” Pinkie bounced as they headed out.

“Pinkie Pie,” AJ said, “The last thing yall need is more sugary sweets.”

“Oh please, silly billy!” Pinkie beamed, “You can never have too much sugary sweets!”

“YES YOU CAN,” everyone said. They all stepped out of the yacht. They were hundreds of feet above the forest floor.

“So what’s the plan?!” Vinyl asked, “Cause the big guy and I want to find the nearest club and I know for a fact not all of you wanna join us.”

“Well I’d like to find the library,” Twilight said.

“I’m gonna fly all over this city,” Rainbow said, “Peace!” She ran to edge of the dock and dived off and into hustle and bustle of the forested city.

“Well that was fast,” Twilight said.

“Ah’ myself am gonna find a grocery store. We’re running low on supplies. Plus a little extra flavor in our food wouldn’t hurt,” AJ said.

“Fluttershy and I will be shopping,” Rarity said, “But first we must register the ship.”

Everyone started going their separate ways. Pinkie mysteriously vanished but no one found that too unusual.

“So what’re we gonna do?” Dax asked.

“I dunno,” Vinyl said, “We can go find a record store or something. I honestly meant we’d find a club here later.”

“Well let’s walk around for a while.”

“Ugh, can’t we do something fun?” Vinyl asked, her purple shades glistening in the sunlight.

“Vinyl my dear, you gotta learn to relax,” Dax said, dragging out relax, “Sometimes you just gotta learn to go with the flow; slow down a little and take in life for a moment.”

“Geez,” Vinyl laughed, “Don’t get all philosophical on me. Fine.”

“Don’t you want to learn about this place? Other than where the clubs are?”

“To me it’s just another town until we get to the party places. Aren’t you looking forward to those? I only booked in these first two towns for the others.”

“Well to me it’s a new place to explore and get to know. On all of the worlds I’ve seen I’ve never seen a people live in the trees like this. And these are some huge trees. Larger than anything known by my people to exist.”

“Well when you’re on tour a lot you generally don’t get time to know the place you’re in before you leave. Not really in one place for too long so I never saw the point in getting to see it.”

Dax sighed, “Well for me I always took the time to see as much of the place I was in as I could; no matter how long the stay was. You never know when you’ll next be there or if you return at all. Who knows? You may find something fun to do that doesn’t involve a club.”

Vinyl pawed the ground with her foot, “Well when you put it that way…”

“Come on,” Dax laughed, “Let’s go enjoy the scenery, and then we can find a club.”

“Yes!” Vinyl said.

They walked along the docks before coming onto the large wooden pathways of the forest city. Many of these paths and walkways were as large as full sized roads in Ponyville. People pushing carts were able to get around just fine on the wide streets. There were ramps that led to the different levels of the city as well.

Dax and Vinyl walked along, taking in their surroundings. Surprisingly Vinyl wasn’t restless about the whole thing. She actually seemed interested in their surroundings as they walked along. Dax smiled. Her hair was spiky and out of control like usual and she had a few earrings in her ears. Her purple shades were resting on her head revealing her red eyes. She had a blue colored lipstick on as well as a pair of ear buds resting in her head. She was wearing a white tank top that revealed her nicely toned body. Her shoulders had her signature double quaver cutie mark along with a PON3 tattoo.

Dax shook his head rather violently. Was I just doing what I thought I was doing? He thought, was I checking her out? No, you can’t do that Dax. Bad things happen when you think things like that. Besides, you’re not even the same race as her. You also have a mission to complete. What would AJAX think?

They continued walking past various stores and shops. A few people stopped Scratch to get and autograph or a picture with the legendary DJ. Soon they came to the entrance to a park like area.

The sign read,

Oakum Park

“Wanna check it out?” Dax asked.

“Love to,” Vinyl smiled, “I never realized it but it’s kinda relaxing; not partying or clubbing right now. Still love to party but this is… nice.”

The two walked into the park and gasped at what they saw. The park was resting inside the center part of one of the large trees. The huge branches branched out around it. Smaller plants and trees rested on the green grass of the parks fields. But that wasn’t the best feature of it. In the center was a reservoir of water. A huge basin that sat atop a tree.

“WHOA,” they both said as they walked into the wonderland.

The water was sparkling and crystal clear. Birds chirped and zipped about in the air above. Squirrels skirted about the branches while rabbits and other various animals bounced about below.

The found a bill board that rested near the entrance.

Welcome to Oakum Park.

This small lake was formed by the accumulation of rainwater in the bottom of this small basin. Various fish and other animals were brought in later…

Bla bla bla. They didn’t bother reading the rest of it. It was a beautiful oasis in the sky among the trees. Fluttershy herself would find beauty in this place. The lake was surrounded by a grassy knoll.

“This place would be the perfect setting for a picnic,” Dax said.

“Picnic’s? Boring,” Vinyl said, “Though I will admit this place is pretty rad.”

“I’ve never seen anything like this before. How old do these trees have to be to grow this huge? And for a lake to form? That must have taken hundreds of years.”

“Or it could have been done in a few days. Weather control? Remember?”

“Oh yeah, right. Well we don’t have weather control like that we’re I’m from.”

They continued walking along until they found a nice spot on the grass to sit down on. Dax laid down on his back with his head resting on his arms.

“What’d ya stop for?” Vinyl asked, “I thought we were just gonna walk around this place before finding the club.”

“I don’t know about you but I plan on enjoying this moment while I still can. All this peace and tranquility can balance out the chaos and noise of a party life. I enjoy all the peaceful moments I can get.”

“You’re not gonna leave here for a while, are you?” Vinyl asked already knowing the answer.

“Yup.”

“Gah,” the impatient DJ sighed, “Fine.”

She laid down on the grass next to him. They stared up at the trees and leaves above as nature existed in perfect sync with the city that resided with it. Dax couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace and happiness fall over him. Moments like this were rare when the other half of humanity wanted you dead since you were the one thing stopping them from ultimate victory. But considering the war was lost, there wasn’t much harm in simply lying here and enjoying the best nature had to offer.

“Hey Vinyl?” Dax asked.

No response.

“Hey Vinyl,” Dax said again.

Again, no response.

Dax rolled over on the grass. Vinyl had fallen asleep on knoll. Dax smiled. In so many ways she reminded him of Naomi. She had the spunky impatient attitude of his old number 1. She had a lot of the same mannerisms. She was a lot like her. Only that Naomi was gone.

He sighed at the sad memory of it. She had been his best friend since training, even if she was a bit eccentric and crazy. All of them had been like brothers and sisters to him. Ever since their deaths all he’d felt was an empty, hollow, coldness within. But something about this place was beginning to make him feel alive again. He felt, almost happy. Was that how he would describe it? Maybe. It was the only emotion that made sense. Yeah that was it. Happy; something he hadn’t felt in years.

He sighed contently and rolled back over; listening to Vinyl’s quiet breathing mix in with the tweets of the birds.

He closed his eyes and nearly dozed off when a certain pink haired, girl popped up in front of him.

“HEY!” Pinkie Pie yelled, “I finally found you guys!”

Dax and Vinyl both screamed and shot up like bullets at the verbal assault Pinkie had put them through.

“AH!” Vinyl yelled, “PINKIE PIE! What was that for? The loud club music won’t have to make me deaf at this rate!”

“Well after I fell through the space time continuum I decided to reenter reality at this town’s club! There’s a rave there tonight! Just thought I’d tell ya.”

“Good to know Pinkie!” Dax said rubbing the side of his head.

“Ok nice talkin to ya bye!” With that, Pinkie Pie disappeared into the folds of space in which she appeared from.

“Um,” Dax rubbed the back of his head confused, “Where did she just go?”

Vinyl laughed, “Who the hell knows? She does stuff like that all the time.”

“Doesn’t anyone want to know how she does that?”

“Twilight tried once. Never cracked it. The closed anyone has come to figuring her out is that space and time simply don’t apply to her. Don’t question it, just accept it.”

“Ok then.”

Vinyl sat up, “So we know this place has a club. Wanna head there later? Get a little crazy?”

“Sure I guess,” Dax said.

“Yes!” Vinyl jumped up in the air.

“Hold on there, girl. Raves don’t start until later. Let’s relax.”

“Fine. But later boy we are gonna get naughty!”

Dax’s face turned red, “I, uh, um, oh, uh,”

Vinyl fell over laughing, “Oh you are just so easy to mess with!”

Dax sighed. Yup, just like Naomi.