The Remarkably Short, Yet No Less Interesting Career of Commodore Derpy Hooves of The Equestrian Nuclear Submarine Fleet

"What do you suggest we do then Captain Robertson?" Commodore Hooves inquired.

"The best we can bubbles. I would say that we look in to the matter of the missing orders. Of course it would also be helpful to know if any of the instruments are reliable or can be fixed. Perhaps we should look for inconsistencies in the data. If there are truly two unknown submarines in front of us then they probably wouldn't be heading away from us or maintaining the same distance," Captain Robertson said.

"What makes you say that?" the Commodore interjected.

"Well if they where the K.S. Valiant and K.S. Bravery then they would fall back and keep speed with the Pride. Likewise, two UFFE submarines would approach us as well since we are trespassing on their waters. Also before you think that it is feasible for a ship to remain the exact same distance away I would like you to consider that the unknown ship would have to find our exact speed and direction. It would take some fine maneuvering for a tactically unfruitful move," the Captain responded.

There was a quick shuffle from the lower level of the Command Room. Soon there where officers and engineers crowding around the sonar screen. A low level of chatter rose to an audible tone of confusion. The Chief Engineer who lectured the Commodore about the difference between sonar and radar came out of the crowd. The colt made a quick journey up the stairs to the Captain's Station.

"Sir, the two unknown vessels have suddenly moved toward the K.S. Pride at an alarming speed. It is unlike anything I have seen. There is no possible way that any ship could cover any distance in an instant," the Chief Engineer reported.

"So that solves it then. The objects are a glitch and the sonar is therefore unreliable. Brilliant work Captain! The answer just fell right into our laps," The Commodore commented.

"No, that would be too convenient. Nothing out on the seas could be explained away just like that!" Captain Robertson argued.

"Are you doubting your own methods?" the Commodore said in confusion to the Captain.

"No I just don't like the feeling in my gut about the whole thing. Something just doesn't add up and I can't put my hoof on it. Besides, it would be best to be cautious since we don't know for sure if the submarines are the missing Bravery and Valiant," the Captain explained.

"You are being idiotic! The good old engineer over here said that such a move would be impossible. I propose that the sonar is shut down pending repair. The K.S. Pride should spend its energy on finding the sealed orders and inspecting the Navigational System. If we truly are not moving then we should find out what is wrong with the Propulsion System. Chief Engineer whatever your name is, if you would kindly pass along these orders and shut off the sonar I would be much obliged," Commodore Hooves directed.

"Hold on there Hooves! I believe you have forgotten who is really in charge here. Reginald here our beloved engineer isn't always one hundred percent on things. He sees the whole thing as a probability of ninety nine percent and rounds up. I have been on these seas long enough to smell a rotten fish where there is one. The UFFE could have staged a trap for us in order to show off a new unknown technology they have implemented onto their new submarines," the Captain proposed.

"I will not waste the Pride's valuable resources on your paranoid delusions. The Chief Engineer who incidentally is named Reginald will honor the chain of command and act as directed. I would love for you to make running this submarine easy for once old man!" Commodore Hooves argued while mildly
annoyed.

It seemed as if the Captain was about to give up on his lost cause when he noticed something on his control console. It was a flashing orange light that started to blink rapidly. Usually flashing colored lights where not the best thing to have on any control panel. The Captain walked over to the station in order to get a better look at it. He froze up and didn't say a thing. The lower level of the Command Room immediately broke into an uproar followed by the all too familiar shuffling of chairs and headphones. The Commodore walked up beside him just as the overhead red warning lights began to flash. Over the sound blaring siren the Commodore tried hard to speak at an audible level.

"What is going on Captain?" The Commodore shouted.

"I want you to think really hard about what you really believe is happening on the outside. If you are right then there is nothing to be concerned about. The alarm is just a simple fault or perhaps a distraction for the possible saboteur that stole the sealed orders. If I am right though, then there is a torpedo hurling its way towards the K.S. Pride that will make impact in about thirty seconds. Either way I hope you are ready for an ultimatum because the answer to our questions is coming to us, perhaps with a bang," the Captain replied.