A Journey Across

Book 3 - Burning Hope

Chapter 3 - The Council

9 days since Canterlot's fall / T-28:08:00:44

"I have called you all here because we have important matters to discuss," said Twilight, "The Crystal Empire will allow us to send 7 members of a council to temporarily rule over Equestria and decide which way to go in this war."

Rarity shortly looked up when she heard the word 'war', "Darling, are you sure this is a war. Currently we can't even fight. Since this Entropy entered our realm, he caused nothing but trouble. We even tried to stop him and you know all how it went. Personally I would just gather what we have and run."

The doctor stood up, giving Rarity an angry look, "I'm very sure the moment we stop to fight this world is doomed. He is more than just any villain. As far as I'm concerned he is all villains in one. He has powers that are beyond what we know. We have to fight till the bitter end."

"I agree with you, doctor. Now. For the members of the council I have already selected a few of us that need to attend. Obviously Celestia, Luna and I will be the lead of the council. Futhermore, I suggest that the rest of the council consists of the Doctor, Rose, Jebediah and Applejack."

"Why can't I or Rainbow Dash attend?" asked Fluttershy angry.

"Applejack has the connection to Order. If this god or goddess, whatever it is, can give us any further hints I want to hear the directly. You others are free to visit the council on any day and have a vote in any decision we make. But still, the Crystal Empire is financially still crippled and they cannot affort to host more than 7 guests," explained Twilight, "Do you all agree?"

Noone objected Twilight's suggestions, although not everyone was happy with it. The group dispersed, the members of the council heading for the rooms or in case of the Doctor and Rose to their TARDIS.

8 days since Canterlot's fall / T-28:03:04:09

"You sure this thing's gonna fly?" asked Applejack. They had all assembled around the Titan.

Jeb was standing in front of the ladder leading up to the cockpit, "Sure. I've flown machines in much worse condition. If anyone wants to fly with me, I have a copilot seat in the back. Any volunteers?"

Applejack stepped forward, "That would be me. I'm already dead, if anything happens I'd be okay." - She earned a irritated look from Twilight - "Hey, the doctor can fly his TARDIS, you, Rainbow and Fluttershy can fly and Rarity will always prefer first class train ride. What's the worst that could happen?"

Jeb thought a few seconds before answering to the obviously rhetorical question, "Well, you have a set of blades spinning over fifty thousand rounds a minute powered by a nuclear explosion behind you. A failure in any of the major systems and you can paint the walls green with us. Oh, and doctor," - He turned to the ponified timelord - "Thanks for the bomb and clearing this runway with your TARDIS."

"No problem."

Jeb helped Applejack in the Cockpit, seating her in the back. The panels on the copilot's seat allow a basic control over the craft. The apple farmer was clearly uncomfortable with being strapped to a seat in an upright pose.

After a few checkups Jeb disconnected the cables to the outer consoles and closed the cockpit. Twilight and Rarity started moving the equipment to the TARDIS. The Doctor and Rose had radio headseats on their heads.

Shortly after closing the cockpit they heard Jeb over the radio, "Okay, all systems on go. We have plenty of fuel, destination on lock. Computers give okay for launch. Copy?"

The doctor lifted a hoof to his head to start transmitting, "Wait, we still have somepony on the runway."

"Hey, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, this is not time for Cutie Mark Crusader Runway Guiders. Please get off there and come to us," yelled the timelord. He waited until the three fillies stood beside him, "You are clear for launch, Jeb."

A clicking noise was heard and the engines started turning. After a short delay the clicking transformed into a roaring as the fuel pumped into the combustion chambers ignited. Inside the cockpit Jeb and Applejack looked at the controls.

When both engines spun at 50.000 rpm Jeb pressed a button labeled "Active Ignition" and the engines literaly screamed as they accelerated beyond the 100 on the speed scale. They stabilised at 120.000 rpm and the loud screaming died down to a background whispering. Even though the engines now running on full power, no exhaust could be seen behind the craft.

"I'll start takeoff in 30 seconds. Just let me play some good music," came Jeb's voice over the radio, "There is a reason this baby was nicknamed 'Orbital Bass Cannon'."

Back at the runway the doctor attempted to break the world record in most annoyed face ever. The astronaut quickly skipped over a few entries before he found the right one, "You ready for this AJ?"

"Sure as hell," came the reply from the back.

The display on the console read "Ap/Pe - Rocketstruck" as Jeb pressed play. He then switched a few options on the panel, "Now the engines will resonate according to the music. Did you know, I'm not allowed to play Dubstep in here anymore? The last time I accidentally blew up the space center with the bass resonance."

Jeb had timed the takeoff computer with the best part of the song. The engines changed in tone giving anyone standing nearby the feeling of the power these engines held. The craft started moving down the runway.

I was caught

In the middle of a launchpad start (Rocket)

I looked round

And I knew there was no turning back (Rocket)

My mind raced

And I thought what could I do (Rocket)

And I knew

There was no help, no help from you (Rocket)

The engines turned faster, reaching the maximum of 160000 rpm. Even though they now screamed louder than anything, the resonance from the song still drowned them out. The plane reached the last 500 meters of the runway with a speed close to 120m/s.

Sound of the drums

Beatin' in my heart

The thunder of thrust

Tore me apart

You've been

The was a short pause in the song as the craft clipped the edge of the runway and dropped a few meters before recovering.

Rocketstruck

When the song ended, the had craft stabilized in air, gained a few hundred meters of altitude and Jeb reported over radio, "All systems still on go. We will turn on course to the Empire in T minus 10 seconds. Applejack is apparently a little bit shocked. How did you like the takeoff?"

The doctor answered deadpanned, "Yeah, it was okay. Next time just try not to blow our eardrums out, okay?"

"No promises," laughed Jeb in the microphone.