Operation Northwest Passage

Canterlot Archives: Resource Zeta-116 (filmstrip)

"We're coming to you from the Canterlot Number Three telescope, where this massive device of ocular visualization has been specially rerouted for one task: to follow a fantastic object in the sky. That object is the mighty high-flying airship of the daring unicorn aeronaut, Shining Skies! Right now he's miles above the ground, and nearing the edge of our atmosphere. Soon, he'll become the highest-flying pony in all of Equestria!"

A brief pause as the small wood-and-canvas craft rises through the thin air.

"Is it-- ...Yes. We've just received a report that he has, in fact, reached the highest point that balloons will carry him. Watch now, filles and gentlecolts, as he uses his powerful magic to rise even higher!"

Another pause. A spot of light.

"What--What's happening?"

The light grows brighter.

"Mares and gentlecolts, we're stumped over here as to what's going on aboard Shining's craft. It looks as if the sunlight has been focused on the ship, almost as if--"

Screams. A brighter light.

"Sweet Celestia, it's burned up! The craft is in a hundred pieces, falling back to the ground! Words cannot express the tragedy, the terror! And poor Shining, the brave aeronaut, falling down with the remains of his once-proud airship!"

The burned wreckage tumbles downward through the darkened skies. A figure in a full-body leather suit glows with a reddish light, and the ship falls away from it. The telescope struggles to keep up as Shining Skies slowly decelerates, falling towards the earth.

"Looks like the quick-witted Shining Skies has cast a similar spell to the one he used on his airship...on himself! He's falling safely now, or as safe as an aeronaut miles up in the air can be. Terrible shame that the mighty airship, pride of Equestria, made in thousands of hours and bits, has fallen to land like a smashed toy."

A pause of several minutes as the unicorn finally touches down safely amidst the charred fragments of what once was his trusty airship.

"And thanks to some quick thinking, Shining Skies has returned safely from a terrible disaster in the sky. Celestia only knows why this cataclysmic conflagration has come about."