The next day, as the sun rose to replace the moon and its night, a glorious sight to some could be witnessed. Overnight, the maintenance drones and ships had made ample progress on the exterior parts and hull of Ender’s Blessing. It was now in almost pristine condition, with hardly any damage on the outside, while the inside of the ship was fully repaired. All systems had become fully operational once more.

While the last of the repairs were being finished, Radel was preoccupied with ensuring the completion of the first sensor array. He worked at the main control panel at one of the many replicators that was located within the ship’s cargo bay, helping speed up the progress of the otherwise automated process.

As he was finishing the last of the components for the array, a beeping sounded in his ear, signaling that someone was trying to contact him. Or in this case, somepony.

Radel quickly accepted the incoming communication, greeting the pony speaking to him. “Good morning, Twilight. What can I do for you today?” As he asked this, the sensor array’s construction was completed, ready to be deployed.

*I’ve just received Celestia’s and Luna’s approval of your plan. They have high hopes for this sensor array of yours, as do I.*

“With devices like these, you’ll be able to easily stop changelings from infiltrating the populace and any future problems.” Radel then began to make his way towards the hangar bay as the sensor array was grabbed by a few drones and carried away. They would load the sensor array onto his personal shuttle, so he could transport it to Canterlot for deployment. “Also, you won’t have the problems of needing powerful spellcasters or multiple spellcasters to cast any kind of detection spell or enchantment.”

*Indeed, this device of yours will save us both time and resources we could put to better use elsewhere.*

As Radel entered the elevator leading from the cargo bay to the hangar bay, he said his goodbyes to Twilight. “Well, I’ll speak to you after I’ve spoken with Celestia and Luna and set up the sensor array.”

*Sure thing. I’ll see you later, Radel. We still need to get started on your magic lessons!*

"See you later this afternoon, Twilight." And with that Radel ended his conversation with Twilight as the elevator arrived at the hangar bay. As its door opened, he was in time to see the drones load the device onto a hover cart and pushed into his shuttle.

As he made his way towards the shuttle, the drones made their way off of it and returned to their stations or to complete other tasks on the ship. Once he stepped aboard, he was glad the cargo space of his shuttle was mainly a compartment underneath the floor of the shuttle with a simple hatch covering it. I really wouldn't like to have to climb over that thing to reach the cockpit..

After activating the shuttle, Radel brought it out of the hangar bay, setting course for Canterlot. After a short flight, he finally arrived, gently landing the craft in the courtyard. As the shuttle settled into place, he left the cockpit and began to remove the sensor array from the small cargohold under the floor of the ship. After punching a few quick and simple commands into a small console on the side of the shuttle, the doors opened, and a lift raised the sensor ray up, as well as other bits and bobs of equipment to go with it.

He then went on to press a button on a small console attached to the cart holding the equipment, causing it to lift off the ground and hover. After that, he began to push it out of the shuttle and into the courtyard. As he exitted his personal shuttle, he was greeted by a familiar face yet again.

“Great to see you again, Commodore!” None other than Captain Dusk Shield was standing before him. The stallion had an excited grin on his face as he stood with both Celestia and Luna beside him.

Giving him a smile of his own, Radel greeted the Captain. “Captain Dusk Shield, good to see you again as well!” He then stepped around the hover cart and shook his hoof.

“Captain Dusk Shield is here to learn how this device of yours works, since he will be working with it,” Celestia stated as she went up to said device and began to examine it. “How does it work?”

Radel went back to the cart, moving it towards a more open area in the courtyard. “Allow me to show you, but first, are you fine with it being in the courtyard?”

“Of course. It seems it would be the easiest place to place such a large device,” Luna said as she began to follow Radel with the others.

After a short walk and finding a nice open space in the courtyard, Radel deactivated the cart, causing it to settle back onto the ground. He then went to the side of it, where the sensor array had its own console. He used it to activate a hover mode on it so he could easily move it into place. He then deactivated it and input a set of commands before stepping back a few feet. The sensor array immediately began to deploy itself in a triangular shape, and after a short amount of time, was fully deployed. It stood about twenty three feet high with various antenna and sensor nodes covering it.

The others stood there in awe while the device itself deployed, but their attention was turned towards a holographic screen that was being projected on all three sides of the triangular device.

Radel then returned his attention back to the three of them. “If each of you would walk up to a holo screen, I’ll show you how it works.”

While the three of them each took a place at a holo screen, Radel brought up his wrist with his holo bracelet. After quickly imputing a few commands, he brought up his own holo screen linked to the sensor array.

“This sensory array will be able to detect any changeling presence within the city and within five miles of it,” As he said this, a visual representation of Canterlot appeared with ponies walking around and changelings being highlighted in red. “After our encounter with them not too long ago, I was able to obtain a sample of their DNA. With this, I was able to modify my sensor equipment to separate them from other ponies and creatures.”

“This is amazing, the tactical advantages of this device are astounding should the changelings try anything again!” Captain Dusk Shield began to eagerly look over the device, studying anything he could about it.

Luna then walked up to Radel, giving him a quick hug before speaking. “Thank you for selflessly aiding us against the changelings, Radel. It means so much to me and my sister.”

Radel had a smile on his face, happy to see everyone’s positive reactions to his sensor array. “No thanks is nece-”

*Commodore! Changeling signatures have been detected within ten miles of Ponyville. They appear to be massing their forces from somewhere within the Everfree Forest.*

Shit… Radel’s smile turned into a small frown for just a moment before he brought it back to hide his reaction.

He was not fast enough though, for Luna saw it and gave him a worried expression. “What is wrong, Radel?”

Radel dropped his mask and looked Luna in the eyes. “The changelings are massing somewhere in the Everfree Forest near Ponyville...”

Her eyes then widened, but almost immediately, they grew cold as she adopted an expression of determination and purpose. “We must ready the guard! Ponyville is almost completely defenseless!!!”

As Luna was turning to run back towards the castle, Radel stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. “Luna, ready the guard yes, but leave them here in Canterlot.”

Celestia gasped at his request. “You can’t be serious Radel, the Elements of Harmony are not strong enough to take on a whole changeling army!”

Ignoring Luna’s cold glare now upon him, Radel explained. “I know that, Celestia! But this could easily be a trap to leave Canterlot defenseless. Twilight told me about your first encounter with them.” He then turned his gaze back to Luna who looked as if she was being betrayed by him at that very moment. “I’ll defend the town myself. I don’t want you two to risk yourselves and Canterlot so soon after their almost successful attempt.”

Luna only grew angry at that remark, getting into Radel’s face. “How do you plan to stop an army by yourself?! Even with your fancy technology, you are only ONE pony!!!”

Radel gently grabbed her by the shoulders as he looked her firmly in the eyes. “Trust me, I have more tricks up my sleeve. We can’t forget about my ship at Ponyville…

As Radel said that, Luna’s anger died down as she lowered her head. “I believe you, Radel... Just please… keep them all safe, there are many dear friends in that town…”

Giving her a smile, Radel activated his armor and stepped back. “I will.” He then turned to look at Captain Dusk Shield as his helmet was forming around his head. “Keep them and this city safe while I’m gone, Captain.”

Captain Dusk Shield gave him a salute and stood tall. “I’ll do all I can and more, sir.”

With that, Radel quickly made his way back to his shuttle while contacting Athena. “Athena! I need you to prepare that present from Earth. I also want you to have every replicator on standby, ready to reinforce us.” As Radel finished giving her his commands, he arrived at his shuttle and made his way to the cockpit.

*Of course, Commodore. Our forces will be ready and at your command shortly.*

“Good. Also, ensure there is plenty of space within the ship’s cargo bay. We’ll have lots of civilians seeking shelter soon…” Within seconds, Radel was off the ground and blasting back towards Ponyville. I just hope we can protect everypony… As he continued to fly back, Radel opened a channel with Twilight. “Twilight, I need you to sound an alarm in Ponyville NOW! Changelings are massing not far from the town and will be attacking soon.”

*What?!?! Alright, don’t worry. Since we’ve been threatened so much by monster attacks and other forms of disaster, the mayor and I installed such a system within my castle.*

“Good, activate it and make sure everypony makes their way towards my ship. It’ll be the safest place. Just look for the opened cargo bay doors.”

*Will do! What are Celestia’s and Luna’s plan?*

“I’m having them remain in Canterlot to defend it in case this is just a trap.”

*Then, how are we supposed to defend Ponyville?!*

“Trust me, Twilight, I have a plan.”

*I hope it’s a good one… I’ll see you soon, then.*

“See you soon, Twilight.” And with that, Radel ended his call with her, continuing to fly through the sky at high speeds.

*************************************************************************************************************

After a couple of minutes, Radel arrived back at Ponyville. He quickly redocked his shuttle inside Ender’s Blessing as it was landing closer to the town. As he made his way out of the shuttle, he quickly ran to the elevator, taking it to the cargo bay. Once the elevator arrived in the cargo bay, he made his way to the main door as it opened and made a ramp to the ground below. As he stepped onto the rampway, he was quickly greeted by Twilight and her friends. But he was not alone...

“Radel! I’m so glad…” Twilight stopped as hundreds of other humanoid like machines began to march past them and down the ramp, forming ranks around the base of it. “I thought you were the only human…”

Radel only laughed at her comment, causing her and her friends to give him confused looks. “I am the only human, Twilight. These are just androids, robotic and AI controlled machines.” He then began to walk by them as the androids continued to march by. “How else did you think they expected me to fight any possible threats without an army when I was given my mission?”

Once Radel made his way to the front of his small army's ranks, he began to give orders. “Alright, this is our mission. To defend Ponyville and its civilians at any cost against the changelings! Do I make myself clear?!”

The androids saluted and replied, “Sir, yes, sir!”

“Good. This is the plan. I want platoons one and two taking defensive positions around the cargo bay ramp. I don’t want any changelings getting close to this location or the civilians that’ll be coming this way.”

“Yes, sir!” With that, the two platoons of androids departed, deploying various things like energy barriers and such in defensive positions around the ramp.

“I then want platoons three and four taking various defensive positions around the town to help cover civilians as they make their way here.”

“Yes, sir!” The next two platoons began running towards Ponyville, their weapons drawn and ready.

“And platoon five, I want you to divide into squads and search around the outskirts of the town. I don’t want anypony left behind just because they live on the outskirts!”

“Yes, sir!” And with that, the last platoon divided into a multitude of seven men squads, making their ways to different positions.

As the last platoon was on the move, Athena contacted Radel again. *Commodore, the changelings are moving towards Ponyville now and will be there within the next few minutes!*

Here goes nothing… Turning his attention back to Twilight and her friends, Radel spoke to them. “Alright, the changelings will be here any minute now. I want you all to stay on this ship no matter what, got that?”

Almost immediately, Rainbow Dash flew into his face, nothing but anger in her expression. “Are you kidding me?! I’m not letting you fight those things on your own out there!”

“I agree with Dash on this one sugar cube. We ain’t sittin’ on the sidelines.” Applejack joined her friend in front of me.

“Sorry, but I’m not putting your safety on the line for some extra support. The changelings need ponies to feed off of them, so you are bigger targets than me or my men.”

“So, you expect us to stay here and do nothing? It’s my duty to protect everypony as well, Radel. I am a princess, you know.” And with that, everypony began to pressure Radel, giving him their reasons for not wanting to stay inside and away from the fighting.

Radel facepalmed as he listened to all of their arguments against his command. “Fine, if you must help defend Ponyville, I ask you stay near the ship or my men.” But then, he removed his hand and helmet before looking at all of them in the eye. “But know this, I am not losing anyone to these creatures no matter the cost. I will not allow it.”

That last comment left them all quiet for a moment, but after a little bit they all nodded their heads in understanding.

“Good. Now, excuse me, I have ponies to protect.” With that said, Radel made his way off the ramp and stood amongst his men at the base.

Already, the residents of the town were making their way towards his ship. Either they were flying or running as fast as they could. As the first few got closer, Radel saw shapes getting bigger in the distance above the Everfree Forest. “Men, at the ready! Remember, use nonlethal means no matter what. No killing blows, only stun or disabling. I want as few casualties as possible!”

As the changelings got closer, Radel grew worried. The advancing changeling army was massive, hundreds of black shapes filled the skies. This is gonna be a hard fight…

As the first groups of ponies passed by Radel and his men, the first group of changelings came into range and engaged. Some of them fired off bursts of magic, while the others sped behind the incoming fire. Some of the magic salvo was heading towards the next group of ponies moving towards the ship. Immediately, Radel and some of his men rushed to them and covered them with a shield wall. When the salvo hit, it was harmless, being fully absorbed by their shields.

But within seconds, the changelings following the magical attack landed amongst them, immediately engaging Radel and his surrounding men. Using their shields to block attacks they couldn’t dodge, they all aimed their rifles and open fire upon the changelings around them. Within seconds, the changelings around them were stunned and unconscious.

Quickly, Radel and his men regrouped and aimed towards the skies, taking shots on the remaining changelings above. While the changelings were preoccupied in avoiding the shots from him and his men, more ponies were able to make it aboard the ship without a problem. They were holding them at bay so far, but suddenly, much of the remaining changeling force that had yet to arrive began to pick up speed. Not only that, but they formed balls of magical energy around them as they began to crash throughout the city.

Some of the changelings crashed amongst his men, knocking them off their feet and out of their dug in positions. While they were distracted by the changelings coming out of the craters around them or getting back on their feet, the rest of the changeling army descended upon them from the skies.

While another group of ponies was making their way to the ship, some changelings began to swoop down on them and grab them. The androids that were close enough to help them were busy fighting changelings that had crashed amongst them. Before Radel could engage them himself, a flash rushed past him and individually knocked the changelings off the ponies they were trying to abduct. Said flash was Rainbow Dash as she fought the changelings off. Those that were high off the ground were gently levitated down in a blue or purple aura. Twilight and her friends were joining the fray. Turning around to look at them, Radel signaled for them to follow him. “Come on! Let’s kick these bugs out of here!”

Charging forward with his rifle, Radel led Twilight and her friends into the thick of it. His men were struggling to keep the changelings off of what he assumed to be the last of the townsfolk, since the last platoon was with them. The changelings seemed to be focused on them, trying hard to abduct the ponies amongst his men.

Activating his wings, Radel took to the sky and charged a changeling that was charging a spell with its horn. As it looked towards him from the edge of its vision, he smashed an electrified fist into the side of its face, sending it flying towards the ground. Few of the changelings were flying around though, so Radel focused his next target on a group below him, surrounding two of his men that were shielding three fillies from them. Everytime the two of them fired at any of the changelings around them, the other would protect it with a magical barrier. I never thought about how ineffective they’d be against magical creatures without the proper training or tactics…

Not wasting another moment, Radel dived towards the closest changeling of the group and piledrived it into the ground. Once he was positive the changeling was out cold from the impact, he turned towards the next one, which had noticed his addition to the fight. It immediately charged him with those blades extending from its forelegs.

As it attempted to land various swipes and jabs on Radel, he extended his own blades from his wrists. These blades were a little special add on he made to the gauntlets of his armor after his first encounter with the changelings. They were just like his sword, with the ability to be charged with energy and such, but were smaller and easier to use in tight quarters combat or against the dual blades that the changelings seemed to prefer.

Raising his blades in a defensive pose, Radel began to block and deflect the changelings' attacks. After pushing the changeling to be defensive instead, he charged his blades and sliced through its next block, severing the blades from its forelegs. While it was busy screeching in pain, he quickly delivered an energized blow to knock it unconscious.

Once it was down, Radel quickly glanced around him. His men were beginning to turn the tide of the battle, slowly gaining the upper hand. His command to not kill any changelings had given them the advantage, but as more went down, that advantage was being lost. Though his army was of his same origin and technology, the changelings were still managing to disable an android here and there. Though their blades were struggling to get through their strong armor, their magic could still deal enough damage to disable one after a couple of direct hits.

The group of fillies were now safe as Radel looked around their surroundings. The other changelings had been taken care of by his men. "Quick, get those three to the ship!" As Radel gave the command, a couple other androids joined the first two around the fillies and escorted them at a quick pace towards the cargo bay ramp.

Once he was certain they were safe, he returned his attention to the battle at hand. While he was looking for the next changeling to engage, a cry for help caught his attention.

"They got Rainbow! Come on, girls!"

As Radel found the source of the commotion, he saw Twilight and her friends struggling to fight a large amount of changelings. A few of them already had Rainbow Dash pinned to the ground.

"I'm on my way!" Radel immediately began to rush towards them, aiming his rifle at the ones pinning Rainbow Dash down, but as he was about to open fire, a familiar face appeared before him and knocked him back with a magical burst of energy.

While Radel was getting back on his feet, the familiar face spoke. "We meet again, creature. And it seems this time... I have the upper hoof!"

Chrysalis! "Your changelings are losing this battle, Chrysalis. Either surrender now or your whole army will be defeated!" He raised his shield and aimed his rifle at her, bracing it against the side of his shield.

Chrysalis just laughed at his demands. "Mwahahaha! I think you are the one who should surrender and come with me." She stepped aside and gestured behind her. Her changelings had now captured Twilight and the rest of her friends. "Or shall I do something with them?"

Seeing that Twilight and her friends were unable to break free with the changelings holding blades to their necks, he lowered his weapon. "What are your demands?"

Chrysalis grew a big smile as she began to walk towards him. "You are to disarm yourself of all your fancy toys and call off your troops." She then placed a hoof under his chin, making him look her in the eyes. "Then, you will come with me... Or Twilight and her friends will perish."

Shaking her touch away from him, Radel removed his helmet. "You have a deal."

"WHAT?! NO, RADEL!!!" Twilight screamed as he began to deactivate his armor and lay down his weapons.

He then activated his comlink and ordered his androids to stand down. Immediately, his men began to disengage with the changelings they were fighting and allowing them to grab their injured and unconscious. While they did this, Radel's armor finished deactivating, and he removed it, letting the exoskeleton fall to the ground. "There. My men have backed off, and I've disarmed." He looked over to Twilight and her friends. "Now, let them go."

"Of course! But first, let me ensure they won't try to break the deal." Chrysalis' horn began to glow green as she turned and aimed it on the Elements of Harmony. Her changelings quickly dodged out of the way as their victims were suddenly held in place by a green aura. "There. Now, let us be off. I have so many things to do with you!"

The next thing Radel knew... he saw a bright green fire surround him and after that, darkness...

Welcome to my home, pet....

Author's Note

And the next chapter arrives! With this one posted, I'll be taking the rest of this week to continue on my editing job for other authors, after that I'll start work on the next chapter. Hope everyone enjoys the story so far, also on a side note, some sexy times might be happening soon.