Breathing. The slow drawing of air and the inevitable release. One usually never put much thought into how important breathing is till they could no longer take breath. Breathing slow,and measured as one sat in the cramped confines. Breathing to still a rampant stampeding heart beat. To take in calming breaths to prepare for what lay ahead.
T-MINUS TEN MINUTES TO LAUNCH. REPEAT! T-MINUS TEN MINUTES TO LAUNCH. ALL NON-ESSENTIAL PONIES ARE TO EVACUATE THE LAUNCH PAD IMMEDIATELY!
Soft forest green eyes opened as the voice of a young mare could be heard over the radio. Before them lay a sea of buttons, switches, and dials spread out in all directions. Wrapping around like a claustrophobic bubble. Those same forest green eyes slowly looked up, and peered through the tiny window just above him. Through the only portal that allowed him to view outside his tiny cell. It showed the clear azure blue of the sky. However it was not the sky that interested him, but what lay beyond, beyond the Known.
Had you asked Star Chaser what he would be doing at twenty-four years old when he was a young colt, he would have certainly never stated being strapped to the nose of 360 foot tower of the latest in Equestrian magic, and Griffonian technology. The young earth stallion would have answered with something more mundane, like farming, or running a small store like so many others. Perhaps working at an observatory. That would have been nice. Yet, it appeared that fate had something else in store for this earth pony.
Star Chaser was a small pony for his tribe. His size about that of an athletic pegasus rather than the larger bulkier earth pony. His snow white coat shimmered like the tail of a comet while his mane was as red as a Meteor from one of Princess Luna's nightly shows. His green eyes, soft as a spring forest. Normally a quiet pony, Star Chaser was always fascinated with the night sky. The stars, and moon holding his imagination in its sway as he imagined traveling between them like Princess Luna did. Often as a young colt, and even through his adolescent years, Star Chaser would write Princess Luna to ask her a multitude of questions about her night sky. She would always take the time to answer, even if it took some time to respond.
Star Chaser waited in the command module of the Equus V rocket, the radio constantly crackling with the multitude of conversations going back and forth during the pre-launch procedures. His mind tuned it out, thinking back to when he received a letter bearing the Royal Seal of Princess Luna. The parchment carried with it the chance of a lifetime, as well as a promise of grueling work, and danger for that chance. Star Chaser was hesitant, more so when he found out exactly what he was given the opportunity to do. To be the first non-Alicorn in Space. To leave the warm embrace of Equus, and step into a realm that only two others ever stepped hoof in. Yet, he would have to earn that right as there were others selected as well. In the end, Star Chaser accepted the invite and boarded the first train for Cape Carousel.
T-MINUS FIVE MINUTES TO LAUNCH! REPEAT: T-MINUS FIVE MINUTES LAUNCH! ALL UNICORNS REPORT TO THEIR LAUNCH POSITIONS. FINAL SAFETY CHECKS ARE TO BE COMPLETED IMMEDIATELY!
How many months passed since Star Chaser came to Cape Carousel for evaluation? He, along with a multitude of others arrived to be judged before the best, and brightest of Equestria, and the Griffonian Kingdom. Pegasi, Unicorns, Griffons, and even a couple of Minotaurs were all chosen to have their mettle tested. The candidates would all wake before Celestia's sun had risen, and not be able to return to their bed till long after Luna's moon replaced the Sun in the sky. The evaluations were grueling, and harsh. All designed to find their breaking point, and to see who could push beyond it. Physical Fitness tests, Mental, and medical evaluations. Time spent in complete isolation. Being asked to perform the most complicated of tasks while being spun in all directions. Some simply quit, others suffered nervous break downs. One by one, the candidates were all dismissed for one reason, or another. Eventually, Star Chaser would be the last remaining one. Then came the training.
Star Gazer's life quickly became far more complicated after that. His diet was strictly regulated to prevent him from gaining even a single pound beyond specs. Daily physicals, and testing to ensure that he would survive the ordeal. The tests before were a easy compared to what was now expected of him. Training on how to pilot this experimental rocket in every conceivable scenario. He would be purposefully kept awake much longer than deemed healthy. Put in to extreme situations ranging from hot to cold, and wet to dry. He was taught how to survive off the land, and improvise with the barest of equipment. They prepared him for each possible scenario they thought of. Yet, even with that, it would be something that a Griffon scientist told him once that would stick with Star Gazer the most: "It is the scenarios that we can't think of that scare me the most."
"Commander Chaser, this is Ground Control. How are things looking on your end?" The radio crackled with the sound of a familiar feminine voice. Snapping Star Gazer out of his musings.
"This is Commander Chaser, The board is green. Nothing to report, Prin...er, Mission Director Sparkle." He stated professionally. His eyes continually sweeping the panel before him to ensure nothing has changed in the few minutes that he had let his mind wander. the hum of the machines, and magic around him muffled by the thick padding of the helmet of his space suit.
"Excellent! T-Minus one minute to launch. Remember, if anything feels off, even slightly. Hit the "Abort" Button. Don't be afraid to trust your instincts." Director Sparkle instructs before clicking the radio off.
Star Chaser glances over at the large red button that read "ABORT". Its glow was a warm one promising safety if pressed. It was tempting, so very tempting, but Star Chaser refused to give into his fear. He had the whole world watching, and waiting for this. He goes back to his breathing, letting his training take over once more as he clears his mind in a meditative practice he was shown by a Neighpon monk.
T-MINUS 30 SECONDS TO LAUNCH. REPEAT: T-MINUS THIRTY SECONDS TO LAUNCH! ALL PERSONNEL TO REPORT TO THEIR LAUNCH POSITIONS!
About a half mile from the launch pad, an army of unicorns gather in specialized bunkers, and began to converge their magic towards the launch pad along artificial ley-lines connecting to the base of the launch pad. Water from the nearby ocean is quickly channeled into the pit just beneath the Rocket. A rainbow glow could be seen shimmering around the bottom of the towering construct as more, and more magic started to pool, and merge. Other ponies were scrambling as they moved a safe distance from the launch pad, or into underground bunkers.
T-MINUS TEN SECONDS TO LAUNCH!
9...
8...
7...
The Unicorns were giving it every ounce of their magic as sweat beaded along their bows, and down their necks. Their horns glowing brightly within the thick walled bunkers dangerously close to the Launch pad.
6...
5...
3...
Two miles away, massive grand stands were packed beyond capacity. Ponies, Griffons, Minotaurs, and even dragons were sitting at was, hopefully, a safe distance. They were riveted, there eyes upon the glittering white tower that awaited to take Equus into a new age. Many of the young Fillies, and Colts counting down with the magically powered speakers. Reporters scribbling notes while photographers were snapping away with their camera. Star Chaser's parents were there as well. Sharing a special VIP Box with Princess Celestia, Cadence, and Empress Octavia of the Griffon Empire. They could not have been more proud of their son, and Celestia, Cadence, and Octavia were eager to express their praise of their son's courage.
2...
1....
"BLAST OFF!" Star Chaser commanded as he hit the ignition.
Suddenly the soft hissing, and groaning that surrounded the rocket exploded into a thunderous roar that destroyed the afternoon's peace as the griffon alchemical rockets ignited with the help of unicorn magic. The sea water boiled, and churned violently as the the towering construct of metal, and magic shimmied upon the pad. Great gouts of steam billowed out from underneath the pad as the tremors from the massive engines could be felt as far away as the grandstands. The spectators all having to cover their ears as the rocket was loud, even this far out.
In the command module, Star Chaser was bouncing around in his seat. His straps holding him to the padded chair, but only barely. He gritted his teeth as his eyes flickered to the bright shining "ABORT" button. His mind raced with his memories of the failed rocket tests. Many exploding spectacularly even before they lifted off the pad. He swallowed thickly as that fear started to eat at the back of his mind. trying to sap away at his courage. Making that button more, and more appealing. Reminding him of everything he still has to live for. Finding a nice mare, and raising a family. Watching his parents play with their grand foals. It has taken all his courage, and willpower not to press that button, and stop the launch.
Slowly the rocket started to push its way of the pad, and into the sky. Riding on a combination of Unicorn Magic, and Griffon Alchemy, and Technology. The arms of the gantry that kept the rocket stable swinging away to not impede the lift off. Beneath, a great flame jetted towards the ground, the unicorn magic keeping it funneled, and channeled. Star Chaser green eyes were glued to his instruments, remembering all the parameters that denoted all things were normal.
In the grandstand, and in the VIP Box, all the attendees rose to their feet. Each one silently willing the success of the launch, and the safety of the soul occupant on board. Breaths were held as eyes watched this historical event occur. Permanently etching itself into the memories of the witnesses here today.
For Celestia, this day held even more meaning. She felt her chest swell with pride like a mother bird watching its chick take wing for the first time. She knew this was the first step on a grand journey that would lead her beloved little ponies, and others to the Stars, and away from the cradle that protected them for so long.
Inside the command module, Star Chaser gritted his teeth as he was being shaken quite violently in his chair. The instruments were looking as a blur to him, and Star Chaser prayed that he was still on course. He was finding it difficult to breath as it felt like the whole weight of Cantorlot mountain was resting squarely upon his chest. The module gives a sharp buck as the first stage is cut. Falling away to land in the ocean. Though Star Chaser would be given little opportunity to consider it as the thrust from the secondary booster slams him back into his seat as the rocket is propelled even faster.
Seconds stretch into minutes as his eyes sweep the jittering cockpit before he jammed them shut a moment. Opening them, he looked up through the only portal that showed the outside. The cerulean blue of sky started to darken to the tell tale black of Luna's domain, Space. With one last sharp buck, the ride instantly smooths out, and the loud roar ceases. Leaving Star Chaser with a deafening silence inside his cockpit.
Star Chaser took several deep breaths as he willed his body to move. Nothing in the training could have prepared him for that, and he figured he was going to feel it in the morning.
"Commander Chaser. Come in. Commander Chaser." Director Sparkle's voice cut through on his radio.
"This is Commander Chaser. All systems green." He reported with a tired breath.
He could hear the cheering, and shouting of excitement from the Control room, a smile curling at the corner of his lips.
"As you can quite tell, we're a bit excited down here. Congratulations Commander. This is one for the history books." Director Sparkle replied excitedly.
Star Chaser was going to respond, but movement just above him caught his attention, and made him look up. A familiar navy blue hoof was beckoning him from outside the capsule. He blinked as he considered the invitation. There was no plans to exit the capsule on this flight, but who was he to refuse the invitation of a Goddess?
After a bit of work, Star Chaser's straps floated apart. Freeing him from his seat. The sight confusing him for a minute before he remembered Luna telling him that up here there was no gravity during an earlier lesson on what to expect out in space. The thought amused him as he imagined himself flying without wings. That would certainly put a damper upon those smug pegasi that thought their wings were something special. Yet, he quickly dashed that thought as he pushed up on his hind legs, and reached with his hoof to the window. Placing it against the thick glass. A blue glow started to wrap itself around the door controls, and the levers slowly rotated as the sound of escaping air could be heard through his helmet. Making Star Chaser glad to have his own life support system. As the hatch swung open, Princess Luna's face peered into the capsule. Again she beckoned Star Chaser to come out. He obliged, but the moment he stepped hoof out of the command module, He was greeted by a sight that completely took his breath away.
Below him, the planet Equus spun slowly on its eternal journey through the cosmos. Enormous blue oceans separated by large lush green continents that were spotted with large swaths of white clouds seemingly put themselves on display for him. It was all so beautiful. Star Chaser found he had no words to describe what he was seeing. He gazed upon the world so far below him with awe, and wonder.
"Does it please you, my little pony?" The soft voice of Princess Luna spoke in his mind.
"Yes, your majesty. I've never seen anything so beautiful before in my life." Star Chaser quickly replied, though he spoke his words.
Luna smiled as she nodded. "Welcome to my domain, Commander Star Chaser. You have taken a monumental step for all life upon Equus. Take pride in your accomplishment." she said warmly.
"Thank you so much Your majesty for welcoming me here. It is an honor beyond any I can imagine." Star Chaser stated as he bowed to her.
Luna smiled as she regarded the courageous stallion. "Where would you like to go next, Commander?" Luna asked.
Star Chaser looked down at Equus, and the up to the stars. He then raised his hoof, and pointed.
"There, I want to go there." He declared as he pointed at the moon.
