Star Ponies

It is the year 2355 and the newly constructed starship the E.N.S. Wonderbolt is approaching a space station as the ship approaches the pilot opened a communication channel and says.

“Orbital station this is the Wonderbolt requesting clearance for docking” a moment later they receive a response “Wonderbolt you are cleared to dock proceed to platform 31 alpha.”

Once the ship is docked the testing crew disembarks and the leader a unicorn stallion with a tan coat and a light orange mane and a Pegasus shaped ship. Its wings were up against a starry background for a cutie mark. Made his way down a corridor to an office pressing a button on the side a voice said.

“Enter.”

The stallion entered and walked up to a desk where a dark blue alicorn sat he saluted and said “greetings Admiral Luna.” As he levitated out of his saddlebag a small electronic tablet “here is the report on the Wonderbolt you requested.”

Luna looked up and took the tablet in an aura of blue magic then said.“Thank you, Cmdr. dismissed.”

The stallion saluted and left Luna looked at the tablet. It read E.N.C. report, date 2355-2-8. E.N.S. Wonderbolt engine tests and speed trials have been completed. Top speed velocity 10.5 awaiting Confederation database upload and weapons testing. Signed Cmdr. Starbolt. Luna smiled and thought of the ideal candidates for this new ship as the Wonderbolt sat in a Confederation docking station the data files were uploaded to the ships main computer core. After the upload was complete the computer was brought online and the weapons systems were ready to be tested. A weapons test crew was sent to the ship via shuttle. As the shuttle approached the ship came into view it looked like a giant light blue Pegasus. Its legs were tucked under its body its neck was at a 45ᴼ angle the wings were folded against the body. Around the neck was what looked like a necklace with a huge multi ring jewel in the middle on the chest. The registry designation ENF-2401 ran down both side of the neck as the shuttle approached the flank they saw a cutie mark a giant golden horse shoe. As they approached the cutie mark split as doors opened horizontally revealing a shuttle bay. Once the shuttle landed a crimson Pegasus mare with a black mane stepped off the shuttle she found her way to the main bridge as she exited the lift she met 3 other ponies. A unicorn mare, a Pegasus and Earth pony stallion.

She said “hello every pony I am Cmdr. Thunder Breaker.”

The unicorn said “I am Lt. Cmdr. Cantor” looking to the right “this is Lt. Lurtia then to the left “Lt. Asteria.”

Thunder said “nice to meet all of you are we ready?”

They all nodded and Lurtia said “we are to proceed to test point alpha and rendezvous with the Crusader.”

Thunder said “proceed to the coordinate’s velocity 2.5.”

Cantor nodded and engaged the engines. The ships wings extended outwards then slanted back 45ᴼ and the ship moved forward. When they arrived they saw a ship in the shape of an Earth pony the Wonderbolt opened a communication channel.

The view screen lite up and an Earth pony stallion with a turquoise coat and a sandy blonde mane appeared he said “greetings I am Capitan Grounder of the testing ship Crusader."

Thunder Breaker introduced herself and crew “we are ready to begin the weapons and shields tests.”

Grounder said “let’s begin with weapons first the lasers.”

The crusader took a position at a distance of 161 meters and launched 2 10x10 meter cubical testing targets in the direction of the Wonderbolt.

Thunder Breaker said “forward weapons tracking target tracking test lock and fire when ready.”

The left ear rotated 180ᴼ as it followed one of the targets Lurtia said “target lock nominal.”

Thunder said “fire”

The ear it shot out 3 beams. One from the top and 2 from bottom the 3 beams converged into one striking the target and destroying it. As the other test projectile passed around to the other side the right ear repeated the procedure destroying the target.

The Crusader deployed 4 projectiles Thunder said “forward weapons torpedo test”

The targets passed by the right side as the right leg rotated 180ᴼ Lurtia said “target lock nominal.”

Thunder said “fire.”

A torpedo came out of the hoof striking and destroying the target the procedure was repeated for the 2nd target as it passed near the aft section. The same procedures were repeated for the aft weapons.

Thunder contacted the Crusader “weapons testing successful,”

Grounder said “good now let’s test the shields.”

A small cylindrical device emerged from the Crusader. The Wonderbolt raised its shields

Grounder said “ok let’s start with setting 1.”

The device moved around the ship firing a Teal beam at the front and back and sides of the ship the shields blocked the beam and dispersed its energy.

They left an audio channel open and Lurtia said “thermal dissipation rate within normal parameters.”

Grounder said “ok prepare for setting 2.”

The device fired again and the shields dispersed to the energy Lurtia gave the same status report.

The device fired and the same thing happened Grounder said “prepare for maximum setting.”

The device came to the front of the ship and fired time the shields absorbed the energy and dispersed the energy inside the Wonderbolt the ship shook shaking the crew causing them lurch.

Thunder asked “how did the shields hold?”

Lurtia replied “shields holding no drain in power thermal dissipation rate within normal parameters.” After pressing a few buttons said “the shields can withstand several blasts at that setting before the generators experience thermal overload.

Thunder smiled “activated the view screen Grounder appeared on the screen.

Thunder Breaker said “shield test successful.

Grounder said “excellent take the ship to station Equestria I will contact Admiral Celestia and inform her that the ship is ready to receive a crew.”

Thunder nodded as the screen went blank. Turning to Asteria she said “set course for station Equestria velocity 3.”

The ship extended its wings and engaged its engines and the Crusader left as well. A short time later the Wonderbolt came to the station Equestria and docked and the testing crew disembarked.

At the same time on the station a lavender unicorn mare was just coming on duty and was on her way to her work station in the science department. As she begins her shift a grey Pegasus with a blonde mane and tale enters the department. She passes a tablet to the commander who looked at it nodded then points in the direction of the unicorn.

She watches as the Pegasus came up to her and said “Cmdr. Twilight Sparkle?”

Twilight looks up “yes?”

The Pegasus passes her a tablet and said “Admiral Celestia wishes to speak with you right away.”

Twilight nods and goes to a console and presses a button. Admiral Celestia appears on the screen.

Twilight bows and says “greetings Admiral Celestia.”

As Twilight rises up from her bow Celestia says “Twilight it is good to see you again I have news I think you will like, in honor of your bravery on the Seabreeze and your amazing prowess in the art of magic. I am placing you in command of the Confederation’s newest starship the Wonderbolt.”

Twilight’s eyes lit up “The Wonderbolt the new quantum class starship?”

Celestia nodded then said “it should be arriving about now” then with a slight smile continued “I hereby promote you to the rank of Capitan. A shuttle will be taking you to the ship at 13:20 hours.”

Twilight slightly stunned said “wow thank you.”

She bowed as the screen went blank. She smiled then glanced over at a clock it read 13:15 she thought I better get moving she returned to her station picked up her saddle bags placed the tablet inside and left for the shuttle bay. As she walked along she pulled out the tablet and held the tablet in a purple aura it didn’t say much just her orders to report for command of the Wonderbolt. Her mind began to drift she thought about how it seemed like only yesterday she was at the academy. Where she met some of the best friends she ever hoped for and she hoped she would see them again. But with the threats from the Griffin and Changing Empires and a need for more captains it seemed unlikely. She sighed but at the same time felt so excited to be in command of her own ship at the age of 20. Just a few years ago there wasn’t any way they would give command of a quantum class ship to any pony so young. Such things were reserved for the most experienced ponies. When she arrived at the shuttle bay she met a Pegasus mare with a cyan coat and a silver mane she had a horseshoe inside a yellow crescent cutie mark.

She said “greetings you must be Cmdr. Twilight Sparkle I am Lt Fleet Foot I am here to escort you to the Wonderbolt “are you ready?”

Twilight nodded as they boarded a shuttle and left the bay Twilight looked out the window and could see the station below. The interior lights illuminated most of the windows which was a sharp contrast to the blackness of space. The sun illuminated it from behind the station giving it a glistening effect that was aesthetically pleasing. She had seen the station several times before and it was always a nice site. Her eyes followed the 3 horizontal rings and the tubes that connected them together. As the shuttle rose upwards to the docking station she could see a large hollow cube with a ship inside.

Fleet foot said “you’re lucky you get to command a quantum class starship.”

Twilight smiled and said “I’m honored to have my own ship but I did not think it would be so soon.”

As the ship came into view they noticed it looked like a giant Pegasus Twilight thought Rainbow Dash would find this amusing and maybe even say something snarky. She saw the lettering on the ship it read ENF-2401 she remembered being told what the designation stood for. The letters E.N.F. stood for Equestrian Naval Fleet and the 2401 was its designation number.

Fleet foot interrupted the unicorn’s thoughts when she said “oh by the way I almost forgot to tell you once you’re aboard there is a message waiting for you from Vice Admiral Cadence on the bridge and your crew will be joining you shortly.”

As the shuttle approached the flank of the giant Pegasus the cutie mark separated as the doors opened horizontally once the shuttle landed Twilight disembarked.

Fleet Foot said “I wish I could stay and see the ship but I must return to the station.”

Twilight nodded as the shuttle door closed she watched as it lifted off the floor and left the bay passing through an energy field afterwards the bay doors closed. Looking around she saw other ponies moving about but none she knew. She sighed as she walked along the corridors stopping periodically to ask the computer for directions.

She soon came to a lift as the doors opened she stepped inside and said “bridge” the lift activated and began to move.

A few seconds later the lift stopped and the doors opened and she entered the bridge as she exited the lift the doors closed she looked around it was a large open space. Looking to the left she saw a huge screen. On the left side there was a cushion and a slightly elevated interface console. Another one just like it was on the right behind them were 3 cushions with small interface terminals with a swivel for use on the right or left side. The center one was slightly elevated. There was one feature that caught her attention it was located behind the pilot and navigation consoles and in front of the 3 cushions. It was in a circular design embedded into the floor it consisted of 3 rings in center ring there were 6 slots. A diamond, apple, balloon, butterfly and lightning bolt in the center ring was a star. In front of each of the outermost ring were 2 indentations about the size of a hoof all around for a total of 12 slots. She remembered these markings were the representations of the achievements of harmony. She remembered hearing about them there were 6 kindness, laughter, generosity, honesty, loyalty and magic. As she walked around she came to a door that opened to a private room it was nice there was a low set table and a cushion and a window to look out of. She walked up to the window but all she could see were the walls of the docking station. On the table there she saw a console and a card lying next to it. She levitated the card and inserted it into a slot on the counsel. The screen lit up and a golden colored horse shoe appeared the text Equestrian Confederation across the middle of it. Then a pink alicorn with a lavender, red and yellow mane appeared Twilight smiled she recognized the pony it was Vice Admiral Cadence.

Cadence and said “greeting Capitan Twilight if you are seeing this then you’re on board your ship and congratulations on your promotion. The Wonderbolt is the newest in ship designs. You may have noticed the design in the center of the bridge it’s not just for aesthetics. It is part of the deflector of harmony to activate it each bearer places their achievement into its slot. Then places their hooves into the indentations in front of the achievement this will activate the deflector. Now for your mission once your crew arrives you are to go the Kaldariar system. I cannot tell you more over open channels. Once there you are to rendezvous with the Canterlot and meet with Capitan Shining Armor. He will apprise you of the situation Cadence out.”

Twilight smiled just then the door beeper sounded. Twilight said “come in.”

The door opened and a light orange mare with a dark orange mane came in she had 3 carrots for a cutie mark she said “Capitan Twilight your crew has arrived.”

Twilight looked up and said “thank you.”

The mare saluted and left Twilight gathered herself together and left the room to meet her new crew. She stepped out of the room suddenly a bang sound fills the air followed by a party horn and confetti is flying everywhere.

She jumped slightly as 5 ponies all shout in unison “SURPIRSE!”

Twilight can’t believe it her crew was her friends from the Academy! Lt Cmdr. Pinky Pie, Cmdr. Rainbow Dash, Lt. Rarity, Lt Cmdr. Fluttershy, Lt. Applejack and ensign Apple Bloom. After greetings and hugs were exchanged Twilight briefed them on their mission.

“We are to going the Kaldariar system once there we are to rendezvous with the Canterlot and Capitan Shining armor he will give us more information. Vice Admiral Cadence did not want to elaborate over the communication channels.”

With a smile she said “alright every pony take your stations and let’s get underway.”

After the 7 ponies took their positions Twilight said “Apple Bloom set course for the Kaldariar system velocity 7.2.”

Pressing a button ship begin to move forward once it cleared the station she engaged the engines the folded wings spread out and moved back to a 45° angle then the engines engaged.

Once they were under way Apple Bloom said “we will reach the Kaldariar system in 3 hrs. 22 min.

Twilight nodded when they arrived at their destination a ship came up to them it was similar to theirs the lettering read ECS Canterlot ENF-2256.

Applejack said “message coming from the Canterlot Capitan shining Armor standing by.”

Twilight said “on viewer.”

The screen activated and Shining Armor was on the screen he smiled and said “TWILIE it’s good to see you again.”

Twilight said “it’s good to see you too I heard you have information for me.”

Shining Armor nodded and said “yes I was ordered to deliver it to you directly.”

Twilight nodded as the screen went blank pressing a button she said “Twilight to transportation chief.”

A voice replied “yes dear Zacora here.”

Twilight said “prepare to bring Shining Armor on board.”

Then she pressed another button Twilight to security.”

A small voice came through “security Spike here.”

Twilight said Shining Armor is coming aboard when he arrives escort him to the bridge.”

Spike replied “I’m on my way there.”

He entered the transportation room as a tube descended a hum was heard as Shining Armor appeared in the tube. As it rose he was met by the young dragon and 2 phillies.

The dragon said “welcome aboard the Wonderbolt I am Spike chief of security. These are my officers Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

The 2 phillies nodded in unison the 3 lead their guest to the bridge as the doors opened Shining Armor stepped out looked around when saw the unicorn captain and shouted excitedly “Twilie!”

They ran to each other and embraced Shining Armor said “congratulations on your promotion” Twilight said “thank you I am happy to be here I hope to do well.”

Shining said “I have orders hoof delivered to me by Admiral Celestia I was told to deliver them to you directly.”

Twilight nodded in understanding and said “senior officers assemble in the lounge Apple Bloom you have the bridge."

As they entered the room they walked up to a table in the center with 12 cushions the 7 assembled 6 sat down sat down. Shining Armor walked over to a screen and levitated a small rectangular item from his Saddlebag. Then placed it into a slot next to a screen the screen lit up. A golden colored horse shoe appeared the text Equestrian Confederation across the middle of it then Admiral Celestia appeared and began to speak.

“Greetings Capitan Twilight and crew and sure you’re wondering about the secrecy. It simply comes down to this the master of chaos Discord has escaped from his prison on the planet Syreen.”

Every pony gasped Celestia continued.

“The Griffin and Changing empires may try to form an alliance with him if that happens they will spread chaos across the galaxy and then the universe. You and your friends must use the achievements of harmony to stop him. I arranged for all of you to be together on the Wonderbolt because each of you bears one of the achievements of harmony. Go to planet Syreen and see if you can find out where Discord has gone or may be going. Also see if you can learn why Syreenian star has gone supernova. All we know so far it did but we don’t know why I want you to investigate. Also in the event you run into any problems the ship is equipped with something called the electromagnetic distortion shield it hides a ship. It is not good for protection but it will hide your ship from detection. Good luck my little ponies the fate of the galaxy is in your hooves Celestia out.”

The screen went blank Shining Armor said “when the Syreenian star went super nova the blast produced a shockwave that devastated the planet.”

Twilight said asked “what about the other planets?”

Shining said “long range detection indicates they are still intact =”

Twilight said “that doesn’t make any sense a supernova explosion usually destroys the entire solar system and everything within a 1.4 light year radius.”

Shining pressed a button and a star chart appeared and a small location was highlighted. The text read planet Syreen it was the 8th planet of 11.

Rainbow Dash said “wait that’s inside Griffon space isn’t it?”

Shining Armor looked at it and said “yes sort of the planets orbit takes it in and out of their space it will enter their space in 4 months.

Shining Armor smiled then said “I have to return to my ship and prepare let me know when you’re ready to depart I will meet you at planet Syreen near the no travel zone. If we get into trouble I will give you support as best I can. But the Canterlot is a Polaris class star ship our weaponry is limited.”

He then left to return to his ship once outside the lounge Spike and Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo

Twilight said “any questions? No, every pony follow me to the center of the bridge I want to show you something.”

She led them to the bridge and the design on the floor then proceeded to explain the deflector of harmony and how it worked they looked at it and nodded then they took their stations.

Twilight said “contact Shining Armor.”

Applejack said “Shining Armor standing by.”

Twilight said “on viewer.”

The screen came on and Shining Armor appeared Twilight said “we are ready to depart.”

Shining Armor said “we will meet you there our top speed is velocity 7.”

Twilight said “see you there.”

The screen turned off.

Rainbow Dash said “ensign set course for the planet Syreen velocity 4.”

Apple Bloom nodded and pressed a few buttons and the ships wings extended outwards then slanted back 45ᴼ and the ship moved. Every pony on board felt the mass acceleration as a slight nudge.

Apple Bloom said “time to destination 23.6 hours.”

Twilight smiled and said “we do not know what we will be facing when we arrive.”

Just then a light on the small console near Twilight’s seat blinked she walked over to the small screen and pressed a button she read the text and smiled.

“Pinkie has just informed me there is a party tonight at 19:30 hours in deck 12 upper every pony is invited.”

They looked around and there was Pinkie who jumped up and down “woo hoo.”

Later that evening at 19:30 hours Twilight went to deck 12 upper the doors opened and they saw streamers everywhere. Near the 2 windows was a band of 6 ponies they were playing various interments. They were very well known players Carrot Top, Vinyl Scratch, Lyra Heartstrings, Bon-Bon, Derpy Hooves and Octavia Melody. They were playing an upbeat tune and most of the ponies in the room were dancing. Looking over she saw her 5 friends gathered around a table each was exited the other was a bearer of an achievement of harmony as Twilight sat down.

Pinky was so excited she asked how did you get your achievements huh-huh-huh?”

Applejack volunteered to go first “I received mine when I was helpin’ to negotiate a treaty between the Centaurs and the Kornoptorite’s. The 2 factions were on the verge of war they both knew a war would devastate their home worlds. So they came to the Confederation in the hopes of resolving the issue. I was selected to oversee the negotiations I reassured them that all their needs and requests were met. When an arms dealer seeing potential profits from selling weapons to bith sides vanish tried to sabotage the negotiations. I reassured them when they had any doubts. We found and captured the dealer to show their appreciation they aked me to witness the signing of the treaties. Afterwards I received the achievement of honesty and was awarded a metal of diplomacy.

Fluttershy was next “I received mine when I was stationed on the planet Nimbus. I was on patrol when a storm came up suddenly a small Griffin cruiser flew into a thundercloud and was struck by lightning. The ship crashed and I rescued the pilot, the ship was severely damaged and the pilot was badly hurt. I volunteered to personally oversee all his needs were met. After he recovered he was allowed to return home he promised to help improve relations between the Confederation and the empire.” She smiled and continued “we still write to each other that was how I received the achievement of kindness.”

Pinkie went next “I received mine when I was serving on the Breezie. We were passing through an asteroid field in the Pentar system when a computer malfunction caused our shields to go down. We were almost through when an asteroid 10 meters in diameter slammed into the ship. Causing it to tumble the impact damaged the engines and navigational systems and the communications systems. We were adrift and tried to restore what we could. But before we could restore any system we were caught in the gravitational pull of the planet Theah. Thankfully the maneuvering thrusters were not damaged we managed to level our decent. When the ship impacted and was severely damaged thankfully our injuries were minimal. The planet was habitable and we had plenty of food and supplies. We managed to get the transmitter operational and sent out a distress signal several weeks later a rescue ship found us. I kept every pony happy and hopeful by making them laugh and keeping them entertained after we were rescued I received the achievement of laughter.”

Then it was Rarity’s turn “on date 2352-8-4 I was working with a charitable group who was providing relief to the disaster ravaged planet Imorah. When they ran out of food and clothing I donated food and clothing from my own personal supply. I also remained on the planet to assist in the distribution and I also taught some Imorahan’s the art of textiles.” She smiled “they are fast learners they passed on their skills to others. Soon we not only met our quota but exceeded it they now are the leading exporters of textiles. After the relief effort was finished I was awarded the achievement of generosity.” She smiled “amazing how one simple act can blossom into something wonderful.”

Rainbow Dash was next ro speak “I got mine when I was serving on the Everfree we were in the Bornarian sector we were traveling along a common travel route. When the ship was disabled by an electrostatic pulse mine it was placed there by a Razbojnik ship. We were boarded they lined us up and gave us a choice. Either we join them and renounce our allegiance to the Confederation or be placed into a pod and be jettisoned into space. They said we would die before any pony found us. Only the Capitan and I refused they promised every pony everything they could ever want and more. Both the Capitan and I tried to warn them the offer was a ruse and they would only sell them into slavery or worse. After refusing their offer They commandeered the ship placed us into a pod and sent us off into space. We watched as trhe ship accelerated and disappeared. We were found and recued several hours later by a passing Centaurian cargo ship. Once we returned to the Confederation I was promoted me to rank of Cmdr. and was awarded the achievement of loyalty.” She looked down and said softly. “The Capitan was so distraught over the loss of her ship and crew she resigned from the Equestrian navy and faded into obscurity. Last I heard she took up a life far away from the Confederation.” A sense of sadness could be seen on Rainbow’s face and in her eyes.

They all turned to Twilight she took a deep breath and began her story” I received mine 2 years ago I was serving on the Seabreeze I was the only unicorn on the ship. The crew consisted of Earth ponies and pegasi every pony was nice I even made a few friends. Then one day I was in the engine room assisting with a power conduit refit. When suddenly the ship was attacked by a Changeling imperial cruiser the energy blasts overloaded the shield generators. After the shields fell another blast struck rocked the ship the engines were severely damaged were going critical. The ejection mechanism was severely damaged and the core could not be ejected. It was on the verve of collapsing and destroying the ship. I ordered everyone to move out of the way used my magic as smoke and steam filled the room. The computer kept announcing a countdown to meltdown I enveloped the core in an aura and it vanished in a flash. I was overwhelmed by the smoke and collapsed I awoke several hours later in the medical facility. I was visited by the ships Capitan I asked what happened? The Capitan said after I successfully teleported the core to the underside of the Changeling cruiser and it exploded. The explosion produced a shock wave that destroyed the ship. I was told if I had not acted they would not be there.” Twilight smiled and said softly “it was nothing special I was just glad I was able to help. After the ship returned to a space dock I was awarded the achievement of magic.”

Later that evening as the party died down Twilight walked over to the bar and was greeted by an elderly green mare with a silver mane asked “what would you like to drink?”

Twilight smiled and said “one apple carrot tonic” the mare nodded and mixed the drink and served it. Twilight thanked her and levitated the drink over to a table next to a window and sat down on a cushion watching the stars streak past.

She sighed just then Applejack came up and asked “mind if I join ya?”

Twilight smiled and said “not at all.”

They both looked out the window.

Applejack said “what do ya reckon the Griffins or Changelings want with the master of chaos?”

Twilight said “I’m not sure I just hope that we can find him before he spreads chaos thought the galaxy but there is one thing I do not understand.”

Applejack asked “what’s that?”

Twilight said “something I heard during the briefing when I was a cadet at the academy I did a research paper on the Syreenian star system the 4th planet had a 90ᴼ orbit to the others.”

Applejack was confused “huh?”

Twilight levitated the 2 drinks on the table demonstrated the different orbits. Applejack nodded in understanding Twilight smiled and continued “but the concern I have is the star it was not only middle aged but it was not massive enough to go supernova I think someone sabotaged it.”

Applejack arched an eyebrow “have you spoken to Admiral Celestia or Admiral Luna?”

Twilight shook her head “no not yet not until I am absolutely sure I know how crazy it must sound.”

Applejack agreed “so what you’re sayin’ is someone released Discord?”

Twilight sighed “I’m not sure when we arrive I hope to find out if I’m right."

Applejack nodded in agreement then said “its late I’m goin to my quarters you should do the same.”

Twilight looked up and nodded and they left. They went to the lift and Twilight said “deck 4”

Applejack said “deck 7.”

The lift hummed for a moment them the doors opened Applejack said “goodnight.”

Twilight replied “goodnight.”

She watched as Applejack walked away and the doors slowly closed and the lift hummed again. Then opened and Twilight walked down the corridor to her quarters. As she entered she got ready for bed as she climbed into bed she smiled softly before drifting off to sleep.

The next day the ship arrived at its destination as the ship slowed the wings folded back onto the body and the crew met on the bridge.

Twilight said “Applejack how long till the Canterlot arrives?”

A moment passed she said “2 hours.”

Twilight nodded 2 hours later the Canterlot arrived.

Rainbow Dash said “Fluttershy scan the area for Griffin patrol ships.”

After pressing a few buttons Fluttershy said “all clear.”

Then a transmission was received. Applejack said “Capitan Shining Armor is contacting us.”

Twilight said “on viewer.”

The screen lit up and Shining Armor appeared and said “what is your status?”

Twilight said “no Griffin ships in the vicinity.”

Shinning nodded and said “follow me”

The screen turned off as the Canterlot lead them to the Syreenian system. In the center was a newly formed rapidly spinning neutron star. The star was located half in and half out of the of the no travel zone. The planet Syreen now the first planet there were only 3 left the other 5 were gone.

Twilight said “Rainbow assemble a team. Go to the surface and see what you can find.”

Rainbow said “Aj, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinky meet me in the transportation room.”

The 5 ponies went into the room and behind a console stood a zebra they took some headsets down from a rack on the wall as they stood on the pads they placed the headsets on their heads. They also put on saddlebags containing all the tools needed for a ground mission.

Rainbow said asked “every pony ready?” The others nodded turning Zecora to she said “prepare to transport us the surface.”

Zecora nodded then pressed a few buttons and said “keep your eyes on the prize and prepare to energize.”

Fluttershy closed her eyes as 5 tubes came down encasing them a hum was heard as they dissolved and they resolved on the planet’s surface.

Fluttershy shuttered and said softly “I don’t think I will ever get used to that.”

They looked around to assess their surroundings they noticed the planet was in ruin. The surface originally green grasslands were now bare bluish rock. Huge cracks and fissures were everywhere buildings lay in ruin. The sky was black the stars could be seen and the pulsar could be seen in rotating in the sky. The rotating light pulses caused the light and dark to alternate like the flapping of a giant black wing this gave everything a slight strobe effect.

Pinkie waved her hoof and giggled at the effect.

Rarity said “this planet looks awful and to think it used to be a paradise.”

Rainbow said “ok Fluttershy your and I need to fly around and cover a 154 meter radius and meet back here Pinkie scan the area Aj, Rarity keep an eye out for trouble.”

Every pony saluted Rainbow and Fluttershy rose into the air and began their circle Applejack and Rarity took up defensive positions. Pinkie pulled out a scanning device when the pegasi returned they landed.

Rainbow asked “Fluttershy what do you see?”

She said “nothing the land is bare.”

Rainbow rose up and hovered then said “I found a pile of rubble 24 meters in that direction” pointing straight ahead Pinkie what did you find?”

She giggled and said “this thing makes the coolest sounds” Rainbow groaned then said “focus Pinkie.”

She giggled and said “oh right.”

She looked at the device and said “I’m picking up traces of dubninium-262 and radon.”

Rainbow turned her head and asked from where?”

Pinky waved the device around and replied “everywhere.”

They walked in the direction of where Rainbow pointed earlier they soon came upon what was left of a crystal casing it was shattered fragments lay strewn all around. A glint caught Rarity’s eye she levitated some crystal pieces and revealed a plaque. It read this crystal casing holds the master of chaos may his crystal prison last forever.

Rainbow shook her head and pressed a button on the side of her headset and said “Zecora bring us back.”

A hum was heard as the 5 returned to the ship once on board Pinkie took the scanning device to the science department. Where it was plugged it into the main computer and the data was uploaded and analyzed. As the team returned to the bridge they took their stations. Pinkie entered the bridge soon after and went to a console and pressed a few buttons. The text came onto the small screen analysis complete the readout appeared and she read over it.

Applejack looked over and saw the look on her face and asked “you alright sugar cube?”

Pinkie just looked at her with a look as if she had just seen a ghost and pointed to the screen she looked at the readout and her jaw dropped she said “C-Capitan you better come see this.”

Twilight stood up and walked over to the screen where the readout was after reading it she just sat down on her haunches.

Rainbow saw the look on their faces and asked “what’s going on?”

Twilight just said “someone released Discord from his prison.”

Rainbow asked “how?”

Twilight said “first the star was not massive enough to go nova on its own also the traces of dubninium-262 and radon your team detected on the surface. They are elements leftover from a singularity implosion.”

Rainbow said “so you’re saying someone intentionally destroyed the star?”

Twilight said “yes but the question is who?”