With Time, and Aeronautics

A new age of technology has struck Equestria, giving way for improvements in everyday life. Everything pony-made you can imagine has either been improved, is getting improved, or is being debated on whether or not it should be improved.

With the populations of towns and cities in Equestria drastically increasing in the last three years, and technologies improving evermore quickly, new methods of transportation have been tested, with fairly good results. One of these being bigger boats and ships, to get to scattered islands on the coasts of Equestria, with extremely slim chances of sinking. Trains have also had a major boost in development, with more environmentally friendly prototypes being built, in replace of their steam-engine counterparts. Although these new ideas are all well and good, there is section of development that is miles more ambitious:

Air-travel.

Using old methods, you could only get three to five ponys in the air at one time via hot-air balloon, Pegasi-drawn carriage, or even just magic. Any more ponys on board than that, and you would struggle getting off the ground. This was an issue...an issue that was to be resolved.

A team of aeronautic scientists and mechanics are being considered to be the pioneers of aviation with their new project. Based on works of science fiction, and the math of science fact, they were going to develop an airship to conquer the skies. With all of the Princesses opinions and approvals, they made haste with their plans.

They called it, based on the promise of a new way to travel, the New Promise. With a considerable amount of math, tests, sparks money, and other numerous inputs it was finished.

It looked like something straight from the imagination of a child. It was comprised of two long thruster jets, mounted on top of either corner of a long steel body, pointed at the end. This is where the passengers and crew would stay. Underneath, there was a ln array of slightly smaller square thrusters for upward travel, and beside them lay three landing treads the behemoth stood upon. Along it's body were mounted red metal sheets for further protection and looks, shining when the sun struck them. Glass windows for admiration of the view dotted the craft. The back of the ship was flat, to give way for a huge red panel, that adorned the tag:

'New Promise: 001-001

One for all, glory be ours.'

To keep prying eyes from unveiling it, the test launch sites were in a remote desert somewhere. Many launches were initiated, for tests like overall flying, performance in bad weather, flying with the equivalent weight of about 350 ponys, and some being a mixture of them all. Each being as successful as the last. This got the team thinking. If they could build a second ship with the same techniques they used on the New Promise, then it should be as reliable.

So they got to work. And with haste, too. In an astonishing amount of time, the team had built their second ship. They didn't have to worry about the aeronautics as much as they did on the New Promise, because as long as they used exactly the same layout and design, it should turn out to be exactly alike.

And so, it was finished. Named the Timeless, because it was built so quickly, it stood next to it's sister in pride. The only differences between them were the colours, and their tags. The Timeless was blue where the New Promise was red, and it's tag read the words:

'Timeless: 001-002

Side by side, we ascend the skies.'

The same test were conducted, and all passed.

With some final adjustments, and numerous checks for safety, the ships were complete. Word was leaked of the ships, and everypony from the four corners Equestria wanted to see them. The decision of where to fly them though was brought down to one place. Ponyville. A good choice, as it's population isn't massively big. From there, one would journey over miles and miles of brightly colours hills, small settlements (and larger ones alike) and over bodies of water. Eventually returning to Ponyville, for the second ship to do the same journey. And after that, the two ships probably wouldn't stand in the same place again, seeing as the whole world would want to see them. That would mean more ships would need to be built, too.

With time, that isn't just possible, but probable.

It was decided that today would be the day to unveil the ships completely.

Celestia was being flown to Ponyville in her traditional Pegasi drawn carriage. She would be the one to announce the news. As the ponys on the ground saw her gold and white craft fly overhead, and Celestias flowing mane in the wind, their minds were drawn to it's destination, a small field just outside of the main town. As royal matters are important, everypony who saw her made their way to the landing site.

In a matter of minutes, a large curious crowd had gathered around Celestia.

On the far side of the booming crowd stood a family of three Unicorns. A tall standing father named Iron Essence, the slightly overwhelmed mother called Lavender Nova, and their son, Chrome Colours. Iron Essence had a spiked, dark gray mane and tail, with a murky gray coat and medium blue eyes. Lavenders mane was jet black, combed backward and curled a little around her ear. Her coat was a deep lavender, and her eyes were yellow. Chrome Colours was a mixture of the two. He had green, crystal-like eyes, dark gray spiked hair in a similar fashion to his father, but shorter, and his coat was silver with a lavender tint where sunlight struck.

Chromes eyes were glancing to and from his surroundings, frequently landing his gaze onto the crowd.

"Honey, you know I get uncomfortable around...crowds...can we stay back here...?" Lavender quivered.

"Relax Lavender, just stay close to me. You know Chrome is going to want to get as close as he can to the Princess." Replies Iron.

Chrome was oblivious to his parents conversation, as he was captivated by the equally captivated crowd.

"Dad, what is everypony doing?" He asks, as his line of sight lands firmly on his father.

"I actually don't know. But it must be important, so lets find out." Iron replies.

"Do you think it's about the airship?!"

"Don't be silly, Chrome."

"Aww, but that would be so cool!"

With Lavender cautiously holding onto Iron Essences hoof, they enter the swarming crowd of ponys. As Chrome climbed onto his fathers back to see, Celestia started to speak.

"Ladies and gentlecolts...quiet everypony." Silence struck. "I can see you are all very curious as to why I am here, and not announcing this in the usual podium at the town centre." That little detail had slipped everyponys mind. "Any way, I come bearing good news! I'm confident in assuming you all know of the airships in development?"

Hushed voiced beaming with excitement swirled through the crowd.

"I knew it! I told you, dad!" Chrome whispered. He always had a strange way of guessing things right.

Celestia continued. "Well I, my sister Princess Luna, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and Princess Twilight Sparkle have decided Ponyville would be the perfect place for their first journeys." The crowd was buzzing, they had no idea there was more than one, and they would be visiting Ponyville. "Remain calm, everypony. As this is their first journeys, Pegasi and Alicorns alike are not allowed to use these airships until further notice."

The winged ponys were annoyed, but they stayed in the crowd. As the audiences volume slowly increased, Lavender Nova slipped her way out, giving out a huge sigh of relief. Her heavy breathing didn't subside though, as the ground began to very slightly rumble. The crowd fell silent, and one by one they stared up to the sky. Celestia, knowing the direction of the ships decent, turned away from the crowd to spot them. An atmospheric humming noise could be heard over the occasional chatter of the crowd.

"Look! Above the hills!" Shouts a voice from the audience.

And there they were, peaking above the hills. Their metallic bodies glistening in the sunlight, as it streaked down every panel. The fiery sheen, deflecting red light off of the New Promise, mixed with the dark mystic blue aura of the Timeless caused by the same effects lit the surrounding sky up like stained glass. They graced through the sky as silhouettes, their auras tinting them with pride of accomplishment.

The humming of the engines had increased into a gentle purr. Celestia stood proud on the rickety podium, as the amazing sight came ever closer to her. The purr of the four humongous engines had escalated into a roar, as the ships descend to land in front of the crowd. The pointed fronts of the ships had passed over Celestia, and began to cover the crowd. The Princess took a few small steps back, and who would blame her? Everypony else did, too.

All their eyes remained glued to the giants that floated in front of them. Dust and small, loose tufts of land flew from underneath the behemoths, as their landing gear sank into the grass blades.

"Wooaahhh...." The young Chrome was was lost for words.

Celestias mighty wings extend out of joy. "Behold, my little ponies, the Timeless, and the New Promise!"

With that, the crowd cheers to the heavens. Lavender had stayed at the back of the crowd, but she preferred it that way. The ships were too big to miss anywho. Chromes crystal-like eyes reflected the glistening panels of the ship.

The engines subsided to light hisses, and the ships were completely still, giving way for the crowd to swarm around them. All but Lavender, who remained content from her spot. Iron and Chrome had made their way over to her.

"Now, remain as calm as you possibly can around these aircraft." Celestia spoke. "Today, a vast majority of you will get the chance to ride in one of these. The New Promise, which is the red craft, will be the first to depart with its passengers. Once it arrives, the Timeless will depart with the rest of you. Upon its return, the ships will leave Ponyville to venture the entirety of Equestria."

"C'mon Lavender, lets get a seat." Iron says.

"Uhh...I think that wouldn't be best for you-know-who."

"...who?"

"Y'know..." Lavender rustles her fur of her belly. "...the baby..."

"Oh! Right, her. Sorry." Iron blushed.

"What was that dad?" Chrome asks.

"Nothing, bud."

"You should tell him about his sister." Lavender whispers.

"I know. I'm gonna."

"He is going to be so happy!"

"Mum, dad! Come on! We are going to miss it!"

"I have to..." Says Iron, gesturing over to Chrome and the New Promise.

"Yep! Go right ahead!"

As Iron runs over to Chrome, whom is running for the ship, Lavender shouts

"Stay safe you two!"

"We will!" Iron childishly replies.

A neat queue had formed either side of the New Promise. Iron and the exited Chrome were quickly next to board.

As the lucky ponys climbed aboard, they were greeted by a long wooden interior accompanied by one long red mat stretching to each end of the floor. The inside was also decorated with nicely cut roses in pots beside the corners. The interior was bathed in sunlight coming from the numerous windows. Looking down to the back of the ship, a staircase leading to the newly discovered second floor. Iron Essence had always appreciated and loved to wonder at interior design, as that is his job, but his attention was taken by Chrome, tugging at his leg.

"C'mon dad! Lets get a seat by the window!"

"Alright, alright! Lets go." Iron chuckled.

Getting a window seat, like Chrome hoped, he quickly settled down, and Iron joined him by his side. The two sat opposite a mare Earth Pony, who smiled at the sight of the excitable Chrome.

"You don't mind if we sit here, do you?"

"Not at all." The mare replies.

"This is the first time I have flown in anything...Is flying...scary?" Chrome asks Iron.

"Not at all. In a hot air balloon that is, but I'm sure this is just as safe."

Chrome, as any son might, completely puts his trust into his dad, and takes his word.

"Why didn't mum want to get on with us?"

"Well, she has a fear of heights..." Which was true. "...and one other thing."

Chromes eyes landed on Iron.

"What other thing?"

"...you're going to have a little sister."

"Really?!"

"Yep. She didn't want to be all scared about what might happen to it on the flight, so she stayed on the ground."

Chrome couldn't put a sentence together in response, so he sat in his chair, dazed at all that was happening.

"I apologise for overhearing you, but congratulations!" Says the mare in front of them. She had turquoise eyes, matching the streak in her puffy cerise mane and tail. Her coat was an icy white.

"Thank you! And it's no problem at all." Iron replies.

"That's quite alright then. These airships are absolutely sublime, are they not?"

"Yeah. They did a good job on this one, that's for sure."

The engines of the New Promise once again bellowed into life. All around the nicely decorated interior, the soothing vibrations from the engines could be felt.

"...surprisingly quiet, too." Iron adds.

"Indeed. My name is Cornelian Kiwi."

"I'm Iron Essence, and this is my son, Chrome Colours."

"Pleased to meet you both...so what brings you aboard?"

"Well Chrome, mostly." Iron chuckled. "Nah, I generally enjoy flying, and what better way than in a state-of-the-art airship?"

"Very true. I don't fly much, as I prefer train or carriage, but exceptions can be made. Like...now."

The vibration had got slightly more intense.

"...I don't suppose that means we are lifting off of the ground..."

"Look! Dad look we are taking off!"

The three ponys watched out the window as the grass the ship rested upon began to distort with the engines turning on. And with a sudden roar of power erupted from the thrusters on the underneath of the new promise. And with that, they began to hover. Everypony in the ship was cautiously silent, amazed at the happenings. Well, all except Kiwi, who was shaking in her hooves.

"...not a very good flyer, huh?" Iron asks.

"To say the least. I hate taking off in any kind of aircraft." Kiwi quivered.

"I'm sure it's perfectly safe."

Chrome was silent, observing the scenery of Ponyville from the best possible angle. The town began to get smaller as they ascended further. The thrusters for forward movement began to power up, and just like that, they were moving. They still gained elevation, but now with more of an angle. The very few clouds that surfed the bright blue sky were just mere metres above the New Promise. With more elevation amassed, the clouds were level with the airship, and suddenly a very light rumble came from the front of the ship that engulfed it's way down. They had pierced through a giant cloud. The ponys on the ground saw it like a knife, sliding through a giant pillow. Back inside, the white mist covered every window, as silence once again struck. The interior of the ship became dark, and rain began to streak down the glass. The droplets of water sounded like pellets striking a surface. Cornelian Kiwi was noticeably frightened.

"It's alright Cornelian, it's just a rain cloud." Iron spoke amongst the anxious silence.

Iron took tranquility from the rain. Whenever it struck the window of his house, he would always take a seat next to it and listen. It was calming to him, and now was no different. Besides being in a revolutionary new airship, of course. The rain bounced off the panels as sun pierced the cloud, making a small rainbow outside the craft. The light rumbling returned as they exited the cloud. And with the return of sunlight, came the return of Kiwis composure.

"You wouldn't think clouds are that big, would ya?" Asked Iron.

"Nope. They look so small from the ground." Replies Chrome.

"Say Kiwi, I don't think I have seen you  around here. Are you visiting?"

Kiwi took a moment to catch her breath. "I was actually on a rather important business meeting here in Ponyville. I will be returning home to Manehattan once we get back."

"Really?"

"Yes. It's only for fashion, probably not anything of interest to you two." She continued regardless. "The owner of the Carousel Boutique back at Ponyville has always got something going on with fashion in Manehattan, so it's my job to schedule events between the towns."

"Makes sense, somepony has to do it. Me and the family haven't actually been here long either."

"Ah. So how are you finding this place?"

"I like it. It's peaceful, and has a nice, cheery atmosphere."

"True, true. How are you finding Ponyville, Chrome?" Kiwi had noticed Chromes eagerness to get in on the conversation.

"I like it because it's colourful, and everypony here is so nice and friendly."

"Have you made any friends?"

"Uhh...there is this girl at my school named Scootaloo that seems to like me. I don't know why though."

"It's 'cause your a charmer." Iron chuckled, nudging Chromes shoulder.

"Excuse me for a moment, I just need to check something." Kiwi finishes, she probably needed reassurance of safety Iron thought.

As Kiwi leaves, Iron continues the conversation. "So how is school, Chrome?"

The young colts head slumped, but he remained fixed to the window.

"...fine." Chrome groaned.

"You sure?"

Chrome slowly nodded.

Iron knew Chrome never liked school, so this didn't seem strange to him. Kiwi returned to her seat.

"Sorry about that, now where were we?"

"We were discussing our thoughts on Ponyville."

"Ah yes. So Chrome...?"

Chrome was unfased.

"...Chrome?"

Still no response, he stared down at the ground beneath the New Promise through the window.

"Is something up, buddy?" Iron asks.

Kiwi saw tears roll down Chromes cheeks.

"Aw, you're crying..." Kiwi says.

Iron put his hoof around his sons shoulder.

"Hey, hey what's up Chrome?"

Chrome wraps his hooves around Irons chest as Kiwi watched.

"...the kids at school keep bullying me..."

"They...bully you? Why?"

"...they bully me because I don't have a cutie mark..."

Chrome nests his head in his dads chest.

"They keep calling me names...names like blank-flank...and they make fun of me because I don't have one..."

"Well they should know better than that. It's perfectly fine not to have one, you just need some time to figure out your special talent."

"But I don't have a special talent..."

"But you do! Let me think...you are good at magic!"

"...every Unicorn in my class is good at magic..."

"...ok then...you are good at guessing what ponys are thinking."

"...that's not a good talent." Chrome remarked.

"I beg to differ. Kiwi, think of a number between one and twenty. I will too. Chrome, you try and guess it, ok?"

Chrome took his gaze from the floor, and landed it upon Kiwi.

"Have you got a number?" Chromes less than enthusiastic voice says.

"Umm, yes?"

Taking a brief moment to observe Kiwis facial expressions, and the look in her eyes.

"Sixteen."

He looks at Iron.

"Five."

"Did he get your number right?"

"...y-yes, he did."

"Likewise."

Chromes spirits remained unchanged.

"How...how did you guess?"

"You couldn't think quick enough, so you glanced over my dad to see the number sixteen on a panel on the ceiling. And for my dads number, that was obvious."

Iron looked at Kiwi with shrugged shoulders.

"He never tells me, either."

Chrome returns his gaze to the passing scenery outside the window.

"Cheer up, bud. There is plenty of time to figure out your special talent. It isn't a race."

"I guess. It wouldn't bother me if it wasn't for the kids at school."

"We will do something about that when we get back on the ground. For the mean time, lets enjoy ourselves."

With that thought, the three gaze out the window. Remaining droplets of rain streaked across the panels onto it. This was a mere failed attempt at a distraction, as the view was astounding. Hills cast ghostly shadows on their smaller counterparts, mountains acted like the walls of a coliseum, blocking certain entrances to Ponyville and other small settlements, trees lined sections of farmland that supplied towns rushed beneath them, and Celestias sun illuminated it all. The view of the New Promise from the ground looked amazing too. Like a huge metallic dagger drifting the endless sky. The first said dagger of hopefully many.