Friendship Amongst The Stars

Sometime in the not too distant future in the town of Ponyvile every pony town is making preparation for a meteor shower that occurs once every 400 years. As Celestia set the sun and Luna raised the moon. Every pony in town went outside to watch the glorious spectacle. Twilight and her friends were perched on a hilltop watching in awe as orange glowing fireballs streamed across the sky. Some were small and vanish all most as soon as they are seen. While others travel longer distances before completely burning up only a small number make it to the ground. As the show progressed 2 small lights could be seem weaving around the falling rocks. One of them looked as if was under attack trying to avoid not only them but blue energy bolts as well and the falling rocks. Watching intently the 6 ponies and spike are not sure what to think of it.

Fluttershy asked “are meteors supposed to do that?”

Twilight just shakes her head they turn their gaze back to the sky and the weaving object suddenly one of the meteors hits it. A small explosion can be seen emanating from the object and it begins to tumble as smoke billows from it. The other object disappears as it flies away. They watch in amazement as the craft begins to fall it flies over their location. They watch as it flies several km over their heads and crashes somewhere in the everfree forest. A huge boom and skidding sound could be heard accompanied by the sounds of breaking trees as a cloud of dust and smoke rises into the air. They decided to brave the forest and see if anyone needs help as they travel into the forest Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew above giving the others directions on where the object crashed. It was not hard to follow considering it left a giant streak of devastated trees. Soon they came up upon a sight that was almost impossible to believe. A small saucer shaped craft with strange markings on it. The craft was saucer shaped it was 2 meters round and 2 meters tall with a shine that looked like topaz but clear like crystal. Part of it was covered in dirt and smoldering trees. There were strange shapes or symbols on the hull as they approached the hatch opened and smoke billowed out. A being unlike anything any of them had ever seen before emerged coughing. Twilight recognized the shape of the creature it looked similar to the Canterlot human world beings. But that was where the similarities ended it was slightly taller than a human. It had light grey skin 2 legs 2 arms its head was oval shaped. It had a mouth but its eyes were on small appendages on both sides of its head. The creature coughed as it staggered out then collapsed. Twilight caught the being in her magic and gently laid it on the ground. No pony was sure what to do they knew the being needed attention.

Twilight said “Rainbow you’re the fastest and since we may only have a few minutes. Go get nurse heart have her meet us at the castle.” Rainbow nodded and took to the air Twilight continued “let’s get this creature to the castle.”

As she levitated the creature she said “Pinkie, Applejack I am oing to place the being on your backs. Rarity I need you to give us light Fluttershy keep an eye out for monsters Spike assist Fluttershy."

Every pony and spike nodded as Fluttershy took to the air. Twilight placed the being on the backs of Pinkie and Applejack using her magic to balance the being. Rarity assisted with a glowing horn to light the path.

Rainbow Dash soon returned “they’re on their way” and joined Fluttershy her in the air.

Twilight kept a magic aura on the creature to keep it from falling off. They soon arrived at the castle in the throne room Nurse Red Heart and a medical unicorn were waiting for them.

They explained the situation to her and she said “I don’t know anything about this being all I can do is give it oxygen and hope it helps."

The medical unicorn levitated a small canister with a pony shaped mask on it. Placing the mask on the being as best they could they administered the being some oxygen the being seemed to improve. As it breathed the air it soon opened its eyes and sat up and looked around in surprise.

Twilight came forward and began to speak “hello.”

The being said nothing. Every pony looked at each other. The being began to speak but no pony could understand what it was saying. The being looked around the room then pointed a quill and paper. Spike went over and retrieved the items and handed them to the being it began to draw a picture of the ship and a item in a box. It looked like a necklace of some kind Rainbow Dash volunteered to travel to the ship. She soon left the castle and took to the air and returned to where the ship crashed. It was silent the smoke that had been pouring out earlier had dissipated. As she entered the craft she was astonished by what she saw. The interior was rather large a large console and a chair and a screen. Looking around she spotted a small box inside it was a necklace grabbing it she returned to the castle.

When she returned the being saw the necklace and smiled. “I got the necklace.”

It pulsed for a second as she handed it to the being placing it around his neck he began to speak. “Greetings my name is Zackmar I am from a planet called Sardia.”

Every pony was astonished Zackmar said pointing to the device “this is a translation device it allows anyone to hear the language they speak. It is very useful when addressing multi lingual beings every pony just smiled.

Twilight asked “what brings you to Ponyville?”

Zackmar said “I was in orbit around your planet and was being attacked by a Pontianian battle cruiser. I tried to hide in the falling rocks when one of them struck and damaged my ship and I crashed and you rescued me. Thank you for rescuing me by the way.”

Twilight asked “what about your ship?”

Zackmar said “I think I can repair it there is a duplication device on board I just hope it was not damaged.”

Twilight said “we can go there tomorrow tonight you can stay here in the castle Spike show out guest a room.”

The next day they went to the crash site Zackmar went inside. The 6 ponies followed he walked over to a small square panel on a wall. He pressed a few buttons and the device began to light up then exploded in a shower of sparks.

He just signed and said “I hope the communication system is not damaged.”

Walking over to a console he pressed a few buttons a panel opened and a microphone came up. He said “Zackmar calling Sandarian command come in.”

A few seconds went by and a response came over the intercom “this is Pharmore of Sandarian command what is your status?”

Zackmar said “ship severely damaged possibly irreparably, crashed on alien planet environment friendly.”

The voice on the other side was quiet for a moment then said “we will send a rescue ship for you what is your location?”

Zackmar stopped for a moment then turned to the 6 ponies sitting nearby and asked “where am I?”

Rainbow Dash said ‘this is Equestria.”

Zackmar said “is that the name of the planet?”

The ponies looked at each other then back at him.

Then Twilight said “I don’t know the name of the planet perhaps the princess would know.”

Zackmar said “the what?”

Applejack said “our leader.”

Zackmar just nodded slowly and returned to the intercom and said “can I use the homing bacon?”

The voice said not a good idea Pontian ships will pick it up remember what happened on Cromar?”

Zackmar said “oh yeah I will contact you later once I know where I am so I can send you coordinates Zackmar out.”

Tuning to the group he said “I don’t mean to sound cliché’ but take me to your leader.”

The group left the craft and Zackmar pressed a button on his wristband and the door to the craft closed. At the Poinyville train station the group boarded a train and departed for Canterlot. Once they arrived not wanting to attract unwanted attention they gave Zackmar in a cloak. As they went to see Celestia. They found her in the royal chambers talking to a few ponies.

Twilight stepped forward and said “greetings princess we have a bit of a situation."

Celestia asked “what sort of situation?”

Zackmar stepped forward and said perhaps I can explain.” He then removed his cloak.

Celestia said “I see your point.”

Zackmar bowed and said “greetings princess, I am honored to be granted an audience with you and hope you can assist.”

Celestia said “how may I be of assistance?”

Zackmar told thr story of what happened and how he was rescued and in order to get home he needed an idea of where he was.

Celestia said “you’re in Equestria”

Zackmar asked is that the name of the planet?”

Celestia was slightly taken back by this question having never been off world she was not sure how to answer.

She said “that is the name of this region" pausing for a moment she said “Perhaps Luna could answer this better than I can I will summon her.”

She left the room and soon returned with Luna she said “I understand your looking for your place amongst the stars.”

Zackmar nodded Luna’s horn began to glow and a 3 dimensional map of the night sky could be seen. Zackmar looked at the map and noticed a familiar star he said “wait I know that star” pointing to a red dot. “That is the red supergiant Zeplar” looking at other stars he noticed other ones he knew he smiled “ok I know where I am now. I need to return to my ship.”

Luna said “it is dangerous to enter the everfree forest at night.”

Zackmar nodded.

Luna said “I suppose now is a good time as any to ask why you are here?”

Zackmar said “It began on my home world the planet Sandaria I graduated from the Sandarian military academy. After the graduation ceremony Dantor the coma ante’ of the academy came to me to personally congratulate me. For being one of the few cadets to graduate at the top of my class in advanced tactical training which was considered an achievement. Considering over 75% of the class washes out I was eager to do my part. Dantor told me he needed my help against the Pontian Empire. He invited me to his office the next day I went to Dantor’s office as I entered the office he walked over to a console pressed a button. He showed me an ultimate weapon the Pontians were working on. An artificial graviton beam weapon that can shatter an entire planet I saw the test the target was a large asteroid 24 km across. The device looked like a black hole with 3 probes on the event horizon as it rotated it generated a graviton beam. The probes moved on the event horizon and amplified the gravity inside producing an intertwining graviton beam. The beams hit the target and the sheering forces tore at the asteroid causing it to shatter. My mission was to travel to the Pontian home world and acquire the plans to the graviton weapon. Once there I used an invisibility belt and snuck inside and accessed the graviton pulse weapon files and uploaded them to this. Holding up his wristband “as I was doing that I triggered a silent alarm suddenly Pontian security forces burst in. Once I finished uploading the files they were ordering the scientists to the floor I slipped out in the chaos. But I think someone saw me moving I think one of officers noticed a shimmering silhouette move passed the door. I made my way back to my ship thinking I was in the clear. Once in orbit I began to make my way back to Sandarian space when a series of explosion rocked my ship. A Pontian imperial patrol ship demanded I surrender but I had a plan. I activated a holographic projector the Pontian saw a second ship next to mine. It fired on the other ship as the beams passed through. I seized the opportunity and fired at the ship. The laser blasts struck the Pontian ship and it stopped moving once I returned to Sandarian space. I decided to access the information on the gravitation beam weapon. I removed my wrist band and plugged it into the console. As I accessed the Pontian weapons files I found a separate sub-folder called operation Malctitude. What I saw was truly terrifying plans for a bioengineered creature. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before I pressed a button and a holographic image appeared. The image slowly rotated 360ᵒ I watched as details came forth about this creature it was most unusual as well as frightening. It was bipedal it stood 2.5 meters tall it had a head that looked like an upside down pear its arms were on its head with 12 cm claws. It had a mouth with small sharp pointed teeth and glowing yellow eyes. Something about the name seemed familiar then I remembered something I assessed the history of the Malctitude it is a bio engendered creature. It was created 250 years ago by the Hieraxians and was used during the siege of the Cyrian system 200 years ago. Survivors described a creature of indescribable destruction and atrocities. There were reports of the creature feeding on of those it had killed. Those who saw it said it was like looking into the face of pure evil.” Some described the eyes as cold and cruel and totally merciless. There were those who said it was like looking at some sort of demon. Some sought shelter in caves and caverns sometimes the creature followed them inside only those who barricaded themselves survived. After everything was destroyed if several were used one of them would go into hibernation. Then it would be placed it into a suspended animation storage chamber until it was needed and or cloned again. Just one could cause untold destruction. I shuttered at the thought of an army of these creatures and how they could conceivably wipe out an entire planet. As I considered the gravity of the situation an energy blast rocked the ship causing the console to explode in a shower of sparks. I tried to establish contact with Sandarian command but was unable to. Another energy bolt rocked my ship I engaged the engines and fled. I fired back at the Pontian ship. I needed to elude my pursuer and find a place to conduct repairs. As another bolt exploded behind me causing the ship to list forward and almost tumble. Thinking quickly I activated an emergency wormhole it opened in front of me I soon passed through and a small blue planet. Suddenly another energy blast rocked the ship I saw several small asteroids approaching this planet I hoped he could lose my pursuer in the field. Something struck and damaged my ship and I crashed and was rescued I am attempting to contact Sandarian command. I hope they can repair my ship” Luna said with a smile “it's late we will give you accommodation for the night.”

Zackmar said “thank you for your hospitality.”

Luna smiled and the 8 went their rooms. The next day they traveled back to Ponyville and the everfree forest. Zackmar walked up to his ship and pressed a button on his wristband the door came down.

He went inside pressed a communication button and said “Zackmar to Sandarian command.”

A voice replied this is this is Pharmore of Sandarian command have you determined your location?”

Zackmar said “yes my location is 72° to the axial plane of the red supergiant Zeplar.”

Pharmore asked “what is at status of your ship?”

Zackmar said “ship is damaged but intact.”

Pharmore said “understood assistance will arrive in 14 hendars.”

Zackmar said “14 hendars?”

Pharmore said “yes the Pontian Empire has been busy our resources are spread thin.”

Zackmar said “understood” and turned off the channel he turned and walked out of the ship.

He looked at the 6 ponies with a sad face and said “I'm going to be here for a while.”

Twilight asked “what do you mean?”

Zackmar replied “I'm stuck here for the next 14 hendars.”

Rainbow asked how long is that?”

Zackmar said “I'm not familiar with your solar cycle but on my world a hendar is the time it takes for our sun to cross the sky.

Twilight said “I’m sure we can find that out in the castle” they went to the castle and soon found a book on the equestrian solar cycles. Flipping through it she said “although princess Celestia raises the sun according to this a day is about a 10 hours long and a 15 on the longest day of the year.”

Zackmar said “on my world our days are 26 hours long that makes a difference of about 8 hours.”

He thought for a moment then said “I’m going to be here for the next 16 solar cycles.”

He sighed “I guess I should find lodging.”

Twilight said “do you have any bits?”

Zackmar said somewhat confused “what’s a bit?”

Twilight said “it’s a form of currency” she levitated a small golden coin and said “this is a bit.”

Zackmar sighed “this is going to take some getting used to.”

Applejack said “why not stay here at the castle we got’s lots o’ room.”

They all agreed and gave him a guest room in rhe west wing of the castle. Later that evening as the sun began to set Zackmar was on the balcony and looked around it was large it connected the suite next to it placing his arms over the railing he looked outwards to the vast expanse.

When Applejack came across the balcony Zackmar turned one of his eyes back and said “oh hi Applejack is it?”

Applejack said “yup I just love a sunset it always brings the promise of a new day.”

Zackmar looked over and smiled “on my world the sun rises in the west and set in the east so for me this would be a morning this is going to take some getting used to.”

Applejack said “don’t ya travel the stars all the time?”

Zackmar said “this was my first trip off world I just got my own ship and cashed it.”

Applejack said “ain’t nothing a good night’s rest can’t fix.”

Zackmar nodded and the 2 went to their suites and to bed. The next day Zackmar returned to his ship and ran a diagnostic on the ships systems. The readout was not good damage to plasma drive engine, main hull breached, duplication programs 70% damaged. Zackmar was not happy he decided to see what materials he could produce.

He said “computer produce a 2 cm cube of andarorian.” The computer replied “unable to comply composition matrix does not exist” Zackmar groaned in annoyance. He exited the ship and left the forest as he exited he looked up into the sky and wondered what he was going to do.

Suddenly Rainbow Dash came flying up she looked worried he said “oh hi Rainbow Dash is something wrong?” She said “we need you at the castle right away.”

the 2 went to the castle and Zackmar asked is something wrong? I came as fast as I could.”

Twilight said “I just received a message from the Crystal empire they’re under attack."

Zackmar asked “from what?”

Twilight said “it’s some kind of bipedal monster unlike anything any pony has ever seen. Shining Armor is using his protection shield spell and the creature is pounding on the outside he cannot maintain the shield much longer.”

Zackmar’s eyes grew wide is surprise he said “no not this planet! I need to get a weapon wait here.”

Twilight said "we will meet you there."

Rainbow stayed behind and went with Zackmar to his ship. Rainbow landed on the ground as he went inside he opened a compartment and pulled out a rifle he placed the strap on his shoulder and returned he said “ok let’s go.”

He followed Rainbow to the castle once there he saw a chariot with 2 crystal pegasi waiting for him. Rainbow said “they will take us to the crystal empire hop in.”

Zackmar smiled as he got into the chariot and it took off into the sky. He watched as the landscape passed along soon the landscape turned white. Then a huge tower enveloped in a pink shield came into view. Both Zackmar and Rainbow Dash looked over the edge and saw a creature bashing against the shield causing it to vibrate. On the ground Twilight saw the chariot approaching and opened a hole in the shield allowing it to pass through. As the chariot landed the 2 got out.

Twilight and the others approached Twilight said “princess Cadence wants to see you. They went to the throne room and Cadance was sitting on her throne as Zackmar approached he bowed to her.

Cadence asked “what is that creature outside the empire?”

Zackmar explained what he knew about it and where it came from. Shining armor was next to Cadence and periodically wincing

She said “every time that thing hits the shield it hurts him. I tried to deal with it but it seems to be immune to magic.”

Zackmar said "I will take care of the creature."

They took him to the edge of the empire. Cadence opened a hole in the shield as Zackmar walked to the other side. He took his weapon yelled at the creature getting its attention it charged in his direction he fired the weapon the monster was vaporized. He looked back at the ponies and nodded Shining Armor lowered the shield.

He relaxed rubbed his head and said “uuuh I would hate to go through that again.”

Later that evening Pinkie threw a huge party celebrating the defeat of the monster and welcoming Zackmar to Equestria. As the party died down Zackmar went outside to get some fresh air soon Cadence came outside she noticed he seemed a little depressed

She said “you alight? You seem a little down.”

Zackmar said “I’m not sure I feel like it’s my fault that monster tried to attack your castle. Had I not crashed on your planet the Pontians would not have let that monster loose. I feel like I exposed your planet to a danger you may not be able to fight.”

Cadence said “it’s not your fault a meteor struck your ship and you crashed I am just grateful you were able to take out the monster.”

Zackmar smiled and said “your right I just hope the attack was an isolated incident”

Cadence smiled “me too.