Friendship Amongst The Stars

Zackmar was disappointed that the only lead he has was a dead end before leaving the castle he said “I need to get some parts from my ship. Could I borrow one of your what do you call them, saddlebags?”

Twilight said “I’ll come along I would love to leaen about the technical layout of your ship."

Zackmar smiled and they left the castle and went to his ship he pressed a button on his wristband and the hatch opened. Once inside Twilight looked around in wonderment. It seemed every time she went inside she was amazed. Zackmar went to the aft section near the synthesizer he felt a little guilty about removing components from the ship but he knew this was for the greater good.

Twilight looked around in fascination and asked “what powers this craft?”

Zackmar said as he pulled a hatch from the floor “a muriatic centrifuge on the bottom of the ship it creates an electromagnetic field that inhibits a planets gravity. In space it pulls the craft through the fabric of space itself” Twilight was a little confused he smiled and said “it’s similar to a paddleboat the giant wheel rotating on the water.”

She understood what he was saying and smiled as he ducked inside the hole for a moment and came back up with a small box. He went inside again and came up with a slightly larger box.

Twilight asked “what are those?” Pointing to the small box.

Zackmar said “this is an electromagnetic field generator the larger box is a battery.”

Twilight asked “what’s a battery?”

Zackmar smiled and said “a portable power source.”

As he placed the items inside Twilights saddle bags. She looked around and studied the console she said “how does this work?”

Zackmar said “you talk to it like this computer show this planet from orbit.”

The screen lite up and showed the planet as it looked when Zackmar was approaching it she said “wow its beautiful.”

Zackmar said “it’s a sight I never get tired of seeing few things compare to a world from orbit but nothing compares to seeing your home world for the first time. I still remember the first time I saw mine. It’s a sight you never forget”

Twilight said “I wish my friends could see this.”

Zackmar thought for a moment and walked over to the synthesizer. Then said “computer create a holo-projector the device hummed and a small device appeared. He cheered “it worked.”

Twilight said “doesn’t it always work?”

Zackmar said “it was damaged in the crash watch “computer create water 24 borahs.” The computer said “composition matrix does not exist.”

Twilight said “I see your point.”

Zackmar walked over to the console and opened a lid and pulled out a plug and plugged it into the projector. Then said “computer upload file Z-041 to this device.”

A status bar scrolled across the screen. Then it read transfer complete he picked up the device and pressed a button oi the side. The device lite up and the planet could be seen from an orbital perspective. He smiled and said “show this to your friends and any other pony.”

Twilight took it in a purple aura and said “wow thank you and placed in her saddle bags.

Zackmar picked up a few other tools and placed them in her saddle bags. He looked around and said “ok I think that’s everything for now."

When they returned to the castle Zackmar went to work modifying the electromagnetic field generator. As Twilight showed her friends the image on the projector as he was working he could hear ooo’s and ahhh’s and a "wow its beautiful." He smiled and finished the modifications he stood up and saw the 6 watching the holo-projector. He had a thought when the threat from Kalios was either at a lull or entirely gone he would show them other worlds.

The next day they went to Canterlot and met with Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Shining Armor Zackmar showed then the devices he had. Looking around he said “Shining Armor you were the one who puts up protection shields right?” He nodded.

Zackmar said “ok I remember the monster that attacked the Crystal Empire caused you harm. He nodded Zackmar said “don’t worry this time I have something that will help you.”

Shining said “you do?”

Zackmar replied “yes this is an electromagnetic field generator and a portable power source. If you combine this with your protection shield spell it will amplify it making it 10 times stronger.”

Cadance said “all this for a single creature?”

Zackmar shook his head “I studied some of Kalios’s battle strategies as a cadet. He will use the monster but he will also other devices as well.”

Luna said “we will be ready.”

Just then a guard came up and said “your highness a box was just now dropped outside the gate.”

Celestia took the box in her magic and said “thank you” the guard saluted and left.

Zackmar activated his invisibility belt Celestia activated the box and an image of Kalios appeared he said “this is an interactive hologram.” Looking around he said “I see you brought friends I am going to repeat what I said 2 solar cycles ago. Surrender your kingdom and pledge your allegiance to me if you do not the Malctitude will destroy your city what is your answer?”

Celestia spread her wings and said defiantly “never!”

Kalios just shook his head “you are just like so many before always wanting to do things the hard way, very well tomorrow night the Malctitude will feast on your bones.”

The hologram faded away and box smoked and fizzled. Zackmar deactivated his belt and reappeared Luna asked “why were you hiding?”

Zackmar said I don’t want him to know I’m here not yet if he knew I am helping you he will alter his strategy. If he believes he has an easy victory he will let his guard down.” He smiled and said “he will be in for a bit of surprise tomorrow.”

At the same time in a hidden underground facility Kalios is speaking to a black coated alicorn looking creature with a green waist band, a crooked horn and insectoid wings. Kalios said “if you agree to this I can assure you the rewards will be beyond your wildest dreams, more than anything you get revenge on the leader of this land.”

The alicorn smiled and said “yes I would like that but what do I get for helping you?”

Kalios smiled wickedly “how would you like to be ruler of this world? Having every creature bow down to your every whim.”

The alicorn said “I am already queen of the changelings I rule over them.”

Kalios said “yes but you do not rule this world.”

The alicorn said “no I do not.”

Kalios smiled “join me and we will crush those who dare oppose us and afterwards the planet will be all yours.”

The alicorn smiled wickedly “alright I’ll do it and call me Chrysalis.”

They shook hand and hoof Kalios smiled “I brought a squad of single pilot craft from Pontus can your subjects fit inside them?”

Chrysalis said “yes they are changelings they can assume any form.”

Kalios smiled “excellent have them report here tomorrow and we will begin our conquest of this planet. We will begin the conquest with Canterlot."

Chrysalis smiled wickedly. The next day Chrysalis returned with a squad of changelings. She soon met Kalios he said “ready?”

Chrysalis nodded he showed her the craft they would be flying in. They were small single pilot V shaped craft Chrysalis said “my subjects have never flown a craft before we can fly.”

Kalios said with a smile “don’t worry about pilot training these craft have a helmet interface. Just place it on your head and it is guided by thought."

Chrysalis smiled and said “I want revenge against Celestia for denying me and my subjects’ sustenance. As well as the others for humiliating us by sending us halfway across the planet.”

Kalios smiled and said “you shall have it and more.”

Chrysalis smiled and ordered the changeling army to board the ships once inside they took on a more anthropomorphic appearance. This gave them the ability to use the craft more effectively. They placed the interface helmets on and the craft lifted into the air then flew off in the direction of Canterlot. Kalios pulled a small device from his belt and pressed a button and a 1 meter wide section of ground parted. A lift rose up with a Malctitude on it the creature was restrained by some energy bindings. Chrysalis backed away from the creature. Kalios walked up to the creature and in front of it was a small console he pressed a button and the restraints vanished.

He smiled wickedly and pointed in the direction the ships went and said “go my pet join the ships. Bring Canterlot to its knees.” the creature nodded spread its wings and tool to the air.

He looked at Chrysalis and said “today Canterlot tomorrow Equestria then the planet” Chrysalis smiled.

Meanwhile in Canterlot every pony was preparing for the attack when a sound was heard it was one the citizens of Canterlot were not familiar with. It sounded something like thunderous rushing water and coming closer.

Celestia asked “what is that sound?”

Zackmar said it’s a Pontian battle fleet quickly raise your shield.”

Shining Armor raised his shield and Zackmar activated his electromagnetic field generator and power source. The pink shield takes on a slight glow as streaks of yellow move all around. Soon the ships came into view Zackmar looking through his image enhancement device.

He said “they’re coming Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Twilight shoot down the ships. Fluttershy render assistance as needed Rarity Applejack keep a lookout for any surprises.”

Soon the ships flew over Canterlot and began firing energy bolts at the shield. The bolts hit the shield and dispersed and the 4 alicorns fired magic beams at the ships. Zackmar fired his weapon striking some causing them to crash. Applejack was watching as a ship crashed and the pilot got out changed to its root form and flew away. Totally stunned she told Rarity what she saw who saw another ship crash and the same thing happened. A ship fired an energy ball at the shield it stuck the shield and exploded in a huge eruption. This caused the city to shake violently causing every pony to stammer slightly. Twilight used her magic to anchor herself and Shining Armor as another blast rocked the city. Another ship came close and fired another energy ball as the blue-green energy ball approached. Luna shot a beam of magic at it striking it and causing it to explode. The shock wave struck the ship causing it to tumble and crash other ships tried the same thing only to have a similar result. As the last of the ships crashed they all cheered. Just then a flapping sound was heard faint at first but it grew louder.

Cadence asked “do you hear that?”

Applejack shouted “over there!”

The group looked and saw a giant figure flew over them then perched on a cliff on the mountain side. It looked around spread its wings then let out a loud roar and spewed a stream of flames at the shield. The fire dispersed as it hit the shield the beast stopped for a moment. Looked around then flew high into the air it began to descend then flew just above the shield creating a wind turbulence wake. Every pony was knocked off their hooves Celestia, Luna and Cadence got to their hooves. The beast came around for a second pass again knocking them over again. As it came around again.

Celestia gave an angry look and with fire in her eyes said in the royal Canterlot voice something she almost never did. It soon was apparent why her voice boomed with the thunderous sound of a celestial deity. Her horn glowed a bright yellow as she spread her wings and screamed “ENOUGH!”

The sound echoed several times every pony there swore the voice could have been heard all the way to the Crystal Empire Luna just smiled. The beast was enveloped in a golden aura Zackmar saw the opportunity and fired his weapon the energy bolt striking the beast. It howled as it fell from the sky and bounced off the shield and continued to fall. After a short silence it struck the ground with a loud thud causing the ground to shake. Followed by a cloud of dust followed by an eerie silence.

Shining Armor said “is it over?”

Celestia said “I don’t know so do not drop the shield yet.”

Zackmar said “I’ll check it out.”

He activated his cloaking belt and traveled down the path of the mountain he soon came to where the beast had crashed. It left an impact crater 2.7 meters wide and 1.6 meters deep. He pulled out his scanner and passed it over the fallen beast. He then deactivated his belt and returned to Canterlot.

Once he joined the group he said softly “you can lower the shield its dead.” Shining Armor lowered his shield.

Luna said “we won!”

Zackmar shook his head “no there will be more and we will be ready I will go to my ship and apprise them of the situation hopefully they will send a fleet of ships.”

He just lowered his head Applejack said “aww what wrong sugar cube?”

He looked up and smiled weakly “sugar cube I like that. I’m just sad I feel as if I have dragged your planet into this mess had I not opened that wormhole came here and crashed, this might now be happening right now. The Sandarian command has been battling the Pontian Empire for 500 years so far the Pontian’s concurred over 200 galaxies most they just annexed. They would send in a Malctitude one similar to the one that attacked the Crystal Empire. The monster would run amuck the ruler would be unable to subdue the beast someone could kill it but more were just well…. made. This caused civil unrest citizens would demand a solution the Pontian’s would send in someone to negotiate a solution. It was similar to what happened here pledge allegiance or suffer more attacks. The monster did not only attack residential areas but farmlands as well. On other planets they played to their petty national warfare requirements he gave them advanced technology. It was primitive by their standards but advanced to the planet they gave it to. Again in exchange for allegiance the sad thing was the citizens were never told. They lived under the rule and whims of the Pontian’s failure to comply meant the Malctitude would return. In order to rally soldiers or resources as needed a leader would cause a disaster or an attack. Then blame whoever the Pontian’s wanted to attack. Then use the might and resources of the planet to their advantage. But what I cannot understand is why this planet as far as I know it has no resources so what is so appealing about it?”

Twilight said “magic we have magic.”

Zackmar asked “is it possible to weaponize magic?” No pony had an answer.

Celestia said “based on what you have told us, it seems it may have only been a matter of time until they found us and we would have not been prepared to deal with them.”

Applejack said “I got some bad news I saw durrin the battle the pilots were changelings” Rarity said “yes I saw them as well.” Zackmar was confused.

Celestia just shook her head “this is bad.”

She told him about the time when Chrysalis and her minions tried to take over Canterlot.

He said “and now this Chrysalis has joined forces with Kalios” looking out at the wrecked ships and parts scattered across the land. He thought for a moment and wondered if he could salvage and use them. He pointed to the wreckage and said “until reinforcements arrive we will fight them with their own weapons.”

The group went down to where the ships were strewn about. He said “we can use these they are damaged but if we take parts from others we can make them functional again.” Holding up a helmet he continued “this in a neural interface device using this a non-unicorn can pilot the craft. Looking at the seat he sighed "it does not seem to leave much for comfort.”

Later that day the ponies returned to Twilights castle Pinkie wanted to throw a victory party as she set it up for later Zackmar returned to his ship and pressed a button on a console “Zackmar to Sandarian command.

A voice replied “Sandarian command Kyphara speaking.”

Zackmar said “send a message to supreme chancellor Kishnar this planet is being attacked by Pontian forces. Several ships shot down and they have a new Malctitude. Also they have allied with some of the inhabitance.”

Kyphara said “I will pass this information to the chancellor. An answer should be received in 2 tormas.”

Zackmar said “understood Zackmar out.”

He walked over to the synthesizer and said computer create a console communication interface.”

The device hummed and produced a small hand held device he placed it on his belt and returned to the castle. He went to the throne room where the 6 ponies were sitting eating some food. There was a plate set for him with food he did not recognize several small brown rectangular strips and a patty. Encased inside what looked like a flat base with a dome cover. He looked at the items curiously.

Twilight said “I hope your hungry Spike made those.”

Zackmar replied “I am but I am curious what are these?”

Rainbow said “oat burger and hay fries.”

Zackmar sat down and picked up a hay fry and ate it he smiled “this is very tasty it’s similar to something on my world called joraria.” He tried the oat burger and found it similar to a food from his home world he said with a smile “this is really good. At another opportunity I would like to try other cuisines and share some of mine with you.”

After they finished eating they all went to sugarcube corner for Pinkies party. As the party commenced Zackmar’s communication device began to beep.

He walked over to a quiet corner and said “Zackmar here.”

The voice replied “this is Kyphara of Sandarian command.”

Zackmar said “proceed.”

Kyphara said “the chancellor sends this message due to limited resources only one ship can be sent it will arrive in 2 hendars.

Zackmar sighed “understood” he closed his communication device and placed it back into his belt he went back to the party but seemed to have lost his enthusiasm.

At the same time at the Pontian base the changeling minions are returning Kalios asked “where are the ships and the Malctitude?”

A changeling stood in front of Chrysalis and stared at her Kalios was confused.

Then Chrysalis said “he says the ships were shot down.”

Kalios was upset Pontian command is not going to like this he walked over to a console pressed a button “Kalios to Pontian command.”

A voice replied “Pontian command Zylor speaking.”

Kalios said “ships shot down by enemy fire.”

There was a pause and the voice spoke. “Hydoria is not going to be happy about this, reply coming in 4 normars.”

Kalios said “understood.”

After the allotted time passed a single ship arrives Kalios is confused. When the ship lands Kalios watches as a hatch opens and descends into a ramp a figure descends down the ramp.

When he sees who it is he falls to one knee he says humbly “welcome my lord.”

The being says “rise.”

Kalios raises to his feet soon Chrysalis walks up to the duo. The being looks at the queen then at Kalios and says “what is that?”

Chrysalis slightly annoyed said “I am Chrysalis queen of the changelings."

The being grinned wickedly and said “I am Hydoria. Emperor of the Pontian Empire I am here to oversee operations. Since this bragmak can’t even defeat a technologically inferior race.”

Kalios said in his defense “my lord some of these beings use magic. Based on what I understand so far it can be a very powerful weapon. Think of it levitation, shields, moving celestial objects, super strength and flight without a craft. I told you know what it did to your ships.”

Hydoria thought for a moment “this has possibilities but first we must break down the moral of the inhabitants victory will come later.”

Walking over to a console he pressed a few buttons and said “Hydoria to Zandarian command.”

A voice replied Zandarian command Garbanor speaking.”

Hydoria said “begin operation Tormak.”

Garbanor replied “at once my lord you will receive delivery in 25 deptons.”

Hydoria said “excellent” turning to Chrysalis he said “things are going to get very messy very soon.”

Chrysalis said “what are you talking about?”

Hydoria said with a smile you’ll see very soon.”