Starbound Ascension: The Next Generation

Starbound Ascension: The Next Generation

Chapter Eighteen: The Calm

“So you mean to tell me that the whole Anti-Equus fleet was wiped out by those stupid ponies?!” Alson Burry was furious to his officers, “Explain to me how those degenerates managed to destroy one of our largest fleets with nothing but a handful of carriers and one mere battleship!”

“Sir, to be fair that pony witchcraft of theirs is a big problem. Their armor piercing shells are coated with some sort of magic that makes them pass right through our plasma shields. What we need to do is to use Violium to counter their magic. It's sort of like an anti-pony kryptonite if you've ever read those human superhero comics.”

“I'm from the UPF young admiral! I don't care for superheros! Like most of the UPF citizens I think those comics are a shit stain on the very foundations of my nation. Powers should be earned, not given. I had to climb my way to the top from the very bottom. Ugh,” Alson cupped his head in his palms, “I need a drink. But I will consider your request! Tell me, who has the most Violium we can steal?”

“The Hylotl Empire sir.”

“Rally the next fleet. I want twice the size we used to invade Equus. Oh and one more thing. How are those pony defectors coming along?” Alson looked up.

“Good sir. They're responding well to our ideals and the genetic augmentation. It's a good thing they wish to do away with their quadrupedal form and embrace true sentience as a bipedal race.”

“Excellent. I want these “Ponex” of yours in the next assault. Make them cause havoc in the next attack.”

“Yes sir Mr. Burry!”

The hangar of the Sky Buster was filled with music and decorations to celebrate the victorious defense of Equus. Hundreds of ponies and the crew of the combined NGJTF all mingled and danced to the beat while others paraded around the ship at their leisure. Bass Drop and Blue Circuit sat on stage to DJ for the whole task force. While the many ponies partied in the hangar Jet was up on the bridge with Iron Cross as they filled out stacks of paperwork to cover the damages done by the Pulsar.

“Ah crap...” Jet slumped back in the captain's chair which began to spin wildly as he knocked the joystick of the seat, “Dammit! How have we not fixed this! Whoa! Ah!”

“It's hard wired to the mainframe of the Sky Buster. We can't replace it Colonel,” Cross continued filling out the massive stack of papers.

“And to think being promoted would be a good thing! I hate all this paperwork. And this chair!”

“Well, if you want you can welcome the new recruit to replace Fragarach,” the mere mention of that name caused Cross to gag, “Ugh! I can't believe we were forced to eat him...”

“Shut up, just... Shut up,” Jet felt a twitch of emotional pain wash over him, “Don't ever say that name again.”

“But, we have to least we forget the atrocities we have made,” coming from the German this weighed heavily on Jet.

“I guess you're right. The others look like they already forgot and are just partying in the hangar,” Jet sighed, “We're all cannibals now. How many of us do you think have escaped that fact already?”

“I doubt anyone has. The partying and the smiles, they all just hide the guilt of the crime we have all committed. Well, except Rush,” Cross put a hoof on Jet's shoulder, “You're not alone mien friend.”

“I can't believe they were gonna eat Rush too. They cryogenically froze him and stuffed him into the freezer. It was lucky that we thawed him out before they shipped him off with the escape craft Burry used. Anyway, who is this new recruit?”

“Well, he isn't so much as a recruit. In fact, I offered him a place on the team. A certain, Ajay Ghale.”

“Really?” Cross glanced back before looking out into space again, “The Kyrati?”

“Yup. I've seen him fight. He'll be a great addition to the team. Really, a lot of soldiers are starting to volunteer for our task force. All this paperwork is to authorize that,” Jet explained as he looked back at the stack of papers, “Now if only I didn't get so many washouts! It's the special forces, not special ed.”

“No kidding,” Cross sighed. A soft whoosh of the automatic door caught his ear, “Ah, that must be him right now.”

“Ajay Ghale reporting for duty sir!” the Kyrati earth pony stood front and center.

“At ease. No need to be so tense. We are partying after all,” Jet patted him on the shoulder, “It's nice to have you on board! You okay?”

“No...” he sat down and shook his head, “I was used. The Golden Path were terrorists after all. Amita killed a child and enslaved them to work while Sabal would have imposed a religious dictatorship over all of Kyrat. Meanwhile Pagan was right. Had I only listened to him Kyrat could have turned out for the better. I had to leave. I wanted to join to forget.”

“That's tough shit brother,” Jet sat with him, “Knowing the EUF they won't stand for that injustice. In fact, I can turn that whole Kyrati situation around since I have their CEO on speed dial. Your country deserves better Mr. Ghale. Say, since you're part of the military now do you even have a rank?”

“Well, technically I'm a mercenary. You did offer me this job.”

“Fair enough. Based on your performance I'll assign you a rank myself. I think Captain would be fair. How much training did they drill you through?”

“Overviewed basic. I passed with flying colors on that. The more advanced power armor, 3D maneuver gear, and parkour kit training was a little harsh but I'm a quick learner. There's a lot of neat stuff you guys have access to,” Ajay got back up and looked about the room and looked out the bridge, “This is my first time in space. It looks amazing.”

“More of this view where we usually go,” Jet smiled, “All the stars, planets, and celestial bodies out there for us to defend. We are the guardians of Equus and all her colonies. Well, enough chatter. Why don't we mangle with the others? Go on to the hangar I'll join you guys in a minute after all this paperwork!”

“Sure thing sir!” Ajay saluted as he departed. There was a beeping that came from the console denoting a mission alert.

Cross pulled up the hologram, “Mission from the Hylotl Empire. Pulsar are attacking in their sector. UPF reinforcements already on the scene.”

“Leave it,” Jet made the call, “Our troops are fatigued as it is. I doubt the Pulsar could muster up a larger force after their defeat at our hooves. I'm sure Frostbite and the UPF can handle it.”

“Okay. Smart of you to put the troops first. I'll be in the hangar with the party. See you later,” Cross walked away and left Jet on the bridge.

In the gym of the ship Night Glider and Masayuki were exchanging blows in sparring. The two were trying to compare each others martial arts as a show of competition.

“You fight well Night Glider!” Masayuki deflected a kick from her as he used the momentum of her own attack to throw her onto the floor with redirected force, “But not as well as I.”

Masayuki helped her up as the sparring was over. She dusted herself off.

“Good show. Not bad for a forty some year old huh?”

“Wait, you're forty? I made you out to be at least early thirties,” Masayuki was surprised.

“I was trained for peak physical condition for North Equestria's special forces. As such they took measures to prolong my lifespan others don't normally receive.”

“An interesting thing Night Glider,” Zenji nodded, “Masayuki and I are descendents of the Samurai with both our families having a strong military heritage. And as such the code of Bushido is strong between us. Tell me, did North Equestria instill that same code of honor?”

“I can safety say no. We fought dirty, we used chemical weapons, massed wave tactics, and you saw the nuclear missiles fly up. I'm glad I'm not part of that anymore,” Night Glider chuckled it off, “But we are as ruthless as you say we are. It's efficient in combat.”

“I can't disagree there,” Zenji walked over to the vending machine and punched a button for some Ramune, “Would you like to try one Gilder-San?”

“Oh, I... What is this?” Night Glider sat confused to the beverage.

“It's called Ramune. It's a soda pop popular in Neighpon. I prefer the strawberry flavor,” Masayuki opened up his bottle and drank it down with a refreshed sigh.

“What's a soda pop?” Night Glider fiddled around with the bottle, “And how do I open this?”

“Here,” Zenji popped the little marble into the bottle, “Soda pop is a fizzy soft drink made by infusing carbon dioxide into the liquid.”

“That doesn't sound too tasty,” Night Glider's ears flopped down as she sniffed the lychee flavored marble soda. The tingly spritz of the popping fizz made her recoil her head back in confusion, “Okay, here goes.”

Night tried to drink it but only managed a small sip before the marble blocked the opening.

“Good yes?” Masayuki smiled.

“It's hard to drink. The marble keeps blocking it. But it's good! I've never had a soda pop.”

“You drink it horizontal to stop the marble from blocking the neck. That is mango flavored.”

“What's a mango?” Night Glider asked to Zenji.

“Oh the wonders you will have to learn about life outside your country,” Masayuki smiled and put an arm around his comrade in arms. They shared laughs as they walked away from the gym.

Around the time the party started to slow down Blue Circuit stepped down from the stage to mingle with the others outside of the hangar chilling in the hallway. He yawned as he pulled a vaporizer from his pocket and loaded in a green apple cartridge. He took a long whiff and exhaled a large cloud of vapor.

“Hey!” Jet was right there to yell at him, “Blue! What are you doing? Narcotics are banned in our military.”

“Oh no sir, it's just a vaporizer. It's just water vapor and flavor, no nicotine or anything at all,” Circuit took another good whiff.

Jet looked back, “Oh well, oops... Carry on then. Say! Some new gear showed up in the armory. You wanna give it a look through?”

Blue exhaled a large puff of vapor right into Jet's face, “Sure boss!”

Jet laughed it off, “Smells nice. Apple?”

“Yeah.”

As they walked to the armory they were greeted by Prelude and Wishful.

“So how long were you in the Army Rangers Prelude?” Wishful asked.

“Four years? It's been so long that I don't remember. Oh hey guys! Where are you all going?” Prelude turned to Jet.

“Armory. We got new gear! You're welcome to join us,” Jet smiled as he lifted a hoof.

“Cool! So as I was saying, what about you Wishful?” Prelude returned to his conversation.

“Huh?”

“How long were you in the Green Berets?”

“Four years as well. Joined right out of school,” Wishful swiped a can of soda as he passed by a vending machine.

“Wow! Me too! In fact it was Jet who made most of our group of friends join. A few of them didn't. My sister, Vinnie, ship's brother and sisters, Philosophia, Athena, you get the picture.”

“Us Army buddies gotta stick together. There's too many squids and flyboys here,” Wishful chuckled as Jet turned around.

“I heard that! If it wasn't for my para-rescue ass your chopper pilots would still be shot down. Air Force for life baby!”

“Hey Circuit, what branch did you serve?” Wishful turned his attention to Blue.

“I didn't. I actually joined the EUF because I was told that they paid more for my college tuition. Sure enough they did and I paid those off like nothing bro. I started off as a fire enginer.”

“A fire enginer?” Wishful raised an eyebrow, “What the fuck is a fire enginer?”

“I'm just kidding man. But I was an engineer.”

As they walked in Nelly and Tough Heart were already getting fitted with their new armors as Brainstorm and Rush oversaw the equipment.

“Mech lab is finally up and running!” Rush smiled as he waved to Jet.

“Aw sweet! Wow Nelly you look great in that thing!”

Nelly's face was hidden behind a layer of segmented armor. With a press of a button her face shield retracted and she smiled back at Jet, “Thanks love!”

“Loving the new minigun! 7mm Federation?” Jet checked the gun mounted on her right arm.

“No, it's actually 6.5mm Equus Caseless. Same rounds we use for the MX and Katiba series rifles.”

“Good, simplifies logistics. How about you Tough?”

“I want payback...” Tough didn't smile. A stone cold gaze was all that was left of his emotions.

“I figured,” Jet took on a look of sorrow.

“All I want to do now is fight. No more games. I want revenge,” Tough huffed as he stepped out of his exo suit. Jet noticed the orange fluff of hair shaped like a heart on his chest was cracked down the middle, nor did it puff up when his fur stood on ends. Jet kept looking at him as he retreated back to his room. Nelly walked forward only to be held back by Jet.

“No,” Jet sighed sadly, “Give him space. All the space he needs. I already talked to him. If he needs help he'll come ask for it. He's still fit to fight and rather empowered by his loss now. But he'll never be the same again. I can promise you that.”

“Right, let's change the subject. Jet you got another new revolver!”

“OH HELL YEAH NELLY!” Jet rushed over to the table with all their new gear laid out, “Holy crap! What is this thing? Applebloom Engineering: Magnetic Coil Revolver-Explosive Experimental. The “MCREE” huh? I love that name!”

“Cowboy up,” Prelude patted his shoulder, “How many of those things do you have now?”

“Four-no! Five! I just bought a Zubr as well for the funsies,” Jet smiled and pointed to his locker. With a click of a button on his smart watch it popped open to reveal four hanged futuristic revolvers: a B3 Wingman, a P33 Pereira, an NS-44 Commissioner, and a Zubr .44.

“Why do you have so many bro?” Blue looked at all the wheel guns.

“Daddy issues. What else?” Jet rolled his eyes to Circuit, “Hey GameNut you got some new gear too!”

“Oh sweet! Here we go again, EUF always sends me these things. Wonder what's in the crate this time?” As Blue Circuit opened the weapon crate he found a cybernetically enhanced sub machine gun and a pair of what looked to be giant energy spikes inside. He took the note addressed to him and read it out loud, “Make them eat your nuts Agent Circuit. From Mr. CEO.”

“Look at you hotshot. Why do you think they always send us these things?” Jet glanced over again.

“Because I was his bodyguard bro. Troy is a great boss. Come to think of it, I do remember him talking about your father here and there.”

“What did he have to say about my father?” Jet's ears flopped down as he asked in a curious tone of voice.

“Well, off the top of my head I remember that your dad saved his life one time, how they were buddies, and all that fluff. That's probably why they send us so much stuff.”

“No kidding,” Jet looked to the stockpile of UPF weapons, “If it wasn't for the EUF we wouldn't have as many of those. The Federation loves to keep their toys to themselves for the most part.”

“Wait a minute, aren't some of those guns contraband by the UPF?” Prelude took a look at some of the crates and noticed some extremely advanced gear.

“Yeah, but don't tell anyone. Strella pulled some strings and most of it we got quote unquote: “Fell off a truck.” You got it?”

“Gotcha,” Prelude nodded, “Oh by the way! You wanna finish up that game of Roan we paused?”

“Oh yeah!” Jet smiled, “That's one type of paperwork I don't mind doing. Let's head to the lounge then!”

A several minutes later Jet, Prelude, Morning, Petal, and Avia gathered in the lounge to play a tabletop role playing game. Jet was the game master running the campaign.

“Okay guys. We left off right after we shot down the pirates in the Belzeb Desert right? Right now my plane is pretty banged up so it's up to you guys to continue the adventure while my plane repairs.”

“Gotcha. What are we gonna do?” Avia asked her brother.

Jet began his storytelling, “Hours after you land on the carrier an officer of the Black River AFB has boarded the ship. He tells you: good job shooting down that pirate ace! You just received a fat paycheck today. The brass is gonna be pleased!”

“It was a pleasure to help,” Morning began his roleplay as Prelude came back from the kitchen with some chips and snacks, “Can you help us with repairs to our ship? Most of the pirate and rogue Griffin mercenaries are hitting us hard.”

Jet looked to Prelude and flipped him a special playing chip, “Style Point for you Mr. Prelude. As for the officer he says: We don't have the personnel to spare with your ships repairs Captain Morning.”

“Hmph,” Morning thought, “Can I roll for Negotiation?”

“Sure! Roll difficulty is 4. You wanna use a Style Point?” Jet asked.

“Yes,” Morning rolled for odds and evens with evens counting as +1s. With his extra Style Point awarded from rescuing Jet's character he gained a total of five dice. All of them but one managed to meet the required roll, “I'd like to say: Oh? And what would my father have to hear about this?”

“The officer looks at you and thinks to himself before talking: Well-I... Okay, since you are the son of Colonel Firebrand. Last time I crossed him I got my ass handed to me with a nightstick. Guess I can spare a few engineers for now. Let's take a look at those aether conduits.”

Petal joined in the roleplay, “Smooth talking Morning. Glad we could convince that officer.”

“Thanks Petal. We should all get some well deserved rest after that battle.”

Jet smiled, “And that wraps up the first day. Your characters go to bed and refresh for the next mission ahead.”

As the party died Piggle was the only one in the hangar who volunteered to clean up. Aside from the buzzing of drones both tracked and quadrotored the unicorn did his chores with a push broom and a neutral expression. He piled on another garbage pile as an army of drones carted the trash away with their swarm AI.

“Hey,” Umbra stepped forward from behind some crates, “You okay big brother?”

Piggle sighed, “Yes...”

Umbra looked down with her forehooves crossed as she stood on her hind legs and leaned on the crate, “Are you still scared of me?”

“Yes...” Piggle continued without looking her way. He stopped as he finished another garbage pile, “But that doesn't mean you aren't my little sister. Thank you for saving my life.”

“It's what sisters do,” Umbra got back on all fours and took her helmet off. She put it onto Piggle's head and smiled softly, “Mom and dad are really proud of you back home. You shouldn't be scared of me anymore Pigs.”

Umbra chuckled as she rubbed the helmet Piggle wore. Pigsy retracted the visor back and looked at his sister, “You seem different... Happy. I've never seen you this happy.”

“You know, what I'm about to say is totally off the record. I found my true calling as an assassin in Luna's command. They taught me many things. They taught me how to control my sin energy, my powers, and showed me that they were a good thing. I'm sorry that I hurt you so many times. I'm not the mare I once was. I'm better now. I've killed so many and it feels good. I love to kill Pigsy and with this constructive outlet I feel empowered and in control. I'm sorry Pigsy for all those times... I tried to kill you and our parents...”

Umbra came forward and embraced her brother. She was trying to hide her tears from him but Piggle accepted her for who she is. A couple pats to her back reassured Umbra everything was going to be okay.

“I forgive you,” Pigsy smiled and returned her helmet, “So... Can we get even and kill those son of a bitch Pulsar for what they did to our friends?”

“Hell yeah...” a clack of their hooves resounded in the hangar as they brohoofed.

“ACHOO! Ugh...” Passion was stuck in the medical bay with a really bad case of stomach flu. Iris, the new dedicated medical officer of the carrier, carted in her medicine with a facemask to guard against further infection.

“Here, drink some of this,” Iris administered some of the cough medicine to her. Passion gulped it down in disgust.

“UGH! It tastes horrible.”

“Well, that's what cough medicine does. It will take a few weeks or so for you to really get back into the fight.”

“Great...” Passion slumped down in her bed, “But what if a new mission arrives? The team might need me! What's worse is that I don't get to party with the others today. Really, what the fuck universe?”

“Now now now, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of water and juice, and be sure to take your medicine. I have some paperwork I need to attend to for now. Get well soon!” Iris left the room with the hiss of the door. She was replaced by Red October wearing his full hazmat suit.

“Kak vy sebya chuvstvuyete?” Red directed to her in his native tongue. Passion pulled out her smartphone and instantly translated it as: how are you feeling?

“Horrible! But it's nice to have you here,” she patted a spot next to her and scooted over for her new boyfriend to sit down with her, “You look funny in that thing.”

“I know. Helps to bring out your wonderful smile,” Red booped Passion's nose with the nose of his gas mask. The skin tight hazmat suit didn't compromise his mobility as he laid down in bed with Passion. She coughed and tried to sneeze away from Red. Red merely chuckled as he wiped away the bits of ick with a issue from his untinted visor. Passion started to nuzzle into his rubbery suit seeking comfort in his embrace.

“I feel so much better with you around. I love you Red,” Passion smiled as she nuzzle her nose under Red's chin.

“Hey, are you scared of hypodermic needles?”

“Um, yes. Why do you ask?”

Red pulled a syringe case from his pocket and showed her a very rare Red Stim Pack, “Red Stim Pack. Cures any disease if you aren't afraid of needles.”

“OH RIGHT!” Passion remembered these things, “Jet's dad saved his mother by using one of these things. Where did you get it? Those things are so rare now!”

“I kept it for a while. I bought it from Earth when we were stationed there. They only recently started to remanufacture these.”

Passion held her mouth as a sicken expression donned her face. Red pulled a trash can next to her as she vomited.

“Khorosho, chto eto polnaya...” Red recoiled in disgust, “So would you like to-?”

“YES PLEASE! I'm sick of this sick...”

“Okay, close your eyes. Don't look,” Red carefully handled the needle as Passion looked away. She only felt a tiny prick as Red injected the medicine, “There! Not so bad. I forgot to tell you that it was a subcutaneous needle. Barely piercing skin. How are you now?”

Passion felt a wave of relief wash over her as her dizzy, clouded, and sickened head cleared. Her body, once in a low fever, was washed clean with a sense of renewed vigor. Her stomach settled, nose and lungs cleared, and all her senses returned to normal as the miracle stimulant enhanced her body's natural healing process. She got up from the bed and walked around.

“I! I feel great!” she got up on two legs and punched at the air to test her vigor. Passion was finally herself again after being cooped up in bed for a few days, “Yes! Well, so much for Iris right?”

“Let's sneak out. But first you're going to need a shower to get all those germs off you.”

Passion smirked and whipped her tail right under Red's chin, “You wanna join me Red?”

Red's wings shot up and his face somehow flushed even more red more pronounced than his fur, “Krasnyy, vy udachlivy, sukin syn... In a second my love!”