Prologue: Eden Prime, the Paradise
Mayor Mare: Well, what about Twilight Sparkles? She’s a spacer. Lived aboard Starships most of her life.
Captain Celestia: Military service runs in the family. Both her parents were in the Navy. Her brother is also a high ranking admiral in the fleet.
Admiral Luna: She proved herself during the Blitz. Held of enemy forces on the ground until reinforcements arrived. Most of them she managed to do so single-hoofdly with her magic.
Cpt. Celestia: She’s the only reason Elysium is still standing. Earned a Star of Terra for it, just like her brother did before.
Mayor Mare: We can’t question her courage, nor her magic skills. That’s for certain. Though some will question her ability to choose friends. Acquiring a dragon egg, and then raising the hatchling into the first civilized dragon in the galaxy, sounds either naive or crazy.
Cpt. Celestia: Ponykind needs a hero and a strong Unicorn. Sparkles is the best we’ve got, in both of these categories. Her cutie-mark and her experience are both proof of that.
Mayor Mare: I’ll make the call.
In Year 2148, Explorers on Mars discovered the remains of an ancient spacefaring civilization. In the decades that followed, these mysterious artifacts revealed startling new powers and technologies, enabling to travel to the farthest stars and enabling Unicorn Ponies to absorb its powers to their horns. The basis for them were both forces that controlled the very fabric of space and time.
They called it the greatest discovery in Pony History.
The civilization of the galaxy call it . . . .
Magic Effect
One of the greatest industrial advances built from these artifacts, were the numerous constructs around the galaxy known today as magic relays. With the magic enchanted in hundreds of gems combined with advanced technology by the highest of minds, the relays became a way of interstellar travel around the galaxy, allowing ships to travel fast from one relay to another within the network. Without them, every race in the galaxy would have spent years, maybe decades to travel beyond one single system.
The Arcturus Prime relay, placed near the borders of the Pony Alliance Navy, was soon to transport an approaching ship to the Exodus Cluster.
The SSV Normandy, an experimental spacecraft built for the Pony Alliance, though designed by the Turian Hierarchy. It is to be the first ship in its many kinds; first scouting frigate prototype, first ship representing Pony-Turian alliance, and first ship on which Commander Sparkles would possibly be part of a mission of great galactic importance.
After the ship reached the Exodus Cluster, the pilot immediately reported. With him in the cockpit were Commander Sparkles, Staff Lieutenant Comet Tail, and the Turian Spectre Gazerbeam, whose presence onboard the Normandy arose suspicions and whose cutie-mark of two crossed laser fires arose uncomfortable feelings of safety.
Spike: (at the driver’s seat) Navigation and Thrusters are all check. All systems online, and were at a minus 1500k drift.
Gazerbeam: Maintain it and await further orders. You’re captain will be pleased.
Pilot Spike immediately expressed his suspicions when the Spectre left the cockpit. Or rather his ‘delusions’, as not everypony agreed. Comet Tail who was just helping him engage the ship’s stealth systems at the co-pilots seat, was rather defensive of the Spectre. Commander Sparkles however, continued to give her “focus on the mission” face expression as she overlooked the crew’s performance.
Spike: Man, I do not like having him on the ship.
Comet Tail: (annoyed) You seem to say that about anypony who even a little questions your piloting skills, or even when they praise it. Contrary to what you may believe Spike, most of the galaxy has already grown used to making a dragon a pilot, especially one such young as you.
Spike: It’s not about that at all Comet! Look, I admit, maybe I still have some . . . . issues with some folks seeing a dragon on civilization’s side for the first time, but . . . . I just, don’t like having Spectres onboard. I mean they’re just walking baits for trouble.
Comet: Aw come on Spike. You’re just paranoid. Let’s remember why we’re here; were testing out the very first stealth-only programmed frigate in recent years. It may be for the alliance, but the Council funds this project. That gives them the right to send one of their Spectre’s to oversee the mission through.
Spike: Pfft, so much for you being the clever one. He’s obviously here to oversee some undercover Council operation. Spectres are specially trained soldiers who are well above any galactic jurisdiction or authority, and have free permissions to even start a war. And one of those “Knights of the Twisted table” is here just to oversee a simple test-run of a ship prototype? Yeah right.
Twilight: Spike, will you please keep your voice down?
Comet: Yeah, even if you’re right, this kind of talk would put us in trouble.
Twilight: Mainly me. So please just worry about piloting this ship, and let me worry about Gazerbeam. I will find out if you’re right or if you’re just imagining things.
Spike: (unsatisfied, exhales) Aye, aye, Twilight. Whatever you say. Oh, I mean, aye, aye, COMMANDER.
Twilight: Oh Spike, don’t be like that. (placing her hoof on his shoulder) You know I’ll always be on your side, just like you’ve always been on mine. But please, just . . . just drop it this time.
Spike: (finally smiled for the first time since this voyage started, as he looked at her) Okay, sure Twilight. I’ll trust you.
There was nothing in the galaxy that would separate Twilight and Spike apart. Years ago, Twilight needed to do a lot of convincing to let Spike become part of the Alliance after he was proven to become actually ‘tamed’ as some Ponies would call it. It may have been unusual for a Dragon to be raised for years into becoming a friend rather than a wild fire-breathing animal, but Commander Sparkles managed to do just that. With her heroic past during the Blitz, and all the years of service, Captain Celestia would soon accept her request to enroll Spike into the service for Ponykind. She now trusts him just as much as she trusts Twilight.
Cpt. Celestia over the comm: Spike, status report.
Comet: I hope you’re still with me here Spike, this is Captain Celestia speaking.
Spike: Oh yeah, uh. I’m here mam. All systems are online, stealth parameters activated.
Cpt. Celestia over the comm: Well done Spike. Have Twilight report to me in the comm room for debriefing. Gazerbeam will be there too.
Twilight: Yes Captain Celestia, I’m on my way (walks away)
Comet: Sounds like you made the Captain angry Spike, and now the Commander will need to pay for YOUR mistake.
Spike: Uuum, it could be that she’s really headed just for the debriefing. (silently to himself) I hope so.
On her way to the comm room, Twilight passed by the main command center of the ship, and overheard some other crew-members speaking about the Spectre onboard. Most discussions she overheard were about the same assumptions that Spike made, but some even only had suspicions because of the fact the Spectre was a Turian. There has been a very uncomfortable history between the Ponies and the Turians.
In the year 2157, the so called “First Contact War” was Ponykinds first encounter with another intelligent species. Still new to the galaxy, the Pony explorers were investigating another mysterious new planet to, that at the time was forbidden to visit by the Turian Hierarchy. Instead of negotiations however, the Turians opened fire, which soon lead to a three month long battle between the two races. To the Turians, it was all a simple police action against an ignorant species violating Council law; to Ponykind, it was their first steps towards becoming a part of galactic civilization. Very painful steps. Though casualties were small, the event left both races at uncomfortable relations with one another. Onboard the Normandy were many Ponies with relatives who still had scars and memories.
As she entered the comm room Twilight hoped that this won’t be the discussion with the Spectre when she noticed that only he arrived and that Captain Celestia still wasn’t present.
Gazerbeam: Commander Sparkles. I’m glad you came here first. It will give us a moment to talk.
Twilight immediately felt nervous, but maintained a serious leaderous behavior. She never met that many Turians in her life, but she promised herself that she’ll never let past history she didn’t witness be part of her judgment of the race. Still hoping that the Turian unicorn would do the same, she replied.
Twilight: Talk? About what?
Gazerbeam: Well, for one thing, I’ve never been to this place were visiting - Eden Prime. I’ve heard that it is a special place to the Ponies.
Twilight: Um. Well, I wouldn’t know better to be honest. I haven’t been there either. Though I always hoped I would visit it one day under different circumstances.
Gazerbeam: Why is that?
Twilight: Everypony just keeps saying it’s a paradise. You know, it’s just tempting.
Gazerbeam: Yes, those are the descriptions I hear too; beautiful, flourishing, tranquil, and above all safe. It is something of a symbol for you race. A proof that Ponies are capable of establishing colonies across the galaxy AND keeping them safe. But tell me honestly, how safe is it exactly?
That’s when Twilight thought that maybe Spike’s assumptions weren’t completely delusional afterall.
Twilight: You’re asking me this question, should I be worried?
Gazerbeam: I’m asking this question because . . . well let’s call it that I am worried, for your race. Ponykind is still a newcomer to the galaxy, and the galaxy can be at times very dangerous.
This argument was hard for twilight to deny, as years before the galaxy “greeted” Ponykind, it was already filled with stories that became reminders of its dangers. Events like the Changeling War or the Krogan Rebellion.
Gazerbeam: Is the Pony Alliance truly ready for the next steps?
Much to Twilight’s relief, Captain Celestia finally came. Although she was yet again disturbed when it became clear she wasn’t surprised with Gazerbeams’s questions about Ponykind. The Turian did finally gave an impression of seeing potential in the Human race, rather than despising it for the First Contact War, but Twilight worried that there may be something big going on when Celestia turned out to have been hiding something too.
Cpt. Celestia: It is time Gazerbeam. The Commander should know.
Gazerbeam: This mission is something much bigger than a simple test-flight.
Twilight: Does this have something to do with us engaging this ship’s stealth systems already?
Cpt. Celestia: (gave a chuckle and smiled) You’re as clever as ever Twilight. (back to her serious grin) The mission is a covert pick-up.
Twilight: (surprised) A covert pick-up?
All three remain silent while Twilight sees in their faces that the payload may be something concerning.
Twilight: That explains the whole secrecy and a Spectre overseeing the mission. What are we picking up?
Cpt. Celestia: One research team on Eden Prime unearthed some kind of strange magical beacon during one of their diggings. By making a decent comparison from the research books and computer data, the Ponies who discovered it confirmed it to be of . . . . . . . . Zebra design.
That’s when the conversation got most interesting. The Zebras were an extinct race that died out 50,000 years ago, however what remained of their legacy is the most advanced technology and most powerful magic the galaxy has ever seen. They are believed to be the first race in the galaxy to have found control of magic, it didn’t even matter that they managed so without unicorn-horns. The first discovery of Zebra artifacts, were so advanced that they made pretty much most of the technology seen today. This includes the Magic Relays and general Interstellar travel. It also granted the Unicorns in each race to have very control of magic.
Twilight: Zebra? The artifacts made by that race aren’t easily recognized. Are those researchers absolutely sure that this beacon is of Zebra design?
Gazerbeam: Absolutely. This was confirmed by their best scientists.
Cpt. Celestia: However, even they don’t have the right facilities and resources to handle something this big. We need to bring the beacon back to the Crystal Citadel for proper study.
Gazerbeam: This discovery can affect every species in the Crystal Citadel Council. That’s why the secrecy is necessary, even mandatory. We ensured that this news doesn’t leave the planet, and neither should it leave this room. I sincerely hope you can understand that Commander.
Twilight: If you give the order Captain Celestia, I can most definitely keep my lips sealed.
Before Captain Celestia could answer, Gazerbeam immediately spoke again.
Gazerbeam: Good. You showed us that you take orders mostly from Captain Celestia. I admire your loyalty and dedication to the Pony Alliance Commander. Which brings me to my second reason why I’m here. It’s not just about the beacon.
Twilight: Huh?
Cpt. Celestia: Gazerbeam is here to evaluate you. He wants to see you in action.
Twilight couldn’t stop being surprised with each next minute.
Twilight: Evaluate me? Is there something else going on Captain?
Cpt. Celestia: Well, as you know Twilight, Ponykind has long been trying to earn a seat in the Galactic Council. Play a part with interstellar policy. The Spectres represent the Council’s power and authority. If Ponykind was to have one of its own as a new member, it would show how far the Pony Alliance has come.
Gazerbeam: And I thought that you qualify more than perfectly.
Twilight: Me? A Spectre?
Cpt. Celestia: Whether you like to acknowledge it or not Twilight, you have what it takes; courage, skill, and incredible control of your magical abilities. And your experience during the Blitz, speaks for itself.
Twilight: Wow, I . . . . I don’t know what to say. I suppose I can’t refuse if this helps the Pony Alliance.
Cpt. Celestia: It helps all of Ponykind. We’re all counting on you and I believe in you.
Gazerbeam: I will still like to see your skills in action. Eden Prime will be just the first of several missions together.
Cpt. Celestia: Speaking of Eden Prime, this is your objective; get down there with a ground team, pick up the beacon, and bring it to the ship ASAP. Gazerbeam will accompany you. Should be pretty simple.
Twilight: (giving a salute) Yes mam. I understand.
Cpt. Celestia: After the mission, we will further discuss-
Spike interrupting Captain Celestia, suddenly spoke through the ship intercom.
Spike over the comm: Captain Celestia, we just received a transmission from Eden Prime, it looks very bad, you better take a look.
Cpt. Celestia: Bring it up on screen in the comm room.
When the screen started the transmission from the planet, all that was seen and heard was a battle. Ponies in standard combat gear fired repeatedly at an unknown threat that was too far to identify. However Twilight managed to identify the possible CO of the Pony Force by her armor; She noticed it had the rank of Gunnery Sergeant on it, and she even noticed the Pegasus mares cutie-mark; a dash of rainbow-colored lighting.
Whoever was holding the camera, the Pegasus mare immediately ordered him to get down, which made it much harder for Twilight, Celestia and Gazerbeam to analyze the threat. However, she reported what she probably hoped would be enough for them to know reinforcement is needed.
Pegasus Sergeant: THIS IS STAFF SERGEANT RAINBOW DASH! TRANSMISSION FROM EDEN PRIME! WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! CODE RED! I REPEAT; CODE RED!
Static and sound of fire or screaming ponies made it much harder to hear her, but the screen still managed capture enough visual.
Pegasus Sergeant: WE ARE TAKING HEAVY CASULTIES! WE NEED RE- - (static) - - IGHT NOW! WHOEVER GETS T- - (static) - -NOW! THEY CAME OUT OF NOWHERE!
While Gunnery Sergeant Rainbow Dash held the camera and tried to make as much sense as she could under all the chaos, it was all seen behind her; at least three Ponies ran behind her still shooting blind and showing signs of fear, and at least one Pegasus was seen shot in the head. “Whoever the hostiles are, they seem to be very proficient with guns” thought Twilight.
Suddenly, the transmission showed Sgt. Rainbow Dash and all remaining fighting ponies suddenly seizing fire and appeared either surprised or terrified as they looked up in the sky, all while a disturbing sound of a metal ship was heard. The possible threat was finally caught on camera; a massive, ginormous alien-looking ship was seen high in the sky. The constant orange lighting strikes around it, made the ship appear near demonic. It was a ship that neither of the three ponies in the comm room have ever seen. Finally a few explosions were heard before the transmission is cut.
Spike over the comm: It all cuts out after that. There is no comm traffic or blockade. This might have been when the Ponies we just saw have all been killed.
Cpt. Celestia: Reverse it and pause it at 43.05.
Doing so, Spike gave a perfect view of the giant ship on the screen. Trying to study it perfectly, neither of the three Ponies still managed to identify it with any other ship they may have ever seen.
Twilight: What the hell is that thing?
Cpt. Celestia: I don’t know Twilight, but whatever it is, it just made our mission much harder. Spike!
Spike over the comm: Yes Captain!
Cpt. Celestia: How long ago was this transmission sent?
Spike over the comm: About 12 minutes ago mam. Were not picking up any other Alliance ships in the area.
Cpt. Celestia: Take us in. And whatever you do, keep the stealth systems engaged, we are no longer testing them.
Spike over the comm: Aye, aye, Captain!
Gazerbeam: The Zebra beacon is till our top priority. I don’t know who the hostiles are or what that ship was, but on the off chance they are here for the beacon, we must find it first.
Cpt. Celestia: Agreed.
Knowing that a simple covert pick-up mission just turned into something more dangerous, Twilight had nothing else in her mind but following orders.
Gazerbeam: Commander Sparkles! A small strike team will attract much less attention and move in more quickly. Take two of your best soldiers with you and meet me in the Hangar room. (immediately runs there)
Taking one last look at the mysterious ship on the screen before leaving, Twilight and Celestia went to get ready.
Cpt. Celestia: You can go ahead and say it Twilight; conveniently, a simple mission just became a hard mission.
Twilight: Eden Prime is also a civilian colony Captain. And it’s under attacked. We shouldn’t really be in a mood for jokes.
