Twilight's Think Tankby HiddenMacChaptersPrologue: SummonedAct I: Understanding the SituationAct II: Addressing the VariablesAct III: Observing the ResultsEpilogueEpilogue II: New DutyPrologue: Summoned"THERE you are!" Spike announced as he entered the library of Twilight's castle. "Should have known you'd be here". "Of course," greeted Princess Twilight. "Were else would I be?" "Well, seeing how it's the middle of the night I'd assume you'd be in bed," her dragon assistant struggled to keep his eyes open. "Not tonight, Spike. I came here to observe the gorgeous meteor shower. The Equids should be at their peak tonight!" Twilight seemed genuinely enthused, standing with her telescope facing the window. The Equid meteor shower was the brightest and most numerous of all, and the clear winter nights made it perfect for viewing. "Besides, it gives me an opportunity to catch up on my astronomy," Twilight clapped her hooves in anticipation of the evening she had planned. Spike let out a yawn, "Well, I'm going back to bed. I just wanted to know where you were". "Sweet dreams!" The lavender Alicorn melodized. "I'll most likely stay up all ni-" Twilight was interrupted when her Cutie Mark began to glow. Looking down at it, she instantly proceeded to bounce up and down. "Ohhh YAY!" she exclaimed, "as if this night couldn't get any better! A friendship problem!" Spike groaned as he knew that meant the end of his chance for slumber. Twilight raced to pick him up and set him on her back as she sprinted to the map room to learn where she was to be sent. Upon arriving she noticed the only Cutie Mark illuminated was her own. "Aww, that's disappointing, I won't be able to travel with any of my friends!" The icon of her Cutie Mark soon started to move across the map until it quickly stopped on Canterlot. "Well a least you won't have to go very far," commented Spike, still hoping to get back to sleep. "No," Twilight's previous enthusiasm soon returned, "and Rarity is already in Canterlot visiting her store! She even managed to drag Applejack along to try to teach her about culture and sophistication! I will be with my friends after all! This is wonderful!" She now felt like she could wrap this problem up quickly so she could spend some quality time in her hometown with some of her best friends. Maybe she could even visit her parents or the Princesses. "I don't think the map called you so you could hang out wi-" Spike started to gag. "What's wrong, Spike?" The dragon let out a belch as a paper materialized from his mouth. "Haven't gotten one of those in while," Twilight remarked. Now that she was a Princess and no longer a student, her assignments came from the map and not Princess Celestia. Twilight caught the letter with her magical aura as Spike inquired as to what it said. She proceeded to read the letter verbatim. "Dear Princess Twilight, Your presence is requested in Canterlot as soon as you are able. A potential problem has arisen and we need the best minds to convene in order to find a solution if deemed necessary. I would like you to chair the summit as I believe you may have the most expertise in combining science and magic. We shall await your arrival, Princess Celestia" Act I: Understanding the SituationA fresh blanket of snow covered Ponyville as Twilight Sparkle made her way to the train station. Spike accompanied her to carry the luggage and see her off. He always enjoyed helping the Princess of Friendship with whatever she needed, but he also looked forward to some time off where he could just do nothing and, more importantly, catch up on his sleep. "I'm surprised you're packing so little," the tiny dragon commented. "Usually you'd try to bring your entire library with you". Twilight grinned and rolled her eyes, "I'll be staying in Canterlot. Moreover, I'll be working in the castle! I'm sure they'll have plenty of the books I'll need to research... whatever the problem is they're having". When they arrived at the station, the place seemed deserted and the railcars sat empty behind the churning locomotive. With it being the middle of winter, few ponies had the desire to travel in the ice and snow. Twilight proceeded to board the car nearest to her when the Conductor interrupted. "No no, Miss!" the pale-blue bearded earthpony greeted, "the Princess of Friendship gets to ride first class!" He offered to take her by the hoof and guide the princess to her own private car. Despite her title, Twilight was still uneasy about receiving preferential treatment. "Thanks, but I'll be fine riding with the rest of the passengers. I don't want anypony to think I'm more important," she smile politely, trying to convince the spectacled rail worker. Spike tugged at Twilight's tail to get her attention. "Uh, Twilight? I don't think anypony is going to mind," he pointed his thumb backward to the near-empty platform. The only other occupants of the Friendship Express today were a couple of stallions who had already boarded from the rear and an annoyed elderly mare trying to maneuver around Twilight. "Oh... right! Sorry!" Twilight politely smiled to the cranky mare as she started to walk to her private cabin. "Now Spike, look after the castle while I'm away! And don't forget to feed Owlowiscious!" She climbed into her cabin still giving orders, " and don't forget to-" "Twilight!" Spike interrupted, "I'll be fine! You just worry about saving Equestria, I'll worry about the castle". "Right, sorry!" she apologized again. Twilight was nervous and unsure of what she had to do, that always made her question herself. Eventually she settled into the car and took a seat near the window. The conductor pulled out his pocket watch to confirm the time "NEXT STOP, CANTERLOT! ALL ABOOOOOOARD!" he climbed onto the train when soon it whistled as is proceeded down the tracks. Twilight gave one last wave to Spike before she lost sight of him. Soon she will be in Canterlot trying to solve a problem she knew nothing about. And what of her friendship problem? Was it connected with this threat? She hoped Celestia would have the answers. When the train reached its destination, Twilight disembarked only to be surprised to see who would greet her. It was Cadance, Princess of the Crystal Empire and her sister-in-law! When she blindly trotted over to greet her, Twilight bumped into somepony and stumbled to the ground. "We gotta stop bumping into each other like this!" the orange pegasus soothingly apologized, helping her up with his hoof. "Still, if I have to, I'd prefer to bump into the beautiful Princess of Friendship!" Twilight blushed profusely at this blue-maned pegasus. Flash Sentry was the colt of her dreams. He was cute, cool, kind, and showed interest in the once reclusive filly. She was a loss for words when the elderly mare once again had to maneuver around her. "Smooth..." the cranky mare sarcastically droned. Cadance moved up to check on her sister-in-law. "Twilight! It's good to see you again!" she raised a hoof to dismiss Flash. Twilight reciprocated her greeting with a hug, "Cadance! What are you doing here? Is my brother here? What about my niece?" "No," the pink Alicorn responded, "they're back in the Crystal Empire. I came here to help in anyway possible. Sunburst has also been summoned to your meeting". As they started to walk with Flash following behind with the luggage, Twilight asked her sister-in-law the meaning of the summit. "About that, do you know what this is all about? Why we're here?" "Not really, Princess Celestia just asked to summon the brightest scientists, mathematicians, and mages from all the known lands. Whatever this is, it must have her really spooked." Cadance's voice could not hide her concern. Celestia has seen many problems during her long reign, but she always had a plan. Lately, it seemed the once sovereign monarch had to rely on other ponies more and more for help. Now, Celestia was openly asking others to find a solution. "Hopefully we will find out soon enough". When they arrived in the throne room, Princesses Luna and Celestia were already waiting for them. "Princess Twilight!" the elder sister greeted, "It is good to have you here!" "Though we wish it were under better circumstances," Luna added. She marched to greet Twilight and to dismiss Flash Sentry. "You may take her luggage to her quarters," she commanded, leaving the four Alicorn princesses alone. "I'm staying in the castle?" inquired Twilight. Celestia answered truthfully, "I'm afraid so. It is necessary for you to remain nearby should we have sudden need of your expertise". "But what is my expertise?" Twilight hastily asked, "I don't even know what this problem is that I'm suddenly an expert at!" The sisters looked around to confirm they were alone. Celestia motioned Twilight to follow as they made their way to the conference room. "I hope you can understand why we wanted to keep this a secret. We cannot afford to have a panic break out," Celestia whispered. "We have long withstood assaults and threats to our existence; using magic to preserve the natural order". "But this threat is from the natural order," Luna added. "Not long ago, our Astro Pony discovered an object slowly moving in the sky. We believe it to be a comet; a dark, quickly moving comet. There is some concern that this comet in on course for our planet". Celestia jumped back in, "Naturally, you can see this is a problem that goes beyond Equestria. That is why we asked for the brightest minds from everywhere to convene here to see if this really is a threat and what steps we could take, if necessary". "Haven't you seen problems like this before?" asked Twilight. Celestia was the only pony who could respond. "Not really," she said thinking back, "near-equestrian comets are extremely rare and our science hasn't been able to track them until a few decades ago. This situation is new to me, as well. That is why we called you here". "We were hoping you would be able to find a solution," Luna spoke as they reached the door to the conference room. Celestia turned to give her former student one last piece of advice, "On the other side of this door lies some of the greatest minds in Equestria and beyond. Seek their knowledge, experience, and advice should you doubt yourself. Do not be nervous, I'm sure you already know some of them". Celestia put her hoof on Twilight's shoulder for one last reassurance before opening the door, "I know you can do it, my faithful student". Twilight entered as the other three Alicorns took their leave. In the room, Twilight could see the other members of the delegation. Across the circular table, she instantly recognized the brown earth-pony who instantly stood up to greet her and announce her arrival. "Ahh, Princess Twilight! So good to have you here!" Dr. Whooves welcomed, "Now then, since we are all here, let's do a quick introduction so we can get this show on the road! This, as everypony should know, is Princess Twilight Sparkle, chair of our esteemed committee!" Twilight waved, taking note of Sunburst and the two members she couldn't recognize. "On her left," Doc continued, "is Sunburst: our expert in ancient spells and theoretical magic". Sunburst gave a shy wave as Twilight took a moment to remember him. He might not have been great in applied magic, but his knowledge of spells and how to use them surpassed even her own. She was certainly glad he was here, apart from having another familiar face. Moving clockwise, she noticed a bison sitting next to Sunburst sporting a stylish mustache and a tie with numerous stars and planets adorning it. "Next," Doc introduced, "is Doctor N. de-Grass Byson, astrophysicist and director of the Hay-den planetarium!" The bison gave a flourishing bow while adding "Salutations, esteemed colleagues!" Twilight thought she recognized the griffon to the left of Doctor Whooves. He sat awkwardly in his wheelchair, pecking at a little machine to prepare his next statement after being introduced. "We are also honored to have the illustrious Professor Screechen Hawking with us!" the Doc looked to his left, calling attention to the handicapped griffon. Professor Hawking played his monotone voice-box, "do not let the name fool you. Griffons are actually half eagle". He reacted with a smirk as the room began to chuckle. Twilight read many publications from the well-renowned professor, she was humbled by the fact that she was not only working with him, but chairing a committee that contained the legendary theoretical physicist. Twilight stared motionless, taking in the fact that she was in the same room with the greatest minds known throughout Equestria and beyond. She felt honored that not only was she to be included, but chosen to lead. Never had she felt so proud of her education and accomplishments as she did now. Finally, Doctor Whooves introduced the final member of her think tank: "And, last but not least," he politely recited, "Big Macintosh!" "EEYUP!" Act II: Addressing the VariablesTwilight stared in disbelief at the large, red stallion seated to her right. She wondered how she could miss the draft pony she thought she knew so well seated right beside her. More importantly, she had no idea how the simple farmer could have received an invitation to this ultra-exclusive conference. There must have been a mistake. That silly mail-mare must have delivered the wrong letter again. Poor Big Mac will surely be exposed and humiliated once all the others catch onto him. Twilight must do something to help the plow-pony. Big Macintosh finally noticed the Alicorn Princess staring a hole right through him. He looked to his left at the disbelieving Twilight in confusion. What has her in so much distress? Why is she so flustered looking at me? He nodded in acknowledgement to Twilight's uneasy stare. She quickly looked away, mildly panicked as Dr. Whooves concluded the introductions with himself. Looking back over at Big Mac, she finally asked his intentions, "Big Mac! What are you doing here?" she whispered, leaning over so as to not call any attention. Before he could reply, Twilight cut him off. "Never mind!" she whispered, holding her hoof up to his muzzle, "just remain quiet! Let me do all the talking for you, I'll get you out of this". Mac raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. Twilight didn't want to hurt his feelings, but this summit was too important to have him mess anything up or distract the others from finding a solution. The fate of the world might very well depend on work they accomplish in here. She would finish with the introductions, present the problem, and brainstorm only a few ideas before calling it a day. She was certain most of the other members would be tired from traveling all day and could use a good rest before starting fresh tomorrow. When they finish for the night, she could confront Big Mac and allow him to leave. He'll thank me for it! He must feel so overwhelmed! Once he completed his long-winded introduction, Dr. Whooves finally got to the reason why they were all here. He brought out numerous charts and graphs, as well as some fuzzy images of the comet. "Roughly a week ago, our own Astro Pony discovered a large body moving through our system. After he confirmed it wasn't one of the ridiculous ornaments on his hat mobile, he alerted other astronomers across Equestria who confirmed that it was, indeed, a comet. We can surmise that because the comet is dark, it must therefore consist more of heavier elements and less of water. If an object like that were to strike, it could very well wipe out all life on our planet! Our objective is to figure out if it indeed poses a threat, and see if there is anyway to eliminate it. I have copies of all our relevant information for each one of us to study, but in the meantime, I propose we brainstorm and introduce a few ideas before calling it a night". "AGREED!" Twilight quickly seconded, startling the others. Having already been aware of the situation, her primary concern was ending the introductory meeting and getting Big Mac safely out of here with as little attention as possible. "Well then..." Doc asked unsure after such a boisterous agreement, "anypony have any ideas? Minding you do not have to actually be a pony, of course". Twilight spoke first, stating the obvious, "well, why don't we just use magic to BLAST it?" It seemed fairly straight forward. But if it were straight forward, they wouldn't need a think tank. "I'm afraid that would be unwise," the voice box of Professor Hawking replied,"that would bring a new meaning to the term 'rain of terror' ". Even when serious, he still liked to make jokes to lighten the mood. "We would not get a single comet, but many fragments of destruction spread across the planet". "I agree," added Sunburst, "also, it would take a spell so powerful that Celestia herself may not be able to harness it. And even that may not be enough to sustain the energy through space". Dr. de-Grass Byson also expressed concern, "plus who knows what a volatile spell like that would do to the atmosphere?" Twilight was humiliated. Here she was heading the smartest group of beings in the known world and they instantly tore her idea apart. Dr. de-Grass Byson proposed another idea: "Do you have any craft capable of transporting ponies onto the comet where they can destroy it from there?" "I'm afraid not," responded Dr. Whooves, "and it would take months, if not years of designing a ship capable of making the journey, landing on the comet, and safely bringing the ponynauts home. We just don't have the time. This comet will approach within the next few weeks!" Doc turned his attention to the only pony to remain silent thus far, "Big Mac! Have you any ideas you wish to share?" "NO!" Twilight quickly interjected, "I mean no, Big Mac is very tired, aren't you?" She looked over to Big Mac, who sat in wide-eyed confusion at the audacious mare. Before he could respond she spoke further, "as you can see, he's getting cranky because he's had such a long day! I propose we stop here for tonight and pick up again tomorrow". "Very well," agreed Dr. Whooves, "everyone take a copy of the information to study and let's meet back here tomorrow, bright eyed and bushy tailed!" Twilight smiled as she acknowledged the rest, now she would speak with Big Macintosh. He will surely like to thank her for covering for him. She stood up from her chair to meet him only to find he was already on his way out the door, "Wow! He really wanted to get out of here! Guess I was right. Still, I better see if he's okay". Twilight walked through the doors into the palace hallway only to find her dear friend Rarity waiting for her. "Twilight! It's so good to see you, darling! I heard you were in Canterlot and wanted to see how you were doing!" "Hey Rarity," Twilight greeted "Yeah, Celestia asked me to chair a summit with Equestria's greatest minds! I'm working with Dr. de-Grass Byson and Professor Hawking! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!" she jumped on her hind legs in excitement. "And apparently Big Macintosh as well!" Rarity added, "Applejack was here too, but she followed him; said he didn't look alright. He seemed normal to me..." Rarity, like most ponies, couldn't really tell with the limited range of emotions that Big Mac displayed. "I think he just felt over his head, he'll be alright," Twilight explained. "So what are you girls doing tonight? You want to go out?" "That sounds lovely!" Rarity cheered. "But we should get back reasonably early though, I want to be at the shop when it opens. See you in about half an hour?" "Sure, I'll need some time to unpack and freshen up. See you then!" Twilight waved and started trotting toward her room. Before she turned her head, she once again crashed into the toned orange mass of muscle that was Flash Sentry. "We just can't help bumping into each other!" the charming pegasus claimed, once again helping her up. Twilight blushed again, speechless at the cute pony guard with dreamy eyes. Flash broke the silence, "Princess Twilight, if I may be so bold, would you do me the honor of taking you out tonight?" Twilight could only stammer and mumble. Flash stepped in closer to support the flustered Alicorn. "I'll take that as a yes. I'll meet you at the entrance in a bit. Until then..." Flash leaned in and gave Twilight a quick kiss on the cheek. Twilight seemed to float back to her room, even without the use of her wings. The world may come to an end, but the only thing on her mind was that she found the colt of her dreams. He was stronger than Applejack, cooler than Rainbow Dash, and cuter than Fluttershy. He could get any filly he wanted, but he wanted HER! No pony in history would be as lucky as she felt in that moment. She had to go tell the girls. "THE GIRLS!" she suddenly snapped back to reality. She had just promised to go out with them before agreeing to go on the date! What was she going to do now! "Calm down, Twilight!" she assured herself, "Rarity will certainly understand. And Applejack... I'm sure she will come around". She walked up to the mirror humming a sweet tune while brushing her mane, "Everything's going to be fine..." She lost herself in her thoughts while continuing to brush, "better than fine....perfect...." Twilight finished freshening up. She had an attendant find the best dress she could, along with matching jewelry to prepare for her big night. She seemed to skip down the hallway when she swore she could hear Rarity arguing with somepony. "She must be at it with Applejack again..." she smiled and rolled her eyes. Approaching closer she thought she heard a stallion's voice. Puzzled, she quickened her pace to see with whom Rarity was yelling. "NOT ON YOUR LIFE, PAL!" Rarity was clearly repulsed by this amorous suitor. "Oh, come on babe! You know you want FLASH! Everypony wants FLASH! Even Princess Twilight wants FLASH!" Twilight stopped, frozen in stark realization. Apparently while waiting for her, Flash Sentry had caught site of Rarity and pursued the unicorn fashionista. Rarity herself was thoroughly unamused and uninterested, "YOU...you SCOUNDREL! Just wait 'til Twilight hears of this!" "YOU WON'T HAVE TO!" Twilight appeared from around the corner. Flash froze in fear, his "dreamy" eyes as far wide-open as they could go. His attempts at backpedaling proved ineffective as he soon hit a wall. "Twilight?!" he shrieked, his hoof caught in the proverbial cookie jar. "What?! It's.... NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE! SHE WAS COMING ON TO ME!!" "WHY YOU..." Rarity started before she noticed Twilight creeping forward, digging her hoof into the ground as if she were going to charge. Rarity quickly grabbed hold of her irrational friend before she would do something she'd regret. "Twilight, dear! He's not worth it!" She turned her eyes to Flash, staring daggers at him, "I think you'd better go! Before you want a scorned Alicorn Princess after you!" Flash beat a hasty retreat as fast as his hooves could carry him. Bereft of all her prior joy, Twilight sank, sobbing as her dream-colt turned out to be too good to be true. Rarity knelt beside her heart-broken friend to reassure her, "there, there... It will be alright!" "I thought I found the best pony in the world," Twilight cried as Rarity consoled her, "but he turned out to be a fraud! He doesn't belong with the Royal Guard!" "I know dear," Rarity agreed, "well I didn't know, but I had my doubts." Rarity was no stranger to flirtation; she could easily spot the difference between a truly charming but well-meaning stallion like Fancy Pants and a sophomoric reprobate just looking for a good time. She was able to instantly identify Flash Sentry for what he truly was, whereas her inexperienced friend could not. "Colts that cute with an overly charming and outgoing personality are usually all flash, but no substance. I mean, it's even in his name, darling!" Twilight snorted a tiny laugh at the pun. "And to think, he tried getting my attention with that whole 'bumping into each other' line," Rarity mocked with exaggerated hoof quotes. "Come on, we can still have a girls' night out and forget all about that degenerate". The sympathetic unicorn helped her still sobbing friend back up, "we should get going, Applejack is already waiting for us". "She is?" Twilight inquired wiping away her tears, "why'd she go on ahead without us?' "Well..." Rarity thought of a way to put this delicately, especially given what Twilight just went through. "Apparently she is upset with you". "With me? What did I do?" Twilight was quickly running through all of her emotions today. She was confused, concerned, ecstatic, sympathetic, humiliated, glad, in love, then betrayed. Now she was back to confusion. "I'm sure it's nothing," Rarity was hoping to avoid the issue, "let's meet up and see what this is about. I'm sure it's not the end of the world or anything!" Applejack reserved a private table in the patio section outside the restaurant. It wasn't a fancy establishment, but neither would they have to tolerate the clamor of dozens of families cramped into a cheap dining parlor. It was just a nice, casual place to unwind after Rarity dragged her around to various shops and theatres. Twilight could also use some relaxation after traveling and meeting in the castle. The orange earth-pony sat anxious, glad to have another friend to take some of Rarity's attention off her, but she also had to have a talk with the Princess of Friendship for her brother's sake. Applejack rose to her hooves when she saw the Princess approach the table. They were a little later than Rarity said they'd be and it appears as if Twilight had been crying. AJ figured the situation with her brother would have to wait a bit, so long as Rarity didn't already spill the beans and that's why Twilight was upset. Twilight sat first, immediately cutting to the chase, "Rarity said you were upset with me. Did I do something wrong?" Applejack was a little taken aback; usually she was the one who normally got straight to the point. She wasn't use to the shoe being on the other hoof. "Never mind that now, Twi. Are you alright? You look a might shaken up there. Anythin' I can do?" "Not unless you want to talk about how bad stallions are," Rarity spoke for her friend. That was not the conversation about a stallion Applejack was hoping for. Maybe Big Mac did something to her? she wondered. Nah, couldn't be. Rares said she was mighty cheerful coming out of that meeting. Must have something to do with another colt. What's that one she always gabbin' on about? Flashy Sentinel or something? Confident enough that she'd identified the culprit, Applejack inquired as to what happened, "somethin' happen with that guard pony?" "Yes!" again Rarity spoke, "he turned out to be quite the lout!" She was brushing Twilight's hair wile the Alicorn laid her head on the table, still in melancholia. "Ah had a feelin' he was good fer nuttin'," AJ stamped her hoof on the table, "Always rubbed me the wrong way!" "Please," Twilight interjected, "enough about Flash. The less said about him the better". She just wanted to move on and pretend he never existed. But she still had to know why her friend was upset with her. "Can you just tell me why you are upset with me?" she asked AJ again. Applejack acquiesced, "not so much upset with you as disappointed in that big oaf of a brother of mine. Big Macintosh needs t' learn how to stand up fer himself! He's always lettin' others speak fer him, and then gets too sensitive when they end up insultin' 'im!" Twilight looked at her friend, confused. "I don't understand, did I do something wrong? I thought I was helping him," she wiped her eyes with her napkin before taking a sip from her water. "He would have been humiliated, I didn't want him exposed," she truly thought he'd be grateful. "EXPOSED?!" Applejack spurted out in shock; even Rarity seemed surprised. She soon composed herself, realizing Twilight might not have known. She had, after all, only been living in Ponyville for a few years and spent very limited time around the quiet draft pony. In actuality, they were more acquaintances than friends. "Twilight," Applejack continued after her outburst, "there's a reason Mac was called to that there meetin': he's a cert-i-fi-able GENIOUS!" Rarity nodded in agreement. "Wha..." Twilight responded in open-jaw disbelief. Applejack continued on, bragging about her big brother, "I know yer smart, Twi, but when it comes to fancy mathematics, ain't NOpony better than Big Mac! But he takes pride in that, and Ah don't envy you the next time ya have to face him!" Twilight continued to sit in silent shock. Her eyes widened at her sudden humiliation when she finally realized that, instead of thinking he was the pony who didn't belong, that she herself might have actually been the simpleton in the room. Then she went so far as to treat him like the simple farm pony she thought he was. Perhaps it was poetic justice that Flash treated her so bad as punishment for her treatment of Big Mac. Applejack felt she needed to continue to explain, "he was what you'd call one of them... 'pro-dijjers', " she tried unsuccessfully to pronounce. "Prodigies?" Twilight corrected. "Yeah, that 'un," AJ pointed at the lavender princess. "He had scholarships to all the fancy schools: Canterlot, Everton, even a full-ride to Stallionford University out there 'n the west coast!" she pointed presumably toward the west. "And that was all before he got his Cutie Mark!" she tapped her hoof on the table to emphasize her point. Twilight stared in curious disbelief, "Did he go? What happened?!" "He got his Cutie Mark," Rarity responded matter-of-factly. Being the only other pony in their group to grow up in Ponyville, Rarity was aware of some of the Apple Family history. Twilight looked confused. Rarity glanced back at Applejack, knowing it wasn't her place to tell the whole story. AJ looked down at the table, feeling sorrow at past events that haunted her and robbed her brother of his potential. "It's..." she started, "a deeply personal, family issue. Needless to say, he had to remain on the farm. He loves it very much, and tries to keep his wits sharp by teachin' himself. But Ah often wonder what might have been". The three mares sat in awkward silence, contemplating on the tragic events that befell the Apple Family and turned Big Mac into the quiet farm pony he is today. Mac took everything life could throw at him, but he didn't complain; he couldn't. He had to find a way to feed his sisters, one a filly and the other just a foal, with only an elderly grandmare to help. In time, he would return Sweet Apple Acres to its former glory, and then some. He'd use his "fancy mathematics" to expand and run the farm far more efficiently to produce greater harvests than it had ever seen, with only two ponies for labor. He would run the books and plan for the future, while Applejack would eventually take over managing the day to day operations. She might get more recognition and glory, but he could live with it, he assumed. As long as she didn't become some "great hero of Equestria", she can have the credit; it would be gentlecoltly thing to do after all. Twilight finished her meal, the entire time focused on how she wronged Big Mac out of ignorance; how badly she treated him. She'd nearly forgotten about Flash Sentry, the pony she loved just a few hours before and has since crushed her heart. Now she was focused on a stallion with much less flash and much more substance, and how she wanted to go anywhere but to face him tomorrow. The problem of the end of the world might have to solve itself without her. Act III: Observing the ResultsTwilight stood at the doors to the conference room, hesitant and fearful to show her face. The lavender Alicorn purposely waited until the meeting started so she wouldn't arrive early to confront Big Mac. She understood this would seem cowardly, but it might be the only way she could get through the meeting. When they finished, then she could apologize to him. She took a deep breath, figuratively wiped the emotions from her body with her foreleg, and slowly opened the door. She walked in, only to be astonished to find Big Mac was not there. Fear and pity gripped her as she began to think she had humiliated the stallion to the point where he left the conference in shame. She stared at his empty chair as she dragged herself to the table. It took a moment to notice the other four members in the group were already seated, staring at the notes laid out in the center. None of them said a word nor even acknowledged her entrance. They all sat there fixated at the center in horrified silence. "Uh..." she greeted, unsure of what to do, "...good morning?" she took her seat. "Oh..." Sunburst finally acknowledged the newcomer, "...good morning twilight..." he greeted in a very somber tone. "What's going on?" she inquired, curious at all the negativity. The large bison to the other side of Sunburst spoke first. "Well, Miss Sparkle, Dr. Hawking and I were eager to get a head start processing the information we received last night, and what we found proved very disconcerting..." Dr. de-Grass Byson couldn't even take his eyes off the pile of papers in the middle. "And what we found," Professor Hawking continued with his colleague's statement, "is that this comet is indeed on course to impact our world. From the trajectory of the object and our planet, we have concluded the comet will impact in nine days off the coast of Las Pegasus". Dr. Whooves stepped in to give the final piece of bad news. "We also confirmed the analysis of its composition: it is comprised of heavier elements; mainly nickel, iron, lead, and iridium. Very little will burn up in the atmosphere, creating a cataclysmic impact". He started to shift tones to a more enthused disposition, "I have a theory on how this comet came to be! You see, I believe it started in the inner solar system with most the other heavy elements before the sun was formed! Then, it was flung...out..." he finally noticed the rest of the group did not care. "But...that doesn't matter now," he returned to his seat, sharing the same dismal appearance as his colleagues. Twilight looked around at the rest of the group. Clearly, they had given into despair. Whether from ignorance or tenacity, she had to know if there was anything to be done. "Isn't there something we can do? Maybe we can use magic to teleport it by!" she was certain magic had to be the answer. "Theoretically, yes," Sunburst added, "but a spell of that size would impossible to produce from a single pony, or even groups of ponies. It would take a combined dozens if not hundreds to cast a spell large enough and with an object of that size, that distance, and moving at that velocity, it would be impossible impact. No, I fear we must look for another solution". Twilight joined the rest in staring at the pile of notes at the center of the table. She too started to feel the weight of despair. The world is about to end and there wasn't anything anypony could do to stop it. The brightest minds were gathered to solve a solution, but they were about to fail, leading to the ultimate destruction of everything. Long minutes ticked by with nopony, noBODY speaking a word. The doors to the conference room slowly creaked open once again. Nobody reacted as the large, red farm pony slowly made his way to his seat. Big Mac appeared very disheveled; his mane was unkempt - more so than usual- , he had huge bags under his eyes, and his walk was more of a stumble. In fact, he had been up all night pouring over the notes and figuring out mathematical formulas he could use the next day. To his shame, he did it not so much for the greater good, but to prove himself to Twilight Sparkle, and maybe rub her nose in it. He had always been polite and gentlecoltly, but she wounded his pride to the point where he must achieve satisfaction. Big Mac sat on his seat and threw a stack of papers down onto the table with an exaggerated SLAP!, startling all the members of the group. All eyes quickly moved to the unnoticed draft pony, still wearing his yoke, as he deliberately avoided diverting his attention to Twilight. He struggled mightily to stay awake when Dr. Whooves was the first to acknowledge him. "OH!" he shrieked, "sorry Big Mac. You startled us. We were just...what do you have there?" he pointed to the new data presented. "Solution..." Mac yawned. "A solution? What solution?" the Doc asked with confused enthusiasm. "Luna..." Mac stopped resisting and laid his head on the table, instantly falling asleep. "Luna?" Doc questioned the unconscious stallion as he grabbed the new papers. He started to read, taking notice of the diagrams and formulas Mac drew on the top page to address his solution. "Great Whickering Stallions, OF COURSE!! LUNA!!!!" He exclaimed in triumphant celebration. "It's so simple! Why didn't we think of this sooner! "Think of what?" Twilight asked while staring at the sleeping form of Big Mac. Dr. de-Grass Byson and Professor Hawking already appeared to understand the implications of the single name. "You see," Dr. Whooves commenced with the explanation, "Luna and Celestia can move their respective heavenly bodies. Now, the comet itself is not of Equestria, so it cannot respond to their magic; they can't move it. However, Luna can move the moon! If she moves the moon and keeps it at a waning crescent phase, the gravitational pull from the moon will attract the comet just enough to pull it out of its current trajectory! It will then pass harmlessly beyond our atmosphere and be sling-shot away to..." he read further into the notes, "toward the Sun, there it will get an even greater boost as it circles around and gains enough momentum to be shot out of our system once and for all!" The other members rejoiced, content in the fact this was a sound solution. Twilight still had follow up questions as she still fixated on the sleeping stallion. "Could this return one day?" she asked, apparently not paying complete attention to the last line of Dr. Whooves speech. "No NO, my dear Twilight!" he quickly answered in jubilation. "It will give us one spectacular show before being flung out beyond the influence of our host star! It may effect some other planet filled with a bunch of naked, half-apes or something in hundreds of thousands of years, but it will be no longer our concern!" The Doc turned his attention to Big Mac, unaware of his slumber, "we'll have to recheck your math for accuracy of course, it will help payback for all of the times you've checked mine! But this looks like our solution! Well done! Talk about Deus ex Mac-ina!" he rejoiced before observing the sleeping plow-pony. "Oh.." he then whispered, "we should probably let him be. But we need present this to the Princesses right away! Allons-y!" he proceeded to trot out with the rest. Twilight remained behind a moment as she still focused on Big Mac. She brushed part of his mane away from his eyes while she stared sympathetically, as if she were trying to apologize. Shortly, she too got up to leave and catch up with the rest, turning out the lights to let Big Mac slumber in peace. Shutting the door, she hurried to catch up with the group. As chair, it would be her responsibility to present their solution to Princess Celestia directly. "I am very pleased with your results," Princess Celestia congratulated her former student. After presenting her report, Twilight walked alone with Celestia down one of the castle's long corridors. The other members of the group had already left to celebrate at a nearby establishment, all except Big Macintosh who was still sleeping in the conference room. Twilight, who should feel jubilant and proud at heading the group that just saved the world, could only feel guilt and shame as she quietly accompanied her mentor. Celestia realized the disproportion in emotion and expressed concern at her behavior, "Is something the matter, Twilight?" "I'm sorry, Princess," the smaller Alicorn replied, "I know I should be happy with the outcome. It's just that...I believe I failed. I was asked to head this amazing group and I didn't contribute anything. In fact, I insulted one of the smartest ponies in Equestria and he solved the problem on his own in spite of me! The summit didn't really accomplish anything; Big Mac did it all on his own, no thanks to me!" she halted and looked at the floor in morose. Princess Celestia turned around to the stalled pony, "Not accomplish anything?" she questioned. "Twilight, when we first heard of this problem, we didn't even think it was going to effect us. I have seen objects like this before and never had a problem. Our first solution, would have been to try to blast the comet out of the sky. Thanks to your group, we found out what we couldn't do. That would have never happened without this exchange of ideas. As for Macintosh, maybe it was your indignation that pushed him to pursue the answer so earnestly. You might have, indirectly, saved Equestria as well! Don't dwell on this, learn from it. Make amends and vow to do better the next time". Twilight appeared to have lifted her spirits. She didn't smile or show any signs of exuberance, but at least she was no longer staring at the floor in disgust of herself. She then noticed the last thing Celestia said as she asked in a confused manner, "Next time?" "Indeed," Celestia confirmed, "I am quite taken with the idea of the greatest minds coming together to solve life's problems. Why should it only happen in the most dire of situations? I believe Twilight's Think Tank should become a regular event!" the Princess nodded with pride. Twilight finally let herself smile, an observation that did not go unnoticed from Princess Cadance who was approaching from the other side of the corridor. "Well done, Twilight!" the pink Alicorn greeted, "I knew you could do it!" "I had a LOT of help," she smiled back. Soon the smile gave way to a more serious demeanor, "but I have to talk to you about Flash..." It was nine days later. The comet was supposed to strike early that morning off the coast of Las Pegasus. However, Luna moved her moon while the gravity from it attracted the comet away from its course. Its new path had it circle around the night sky until it would sling away toward the sun, just as Big Mac had predicted. Though it contained many heavy elements, much of the ice that was on the comet broke off and fell toward Equestria giving the inhabitants a spectacular meteor shower as the tail carved a path nearly across the entire sky. A momentous celebration was planned in Canterlot to mark the occasion and honor those who helped avoid potential Armageddon. All except Big Macintosh. Whether from needing to return to work on the farm or out of spite, the plow-pony returned to Sweet Apple Acres shortly after the group was dismissed. Twilight's feelings of guilt increased with each passing day until she vowed to return to Ponyville immediately after the celebration. She had arranged a special chariot that would take her back so she wouldn't have to wait for the train the next day. When she finished with her packing, she summoned a Royal Guard to take her luggage to her chariot. "All set Ma'am?" the white pegasus inquired. "Yes," Twilight answered, "thank you. I'll wish to leave as soon as I can". "As you wish," the guard took her luggage and proceeded to the door of her room. "Also," he added, "I must apologize for Flash Sentry, he is an idiot! We have purposely trained him wrong, as a joke!" Twilight grinned back at the guard; she was, to her surprise, already over her feelings for the recently transferred orange pegasus. The celebration commenced in the early evening with song and dance. Ponies from all over Equestria joined in the festivities, as well as many delegates from beyond. Twilight's friends and Spike also made the train ride from Ponyville to celebrate in her accomplishment. She was glad to see them all, but she was most anxious to talk to her friend Applejack. "Applejack," she asked cautiously, "how's, um, Big Mac doing?" She hadn't heard from the stallion since his abrupt departure. Applejack and Rarity took a quick trip back to Ponyville before returning for the celebration. "Well, he's still sulkin' around," AJ responded, "hardly talks to anypony, more so than usual. He just spends his time alone; fixing equipment and finding any work to do, which ain't much seein' as how it's winter 'n all". Twilight became disheartened at the news; her guilt grew even stronger. She would be glad to leave as soon as she could. Applejack rest her hoof on Twilight's shoulder, "cheer up Twi, I'm sure the big lug will come 'round". The empty platitude gave Twilight little comfort. Celestia took center stage. Now was the time she would turn the floor over to honor the members of the think tank. She wanted Twilight to say a few words, but with her former student in such a prolonged gloom, she decided to let the foreign delegates share the spotlight. Dr de-Grass Byson and Professor Hawking made their way to center stage as Celestia formally announced them. "I am most pleased to present," she announced in a formal tone, "our esteemed guests who helped save not only Equestria, but all the nations of our world!" "Thank you," Dr. de-Grass Byson bowed his head out of respect. He now wore a formal vest, matching his tie depicting many astronomical objects. "It is a privilege to be here tonight, addressing all of you fine ponies. Not long ago, the thought of us all being here: bison, griffons, and ponies alike, would have sounded absurd. But through friendship, we came together to solve a profound problem; a problem that would have destroyed all our nations. We came together, not as neighbors, or even respected affiliates, but as friends. That ability to work so closely together and allow for the free exchange of ideas is what makes this gathering so special. With that level of openness, caring, and respect for our fellow beings, we have shown that we can even conquer the heavens themselves!" Dr. de-Grass Byson yielded the floor to his handicapped colleague, who continued through his voice box, "through friendship, there can be no limit to what we can accomplish. The great mysteries of life will reveal themselves when we choose to work together and share the knowledge for the benefit of all. We believe the greatest gift the Universe will bestow, is the gift of finding there is even more to discover; mysteries waiting to be solved by those willing to pursue and share them. And the first steps of this great journey, should be taken in the company of friendship". The audience cheered when the delegates concluded with their speech. What was to be the end of their world instead turned out to be gorgeous, romantic evening. The comet still filled the sky as many celebrated and observed its beauty with their very special somepony. It turned out to be a perfect evening, except for Twilight Sparkle. While the others enjoyed the festivities, she took the chance to board her chariot and travel back to Ponyville. Author's Note Sorry, I don't really know anything from the Dr. Who lore to give an accurate depiction of his character. I did my best. As for Flash, I make no apologies. Can you recognize the quote from my favorite movie? I'll try to put one in every story. EpilogueAfter dropping off her luggage and dismissing her entourage, Twilight Sparkle made her way to Sweet Apple Acres to see if Big Macintosh was still awake. Her heart pounded at her apprehensiveness, not knowing how the intimidating stallion would receive her. Walking up to the farmhouse, she noticed none of the lights were illuminated. She figured she might as well wander around back to see if he was working in the barn. She found Mac not working, but sitting alone staring at the night sky. He was fixated on the comet. He had prevented it from destroying Equestria, now the entire planet could now safely marvel at its beauty. He took comfort in the fact that, humble as he may seem, he was at one point the most important pony in the world, if only for a short time. If others thought him a simpleton or half-wit, he could look back on his accomplishment in solace. Lost in his thoughts, it took some time for him to notice the trespasser slowly making her way toward him. Recognizing the intruder, Big Mac got to his hooves and made his way over to his anvil. Whenever distressed, he picked up a hammer and began pounding the anvil to clear his mind. Even if there were nothing to pound, he would pretend to work, hoping his unwanted visitors would assume he was busy and leave him be. Unfortunately for him, that never worked. "Big Mac?" Twilight softly asked. "Eeyup?" he responded in an annoyed tone. "You...didn't stay for the celebration..." she continued. "Nope!" Twilight stopped in a moment of awkward silence. It was hard enough talking to the draft pony in the best of moods. She found conversing with him while upset proved to be every bit as terrifying as any villain she encountered, maybe more so. "I just came over to..." she ran through this situation in her head hundreds of times already, but now that she is here, she was at a loss for words. "I came over to apologize. I assumed you were invited by mistake. I never really knew much about you and quickly drew my own conclusions without even really talking to you. I should have checked on you after the first meeting instead of falling for some charming phony. I'm truly sorry and-" "Twilight..." Big Macintosh interrupted. "Yes, Big Mac?" He lowered his hammer as he turned to face the Alicorn. He took a few steps toward her and sat on his hindquarters, avoiding eye contact by staring at the ground. "It's not your fault," he confessed, ashamed of himself. "My whole life Ah've been a quiet pony; just who I am. Pony after pony would assume I was just some simpleton, knowin' only how to farm, not carin' tah get to know me at all. Usually I didn't care, it just made the few who did like me that much more special. When you became friends with AJ, I thought as if we became friends as well; you became part of the family!" he smiled in joyful admission. Then he lowered his hoof and tucked his ears to change the mood, "but when you assumed I was unintelligent, it ate me up inside. I wondered how a friend could think so little of me. I wanted retribution. I didn't work so hard to save the world, I did hit to hurt you, to humiliate you the way you humiliated me, and that was wrong. Ah was raised better than to treat a lady in such a way, so I fled. That's why I left. You prob'ly think me a coward..." "No, it's all right.." Twilight tried reassuring him. "The truth is," he continued, "Ah don't have many friends, and to treat one so bad, a pretty mare at that, well I just had to run away and be alone; alone in my shame! Ah suppose I need to learn to control my stubborn pride and just be quicker to forgive. Hopefully you can eventually forgive me". Big Mac stared at the ground in silence, his shame keeping his eyes away from the mare he wronged. The few seconds of silence seemed like years to the regretful stallion. Twilight circled beside him. She sat down and put her hoof on his shoulder. "I already have..." A bright glow startled the pair as Twilight looked around to see what was causing it. She got up to find that it was her Cutie Mark again, signifying she had once again solved a friendship problem. "Would you look at that!" she exclaimed in excitement. "It appears WE were my friendship problem!" The glow started to subside as she once again took her place beside the large stallion. "We're all very proud of you, Big Mac, regardless of your intentions". "Eeyup?" The two sat in silence. Ponies everywhere might be having fun and celebrating at raucous parties with dozens of friends, but Twilight Sparkle and Big Macintosh could think of no place better to be than right here observing the beauty of the celestial object. "I had them name the comet after you... 'Macintosh' " she rested her head on her friend's shoulder as they sat together, watching his comet. "So," he turned to the Alicorn Princess, "what's this about a 'phony pony' ?" "Don't ask..." Epilogue II: New DutySomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Prologue: Summoned"THERE you are!" Spike announced as he entered the library of Twilight's castle. "Should have known you'd be here". "Of course," greeted Princess Twilight. "Were else would I be?" "Well, seeing how it's the middle of the night I'd assume you'd be in bed," her dragon assistant struggled to keep his eyes open. "Not tonight, Spike. I came here to observe the gorgeous meteor shower. The Equids should be at their peak tonight!" Twilight seemed genuinely enthused, standing with her telescope facing the window. The Equid meteor shower was the brightest and most numerous of all, and the clear winter nights made it perfect for viewing. "Besides, it gives me an opportunity to catch up on my astronomy," Twilight clapped her hooves in anticipation of the evening she had planned. Spike let out a yawn, "Well, I'm going back to bed. I just wanted to know where you were". "Sweet dreams!" The lavender Alicorn melodized. "I'll most likely stay up all ni-" Twilight was interrupted when her Cutie Mark began to glow. Looking down at it, she instantly proceeded to bounce up and down. "Ohhh YAY!" she exclaimed, "as if this night couldn't get any better! A friendship problem!" Spike groaned as he knew that meant the end of his chance for slumber. Twilight raced to pick him up and set him on her back as she sprinted to the map room to learn where she was to be sent. Upon arriving she noticed the only Cutie Mark illuminated was her own. "Aww, that's disappointing, I won't be able to travel with any of my friends!" The icon of her Cutie Mark soon started to move across the map until it quickly stopped on Canterlot. "Well a least you won't have to go very far," commented Spike, still hoping to get back to sleep. "No," Twilight's previous enthusiasm soon returned, "and Rarity is already in Canterlot visiting her store! She even managed to drag Applejack along to try to teach her about culture and sophistication! I will be with my friends after all! This is wonderful!" She now felt like she could wrap this problem up quickly so she could spend some quality time in her hometown with some of her best friends. Maybe she could even visit her parents or the Princesses. "I don't think the map called you so you could hang out wi-" Spike started to gag. "What's wrong, Spike?" The dragon let out a belch as a paper materialized from his mouth. "Haven't gotten one of those in while," Twilight remarked. Now that she was a Princess and no longer a student, her assignments came from the map and not Princess Celestia. Twilight caught the letter with her magical aura as Spike inquired as to what it said. She proceeded to read the letter verbatim. "Dear Princess Twilight, Your presence is requested in Canterlot as soon as you are able. A potential problem has arisen and we need the best minds to convene in order to find a solution if deemed necessary. I would like you to chair the summit as I believe you may have the most expertise in combining science and magic. We shall await your arrival, Princess Celestia"
Act I: Understanding the SituationA fresh blanket of snow covered Ponyville as Twilight Sparkle made her way to the train station. Spike accompanied her to carry the luggage and see her off. He always enjoyed helping the Princess of Friendship with whatever she needed, but he also looked forward to some time off where he could just do nothing and, more importantly, catch up on his sleep. "I'm surprised you're packing so little," the tiny dragon commented. "Usually you'd try to bring your entire library with you". Twilight grinned and rolled her eyes, "I'll be staying in Canterlot. Moreover, I'll be working in the castle! I'm sure they'll have plenty of the books I'll need to research... whatever the problem is they're having". When they arrived at the station, the place seemed deserted and the railcars sat empty behind the churning locomotive. With it being the middle of winter, few ponies had the desire to travel in the ice and snow. Twilight proceeded to board the car nearest to her when the Conductor interrupted. "No no, Miss!" the pale-blue bearded earthpony greeted, "the Princess of Friendship gets to ride first class!" He offered to take her by the hoof and guide the princess to her own private car. Despite her title, Twilight was still uneasy about receiving preferential treatment. "Thanks, but I'll be fine riding with the rest of the passengers. I don't want anypony to think I'm more important," she smile politely, trying to convince the spectacled rail worker. Spike tugged at Twilight's tail to get her attention. "Uh, Twilight? I don't think anypony is going to mind," he pointed his thumb backward to the near-empty platform. The only other occupants of the Friendship Express today were a couple of stallions who had already boarded from the rear and an annoyed elderly mare trying to maneuver around Twilight. "Oh... right! Sorry!" Twilight politely smiled to the cranky mare as she started to walk to her private cabin. "Now Spike, look after the castle while I'm away! And don't forget to feed Owlowiscious!" She climbed into her cabin still giving orders, " and don't forget to-" "Twilight!" Spike interrupted, "I'll be fine! You just worry about saving Equestria, I'll worry about the castle". "Right, sorry!" she apologized again. Twilight was nervous and unsure of what she had to do, that always made her question herself. Eventually she settled into the car and took a seat near the window. The conductor pulled out his pocket watch to confirm the time "NEXT STOP, CANTERLOT! ALL ABOOOOOOARD!" he climbed onto the train when soon it whistled as is proceeded down the tracks. Twilight gave one last wave to Spike before she lost sight of him. Soon she will be in Canterlot trying to solve a problem she knew nothing about. And what of her friendship problem? Was it connected with this threat? She hoped Celestia would have the answers. When the train reached its destination, Twilight disembarked only to be surprised to see who would greet her. It was Cadance, Princess of the Crystal Empire and her sister-in-law! When she blindly trotted over to greet her, Twilight bumped into somepony and stumbled to the ground. "We gotta stop bumping into each other like this!" the orange pegasus soothingly apologized, helping her up with his hoof. "Still, if I have to, I'd prefer to bump into the beautiful Princess of Friendship!" Twilight blushed profusely at this blue-maned pegasus. Flash Sentry was the colt of her dreams. He was cute, cool, kind, and showed interest in the once reclusive filly. She was a loss for words when the elderly mare once again had to maneuver around her. "Smooth..." the cranky mare sarcastically droned. Cadance moved up to check on her sister-in-law. "Twilight! It's good to see you again!" she raised a hoof to dismiss Flash. Twilight reciprocated her greeting with a hug, "Cadance! What are you doing here? Is my brother here? What about my niece?" "No," the pink Alicorn responded, "they're back in the Crystal Empire. I came here to help in anyway possible. Sunburst has also been summoned to your meeting". As they started to walk with Flash following behind with the luggage, Twilight asked her sister-in-law the meaning of the summit. "About that, do you know what this is all about? Why we're here?" "Not really, Princess Celestia just asked to summon the brightest scientists, mathematicians, and mages from all the known lands. Whatever this is, it must have her really spooked." Cadance's voice could not hide her concern. Celestia has seen many problems during her long reign, but she always had a plan. Lately, it seemed the once sovereign monarch had to rely on other ponies more and more for help. Now, Celestia was openly asking others to find a solution. "Hopefully we will find out soon enough". When they arrived in the throne room, Princesses Luna and Celestia were already waiting for them. "Princess Twilight!" the elder sister greeted, "It is good to have you here!" "Though we wish it were under better circumstances," Luna added. She marched to greet Twilight and to dismiss Flash Sentry. "You may take her luggage to her quarters," she commanded, leaving the four Alicorn princesses alone. "I'm staying in the castle?" inquired Twilight. Celestia answered truthfully, "I'm afraid so. It is necessary for you to remain nearby should we have sudden need of your expertise". "But what is my expertise?" Twilight hastily asked, "I don't even know what this problem is that I'm suddenly an expert at!" The sisters looked around to confirm they were alone. Celestia motioned Twilight to follow as they made their way to the conference room. "I hope you can understand why we wanted to keep this a secret. We cannot afford to have a panic break out," Celestia whispered. "We have long withstood assaults and threats to our existence; using magic to preserve the natural order". "But this threat is from the natural order," Luna added. "Not long ago, our Astro Pony discovered an object slowly moving in the sky. We believe it to be a comet; a dark, quickly moving comet. There is some concern that this comet in on course for our planet". Celestia jumped back in, "Naturally, you can see this is a problem that goes beyond Equestria. That is why we asked for the brightest minds from everywhere to convene here to see if this really is a threat and what steps we could take, if necessary". "Haven't you seen problems like this before?" asked Twilight. Celestia was the only pony who could respond. "Not really," she said thinking back, "near-equestrian comets are extremely rare and our science hasn't been able to track them until a few decades ago. This situation is new to me, as well. That is why we called you here". "We were hoping you would be able to find a solution," Luna spoke as they reached the door to the conference room. Celestia turned to give her former student one last piece of advice, "On the other side of this door lies some of the greatest minds in Equestria and beyond. Seek their knowledge, experience, and advice should you doubt yourself. Do not be nervous, I'm sure you already know some of them". Celestia put her hoof on Twilight's shoulder for one last reassurance before opening the door, "I know you can do it, my faithful student". Twilight entered as the other three Alicorns took their leave. In the room, Twilight could see the other members of the delegation. Across the circular table, she instantly recognized the brown earth-pony who instantly stood up to greet her and announce her arrival. "Ahh, Princess Twilight! So good to have you here!" Dr. Whooves welcomed, "Now then, since we are all here, let's do a quick introduction so we can get this show on the road! This, as everypony should know, is Princess Twilight Sparkle, chair of our esteemed committee!" Twilight waved, taking note of Sunburst and the two members she couldn't recognize. "On her left," Doc continued, "is Sunburst: our expert in ancient spells and theoretical magic". Sunburst gave a shy wave as Twilight took a moment to remember him. He might not have been great in applied magic, but his knowledge of spells and how to use them surpassed even her own. She was certainly glad he was here, apart from having another familiar face. Moving clockwise, she noticed a bison sitting next to Sunburst sporting a stylish mustache and a tie with numerous stars and planets adorning it. "Next," Doc introduced, "is Doctor N. de-Grass Byson, astrophysicist and director of the Hay-den planetarium!" The bison gave a flourishing bow while adding "Salutations, esteemed colleagues!" Twilight thought she recognized the griffon to the left of Doctor Whooves. He sat awkwardly in his wheelchair, pecking at a little machine to prepare his next statement after being introduced. "We are also honored to have the illustrious Professor Screechen Hawking with us!" the Doc looked to his left, calling attention to the handicapped griffon. Professor Hawking played his monotone voice-box, "do not let the name fool you. Griffons are actually half eagle". He reacted with a smirk as the room began to chuckle. Twilight read many publications from the well-renowned professor, she was humbled by the fact that she was not only working with him, but chairing a committee that contained the legendary theoretical physicist. Twilight stared motionless, taking in the fact that she was in the same room with the greatest minds known throughout Equestria and beyond. She felt honored that not only was she to be included, but chosen to lead. Never had she felt so proud of her education and accomplishments as she did now. Finally, Doctor Whooves introduced the final member of her think tank: "And, last but not least," he politely recited, "Big Macintosh!" "EEYUP!"
Act II: Addressing the VariablesTwilight stared in disbelief at the large, red stallion seated to her right. She wondered how she could miss the draft pony she thought she knew so well seated right beside her. More importantly, she had no idea how the simple farmer could have received an invitation to this ultra-exclusive conference. There must have been a mistake. That silly mail-mare must have delivered the wrong letter again. Poor Big Mac will surely be exposed and humiliated once all the others catch onto him. Twilight must do something to help the plow-pony. Big Macintosh finally noticed the Alicorn Princess staring a hole right through him. He looked to his left at the disbelieving Twilight in confusion. What has her in so much distress? Why is she so flustered looking at me? He nodded in acknowledgement to Twilight's uneasy stare. She quickly looked away, mildly panicked as Dr. Whooves concluded the introductions with himself. Looking back over at Big Mac, she finally asked his intentions, "Big Mac! What are you doing here?" she whispered, leaning over so as to not call any attention. Before he could reply, Twilight cut him off. "Never mind!" she whispered, holding her hoof up to his muzzle, "just remain quiet! Let me do all the talking for you, I'll get you out of this". Mac raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. Twilight didn't want to hurt his feelings, but this summit was too important to have him mess anything up or distract the others from finding a solution. The fate of the world might very well depend on work they accomplish in here. She would finish with the introductions, present the problem, and brainstorm only a few ideas before calling it a day. She was certain most of the other members would be tired from traveling all day and could use a good rest before starting fresh tomorrow. When they finish for the night, she could confront Big Mac and allow him to leave. He'll thank me for it! He must feel so overwhelmed! Once he completed his long-winded introduction, Dr. Whooves finally got to the reason why they were all here. He brought out numerous charts and graphs, as well as some fuzzy images of the comet. "Roughly a week ago, our own Astro Pony discovered a large body moving through our system. After he confirmed it wasn't one of the ridiculous ornaments on his hat mobile, he alerted other astronomers across Equestria who confirmed that it was, indeed, a comet. We can surmise that because the comet is dark, it must therefore consist more of heavier elements and less of water. If an object like that were to strike, it could very well wipe out all life on our planet! Our objective is to figure out if it indeed poses a threat, and see if there is anyway to eliminate it. I have copies of all our relevant information for each one of us to study, but in the meantime, I propose we brainstorm and introduce a few ideas before calling it a night". "AGREED!" Twilight quickly seconded, startling the others. Having already been aware of the situation, her primary concern was ending the introductory meeting and getting Big Mac safely out of here with as little attention as possible. "Well then..." Doc asked unsure after such a boisterous agreement, "anypony have any ideas? Minding you do not have to actually be a pony, of course". Twilight spoke first, stating the obvious, "well, why don't we just use magic to BLAST it?" It seemed fairly straight forward. But if it were straight forward, they wouldn't need a think tank. "I'm afraid that would be unwise," the voice box of Professor Hawking replied,"that would bring a new meaning to the term 'rain of terror' ". Even when serious, he still liked to make jokes to lighten the mood. "We would not get a single comet, but many fragments of destruction spread across the planet". "I agree," added Sunburst, "also, it would take a spell so powerful that Celestia herself may not be able to harness it. And even that may not be enough to sustain the energy through space". Dr. de-Grass Byson also expressed concern, "plus who knows what a volatile spell like that would do to the atmosphere?" Twilight was humiliated. Here she was heading the smartest group of beings in the known world and they instantly tore her idea apart. Dr. de-Grass Byson proposed another idea: "Do you have any craft capable of transporting ponies onto the comet where they can destroy it from there?" "I'm afraid not," responded Dr. Whooves, "and it would take months, if not years of designing a ship capable of making the journey, landing on the comet, and safely bringing the ponynauts home. We just don't have the time. This comet will approach within the next few weeks!" Doc turned his attention to the only pony to remain silent thus far, "Big Mac! Have you any ideas you wish to share?" "NO!" Twilight quickly interjected, "I mean no, Big Mac is very tired, aren't you?" She looked over to Big Mac, who sat in wide-eyed confusion at the audacious mare. Before he could respond she spoke further, "as you can see, he's getting cranky because he's had such a long day! I propose we stop here for tonight and pick up again tomorrow". "Very well," agreed Dr. Whooves, "everyone take a copy of the information to study and let's meet back here tomorrow, bright eyed and bushy tailed!" Twilight smiled as she acknowledged the rest, now she would speak with Big Macintosh. He will surely like to thank her for covering for him. She stood up from her chair to meet him only to find he was already on his way out the door, "Wow! He really wanted to get out of here! Guess I was right. Still, I better see if he's okay". Twilight walked through the doors into the palace hallway only to find her dear friend Rarity waiting for her. "Twilight! It's so good to see you, darling! I heard you were in Canterlot and wanted to see how you were doing!" "Hey Rarity," Twilight greeted "Yeah, Celestia asked me to chair a summit with Equestria's greatest minds! I'm working with Dr. de-Grass Byson and Professor Hawking! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!" she jumped on her hind legs in excitement. "And apparently Big Macintosh as well!" Rarity added, "Applejack was here too, but she followed him; said he didn't look alright. He seemed normal to me..." Rarity, like most ponies, couldn't really tell with the limited range of emotions that Big Mac displayed. "I think he just felt over his head, he'll be alright," Twilight explained. "So what are you girls doing tonight? You want to go out?" "That sounds lovely!" Rarity cheered. "But we should get back reasonably early though, I want to be at the shop when it opens. See you in about half an hour?" "Sure, I'll need some time to unpack and freshen up. See you then!" Twilight waved and started trotting toward her room. Before she turned her head, she once again crashed into the toned orange mass of muscle that was Flash Sentry. "We just can't help bumping into each other!" the charming pegasus claimed, once again helping her up. Twilight blushed again, speechless at the cute pony guard with dreamy eyes. Flash broke the silence, "Princess Twilight, if I may be so bold, would you do me the honor of taking you out tonight?" Twilight could only stammer and mumble. Flash stepped in closer to support the flustered Alicorn. "I'll take that as a yes. I'll meet you at the entrance in a bit. Until then..." Flash leaned in and gave Twilight a quick kiss on the cheek. Twilight seemed to float back to her room, even without the use of her wings. The world may come to an end, but the only thing on her mind was that she found the colt of her dreams. He was stronger than Applejack, cooler than Rainbow Dash, and cuter than Fluttershy. He could get any filly he wanted, but he wanted HER! No pony in history would be as lucky as she felt in that moment. She had to go tell the girls. "THE GIRLS!" she suddenly snapped back to reality. She had just promised to go out with them before agreeing to go on the date! What was she going to do now! "Calm down, Twilight!" she assured herself, "Rarity will certainly understand. And Applejack... I'm sure she will come around". She walked up to the mirror humming a sweet tune while brushing her mane, "Everything's going to be fine..." She lost herself in her thoughts while continuing to brush, "better than fine....perfect...." Twilight finished freshening up. She had an attendant find the best dress she could, along with matching jewelry to prepare for her big night. She seemed to skip down the hallway when she swore she could hear Rarity arguing with somepony. "She must be at it with Applejack again..." she smiled and rolled her eyes. Approaching closer she thought she heard a stallion's voice. Puzzled, she quickened her pace to see with whom Rarity was yelling. "NOT ON YOUR LIFE, PAL!" Rarity was clearly repulsed by this amorous suitor. "Oh, come on babe! You know you want FLASH! Everypony wants FLASH! Even Princess Twilight wants FLASH!" Twilight stopped, frozen in stark realization. Apparently while waiting for her, Flash Sentry had caught site of Rarity and pursued the unicorn fashionista. Rarity herself was thoroughly unamused and uninterested, "YOU...you SCOUNDREL! Just wait 'til Twilight hears of this!" "YOU WON'T HAVE TO!" Twilight appeared from around the corner. Flash froze in fear, his "dreamy" eyes as far wide-open as they could go. His attempts at backpedaling proved ineffective as he soon hit a wall. "Twilight?!" he shrieked, his hoof caught in the proverbial cookie jar. "What?! It's.... NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE! SHE WAS COMING ON TO ME!!" "WHY YOU..." Rarity started before she noticed Twilight creeping forward, digging her hoof into the ground as if she were going to charge. Rarity quickly grabbed hold of her irrational friend before she would do something she'd regret. "Twilight, dear! He's not worth it!" She turned her eyes to Flash, staring daggers at him, "I think you'd better go! Before you want a scorned Alicorn Princess after you!" Flash beat a hasty retreat as fast as his hooves could carry him. Bereft of all her prior joy, Twilight sank, sobbing as her dream-colt turned out to be too good to be true. Rarity knelt beside her heart-broken friend to reassure her, "there, there... It will be alright!" "I thought I found the best pony in the world," Twilight cried as Rarity consoled her, "but he turned out to be a fraud! He doesn't belong with the Royal Guard!" "I know dear," Rarity agreed, "well I didn't know, but I had my doubts." Rarity was no stranger to flirtation; she could easily spot the difference between a truly charming but well-meaning stallion like Fancy Pants and a sophomoric reprobate just looking for a good time. She was able to instantly identify Flash Sentry for what he truly was, whereas her inexperienced friend could not. "Colts that cute with an overly charming and outgoing personality are usually all flash, but no substance. I mean, it's even in his name, darling!" Twilight snorted a tiny laugh at the pun. "And to think, he tried getting my attention with that whole 'bumping into each other' line," Rarity mocked with exaggerated hoof quotes. "Come on, we can still have a girls' night out and forget all about that degenerate". The sympathetic unicorn helped her still sobbing friend back up, "we should get going, Applejack is already waiting for us". "She is?" Twilight inquired wiping away her tears, "why'd she go on ahead without us?' "Well..." Rarity thought of a way to put this delicately, especially given what Twilight just went through. "Apparently she is upset with you". "With me? What did I do?" Twilight was quickly running through all of her emotions today. She was confused, concerned, ecstatic, sympathetic, humiliated, glad, in love, then betrayed. Now she was back to confusion. "I'm sure it's nothing," Rarity was hoping to avoid the issue, "let's meet up and see what this is about. I'm sure it's not the end of the world or anything!" Applejack reserved a private table in the patio section outside the restaurant. It wasn't a fancy establishment, but neither would they have to tolerate the clamor of dozens of families cramped into a cheap dining parlor. It was just a nice, casual place to unwind after Rarity dragged her around to various shops and theatres. Twilight could also use some relaxation after traveling and meeting in the castle. The orange earth-pony sat anxious, glad to have another friend to take some of Rarity's attention off her, but she also had to have a talk with the Princess of Friendship for her brother's sake. Applejack rose to her hooves when she saw the Princess approach the table. They were a little later than Rarity said they'd be and it appears as if Twilight had been crying. AJ figured the situation with her brother would have to wait a bit, so long as Rarity didn't already spill the beans and that's why Twilight was upset. Twilight sat first, immediately cutting to the chase, "Rarity said you were upset with me. Did I do something wrong?" Applejack was a little taken aback; usually she was the one who normally got straight to the point. She wasn't use to the shoe being on the other hoof. "Never mind that now, Twi. Are you alright? You look a might shaken up there. Anythin' I can do?" "Not unless you want to talk about how bad stallions are," Rarity spoke for her friend. That was not the conversation about a stallion Applejack was hoping for. Maybe Big Mac did something to her? she wondered. Nah, couldn't be. Rares said she was mighty cheerful coming out of that meeting. Must have something to do with another colt. What's that one she always gabbin' on about? Flashy Sentinel or something? Confident enough that she'd identified the culprit, Applejack inquired as to what happened, "somethin' happen with that guard pony?" "Yes!" again Rarity spoke, "he turned out to be quite the lout!" She was brushing Twilight's hair wile the Alicorn laid her head on the table, still in melancholia. "Ah had a feelin' he was good fer nuttin'," AJ stamped her hoof on the table, "Always rubbed me the wrong way!" "Please," Twilight interjected, "enough about Flash. The less said about him the better". She just wanted to move on and pretend he never existed. But she still had to know why her friend was upset with her. "Can you just tell me why you are upset with me?" she asked AJ again. Applejack acquiesced, "not so much upset with you as disappointed in that big oaf of a brother of mine. Big Macintosh needs t' learn how to stand up fer himself! He's always lettin' others speak fer him, and then gets too sensitive when they end up insultin' 'im!" Twilight looked at her friend, confused. "I don't understand, did I do something wrong? I thought I was helping him," she wiped her eyes with her napkin before taking a sip from her water. "He would have been humiliated, I didn't want him exposed," she truly thought he'd be grateful. "EXPOSED?!" Applejack spurted out in shock; even Rarity seemed surprised. She soon composed herself, realizing Twilight might not have known. She had, after all, only been living in Ponyville for a few years and spent very limited time around the quiet draft pony. In actuality, they were more acquaintances than friends. "Twilight," Applejack continued after her outburst, "there's a reason Mac was called to that there meetin': he's a cert-i-fi-able GENIOUS!" Rarity nodded in agreement. "Wha..." Twilight responded in open-jaw disbelief. Applejack continued on, bragging about her big brother, "I know yer smart, Twi, but when it comes to fancy mathematics, ain't NOpony better than Big Mac! But he takes pride in that, and Ah don't envy you the next time ya have to face him!" Twilight continued to sit in silent shock. Her eyes widened at her sudden humiliation when she finally realized that, instead of thinking he was the pony who didn't belong, that she herself might have actually been the simpleton in the room. Then she went so far as to treat him like the simple farm pony she thought he was. Perhaps it was poetic justice that Flash treated her so bad as punishment for her treatment of Big Mac. Applejack felt she needed to continue to explain, "he was what you'd call one of them... 'pro-dijjers', " she tried unsuccessfully to pronounce. "Prodigies?" Twilight corrected. "Yeah, that 'un," AJ pointed at the lavender princess. "He had scholarships to all the fancy schools: Canterlot, Everton, even a full-ride to Stallionford University out there 'n the west coast!" she pointed presumably toward the west. "And that was all before he got his Cutie Mark!" she tapped her hoof on the table to emphasize her point. Twilight stared in curious disbelief, "Did he go? What happened?!" "He got his Cutie Mark," Rarity responded matter-of-factly. Being the only other pony in their group to grow up in Ponyville, Rarity was aware of some of the Apple Family history. Twilight looked confused. Rarity glanced back at Applejack, knowing it wasn't her place to tell the whole story. AJ looked down at the table, feeling sorrow at past events that haunted her and robbed her brother of his potential. "It's..." she started, "a deeply personal, family issue. Needless to say, he had to remain on the farm. He loves it very much, and tries to keep his wits sharp by teachin' himself. But Ah often wonder what might have been". The three mares sat in awkward silence, contemplating on the tragic events that befell the Apple Family and turned Big Mac into the quiet farm pony he is today. Mac took everything life could throw at him, but he didn't complain; he couldn't. He had to find a way to feed his sisters, one a filly and the other just a foal, with only an elderly grandmare to help. In time, he would return Sweet Apple Acres to its former glory, and then some. He'd use his "fancy mathematics" to expand and run the farm far more efficiently to produce greater harvests than it had ever seen, with only two ponies for labor. He would run the books and plan for the future, while Applejack would eventually take over managing the day to day operations. She might get more recognition and glory, but he could live with it, he assumed. As long as she didn't become some "great hero of Equestria", she can have the credit; it would be gentlecoltly thing to do after all. Twilight finished her meal, the entire time focused on how she wronged Big Mac out of ignorance; how badly she treated him. She'd nearly forgotten about Flash Sentry, the pony she loved just a few hours before and has since crushed her heart. Now she was focused on a stallion with much less flash and much more substance, and how she wanted to go anywhere but to face him tomorrow. The problem of the end of the world might have to solve itself without her.
Act III: Observing the ResultsTwilight stood at the doors to the conference room, hesitant and fearful to show her face. The lavender Alicorn purposely waited until the meeting started so she wouldn't arrive early to confront Big Mac. She understood this would seem cowardly, but it might be the only way she could get through the meeting. When they finished, then she could apologize to him. She took a deep breath, figuratively wiped the emotions from her body with her foreleg, and slowly opened the door. She walked in, only to be astonished to find Big Mac was not there. Fear and pity gripped her as she began to think she had humiliated the stallion to the point where he left the conference in shame. She stared at his empty chair as she dragged herself to the table. It took a moment to notice the other four members in the group were already seated, staring at the notes laid out in the center. None of them said a word nor even acknowledged her entrance. They all sat there fixated at the center in horrified silence. "Uh..." she greeted, unsure of what to do, "...good morning?" she took her seat. "Oh..." Sunburst finally acknowledged the newcomer, "...good morning twilight..." he greeted in a very somber tone. "What's going on?" she inquired, curious at all the negativity. The large bison to the other side of Sunburst spoke first. "Well, Miss Sparkle, Dr. Hawking and I were eager to get a head start processing the information we received last night, and what we found proved very disconcerting..." Dr. de-Grass Byson couldn't even take his eyes off the pile of papers in the middle. "And what we found," Professor Hawking continued with his colleague's statement, "is that this comet is indeed on course to impact our world. From the trajectory of the object and our planet, we have concluded the comet will impact in nine days off the coast of Las Pegasus". Dr. Whooves stepped in to give the final piece of bad news. "We also confirmed the analysis of its composition: it is comprised of heavier elements; mainly nickel, iron, lead, and iridium. Very little will burn up in the atmosphere, creating a cataclysmic impact". He started to shift tones to a more enthused disposition, "I have a theory on how this comet came to be! You see, I believe it started in the inner solar system with most the other heavy elements before the sun was formed! Then, it was flung...out..." he finally noticed the rest of the group did not care. "But...that doesn't matter now," he returned to his seat, sharing the same dismal appearance as his colleagues. Twilight looked around at the rest of the group. Clearly, they had given into despair. Whether from ignorance or tenacity, she had to know if there was anything to be done. "Isn't there something we can do? Maybe we can use magic to teleport it by!" she was certain magic had to be the answer. "Theoretically, yes," Sunburst added, "but a spell of that size would impossible to produce from a single pony, or even groups of ponies. It would take a combined dozens if not hundreds to cast a spell large enough and with an object of that size, that distance, and moving at that velocity, it would be impossible impact. No, I fear we must look for another solution". Twilight joined the rest in staring at the pile of notes at the center of the table. She too started to feel the weight of despair. The world is about to end and there wasn't anything anypony could do to stop it. The brightest minds were gathered to solve a solution, but they were about to fail, leading to the ultimate destruction of everything. Long minutes ticked by with nopony, noBODY speaking a word. The doors to the conference room slowly creaked open once again. Nobody reacted as the large, red farm pony slowly made his way to his seat. Big Mac appeared very disheveled; his mane was unkempt - more so than usual- , he had huge bags under his eyes, and his walk was more of a stumble. In fact, he had been up all night pouring over the notes and figuring out mathematical formulas he could use the next day. To his shame, he did it not so much for the greater good, but to prove himself to Twilight Sparkle, and maybe rub her nose in it. He had always been polite and gentlecoltly, but she wounded his pride to the point where he must achieve satisfaction. Big Mac sat on his seat and threw a stack of papers down onto the table with an exaggerated SLAP!, startling all the members of the group. All eyes quickly moved to the unnoticed draft pony, still wearing his yoke, as he deliberately avoided diverting his attention to Twilight. He struggled mightily to stay awake when Dr. Whooves was the first to acknowledge him. "OH!" he shrieked, "sorry Big Mac. You startled us. We were just...what do you have there?" he pointed to the new data presented. "Solution..." Mac yawned. "A solution? What solution?" the Doc asked with confused enthusiasm. "Luna..." Mac stopped resisting and laid his head on the table, instantly falling asleep. "Luna?" Doc questioned the unconscious stallion as he grabbed the new papers. He started to read, taking notice of the diagrams and formulas Mac drew on the top page to address his solution. "Great Whickering Stallions, OF COURSE!! LUNA!!!!" He exclaimed in triumphant celebration. "It's so simple! Why didn't we think of this sooner! "Think of what?" Twilight asked while staring at the sleeping form of Big Mac. Dr. de-Grass Byson and Professor Hawking already appeared to understand the implications of the single name. "You see," Dr. Whooves commenced with the explanation, "Luna and Celestia can move their respective heavenly bodies. Now, the comet itself is not of Equestria, so it cannot respond to their magic; they can't move it. However, Luna can move the moon! If she moves the moon and keeps it at a waning crescent phase, the gravitational pull from the moon will attract the comet just enough to pull it out of its current trajectory! It will then pass harmlessly beyond our atmosphere and be sling-shot away to..." he read further into the notes, "toward the Sun, there it will get an even greater boost as it circles around and gains enough momentum to be shot out of our system once and for all!" The other members rejoiced, content in the fact this was a sound solution. Twilight still had follow up questions as she still fixated on the sleeping stallion. "Could this return one day?" she asked, apparently not paying complete attention to the last line of Dr. Whooves speech. "No NO, my dear Twilight!" he quickly answered in jubilation. "It will give us one spectacular show before being flung out beyond the influence of our host star! It may effect some other planet filled with a bunch of naked, half-apes or something in hundreds of thousands of years, but it will be no longer our concern!" The Doc turned his attention to Big Mac, unaware of his slumber, "we'll have to recheck your math for accuracy of course, it will help payback for all of the times you've checked mine! But this looks like our solution! Well done! Talk about Deus ex Mac-ina!" he rejoiced before observing the sleeping plow-pony. "Oh.." he then whispered, "we should probably let him be. But we need present this to the Princesses right away! Allons-y!" he proceeded to trot out with the rest. Twilight remained behind a moment as she still focused on Big Mac. She brushed part of his mane away from his eyes while she stared sympathetically, as if she were trying to apologize. Shortly, she too got up to leave and catch up with the rest, turning out the lights to let Big Mac slumber in peace. Shutting the door, she hurried to catch up with the group. As chair, it would be her responsibility to present their solution to Princess Celestia directly. "I am very pleased with your results," Princess Celestia congratulated her former student. After presenting her report, Twilight walked alone with Celestia down one of the castle's long corridors. The other members of the group had already left to celebrate at a nearby establishment, all except Big Macintosh who was still sleeping in the conference room. Twilight, who should feel jubilant and proud at heading the group that just saved the world, could only feel guilt and shame as she quietly accompanied her mentor. Celestia realized the disproportion in emotion and expressed concern at her behavior, "Is something the matter, Twilight?" "I'm sorry, Princess," the smaller Alicorn replied, "I know I should be happy with the outcome. It's just that...I believe I failed. I was asked to head this amazing group and I didn't contribute anything. In fact, I insulted one of the smartest ponies in Equestria and he solved the problem on his own in spite of me! The summit didn't really accomplish anything; Big Mac did it all on his own, no thanks to me!" she halted and looked at the floor in morose. Princess Celestia turned around to the stalled pony, "Not accomplish anything?" she questioned. "Twilight, when we first heard of this problem, we didn't even think it was going to effect us. I have seen objects like this before and never had a problem. Our first solution, would have been to try to blast the comet out of the sky. Thanks to your group, we found out what we couldn't do. That would have never happened without this exchange of ideas. As for Macintosh, maybe it was your indignation that pushed him to pursue the answer so earnestly. You might have, indirectly, saved Equestria as well! Don't dwell on this, learn from it. Make amends and vow to do better the next time". Twilight appeared to have lifted her spirits. She didn't smile or show any signs of exuberance, but at least she was no longer staring at the floor in disgust of herself. She then noticed the last thing Celestia said as she asked in a confused manner, "Next time?" "Indeed," Celestia confirmed, "I am quite taken with the idea of the greatest minds coming together to solve life's problems. Why should it only happen in the most dire of situations? I believe Twilight's Think Tank should become a regular event!" the Princess nodded with pride. Twilight finally let herself smile, an observation that did not go unnoticed from Princess Cadance who was approaching from the other side of the corridor. "Well done, Twilight!" the pink Alicorn greeted, "I knew you could do it!" "I had a LOT of help," she smiled back. Soon the smile gave way to a more serious demeanor, "but I have to talk to you about Flash..." It was nine days later. The comet was supposed to strike early that morning off the coast of Las Pegasus. However, Luna moved her moon while the gravity from it attracted the comet away from its course. Its new path had it circle around the night sky until it would sling away toward the sun, just as Big Mac had predicted. Though it contained many heavy elements, much of the ice that was on the comet broke off and fell toward Equestria giving the inhabitants a spectacular meteor shower as the tail carved a path nearly across the entire sky. A momentous celebration was planned in Canterlot to mark the occasion and honor those who helped avoid potential Armageddon. All except Big Macintosh. Whether from needing to return to work on the farm or out of spite, the plow-pony returned to Sweet Apple Acres shortly after the group was dismissed. Twilight's feelings of guilt increased with each passing day until she vowed to return to Ponyville immediately after the celebration. She had arranged a special chariot that would take her back so she wouldn't have to wait for the train the next day. When she finished with her packing, she summoned a Royal Guard to take her luggage to her chariot. "All set Ma'am?" the white pegasus inquired. "Yes," Twilight answered, "thank you. I'll wish to leave as soon as I can". "As you wish," the guard took her luggage and proceeded to the door of her room. "Also," he added, "I must apologize for Flash Sentry, he is an idiot! We have purposely trained him wrong, as a joke!" Twilight grinned back at the guard; she was, to her surprise, already over her feelings for the recently transferred orange pegasus. The celebration commenced in the early evening with song and dance. Ponies from all over Equestria joined in the festivities, as well as many delegates from beyond. Twilight's friends and Spike also made the train ride from Ponyville to celebrate in her accomplishment. She was glad to see them all, but she was most anxious to talk to her friend Applejack. "Applejack," she asked cautiously, "how's, um, Big Mac doing?" She hadn't heard from the stallion since his abrupt departure. Applejack and Rarity took a quick trip back to Ponyville before returning for the celebration. "Well, he's still sulkin' around," AJ responded, "hardly talks to anypony, more so than usual. He just spends his time alone; fixing equipment and finding any work to do, which ain't much seein' as how it's winter 'n all". Twilight became disheartened at the news; her guilt grew even stronger. She would be glad to leave as soon as she could. Applejack rest her hoof on Twilight's shoulder, "cheer up Twi, I'm sure the big lug will come 'round". The empty platitude gave Twilight little comfort. Celestia took center stage. Now was the time she would turn the floor over to honor the members of the think tank. She wanted Twilight to say a few words, but with her former student in such a prolonged gloom, she decided to let the foreign delegates share the spotlight. Dr de-Grass Byson and Professor Hawking made their way to center stage as Celestia formally announced them. "I am most pleased to present," she announced in a formal tone, "our esteemed guests who helped save not only Equestria, but all the nations of our world!" "Thank you," Dr. de-Grass Byson bowed his head out of respect. He now wore a formal vest, matching his tie depicting many astronomical objects. "It is a privilege to be here tonight, addressing all of you fine ponies. Not long ago, the thought of us all being here: bison, griffons, and ponies alike, would have sounded absurd. But through friendship, we came together to solve a profound problem; a problem that would have destroyed all our nations. We came together, not as neighbors, or even respected affiliates, but as friends. That ability to work so closely together and allow for the free exchange of ideas is what makes this gathering so special. With that level of openness, caring, and respect for our fellow beings, we have shown that we can even conquer the heavens themselves!" Dr. de-Grass Byson yielded the floor to his handicapped colleague, who continued through his voice box, "through friendship, there can be no limit to what we can accomplish. The great mysteries of life will reveal themselves when we choose to work together and share the knowledge for the benefit of all. We believe the greatest gift the Universe will bestow, is the gift of finding there is even more to discover; mysteries waiting to be solved by those willing to pursue and share them. And the first steps of this great journey, should be taken in the company of friendship". The audience cheered when the delegates concluded with their speech. What was to be the end of their world instead turned out to be gorgeous, romantic evening. The comet still filled the sky as many celebrated and observed its beauty with their very special somepony. It turned out to be a perfect evening, except for Twilight Sparkle. While the others enjoyed the festivities, she took the chance to board her chariot and travel back to Ponyville. Author's Note Sorry, I don't really know anything from the Dr. Who lore to give an accurate depiction of his character. I did my best. As for Flash, I make no apologies. Can you recognize the quote from my favorite movie? I'll try to put one in every story.
EpilogueAfter dropping off her luggage and dismissing her entourage, Twilight Sparkle made her way to Sweet Apple Acres to see if Big Macintosh was still awake. Her heart pounded at her apprehensiveness, not knowing how the intimidating stallion would receive her. Walking up to the farmhouse, she noticed none of the lights were illuminated. She figured she might as well wander around back to see if he was working in the barn. She found Mac not working, but sitting alone staring at the night sky. He was fixated on the comet. He had prevented it from destroying Equestria, now the entire planet could now safely marvel at its beauty. He took comfort in the fact that, humble as he may seem, he was at one point the most important pony in the world, if only for a short time. If others thought him a simpleton or half-wit, he could look back on his accomplishment in solace. Lost in his thoughts, it took some time for him to notice the trespasser slowly making her way toward him. Recognizing the intruder, Big Mac got to his hooves and made his way over to his anvil. Whenever distressed, he picked up a hammer and began pounding the anvil to clear his mind. Even if there were nothing to pound, he would pretend to work, hoping his unwanted visitors would assume he was busy and leave him be. Unfortunately for him, that never worked. "Big Mac?" Twilight softly asked. "Eeyup?" he responded in an annoyed tone. "You...didn't stay for the celebration..." she continued. "Nope!" Twilight stopped in a moment of awkward silence. It was hard enough talking to the draft pony in the best of moods. She found conversing with him while upset proved to be every bit as terrifying as any villain she encountered, maybe more so. "I just came over to..." she ran through this situation in her head hundreds of times already, but now that she is here, she was at a loss for words. "I came over to apologize. I assumed you were invited by mistake. I never really knew much about you and quickly drew my own conclusions without even really talking to you. I should have checked on you after the first meeting instead of falling for some charming phony. I'm truly sorry and-" "Twilight..." Big Macintosh interrupted. "Yes, Big Mac?" He lowered his hammer as he turned to face the Alicorn. He took a few steps toward her and sat on his hindquarters, avoiding eye contact by staring at the ground. "It's not your fault," he confessed, ashamed of himself. "My whole life Ah've been a quiet pony; just who I am. Pony after pony would assume I was just some simpleton, knowin' only how to farm, not carin' tah get to know me at all. Usually I didn't care, it just made the few who did like me that much more special. When you became friends with AJ, I thought as if we became friends as well; you became part of the family!" he smiled in joyful admission. Then he lowered his hoof and tucked his ears to change the mood, "but when you assumed I was unintelligent, it ate me up inside. I wondered how a friend could think so little of me. I wanted retribution. I didn't work so hard to save the world, I did hit to hurt you, to humiliate you the way you humiliated me, and that was wrong. Ah was raised better than to treat a lady in such a way, so I fled. That's why I left. You prob'ly think me a coward..." "No, it's all right.." Twilight tried reassuring him. "The truth is," he continued, "Ah don't have many friends, and to treat one so bad, a pretty mare at that, well I just had to run away and be alone; alone in my shame! Ah suppose I need to learn to control my stubborn pride and just be quicker to forgive. Hopefully you can eventually forgive me". Big Mac stared at the ground in silence, his shame keeping his eyes away from the mare he wronged. The few seconds of silence seemed like years to the regretful stallion. Twilight circled beside him. She sat down and put her hoof on his shoulder. "I already have..." A bright glow startled the pair as Twilight looked around to see what was causing it. She got up to find that it was her Cutie Mark again, signifying she had once again solved a friendship problem. "Would you look at that!" she exclaimed in excitement. "It appears WE were my friendship problem!" The glow started to subside as she once again took her place beside the large stallion. "We're all very proud of you, Big Mac, regardless of your intentions". "Eeyup?" The two sat in silence. Ponies everywhere might be having fun and celebrating at raucous parties with dozens of friends, but Twilight Sparkle and Big Macintosh could think of no place better to be than right here observing the beauty of the celestial object. "I had them name the comet after you... 'Macintosh' " she rested her head on her friend's shoulder as they sat together, watching his comet. "So," he turned to the Alicorn Princess, "what's this about a 'phony pony' ?" "Don't ask..."
Epilogue II: New DutySomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
