Equus Wars-Episode I: Knights of Harmony

Chapters

I.
II.
III.

I. Author's Note

Well finally after a long while I got this in the works again.

More chapters will come it’s just going to be slow going having to re-edit these and write new ones so bear with me here.

I.

Equus Space.

Four hundred twenty-eight miles outside of Equus atmosphere.

Bridge of Venator class Star Destroyer Starlight

Chaos. The operative word for Belle’Sara’s situation.

Alarms blared. A child’s cries echoed. Crimson light bathed the bridge in a powerful, eerie glow. Orange and white sparks hissed through the durasteel door. The ship heaved and shuddered as it plowed through the thermosphere.

“Damn it.” Belle’Sara cursed under breath. “Thought we could keep them better contained.”

Surrounded by chaos, Belle’Sara remained steady and solid, focusing on what would come. Her heart pounded in her chest. Muscles tensed. Sweat dripped down her scalp. Fear flooded her system, but she quashed it down, her grip tightened on the lightsaber hilt. With a hiss and thrum, the green blade sprang to life. She glanced behind her to the pilot’s seats.

“Arbee, keep this crate level!” she barked at the commando droid operating half the controls. The response drowned out in the wail of alarms, cries, and searing flame cutting through metal.

With a final sputter of white-hot fire, a chunk of molten slag dropped to the ground with a jolt, the impact shuddering through her legs.

She readied herself, eyes narrowed in focus, hilt held in snug reverse grip.

“Blast her!” a gruff voice shouted. Out of the thin sheet of smoke, blue bolts whistled by.

Through honed Jedi reflexes, she deflected them with ease. Three men clad in shimmering white and purple armor, their helmets adorned with a painted eye, waded into the cockpit, fingers firmly on the triggers of their blasters.

Her thoughts raced with every deflection. These clones she fought side by side with, her stalwart allies through the jungles of Felucia and the desert wastes of Geonosis, now turned against her.

They closed in around her, and her heart thundered in her chest. Her mouth was dry as she faced them. Sparks flew as she parried their shots, her grip tight on her lightsaber.

A bolt struck the first soldier, the hole in his chest glowing white hot as he dropped dead to the floor.

Belle’Sara turned to see Arbee, blaster rifle leveled in his hands, blasting away at the invading troopers.

“Arbee! I told you to keep this ship level!” She barked as the second soldier came within her reach. With a fluid motion, she diverted another bolt and swung the blade across his chest. The armor melted as the saber cut and seared the flesh underneath.

The third soldier cracked off two bolts as his partner fell.

Belle’Sara recoiled, staggering as the white-hot bolts pierced and cauterized her wounds. The soldier advanced further, aiming his weapon between her eyes.

Though dazed, she swiftly slashed at his arms, lopping them off as she drove the blade through his chest. With a final hiss, it retreated into the hilt as Belle’Sara dropped to her knees.

“Mistress!” a deep mechanical voice called out over the thrum in her ears.

The pain made her wince as her metallic companion hoisted her up. She gasped for air as he led her through the doorway. Her vision came and went as she staggered farther down the corridor. The haze faded. Her eyes met with the glowing white lights of his face.

“Arbee…” she slurred as he strapped her in, along with a wrapped bundle.

Her vision faded. A final hiss of air echoed as she passed out.

*******

Canterlot Castle Gardens. 00:01 hrs.

A cool breeze rustled through the meticulously trimmed topiaries, carrying the sweet scent of blooming night flowers. The faint gurgle of running water from the ornamental fountains filled the air as Aysel’s unit marched in lockstep through the royal gardens.

“Maintain standard patrol vectors, Sergeant Aysel.”

Aysel glanced at his commanding officer as their unit marched through the royal gardens, craning his neck to meet the Captain's steely gaze. Moonlight gleamed off the polished armor of the more senior Thestral stallion. His shimmering golden eyes remained steadfast, unwavering even as they locked with Aysel’s.

“We can’t risk any harm befalling Princess Luna. Is that understood?”

“Understood, Captain Midoka,” Asyel replied with a sharp salute as the unit reached the garden’s central plaza.

Captain Mikoda raised his hand, silently signaling the unit to halt. As they stood at attention, he turned to Aysel, clasping a firm hand on his pauldron.

“One last thing, Sergeant,” Mikoda said, voice full of authority. “These troopers are now under your command. Be mindful of that - understand?”

Aysel quietly nodded in reply as Mikoda gave his shoulder a firm pat and then made his way to the edge of the gardens.

Aysel turned his attention to the squad now under his watch, crossing his arms behind his back.

“You heard the Captain’s orders,” he stated, pacing slowly in front of the troopers. “Standard two-by-two patrols. Stay within sight of each other and keep your wits about you. Any threat could come from every possible blind spot. Now move out.”

Aysel surveyed the squad as they dispersed into the shadows of the gardens, his jaw set with determination. No missteps were going to happen under his watchful eye if he had anything to say about it.

Those same vigilant eyes would soon be drawn to a young Thestral mare standing before him, at attention.

“Sir!” The mare barked with an enthusiastic salute.

Aysel regarded the unfamiliar face with a measured gaze. “At ease, trooper,” he said, voice calm but authoritative. “I don’t believe we’ve met. What’s your name?”

The young mare relaxed her stance slightly, though her posture remained disciplined. “Dawn Star, sir. I’ve been assigned to shadow you and train under your guidance.”

Aysel nodded, lips parting into a small smile. The mere thought of a greenhorn Lunar guardsmare under his instruction swelled in his ambitious mind like a balloon.

“You’re new to this squad,” Aysel began, his tone level and even to stem the tide of pride. “I expect you to be attentive and to follow my orders without hesitation. This is no easy task, and lives depend on us performing flawlessly.”

Dawn Star nodded sharply. “Yes, sir. I understand. I’ll give this job my full dedication.”

“Good,” he replied, gesturing for her to follow him as he began pacing the perimeter of the gardens.

“If I may ask, sir, what is the princess like?” Dawn Star inquired as she fell into step beside him, her gaze attentive and curious.

Aysel halted the patrol before a topiary archway, gesturing ahead “See for yourself.”

Aysel’s attention shifted to the pair within - Captain Mikoda kneeling amidst a cluster of lunar flower shrubs, with Princess Luna herself at his side. The princess’s ethereal mane billowed in the night air, and though he remained stoic, a part of Aysel couldn’t help but admire her figure, accentuated by the tight-fitting nightgown. His eyes wandered, noticing her hands tenderly intertwined with Mikoda’s, sparking a pang of jealousy.

“Sir, we have a huge problem!” Dawn Star’s alarmist tone snapped Aysel back to his senses. He turned to her, clutching a pair of binoculars in her outstretched hand while her other pointed towards something in the air.

Aysel raised the binoculars to his eyes and scanned the horizon. His breath caught in his throat as he spotted an enormous, unfamiliar craft descending rapidly from the sky. “By the Goddess, what is that?” He murmured, transfixed by the sheer size and alien nature of the vessel.

The massive triangular craft plummeted earthward, trailing smoke and debris. Aysel watched, mesmerized, as a smaller object detached from the ship, drifting down separately. “Something just broke off of it!” he exclaimed.

His ears perked up as the rest of the platoon gathered around, hushed and anxious whispers rippling through the group. Aysel witnessed as the others craned their neck up, all taking in the unprecedented aerial spectacle hurtling down to their world. Even Captain Mikoda and Princess Luna joined, their faces plastered with puzzlement and a hint of fear.

Aysel refocused the binoculars on the smaller object, his eyes widening in shock when he realized its trajectory. The binoculars fell from his grip as the panic set in.

“Disperse! Disperse now!” Aysel shouted as the strange, pod-like object plummeted straight towards the royal gardens. The platoon scattered, taking cover behind trees and hedgerows. Aysel leaped towards Mikoda, who’d shielded Princess Luna with his body as the object slammed into the ground with tremendous force.

A deafening boom echoed throughout the gardens as the alien vessel struck the earth, sending up a massive plume of dirt, smoke, and shattered flora. Aysel shielded his eyes from the debris, clumps of hot soil plinking against his vambraces. He coughed up from the smoke and dust as he cautiously approached the impact site.

As the chaos settled, Aysel and his troopers crept forward, hands tightly gripped on their hilts. The strange, oblong object lay embedded in the ground, its metallic exterior charred and dented from its violent landing. Aysel motioned for the unit to surround it, his sword unsheathed and poised to strike.

“What in the name of the Goddess is that thing?” Mikoda murmured, his brow furrowed with equal curiosity and trepidation as he joined Aysel at the edge of the crash site, Luna following close behind him.

Aysel shook his head slowly, never taking his eyes off the bizarre, alien craft. “I’m not sure, Captain,” he replied, his voice tense. “I’ve never seen anything like this. We must be prepared for whoever, or whatever, emerges from within.”

The platoon tightened their formation, their weapons raised as they braced themselves for the unknown. Aysel felt his heart pounding in his chest, grip tightening on his sword as he waited with bated breath for the mysterious occupants to reveal themselves.

*******

A quiet night in the gardens. That was all Princess Luna wanted. Another night with her stalwart consort Mikoda as they held each other in passion and solace among her small patch of moonflower shrubs.

But not tonight.

The deafening crash that tore through the serene tranquility of the royal gardens instantly shattered Luna’s reverie. Shock and bewilderment etched themselves on her face as she and the guards present stared at this strange, oblong metal object embedded into the soil, smoke lightly billowing from four small nozzles at the end. Tension hung thick in the air as all waited for something, anything to happen.

A hiss of air caused many of the Lunar Guard to leap back in surprise.

“Steady, steady,” Mikoda ordered as Luna made her way behind the object, primal curiosity compelling her to discover whoever or whatever was inside. Her eyes were transfixed as something made its way out.

A bipedal figure stumbled out of the doorway, clutching a bundle of some kind in one arm, its other hand was pressed against its stomach, a red stain covering the cloth underneath. Its robes were tattered, its mane appeared frazzled despite being tied back, and its skin an unfamiliar hue, yet there was an unmistakable air of desperation about it.

“Stop!” Aysel commanded, his voice booming across the gardens. “Do not move any closer!”

But the figure seemed to ignore the command, its gaze focused on the bundle it held. Luna’s ears perked up to some familiar sounds, little coos that appeared to be coming from-

“Stand down,” Luna said calmly but firmly, her eyes locked on the creature. “It’s injured and it has a young one with it.” She turned her attention to the guards, their faces etched with nervous confusion as she stood between them and the creature.

She pointed to two of the guards near the rear of the alien vessel. “Bring a medical team up here and hurry.” She commanded. The two lowered their swords, exchanging looks of bewilderment between each other before turning their gaze to Mikoda in protest.

“Do as she says.” He ordered, moving to Luna’s side as the guards hastened to follow their captain’s command.

Luna refocused her attention on the creature, her expression softening as she empathized with their shared plight. Cautiously, she extended a hand in a gesture of comfort. “It’s going to be ok,” she assured calmly. “We’re going to get you help, I prom-”

“My lady, stand back!” Aysel suddenly interjected, wedging himself between Luna and the being, sword poised for a swift strike.

Fury flashing in her eyes, Luna spun Aysel around to face her. “Stand down, Aysel!” She commanded, shoving him aside with determination.

Aysel’s face hardened with suspicion as he eyed the strange, injured creature. “We don’t know what this thing is or its intentions,” he argued, circling around the alien. “It could be dangerous.”

Before Luna could protest further, Aysel lunged forward, his sword poised to strike. She watched in stunned awe as the creature reacted with blinding speed, igniting a beam of searing, humming energy from a device in its hand. With one swift motion, it sliced clean through Aysel’s sword, leaving him holding only the hilt.

Luna’s face, as well as the others, was plastered in shock while Aysel stared at his weapons remains. Before he could even react, the creature then thrust the same hand outward, pushing Aysel back with an unseen powerful force, sending him flying against the garden wall.

The alien let out a pained grunt, dropping its strange weapon as it clutched its wounded abdomen, the beam retreating into the hilt with a loud hiss.

Luna cradled the wounded alien, pressing firmly against the bleeding gash. “Mikoda, help me stem the blood,” she pleaded.

Mikoda rushed to her side, ripping a strip of fabric from his cloak to bandage the wound. “Steady now, we’ve got you,” he murmured, working quickly.

In the aliens arms, the small bundle stirred, and a tiny, plaintive cry escaped the infant within. With the last of her strength, she pressed the child into Luna’s hands.

“Take…care…little…brother,” it weakly rasped before its head fell back unconscious.

Luna cradled the infant with the utmost care, her heart clenched with empathy. “I will,” she vowed, resting her hand in the creature’s head.

The infant cooed in Luna’s arms, its small hands grasping at her sleeves. As she gently pulled the cloth back, she gasped softly - on the child’s forehead was a curious, intricate tattoo in the shape of a watchful eye.

At that moment, the sound of pounding footsteps approached. Luna stood, turning to see two Lunar Guards make their approach along with the medics, who quickly took over and began to work on the fallen creature. As she gently rocked the infant, the guards caught their breath.

“My lady,” one spoke up in between heavy gulps of air. “We’ve…received word that…an unknown vessel…has crashed into the…Everfree forest.”

Luna’s brow furrowed in concern, the news deeply troubling her. She turned to Mikoda, her eyes silently pleading for his counsel. “We must act quickly,” she said, her voice low and urgent. “This child may have others of its kind on that ship and they may be in greater danger if any survived.”

Mikoda nodded, his expression grave. “Agreed. We’ll need to organize a search party to investigate the crash site, though I don’t think we can keep this low key for very long.”

He turned to the Lunar Guards, his voice commanding their attention. “Listen up! We’re heading into the Everfree Forest to investigate this crash. We need to inform Princess Celestia of the situation and gather a team of our best scientific minds, soldiers, medics and scouts. I want everypony ready to depart within the hour!”

The guards saluted sharply and hurried to carry out Mikoda’s orders. Luna watched them depart, then turned to the sleeping infant, the strange tattooed eye catching the moonlight.

“Loki,” she murmured, the name feeling right on her tongue. “We’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

II. Author's Note

And here be chapter 2 at last. Next chapter is going to get into the science babble bit, tbh I thought about having another POV shift to Lyra in the lab but I think this chapters long enough so enjoy the action

II.

Everfree Forest. 01:01 hrs

Dawn Star pressed onward, the frigid air biting at her exposed fur and skin as the Everfree’s twisted branches loomed overhead. The first seemed to watch her progress, leaves and twigs rustling in a disquieting rhythm.

She glanced back at the rest of the guard detail, their torchlight flickering amidst the dense foliage. The scientists hurried along in their wake, faces etched with a mix of trepidation and curiosity. None of them knew what to expect from the alien vessel that had crashed deep into these haunting wilds.
Dawn Star’s ears perked up as she overheard their hushed conversations.

“Great whippering stallions, this place gives me the creeps.” Dr. Time Turner spoke up, clutching his cloak tightly against the chill as his eyes scanned the tree line.

“I am in agreement with that,” Dr. Lyra heartstrings chimed in.

A chortle came from Dr. Bunsen Burner as he patted Time Turner’s shoulder. “My dear Dr. Turner, this old forest has its ebullient charms to it.”

“As well as its dangers.” Professor Twilight interjected. “Ursa Major’s, roving packs of Diamond Dogs and especially timberwolves.”

As if to prove the law of the jinx true, a howl off in the distance answered, sending a shiver down Dawn Star’s spine. She reflexively unsheathed her sword, her awareness heightened.

The gentle but firm hand of Captain Mikoda brought her back to her senses.

“That came from the south west of our position, about 10 klicks from here,” Mikoda said calmly. “Besides, a group as large as ours would deter most timberwolves. They prefer stragglers.”

Dawn Star nodded, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, resheathing her weapon. “Apologies Captain,” she replied. “It’s just that timberwolves give me the willies.”

“Understandable,” Mikoda replied in sympathy. “But we’re well equipped to handle any threats in this forest. Just stay alert and focused.”

Dawn Star replied with a sharp salute. A snicker from one of the other guards piqued her attention.
“Any threat save for the witch,” the guard, Wolk, replied.

Dawn Star turned to face him, a worried expression growing. “What witch?” She inquired.

“Well,” Wolk began, matching her pace, “local legend says that a mysterious mare lives in these very woods. They say she moves here and there, and if you follow her, she disappears behind the trees. Some say she shapeshifts, turning into any of the wild animals in the forest. Others even say she can control them.”

“Horseshit,” one of the female guards chimed in. “I hear she appears in the form of an exotic mare, luring in stallions with her feminine wiles, and when she has them under her trace, she drains them of their energy and spirit, then slowly takes them apart, piece by piece, to use them in her wicked brews and magic spells.”

“You’re both wacky,” a third guard said. “I hear she lures in filly’s and colts and turns them into a stew.”
Dawn Star listened with a building unease. Legends of a powerful witch in the Everfree were troubling, especially with an alien craft to investigate.

“Lock down the chatter.” Mikoda ordered as the group reached the edge of a large clearing.
In the center lay the smoking wreckage of a massive, angular spacecraft, unlike anything Dawn Star, or anypony for that matter, have seen.

Around the crash site, the advance team had established a perimeter, vigilant Thestrals eyeing every dark shadow and potential hiding place. High above, two airships hovered, their powerful spotlights illuminating the craft and the surrounding forest.

Dawn Star and her team cautiously approached the wreckage, hands tightly gripped on their hilts. One of the advance team caught her eye as they approached Mikoda with a prompt salute.
“Perimeter has been secured, sir!” They said.
Mikoda returned the salute. “At ease, soldier,” he replied, turning to the heap of torn and smoldering metal. “Any sign of survivors?”

“None yet, sir,” the guard reported. “It would be a miracle if we found any.”

Mikoda nodded in understanding. “Very good,” he started. “Keep your squad around the perimeter. Leave the rest to me and my team.”

Dawn Star watched as the other guard saluted and returned to his post. Mikoda turned his gaze to her.
“Dawn Star,” he began, “you, myself, Aysel and Wolk will enter the craft, checking for any survivors and set up a staging area for the others.”
Dawn Star saluted as he turned his attention to the remaining guards.

“The rest of you will hold here and protect our scientists until we secure the area.”

The group approached the massive alien wreck with a mix of urgency and trepidation. The scent of burned metal and noxious fumes filled Dawn Star’s nostrils as they moved closer. The sheer scale of the craft became apparent - it towered over them, easily the size of Manehatten.

Dawn Star, Mikoda, Aysel, and Wolk carefully made their way to a large gash on the side of the craft. The advance team had already cleared the immediate area, but the atmosphere crackled with tension.

Mikoda paused for a moment, examining the ship's open wound. “Everypony stay alert. We don’t know what we might find inside.” He stepped in first, followed by the others.

The interior of the craft was dimly lit, with an otherworldly glow. The air was stale and the atmosphere oppressive. Dawn Star trembled, everything felt unnatural.

“Stay close to me,” Mikoda ordered in a hushed tone. “Keep an eye out for any survivors and don't touch anything.”

Dawn Star nodded, her nerves fraying ever so slightly as she followed the group deeper into the alien vessel. They crept along the corridor, carefully scanning for any signs of life, or more worryingly, threats.

As they rounded a corner to a larger room, Dawn Star’s eyes widened in shock. Among the smaller crafts the room held, there were many bodies strewn about the floor. Most of them wore strange white armor with purple accents, painted eyes on the helmets seemed to stare back at them. Others wore different uniforms, some even decked out in garments similar to the menial laborers on airship fields. She froze, hands cupping her mouth resisting the urge to scream or make any sound at all, unsure of what to make of this disturbing discovery.

“By Faust, what are they?” Aysel broke the silence first, the same stark horror that gripped Dawn Star in his voice.

“Soldiers of some kind,” Mikoda replied calmly as he knelt to examine one of the bodies and device next to it. “How strange.”

“You think the crash killed these ones?” Wolk asked, nervously stepping around some of the bodies.

While the stallions pondered, Dawn Star trepidatiously examined the room, her eyes scanning the strange alien corpses strewn about. A sudden jolt from underneath brought her crashing down to the floor. She quickly flipped onto her back, her eyes face to face with one of the armored aliens, its hand clutching at her sabaton.

“Good…soldiers…follow orders,” the figure rasped, its voice barely above a whisper. Dawn Star screamed, kicking back as the others rushed to her aid. Before she could draw her sword, the figure fell still once more.

“What happened?” Mikoda stood protectively in front of Dawn Star, sword ready.

“I…I think it was still alive,” she stammered, heart pounding.

Mikoda checked the body, shaking his head. “Well it’s not alive now,” he replied grimly, turning his attention to Aysel and Wolk. “You two, see if you can’t find any more of these…things still kicking. We’re going to need one of them alive if we want any answers.”

The pair nodded, turning each body over and checking for any glimmer of life left in them as Mikoda focused on Dawn Star. “I need you to double back to the entryway,” he began, his voice gentle, almost fatherly. “Bring in the scientists, additional troops and some climbing cables.”
Dawn Star saluted, mind reeling from the strangeness of it all.

**********

“Area secured, Captain Mikoda,” one of the soldiers reported as Mikoda surveyed the strange scene. Most of the Lunar Guard had finished connecting the various safety cables to an ad hoc post while others had carefully moved the alien dead aside. The various scientists, under the head of Dr. Lyra Heartstrings, worked diligently at cataloging the remains and any other strange artifacts they came across.

"Good work, everypony," Mikoda said, surveying the secured area. "Now the real challenge begins. We need to split into teams and systematically search this wreckage for any survivors."

He gestured to the safety cables anchored to the floor. "These will be your lifelines. The team leaders will be tethered to the cables, the rest of you will follow closely behind. Stay within sight of each other - this ship is massive, and it would be easy to get lost."

Mikoda paused, his expression grave. "Be cautious and vigilant. We don't know what else we might encounter in the darkness. Your safety is paramount, but if there are any living beings who need our help, we must find them."

He looked around the room, meeting each of his team's eyes. "Am I understood?"

"Sir, yes sir!" they responded in unison, the sound echoing through the cavernous chamber.

Mikoda nodded, satisfied. "Alright then, let's move out. Dr. Heartstrings, you and your team will accompany us. The rest of you, divide into your assigned groups and start your sweep."

As the teams began to fan out, Mikoda turned to Aysel, Wolk, and Dawn Star. "Stay close to me. I have a feeling we're in for a challenging search."

The team made their way carefully through the dimly lit corridors, following the safety cables as they climbed higher and deeper into the alien vessel. The air grew thick and stale, and the darkness seemed to press in around them.

After what seemed like hours, the group made their way towards a large doorway that appeared to lead to what they’d hoped would be the main piloting area of the vessel. As they inched closer, Mikoda’s ears perked up - voices were coming from up ahead, a good sign. He held up a hand, signaling the others to halt. "Stay sharp," he whispered.

Inching forward, Mikoda peered through the opening and spotted two figures in strange, white and purple armor. One seemed to be giving aid to one of the fallen soldiers on the ground. The other stood over a large console of some kind, pressing various buttons and switches.

“This is cruiser Starlight,” it said, the voice modulated and gruff. “Come in! I repeat this is the cruiser Starlight, can anyone hear me? We have crashed onto an unknown planet, the ship is badly damaged and most of my men are dead.” Static was the only reply he was getting.

Mikoda watched as the being, in frustration, slammed his fists on the console. “Dammit!” he growled, turning towards the other soldier. “Stitch, can’t you get that droid up and running?”

“I’m trying, Captain,” Stitch replied, fumbling the instruments in his hand.

Mikoda leaned his head into the room, carefully observing the “soldier” the alien dubbed Stitch was tending to. It had the same white and purple pattern as the other two, but it looked different - more angular and streamlined, like a machine. Mikoda had never seen anything like it before.

The machine’s frame was sleek and muscular, built for speed and power. Its limbs were long and lean, ending with three, claw-like fingers. The “face” was ovoid, with two reflective panels acting as the eyes, giving it almost a skull like visage. Mikoda could sense an undercurrent of barely contained brutality in its design - this machine was built for combat and destruction.

“This isn’t exactly my area of expertise,” Stitch continued as he worked feverishly to repair the droid, his movements precise and efficient.

Mikoda pulled back, his mind racing and an uneasy chill running along his spine. He had to tread carefully here - these strangers seemed hostile, and their technology was clearly far beyond anything he or his team could handle, never mind other nations on Equus. He leaned back, his helmet pinging softly against the metallic wall as he contemplated his next move.

“What was that?” Stitch uttered in surprise, leaping up to his feet and aiming a strange device toward the entryway. His partner followed suit, stepping forward and staggering his position.

Mikoda silently cursed to himself as now both beings had him dead to rights. He had to think of a solution to de-escalate things.

"Identify yourselves!" one of them demanded, his voice firm and authoritative. "This is a Republic vessel. You are trespassing."

Mikoda raised his hands in a placating gesture, calmly stepping out into their line of sight. "Easy now, we mean you no harm,” he said, keeping his voice calm and even. “I'm Captain Mikoda of the Equestrian Royal Guard. We discovered your ship after it crashed - we're just trying to help."

The two figures exchanged a glance, then the other one stepped forward, keeping his weapon raised. "I am Slade, and this is Stitch. 77th Clone Medical Battalion."

Mikoda nodded, his attention shifting between Slade and Stitch, who was shifting his position with his back to the entryway. “Two other occupants of this vessel crashed into our castle gardens,” Mikoda began, his composure solid and steady. “We are hoping for some explanation as to how-”

“Did she now?” Slade interrupted, his tone low and serious. He exchanged a glance with Stitch, who nodded as he closed the distance between himself and Mikoda, pressing the tip of his weapon against his head. “They survive by any chance?”

Mikoda felt the tension rising, his heart pounding. "Now, let's all stay calm." He replied steadily, hoping to de-escalate the situation. “The female didn’t make it. The infant did survive.”

“Well if that’s true,” Slade rebutted, leaning in to meet Mikoda’s stalwart but nervous expression. “Then I suppose you won’t mind showing us proof, eh friend?”

“Alright, alright, easy now,” Mikoda answered, remaining outwardly stoic as his adrenaline slowly built, ready for a quick escape. “We can escort you safely back to-”

“Captain!” Mikoda’s ears perked up at Wolk’s shouting. He glanced over as Wolk, Aysel and Dawn Star charged into the room, weapons drawn and battle cries piercing the air.

Wolk rushed Stitch, swinging his blade with fury, but the clone was quicker. Stitch fired his strange weapon, the blast striking Wolk square in the chest. He crumpled to the ground, a gasp of air escaping his lungs.

Mikoda let loose a primal, anguishing scream as he charged at Slade, getting hold of the weapon and wrestling with him for it with all his might. Two shots were fired in Mikoda and Slade's struggle for the weapon, the white hot beams piercing Stitch through the chest and neck.

Aysel rushed at Stitch, hoping to avenge his fallen comrade with a precise strike. Another bolt leapt from Slade’s weapon, burning through Aysel’s shoulder. He recoiled in pain, dropping his sword as he reflexively clutched the wound.

Mikoda and Slade continued to trade blows, each desperate to get control of the weapon. A sharp pain greeted Mikoda as Slade jammed the backside of the weapon into his gut, followed by the jolt of being struck in the jaw as he collapsed to the ground. Though dazed, Mikoda could make out the figure of Slade looming over him, the weapon aimed squarely at his chest.

Before Slade could fire, a blur of motion crossed Mikoda’s vision. A quick slash rent the air, and a spray of blood splashed across Mikoda’s face. Slade’s severed head tumbled to the floor, his body collapsing behind it.

Mikoda looked up to see Dawn Star, her sword dripping with blood. Her expression was grim, her breathing heavy but steady as the full weight of what she had done hit her. Her knees shook as she collapsed to the ground, the room flooding with the other guards as they began to triage those they could.

Mikoda pulled himself to his feet, surveying the carnage around him. Wolk lay dead, Aysel wounded, and Dawn Star, the young warrior, now bore psychological battle scars. He took in a few deep calming breaths before addressing all in the room.

“Gather what you can. We’re returning home.”

III. Author's Note

Huzzah and hooray, chapter 3 is here today.

Apologies if this is a long one but I hope it’s at least entertaining for you all.

Quick definitions for some of the terms I’m using here:

Tellurian: Earth Pony

Re’em: Unicorn Pony.

III.

Canterlot Royal Laboratories. 0315 hrs.

"Fascinating!" Dr. Lyra exclaimed, her voice brimming with unbridled joy. The royal laboratory hummed with the whir of instruments and machines as she gazed upon the alien specimens before her.

"Simply astounding," she continued, pacing around the examination table where the armored bodies lay.
Even as the days passed into a full week, Lyra's eyes still sparkled with childlike wonder as she ran a delicate finger along the edge of one trooper's armor. "The biological and technological implications are staggering. There’s enough here for weeks, months of discovery.”

Her short reverie was shattered by a loud crash from across the lab. Whirling around, Lyra watched in horror as Beaker, one of her colleagues, fumbled with a strange metallic cylinder, accidentally activating some sort of energy blade that sliced clean through his arm.

"Beaker, no!" Lyra cried, rushing to his aid as the poor stallion clutched the cauterized stump, wailing in sheer agony. "Somepony, call the medical team! We have an emergency!"

Dr. Bunsen Burner and one of the young interns answered the cries of help, the intern immediately setting to triage the wound and numb Beaker’s pain. However, Bunsen’s intrigue lay with the device his foolish colleague had fiddled with.

While the intern and Lyra tended to Beaker, Bunsen knelt down and carefully grabbed the alien cylinder by the middle, his eyes gleaming with a hunger for knowledge. As he traced his fingers along the device, he pressed a button, which sprang to life a searing green energy beam with a hiss and thrum. Bunsen’s lips curled into a grin, enthralled by the alien technology.

The doors to the lab hissed open, catching the attention of all as Princess Celestia strolled in, with Princess Luna following close behind. The small infant, now known as Loki, was cradled in her arms sleeping peacefully.

“By Faust, what happened here?” Celestia inquired, her tone like that of a worried mother as Lyra and her intern got Beaker back to his feet.

“Apologies, your majesties,” Lyra began, bowing as best she could while steadying her injured colleague. All the scientists in the room followed suit in the royal sister’s presence.

“It would seem our friend Beaker triggered some kind of energy blade,” Bunsen began, the joy of discovery in his voice overriding any empathy for Beaker’s condition, who was being escorted out of the room to awaiting medical staff. He pressed the button, causing the blade to disappear with a hiss. “Furthermore, our analysis of these creatures has revealed some intriguing results.”

Luna’s brow furrowed with interest. “Oh? Do tell, Dr. Heartstrings.”

Lyra’s expression brightened, barely able to contain her joy that her moment to shine as the authority in extraterrestrial life was coming true at last. “Yes, your Majesties,” she beamed, running towards a large console at the other end of the room, motioning for them to follow. She excitedly began typing on the keyboard, bringing up three separate files on the monitor as the Royal Sisters made their way over.

“Alright,” Lyra started, pointing to the middlemost file titled ‘Equestrian Anatomy.’ The image displayed was the full body anatomy of a Tellurian stallion. “First, let us consider their anatomy. As you see here this is the baseline anatomy for all Equestrians, regardless if they’re Tellurian, Re’em, or Pegasi.”

With a few more keystrokes, Lyra shifted the screen to show off the second file, dubbed ‘Unknown Female,’ before continuing her lecture. “Now this is the scan of the female creature that crashed into the gardens.” She pointed to the chest as she elaborated. “Note how everything is compared to the first chart. Heart, lungs, stomach; it’s all arranged in the same way as ours is.”

Both Celestia and Luna stared intently, mouths agape as they were transfixed by this discovery.

“However,” Lyra continued, carefully typing in more commands to the computer as the images were enhanced, showing off the heads of both charts. “There are some significant differences as you can see with their skull shapes.” She drew attention to the Tellurian head first. “Notice how our skulls are more elongated, with the eyes positioned on the sides of the head and the ears resting at the top. Their skulls, on the other hand, are more rounded and flattened, with the eyes positioned at the front and the ears lower on the head - almost reminiscent of a primate.”

Lyra further enhanced the images, highlighting the dental structures. “Now look at the teeth. Equinoid teeth are flat, and suited for a herbivorous diet. The alien’s teeth meanwhile indicate an omnivorous diet, note the canines and carnassials.”

As Lyra continued her enriching lecture, Luna turned her attention to the now-deceased female. She trepidatiously approached it, a mournful sigh escaping her lips. “How did she die?” She inquired, gently caressing Loki’s sleeping cheek.

“Oh, yes,” Lyra replied, sorrow in her voice. “Such a tragedy.” She entered a new series of commands into the computer, the monitor zooming in on the female’s abdomen, highlighting the burn marks.
“It seems that some strange form of projectile struck her here and here. These projectiles seared the flesh as they entered and exited.”

“What of the males your team removed from the crash site?” Celestia interrupted.

“That’s the interesting part,” Bunsen Burner interjected, typing his commands into another monitor opposite Lyra’s. “As we were conducting the autopsies, we did some preliminary blood work as well and-” With a final keystroke, several electropherograms were displayed. He pointed out the first two, dubbed ‘Unknown Male 1’ and ‘Unknown Male 2.’ “Now without getting too technical about it, we discovered that these males had exact matching DNA.” He beamed, typing in the necessary commands to display more charts. “And with every test, the DNA of all the males has been an exact match, down to the chromosome. This could only mean they’re clones.”

The Royal Sisters stared at the charts, perplexed yet entranced at the results. “Clones?” They gasped in unison.

“I know,” Lyra exclaimed, bouncing up and down like a school filly as the excitement surged. She typed more commands into the monitor, highlighting the clone's cellular structure. “There’s more though. Take a look at these.”

Luna and Celestia stared at the monitor, their faces equally perplexed at the latest find. The screen displayed a complex web-like network of cells, which seemed to pulse with some sort of energy. “What are these exactly?” Luna pondered, turning to Lyra.

“I’m not sure,” Lyra answered, her tone uncertain but no less thrilled. “My best guess leads me to believe that they’re a highly specialized type of organelle. And the strange thing is I think I’ve seen these before.”

“What? How?” Celestia and Luna exclaimed in surprise unison.

“Well,” Lyra replied with more uncertainty as she fidgeted with the keyboard. “I might be foggy on it, but I believe these may be in life across the planet. I’d have to double, even triple-check my biology on that but I will get the answer.”

As Lyra combed through the data repositories on life across Equus, Bunsen directed the royal sisters' attention to his screen, showing the clone’s bloodwork. “From what we gather these organelles are present in all these clones, at a count of twenty-five hundred per cell,” he began as he brought up another file marked ‘Unknown Female’. “And they’re present within the female as well, but hers are double the count per cell. This also likely means-”

“That Loki also has them.” Luna interrupted, her new maternal instinct kicking into worry and confusion as she gazed at the sleeping Loki. “Can you test him to be sure?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Bunsen hastily replied, fumbling for a sterile wipe and a lancet. “If you could just hold him still and allow me to draw a small bit from his foot.”

Luna nodded, gently unwrapping the bundle enough to expose Loki’s tiny foot as Bunsen gently swabbed it with a sterile wipe.

Loki soon stirred awake, his young emerald eyes fluttering open. Startled by the unfamiliar, bespectacled face looming over him, he mewled as Luna attempted her newfound motherly reassurances to keep him placated enough for Bunsen to carefully insert the lancet. As the needle pierced into his tender skin and Bunsen squeezed his foot to collect the sample, he let out a shrill cry and extended his hand. A mysterious force pushed Bunsen away, tossing him clear across the room and into the far wall with a thud.

Bunsen gasped in pain as he dropped to the floor, catching his breath. “Remarkable,” Bunsen uttered as he staggered to his feet, eyes widened in awe and shock.

Objects in the room were being tossed around, floating in the air and causing pandemonium as Lyra, Celestia, and Luna ducked, bobbed, and weaved, trying to abate Loki’s tantrum.

Bunsen’s lips pursed into a smile, ducking through the flying beakers and thrown lab instruments as he hurried to his workstation. “I’ve never seen such incredible power before,” he mused as he ran the test.

The chaos soon died down, objects clanged, crashed, and broke on the lab floor as Luna rocked Loki gently. “Shh, it’s ok baby, you’re safe now,” she whispered, tenderly kissing his strange tattoo.

All ears in the room perked up as the computer signaled the test’s completion. Bunsen adjusted his specs as he scanned the new information, jaw slack in shock. “Well by Faust herself,” he uttered. “It seems your little Loki’s counts are even higher than hers. Higher than even the clone’s organelle counts.”

Luna and Celestia stared at the information with a mix of intrigue and confusion. “The more we dig, the fewer answers we’re getting,” Luna spoke, shifting gaze between the bodies, the charts, and Loki, who finally drifted back into sleep. Her ears perked as an idea struck her mind like lightning strikes sand. “Where’s that machine they pulled from the wreck?”

“It’s across the lab,” Lyra answered, her enthusiasm rising at the mere thought of knowledge the mystery machine could possess. “I believe Dr. Time Turner is working on restoring it with Dr. Sparkle, well assuming she’s not investigating the other artifacts.”

“Well sister,” Celestia said, wrapping an arm over Luna’s shoulder. “Let us see if they have any answers for us.” Luna nodded in reply as the trio headed out the door, hoping and praying that these mysteries would be solved.

************

Twilight paced furiously around her lab office, muttering and cursing under her breath as she glanced back at her desk, gazing at one of the cubic devices she and her team had recovered from the alien wreckage. She glared intensely, a fire burning in her eyes, the left one starting to twitch.

“Look at it,” she said, a hint of frustration in her voice. “It's mocking me.”

“You’ve been obsessing over that thing for the last week, Twilight,” a familiar voice chimed from the doorway. “I don’t think it’ll do anything. Come have some dinner?”

Twilight snapped her attention to the small purple dragon looming in the entryway, his face encased with concern. “Not now Spike,” Twilight replied, audibly frustrated. “I’m almost sure I’m at a breakthrough on this thing.” She stared intensely at the cube as she grabbed her desk lamp and shone its light on the cube. “Alright Mr. Cube, you’ve proven to be resistant to every possible technique I’ve used so far. But no more Miss Nice Mare! You’ll spill your secrets to me or I’ll send you on a one-way trip through my particle accelerator—now talk!”

“Twilight, it’s an inanimate object,” Spike pointed out. “Besides, wouldn’t a particle accelerator completely atomize the thing?”

“That’s ok, Spike,” Twilight replied, a twisted smile on her face. “I’ve got more just like him. After they see their friend turned into subatomic nothingness, they’ll talk!” She turned her gaze to the bookshelf that contained the rest of the alien cubes and shook her fist at them. “Sooner or later one of you will spill your guts to me!”

“But what if they’re some form of book and you’re destroying probably irreplaceable knowledge?” Spike asked, rubbing his face with both hands as he felt a headache starting to form from Twilight’s madness.

Twilight cackled madly, falling back into her chair. Slowly her laughter died down as she digested Spike’s thought. “I...I think I need to...to get my mind off these..things.” She replied, her voice shaken. “I’ll...I’ll go see how Time Turner is coming along with the machine. Yeah...that’ll help.” She rose from her chair and made her way to her office door. “Spike. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?”

“Sure, I’ll see you back at the house then?” Spike asked, wrapping Twilight in a gentle embrace. “Don’t stay too long or dinner will get cold.”

“Ok, sure, sure,” Twilight replied, patting his back as she exited her office and made her way to the main lab floor. As the doors slid open, she could see Time Turner fiddling with a mass of jumper cables, attaching them one by one to the strange machine they retrieved. “Everything alright here, Dr. Turner?”

“We’ll soon find out won’t we?” Timer Turner answered, clamping the final cable into place. He stepped off the platform, crossing the room to reach a large electrical switch box. “I’ve always wanted to say this,” he said in joy, wrapping his hand around the lever. “I command the heavens, give my creature life!”

With a quick jerk, Time Turner threw the switch. Sparks and currents of electricity arced, cracked, and danced as the energy surged into the machine, causing many to stand back in fear. He reset the switch, shutting down the power as he trepidatiously approached the machine, eager for any sign of progress.

The machine's fingers twitched and the “eyes” began to flicker with light. Time Turner smiled as the alien device appeared to be rebooting. “Yes! Yes!” He exclaimed. “It’s working!”

The droid's eyes flashed on, reactivating with a jolt. As it tore itself free from the mass of cables, with a swift motion it grasped Time Turner by the neck, lifting him off the ground. The droid let out a series of garbled electronic noises as if attempting to communicate while the other scientists hurriedly fled the lab in a panic at the sight.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Celestia exclaimed, rushing over with Luna as Time Turner gasped for air, weakly kicking his feet against the metallic chassis. The droid turned its gaze to the two princesses, distorted sounds continuing to emulate from its voice box. It reached for its neck, attempting to adjust something as the noises soon became clearer.

“Where am I?” It asked, its voice heavily modulated but deep. “What planet is this?”

Time Turner attempted to answer, choking out air as he clawed and kicked at the droid, desperate for air. The droid, turning his attention to the anguished stallion in its grasp, lowered him to the ground and lessened his grip on Time Turner’s windpipe, allowing him to inhale gulps of air before properly responding. “Equus,” he gasped out in between breaths and a coughing fit. “You’re on Equus.”

The droid stared, tilting its head as if confused. Its eyes rapidly began to flash and after a minute or so, the flashes stopped. “Does not compute,” it replied, scanning its surroundings. “Equus does not appear on any Republic or Separatist Star charts. Curious.”

Before it could ask again, the small coos of little Loki drew its attention. The droid focused its gaze on the infant, and something seemed to shift in its demeanor as it approached the apprehensive Luna. “The child is unharmed?” it stated, almost with a sense of relief. “Oh thank the Maker you’re ok.”

Luna raised a brow in surprise, instinctively tightening her grip on Loki. “Yes, the child is unharmed,” she replied cautiously. “Who are you, and how do you know this child?”

The droid paused for a moment, as if processing the questions. “I am Arbee-ExSeven, BX series Commando droid and combat medic for 77th Clone Battalion,” it responded. “My Jedi master, Belle’Sara and I were fleeing with the child when…” Arbee trailed off, an almost pensive quality in its voice. “Please, where is Belle’Sara? I must find her.”

Arbee’s response created an immediate unease in the room. Celestia and Luna exchanged a concerned glance, unsure how the droid would take the news. Celestia sighed, taking calming breaths before resting her hand on Arbee’s chassis.

“I’m afraid we have grave news,” Celestia said solemnly, a tear running down her alabaster cheek. “Your master, this Belle’Sara, didn’t survive her injuries. Our medics did all they could to save her, but it wasn’t enough.”

Arbee’s body language shifted, his posture slumping slightly. “Then…she is one with the Force,” he said, a hint of sadness in his modulated voice. “I had hoped..” He trailed off, letting out a mechanical sigh.

Lyra tentatively approached Arbee, patting where she guessed his shoulder would be. “I…I’m sorry for your loss,” she said, her voice soft and empathetic. “If I may ask, how did you, this Belle’Sara, and Loki end up here?”

Arbee turned to face Lyra, his optical sensors dimming slightly as he stood to attention as he recalled the events, a large three dimensional projection enemated from his flashing eyes.

Lyra and the others present stood transfixed in awe as the projection showed Belle’Sara cradling the young Loki in her arms. Her expression was one of warmth and tenderness as she passed the child off into Arbee’s arms.

Without warning, Belle’Sara’s brow furrowed, a pained expression crossing her features. As Arbee tended to her, a chilling, raspy voice called out from the background.

“Execute Order 66,” it demanded.

A clone complied, raising his weapon to the back of Belle’Sara’s head. Before he could pull the trigger, Arbee got a shot off faster, nailing the trooper square in the chest.

“Hurry Arbee,” Belle’Sara yelled, igniting her energy blade as she deflected the strange projectiles. “We have to get to the bridge, make contact with the temple and warn them!” The projection continued, showing scenes of Belle’Sara and Arbee cutting down clone after clone as they worked their way up.

The projection shifted to Belle’Sara engaged in a fierce duel with the treacherous clones as they breached the doorway, with the last clone firing two shots into her. As she advanced, she quickly dealt the fatal blows. The scene concluded with Arbee gently placing her and Loki inside the escape pod and launching it.

The projection faded, leaving the room in somber silence. Celestia and Luna exchanged a weighty look, the gravity of the situation hitting them all like a ton of bricks.

“They were our friends,” Arbee broke the silence, anger in his voice. “We served alongside them, mourned our losses, took joy in victory, and they just turned and betrayed us.” He slammed his fist into a nearby shelf, breaking it in half.

Luna approached him, placing a comforting hand on his cold chassis. “Arbee,” she began softly, her voice tinged with sorrow. “If there’s anything we can do to help, please just-”

“I have only two requests.” Arbee interrupted, staring her down. Luna nodded in reply, motioning for him to continue. “First,” he began. “I wish to perform my master’s burial rites as dictated by her people’s customs.” He paused, observing the sleeping Loki tucked in Luna’s arms. “Second, I wish to continue my primary duty as the youngling’s caretaker under your supervision.”

Luna contemplated Arbee’s request, turning to Celestia for sisterly support. Celestia, though her body language read unease with the thought of what was recently confirmed to be a weapon of war caring for a small infant, gave Luna a nod of approval.

“Very well, Arbee-ExSeven,” Luna responded, meeting Arbee’s mechanical gaze. “I, Princess Luna Artume, Diarch of Equestria, do hereby dub thee Royal Guardian and Nanny to Prince Loki Starfallen.”

Arbee inclined his head in a slight bow. “By your command, Mistress Luna.”

The room fell silent, the weight of the situation bearing down on all present. Celestia stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Arbee's chassis.

"We will honor your master's memory, Arbee," she said solemnly. "And we will do everything in our power to protect young Loki, as well as you, in these uncertain times."

Arbee's optical sensors flickered, a hint of gratitude in his modulated voice. "Thank you, Princess Celestia. I will serve the youngling and your realm with unwavering dedication."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Arbee turned his attention to the sleeping Loki, his circuits humming with a newfound resolve to see the child safely through the trials that lay ahead.