[23ABY/ From the Files of Senator Twilight Sparkle of Equestria, Written at the facility within the planet Lokori. Six standard months after initial contact with the New Republic]

It's bizarre to think Equestria has come a long way from just a simple world that had it's own sets of challenges and problems. To being part of one of the many planets in the New Republic government.

Before I go on further, I should probably explain Equestria's exact encounter with the New Republic, and how it ended up with us as a unified planet with one government;

Around three standard months ago [Standard being in galactic, I'll have to explain that one in a later log…]
a expedition ship by the name of “Good Tidings” arrived in our system. It was by no means huge, it was actually pretty small compared to the other ships of the New Republic navy. The crew itself was manned by twelve people. The normal standard for expedition crews as explained by New Republic manuals.

We initially discovered the ship landing in the outskirts of Manehattan. By then, the Royal Guard garrison stationed there surrounded the area. But the crew had no ill-intention to start a conflict. After a good first impression by the crew and the leaders of Equus, we then became a united government and began negotiations to enter the New Republic. A decision notably divisive amongst the citizens of Equus. More or less we proceeded as planned.

After getting settled in, we were immediately helped getting adjusted by the new environment by Senator Leia Organa. A kind woman she is. And always found a way to make something out of nothing. I did some digging, apparently she was once a former Princess of a planet called Alderaan. Unfortunately the fate of the planet was…left to the decision of the Empire [The former government before the New Republic.] The Empire had a colorful history, draining resources of planets and Legacy Worlds–worlds free from any sort of exploitation. Something a friend of mine found to be extremely heartbreaking. And immediately volunteered to help clean up worlds devastated by the Empire’s carelessness

All of this was in preparation for a new super-weapon; The Death Star, a weapon capable of destroying worlds. And it's first test, was on the moon of Jedha. A formally holy city of a now resurrected Jedi Order. The blast nearly shattered the moon. Causing a crater that penetrated through the crust and allowed the outer core to spill into the atmosphere. Jehda is now a dead-world. People who were lucky enough to see it before it's destruction were able to write in detail the features of the planet before eventually passing. So at least the memory of Jedha lives on–in a way.

The project itself was headed by a man called Orson Krennic. A particularly ambitious man who apparently wanted a seat at the Emperor’s high council. And betrayed his best friend; an aspiring scientist named Galen Erso. To forcefully oversee the construction of the super-laser.

Galen himself was ahead of his time, and preferred not to fight in any war if possible. Soon after he met Lyra Erso, his wife. And after being captured, soon had his daughter; Jyn.

Now, most historians weren't too fond of Galen. Leia wasn't either too happy or fond of hearing the man who helped kill her homeworld. But I saw a man who wanted a way to live in a clean galaxy. His few notes recovered from archived proved to be so. Although they're a bit rough around the edges in terms of deciphering them. I could continue his work and fulfill his dream of making the galaxy clean for all. I owe him that much.

Jyn was apparently found by a Rebel Extremist named Saw Gerrea; Leader of the Partisans, shortly after her family was found in the farming planet of La' Mhu, resulting in her mothers death. Saw trained and groomed her to be the best of the best. And being a surrogate father for her. Then seemingly abandoned by him. Jyn then turned to a life a runner of the Empire. With a reputation that seemed unheard of by the Canterlot Investigation Bureau. Jyn was eventually sent on a prison labor camp in Wobanni for six months. And rescued by a extraction team sent by the rebels. Who had a specific mission in mind; track down Saw. As he held a key into finding her father.

Afterwards, after a short skirmish on Jedha and a failed rescue attempt-turned-assassination. Galen was killed by a X-Wing strike-team.

Jyn, alongside a Rebel Intelligence officer known as Cassian Andor, traveled back to the rebel base with their news about the super weapon. It was at this point the Rebel Alliance wanted to disband and surrender to the Empire. However, Jyn–in some way–had a change of heart. She urged the council to send their fleet to Scarif. A Imperial base where the plans to the super weapon was located at. However most of the Alliance refused, saying it was a lost cause. With the exception of a few notable Alliance Generals and Seantors. In response, Jyn assembled her own team and went rogue. Using a previously commandeered Imperial Cargo Shuttle to sneak into the base and extract the plans. With each one of them knowing it was a suicide mission. Word quickly traveled back to the Alliance as one of their admirals. A Mon Calimari named Raddus. Assembled the biggest fleet he could to Scarif.

With the much needed backup. Jyn and the rebels managed to steal the Death Star plans. But not before sacrificing each and every one of their lives. I'll let this excerpt from one of the X-Wing pilots who survived Scarif explain the rest;

[Recovered Holo-Entry by Barian Rainer, Callsign Blue Four]

“The station was massive. I knew my squadron on the ground wasn't going to make it out on time. So I focused on making sure at least one ship would be able to take a hit for the Profundity. We already sacrificed the Lightmaker to take down the shield and our ships were battered and weary of battle. Red Squadron, while performing some of the best flying I've ever seen. Wasn't able to keep some of their pilots from getting killed. I think one of ‘em was called Red Five. Never got a chance to know him other than his call-sign.

Once word got out that the plans were transferred to the Profundity. Everyone was making a beeline for the escape route. As I prepped my hyperdrive. A Star Destroyer winked into existence and began mauling the ships who were unlucky to punch in their proper coordinates in time. Coupled with the fact that more TIE Fighter squadrons were being deployed from that planet killer. The order was given to get out of the battlefield by any means necessary. I knew I was probably one of the few remaining Blue Squadron members. But I had my order to protect a blockade runner before everything went wrong. So I had no choice but to leave. Looking back, I wish that wasn't the case. I should've sacrificed myself by ramming my X-Wing into that blasted Star Destroyer. It wouldn't do anything to stop it’s massacre. But at least I could've died knowing it was for something.

But I didn't, I obeyed my orders. And the blockade runner was protected. And the planet killer was destroyed days later. So I guess the Empire finally got sloppy.”

[End Holo-Entry]

In the years following, the Empire would suffer crippling blows that weakened their government and power. The true death blows were at a forest moon called Endor (One of my friends formerly worked there as part of a expedition, apparently the flora gave her inspiration for new design for her galactic-wide clothing line), and the supposed barren world of Jakku. Religious devotees described it as a wellspring for a entity called “The Force”. Jakku was ultimately the final battle of the war. With one of the few things that still remained after all these years was a Star Destroyer called the Inflictor. Apparently the commander of that ship was suicidal. And a Super Star Destroyer (Rebel Veterans described it as a monster to fight against, apparently you had a better chance running rather than trying to fight one) called the Ravenger.

Anyways, the New Republic was spawned from this, while the remaining Imperials fought for who would get to control the remains of the shattered empire. Ultimately, they retreated into the stars after signing a peace agreement with the New Republic, officially recognizing them as the new governmental body of the galaxy. These days, the remains of the Empire have reformed into what experienced politicians like to akin to as “some moronic terrorist group that has a loud voice”, nothing to major to worry about. Something tells me to relax about it, but I always feel tense whenever they get brought up at gatherings. They just seem…off.

I guess I should at least update my state of mind while I am at it too, after all, I'm not due to return to Equestria for another two months.

Ever since the New Republic integrated our planet into the senate, I volunteered to travel to worlds to share our research on magic and conduct clean energy. Apparently a priority order put into place before the first chancellor of the New Republic–Mon Mothma–went into retirement. She required that the work Galen put into place should be finished in his honor. I guess he will will get his proper place in the galaxy someday, just not today. The newer chancellors are…alright. None of them compared to Mon Mothma's accomplishments.

As for my life back on Equestria…my assistant-slash-surrogate brother Spike has been living with my biological brother Shining Armor, and his wife, Princess Mi Amora Cadenza, former rulers of the Crystal Empire, now rulers of the Crystal Conglomerate. Their kingdom is a popular tourist attraction due to the Crystal Kingdom’s unique design.

Without getting sidetracked. I'd like to take my time to record my friends current whereabouts. They were the ones who brought me to where I am today. And although we don't see each other very often. I owe it to them. A couple of them I've already introduced in the following:

Well, there's Rainbow Dash. A enthusiastic and aspiring flyer. Now flies for the New Republic due to some commanders garnering interest in her due to her…flexibility when operating vehicles. She's currently stationed at the Valt System. Alongside a small fleet of New Republic ships and personnel to keep her company.

Then there's Fluttershy, she's really come a long way since I've first met her. She was once a shy mare who couldn't hold a conversation with anyone that wasn't her friend. Now she runs a nature restoration company dedicated to fixing various wildlife problems that still inhabit the galaxy years after the Empire. Apparently she has a new pet that grew to like her during her stay on a particular world. The creatures are called Acklays…she calls it Legs.

Rarity, a fashion designer, managed to kickstart her career due to most travelers recommending her boutique. Causing her to maintain a clothing line for galactic citizens to wear. And personally teaching future fashion designers how to hone in on their skills. As well as maintaining a charity that continuously supplies underfunded world’s still repairing from the Empire’s damage.

Applejack is the one which I can say changed the least. She's rather adamant about sticking to traditional methods and personally bucking apples from the trees as per usual. However her Apple business skyrocketed due to their quality. And the ever increasing demand from Apple Cider (The drink is popular in bar-like places called “Cantina’s”). She still lives in Equistria, and is enjoying life as it is.

Pinkie Pie, a friend who has her quirks, but is kindhearted and exceptionally good at making you laugh (Kind of a given since her specialty is making people laugh, but I digress), she currently resides in a tropical planet called Iloh, where her skills as a baker have been exceptionally known in that sector. While she is a baker at times, other times she just makes people laugh when the time calls for it. One tourist described it as "a sense of ease where everything in the galaxy just stops, and you can just enjoy the laughter".

I guess I should wrap up my log now, I have work to finish. Hopefully I will complete it in time so I can come back to Equestria for this Hearth’s Warming Eve.

[End Journal//After several revisions]

///Somewhere within the Unknown Regions///

“So what is it that you've brought me here today, Hux?”

The general turned to the man, his expression remained neutral as he approached him.

“Capitan Nerus, I have approached you with a task that has come before the Supreme Leader's attention. A planet named Equus has certain…obstacles that will get in the way of our return to the galaxy. That wretched governor has already set our plans back. I entrust you and your division to handle this planet while we prepare?” Hux asked the Captain, he needed to make sure nothing would get in the way from the First Order’s return to the galaxy. And these Alicorns could prove difficult to fight against without the super-weapon’s completion.

“It shall be done.” Nerus said as he quickly saluted and swiftly left the room. His boots clicking across the spotless floors of the Finalizer. After Nerus left the briefing, Hux turned on the communicator, and it revealed the First Order’s feared Captain; Phasma.

“Phasma, has the operation been approved?”

“Yes,” Her voice crackled through her helmets speakers, “The operation–while delayed by Leia Organa, are still going as planned. Rumors are running rampant that she has formed her private military group to further stall our operations. This could be problematic if left untreated, Hux.”

“Possibly, we still need to keep our true fleet numbers a secret, a little distraction from that wretched woman will do nothing in the future. We must adapt accordingly.” He switched off the hologram and sat in his chair.

'Soon,' He thought, 'We will return to the galaxy stronger that ever. And the New Republic will burn…'

Author's Note

Before we continue on, would you like it if I included interludes from Twilight's journals? They would only come sporadically, and contribute next to nothing to the story. But would you like it?

If you manage to find any errors within the story that I've might've missed, please point them out, it helps me--and the story--tremendously.

Constructive criticism is always helpful. Thanks for viewing the story!