The Intrepid Few

Chapters

Chapter One: A Perfectly Happy Lie
Chapter Two: Always
Chapter Three: Dissolution
Chapter Four: Launch

Chapter One: A Perfectly Happy Lie

The Intrepid Few Chapter One: A Perfectly Happy Lie Year: 2125

The first thing I notice as I awake, before my eyes even have time to open, the scent of freshly picked lilac; her favorite perfume. I reach out my arms as sensation takes hold, pulling her in close. My hands run through her soft fur. Finally, I open my eyes, seeing hers looking back into mine. My scaly tail wraps around her legs, earning a little sleepy smile.

"Good morning."

She buried her face into my chest, her messy lavender hair presses against my snout. I lean in with a smile, planting a kiss atop her head.

"Good morning to you too~" she replies.

"Just three more days..."

She rears up her head, her hoof rubbing at her sleepy eyes, before wrapping her hooves around me. "Just three more days, and I can finally say you've been mine for a century..."

"Can you believe it? Honestly, how many ponies do you know who can stick it out this long... and still look at each other the way we did when we were kids..."

She gave me a light peck on my lips and giggled. "Not enough, I'd say." And with that, she sat up, running her hoof along my hand before slipping out from under the sheets.

I reach out for her, taking her by the hoof as I playfully pull her back into my arms. "Just where do you think you're going? Hmm?" I started kissing her up and down her neck, eliciting a light giggle.

"Come on now, Spike. You and me both know you're going to be late if we do this now~"

I glance over her shoulder to the clock on the nightstand. "Oh nonsense, we have a good five minutes left before my alarm goes off." I said as I slowly ran the back of my hand up her arm.

She leaned into me with that. "Five minutes always has a way of turning into half an hour, you know?"

I smiled as she turned to face me. Those bright emerald eyes looking into mine as she rested her forehead against mine. Shaking her head she leaned in to kiss me once more. "God, I love you."

With a smirk I pressed my lips to hers, leaning in deep this time. I wrap her tight in my arms, taking in her every sensation. Her scent, her warmth, her touch, her taste. Slowly we both pull back, each other's hot breath on our snouts.

She rested a hoof against my chest, and sighed as she looked up at me. "And I'm doing this because I love you too." She then slid back and stepped out of bed. "Come on now, it's the day you've been waiting for after all. Six months working at that observatory, charting all those nights. You must be excited to finally see it all come together."

I nod to her with a smile. "I hope you know I'm just putting this on pause for later..."

She gave me a wink as she trotted away. "I'd expect nothing less."

Just as she stepped through the doorway, that familiar hated beeping started. "Silence alarm."

I stepped through the doors to the Royal Canterlot Observatory, and am immediately greeted by my all too eager collogue, Dawn. Her bright red mane bouncing with her step as she rushed over to me, just beaming with excitement.

"It's finally ready! I just finished the download from the Horizons satellite!"

I could never help but find her youthful vigor somewhat adorable at times. After all she only got her Ph.D. in astronomy no more than six months ago. Every discovery, every new planet and star is like Hearths Warming Eve for her.

"Alright, alright. Let's see what we got."

Following her into a large dimly lit room, I closed the door behind us. The walls were jet black with small diodes spaced out in a grid, separated by a foot each.

With a grin, Dawn looked up at me. "Well, go ahead."

I nodded back at her with a smile, and cleared my throat. "Computer, run Horizons Main"

With that, what little light that remained died down, before bursting back with a vibrant night sky. The warm glow of a holographic sun bathed the room in light. I stepped closer to the star, seeing Earth and the other eight planets orbiting it, with each planet looking as if you could reach out and touch it.

"Alright then. Computer, show the nearest candidate."

The room then suddenly shifted, quickly moving away from our sun to Proxima Centauri, our nearest star, just four point two five light years away. Orbiting it were three small planets, on of which was slightly larger than Earth, and directly in the middle of the habitable zone. I reached out to the small rocky planet, seeing something that honestly gave me chills. It's atmosphere was blue, and it's surface was tinged with browns, blues, and... purple. The image wasn't the clearest, but there was no mistaking, that was exactly what we expected plant life to look like on a red dwarf world.

Dawn's face was pale white as she stared at the small world. "Oh my god. Th-There's life. There's really life! A-A-And it's our nearest neighbor!"

I raised at hand to her. "Wait, wait, wait. L-Let's not get too excited just yet." I reached out a hand to this world, and tapped on it's atmosphere. I just wanted to be sure Horizons hadn't found anything harmful in the air.

"1.2 Atmospheres of Pressure
69% Nitrogen
30% Oxygen
1% Water Vapor"

I couldn't contain it anymore, I let out a laugh of excitement. "It's not just breathable, Dawn; it's more breathable than here on Earth!" I couldn't resist anymore, I pulled the little pony in for a hug without a second thought. Giggling like a child, I took a step back, and noticed a little crimson on her cyan cheeks. I'll admit, I blushed a little from embarrassment at just how unprofessional that was. I was essentially her boss after all.

Clearing my throat, I looked back to the star map. "Computer, show candidate two."

Again the star map rushed over to another nearby star. This time however, it was a bit further out. Sigma Draconis, my favorite. Half because of it's name, and half because I was the one who discovered the planets I was looking at. Two small rocky worlds smack dab in the middle of the habitable zone. Each one just slightly larger than Mars. The pair continuingly orbiting each other in a never ending dance. And the best part, they were both green and blue.
It's an almost indescribable feeling to look at something you've discovered, and realize it very well may have been the discovery of the century. Not one, but two worlds to call home. The overwhelming rush of pride you get, I could only think to equate to seeing your child for the first time.

Reaching out, I tapped the atmospheres of both worlds. Ironically, holding my breath as I did so.

"0.9 Atmospheres of Pressure
75% Nitrogen
24% Oxygen
1% Water Vapor"

Both read the same. I let out a light chuckle as I read the data. They were my twins.

There I stood looking at the projection, when the simulation suddenly ended. The lights returned to as they were before we had entered. Confused, I looked around, thinking something must be wrong. Just then, the trembling voice of the observatory's phone operator came over the speaker.

"E-Excuse my interruption, Mr. Spike, but Princess Celestia is currently holding."

I raised my brow in surprise. It had been sometime since I had heard from her. "Thank you," I replied, before looking to Dawn. "Could you give us a minute?" She nodded and hurried out of the projector room.

Looking back to the center of the room, I was met with the ever regal princess. I smiled to her. "It's been quite some time. To what do I owe the pleasure."

She returned the smile, nodding. "It most certainly has been awhile, hasn't it? I wanted to ask you to come see me. There's something I need to ask of you."

I tilted my head slightly. "Oh? Why not ask me now?"

"It would very much appreciated if I could speak to you in person."

I nodded. "Of course."

Even with my mind racing with the possibility of life on over a dozen worlds, walking up these marble steps still brought me back. A lot has changed since I played here as a child, but some things can just never be covered up with the ever changing world we live in. Each magnificent spire, reaching up higher and higher than the last until you lay your eyes upon the central balcony. Every last bit of elegantly crafted railing, adorned in gold.

As I neared the entrance, two Royal Guardsmen laid their staff across the doorway, blocking me. "Halt!" They shouted.
I took a step back, confused. "I'm here to meet with Princess Celestia. Have you not been informed?"

"A dragon here to meet the Princess of Equestria, I very much doubt that," scoffed one of the guards.

I sighed, crossing my arms. "I'm Spike. Elements of Harmony, Crystal Empire? Any of this ring a bell?"

"We all know of the Elements of Harmony, but the name 'Spike' holds no meaning to us."

I rolled my eyes. 'Really? Wow, probably should have milked the whole fame thing a lot longer.'

"Well, look could you at least deliver her the message that I'm here?"

"Why on Earth would we do that for a complete stranger? For all we know you're just some lunatic."

"Yeah, I know how you may see it, but I'm telling the truth. If someone could just-"

"Spike, it's so good to see you."

I didn't even have to turn around to know it was her. The pale expressions on the guards' faces said it all. I couldn't help but give them a little 'I told you so' smirk.

Turning to face the princess, I did a quick bow. "Your majesty."

She let out a small giggle. "Oh come now, there's no need for that." Stepping forward, she wrapped a hoof around me. "It's so good to see you."

I returned the embrace. "You as well princess. The years have been kind to you."

"I would hope so," she said with a tinge of sarcasm. "Guards, please open the doors for our guest."

The duo almost tripped over themselves as they sprang into action. "Yes, mam!" With that the great stained wood doors swung open.

As they closed behind us, she looked to me and said "I hope those guards didn't hold you up too much. I didn't expect you here so soon."

I laughed a little. "Oh no worries... So what is it you needed to speak to me about?"

She paused a moment, as though she was carefully thinking out her words. "As you know, when we discovered the first world in the habitable zone, so close to us, we started work on a way to get there. It was a decade long global space race to see who could build the first ship capable of bridging the void. Well, we're almost done building, and it looks like we're going to be the winners... But after this morning... Finding a dozen more worlds with breathable air... We're looking into getting a crew as fast as possible, so we can start the mission."

I was a little taken aback to say the least. I knew we were nearing completion, but I had no idea we were so close. "So, why bring me in on this? I'm just an astronomer, princess."

"You're an astronomer with more knowledge of these planets than anyone else. You're the reason we even found some of them. I'd trust you to know best on exactly how to approach whatever you may find out there... So I'd like you to consider joining-"

"I'll do it!" I exclaimed, before quickly biting my tongue. "Sorry, princess."

She nodded with a smile. "Of course... There is just one thing you should know..."

I leaned in curious. "What is it?"

"These vessels are going to be traveling at a very high rate of speed. Very close to the speed of light. Even a grain of sand could obliterate the most heavily reinforced shield at those speeds... And so it's important, that we have somepony powerful enough who can use their magic to shield the ship... An alicorn..."

"You don't mean-"

With a weary expression, she nodded.

"No. No I'm sorry princess, after what happened I can't be around her. I-I just can't."

"Spike, I know you and Twilight have had a rough relationship after Sweetie Belle, but please, think about what I'm offering you. This is the chance of a lifetime, and you know it."

"Princess, what happened was just-" I grit my teeth, trying to hold down my voice. "I'm sorry. You're going to need to find another astronomer."

Celestia let out a sigh. "I was afraid you'd say that... Spike, just please think about it, and if you change your mind, I'll be here."

Gravel crunches beneath my feet as I walk down the narrow path. With the setting sun, the cool of the night air starts to wash up from the valleys. I look out at the hills, to the sky beyond, awash with reds, yellows, oranges, and... purple.
I step off the path onto the grassy field. I really should come here more often, but it's one of those things you just don't want to come to grips with, when you're perfectly happy pretending everything is fine.

With the lead in my boots growing heavier and heavier the closer I get, I almost want to stop in my tracks; turn around and never come back. She's not gone, she's still here. I keep telling myself that, but a copy is and always will be just that; a copy.

With one last step, I'm here. I drop down to my knees, staring at the white stone before me.

"Sweetie Belle
Caring friend, loyal student, and loving wife.
2004-2123"

A copy, is just a copy.

Chapter Two: Always

The Intrepid Few Chapter Two: Always

Do I know my hatred is irrational? Of course I do. It's not something you can logically control. It's an acquired taste. A symbol of a memory you can't, or shouldn't forget, no matter how much you wish you could.

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about Twilight some nights as I tried to fall asleep. I've even thought about how close we used to be, but before I could let myself fall back, and wish for those days to return, I remember Sweetie Belle, and it starts all over. Is it something I'm proud of? No, but then again, since when did hate become a thing of reason?

Sitting at the dining table in our kitchen where I'd normally be enjoying a cup of coffee, I only look down at the mahogany slab before me. A lot of things weigh on my mind. A lot of things I could find myself regretting, or loathing.

I let out a disgruntled sigh as I rub at my eyes. Sleep had eluded me the prior night, with the dark circles outlining my eyes as proof. "Damnit."

I hear the light hoof steps of Sweetie Belle coming up from behind me. Slowly she wraps her hooves around me, draping them over my shoulder. I lean into her neck as she pulls me in. "So, you mind telling me why you were up tossing and turning all night?"

I bit my tongue, not entirely sure if I should tell her. "I don't know. Just wasn't feeling well."

She shook her head. "You see, the key word was 'why'… So, why weren't you feeling well, Spike."

I slid out from under her embrace, and stood up, making my way over to the sink where I poured myself a glass of water. Taking a few swallows, I finished it. "Equestria is almost done building the ship. They're beginning to gather a crew to man it... Celestia asked me to be in that crew."

Sweetie Belle's eyes went wide. "Oh? Well, how soon are you going to leave?"

I waved her off. "No, it's not... I told her no."

A little shocked, she took a step forward. "And why would you ever do that? Spike, this is the chance of a lifetime. Ponies would kill to be where you are."

I nodded. "Yes. Yes. I know that... It's just... I just- I can't do it."

"Spike, what is it you're not telling me?"

My mouth hung open, but no words left my lips. I just couldn't bring myself to tell her. I knew what she thought of Twilight, and knew what she'd think of me.

The pause in our conversation was suddenly interrupted by the chime of a doorbell. Looking to the clock, I found it odd for someone to be dropping by this early. And so, I made my way over to the door. Without thinking to check who it was, I swung it open. Whether it be just who I am, or the dragon blood running through my veins I'll never know, but what I did know was that rage had returned.

"What are you doing here?"

Twilight turned away, feeling my words like a knife to her throat. "Spike," she said quietly, her voice sounding defeated before she could even begin. "I just... I needed to speak with you."

I stepped forward, closing the door behind me. "You need to leave. Now."

She took a step back. "I know you'd love nothing more than to never see me again, but please just hear me out... I know Celestia asked you to join the crew."

"And? What does that have anything to do with you?"

"Spike, just please... It's just, I know how hard you've been working. I've even read the books you've written about these planets. No one knows more about exoplanets than the drake whose been studying them for decades."

I shook my head as I crossed my arms. "It's not the mission I have a problem with; it's who I'd have to deal with when I'm up there."

Twilight nodded. "I-I just don't want you to regret this..."

"I regret a lot of things Twi, but spending as much time away from you as I can sure isn't one of them."

She must have found some bravery just then, or maybe she just felt defeated enough to give in, but Twilight finally looked me in the eye. It felt wrong to keep going after her like this. She was looking to me like a wounded animal would, as it accepts what's next.

"It wasn't Princess Celestia who asked for you to be on the ship, Spike. I-I... I can't do this anymore. You were my best friend, and I hate that this is what we've become! I miss you more than you can imagine!" Her voice cracked as her tears finally broke through. "I want my friend back."

I paused. "I just want to know why... Why you just stood there."

"Spike..."

I clinched my fists and turned away. "Just answer the question."

"I-I couldn't do anything. We're not supposed to; not like that."

"So instead, you decided to just watch her die on the table with me! I begged you over and over, and you just stood there!" I didn't realize just how loud I was getting as I spoke.

"Do you think it was easy!? She was my student, she was like my daughter! How do you think I felt, knowing I wasn't allowed to intervene!?"

"Don't you even dare try to compare yourself to what I went through!"

Her horn glowed with magic, as she dug her hooves in. "Spike I loved her just as I did you, so you need to back off."

I crossed my arms. "What? Are you going to attack me? No matter how I may feel about you, I'd never lay a hand on you... Just shows how little you really know about me."

She lowered her guard, letting the glow leave her horn, looking a little ashamed of her defensive stance. "I'm sorry. I didn't have a choice. I taught her everything I could, but she couldn't become an alicorn. I'm only supposed to guide, not force. And believe me, I am sorry things aren't different."

I veered my eyes from her gaze. "Y-You should leave."

"I'm sorry."

I opened the door and stepped back. "Yeah." Slowly, I closed it.

With a long sigh, I laid my arm against the door, resting my forehead against it. As I did, I heard a light sob from behind me. Quickly, I turned to find Sweetie Belle staring at me with tearful eyes.

"Y-You should leave too."

I was a little shocked by this. "W-What?"

She closed her eyes and looked down gritting her teeth. "You know, the thing about being an android is you can tap into pretty much every networked electronic device. Like the security cameras by the doors. Not like the whole neighborhood couldn't hear already though."

I stepped forward. "Sweetie."

"No! Just no! I know I'm not her. I have her memories, her every thought, but I can never be the her you want. I'm not flesh and blood, and that's the kicker."

"Please just stop."

"No, this has been a long time coming. I'm a fantasy to you. An escape from the real world, and I've been all too aware of this for some time."

I rubbed my brow. "No, that's not it at all. I just- What she did-"

"What she did was let things happen the way they would have anyways. And that's another thing. You need to end this idiotic rage you have against Twilight. I forgave her because I at least understood it. You never could understand her side. Look, I may not be the Sweetie Belle you want, but I can damn sure speak on her behalf."

I didn't know what to say. All those demons I've kept in the closet just blew the door off the hinges. I just want things back the way they used to be. "I know..." I kept my eyes at her feet as I opened the door. "I know."

A brisk morning wind was blowing as I sat atop a bench at the local park. I looked up at a sky filled with crafts of all types. Ponies going to and from work, home, or wherever. The skies were a lot quieter back when the only ones flying were the pegasi. Still though it all, shines an ever constant sun. No matter how much we may do to this rock, it will continue to shine on in its bright glowing apathy.

I took in a deep breath and stood, walking along the path, past the fountain, past parents playing with their foals. It's really hard to believe that this massive city used to be Ponyville.

No matter how stone cold I think I am, I'm holding it together with a shoestring. Twilight's words swim though my mind with Sweetie's. If I'm being honest, I do miss her. I miss both of them. I just want to go back to when we were younger. When I could always turn to Twilight as my best friend, and hold Sweetie Belle in my arms each night.

I hate it. I know that this version of Sweetie Belle is her. I was the one who asked for her consciousness be copied before she died. Every word she says, every thought, or emotion is hers, just not the her I fell in love with. Ironically, even though Twilight is the Twilight I grew up with, I doubt I'll ever be able to look at her the same way.

I feel defeated. I feel angry, but without cause. I feel alone.

Walking the streets, I keep my head down. I know what I should do. I know it's the right thing. Still, pride is the hardest pill to swallow.

After a few minutes of walking, I reach the centerpiece of Ponyville; Twilight's castle. I ascend the staircase and am met with her guards, however this time they do not stop me. Quite the opposite; they opened the door for me. My guess is Twilight must have told them there was a chance I'd be coming. I hate it when she's right about me.

As I enter the throne room, I look up, seeing her seated, but as soon as our gaze met, she quickly stood, making her way down to me. I took in a deep breath, the both of us meeting in the middle of the room.

"So," I said.

"So."

I paused a moment. "We need to talk. No shouting this time."

She nodded. "Okay then, let's talk."

I bit my lip. "I-I know it wasn't your fault. I haven't blamed you because I felt it was, I just always felt it was your responsibility to s-save her."

She shied away. "I can understand that."

I looked up. "I just want things back the way they were before, Twi. I miss how it used to be."

Twilight eyed me "Did something happen after I left?"

I nodded. "Sweetie said something that's still ringing in my ears. She said she can never be her. And you know the really messed up thing? I know she's right... She's an exact mental copy of her, but she's not the real her. I love her. I do, I just..."

Twilight then did something she hadn't done in a very long time; she hugged me. Slowly, I did the same.

"Twi... It feels so wrong to think like this. I don't know what to do."

She squeezed me a little tighter, and I actually started to cry a little. "Spike, I can't imagine what this feels like for you, but I'm always here for you if you need me."

"I didn't mean for it to go this way."

"I know."

I sniffled a little, and cleared my throat as I regained my composure. "And um, I've decided to accept your offer, if you'll still have me."

She gave me a light smile. "Always."

Chapter Three: Dissolution

The Intrepid Few Chapter Three: Dissolution

I haven't spoken to Sweetie Belle in a few weeks now. I've tried calling, even stopping by, but no answer. Sure it hurts, but still her words held true. Sweetie Belle, my Sweetie Belle died two years ago, and this copy of her memories, her consciousness, was still just a copy. A copy I found myself holding onto, not daring to let go of. Not wanting to be alone.

Is it the idea of an organic soul that makes us think this way. Someone doesn't need to be born to make you smile, to reminisce with, and to long for. Yet you still feel that lingering thought in the far recesses of your mind. A small voice saying this isn't real, no matter how real it feels. These few weeks away just make me realize that more and more.

Ironically, the one pony I would have gladly never spoke to again was the only one who would still take me in. Even after all this time.

I sat in the Royal Ponyville Library, the large table before me doubling as a touch screen. I look over each blueprint and progress photo of the ship. A ship that finally got it's name last week; Intrepid. I continue through the photos. The central spire of the ship connecting the massive shield at its tip to the equally huge reactor chamber at its rear. In the next photo, the twin shuttles "Icarus" and "Daedalus" both acting as counterweights for the ship's spin. This is of course to create the artificial gravity onboard. Then lastly, the fuel tanks were added; each the size of a thirty five story building.

Hoof steps sounded through the corridor behind me, as Twilight walked over. Taking a seat on the bench beside me, she looked to the images I had pulled up.

"So what's your thought's on naming the ship 'Intrepid'?" she asked.

I shrugged. "It's fitting I suppose. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing. Just wasn't my first choice. I would have much rather named it Atlantis."

"Atlantis huh? The mythical city that fell into the ocean killing thousands?" I replied sarcastically.

She gave me a smirk as she rolled her eyes. "I prefer the mythical city that is said to hold things beyond our wildest dreams, just waiting to be discovered."

I smiled, shaking my head. "Why do you always have to be like that?"

"Like what?"

"Over thinking things."

She chuckled. "Someone's got to do the thinking, right?"

I rolled my eyes.

Her smile softened and faded as she took on a more serious tone. "So have you heard from Sweetie Belle at all?"

I shook my head. "No. I've tried to contact her, but she doesn't want to see me right now."

She looked down, and slowly lifted her hoof around me. "I'm sorry."

"No. It's alright. I feel like in a way, I needed this." I paused. "Living with her, I never really had the opportunity to accept that the real Sweetie Belle was gone. Only delaying the grieving process I guess."

"Well, if you ever need to talk, don't hesitate to ask me. Okay?"

I nodded. "Of course... And there's something else."

Twilight's ears perked up a bit. "What is it?"

My eyes stayed fixed at her hooves, not wanting to look up. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for blaming you."

"Spike-"

"I-I've known there was nothing you could do. I just believed she was going to become an alicorn so bad. It was all she would talk about. Always telling me one day she'd discover a new magic like you, and become a princess."

Twilight rested her other hoof atop my hand, which I quickly held onto. "Spike, I wish I could have helped her find that. I really do. Honestly-" She paused. "I feel like I failed her as her teacher. All those things you said, I've been asking myself how I could have done things differently."

I looked up, a little surprised, and even more ashamed. We were both close to her, yet I never stopped to think of how her death affected Twilight. It was wrong of me to be so selfish. Slowly, I pulled her in close. As I did so, I felt her tear fall onto my arm. I couldn't help but feel my eyes beginning to water up as well.

"I miss her so much. The real her," I said, a few of my tears finally starting to break free.

She pulled me into her more. "I do to."

It took us a few minutes, but this was something we both needed. Just getting this buildup of grief out in the open. Turning away, she wiped away her tears. Watery bloodshot eyes facing me as I did the same.

"Well, um," she began with a cracky voice. "There was something else I wanted to tell you."

I cleared my throat. "Y-Yeah?"

Wiping away a few more tears, she tapped the screen a few times to reveal an image of a patch. It was the flag of equestria reaching to a bright star with the outline of a planet behind it. And at the very top, an homage to our old friends. Seven stars, each the color of their fur, with one bright green star as the exception. It was the one right in the middle too.

"I uh, threw this together after they announced the name of the ship. Princess Celestia already approved it."

I gave her a sheepish smile. "I love it." I then pointed to the small green star and asked "Might I ask why you added my color to the elements of harmony?"

She looked to me with sincerity in her eyes. "We never would have made it without you. You're more than deserving of a star."

I gave a little chuckle in reply, before giving her a quick hug. "Thank you, Twi."

Needing a little fresh air, I decided to go up to the balcony. Running into one of the royal guards, he quickly bowed, before saying "Sorry sir, I'll leave you be."

I threw up a hand. "Nonsense, you're fine as you were, Golden Shield."

He then nodded, and turned away overlooking the city below. I joined him, leaning against the railing.

"Can I ask you something?"

He nodded. "Of course, sir."

"What's one thing you'd want to do if you knew you'd never get to do it again? And I don't mean the usual kiss your wife or anything like that. Name something fun."

The guard smiled. "Well sir, you may think it's rather simple, but I'd go to my favorite restaurant one last time, bring out all my friends, and just have one last fun night together."

I smiled as well. "Hey it's simple, but there's no problem with being simple if it makes you happy... Only issue is my friends were the Elements of Harmony, and all I have left are colleagues."

He nodded. "In that case, do something you've always wanted to but never took the time to do. Go climb a mountain, go out to the waterfalls in the Everfree. You can never go wrong with the beauty of nature, sir."

I patted him on his shoulder. "This is why I've always prefered you guys in Ponyville over the dicks in Canterlot."

He let out a laugh. "Indeed, there are quite a few like that over there."

A cool breeze then came up over the balcony, giving me a little shiver. The guard however, stood without showing the slightest indication he was cold.

"I really don't see how you guys do it. That metal has to be freezing."

He nodded. "We've gotten used to it."

"So, do you know your next assignment after Twilight and I leave?"

"Not just yet, but I've heard the Crystal Empire getting thrown around a bit."

"Oh you'll enjoy it, but be warned the guards up there are a bit more strict than here."

With a smile he replied "I know no one will treat us quite as well as you and Princess Twilight, sir."

I grinned as I took his hoof, and shook it. "Good luck, Golden Shield."

"Thank you, sir."

With that, I turned and made my way back inside. As I descended the spiral staircase, I bumped right into Twilight. Both of us a little startled, but laughed it off.

"Hey, I was looking for you," she said.

"Oh, what's up?"

She the gestured with her hoof to follow her, and so I did. Down the halls, to her bedroom. She opened the door for me, before closing it behind us. I was a little confused as to why she'd bring me here, but went along with it nonetheless.

"So I just spoke to Celestia, and she wanted me to bring you in on this."

I eyed her. "On what?"

She lowered her voice. "The real reason we built the Intrepid."

Okay, now I'm confused. "There's a second reason?"

"It was actually my selling point for the mission. Basically, with the Elements of Harmony gone, and there still being no shortage of magical or physical threats to Equestria, I proposed that the best defense against these threats would be to diversify the playing table."

I raised my brow. "You're talking about colonizing worlds so that if something were to happen to Earth..."

She nodded. "Precisely. Our mission is to basically scout out new worlds, establish landing sites for future colonists, and claim territory for Equestria."

"So why tell me this?"

She cleared her throat. "Well, Princess Celestia also told me something else. With my leadership experience, and your knowledge of the planets, she thought it a good idea to name us both commanders."

I crossed my arms. "Wait, how does that even work?"

"Hey, she always seems to have a plan somehow, so I've just learned to not question her word."

"If you say so."

One Hundred Fifty years. In our year long journey shiptime, one hundred fifty years will have passed back on Earth. In the last hundred years, Equestria has become a nation reborn with technology, but to more than double it, I can't even begin to imagine the innovations we'd come back to find. That is if there's anything left to come back to.

On top of that, the moment we kick on the engines, we'll lose all communications with Earth. With the speed we'll be traveling, any communications we'd send will be arriving only a little sooner than we would. We will be totally alone in the void, with no one but each other to count on. No backup, no rescue, no escape plan.

With the days counting down, I decided to give it one last go to try to make things right. I just can't leave things with Sweetie Belle the way I did. Taking in a deep breath, I ring our doorbell. Nothing. I give it a few seconds and try again. Still nothing. I wait for a solid minute, and with a sigh, turn and start to walk away, when I finally hear the sound of a lock clicking open. I quickly do a one eighty, finding a distraught Sweetie Belle in the doorway.

I take a step closer. "Hey, are you okay?"

She waves me off with a hoof. "I'm fine."

"C-Can I come in?"

Hesitantly she nods, and I follow her inside. "I heard you reconsidered Princess Celestia's offer."

I nodded. "Yeah. We don't have a set launch date, but we're expecting sometime in the next few weeks."

She gave me a meek smile. "That's good. I'm happy for you... You're staying with Twilight now?"

"Yeah, we ended up talking for awhile, just getting everything out on the table."

"I'm glad to hear that."

I kept my distance, not wanting to upset her anymore, but I had to say something. "I've missed you. A lot."

She averted her gaze. "I've missed you too."

Sighing, I asked "What are we doing?"

Sweetie Belle only stared at the ground. "I'm going to say something, but I just want you to listen until I'm done."

The tone in her voice concerned me.

Looking up at me with tears in her eyes, she bit her lip. "Spike... I-I don't know what I'm supposed to think anymore. I know I'm not really her, but I can still remember the butterflies in her stomach the first time we kissed, I can remember how she felt on her wedding day, all of it. But I don't know if what I feel for you is really the love she had for you, or if it's just the closests representation they can put to software. I just- I just don't know if I can ever love you like she did and-" Her voice cracked as she started to sob. "I-I wish I was her! But I'm just holding you back from finding something real."

That was it. I couldn't just stand here watching her cry anymore. I pulled her in, letting her bury her face into my chest. Even if she wasn't the Sweetie Belle I married, whatever it was she was feeling was real. Those tears on my scales were proof enough.

She looked up at me, sniffling as she tried to wipe away her tears. "I'm sorry, I-I shouldn't have done that."

I hugged her tight. "Sweetie, if that isn't real, I don't know what is."

"Spike, please don't. I'm not-"

"Yes, you are. Do I know if what you feel is the same as her? No. But when I look into your eyes, I know whatever that spark is, you have it. Your love is real."

"Spike..."

I can't let her go.

Author's Note

Chapter Four: Launch

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