Nightmare Moon's Stars

Equestrian linguistics soared after first contact with the Mycon and Equestria was determined to, if not avoid another diplomatic faux pas, be the one reaching out instead of being reached out to.

Bipedals, quadrupeds and unipeds; first contact was made with all of them and diplomatic channels were opened.

Mammals, reptiles, mollusks and sentient golems; they spoke. Some better than others. Some less hostile than others.

Diplomacy transcended species.

But so did backstabbing.

It had gone so quickly and so smoothly Cadance found herself suspicious of the offer.

A defensive pact. In the event an ally has a declaration of war made against them, their allies would join them against the aggressor. If their ally is the aggressor, however, their allies would not be obligated to join them in the war.

A wonderful deal that had all the trappings of a disaster covered in good intentions.

Cadance was well aware of the fact that the ESR navy was still broken. Its fleets reduced to mere exploration and construction vessels, a hopeless display of power.

So why the defensive pact? Why now? Why with us?

Because we are weak.

Nightmare Moon had established the ESR specifically to build a space military for Equestria. But should I trust that Nightmare Moon can build up that military before another empire decides to attack or should we be cowed into joining an alien race?

Or do I want to undermine Nightmare Moon?

No.

Not like this.

I want Luna back but I won't risk all of Equestria just to sabotage Nightmare Moon.

"Send word. Equestria will be free."

Cadance stood before Nightmare Moon, not through a screen, and her legs quivered like a newborn foal trying to stand for the first time.

After delivering the rejection, Cadance and the rest of the diplomatic envoy unsurprisingly found themselves expelled. And so Nightmare Moon was well aware of the situation and was waiting to hear directly what had happened.

Nightmare Moon stared at Cadance. Cadance stared at the floor.

Twilight was still on vacation and the other diplomats were dismissed for this meeting.

Celestia was not in the room but prevent via screen with an unseen expression. The floors on board the ESR station were not as reflective as those in the Crystal Palace.

"Good job."

"Wuh?"

Cadance blankly stared at Nightmare Moon.

"I said, good job."

"Wuh?"

Cadance blankly stared at Nightmare Moon.

"*sigh* I know you are terrified of me and you are afraid that you overstepped your ESR authority," Calmly stated Nightmare Moon. "-but you made the right decision."

Nightmare Moon's expression softened, a little bit. "Equestria will not be a pawn or bait to alien powers. That is the purpose of the ESR. If we are at a military disadvantage, we should not seek abandon our principles, we need only strengthen our military."

"Although our military is currently out of commission," Nightmare Moon shot a look of mild annoyance at Celestia "-our resource stockpiles and logistical supply lines are ready to rebuild the military. If necessary." Included Celestia, her face an expression of comforting understanding.

"Indeed. If anything, it is good to keep in mind that diplomacy on this scale is unlike diplomacy we have ever seen before. Space is a massive No Pony's Land waiting to be claimed, fought over and seized. A pony cannot simply walk into an alien city and start making friends. More than likely, a pony will be barred from getting near an alien star system." Bluntly stated Nightmare Moon.

"And thats assuming the pony can survive on the surface." Added Celestia. "I have spoken to the research teams and so far they're unanimous in their conclusions that Equestrians cannot live off Equestria, for now."

"Wait, -all- Equestrians? All planets? Even the dragons and changelings?" Gapped Cadance.

"Yes." Celestia took the opportunity to send Nightmare Moon a smile. "There is virtually no magic outside of Equestria and I do not need to explain to you how vital magic is for us to live. But additionally, the ecosystems of these planets are simply uninhabitable. To all of us."

"But... there must be some planet out there where we can live. Some ecosystem we simply have not discovered!" Cried Cadance. Cadance's mind spun at the revelation. "Our ships! Our embassies! Our space suits! What about those?"

Nightmare Moon smiled at Cadance like a mother trying to explain to a foal why grass is green. "Twilight would know the details better than I, but from what I recall, they all use a combination of... what did she call it again?"

"Magical resonance mimicry." Answered Celestia as she took the opportunity to smile again at Nightmare Moon.

"Yes, that." Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes at the scientific term. "Quite simply; our equipment is magically recharged when they return to Equestria."

"A gross oversimplification." Interrupted Celestia, as Nightmare Moon shot her a look of frustration. "We have ways to magically recharge equipment from a distance, but nothing as complex or magic dependent as a yak or a diamond dog, let alone a unicorn or a changeling."

"If we... but then... can we scale it? Make it long term? Have it fit a planet?" Cadance felt herself on the verge of a panic attack.

Nightmare Moon frowned at that, "If we could do that, we would have no idea how to actually go about doing so. Celestia, if you please."

Celestia frowned as well, "Twilight and I have looked into the concept before, but its not a matter of scale. Its also a matter of sustainability. Ships, embassies and space suits are one thing, but Equestria cannot perceptually supply another planet. Any artificial planet would require a degree of self-sufficiency. Twilight and I do not have the time to raise the subject beyond the theoretical stage."

Cadance frowned, but then smiled, "You two may lack the time, but the Equestrian scientific community can do the research instead!"

Nightmare Moon simply frowned at Cadance, "Yes, they can. But how long will it take? Will we even survive to see that day?"

Cadance silently wilted at Nightmare Moon's question.

Nightmare Moon sighed, "It is a good idea, but it is just a matter of time until war is declared. We will not abandon the idea, but for the time being the scientific community must focus on more immediate concerns." Nightmare Moon then smiled, pleasantly "On the other hoof, your yak and changeling diplomatic teams were much more successful. Both of them were able to sign research agreements in exchange for some excess food."

"Frankly, I'm surprised it even worked." Interjected Celestia. "A space faring species exchanging knowledge for food?"

"We should not presume to fully understand the ways of an alien." Pointed Nightmare Moon. "In any case, if that is all, I believe Cadance could use some rest. There is a shuttle standing by if you wished to return to the Crystal Palace to rest."

Cadance finally brightened at that, "I would, thank you very much. By your leave."