First Contact

Chapters

Gateway
Crash Landing
Meet and Greet
Taken
Skin Deep
If I can't have it...
New Neigh-bors
Shock and Awe
He Who Dares...

Gateway

Lyra had just finished repairing one of her customer’s harps she levitated it and made it play a note on each string.

“There just in time to make it to the eclipse” Lyra sat the harp down gently with a group of other repaired instruments.

Lyra’s friend Bon-Bon was waiting impatiently in the corner of her tiny shop. “There all your work is done can we go now I
don’t want to miss the princesses arrival.”

“Don’t worry we’ve got plenty of time” Lyra glanced at a clock on the wall “Uhh…maybe we better hurry just to be safe”

“Hendricks!”

“What Chief?

“Have you been listening to a word I said?”

Senior Flight Officer Hendricks stretched back in his chair and yawned “Yeah sorry chief I kind of dozed off there, I don’t
sleep well on these big ships. Just to be sure better go over all of that just to make sure I got it all”

The Chief sighed “I swear Hendricks If they didn’t ask for you by name I would have you doing the most boring post I could
find.”

Hendricks smiled “Well lucky me”

The Chief hit a button on his desk that darkened the room and made a holo projection appear over his desk.

“You are to escort one of our scientists to the middle of this asteroid field.”

“Why?”

“Let me finish.” The Chief grumbled

“Some miners found a strange object while breaking up a large asteroid.” The holo projection changed to a blurry holo
photo of a ring.

“So just pull the thing out I fly a fighter not a cargo ship.”

“That’s the problem we can’t. When the miners attempted to pull the ring with their ships gravity tether all asteroids in the
area shifted and crushed the ship. This holo photo and some communications we picked up are all that survived.”

“You’re not making this sound like something I want to do.”

“Well too bad because you’re going. The scientist should already be at your ship in the hanger bay. Your dismissed
Hendricks”

Hendricks left the chiefs office and headed to his locker in the hanger ready room. Hendricks was muttering to himself as he
put on his hard suit.

“Fly in an asteroid field Hendricks” he began to secure all the joints “Risk your life Hendricks” he pressed buttons on the
wrist of the suit, it began a self check. “Be a pilot see the galaxy” he grabbed his helmet as he headed onto the hanger
deck.

Hendricks could see mechanics and technicians scrambling around his fighter. It was made for long distance missions it had
a crew compartment for two and enough supplies to last months without having to return to be resupplied.

“Hey!” Hendricks yelled to the mechanics as he ran to his ship “Where are my guns?!”

“Sorry sir orders where to remove them and any ordnance on board” the lead technician said

“You neutered my ship.” Hendricks seemed legitimately sad

“Don’t worry when we get back I’ll tell them to put everything back. Your ship is a science ship now no need for weapons.” A
female voice came from inside his ship

“You’re in my ship.” Hendricks responded

“Yes I already loaded my equipment so we could leave as soon as you got here.” A female wearing a white suit similar to
Hendricks’ leaned out of the entrance of the ship.

“You’re…in…my…ship.” Hendricks said calmly

“Is that a problem?” she asked

“I don’t like people in my ship when I’m not here” he said sourly

“I apologize” she jumped down to the deck and approached Hendricks and offered her hand “I’m Doctor Isabella Hood.”

“Don’t let it happen again” he shook her hand “Senior Flight Officer Nolan Hendricks”

“Well then Mr. Hendricks can we leave I’m interested to see what we will find.”

“Just call me Hendricks” he looked at the lead mechanic “are you finished with my ship?”

“Yes sir”

“Well let’s get this over with”

Hendricks and Dr. Hood were seated in the cockpit of his ship as the hanger crew rotated them toward the large hanger
doors.

Dr Hood watched as Hendricks performed pre flight checks and placed his helmet on his head.

“You fly with your helmet on?”

“Not normally, since we’re going in an asteroid field in case we get hit and have a hull breach I want to be ready” Hendricks
continued his checks as the doctor quickly put her helmet on.

The larger ship called to the smaller one.” Earth Government Fighter Void Angel this is Earth Government Ship Titian you
are clear for launch out of hanger Delta Nine then jump to these coordinates.”

“Copy that Titian ready when you are” The large hanger doors opened Hendricks powered up his engines and slowly eased
out till he was clear of the larger ship. “This is Void Angel activating FTL in three…two…one….

“Godspeed Angel Titian out”

As soon as Hendricks hit the switch the stars began to melt away as both he and Dr. Hood could feel the ship around them
began to travel faster than light.

“Did we miss anything?” Bon-Bon asked another pony as they mingled in the crowd gathered in the center of Ponyville.

“Not yet we are expecting the princesses any minute” the colt answered her

“See Bon-Bon you were worried over nothing” Lyra said

“Hmph you got lucky this time”

“Coming out of FTL…now” the ship came to a sudden stop on the edge of a large asteroid field

“So where is your space ring of death exactly?”

Dr. Hood brought up a map on the ships computer “The artifact” she emphasized “is at the dead center of this field”

“Don’t say dead” Hendricks pleaded

“There nothing to worry about”

“Tell that to the miners”

“That was a case of hysteria they probably hit an asteroid when they attempted to move the object destroyed the ship that
caused other asteroids to move.”

“So what if it wasn’t hysteria and it’s a haunted space ring of death?”

“Haunted…? I swear you people spend too much time up here you need more time planet side.”

“Ok then what do you think the ring is”

“Possibility a fluke the when the miners cracked the asteroid it formed a ring or it just some debris from a ship.”

A computerized voice turned on as the approached the field “Warning sensors detect asteroids ahead”

“I know I know” Hendricks began to maneuver carefully through the field “My boss said you picked me by name why?”

“You had the best record. You’ve flown in deep space alone, you’ve been in asteroid fields before, and you’ve handled
secret missions.” Dr Hood explained as she read her notes on her PDA

“What about you? Why are you here?”

“I’m one of Earth’s top scientists I have degrees in archeology, geology, and astronomy.”

“Fancy” Hendricks said

“There it is” Dr Hood said as Hendricks passed another asteroid

The ring was bigger than the ship and looked as if it was made of white marble. It stood out against the rust colored
asteroids that surrounded it. The edges of the ring where smooth with the exception of two orbs carved into the side the
orbs were opposite each other.

“That doesn’t look like any ship debris I’ve ever seen” Hendricks smirked

Dr Hood looked out the cockpit window speechless.

“Doc?”

“Get us closer”

Hendricks maneuvered closer to the ring and set his ship to stay next to it. Hendricks and Dr Hood stood at the hatch of the
ship.

“I’m going to see if I can get a sample and see what this thing really is” Dr Hood connected her suit to the interior of the ship
so she wouldn’t get to far from it

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this. We should leave”

“Once I get a sample I’ll prove to you it’s nothing. Open it up”

Hendricks hit a button next to the hatch has he secured himself to the ship. The computer voice spoke again “Main hatch
open, personal oxygen supply is now required”

Dr Hood pushed off the ship and floated toward the ring. She approached the sphere that was carved on one side of the
ring.

“Well what is it?” she heard Hendricks say over the ear piece in her helmet “Give me time” she answered back.

“It looks like a button in the shape of a moon” Dr Hood said

“Great the space ring of death has a button” Hendricks remarked

“Come out here I want you to press the other one in the same time I press this one”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Just get out here”

“Let it be known that I disagree with this entire button pressing idea”

“Noted now get out here”

Hendricks floated out and stopped in front of the other sphere. “What’s yours look like?”

“A sun”

“Interesting…okay on my mark one….two…three…now”

They both pressed the buttons which sunk into the ring

Hendricks braced himself as Dr Hood watched the ring.

“Nothing told you…” Suddenly the center of the ring began to glow as a purple portal filled the center.

Hendricks and Dr. Hood quickly made their way back in the ship.

“Alright time to go!” Hendricks jumped into his pilot’s seat as Dr Hood closed the hatch

“Main hatch closed” the computer announced

“We can’t go now we haven’t even figured out what it does.” Dr Hood said in a cherry tone

“Don’t care” Hendricks began to power up the engines

“Warning impact imminent”

The ship shook violently knocking Dr Hood to the deck and almost Hendricks. Then another impact threw him out of his seat.

“What was that” Dr Hood said now worried

“An asteroid, make that two asteroids.” Hendricks said

“Engines offline” the computer announced

“No No No No” Hendricks made his way back to his position. Alarms and lights began to go off throughout the ship.

“How bad?” Dr Hood stood behind Hendricks watching him frantically flip switches.

“We’ve lost power to the engines, I’m going to route all power to them strap yourself in.

The computer announced the systems Hendricks shut down trying to route power back to the engines. “Life support offline,
Gravity offline, FTL offline.” The computer announced again “Warning Impact imminent”

“Not again” Hendricks groaned

“Hendricks” Dr Hood said

“A little busy here!”

“Hendricks look”

“WHAT!?” Hendricks looked at Dr Hood as she pointed out the cockpit. He turned to see what she was pointing at they were
being pulled in the purple portal of the ring.

Hendricks was still frantically trying to fly the crippled ship as they passed through the portal.

Crash Landing

“Here they come” a unicorn in the crowd said as the two alicorns landed in front of the crowd.
The crowd cheered as they turned to face them.
“Our loyal subjects we are honored to spend this special event with you in Ponyville.”
“She so pretty” Bon-Bon said as the Princess continued her speech
“Ugh I wish they would hurry up speeches are so boring” Lyra sighed
“Stop being rude Lyra” Bon-Bon nudged her

Princess Celestia was finishing up her speech “Now for the moment you have all waited for” she turned and looked at her sister. Luna nodded and closed her eyes as her horn began to glow. The moon traveled across the sky getting closer and closer to the sun until it blocked it completely. Many oh’s and ahs emitted from the crowd as they watched the Princess work her magic.

The silence was broken by a loud boom and a bright spot appeared in the sky. The crowd began to mummer at the strange fiery object. The Princesses even seemed puzzled at the strange event. Celestia looked to Luna as she responded with a confused look.

“Is that supposed to happen?” Bon-Bon asked as she watched the object travel across the sky. Lyra noticed something shoot off from the main part and land deep in the Everfree forest. It seemed as if she was the only pony to notice the second object. The fireball disappeared out of sight behind a mountain. Princess Luna continued to move the moon until the eclipse was over.

Celestia again spoke the crowed “We hope you all enjoyed the eclipse we are sad to say that we cannot stay and enjoy the festivities.” The two quickly flew off toward where the strange object disappeared.
“Well then…uh…” Mayor Mare spoke up “Enjoy the rest of the celebration” The crowd dispersed onto other parts of the festival. The whole town was talking about the strange fireball that fell.

“What do you think it was?” Bon-Bon said aloud
“No clue did you see it fall in the forest?” Lyra asked
“Huh what are you talking about it landed behind that mountain”
“The other part of it”
“I don’t remember any other part” Bon-Bon thought back

“We are not alone!” A pony was yelling to a small crowd gathered around
“What’s this all about” Lyra said aloud
“There are strange creatures that exist out in space. I’ve seen them!” the pony continued
“What a nut job” a passing colt said
Lyra stopped to listen to the pony
“They are coming! This was the first sign. Strange ponies from beyond the sky they have smooth grey skin and no fur with big great giant heads!”
“Come on Lyra lets go” Bon-Bon pulled Lyra away
“Yeah…” Lyra said as she stared back at the ranting pony.

Hendricks awoke to the sound of alarms and computer warnings.
“Entering atmosphere engage flight mode” the monotone computer announced. Hendricks was wide awake remembering what had just happened.
“Doctor Hood!” he shook the unconscious doctor. He turned back to the controls attempting to gain control. Down below he could see green forests, blue lakes and large snow capped mountains.
“Where are we?” he said aloud
“Impact in two minutes”
“Crap, come on doc time to go” He picked up the doctor and carried her to the escape pod he sat her down and closed the hatch behind him. As he buckled the docotor and himself he pulled a lever jettisoning the escpae pod. “Pod away” the computer confirmed. The pod was completely dark with the exceptions of the doctor and his hard suit lights. The pod shook violently as they continued through the atmosphere.

Finally they landed and slid on the ground. Hendricks could hear the pod breaking trees and plowing through dirt. When they came to a stop Hendricks caught his breath as he opened the hatch. He pressed a few buttons on his wrist and waited as he looked around the crash site. He was standing in the middle of a clearing in a forest the trench from where the pod landed had caught many branches in its path on fire. The suit beeped causing him to look at his wrist “Well at least we won’t have to worry about air” he removed his helmet and took a deep breath.

“HENDRICKS!?” he heard Doctor Hood yell “Where are you?”
He jumped back in the pod to see Doctor Hood panicking “I’m here don’t worry were safe…for now.” He helped her out of the pod.
“Your helmet...” she began
“It’s safe I already checked”
She removed her helmet. “Where….where are we? The last thing I remember was going through the ring.”
“No idea. When I came too we were already plummeting toward this planet. I barley had enough time to get us in the escape pod.”
“So were stuck here?”
“Unless there is a spaceport here or somebody hears the pod or the ships beacon seems so.”
“The ship? Where is it?”
He gestured in the direction of a large mountain “Somewhere over there”
The forest began to lighten up both the doctor and Hendricks looked up.
“An eclipse” she said
“I hope this place only has one sun.”
“We should head to the ship maybe it we can get the comms working” Hood began to head toward the mountain “We’ll need the supplies too”
“I think we should wait scout the area first see if anything lurks in these woods. The pod has enough supplies for a few days.”
“You’re right I feel extremely weak anyway”
“It’s the shock get some food in you and relax.

Lyra and Bon-Bon were sitting at a café. Bon-Bon looked over the menu as Lyra gazed toward the forest.
“I think I want some chocolate cake but it goes straight to my flank want to share a slice?” Bon-Bon asked.
Lyra didn’t respond
“Lyra are you ok”
“Huh…yeah I was just thinking what if that pony was right and there are things out there.”
“Don’t tell me you believe in that stuff ponies from space please.” Bon-Bon snickered
“Not ponies but something you know?”
“Listen I’m sure it was just a shooting star or something.” Bon-Bon looked back at the menu “Oh I’m getting that cake anyway. Where are you going?”
Lyra left the café and headed back to where the pony was trying to convince the crowd about ponies from space. The crowd had already dispersed leaving the pony trying to stop passersby.
“Ah young filly back again!” the pony beamed “Back for the truth I see”
Lyra felt uncomfortable from the ponies gaze “Uh well I don’t really believe…but I think that fireball was something.”
“Right you are” The pony turned to the crowd “Follow the example of this young filly…QUESTION EVERYTHING!”
The ponies in the area all gave Lyra a look and laughed to themselves. Lyra looked at the ground avoiding their gazes.
The pony turned back to Lyra “Bah ignore them. Just wait once I get proof from the fireball I’ll show them.”
“I know where it is!” Lyra perked up
“You do?!”
“Yes the forest I saw a piece crash there”
“Hmmm yes I remember that…we should split up you check out the forest I will gain more supporters” The pony went back to yelling his warnings
“Right…” Lyra left the pony to his ramblings “He may be crazy but he is right if I could find whatever landed in the forest it would settle everything and how I’m not like that crazy pony…wait who am I talking to?”
Lyra ran to the house her and Bon-Bon shared.
“There you are. Thanks for leaving me I had to eat your share of the cake.” Bon-Bon scolded Lyra as she ran past her to her room.
“Where are you going?”
Lyra stopped “uh I’m going to work late”
“I thought you finished everything?”
“Big emergency…many instruments damaged…don’t wait up” Lyra grabbed her saddle bags and ran back out the door.

Meet and Greet

Hendricks threw another piece of wood onto the fire then sat down across from the Doctor.

“This tastes horrible” she said as she took another bite

“It’s not so bad” Hendricks finished off his meal

“Not so bad… it’s green.” She poked the food that was contained in a silver pack

“I’m sorry let me jump in the ship and get something…oh wait that’s right you crashed my ship”

“That’s not my fault!”

Hendricks began in a high pitched voice “Hendricks come press this button of doom. Trust me nothing can go wrong”

“Well how was I supposed to know it would do that?”

“For being so smart you would think you wouldn’t go around pressing strange buttons.”

“I’m a scientist we learn through testing.”

“That’s not science that’s just stupid!”

“At least I’m not some whiney space jockey!”

“Me you’re the one complaining about the food!” Hendricks now on his feet yelling

“I don’t have to put up with this.” Dr. Hood stormed off into the woods

Hendricks sighed “Wait…its already dark don’t go wandering off.” He followed her into the woods where she turned and made a gesture to him with her hand “Oh real mature!” Hendricks went back the makeshift camp. He sat down beside the fire and poked it with a stick. He picked up the doctor’s ration and smelt it then looked at the package “Expired” he laughed to himself.

“Stupid…whiney…” Dr. Hood fumed as she made her way through the woods. She stopped at a small creek that ran through the forest. She knelt down and tossed a small pebble into the water. “What if we’re stuck here” She looked up at the stars “They are familiar but everything is off the constellations look as if we are on Earth but they are all in the wrong places.”

“You noticed that too” Hendricks said she jumped when he spoke.

“Yeah” Dr. Hood said weakly as he sat down beside her.

“If we find the ship maybe we can get it going and go back through the ring.”

“Who knows where that is or if we even can go back.”

“Come on let’s get back to the fire we can head out in the morning.”

Hendricks stood her up and led her back to the campsite. On the way back Hendricks heard movement ahead of them.

“Shhh” Hendricks pulled her to the ground

“What …”

He put his finger to his lips. “Wait here” Hendricks disappeared behind some bushes heading to the other side of the campsite. Dr. Hood crept forward to get a better view of the camp. She could only see the outline of a four legged creature walking around their camp it stopped occasionally looking at objects on the ground. It walked to the escape pod and peered in. Hendricks crept from the bushes behind it carrying a large piece of wreckage lying around the crash site. As he slowly made his way forward he broke a twig causing the creature to turn around. He quickly drew his arm back ready to hit it but was suddenly knocked of his feet by an unseen force and slammed hard into the trunk of a nearby tree.

Dr. Hood was terrified as the creature made its way toward the unconscious pilot. Her mind was racing “Should I run, try to help. Oh no it’s getting closer.” She quickly jumped out of the bushes and yelled at the creature “Stop don’t hurt him!” the creature stopped and stared at her “What have I done?” she thought

The sun was already going down by the time Lyra reached the forest edge. “Okay it’s just a forest” she told herself “Nothing to be afraid of except manticores, cockatrices, wolves, and whatever crashed here. Hours passed Lyra was using her horn as light so she could see. She stopped to rest at a fallen tree. “Maybe I should just go back. Bon-Bon was right it’s just silly.” She sighed “Wish I could have at least found what it was”

“Oh real mature!” a voice echoed off the trees

“What was that” Lyra jumped up looking around “Who’s there?” She began to back up looking around her and slid down a hill. “Ow! That hurt.” Lyra rubbed her head and looked around to find herself in a deep trench. She followed the trench at the end she saw a light and a large metal object. As she got closer she saw a camp site with strange objects scattered around. She knelt down and smelled a silver container that held what looked like a green candy bar. She quickly stood up wrinkling her muzzle. She also found a black round object that had glass on it. It resembled a helmet but was far too large for a pony. “Large heads” she said thinking back to what the crazy pony had said

She made her way to the large metallic object that was at the end of the trench. Inside were two large seats one had a white helmet similar to the one outside. Lyra heard a noise behind her and turned to see a black two legged beast towering over her. It reared back as to strike her. Out of reflex she closed her eyes and her horn glowed sending the thing flying. She opened her eyes to see it slumped against a tree. Lyra slowly walked toward it she whispered softly “Are you okay? I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Stop don’t hurt him!” a voice called out

Lyra turned to see a smaller white two legged creature standing in the bushes. It ran toward the black one slumped against the tree. She watched as it looked at the bigger ones head.

“I’m…I’m sorry but I was scared and...” Lyra stammered

“You can talk?” the creature asked

“Well yeah” Lyra said slightly offended

The larger one began to wake as Lyra stepped back.

“What happened?” he said as he stood up rubbing the back of his head

“That was me” Lyra said sheepishly

“Doc please tell me you can hear and see that little green horse talking”

“I’m a pony and what’s the big deal about me talking?”

“It’s ok Hendricks”

They all sat around the camp fire. Dr. Hood was placing a bandage on the back of Hendricks’ head.

“So how did you knock me back no offense but you’re rather small?” Hendricks grimaced as Dr. Hood put pressure on his head.

“My magic” Lyra gestured to her horn

“Magic?” both the Doctor and Hendricks said

“Yeah see” she levitated Hendricks’ helmet in the air “I’ve never done anything like that before you scared me good.”

“Can all of your kind do that…magic I mean” Doctor Hood asked excitedly

“Nope my friend Bon-Bon is an earth pony, but she’s really strong and another friend of mine is a Pegasus they can fly.”

“Fascinating” Dr. Hood was sitting beside Lyra looking her over.

Lyra slightly uncomfortable under the doctors gaze “My names Lyra by the way”

“Oh we forgot to introduce ourselves I’m Doctor Hood and you’ve already met Hendricks” she pointed to the pilot who was attempting to finish bandaging his head.

“Are you both really from space?”

“No we were just kind of passing through”

“Call it an unexpected stop” Hendricks was trying to see the back of his head in the reflection of his helmet. “God this hurts!”

“So that fireball in the sky…that was you?” Lyra asked

“Heh not one of my best landings”

“Yes Lyra, that was us…our ship it ran into some problems and we crashed here.” Dr Hood explained

“More like you led us into problems” Hendricks said

“Oh shut up” She glared at him then turned and smiled at Lyra

“I knew there had to be something else out there” Lyra stood up excitedly “I can’t wait to take you back to Ponyville and have you meet all my friends!”

“I would enjoy that Lyra” she grinned at the little pony as she paced around the campsite

“Then we can go to Canterlot and you can meet the Princess and you can tell her all about your space fireball thingy!” Lyra continued

Hendricks was looking slightly uneasy “Doc can I talk you a minute?”

“Sure” Doctor Hood walked over to Hendricks by the escape pod while Lyra was still planning their trip to Ponyville. “What’s wrong?”

“We can’t go with her” he said sternly

“What why?”

“Think about it what would you do if two aliens just landed in your backyard?”

Dr. Hood thought for a second “Send them away to some lab and study their technology…”

“Exactly and if we lose or ship we are defiantly stuck here plus she knocked me off my feet without thinking. She could have easily torn me in half if she wanted too.” He glanced at the pony who waved at him with her hoof “ok maybe not her, but still some of them might”

“I…I understand but we are completely lost on this planet though we need help if we are going to find the ship.”

“I know where it is” Lyra said

“You do?”

“Yup, I saw it land in the mountains north of Ponyville”

Hendricks walked toward the pony and sat on a log in front of her. He looked at her in the eyes with a serious look. “Lyra…you can’t tell anybody that you saw us. You must keep us a secret.”

“What…but I want you to meet Bon-Bon and...”

Hendricks interrupted “Lyra please promise me you won’t say a word”

“O…ok” Lyra said sadly

“Now tell me the best way to get to those mountains and we can be on our way. You’ll never see us again.” Hendricks said as he headed to the escape pod and pulled two large packs from the inside. Lyra drew rough directions on a piece of paper that showed the two humans the easiest way to get to the mountain. Hendricks looked over the paper “looks easy enough.”

Dr Hood approached the little pony “Thank you Lyra” Hendricks was looking at a panel on the side of the escape pod. After pressing a few buttons he put on his pack and walked over to Lyra and the doctor. “Alright it’s set to blow when we’re clear. No trace of us being here.”

“I still don’t see what the problem is” Lyra looked up at the male human. Hendricks looked down at her then at the doctor “Come on doc lets go before the sun comes up” he began to walk away from the campsite in the direction Lyra had showed them. Dr Hood crouched down to be eye level with Lyra “I’m sorry I really wanted to meet your friends” she hugged the little pony then stood up and ran in the direction Hendricks went.

Lyra watched them disappear out of sight then she headed back toward Ponyville. As she made her way out of the forest a loud explosion ripped through the forest shaking the branches in the trees and sending a large plume of smoke up from where the campsite had been.

The sun was beginning to rise when she entered Ponyville “Ugh so sleepy” she yawned. The town square was vacant this time of the morning. Lyra stopped and sat on a bench and watched the sun rise. "I'll just rest here" She began to doze until a familiar voice jostled her awake

“Find anything!!” it shouted

Lyra opened her eyes wide and saw the strange colt from yesterday staring at her. She wanted to tell him all she saw but remembered she promised not to say a word.

“No”

“Humph, I knew I couldn’t count on you to…FIND THE SPACE PONIES!” he pointed his hooves to the sky.

“Hey at least I went looking!” Lyra stormed off leaving the colt alone in the square

Neither of them noticed two ponies wearing black suit coats and sunglasses watching them from a distance. The two ponies looked at each other and nodded as they disappeared into a dark alley.

Taken

Hendricks crouched at the woods edge quickly scanning a road that ran parallel to the forest. Dr. Hood was waiting patiently a few yards back looking for him to signal her. He motioned her forward. She quickly sprinted to his side.

“Looks vacant” he said still scanning the road

“How far to the mountain from here?”

He glanced at the map “Hard to say we can probably reach the base of the mountain by sunset so long as we don’t run into any problems. Looks like we can stay in the forest most of the way.” He stuffed the map into his pack “All right stay close.” Dr Hood and Hendricks dashed across the road to the cover of more forest on the other side.

Bon-Bon had just finished putting away the groceries she bought at the market when there was a knock at the door. “Who could that be?” she hurried to see who was knocking. When she opened the door two white colts wearing suits and sunglasses greeted her.”

“Um hello there” Bon-Bon said “Can I help you?”

“Good morning ma'am we’re from the Equestrian Bureau of Investigation. I’m Agent Cloak and this is my partner Agent Dagger.”

“Ma'am” the second Colt nodded when introduced. They each removed their sunglasses and placed them on their coats lapel.

“I’m Bon-Bon” she introduced herself

“May we come in?” Cloak asked

Bon-Bon looked at them both “Of course of course…I just ask that we please keep it quiet my roommate had to work very late last night and is still sleeping.”

“We’ll be brief” Dagger said as they entered the house.

Bon-Bon led the two agents into the living room “Please have a seat would either of you like a drink?”

“Nothing for me” Dagger said looking around the room

“Cider…three sugars please” Cloak requested.

“Please make yourselves comfortable” Bon-Bon left the room and returned with the agent's drink. They sat on a couch while Bon-Bon sat in a chair across from them.

“Now then” Cloak pulled a notepad from the inside of his jacket and flipped through some pages “Ms. Bon-Bon it says here you live here with another pony a Ms. Lyra?”

“That’s correct…”

“How well do you know Lyra?” Dagger asked

Bon-Bon thought for a moment “All my life we grew up together in Ponyville” The agent made a note on the pad.

“You were at the Lunar Festival in Ponyville correct?” Cloak said without looking up from his notes

“Yes what’s the point of all this?”

“Just getting the facts ma’am” Dagger assured as he retrieved a photo from his coat “Have you seen this colt before?” He passed the photo across to Bon-Bon. She took the photo and looked at it closely. It was the crazy colt talking about ponies from space.

“Yes he was at the eclipse too. Lyra and I met him after the festival” she passed it back

“Bon-Bon I’m hungry” Lyra yelled as she came down stairs “I want those pancakes with the little apple slices you….hello there” Lyra was face to face with the two agents

“Ms. Lyra?” Agent Cloak got up from the couch and approached her

“Yes?” She asked confused “What’s going on?”

“They’re from uh what was it?” Bon-Bon asked

“Equestrian Bureau of Investigation” Dagger said immediately

“Yes and we have some questions for you. Have you ever met this Colt?” Cloak showed her the picture. She examined it closely then immediately gave it back.

“Nope never met him” she said flatly

“Really” Cloak said looking back at Dagger who walked behind Bon-Bon

“Yup” Lyra said “So if that’s all we’re about to have breakfast” she began to lead them to the door.

“Now your friend her told us a different story” Dagger placed a hoof on Bon-Bon’s as she let out a slight whimper.

Cloak reached for Lyra “I think you both need to come with us”

“RUN BON-BON!” Lyra yelled as she bucked Cloak in the muzzle with her back legs. He landed on top of Dagger sending them both crashing to the ground. Lyra and Bon-Bon ran out the back door and toward the bridge leading out of Ponyville.

“Lyra what did you do?” Bon-Bon shouted as they ran through the streets.

“Nothing….”

“Why were they asking all those strange questions?”

“I..I..don’t know just keeping running."

“Over there!” Agent Dagger yelled pointing a hoof at the fleeing ponies.

“Come on faster!” Lyra shouted back to Bon-Bon who was losing speed

“Lyra…I can’t” Bon-Bon panted as she tripped over a crate falling into a pile of boxes

“Just a little farther” Lyra said looking back “Bon-Bon?” Lyra looked back to see the two agents had caught up to her “BON-BON!” she called back. The agents looked in her direction then quickly looked at each other. One agent gave chase to Lyra while the other struggled to restrain Bon-Bon. Lyra ran as fast as she could until she lost the agent in the in the back roads of Ponyville. Once outside the city limits she headed towards the mountains north of Ponyville.

“We can make camp here” Hendricks looked up at the mountain

“Finally” Dr. Hood said as she dropped her pack.

“Not use to hiking” Hendricks asked

“I spend all of my time in labs not in the woods”

“Well you don’t have to worry about woods for long because tomorrow we go mountain climbing.”

“Great…how do you plan to find the ship anyway?”

“My ship has a beacon in it that is directly linked to my suits computer” He pushed a few buttons on his wrist.

“Why haven’t you used it yet?”

“You have to be within three miles before it will pick up” his wrist gave a buzzing noise “nothing”

“Three miles...these mountains are huge that could take forever.”

“You have a better plan” Hendricks snapped

“No”

They remained silent as they made camp. Hendricks started a fire as the sun was just disappearing over the horizon. The silence continued even as they went into their packs to get their food. Hendricks pulled out a silver wrapper, tore it open and began to eat.

“Hendricks?” Dr. Hood broke the silence

“Hmmm” he grunted between bites

“I’m sorry” she said

He stopped eating and looked over at her.

“I’m sorry about everything causing the crash, the complaining, the arguing all of it. I never even thanked you.”

“For what?”

“I wouldn’t have survived five minutes alone”

“Nah you would be fine I’d give you seven, eight minutes tops.” He smiled

“Although I’m not the one that was beaten by a tiny cute pony”

“Good point.”

Dr Hood yawned and stretched her arms. Hendricks looked at her “Go ahead and get some sleep I’ll take the first watch and we can switch off every two hours and set off up the mountain in the morning.”

“All right” she placed her pack under her head and curled up facing the fire. She fell asleep the moment she closed her eyes.

Bon-Bon didn’t know where she was all she knew was that it was cold…very cold. The agent had blind folded and hog tied her once he took her out of sight of the other ponies in Ponyville. All sense of time had left her it seemed like hours since she pleaded with them to let her go. They said nothing as she cried for help. She could her wind howling past her ears and at one point she knew they left the ground. As she was being dragged through snow, suddenly the wind stopped and the ground felt like dirt.

“Hello?” she said feebly “Please let me go. I won’t tell any pony please.”

“It’s no use” a strange voice answered.

“Who’s that please let me go.”

“I’m sorry but we’re in the same situation prisoners of those…things.”

“What do you mean who are they and who is we?” Bon-Bon asked

“You’re not from the expedition?”

“No my names Bon-Bon. I’m from Ponyville”

“Ponyville what were you doing on the mountain?”

“They took me from my home and brought me here.”

“SHUT UP” and angry voiced yelled. Bon-Bon heard steps get closer to her. She felt her blindfold loosen and fall to the ground. Her eyes adjusted to the room she saw several ponies bound like her around the room. It looked like they were in a canvas tent. The walls were too thick to allow any light in. The only light came from the entrance flap. She saw the source of the voice it was Agent Dagger. He went around the room removing each pony’s blind fold then stood in the light looking down on them. “Until I say otherwise be quiet or else” he raised a hoof.

“LET US GO!” a white Pegasus said angry. The agent dashed over and drew back his hoof and hit the Pegasus square on the muzzle. “Anypony else want to talk back” he looked around at the group “That’s what I thought” he left the room and stood directly in front of the entrance with his back to them.

Agent Cloak trotted up to him “She’ll be here any minute you ready” Dagger nodded. “Good” Cloak said as he left his partner standing in front of the tent. There were only four tents that made up the camp. The small supply tent that contained Bon-Bon and the others. Two medium-sized tents and a large domed tent that ponies kept coming in and out of. Snow had been pushed from the area surronding the camp with low walls.

Agent Cloak passed two guards as he entered the large tent. “We are ready sir” he said to an old-looking light blue unicorn wearing a lab coat. “Good..good” he turned to face the agent “Well I suppose we should get ready to meet her…all of you” he announced to the room “head outside and wait” All the ponies left the room and gathered outside in a group. They stood patiently watching the skies with the old unicorn standing in front of them.

“There she is” the unicorn spotted a shimmer in the sky. He turned to the group “remember you parts in case she talks to you.”

Princess Celestia landed gently in front of the group. They all bowed to the towering alicorn.

“Good day my lady” the unicorn said as he rose.

“Hello Professor Star Watcher I received you letter…you discovered what it is?” Princess Celestia asked

“Not quite, if you would please follow me.” He gestured toward the large tent

They both entered the tent. The Princess stood in the doorway looking around the room while the Professor continued on.

“Something wrong Princess?”

“No it’s just this is the first time I’ve seen it….completely.”

“Amazing isn’t it?” he beamed

“Not quite the words I would use…I was thinking…ominous”

“We managed to open it would you like a look inside?”

Princess Celestia stooped to enter the square hole in the side of the large metal object.

“Careful” the professor warned “One of my assistants touched one of those vines and received quite the shock. She eyed the hanging “vines” closely.

“This…floor feels unnatural” She said looking at her hooves

“Yes it seems to be made of iron but nothing like I’ve ever seen.”

A light static filled the room. “What is that?” Celestia said slightly alarmed

“What we wanted you to see or rather hear.”

The static gave way to a voice “Sy..sy…system locked password...word required…this ship has suffered critical...critical damage…”

“Show yourself!” the Princess demanded

“It’s no use” the professor said calmly.

“User not recognized please identify yourself to..Sen…Sen…Senior Flight Officer..No..No..Nolan Hendricks.” The disembodied voice said

“What is it talking about?” She looked at the professor

“No idea we were hoping you might know”

“I understand what it's saying but it makes no sense. It said “ship” but this doesn’t look like a ship at all.” She looked around the room “is this all you wanted to show me?”

“Yes your majesty.” The Princess seemed disappointed.

“Please keep working and send word to me again when you make further progress” they both exited the ship.” She looked around the outside again and noticed a picture on the side. It was a two-legged purple creature with wings like a Pegasus. It was sitting with its arms around its legs and its head buried in its knees. Its wings were stretched as far as they could go beneath the creature the words “EGS Void Angel” were written in black stencil.

“What’s this?” Celestia asked the professor

“We are still wondering that ourselves. Some think that’s what was inside it, others believe it’s just decoration. I think it’s a warning.”

“A warning?”

“Look how sad it looks.” She turned back to look at it closer.

Once outside the Princess faced the group of ponies. “I would like to thank you all for braving the elements to be here.” She turned to the professor “When you have something…”

The professor interrupted her “We’ll let you know..”

“Thank you” She spread her wings and took off directly up and away from the mountain top.”

“Old nag” the professor said sourly. “Back to work” he yelled at the gathered ponies as they watched the Princess disappear from view.

Skin Deep

Hendricks knelt next to the sleeping doctor. He reached down and shook her shoulder. “Hey your turn.”

“Already” she mumbled as she rubbed her eyes. “I just feel asleep.” The fire was down to a few embers that gave off an orange glow. Hendricks sat up against a large rock, folded his arms and hung his head. Dr. Hood watched as he quickly nodded off. On her wrist a small screen was counting down the seconds. “Great one hour and fifty-nine minutes to go.” As she began to poke the fire a rustling sound nearby caught her attention. She stood looking in the direction where the noise had come from.

“Hendricks!” she hissed slightly turning her head in his direction “Hendricks!” she said slightly louder

“What?” he answered angrily.

“Something’s coming” she said straining to listen for the noise again. Hendricks jumped to his feet and stood by her. He listened carefully “I don’t hear…” the rustling started again this time closer.

“Get back” he guided Dr. Hood behind him as he braced himself. Something came bolting through the brush as Hendricks kicked the campfire sending ashes and embers at the intruder.

“Ow...ow...ow…ow” the intruder whined

“Wait a minute that voice” Hendricks said as he pressed a button on his chest. A beam of light shone through the cloud of ashes. A sea-foam green pony was brushing ashes out of her mane.

“Hello Lyra” Hendricks turned off his light and walked toward her

“Please… I need your help…they took her...and I don’t know where else to go...”Lyra began to tear up as she looked up at Hendricks

He knelt to her eye level “Whoa...slow down who got taken by whom and didn’t I say to forget about us.”

Lyra sniffed “I...I don’t know who they were. They asked some questions and then took Bon-Bon.”

Dr. Hood placed a hand gently on Lyra's back “Bob-Bon, that’s your friend right?” Lyra nodded “Come here” Dr. Hood sat down with Lyra resting in her lap “It’s alright we’ll help you find her. Right?” She looked at Hendricks. He ran his hand through his hair and sighed “let’s get some rest and well talk about it in the morning.”

Lyra was fast asleep in Dr. Hoods lap when Hendricks awoke for his shift. “Poor thing looks like she ran all the way here” she looked up at Hendricks

“You know we can’t help her”

“Why not? She obviously has nowhere else to go. What should I have done told her to go away?”

“Yes”

“You’re horrible” Dr. Hood said

“What do you want me to do?”

“Well...” Dr. Hood began

“Save her friend, find and fix the ship, get us home. We don’t have time for this” he pointed at Lyra

“But…” Dr. Hood started to protest

Hendricks continued “How long do you think our food will last? If the food in the ship didn't survive we have maybe a week. What if we can’t eat or drink the stuff here what do we do then? What if whatever took her friend follwed her and gets us?"

“I just…”

“You think I’m the bad guy here fine I’ll be the bad guy, but I’m the bad guy that’s trying to get us home alive.”

Dr. Hood looked sadly at the sleeping Lyra “We can’t just leave her”

“I know it’s hard trust me it doesn’t get any easier.” He took a breath “We’ll take her to the ship and when we get it running I’ll drop her off near a town or something”

Dr. Hood ran a hand through Lyra’s mane the pony slightly kicked. “What did you mean “it doesn’t get easier”?”

“I’ve made plenty of decisions in the past. None of them left me…feeling good.” Hendricks sounded bitter

“What happened?”

Hendricks was silent then looked at her “Doc in case something comes up and I don’t make it.”

“Hendricks you’ll…”

“Just in case.” He emphasized “If you make it to the ship and I’m not with you. The ship's computer is password protected. It’s a security measure in case of a crash to keep an enemy from taking it. If you get the computer working it should have recorded our flight. Set it to return and it should take you back to the ring and home. The password is Hendricks-Theta-Nine-Seven don’t forget it.”

“Hendricks I won’t leave you behind”

“Things don’t always work how you plan” He looked into the camp fire “Get some sleep”

“Sir the others are wondering if we can…you know since she left?” Agent Cloak asked the professor

Prof. Star Watcher smiled “Let me guess they want to stretch their wings?”

“Yes sir”

The professor looked at his reflection in the metal of the alien object then turned back to the agent. “Yes go ahead and tell them so long as they are inside its ok. Oh and bring me that new one you brought in.” The agent nodded and left the professor alone inside the large tent. Cloak made his way to where Bon-Bon and the others were kept.

Bon-Bon shivered from sleeping on the cold ground and her hooves were begining to ache from being tied so long. She noticed some pony talking to Dagger before he entered. He made his way toward her; she refused to look at him. He loosened the rope holding her then stepped back. “Come with me don’t try anything funny or you'll regret it.”
She followed him out of the tent into the bright light. Her eyes took a while to adjust to the light reflecting off the snow.

“Move!” Cloak nudged her flank. They escorted her to the largest tent.

Bon-Bon stayed silent as she entered the tent she stopped immediately at the sight of the large metal object that took up over half of the tent.

“Hello there” Professor Star Watcher greeted her “I’ve been told you may have some connection to this object here.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Bon-Bon said nervously

“She knows the one that we believe found whatever escaped” Cloak spoke up

“I see” Star Watcher circled Bon-Bon “So where is your friend?”

“I don’t know and if I did I wouldn’t tell you”

“We’ll get what we want one way or another” he looked at one of the agents.

A green flash lit up the room and Bon-Bon turned to see what caused it

“No…it can’t be” she started to back up “I’ve heard about your kind”

“Careful…”Hendricks was walking in front of the group navigating the mountain path.

“Thank you again for agreeing to help me find Bon-Bon” Lyra said as she trotted next to Dr. Hood.

“Please Lyra don’t thank me”

“What are you? If you don’t mind me asking I’ve never seen anything like you two before.”

“I’m a human” Dr. Hood answered gladly changing the subject.

“Can you fly, do magic, or anything like that”

“No” Dr. Hood laughed

“Weeeird” Lyra said “So how did you fly here?”

“Technically I don’t fly Hendricks does.” she pointed ahead.

“Where’s his wings?”

“HE doesn’t fly but he can control something that does.”

“Okay I think I understand.”

Up ahead Hendricks stopped and sat on a rock. “We’ll take a break here” he retrieved some water from his pack and took a drink. Lyra sat next to him and mimicked the way he was sitting.

“Why do you sit like that its uncomfortable?”

“The reason you walk on four legs because, we’re different”

“I’ll say you have a weird-looking mane and skin like a dragon” she tapped her hoof on Hendricks’ shoulder.

“This is my suit watch” Hendricks pulled his left glove off exposing his hand and forearm “see”

“Woah! That’s so cool” Lyra placed her hoof in his hand “Still weird though”

Hendricks put his glove back on and continued up the trail. Dr. Hood walked next to him then made sure Lyra was out of earshot. “I still think we should help her”

“No end of discussion” Hendricks kept looking forward.

The group continued on the path up the mountain all day. The air began to get colder and colder the higher they went. It was after noon by the time they reached the peak. Hendricks pressed a few buttons on his wrist.

“You think we’re close”

“Worth a shot” he looked at the read out on his wrist. It gave off a very low ding. Hendricks looked surprised “I got something! Its faint but it’s a start that way” he pointed toward a snowy mound. He ran as fast as he could to the top and stopped once he got there looking disappointed.

“What is it?”

“Things just got a lot more complicated.” He headed back down the slope

Dr. Hood and Lyra looked down on a campsite where ponies were walking around.

“You think they found it?”

“Did you see that large tent what else could be in there?”

The group was peering over the edge of the snow keeping a low profile as Hendricks watched the camp with binoculars. “I count maybe twenty to twenty-five of them. They have two guards on the large tent with four walking the perimeter. Lyra you take a look maybe you’ll spot something I didn’t see.” He held the binoculars for the pony as she looked through them .

“I don’t recognize anypony…wait that’s” she saw one of the agents from Ponyville “HE’S THE ONE THAT TOOK BON-BON” she started to stand up. “Easy there” Hendricks pulled her back down and looked back at the camp.

“Which one?” he took the binoculars back.

“The one with the sunglasses” she said angrily

“We’ll wait till night to get a closer.”

“But what if Bon-Bon is in there and in trouble.” Lyra protested

“If we get caught we can’t help her. I also want better understanding of what we’re up against, before we decided anything. I’m going to sneak into the camp tonight get a look at the ship see how bad it is. I want you two to wait here. In case I get spotted I can run out of there without worrying about you two.”

When night came the camp activity ceased no pony was moving between the tents. Only a few guards were walking the area. Hendricks slowly approached the camp as Dr. Hood and Lyra watched from the snow bank.

“How is he doing?” Lyra asked

“He reached the edge of the camp.” Dr. Hood was looking through Hendricks’ binoculars.

“Shouldn’t we help?” Lyra was anxious to get going

“He told us to wait” She looked at Lyra then went back to watching Hendricks “He made it to the big tent.” She watched as he slid under the tent wall. An hour passed with no sign of Hendricks. Several ponies left one of the medium-sized tents and headed toward the large tent.

“Uh-oh” Dr Hood said

“What is it did they spot him?”

“No but they are heading his way”

The group briefly chatted with the guard and entered the tent. “Come on Hendricks” Dr. Hood said nervously as she watched the tent. Another hour passed still no Hendricks. The ponies left the tent; one of them was dragging a crate behind them.

“We’ve got to go it’s been too long” Dr Hood and Lyra followed the path Hendricks took. They both peaked under the tent. Hendricks was propped up next to the ship.

“Hendricks are you okay!” Dr Hood ran over to him

“Yeah they left me for dead” he said weakly

Lyra was staring at the ship “Wow” she managed to say “Is this your flying machine?”

“Yes it is. Hendricks is it able to fly? ”

“I don’t know I didn’t get to go in. Can you get everything started for me?”

“Sure Lyra can you…” Dr. Hood looked around “Lyra where did she go?”

“She ran back out I think let’s just get going.” He said as he hobbled into the ship

“But..”

“Hurry before they come back.” Hendricks insisted. Dr. Hood helped Hendricks inside then sat in the pilot’s seat while Hendricks looked for a first aid kit.

The computer voice crackled on “U..U..User not recognized please input password.”

“Hendricks-Theta-Nine-Seven” Dr. Hood said looking at the pilots console.

“Stand by…System unlocked commencing reboot...scanning for damage.”

“Looks like it works” Dr. Hood turned to see Hendricks standing over her

“That’s great” he beamed “how did you do it?”

“What do you mean I just put your password in”

“Oh right I mean uh…”

“Are you feeling alight?” Dr. Hood looked him over

“Yeah”

“Let’s get the computer scan you. “Computer scan Hendricks.” She continued to look him over.

The computer crackled “Senior Flight Officer Hendricks is not aboard”

Dr. Hood looked puzzled “What? Computer scan again.”

“Senior Flight Officer Hendricks is not aboard” the computer repeated

“Hendricks what does that…” she turned to see Hendricks glaring at her his eyes glowing green.

If I can't have it...

Hendricks remained quiet as his guard stared at him. He was down on both knees his arms and legs tied behind his back. He watched as the bug like pony paced back and forth in front of him. It would occasionally step outside the tent and look around then return. When it left Hendricks struggled with his bonds, stopping when it returned.

“Bring her in here” the guard called out. Two of his comrades entered dragging in an unconscious Lyra and dropping her next to Hendricks.

“You didn’t have to hurt her!” he snarled at them

“She shouldn’t have fought back” one of the two that dragged her in cackled. The other placed a green substance on Lyra’s horn.

“What are you doing to her now?” Hendricks asked

“Can’t have her using magic now can we.” The changeling touched his horn to the green goo it hardened instantly. The three changelings headed outside where Hendricks couldn’t see them anymore. He watched the entrance making sure they didn’t come back. He slowly made his way toward Lyra.

“Lyra!” he said. He looked back toward the entrance then back at her. “Lyra wake up. I need your help.”

Lyra groaned and tried to stand she was bound around the hooves. She looked down at the ropes then began to panic.

“Calm down Lyra” Hendricks said softly

“Bon-Bon I saw her...well it looked like her, turned out to be one of those changelings.” Lyra was still struggling to get free.

“What did you call those things?” Hendricks went back to watching the entrance

“Changelings, I’ve seen them before they can look and sound like anypony.”

“What do they want?”

“Last time they tried to take over Canterlot now I don’t know.”

“Do they have a weakness? What about magic they have wings so I assume they can fly.”

“Yes they can fly. They have a horn so I guess it works like mine if you touch their horn they shouldn’t be able cast a spell.”

“Alright Lyra I’m going to get us out of here”

“How you’re tied up too”

“Remember when I took my glove off?”

“Yeah so?”

Hendricks rotated himself so Lyra could see his ropes “If you can hit that latch on the side. I can slip my glove off and untie us.” Lyra positioned herself and struggled to hit the latch with her disabled horn. Hendricks was doing his best not to be thrown off-balance by the ponies’ attempts.“Hurry up I think they are coming back.”

“I’m trying I’m trying” Lyra said

A light blue unicorn entered the tent, flanked on each side by Cloak and Dagger. “My what a strange creature you are.” The unicorn looked at Hendricks

“Says the shape shifting horse fly.” Hendricks snapped back

“And quite the mouth too” he looked back at Cloak. Cloak stepped forward and kicked Hendricks in the chest. Hendricks slightly flinched, his armor absorbed the blow.

“That’s no way to treat guests” he said as he regained his balance.

“I’m sorry we don’t get many visitors. Now lets cut to chase. Wow do I control your machine? We already have your password. Tell us how it works and I’ll think about sparing you and your friends”

“Hmmm how about no?”

“Pity” The three changelings reverted to their originals forms. The former unicorn looked slightly different from the other two he was larger with a thin red band around his waist. He flashed his fangs to Hendricks and got as close as he could “I will give you one more chance tell me what I want to know.”

“I tell you what you untie me, the doctor, Lyra and any others you have." He looked at the other two changlings "Let us all go and I won’t destroy you.” He looked directly into the leader changeling’s compound eyes.

“I like this one” the leader said laughing as he headed toward the exit. Before he left he turned back toward Hendricks “I hope the smaller one is this much fun. Do what you want to them” he said to the former agents as they grinned.

“Gladly” Changeling Cloak looked down at the helpless Lyra “That really hurt back in Ponyville I’m going to enjoy returning the favor.”

Dagger was prodding at Hendricks’ armor with his horn “How do I...?” He kept poking his horn, it glanced off each time. Suddenly he felt something wrap around his horn he couldn’t move. With his hand around Daggers horn Hendricks had control of his head and forced him to look up. Hendricks struck him hard in the side of the head with his armored glove, the changeling crumpled to the ground.

Lyra braced herself as Cloak got on his hind legs ready to bring his front hooves down hard onto her. She closed her eyes waiting for the impact she heard a gasping noise instead. When she opened her eyes she saw Hendricks had the changeling in a choke hold. The changeling was kicking and flapping its wings; Hendricks kept its head still with his other arm and had a hand on its horn. Hendricks dropped him on the ground when he went limp.

“Are they?” Lyra looked at the two changelings as Hendricks untied her.

“No, I think it will take more than that to bring them down.” He scraped the green goo off of Lyra's horn “Are you alright?” Lyra stood and levitated Hendricks' glove to him “Alright let’s find your friend and Dr. Hood.”

"Let's check this one" a voice outside the prisoner's tent said.

“Did you hear that” one of the ponies around Bon-Bon whispered

“Yeah” another answered

Suddenly the flap flew open. In the moonlight they all could see the silhouette of a pony and a large two-legged creature.

“Lyra a little light please” the new voice said

“Lyra!?” Bon-Bon asked when saw her friends face under the light of her horn.

“Bon-Bon!” Lyra ran over and nuzzled her “I’m so sorry. I was worried when I saw them take you.” Lyra began to tear up.

“Are you really Lyra? Oh please don’t let this be a trick.” Bon-Bon asked

“It’s really me, remember when all those parasprites ate our dessert or the time you went crazy of a doll?”

“Lyra it really is you” Bon-Bon siad overjoyed

“This your friend?” Hendricks asked

“Lyra look out!” Bon-Bon yelled

“It’s okay he’s a friend” Lyra calmed Bon-Bon as Hendricks untied her.

Lyra and Hendricks freed all the changelings’ prisoners. The small group of ponies was gathered around Hendricks as he discussed his plan “Alright, we need to fight them off long enough for me to get to my ship.”

“It’s a ship?” a light blue unicorn asked

“You look very familiar” Hendricks told the unicorn

“Bah, one of those monsters copied my appearance. I’m Professor Star Watcher leader of this expedition.”

“Are you all in shape to fight them?” Hendricks asked

“They got us by surprise last time we're ready for them now” a white Pegasus boasted

“Like I said if we can get to my ship I’ve got a plan.”

“We are with you” the Professor said.

The group charged out of the tent toward where Hendricks' ship was held. Several changelings stood between them and the entrance. The Pegasus’ kept the changelings from taking flight while the unicorns zapped them from a distance. The earth ponies and Hendricks kept them from getting close to the unicorns. They slowly made their way to the entrance where Hendricks could see the leader changeling in his ship.

“Can you hold here?” Hendricks asked the professor

“No problem” he zapped another changeling

Hendricks ran inside Lyra was directly behind him. In the ship Hendricks could see Dr Hood being questioned by the changeling .

“I’m losing my patience” he kicked a panel near the doctors head that sent sparks flying.

“I told you I don’t how to control this only Hendricks does!” Dr. Hood explained

“LIAR! You knew the password what else do you know?” the changeling’s horn began to glow.

“Hey horse-fly!” Hendricks called from the entrance of the ship. The changeling turned toward him.

“So you escaped I under estimated you.”

“A little” Hendricks admitted

“Hendricks your alive!” Dr Hood said relived

“Hey doc you okay?”

“Shut up!” the changelings said as he morphed into a clone of Hendricks

“Fancy trick can you do birthday parties?” Hendricks smirked

“Tell me how to use this thing or I’ll fry your friend here” clone Hendricks grabbed an exposed cable and held it toward Dr. Hood. Lyra stepped forward her horn began to glow Hendricks held out his hand signaling her to stop.

“Why do you want my ship so bad? You have wings you can fly.”

“We are outcasts from the hive if we bring back your ship as a gift to the queen she will allow us back in.”

“I see.” Hendricks nodded as he eased his way toward the pilot's seat “Alright I’ll tell you how to use it if you let her go”

“Hendricks don’t” Dr. Hood begged “He won’t let us go you know that”

“Quiet!” clone Hendricks tightened his grip on her

Hendricks sat in his chair and pressed a few buttons. His clone watched closely over his shoulder.

“This starts the engines” he flipped more switches “shields…life support…”

“Hendricks no…”

Hendricks continued “…and this one” his hand hovered over a button “this one will wipe out the entire mountain.”

“What?” the clone said shocked

“It’s the self destruct. I press this…BOOM!” the changeling jumped at the emphasis

“You wouldn’t” the clone attempted to call his bluff.

“I’m stranded from my home, my ship is crashed, and you have my friend hostage so go ahead try me.” He eyed his clearly distressed clone. The clone threw Dr. Hood down and leapt at Hendricks. The real Hendricks hit the button as he was knocked to the ground.

“Warning radiation detected evacuate immediately” the computer said in a monotone voice as red lights began to flash.

“You fool!” the clone Hendricks said looking down at the real one.

“You might make it if you start now.Mabye” He mocked the clone

“Arggggh!” the clone ran our changing as he ran. Once outside he yelled to his comrades “Retreat!” he took off as fast as he could away from the mountain. The other changelings quickly took off to follow their leader leaving behind a bewildered group of ponies.

“Hendricks what have you done?” a terrified Dr. Hood ran to the pilot's seat trying to stop it “we have to get out of here.”

“There’s no point.” Hendricks said calmly

“What do you mean?” she looked at Hendricks

“Decontamination in three…two…one….” The computer said as a thick white smoke emitted from the ship. “Scanning no radiation detected shutting down.”

“What was that?” a confused Lyra asked

Hendricks grinned “That wasn’t a self-destruct. I merely hit the manual override that cleans the ship in case of a reactor leak. My ship doesn’t have a self destruct and if it did I wouldn’t make it as simple as the press of a button.”

“So…we’re safe?” Dr. Hood asked

“Yeah” Hendricks sat down in the co-pilot seat leaned back and stretched.

“Excuse me” the professor entered the ship “but all the changelings took off like they were on fire everything okay?”

“No” Hendricks got up and approached him “my ship is badly damaged so my friend and I are kind of stuck here.”

“Well I’m sure we can find you a place to stay until its fixed.” The professor thought for a moment

“Oh…oh…oh…they can stay with me” Lyra grinned

“I need a place where I can work away from those bug things”

“I believe we can make room” a kind voice said from outside the ship

“Who’s that?” Hendricks looked out to see a large pony flanked by two golden armored Pegasus.

They all exited the ship. “Princess” Lyra and the professor said as they bowed

“I came to check up on your progress professor I had strange feeling when I visited last.”

“Those were changeling’s your highness” the professor stood

“I see, please go tend to the others” she sent her guard away “You two are the owners of this” she asked the two humans.

“That’s correct” Hendricks answered

“Tell me what brings you to our land?”

“An accident we came through a portal.” Dr Hood added

“I don’t know anything about a portal, but you are more than welcome in my kingdom while you find a way home.”

“Thank you” Dr. Hood and Hendricks said.

“Now then professor what’s with all this changeling business?”

New Neigh-bors

Hendricks grumbled as he hit his head while working on his ship. “Lousy government issue crap.” He tossed a spanner into a tool box.

“How is it going?” Dr. Hood asked.

Without looking up from his work Hendricks answered her “Well the engines are down to twenty percent output, there are multiple hull breaches, for some reason the shields and life support can’t be on at the same time, I can’t check to see if the FTL drive works until I get the engines back in order, and my seat has this weird squeak now.”

“Can you fix it?”

“I don’t know I added some grease to it but the squeak is still there.”

“I was more concerned about the other stuff.”

Hendricks wiped is hands onto a black jumpsuit he had changed into when the ship was brought down from the mountain by Prof Star Watcher’s group. “It’s going to take a while but I should be able to fix most of it. She won’t exactly pass regulations but she’ll fly.”

Dr. Hood sat in the co-pilots seat and watched Hendricks work for a minute. “Every time I go into town they all ask about you.” Hendricks didn’t respond. “Why don’t you come with me? We can even get you some new clothes. I got this made at a little shop in town” Dr Hood looked down at the white sundress. “There was even this little pony there she was so cute…”

“I’m kind of busy” Hendricks interrupted her “I don’t have time to play dress up.”

“I know I just thought you might need a break you’ve been working for the past two week’s straight.” Hendricks still remained silent. “Hendricks what’s wrong?”

“Nothing” he grunted still working.

“I can tell something’s wrong, you can talk to me after all we’ve been through.”

“We should distance ourselves from them” Hendricks walked over and sat in the pilot’s seat, it squeaked.

“Why? They are friendly and after all they’re letting us stay here for free might I add.”

“When we go back what are we going to tell our superiors?”

“We tell them we found intelligent life on another planet.” Dr Hood began to daydream. “Think about it we’ll go down in history as the people who made first contact with this species.”

“Then what?”

“What do you mean?” Dr Hood asked

“Alright we made first contact what do you think mankind will want to do next?”

“Probably send researchers to learn more about this planet and its inhabitants. What’s the big deal we’ve made contact with other species before?”

“What usually accompanies research teams?”

Dr Hood thought for a moment “An escort?”

“An occupation force” Hendricks corrected “Its protocol.”

“What?”

“By the books when a new species is discovered a force large enough to occupy is sent under the guise of protection. If they agree to join us well, it ends there. If they don’t join us things get…complicated.”

“I’ve never heard that.”

“It’s not exactly publicized” Hendricks admitted “I don’t agree with it, but those are the rules.”

“So we just don’t tell them what happened.”

“When we show up with a jury-rigged ship and have been gone for over two weeks we just tell them what we blacked out?” They both remained quiet.

“Then we don’t go back.” Dr Hood said.

“We don’t go back?” Hendricks repeated

“No we stay here. Call it an early retirement.” Hendricks looked at her in disbelief “I mean look at this place fresh air, sunny skies, and cute friendly creatures. Even the rich can’t get a view like this on Earth anymore.”

“You realize when you mean “we don’t go back” that’s for good?”

“Yes. I have nothing to go back for except long days in a lab or some survey on empty world. What about you?”

“No” Hendricks said “Either way it’ll be a awhile before the ship is space worthy let's think about more carefully before we decide.”

“Will you come into town now?”

“Sure. Just let me clean up.”

“Meet you outside” Dr. Hood left Hendricks alone as she waited outside the ship. The ship rested on a hill overlooking the town of Ponyville. From their vantage point she the layout of the entire village.

“Alright lets go” Hendricks exited the ship still wearing his dirty jumpsuit.

“I thought you said you were going to clean up?”

“I did” Hendricks pulled on the collar of his white shirt underneath the coveralls. “I’ve only worn this shirt once since we’ve been here.”

Dr. Hood faked a sigh “Come on let’s just go”

Lyra’s little shop had been busy since she returned. Not with customers but ponies asking her questions about her adventures with the humans and the battle with the changelings.

“So Lyra did you really save the humans from the changelings?” a yellow earth pony asked

“Yup didn’t even break a sweat. I jumped in the middle of at least a hundred changelings took on fifty with my hooves and the other fifty I zapped with my magic.” Lyra stuck a pose like she fighting an unseen foe. The cowed oohed and aahed at her story.

“Lyra dear what did I say about exaggerating?” Bon-Bon asked

“Uh…I don’t remember” Lyra answered sheepishly

“Lyra did you tell them about the part where you got covered is ashes?” Hendricks asked as he and Dr Hood entered the crowded shop. All of the ponies turned to see the human as he entered.

“No, but I told them how I knocked you out when you tried to sneak up on me.” Lyra shot back.

Hendricks made his way toward the front of the crowd. They all stared up at him as he walked through the crowd. The ponies of Ponyville had grown accustomed to the smaller Dr. Hood. Hendricks was noticeably bigger than her and had a rougher appearance. Hendricks sat down on the shops counter and looked at the crowd then at Lyra.

“Was it something I said?” he asked Lyra

“They’re a little shy. So is your flying machine ready I want a ride in it!” Lyra said excitedly

“I’m working on it” Hendricks laughed

“You…you can fly?” A nervous pony in front asked

“Well yes in a manner of speaking. With the aid of a machine I can go into space.” Hendricks answered. The crowd muttered quietly wondering what the machine was.

“Was that you at the lunar festival?” came a question from the back.

“I believe so that was my ship crashing to your planet.” Hendricks and Dr. Hood spent a few hours answering the ponies’ questions. They avoided questions asked about how they got there and where they came from.

“Alright time to close up come back tomorrow and I’ll tell you about how rescued Bon-Bon” Lyra closed the door behind the last pony then turned to face the humans.

“You should start charging for your stories.” Hendrikcs smirked.

“That’s an awesome idea! Bon-Bon can we?”

“No especially since you make up most of it”

“I only add a little…”

“Lyra I got to admit I don’t think we fought a dragon at any point.” Hendrikcs said

“OK maybe that was bit much.”

“So how long are you staying in Equestria?” Bon-Bon asked.

Hendricks and the doctor looked at each other “My ship is pretty beat up its hard to say”

“Stay! You can move next door to us.” Lyra asked

“Lyra they want to go home you can ask them to stay.” Bon-Bon scolded

“We might actually be stuck here.” Hendricks admitted.

“Oh I’m sorry” Bon-Bon said sadly

“It’s okay I wouldn’t mind living here how about you doc?”

“Not at all it’s lovely.” she added.

Hendricks and Dr. Hood walked back to the ship as the moon was high in the sky. Hendricks was quiet as Dr. Hood kept pace with him.

“You’ve already decided haven’t you.” She asked

“We can’t go back. I don’t want to be responsible for messing up this place.”

“So…we are going to stay then.”

“Unless you want to go back.”

“No” Dr. Hood looked around at the quiet village “It so peaceful here”

“Alright what about the ring of death portal?” Hendricks asked

“What about it?”

“We have to make it so no one can follow us here.”

“I never thought about it.”

“While I was working on the ship I noticed they only deactivated my heavy weapons. I still have counter measures and I might be able to get my secondary weapons online. That should be enough to destroy the ring.”

“You thought this out before I said we should stay didn’t you?” Dr Hood grinned

“Maybe…”

Far above the lands of Equestria an unseen threat was already approaching.

“Admiral our scouts found something.”

“What is it Major?”

“We have it in the hold sir would you like to see it?”

“Put it on”

The major pressed a button and on a nearby panel causing a large screen to display a changeling with a red band pacing about. The admiral leaned forward resting his elbows on his desk. He watched the creature intently.

“Has it done anything?”

“No sir. The men who brought it in said it told them it wanted to make a trade then it surrendered. It says it will only speak to “The Queen” I’m assuming it wants our leader.”

“Interesting” the admiral leaned back. “Anything else?”

“We have finished scanning the planet below. Even though it’s roughly the size of Pluto it’s very rich in resources. The atmosphere is identical to Earth’s and we’ve spotted numerous life forms.” The major finished reading off his data pad.

“Has any contact been made with the natives besides the one on the hold?”

“No sir, although our scans picked up the fighter that was sent ahead of the fleet it didn’t respond.”

“Must have crashed. Major have the dreadnaught prepare for an orbital strike and position the rest of the fleet for a counter attack. In case whatever is down there can mount a retaliation.”

“Yes sir. What would you have us do with the…creature?”

“I’ll speak to it hold fire until I give the order. You’re dismissed major.”

“Aye aye sir” the Major saluted as he left the admiral.

The admiral made his way toward the ships hold. As he traveled through the ship the crew members would move out of way some avoided him entirely suddenly remember they needed to go the opposite way. Once at the door to the ships hold the two guards snapped to attention “Sir!” they both said as he passed through.

A portion of the hold had been cleared and a force field chamber was set up with scientist scurrying around it. The scientists were going over scans of the creature that sat quietly in the force field.

“Well?” the admiral interrupted a group of the scientists

“Admiral! Didn’t see you there.” One of them stammered

“Any updates?” he asked sternly

“No sir besides its appearance and an extra nerve where is horn is. Scans show it’s a normal Equidae.”

“A what?”

“A horse sir.” Another scientist added

“It has wings and holes in it.” The admiral approached the force field

“Are you the queen?” the changeling asked

“I’m in charge here, if that’s your meaning. I’m Admiral Ritter commander of the third fleet. The fleet that is poised over your world ready to rain destruction. I suggest you chose your next words carefully.”

“I would offer a trade.”

“And what could you possible give us?”

“Anything you want from our world.”

“As I said before we could destroy your kind and take what we want.”

“Ah but do you know where to strike?” the changeling asked. He went on to describe how the changelings’ enemies drove them deep underground. How every time they tried to retake their home land they were sent back licking their wounds. “Two of your kind has already aided our enemies.”

“Impossible” Ritter claimed “We have had no contact with any of your kind.”

The changeling flashed green. Where the changeling had been a black armored human now stood. “This is the one that attacked me” he said in Hendricks’ voice. “The other I did not take its form it was smaller and weaker.” The changeling turned back into his original form. The scientists began chattering about discussing the creature’s abilities.
The admiral thought for a moment

“I know him; he is a coward. I will see to it your enemies are vanquished. One of my aides will speak to you. Give him all the information for now you will stay on my ship as a guest.”

“Thank you” the changeling said.

As the admiral left the hold he grabbed a nearby lieutenant “Get as much intel as you can out of it then dispose of it quietly. Understand?”

“Yes sir” the lieutenant made his way toward the changeling.

Shock and Awe

“How about now?” Lyra asked.

“No…”Hendricks answered. He placed a panel over some exposed wiring on his ship then tightened in down.

“Now?” Lyra began to spin herself in the copilot’s seat

“…no.” He opened another panel and peered inside.

Lyra glanced around the cock-pit and noticed the helmet Hendricks wore was sitting in his seat. She carefully levitated it on to her head. It was oversized for her head but she was able to still see out of the visor. Words began to flash on the visor. She waved her hoof in front of it thinking the words were floating in front of her.

“Please link to hard suit.” an electronic voice said in the helmet.

“GAH GHOSTS!” Lyra fell out of the seat the helmet slipped of her head and rolled away.

Hendricks was standing over here as she lay of the floor. “Having fun?” he asked.

Lyra grinned “Sorry.”

Hendricks sat down in the pilot seat as Lyra jumped back into the co-pilot position.

“Now!” she asked again

“We’ll see.” Hendricks flipped some switches and eyed a monitor overhead.

Lyra felt the ship vibrate as numerous lights came on around her. Toward the back of the ship a low whine began to get louder and louder. Hendricks was busy monitoring the ships gauges.

“Fifty…sixty…seventy…eight-five and holding” Hendricks muttered to himself

“Is that good?” Lyra asked

“It’s better” he pressed a few more buttons the whine slowly quieted.

“Can we go to space now?!”

“I want to test it a little more.”

Dr. Hood came running inside out of breath “Is everything okay? I was heading back when I heard a roaring noise.”

“I got the engines working not perfect but its better.”

“That’s great news. I brought lunch." She held up a basket. "Want to eat outside today?”

“Let me guess something to do with oats or apples.” Hendricks said sourly.

“Would you rather eat the rations? At least this is fresh.”

Hendricks let out a sigh.

Lyra, Dr. Hood, and Hendricks sat on top of the ship while they ate.

“So Lyra, that’s where the Princess lives?” Dr Hood pointed toward a castle on the side of a mountain.

“Yup that’s Canterlot. It’s an amazing city, a little too busy for me though.”

“How many cities are there?” Hendricks asked as he took another bite of apple pie.

“Well there’s Ponyville, Canterlot, Appleloosa, Manehatten, Cloudsdale, Hoofington, Fillydelphia, Trottingham, Los Pegasus, and Baltimare.”

“I’m seeing a pattern in the names.” Hendricks said.

“What do mean?” Lyra asked.

“Never mind just talking out loud.” He grinned.

“Sir with the intel we’ve gathered it seems the native’s capital is at these coordinates.” A major spoke to several men wearing gray uniforms seated around a table with a hologram of Equestria in the middle.

“Gentlemen you know what to do. We’ll have the E.G.D. Maelstrom fire warning shots. Then I will land personally to accept their surrender.”

“Sir with all due respect shouldn’t we contact them first? This seems a bit drastic. How do we know that alien in the hold was telling the truth?” A heavy-cruiser captain asked.

“Captain is this your first time taking a new world?”

“Yes sir.”

“I don’t want the natives to think they have any power over us. I will show them who is in charge and they will submit to our sheer strength. Instead of long drawn out debates or negotiations, giving them time to learn our weaknesses. We will end any hostilities before they arise. In the long run it’s the best for both sides. Understand Captain?”

“Yes sir.” The Captain knew arguing with Admiral Ritter was a bad idea.

“Good. Now then in event that they don’t surrender I want our battleships to be ready to mop up any survivors. That will be the E.G.S. Blade, E.G.S. Lightning and…”

“Lyra does your kind eat anything besides fruits and vegetables?” Hendricks asked.

“You mean like sweets?”

“Uh not exactly…do you ever you know...eat meat?”

Lyra spit out her apple “What! Why would we want to do that? That’s just gross!”

“I’m just kidding” Hendricks tried to play it down.

“I think it’s a healthy diet.” Dr Hood added.

“Oh you’re just glad they have chocolate.”

Admiral Ritter stood at the bridge on his flagship, the E.G.D. Maelstrom. The crew was talking over their head seats to the various ships that surrounded the dreadnought.

“Sir all ships show green.” And ensign reported.

“Gun crews are standing by.” another added.

“Fire.” the admiral ordered. At his command the bridge erupted in a fury of orders to the various personnel in the fleet.

“I guess apples aren’t so bad…” Hendricks stated.

“What’s that noise?” Lyra interrupted him.

Hendricks immediately recognized it. “GET DOWN!” He yelled knocking Lyra and the doctor off the ship.

“Hendricks what….” Dr Hood began before a loud explosion cut her off. After the shockwave passed them they stood up and looked toward where the explosion came from. A large plume of smoke arose from the forest below Canterlot.

“What was that?!” Lyra said.

“Hendricks?” the doctor looked around for the pilot as the noise started again. The second explosion was closer to them this time. They saw the flash and the shockwave knocked them to the ground.

“Get in!” Hendricks called from inside them ship. They quickly ran inside before the third hit.

“What’s going on?” Lyra asked slightly scared.

“I have a good idea.” Hendricks began to start the ship “Those are Fire-Hammer Cannons from an Earth Government dreadnought.”

“Hendricks how..?” Dr. Hood said slightly in shock

“I’ve heard them before.”

“How can we stop it?” Lyra flinched as a fourth explosion took out part of the mountain near Canterlot

“There should be one more after that” Hendricks counted in his head. The ship began to hover off the ground then shot straight up into the sky. They were in space before they saw the fifth explosion.

“Hendricks what’s going on?” Dr Hood asked.

“We were followed it seems I didn’t think they would send a fleet right away.”

“Wait so the ones firing on the planet is..?” the doctor knew other humans were involved.

“Yes” Hendricks answered.

“Why?”

“Firing those on a peaceful world, I only know of one person that would do that. Admiral Ritter.” Hendricks placed the ship in orbit.

“How do you know that it’s him?”

“It’s his standard procedure. Before I was a pilot I was the executive officer on a frigate the, E.G.S Falcon. We were assigned to the third fleet, Admiral Ritter’s fleet. A few years ago we made contact with a race of rock like creatures on a planet in Alpha Centauri.”

“I’ve never heard of a race of rock creatures.” Dr Hood said.

“You never will they were wiped out. We landed and attempted to communicate with them after the Admiral shelled them from orbit under the pretense that they were hostile. I later found out that was bogus and he didn’t know anything about them. The team that landed was attacked of course. Once they got clear of the planet the Admiral ordered us to finish them off. My CO refused the order and that’s when I took command and joined the attack. Once I found out…I felt horrible. I gave up my position and joined the deep space scouts I wanted to try to make up for what we did.”

“That’s…horrible.” Dr Hood said “How did he get away with it?”

“The planet was chock-full of rare earth minerals. So long as the Admiral got results command turned a blind eye to his methods. I found out that was the third planet he had done that too. I called him out on it before I left I asked him how could he do it. “

“What did he say?”

“Nothing he signed my transfer papers then I left. I’ll never forget it; he would wear a white hard suit and a full face helmet when he asked for a planet to surrender. He said one time the white made them more convinced to trust him, made him look good.”

“So you can him stop him right?” Lyra asked.

Hendricks looked sadly at her “I’m sorry Lyra but there’s nothing I can do. We have to go back and convince the Princess to surrender.”

“She’ll never do that.” Lyra said proudly.

“Can’t we convince them to leave or something?” Dr Hood had changed back into her scientists outfit.

“Doubtful…although” Hendricks though for a moment “If we can disable the dreadnought they would have to retreat. This far out all the other ships rely on the dreadnought for supplies. If it has to leave so do they.”

“Would that even be possible?”

“If we can get aboard I know how to bring it down. It’s tough on the outside, but a little sabotage in the right locations will cripple it. ” Hendricks dashed toward the back of the ship.

“Assuming we can even get aboard how are you going to sabotage it?” Dr Hood watched Hendricks as he opened a panel on the floor.

“These” he said as he held a baseball sized copper sphere.

“A ball?” Lyra asked.

“No these are counter measures I use these to disable other ships.”

“So what they are just going to let you waltz in and throw these around?” Dr. Hood asked.

“No you are.” He handed the ball to the doctor

“Me?” she looked at the ball closely.

“Yes I’m going to fly us in then distract them while you and Lyra place those around the ship.”

“Won’t Lyra stand out?” Dr. Hood asked

“You still have your science equipment?”

“Sir I’m getting a distress call from an unknown vessel.” An ensign told the admiral.

“Put it through.” He ordered.

“This is the E.G.S Void Angel my ship has been severely damaged requesting assistance.” Hendricks’ voice came through to bridge.

“Shall I allow him to dock?” the ensign asked.

“Yes I’ll meet him personally” The admiral was already dressed in his white hard suit as he left the bridge.

Back on the Void Angel Hendricks waited patiently for a response.

“That ship is massive.” Dr Hood stared at the dreadnought through the cock-pit window.

“Void Angel you are clear to land approach the port side hanger.” The dreadnought replied

“Roger Void Angel out.” Hendricks answered as he turned to the doctor. “All right think you got it all?”

“Let me go over it again I place one of these near the reactor, engine bay, life support, and the bridge.”

“Right and don’t forget the timer. I've set them to go off in thirty minutes after you place them.”

“So long as I look like I belong there the soldiers should leave me alone right?” Dr Hood was getting nervous.

“Yes they will be too busy to notice a scientist roaming about they will just assume you’re checking something.”

“So what do I do?” Lyra’s muffled voice came from inside a container held Dr. Hood’s scientific gear.

“You’re our secret weapon Lyra if the Doc gets into trouble I’ll need you to knock people around with your magic.”

“I can do that!” Lyra said excitedly.

“Alright once I land stay hidden for a bit. Then once they have their hands full with me sneak out and get to work placing those charges.” Hendricks left the panel that hid Dr. Hood slightly ajar so she could see when the coast was clear.

“Hendricks how are we getting out of here once these go off?”

“Leave that to me” he said. The ship sat down inside the large dreadnought hanger. As Hendricks opened the hatch he was met by the admiral and two guards.

“Hello lieutenant…oh you lost that rank didn’t you?” The admiral greeted him.

“I’ve come to stop you.” Hendricks responded angrily.

“You’re doing such a good job at it. We’ve received word they you have aided the enemy.”

“What enemy? The residents of the planet below. You didn’t even contact them how can you call them the enemy?”

The admiral threw Hendricks a PDA. On it was a recording of the changeling. “This is the real enemy” Hendricks said as he threw it back at him.

“It told me a differnet story. Hmmm pity we’ll never know it died due to wounds given by you and your friends.”

“You’re lying!" Hendricks said.

“Take him to away” the admiral said as he walked out of the ship. Hendricks bolted out of the ship toward the admiral. He was subdued by the guards and dragged off. Dr. Hood waited a few seconds then slowly emerged from her hiding place. She glanced outside the ship then quickly grabbed Lyra and headed toward the corridor leading to the interior of the dreadnought.

Using signs on the bulkhead of the ship the doctor quickly found the reactor. She blended in with the technicians while they were busy working. She opened the container Lyra was hiding in to grab one of the EMP charges.

“Hello.” Lyra said. Dr Hood hushed her as she grabbed one of the orbs and placed it behind a computer.

Hendricks sat quietly in front of the admiral’s desk while the Admiral stared out a window at the planet below. Hendricks eyed the side arm the admiral was carrying.

“This planet will make an excellent colony.” Ritter smiled. He walked over to his desk sitting the white helmet he wore down on it. “Leave us.” he told the guard.

“That planet is already home to a peaceful race.”

“That’s not what my reports say.”

“That because you bend everything to have your way!” Hendricks yelled.

The admiral smiled as he aimed at Hendricks “Calm down.” He ordered.

The engine room was empty when Dr. Hood placed the second charge.

“Is Hendricks going to be okay?” Lyra asked poking her head from the container.

“He can take care of himself. He’s got us this far.”

“As of now you’re the only person to have contact with the natives.” Ritter paced behind his desk

“Your point being?”

“You’re a liability.” The admiral aimed at him again

Hendricks stood up “Now hold on” he slowly approached the admiral.

“As much as I hate to do this to one of my own...” The admiral began to narrow is sights on Hendricks. Hendricks lunged at the Admiral knocking the weapon out of his hand. Hendricks wrestled with him as the admiral reached for his sidearm. No one heard the shot.

“Okay one more to go.” Dr Hood said aloud

“What are you doing back there?” a voice behind her asked. She turned to see a male officer watching her.

Dr. Hood thought quickly “I’m just checking for…Lyra!” The green pony jumped from the container and hit the officer with a blast of magic sending him flying.

“Did I do good?” Lyra looked up at the doctor.

“You getting better at that!”

“Don’t move!” a heavily armored soldier entered and aimed at the two. Lyra’s horn began to glow again the soldier fired at the ground. “I said don’t move!” The soldier spoke into a radio that was in his helmet. “This is Jackson in Life Support I found an intruder. We have a man down.” The soldier waited for a response “Yes Sir.” He answered and unseen person. “The admiral wants to see you.”

The soldier escorted them to the admiral’s office that was next to the bridge. Lyra was amazed by the bridge humans were going back and forth various displays were flashing. They stood outside the admirals door the soldier pressed a button “Sir I have the…” The ship shook violently.

“WARNING…WARNING LIFE SUPPORT OFFLINE” a voice announced throughout the ship. Dr Hood quickly put her helmet on while Lyra surrounded herself with a magic barrier.

An officer ran to the Admirals door “Sir we just lost our engines and the reactor is going haywire. Sir we need you.” No response came from inside. “Open it” the officer ordered the soldier.

Once the door opened the soldier entered first his rifle at the ready while Lyra and the doctor entered behind him the officer held his sidearm on them. “Sir are you alright?” the soldier asked the Admiral as he finished latching his helmet.

“I’m fine he got the jump on me.” He gestured to Hendricks who was slumped in the seat in front of the desk.

“Hendricks!” Dr Hood ran to him he fell onto the floor. His helmet’s visor was completely spider webbed from a hole that was in the middle. Dr Hood stood up a looked at the Admiral filled with rage she yelled at him “You didn’t have to do that! He didn’t want to hurt anybody!” The soldier held her back.

“Take her to my ship she can watch her friends surrender and take that one too.” He gestured to a confused Lyra

“Sir we found this in the container she was carrying” the soldier held up one of the orbs. The admiral looked at the orb pressed a button then sat it on his desk.

“Well then I have a planet to conquer.”

He Who Dares...

Lyra and Dr. Hood sat across from the Admiral in a ship headed down to Equestria. The doctor stared furiously at him while Lyra was still taking in the strange surroundings.
"Doctor what was wrong with Hendricks?" Lyra asked.
"Care to explain that?" she asked the Admiral.
The Admiral looked at Lyra only his eyes could be seen through the visor. "Don’t worry you’ll see him again very soon."
"Huh I don’t get it?" Lyra looked at the doctor.
"Don’t listen to him remember that bad man Hendricks was talking about. This is him." Dr. Hood eyed the Admiral and their guard closely. "He killed Hendricks."
Lyra gasped and began to tear up.
　
Two ships landed in the courtyard of Canterlot castle. Soldiers poured from one of the ships aiming strange weapons all around them. Princesses Celestia and Luna stood nearby as the castle guard surrounded the invaders. The admiral, Lyra, and Dr. Hood exited the second ship.
"Are you to blame for the destruction of my lands?" Princesses Celestia asked the white armored human.
"I’m sorry for what has happened here." The admiral apologized "How bad was the damage?"
"First you use you rain fire on us then apologize?" Princesses Luna asked.
One of the soldiers approached the admiral "Sir we’ve lost communications with the Maelstrom."
The Admiral turned to the soldiers "Are you sure? What about the other ships?"
"They are reporting that its orbit is degrading."
"Pull the other ships back and have them keep the Maelstrom stable with gravity tethers." The admiral ordered.
"Sir if we pull back the other ships we won’t have any support on the ground."
"We are pulling out. Get your men back into the ship." The soldiers were shocked at the admiral’s order to retreat. They slowly made their way back into their ship. The admiral was left standing alone surrounded by the castle guard.
"You think you can just leave after what all you’ve done to these kind creatures…to Hendricks?" Dr. Hood asked.
He looked around to see the guards advancing on him.
"May I make a request?" The admiral asked the large alicorn.
"What is it?" Celestia held up a hoof the guards stopped advancing on the Admiral.
"Allow my men to leave unharmed. They were only following my orders. I’m the one at fault."
"Is this true?" Celestia asked the doctor.
"Well yes he is their leader." She explained.
"Very well they may leave but you will stay and receive your punishment."
"Thank you" the admiral said.
The ship full of soldiers took off leaving the admiral and his ship behind.
　
　
"Well now that…." The Admiral began as Dr. Hood knocked him down.
"I’ll make you pay for what you did." Dr. Hood said.
Lyra’s horn began to glow.
"Wait!" the Admiral said holding up his hands.
"Why, did you wait for Hendricks?" Dr. Hood asked. "See how far you can launch him Lyra."
"No wait…" The Admiral began to unlatch his helmet as Lyra hit him with a ball of magic. He slid along the ground and crashed into a nearby wall. "I’m getting tired of this magic thing…" he said as he stood up.
"Hit him again Lyra!" Dr. Hood looked back at Lyra. She was staring wide-eyed past her. "What’s wrong Lyra?" she looked back at the Admiral to see Hendricks staring at her wearing the Admirals suit.
"Miss me?" he asked.
"Hendricks?" Dr. Hood was surprised "I saw you and your helmet it was. How did you?"
"How close of a look did you take?"
Dr. Hood thought back realizing she couldn’t clearly see through the helmets visor. "So the admiral?"
"He won’t bother anyone anymore." Hendricks admitted.
"What about all the others?" Lyra asked
"Others?" The Princess　said confused
Hendricks explained the situation how they crippled the large ship and that all the other ships would retreat carrying it away with them. Hendricks continued to explain his plan to destroy the portal keeping them safe from any more invaders.
The two princess' managed to squeeze into the ship. Hendricks gathered everyone around a holographic projector.
"This is where we stand" He pressed a few buttons as a holographic image of the planet appeared.
"Woah..." Lyra said.
"The fleet is pulling out back to the portal...here." a pulsing dot showed the location of the portal.
"That's good then" Princess Luna said
"Yes but so long as that portal is active they will send another fleet more prepared this time." Hendricks informed the royal sisters.
"That's bad right?" Lyra asked.
"Yes Lyra it is. I suggest once the last ship is through the portal we destroy it."
"And how would we do that?" Princess Celestia asked Hendricks
"This ship is outfitted with a cannon powerful enough to punch through the strongest shields. It should turn that portal to dust."
"And you are going to do that?" Princess Celestia asked.
"Yes" Hendricks answered.
"That would leave you stranded here correct?" Luna asked.
"Yes" Hendricks looked at Dr. Hood then to the sisters. "Since both the Dr. Hood an myself are probably considered traitors. We were kind of hoping we could stay here.I mean I understand if you don't want us...."
Princess Celestia stopped him "Nonsense you both have proven yourselves as a friend to us we would be more than happy to have you here."
"Thank you." Hendricks and Dr. Hood said.

Hendricks landed the Admirals ship in the palace courtyard. Princess Celestia, Lyra and Dr. Hood met him.
"Well?" the doctor asked.
"It’s gone. Scanners didn’t pick up any other ships. It didn’t take much to destroy the portal one shot and it shattered."
"So that its then?" Dr. Hood sounded relieved.
"So are you both going to be my neighbors now?" Lyra asked.
"Yeah" Hendricks grinned at her then looked at the two sisters "So Princess now that I’m kind of out of a job. Are you looking to hire a space ship pilot?" He glanced at Dr. Hood "Oh and I’m sure she can do something too."
Princess Celestia laughed "I’m sure we can find something for both of you to do."

"You’re going to be late." Dr. Hood called into the other room.
"It’s a starship I don’t think I’m going to run into any traffic." Hendricks answered.
"Please take Lyra with you this time."
"Fine."
Hendricks went outside and walked to the house next door. The house Dr. Hood and he lived in was remodeled to suit their larger height. He knocked on the door then waited for the response.
"Hello there Mr. Hendricks" Bon-Bon said.
"I've told you . You can call me Hendricks or just Nolan if you want."
"Sorry. You’re here for Lyra?" she asked.
"Yeah I’m taking a flight to…" Hendricks was interrupted by Lyra
"Hendricks!!!" Lyra shouted as she came rushing down the stairs "Are we going to space this time? Hold on I got to get my stuff." She disappeared back upstairs. Bon-Bon and Hendricks exchanged looks at each other confused. Lyra came bounding back down the stairs with her saddle bag stuffed with various things and a fish bowl on her head.
"What’s with the bowl?" Hendricks asked.
"To go into space!"
"Lyra you've already been."
"Yeah but, I want to do it properly this time."
"You don’t need all of that, besides we aren’t going to space." Hendricks explained .
"Awwww….not even a little?" Lyra asked sadly
"Sorry the you know the Princess asked me to use the ship the help carry supplies to the areas hit by…the um other humans."
"Can we go in space later?" Lyra asked
Hendricks gave in "If we finish early maybe."
Lyra gave a squee "Can Bon-Bon come too?"
"That’s quite all right." Bon-Bon said. "I’d like to stay on the ground."
"See now come on let’s get going." Hendricks walked away from the house.
"See you later Bon-Bon I’ll bring back a souvenir if we go to space." Lyra waved to Bon-Bon.
Lyra trotted happily along side Hendricks as they made their way through Ponyville. Hendricks was slowly becoming a normal sight in Ponyville they now greeted him as one of the citizens.
"Good Morning." A passing pony said.
"Morning." Hendricks responded.
"Good Morning." Another greeted them.
"Hey." Hendricks answered again.
"Good…" A pony started.
"Hello there yes it is morning!" Hendricks blurted out continuing on while the pony gave him a startled look. Lyra giggled at him as they continued on.
"Not a morning person?" she asked.
"Something like that."
"Ahhh the space creature shows himself!" a voice called behind them
"Oh good lord not this again." Hendricks sighed.
The conspiracy colt eyed the human suspiciously. "Here to suck out our brains?!"
Hendricks massaged his forehead "No...like I said yesterday....and the day before that. I'm not going to suck out your brains, eat your hooves, or abduct all the bovine citizens."
"I've got my eyes on you." the colt slowly walked away then jumped behind a crate still observing the human.
Hendricks looked down at Lyra " Is there any way to get through to this guy? I mean who would believe this nut?"
Lyra laughed nervously " Yeah...uh lets get going don't want to be late."
　
　
　
Hendricks and Lyra reached his new ship that was parked　just outside Ponyville. Several colts were busy loading supplies into the ship.
"Everything ready?" he asked them.
"It is we even added that logo you wanted." The colt said proudly
"Really!" Hendricks was excited "Let me see."
The colt led them to the other side of the ship. "We followed your description purple with wings right?"
"She’s pretty." Lyra said.
"I don’t mean to be rude but, you painted a pony on the side not a human."
"You instructions said a purple winged female." The colt said. "We can redo it if you want."
"No that’s ok. I kind of like it" Hendricks looked at the purple Pegasus painted on the side.
　
Hendricks and Lyra entered the ship it was packed full crates. They weaved through them and made their way to the cockpit. Hendricks began his pre-flight checks as Lyra watched closely from the co-pilot’s seat.
"Can I count down?" she asked.
"Sure" Hendricks continued his checks.
"Okay…ten…nine." Lyra began to count.
Hendricks patiently waited as Lyra continued her count.
"Three…two…one…BLAST OFF!" she shouted.
Hendricks grinned while Lyra cheered as they flew over the forests around Equestria.