"Suzume! Why isn't the GSP activating!" Tai Arinori Waka, Commander of the YSS Hanako shouted, clutching onto the command chair tightly as the strange planet came closer and closer.
"Unexpected Trans-Dimensional jump damaged many of our systems, including the graviton shield projectors Tai Waka, I am incapable of doing the required repairs in the next 22, 21, 20, 19..." The ships MEGAMI explained, counting down to impact. The Tai cursed under her breath, silencing the alarm klaxxon on her local system, not needing to hear it any longer.
"All hands, prepare for impact!" The Neko ordered over the ships coms, entry flairs muddling the observation view. She wasn't worried about herself. Her body could survive the impact. 83% of the crew on board, however, were not Nekovalkyrja, and even fully locked down, many likely would not survive the impact, and they had no time to complete a soul transfer backup. "Emergency thrusters Suzume! We need to break speed!"
"All thruster units down. Impact in 4, 3, 2,1..."
"Oh, Spike! Dinner was delicious!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed with a satisfied sigh, leaning back in her chair. It had been some time since anything had happened after the Storm King had attacked, and a small part of Twilight felt that Equestria was well overdue for some sort of event. Starlight was out with Trixie, Spike was up to his usual minor antics, and the rest of the gang were business as usual. She reached her arms over her head in a stretch, letting out a yawn as she sat back up. "Right, back to work for me! You go get some rest... Spike..." The mare trailed off, looking out one of the windows to see a streak of light across the sky. They weren't due for any major comets passing by for at least another few months, and this one didn't seem to be slowing down, or getting smaller for that matter.
She continued to watch in morbid curiosity, this object falling from the sky faster than any pony could go. She could hear a rumbling start to grow louder and louder as the ball of fire closer to the earth, growing to such a point that the tableware started to rattle. When it finally touched the horizon, everything went quiet for a moment, followed by a massive explosion in the Everfree.
The princess was transfixed on the sight, jaw open, frozen in place as she tried to understand what had just happened. The sound of Spike running into the room wasn't even enough to pull her out of it.
"What is Equestria was that!" The dragon shouted, looking down at the fires.
"I don't know Spike... But I have a bad feeling about it..." Twilight said, starting to walk to the door. "Don't leave the castle! I need to go help with the fires!" She called over her shoulder, running out of the castle and taking flight. Already she could see others from Ponyville heading towards the Everfree, pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies alike. She wasn't about to sit this one out.
Tai Waka groaned, lifting her head from the deck. Even with her bodies built-in systems, the Neko felt the pain of the impact. She shook her head, trying to clear it, pulling up her HUD to check on the crew. The image flickered, before dying out completely. She would need time to heal from this. "Suzume! Status report! Crew priority!"
"92% Casualty rating, only 13% of non-nekovalkyrja crew members survived impact. Warning, what remaining scanners I have available to me are registering activity outside the ship," The MEGAMI responded over the speaker system.
Arinori groaned, pulling herself to her feet, trying to keep her balance on the sloped deck. "Bring me visuals, and get the crew medical attention. Any able-bodied crewmate is to prioritise crew rescue," She ordered, looking around. The bridge crew were in various stages of unconsciousness, some starting to wake up, others completely out. Blood splattered Shoi Aina's terminal, proving even the mighty Neko was not invincible, the side of her head caved in against the terminal, and Shoi Haruka's neck was bent at a wholly unnatural angle. 93% casualty rating... Never once in her career had she ever had such a blemish on her record.
"Suzume! Tell me where that Trans-Dimensional jump came from! This ship didn't have one! What happened!" The Tai asked, moving to sit on her chair, trying to get one of the screen to work. Nothing. Suzume must be running off emergency power.
"That information is classified, Tai Waka."
"Star Army Protocol. Give me the IFF Tag of the highest ranking officer within sensor range," Arinori ordered.
"Scan completed. Highest ranking officer within five astronomical units is... Tai Arinori Waka. Accessing PANTHEON... PANTHEON access failed. You are the highest ranking officer available." The MEGAMI finally responded.
"Then by SAoY Override 845-2 article B, I demand you release all classified information related to this ship!" Arinori snapped. She could tell the MEGAMI was processing the order from the silence.
"Classified information released. The YSS Hanako was tasked with transporting an experimental Trans-Dimensional Drive from Ketsurui Fleet Yards, to Planet Himiko, within the Ketsurui Military Sector. It was found on the outskirts of System 87B. It was in a state of disrepair that prevented the discovering crew from shutting down its Aether Generator or disabling it without causing a minor galactic incident." Suzume explained, a tinge of defeat in her voice.
Arinori sat stunned. She didn't want to think about the incident. "And why did we jump?'
"Sensors indicate that the ship experienced damage that caused the drive to activate. It is now powered down. I assume, the damaged caused the incident the SAoY was concerned about, but without further details, I will not be able to provide any more information than that," Suzume stated, before blipping an alarm in the back of Arinori's head. "Warning. Unknown signatures detected attempting to enter the ship. Orders Tai Waka?"
Arinori got up. "Standing orders remain. All able-bodied soldiers are to provide medical attention to any crewmate who needs it. I need to get to my Mindy, do whatever you can to keep the intruders out until I am ready."
"Yes Tai Waka, I shall do that."
"What d'ya mean ya can't find a door?!" The southern drawl iconic to the element of honesty shouted, looking around the massive metal object that had crashed into the Everfree. Ponies were everywhere, most fighting the fires in the wake of the ship, others searching the outside of the couple hundred meters long ship.
"I mean just that! This, thing, doesn't have a door!" replied the raspy voice of Rainbow Dash, standing on top of the ship. "What am I supposed to do? Draw one on it and hope that works?"
"Well it's gotta have some kinda entrance! No pony would be able to get inside without one!" Applejack quipped back, continuing along the outside, rapping her knuckles on it every so often to see if there was a difference in the sound. There wasn't.
"We can't assume it was made by ponies Applejack, this thing fell from the stars. Who knows what could be on it!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed with excitement, before popping out of existence to appear next to Rainbow Dash. "I mean, this could be actual alien life! Real live aliens! On our planet! Do you know what this could mean?!" She squeed, continuing to look around the ship.
"Tha the one book Rainbow loves might be true? What was it Dash, Horny Tentacles from Space?" Applejack called up.
"One time okay! One! Time! Yeesh! Blame a filly for being curious why don'tcha?" Rainbow Dash muttered, crossing her arms and turning her head to hide the blush.
"Now really, is it that appropriate to fetish shame a mare at a time like this?" Rarity asked, looking down at her coat. "I mean, it's bad enough I have to slog through all this soot and dirt but do I also have to hear you two bickering as well?" She added.
"Yeah, s'pose your right Rarity. Ahm sorry Rainbow Dash, I shouldn't ave said that," Applejack said in apology.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. We have a door to find don't we?" Rainbowdash asked, just as they heard Twilight shriek.
"Come on!" Applejack yelled, running down towards the other end of the ship. When they got there, they didn't exactly know how to react. Twilight was being held up by her collar, by a metal person. The Princess of Friendship squirmed in the grasp, giving a sheepish grin.
"Hi, Princess of Friendship? I see we got off on the wrong hoof, but maybe we could... Talk this out?"
Author's Note
So, should I keep going?
Author's Note
Hey, figured I got asked for more and saw people favoriting, I figured I would post more.
I figured I forgot to hotlink the Mindy. You should know what people are wearing!
As usual, if you want more just ask! IDK if I will be able to keep this posting rate up, but I should be able to get a couple chapters out a week.
2 Magic and Technology
Arinori stared at the creature in her grasp for a moment, looking her over. Wings, horn, horse-like features, and very purple. Almost too purple... "Suzume, any idea at all what this creature is?" She asked over a mental link, her armour informing her that several other creatures were approaching. Part of seeing all four of them reminded her of the Neko Rangers. The other three could possibly combine to make the one she was holding, and part of that upset her. Either this creature was holding back their strength, or Arinori was going to be sorely disappointed. Or pleased. That all depended on what happened from here on out.
"Hi, princess of friendship? I see we got off on the wrong hoof, but maybe we could... Talk this out?" The creature half asked.
"Scan complete. No record of a similar creature on file," Suzume stated, but Arinori was completely dumbfounded. Princess... Of Friendship... Surely it was joking. "Language analysis indicates these creatures also speak a dialect of Galactic Trade. Communication should thankfully be quite seamlessly," The MEGAMI continued, before Arinori started laughing.
"Princess of Friendship?! You have got to be kidding me!" Arinori laughed, dropping the creature. "I don't think I have heard something so childish in my life!" She added, ignoring the looks from the four creatures. After a minute of trying to stop laughing, with several failed attempts at being composed, the Tai finally managed to stop. It was good for her to laugh right now. She needed the morale boost after this fiasco.
"I apologize, your... Highness," Arinori said, using all her might to hold back another bought of laughter. "I was just not expecting... Well... This. I hope you can forgive me," She said, giving a bow. "I am Tai Arinori Waka of the Star Army of Yamatai, Commander of the YSS Hanako. My ship suffered damage, and we crashed, as you can clearly see. I take it you are not hostile?"
The four ponies looked at each other before the purple one brushed herself off. "Yes... You would be correct. Don't worry about forgiveness, though. You must have been through a traumatic experience. I can handle a bit of laughter at my own expense if it means you'll feel better, especially given your apology. Is everyone okay?"
"My crew is my own responsibility, your highness. Though, if you would please tell your companions to stop poking at my ship, I would hate for one of them to accidentally set off the ships defence mechanisms. The MEGAMI is currently on orders to hold back, but if any of your people breach the hull, even I will not be able to stop her," Arinori explained, getting a nod from the princess.
"Rainbowdash, Applejack, tell everyone to stop touching the ship. I don't want anyone else hurt," The princess ordered, turning back to Arinori. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, by the way. Do any of your crew need help? I can have food, water, and medical supplies brought here, or we can situate you in Ponyville? The Princess's will probably want to speak with you, are you in charge of the ship? What are you, is that you or are you wearing armour, can I-"
"Twilight! Maybe you should give the person some time before you start questioning them like that?" Rarity asked, stepping up and giving a wave to the Neko. "Hi, I'm Rarity, proprietory of Carosell boutique. I must say, I do adore how you look. Elegant, with just a touch of intimidating," She said, looking Arinori over.
"These people are crazy..." Arinori said over her mental link with the MEGAMI.
"These people could potentially help supply us with the material needed to get the fabricators up and running," Suzume retorted dryly.
"True."
"Thank you, Rarity. Though, to answer most of your questions, that is classified until further notice. As for food, water, and residence, that would be greatly appreciated, but not required. Our ship is outfitted with emergency supplies enough that we can fend for ourselves." Arinori explained to Twilight.
"Well, I wouldn't be the princess of friendship if I didn't offer a helping hand to new friends. Just say the word, and I'll do what I can to help you. Just say the word, Arinori!" Twilight beamed.
Arinor nodded, taking a step back. "Right, I need to get my crew organized. If your people can, see about clearing or marking a path four meters wide from here to wherever it is we will be setting up shop. Don't worry about leaving anything long term, just food, water, and medical supplies like you offered. We can provide the rest. Otherwise, I will see you when I am done here," Arinori stated, turning back to the hatch and entering the ship, leaving Twilight there to do what she did best.
Several hours passed before Arinori managed to get what was left of her crew in order. Only 20 left uninjured, 87 in total. The priority was stripping the ship of anything that wasn't bolted down and getting them into the Type 30's and to the staging post, marked out by the locals but not before preparing the dead for recycling. When, and if, they got the fabricator bay, and the ST storage working, they would bring the lost back, but until then keeping them around was useless. Ordering all crew capable of moving on their own into their Mindy's, they moved out.
Arinori was shocked by how quickly a path was cleared, and how effectively at that. She almost felt like the large trucks were a little overkill for the terrain, having expected to run into rough patches, but these people seemed a little too good at manual labour. Now that she thought about it, she had no idea what these people were capable of, but until she was in a position to find out more, she was happy with what she had. She had her soldiers, and she had her life. She had locals working in her favour, and she didn't even have to offer anything in return. What was a disaster, was slowly beginning to turn into what could be a nice vacation until they could either repair their ship or make contact with the Star Army once again. Natural forests and skies, bright green grass, it was a lovely place. She almost felt bad for scaring it by crashing, but she quickly ignored that given the fact she didn't exactly have a choice.
Setting up on the post was also quite easy, if not mildly uncomfortable given the stares from the locals they were getting. They had enough type 40 Barrack Segments to have a rotational sleeping arrangement, as well as keep the critically injured in bed for the medical team to continue care. Arinori was receiving updates from her various Shoi and NCO's, when Suzume pinged approaching contacts. When she turned, she was met with two more creatures like Twilight. Wings, Horn, only these two were far taller, and they contrasted sharply. One was midnight blue, and the other was pure white.
"Hello, I am Princess Celestia, and this is Princess Luna. We are looking for Tai Arinori Waka? We would try to find her ourselves, but you all look exactly the same," The White one explained.
"I would be Tai Waka, your highness's, what is it that I may do for you?" Arinori asked. She had a feeling anyone with wings and horns were considered princess's. This meant either it was a common title, or, these ones were not meant to be under estimated.
"As I said sister, the one who looked to be in command, was the one in command," The blue princess said to the white one. "It is as if we were looking among our own Honour Guards. Amusing, I must say," She continued.
"Honour Guard?" Arinori asked, quizzically, but rhetorically.
That didn't seem to matter, as the white one answered her question. "Yes, we are the rulers of this place you have landed," Celestia said, jerking Arinori out of her relaxed demeanour.
"Kio'tsuke!" She snapped, bringing all the soldiers in their Mindy's to attention. "Rei!" She followed, saluting sharply, as the rest bowed low. "I apologize ma'am. After our run in with another princess, we were unsure as to how to take the title, it will not happen again," She said, planning on maintaining a level of respect with these people. The more they liked her, the more they would do for them she figured.
Unfortunately, the two creatures seemed more startled and confused, then the white one started laughing. "Oh my, you must forgive me," She said, bringing a hand up to her muzzle. "I just don't think we were expecting such... a reaction from you. We do appreciate it," She explained, looking at her sister who just shook her head.
"Clearly soldiers. Sister, our troops could learn a thing or two from these strangers. Decades of peace have made them sloppy compared to these ones," She said, taking a step forward. "We have come to offer you further aide outside of what Ponyville is capable of supplying you, as well as to inquire into what type of forces you are, and what brought you to our home. We were told what Princess Twilight knows, but we would prefer to hear it directly from you," she added.
"Ma'am, I am Tai Arinori Waka of the Star Army of Yamatai. We are the military force of the Yamataian Star Empire. My ship was attacked, and we suffered heavy damage, initiating a jump into your space, where we were taken in by your planet's gravity well. While we have sustained casualties, I assure you we will not be a burden upon your people's or your planet's resources. Might I also take this moment to inform you, that as of now, you are under the protection of the Rights of Early Contact. I can answer whatever questions you may have regarding them as you see fit, within my ability, and within the bounds of said rights," Arinori stated. She figured distracting the two with something that sounded far more pressing would get the heat off having to tell them 'No, I can't give you any more information about my ship'.
It worked too, as the two princesses looked at each other and then turned back. "Rights of Early Contact? Can you please explain that a little further?" Celestia asked.
Arinori nodded. "As you are a new peoples discovered by the Star Army of Yamatai, the Rights of Early Contact protect you from any harm or malicious intent by law of the Yamataian Star Empire, of myself, my crew, and any forces enemy or ally of the Yamataian Star Empire, or the Star Army of Yamatai. As such-"
"We have company..." Suzume said over the mental link.
"What in the name of Celestia is THAT!" Someone yelled, pointing up to the sky. Arinori, as well as all the other SAoY personnel looked up, to see something that concerned all of them. An NMX Battleship
"By the Empress... How did they..." Arinori asked more to herself, but wasn't left alone about it.
"How did they what? Tai Waka, what is that?" Luna asked, staring up at the kilometer long ship in lower orbit.
"The NMX followed us... How did the NMX follow us?! We... We did an unregistered Trans-dimensional jump!" Arinori asked, taking a step back. NMX following them was bad, but an NMX Battleship?! "All forces prepare for combat now! Princesses, you need to get out of here, right now. The things on that ship... You have our protection, just know that. We will do what we can," Arinori ordered. "I will explain what I can later, but you need to get as many of your people somewhere safe as fast as you can!"
The Misshuvurthyar had arrived...
