Aim for the Starsby Cirrus SkyChaptersOneTwoThreeEpilogueOneUnimpeded night sky rolled ahead, trillions upon trillions of stars were up there. The longer she looked, the more Twilight could spot. Far from the city lights she could see into the universe. Adjusting her glasses and reaching for her binoculars, (the telescope had been vetoed for camp, her Mom said it was too expensive to take) Twilight wondered how clearly she could see the moons of Jupiter with them out here. “Maybe I was wrong to try and get out of this.” Twilight made a mental note to tell her parents that at least the stargazing made the experience worth it. She had argued, petitioned, prepared an essay and attempted to give a presentation as to why a fortnight at a summer camp was a bad idea. It hadn't worked and she had been packed off onto a bus with Moondancer to a collection of cabins by a lake called “Camp Friendship.” It was a non-specific camp, there were the usual activities one could expect; crafts, outdoor pursuits, nature trails and too many others her age. Twilight was not a people person. Moondancer was one person she could call a friend, but they both seemed to agree that intellectual colleague was a better fit. Not that it counted for much. It was their first day and at lunch Moondancer had bumped into a guy who was reading the same book as her. Now her one familiar face was sitting off with this Sunburst as they discussed a book series Twilight had not been taken with. Still looking up at the sky, Twilight pulled a sour face. “My mom says if you scowl and the wind changes, it'll stick that way.” A girl's voice interrupted her isolation. “And that'd be a shame. From what I can see, you're pretty.” 'What?!' Twilight sputtered mentally. She could not have heard that right. She set aside her binoculars to look at the intruder. The girl who had joined her was pale under the moonlight, her hair was striped and looked to be very colourful. “Excuse me?” Twilight tried not to sound too outraged, Cadey had begged she try and make friends. “You don't want to get your face stuck in a scowl.” The girl grinned. She was sat cross-legged across from Twilight. The shirt she wore had a big number six on the front. 'A jock, great.' Was Twilight's immediate thought. She braced herself mentally for teasing at the least. “What do you want?” Twilight asked, it sounded harsh but she was defensive around jocks. The girl seemed undeterred. “Can you see the surface of the moon with those things?” She pointed to the binoculars with interest. Twilight was surprised, most interactions she had with the athletically inclined were negative memories. Even a few mental scars. “Yes actually.” Twilight sat up to talk to the girl. “When conditions are right I can see the Galilean Satellites.” She paused a beat. “Some of the moons around Jupiter.” “That's awesome!” The girl grinned again and Twilight couldn't help but smile back. The girl stuck out a hand. “Rainbow Dash. Nice to meet you.” Twilight took the hand and shook. “Twilight Sparkle.” “So is it just planets you look at or do you aim for the stars?” Rainbow shifted to sit next to Twilight. “My grandpop taught me about navigating using the stars.” “Really?” Twilight didn't object to Rainbow sitting by her. It looked like the girl would be worth talking to. -*- A day at camp was only enjoyable if you had interest in the activities. Twilight sulked, today had been worse than yesterday. The camp counsellors had placed her group on a cooking activity. She had chosen the wrong bowls twice, melting the plastic with the chocolate. When she had finally got that right, she had still gone wrong and ruined a batch of crispy cereal treats. The camp helpers had been nice, but the rest of the kids had been very mean. She could run all kinds of chemistry experiments, but never ever cooked anything successfully. She was lucky to get a sandwich right. Dumping herself on the hilltop, Twilight looked up at the sky. It was a clear night again. She opened up the binocular case and sought out a spot in the sky to look at. Behind her she could hear someone climbing the hill. Hoping it was someone friendly, the scratchy voiced “Hey Twilight.” was welcome. “Hello Rainbow Dash.” Twilight's voice still held her doleful mood. Rainbow sat down beside her. “You okay egghead?” She sounded concerned, but still used the nickname she'd given Twilight the night before. “Not really.” Twilight sighed. Inquisitive rose eyes looked at her and Twilight related her disastrous day to a hopefully sympathetic ear. Part-way through her telling, Rainbow shifted closer. “And they had put me in a group of people I didn't know. Moondancer got in with her new friends.” Twilight tried not to sound bitter about that. “That sucks.” Rainbow leaned against Twilight, their arms pressed together. “Tomorrow do you want to ask if you can come on in my group? Thunderlane went home with 'flu today.” The contact from the other girl was warm against her. Twilight blushed. “Um, yes. That sounds good.” Even being friends with one person in the group would be a help. “So, what are we gonna look at tonight?” Rainbow kept close to Twilight as the navy haired girl started to point out the stars. -*- “Are you sure it is okay to keep sneaking out?” Moondancer watched as Twilight picked up her binocular case again. Every night for the whole trip her friend had slipped from the cabin, returning up to two hours later. “I don't go to the boy's section, the creek or the lake.” Twilight shrugged. Those were the major ground rules, she was only breaking curfew. “Okay.” Moondancer left it at that. In truth she was feeling a bit guilty; Sunburst and his friend Starlight had occupied her time at camp. She'd spent little of their trip with Twilight. “I'll see you later. If they catch me, I'll say you never knew.” Twilight slipped out the back window of the cabin and made her way the short distance to the hilltop. Knowing that Rainbow would join her soon. She didn't sit in anticipation, more like expectation. Rainbow had become her friend and knew a decent amount about astronomy. Twilight had enjoyed being in her group for camp activities; she helped on the nature trail “quest” and the team won the event. Rainbow had stopped her falling in the lake as they canoed and when they both fell in later on, just laughed joyously. “Twi!” Rainbow jogged up the hill, she dropped down to the grass next to Twilight and gave her a quick one-armed hug, like she gave her teammates and friends. “Only one more night at camp.” She said it with a slight hint of emotion, one Twilight had not heard from the athletic girl. “I know.” Twilight had been trying not to think about it. She had started to look forward to their nightly stargazing. She would certainly miss it when they went back to their homes. “Can we try for Mars today?” Rainbow moved to pick up the binoculars. Twilight held onto them though. “I have a question first.” The scholarly girl needed to ask this, or risk tainting her memories for these moments with wrong conclusions. “A pop quiz? I thought we got out of those in the summer!” Rainbow tried to joke, but Twilight looked serious. “Why did you come up here on the first night?” Twilight had mulled the thought over in her mind. Some times she decided that Rainbow had meant to tease her or do something mean. Getting to know the girl had dissuaded that thought, but then she worried theirs was only a 'pity friendship', what one of the meaner campers had claimed when they had been apart one day. Rainbow looked confused, her face scrunched up in a quizzical expression. “When I can't sleep I go for a run. Then I saw you were looking at the sky. I love looking at the stars and planets.” Rainbow looked about her as if checking anyone was spying on them. “I've never told anyone this, except my grandpops.” She paused and looked Twilight in the eye. “I want to be the first woman on Mars.” Twilight was taken aback by Rainbow's conviction and felt admiration grow inside her. It was an amazing goal to have. Grinning to her friend, she pulled out the binoculars and handed them over. “Lets find it then.” -*- Tonight was the last night of camp. Earlier in the day, the both girls had scrawled contact details on paper to take home with them. Rainbow lived in Cloudsdale, Twilight was in Canterlot. Now was their final chance to stargaze together for who knew how long. Twilight was fourteen now, she wasn't a kid, she knew that they might not see each other ever again. But it was nice to have a friend like Rainbow, if only for a short while. Slipping out again, Moondancer was not there to worry, she had elected to stay at the last night cookout with her friends until the curfew got actually enforced, Twilight walked to the hill. Rainbow was already at their spot. “Beat me to it.” Twilight said, sitting down by Rainbow, the athlete uncharacteristically quiet. “What're we going to look for?” She didn't want to mention this was the last time. She wanted to pretend they had a tomorrow night and another. Even another. “You asked me a question last night. Can I ask one tonight?”Rainbow looked at Twilight, a sort of desperate earnest look for her friend. “That's fair.” Twilight blinked, wondering what it could be. “Why did you let me stick around that first night? And the next.” Rainbow looked genuinely worried. “All the really smart kids at school? They think I'm just a dumb jock. That's why I never told anyone I want to be an astronaut. They would all just laugh me off.” Rainbow was looking at her hands, not Twilight. Twilight could only blink once more. Rainbow had been super cool and completely confident for the whole time at camp. That she had similar worries to Twilight was a real surprise. “You told me that your grandpa taught you about Celestial Navigation. Most times someone who... who is a bit of a jock type, they only talk to me for homework assignments to copy or notes for exams. Or to just steal them...” Twilight hugged herself a moment. “You were actually interested in spending time with me.” Bright rose eyes looked at her and a hand grabbed hers. “Thanks for giving me a chance Twi'. I have learned a lot about stars and astronomy from you.” Rainbow smiled, seemingly cheerful again. Still holding hands, Rainbow picked up the binocular case from the grass. “Can we look at the moon tonight? It was the biggest step we made so far.” They passed their hour looking at the moon, sometimes unaided, other glances with the binoculars to get a little more detail. They held hands the entire time and Twilight felt so comfortable. Down in the camp, the flashlight beams of the helpers and counsellors looking for any curfew breakers stopped their sky-gazing. They both slid down the hillside as quietly as possible, reaching the back of the cabins without being spotted. “I kinda have one more question.” Rainbow whispered. Looking Twilight in the eye. “Yes?” Twilight replied, feeling the girl take her other hand. Quickly like her namesake, Rainbow darted in and pressed a kiss to Twilight's lips. “Don't forget me?” Dumbfounded, Twilight was only capable of nodding as Rainbow flashed a smile and ran off to her cabin. It took Moondancer tugging at her collar for Twilight to climb into her cabin before she could be caught. Author's Note TwiDash from me once more. I think that finally finishing Ponyville Days took away the pressure for me, so I feel free to write this pair again. Hope you enjoy it. This one is pretty much written, so I'l publish on a fair schedule. Writers Block breaking for my Sunset story for sure, I got this one down and I had a creative burst on the next chapter. So never fear if you like my Best Human story too. TwoCampus was buzzing with new students and returning learners. It made for a mixed crowd of those who knew where to go and what to do and the newbies trying to work things out. Twilight was a little half and half. She had attended once every two months as part of a remote learning course she'd taken while at high school. Her dad had asked her to graduate normally, not wanting his little girl to pack off to university too soon. The remote course was a compromise they both agreed to. So, she knew her way around the place, enough to have some idea where to go. But this was still a new experience for her. Crystal U was famous in the country for having great STEM courses and Twilight had been practically headhunted to attend, scholarships and bursaries loaded on to attract “the brightest mind of a generation” as one course head had put it. As exceptional as Crystal U was though, it was still a university campus. There were a lot of shenanigans and activities going on around her. “Watch out!” Someone yelled. In the brief moment before a soccer ball collided with the back of her head, Twilight could have sworn she knew the voice. But face-planting on the lawn was something of a distraction. Lying flat on the grass Twilight's head was ringing from the hit. But the shout, and the next, were from someone she knew. “Oh my god, I so did not mean to hit you, I was punting it to Soarin.” Someone started to lift Twilight. “I am so sorry... Twilight Sparkle!” The woman hauled her up and suddenly Twilight was face to face with: “Rainbow Dash!” Standing, but still held up by Rainbow, Twilight was immediately grabbed into and embrace. “I haven't seen you in years!” Rainbow held tight. Twilight blushed brightly, in the intervening years Rainbow had grown up. She had grown up. Their bodies had matured from gangly teens. They were equal in height. They were pressing together in a way Twilight found both mortifying and wonderful. Sometime while she considered their physical changes, Twilight had put her arms around Rainbow and neither of them had let go yet. Parting finally, both women just looked at each other, tallying their memory with the present. Rainbow was wearing a shirt with an Air Force logo and a Crystal U Letter jacket. A nice similarity to the past. Twilight knew her own style hadn't changed too much either. “No glasses?” Rainbow smiled, Twilight was a pretty cute shade of pink right now. “Sometimes.” Twilight slipped her hand down to catch Rainbow's. “Contacts most of the time, glasses for evenings and all-nighters.” “Good to know. You look cute in glasses.” Rainbow flashed a grin and Twilight got flustered. “It's been years.” Twilight changed the subject quickly. She and Rainbow had emailed a few times a year, but neither of them had mentioned the parting kiss. Or the fact they were both going to Crystal University. “I didn't know you were going here.” Rainbow hadn't pulled her hand free and Twilight was happy to keep on holding hands. “I'm going to get a BSc in physics.” Rainbow looked proud of herself. “What about you? I bet you're doing everything going.” “Something like that.” Twilight mumbled, it was nearly true. She had already technically completed some courses first semester requirements and had been jumped ahead to the second. Wanting to talk longer, she was disappointed to hear someone call. “Hey Rainbow! We got to get over to meet the gym for the Induction!” A man with navy hair shouted over. “Sorry Egghead, going to have to do that if I want to keep up on my PT.” Rainbow gave Twilight's hand a squeeze, the old nickname comfortable to say. “Meet me at the coffee place right? Coffee Cherry, it's on campus.” With that, Rainbow raced after her friend. The soccer ball was still there on the grass by Twilight. She picked up the ball and carried on towards her dorm. Making a note of the campus cafe, she didn't mind visiting often to try and meet Rainbow. “Why on earth do you have a soccer ball?” Moondancer stood in her dorm doorway, she and Twilight didn't room together but they were on the same floor. “I just bumped in to an old friend.” Twilight smiled. She had remained close to Moondancer, actually being friends instead of their childish assertion of “Intellectual Colleague”. The other girl had kept better contact with Sunburst and Starlight, but the pair had lived in a nearby town and been easier to meet up with. Now they were all at University together. But so was Rainbow Dash. “That's cool.” Moondancer moved to go back into her room. “My dorm mate hasn't got in yet, but I'll let you know if we make plans. You can bring your roomie too.” “Sure 'Dancer, I'll let you know when I see her.” Twilight was still smiling as she got to her own dorm, she placed the ball by her bed. Taking a mental note to remember to return it to Rainbow. -*- Twilight met her room-mate at the end of the day. She knew they existed from the personal items on their side of the room, the girl who arrived was quiet but also unassuming to the point of invisibility. Wallflower Blush was friendly but shy, she was taking Biology and hoped to focus on as many plant and green growth based projects as possible in the future. Amazingly, to Twilight, she had a girlfriend already in her third year of college, majoring in Electrical Engineering. “So, if you want the dorm to yourself, don't feel bad. I can go and crash with Red.” The green haired girl said. She seemed nice enough, so Twilight was happy to share with the girl. It was also good to know that the dorm could be free. Twilight coloured a little at that thought. -*- It didn't take long before Twilight bumped into Rainbow again. The soccer ball was in her dorm room still, she was only going for morning coffee. The Coffee Cherry was a nice looking place for a campus coffee shop. Ordering her favourite, hoping the Coffee Cherry made it well. Twilight took a seat and turned to the page she was on in her book, settling down to read until her first appointment today. The bell over the door rang as a customer entered. Twilight didn't look away from her book. A few moments later someone sat in the chair at her table. This time Twilight looked up. Striped hair and rose eyes looked over the top of the book. “Hey” Rainbow greeted, coffee in hand. “Hello Rainbow.” Twilight lowered her book. Today Rainbow was wearing PT uniform. “Air Force?” She remembered yesterday's shirt and now the training gear. “Yeah.” Rainbow grinned again. “On my eighteenth birthday, I went right to the Air force office and told the recruiter I was going to be an Astronaut.” She scrubbed at her hair with her free hand. “But I had backed it up. I, um, realised I had to get serious after meeting you and learning about space from our chats. So I hit the books hard, did extra courses in science and Russian in the community college through high school. Logged flight hours, I've been flying solo since I was sixteen, so they knew I was firing for space.” Twilight blushed again. To think it was her influence that had really motivated Rainbow all those years ago. “I'm glad you've gotten this far.” She smiled to the girl. “More than that Twi', your science website? That was awesome to use when I was studying.” Rainbow took a sip of her coffee. “It was mostly to test my AIs.” Twilight shrugged, keeping humble. “Smarty and Owl were projects I developed in High School. They aggregate and catalogue science articles for me. Then my sister-in-law suggested I run a website for people to use the resources too.” She found Artificial Intelligence fascinating, adaptive AI was her speciality. “You're a genius then.” Rainbow chuckled at Twilight's blush. “So what are you studying? I didn't really ask properly.” “You made a good guess.” Twilight recalled Rainbow's comment the day before. “It is kind of a custom created course-load.” The scholar detailed her learning plan to the pilot who listened with interest. By the end she looked impressed. “It sounds like you are going to get me to Mars then.” Rainbow laughed. She had finished her coffee and was playing with the wooden stirrer. “Maybe I will.” Twilight smiled, she found it easy to be confident and certain around Rainbow. Her phone buzzed, her planning app was reminding her about a mentoring session. “That's me. I'll see you again Rainbow.” Twilight stood up and smiled. “We share classes.” Twilight nearly skipped out. It had been great to catch up with her friend. -*- “Wallflower, I have nothing to wear to a party.” Twilight lay on her bed in a slight panic. After three months of college, she had finally capitulated to a party invitation. It helped immensely that Rainbow had asked her. “You're asking me. Wallflower. For party advice.” The green haired girl sat cross-legged on her bed. Shaking her head and laughing when Twilight sighed exaggeratedly. “You have a girlfriend, I hoped you had some social nous.” Twilight glared at her ceiling. “Nope. I am adorably shy and therefore irresistible to her personality type.” Wallflower joked. “I got lucky Twilight. She was the girl next door in the crummy apartment block we grew up in. I crushed on her for years, missed her like crazy when she got herself to college and ended up awkwardly kissing her when she came home for the summer.” Wallflower smiled softly in recognition. “Cute.” Twilight wondered if she could ever gather up the courage to ask Rainbow about their summer camp kiss. “Okay, I texted Red, she'll be over to help you make an outfit.” Wallflower walked over and looked down at her roomie. “Rainbow invited you, so she wants you there.” “I know, but I have never been to a real party. She'll think I'm a loser.” Twilight flung her arms over her eyes. “Rainbow likes you Twilight.” Wallflower shrugged. “She'll just be happy to see you.” There was a knock at the door and Twilight was treated to one of Wallflower's rare smiles. “It's open Red.” “Hey Green.” A voice said and Twilight looked over. The woman at the door was a familiar face, but not with the name Red. “Wait, Red is Sunset?” Twilight sat up and looked on in surprise as a classmate from her robotics course stepped beside Wallflower. “We are working together on a project and you never mentioned you were dating my room-mate?” “It didn't come up.” Sunset shrugged. The redhead had also been placed on the special course by the college robotics department. Matching skilled electrical/mechanical engineers with the advanced AI programmers was creating amazing leaps in technology. “So, you're going to a party with Rainbow hmm?” Sunset thinned her lips a moment. “Show me what we have to work with.” She watched Twilight go to her closet and open it up, Wallflower had returned to her bed to sit and enjoy the show. “I really haven't got anything you could wear to a party.” Twilight grumbled, waving an arm at the assortment of skirts, sweaters and blouses. Everything in her preferred shades of magenta, purple and blue. There were a few different patterns and printed designs to work with, but nothing Twilight knew what to do with. Sunset inspected the closet as Twilight looked on, envious of the older girl's effortless cool in leather jacket and jeans. “Ok, I have some ideas.” Sunset took out some clothes and dropped them in Twilight's arms. “Put those on. I'm going to find shoes.” “Okay. I'll go use the bathroom.” Twilight retreated. “I only brought three pairs. But my Mom put together a box of “essentials” that might help.” She said before shutting the door to the tiny bathroom. “It's the carton at the bottom of the closet.” “Alright.” Sunset looked at the sensible Mary Janes, the brogues and one pair of slightly stylish boots. All nice enough for lectures and lab, but nothing that said party. The box at the bottom yielded better results. “Ah ha, chucks.” Sunset lifted the purple shoes out. “Do you have any socks that will match the blouse? Knee highs with that skirt I picked out.” Sunset said. “Yeah, I think nearly all of Twilight's socks are knee highs.” Wallflower giggled from her seat. “I happen to like them.” Twilight countered from the bathroom. After a few beats of silence she emerged from the bathroom dressed in the outfit Sunset had picked out. A purple plaid pleated skirt, pale blue blouse and a plain purple sweater vest. “So?” “Just a second.” Sunset stepped forward and undid the top two buttons on the blouse. “You're going to a party, you don't need your collar buttoned.” Sunset smirked. “Right.” Twilight noted that, it had not occurred to her. “Knee-high socks.” She took a pair from her drawer and looked at the shoes Sunset had found. “I don't remember ever having shoes like that.” “They look brand new.” Wallflower pointed out. “Mom must have decided I might need them here.” Twilight had pulled on the purple chucks and was lacing them up. “They look nice.” She smiled and tapped her toes. “Yup.” Sunset popped the p, “When are you going to the party?” Twilight looked at her watch and jumped. “Any minute now!” She grabbed both the women in a quick hug. “Thanks for the help see you again bye!” Twilight hurried out of the dorm and down the hall. “Good deed for the day done.” Sunset grinned, her arm around Wallflower. “Do you think she'll ask Rainbow out tonight?” Wallflower smirked. The pilot was often a subject of conversation from Twilight, the girl was pretty much smitten and it was obvious to everyone but her. “Maybe. Rainbow has got to be blind if she doesn't want that.” Sunset leered. “Ow!” Wallflower swatted her. “I adore you Green, never fear.” Sunset leaned in and kissed her forehead. “So, your dorm's free for the evening.” She raised her eyebrows and Wallflower, well, blushed. “Okay Red. Sounds good.” The green haired girl flicked the lock on the dorm door. -*- “Hi Twi'.” Rainbow was just walking over when Twilight reached the door of her building. She was acting her usual cool self, but Twilight could see the pilot looking at her outfit. The slightly more casual look the two free buttons and the chucks gave her seemed to be appreciated. “Hello Rainbow.” Twilight smiled and happily held onto the hand that slipped into hers. “Who's party is it tonight?” At the time Rainbow had invited her, Twilight had been too flustered to do more than accept. “Soarin's party. He wanted to get us Air Force brats together for a party and said to bring friends along.” Rainbow had her fingers threaded through Twilight's, they were both enjoying the feeling. “He lives in one of the places opposite the main building.” “Thanks for inviting me.” Twilight knew that Rainbow counted her as a friend, but it always made her feel good to be called such. “Of course I was going to, I'm just surprised you said yes.” Rainbow swung their arms. “You never do parties.” Twilight froze and thought. “I needed to try and change that, and you did ask me.” She leaned her head on Rainbow's shoulder. “I, I like you.” The words slipped out and Twilight realised what she had said, moving from Rainbow, their clasped hands prevented her from going too far. Rainbow halted then. “Like... You mean, the like-like kind of way.” She looked at Twilight, the scholar had her head bowed but she nodded. It left Rainbow struggling for words a moment. “That's Awesome.” Finally worked its way from her head and out of her mouth. Twilight was looking at her again, shocked and happy all at once. “Really? I mean, I... I always remembered my first kiss and then you were here at college and still wanted to talk to me? I wasn't sure if I could push my luck...” “Egghead, I've been trying to figure if you were into girls, or you know, anything, since I realised it was you I took out with the soccer ball.” Rainbow pulled Twilight in close and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Want to be girlfriends?” “Of Course!” Twilight said quickly. More than happy to have her second kiss right there on the quad. Author's Note Chapter two. Jumping in to another point in the lives of two driven and intelligent women. Who really dig each other. Had to have by main girl in there somewhere too, sorry not sorry. ThreeNerio's engines slowed, as had been planned the “evening” before. The crew wanted to be well rested for their arrival and the descent. So attuned to her spacecraft, the captain woke well before ship “morning”. She had gotten up early to run a few checks and grab a coffee, sharing the flight deck with the night shift crew. When it came time for morning, the chosen 'alarm' for landing day played out. It had been decided almost before the mission date honestly. Voted for by the global public. But Rainbow couldn't argue with the result, the chorus of a Bowie masterpiece was fitting and pretty cool to listen to as the rest of the crew woke up. “Harmony, how close are we?” “We're an hour from reaching orbit. I have cycled the engines down for inertia to carry us to the chosen position.” The AI of the ship spoke out. “Crew are starting their waking routines, but I think Mom might need a reminder.” Harmony's voice had a hint of laughter in it, her creator was their science lead and the rest of the eight strong crew had teased the scientist that the AI was her baby, calling her Mom until it stuck. Not that the Doctor minded, the captain knew, but Rainbow had a pretty unique insight into the woman. “I'll go get her up.” Rainbow smirked and put her litter in the recycling hatch. Everything on the ship was designed to be reused in some form. Vital for their trip. Padding along the hallway, glad of the artificial gravity in the living sections, Rainbow passed some of the sleepy crew on their way to breakfast. She smiled, everyone was used to this part of the morning routine and everyone preferred quiet until after their first coffee. Reaching the door, Rainbow just opened it, not needing permission or to give a warning. “Rise and shine Sparkle, Mars says hello.” Sprawled out on the bed, at least tethered by her safety belt in case of gravity failure, Twilight Sparkle did not look like the lead scientist on the most ambitious human endeavour since sending man to the moon. “Immawake.” Twilight groaned, a book fell from the bed. They shared the bed, it was testament to just how long she and Twilight had been together that Rainbow hadn't noticed the paperback that had joined them as they slept. “I still can't believe that after all the weight considerations and the rest, that you got to bring actual paper books with you.” Rainbow sat down on the edge of the bed and unlatched the safety belt, Twilight always forgot it, even after six months of sleeping in it. “They were chosen by people as the books we should bring.” Twilight defended, sitting up and seeking her glasses. “It was to raise interest in literacy.” Putting on the glasses she focused on Rainbow and smiled. “You like them too I seem to recall.” “Yeah, I do.” Rainbow leaned in and kissed Twilight, forever glad that they were both on this mission. It had caused something of a stir at first, the two being partners and being selected on the mission. But Doctor Twilight Sparkle had essentially created everything that allowed them to reach and remain on Mars. Air Force Captain Rainbow Dash was the best pilot in the astronaut programme, held a Masters in Physics and had been selected on merit. Their relationship had been established long before the mission had even been more than a pipe-dream. There had been a media frenzy, but it was overwhelmingly positive and excited. Even if things were more gossip focused than science and achievement based. Besides which, the four man, four woman team had been selected for their abilities and what was required for this important mission. The first people to Mars. “Mom. Coffee is ready.” Harmony sounded on the room speaker. Twilight shook her head with a smile. “Why did Sunset have to convince Harmony to refer to me like that?” Twilight was used to it, it was making her thoughtful even. Future plans taking shape for time after the mission. “She's a tease, and she had to entertain herself during the night shift somehow.” Rainbow laughed. “Come on, I've already had one coffee and you need something before we get into orbit.” Getting off the bed, they both went to the kitchen for some breakfast. Today was an important day. -*- “Wayfinder has sent the all clear.” Sunset said from her position on the flight deck. “We're OK for joining planetary orbit on the projected path.” “Make it so Number One.” Rainbow winked, Loshad, the co-pilot shook his head at the joke and started the adjustments to thrusters that would take them in. The crew for the Ares Mission had been taken from across the main space agencies. It had just so happened that three of the best were also close friends since college days. Rainbow was Captain, Loshad, a Russian, was second in command on the piloting side. Two other pilot trained crew joined them, off shift for now having been the night crew. Twilight was scientific lead, with a team made up of fellow scientists. “We're all redundancies really.” Sunset had joked once. “Twilight knows everything.” But the team had roles directly related to the needs of the mission. Sunset was the electrical and mechanical engineer, she had directly worked with Twilight on the robotics and artificial gravity system. The patent for the device was in their name. A biologist and geologist filled out the mission needs, the pair were in the lab with Twilight preparing everything for landing or to be left in orbit attended to by servos and Harmony. No one wanted to hurt six months worth of space bound research or break anything before it landed. “We are in the correct orbital path.” Harmony said. “Wayfinder has linked up, hailing Melody.” Melody was the AI already on Mars. The Ares Mission was effectively a wagon train. The Wayfinder probe had been sent out first, to check the journey and flag potential problems. Then Enyo, an entirely AI controlled ship had made it to Mars and landed. Melody directed turning the ship and its cargo into the Mars One base. “She” had been controlling the drones and servos to construct and prepare the Mars One for human habitation. Now they were going to link up and make the landing in Pyroeis, the craft that would take them from The Nerio to Mars and then back to the orbiting ship once their mission was over. “Hello Nerio.” Melody and Harmony had made a link. “Optimal Landing Window is in two hours and counting.” “Thank you Melody, we will be ready.” Rainbow saluted a camera, knowing Harmony would relay it. She knew they were both AI, but Twilight had programmed them from their very first line of code and she respected that. The adaptive AIs were almost like people and she would treat them as such. “OK crew, you heard the timings. We'll relay that to Earth.” With a timescale in place, Rainbow took her seat to await the link to home. Currently there was an eight minute delay between them, and today their families would be watching at the mission control too. There was going to be a live video link before commencing landing. Just a brief snatch of time to wave at their loved ones before going to Mars. Going on this mission had been her goal for nearly all her life. But Rainbow wasn't sure what she might have done had Twilight not been selected to go also. Sunset had to leave Wallflower behind for more than two years. All the others had also left all their loved ones behind. But that just meant Rainbow was going to get this right every step of the way. She had to keep Twilight safe and she was going to get her crew back to their families. Hands slipped to her shoulders. “You look tense.” Twilight said. She smoothed her thumb across the nape of Rainbow's neck. “It will be a textbook landing. You and Loshad are the best of the best.” She carried on smoothing and soothing. “Harmony told us the action plan. I thought you would like a little support before we have to smile for the press.” “Thanks Twi'.” Rainbow leaned back into the touch a moment. “I know we got this.” -*- Helmeted up, strapped in their seats and ready to leave The Nerio, eight astronauts were prepared for the last stage of their journey. Everyone was quiet, listening to and carrying out instructions to the letter for a safe landing. It had been sobering to move on having seen their families on Earth. Even if it had just been a brief chance to smile and wave, blow a few kisses and then say farewell. It had brought everything back to them, the risk involved in the mission. After six months of travel without any true problems, the crew were now reaching the most complex and dangerous part of the mission so far. “Lander is free from main ship. Cargo module is secure.” Loshad relayed to Rainbow. “Engines?” Rainbow was inspecting everything within her remit. She trusted her second to fulfil his role. “Thruster power is at optimum, engines respond as green to go.” The co-pilot said, his accented English gruff but sure. “Okay hotshots and eggheads. We're going to land this bird on the Red Planet.” Rainbow spoke mostly for herself, but she felt better for it. “See you later Harmony.” “Safe travels Pyroeis. I'll keep everything tidy up here Mom.” The AI said. One last tsk from Twilight came over the radios. It made Rainbow smile, here they were, the whole crew's lives in her hands and Twilight was mumbling about a prank their friend had played. “You are cleared for landing Pyroeis.” Melody sent Rainbow the path calculated to be the best. But it was only calculated, no one was absolutely sure it would be fine. The ship Melody had guided to Mars was designed to be able to plummet and still survive, the AI brain well protected to crash land. Eight humans was a new variable. That was why Rainbow Dash was the pilot. To get them landed safely. “You've got this Rainbow.” Twilight said, using the radio in their helmet, set to her channel and her channel alone. “I know that you're the one who can do this.” With those words Rainbow was set. Still smiling, she started to follow the path planned for her, feeling Pyroeis react to her commands. Data was returned to her, anything a pilot could want to know as they entered the Martian atmosphere. Vital information to react to or move with to safely reach the surface. But the ship was flying like a dream. The lander had been designed something like a mixture of the old space shuttles and a fighter jet. A delta winged shape that had finally reached the skies of its mythological namesake. The cargo pod was bulky and would be left behind on the return trip, but for now, Pyroeis was soaring through the Martian sky. “Hey folks, this is your captain speaking. We're a good elevation in the skies of Mars heading for Vallis Marineris and Mars One Base, our home for two years.” Rainbow said to the crew. “Sorry, no in-flight snacks, but landing isn't too far off.” She ripped off a jaunty salute. The chorus of groans over the radio were worth it. -*- Melody had even prepared a runway on the Martian ground. The flattest part of a plateau marked out by bright spots, old storage boxes painted neon blue to stand out on the red-orange soil. “You really did think of everything.” Rainbow muttered to herself. Twilight had been involved with the mission planning from the very early stages, and a practical thing like this just had to have been her idea. “Okay, we are going in for a landing. It looks pretty flat, but things might get a little bumpy.” Rainbow told her crew. It was different, flying in the Martian sky, but she was a pilot through and through. Rainbow knew how to fly. It only took one approach for Rainbow to be happy to make a landing. With the slightest of impacts, the Pyroeis was touched down on Mars. “We did it!” Twilight was the first to shout. Rainbow was concentrating on slowing the craft to a halt and “parking” by Mars Base One, but the scientists were celebrating. The pilots were looking out for problems. Carefully, so carefully, the ship came to a halt. The clearing by the base was near enough to reach the structure safely and easily. Once the cargo pod was removed, the ship could be stowed for the two years that the crew were on Mars. But now, they would be setting foot on the surface. The First Humans on Mars. Even with the adrenaline rush from a successful landing, Rainbow was excited. “We're here.” She didn't jump from her seat. In fact everyone was orderly as they ran their checks and set data recorders going. The radio link was strong, Sunset had already gone through the technical jargon with mission control and now it was time for the public to have the “live” feed. Already suited up, everyone was identifiable only by their moral patch blazed across one shoulder. Rainbow proudly wore a lightning bolt striped for her namesake. She had added a smaller copy of Twilight's purple star to one glove, just as Twilight wore a lightning bolt on her opposite glove. A little romantic nod to each other, each marking the hands that held each other. With everything checked and the link ready. It was time to disembark. The exit was an airlock at the side of the ship. Leaving the flight deck of the Pyroeis into the main hub, the door closed and sealed behind them. Entering the airlock to leave the ship, Rainbow was trying not to bounce on her heels too much. She had to give some dignity to this moment. After all, the whole world was watching. The light lit, stairs had deployed to the surface. The door to Mars was ready to open. Everyone was silent as the door slid open, revealing the red-orange soil to them all. Long before, the crew had all agreed that Rainbow was the one to leave first. Twilight beside her. They gripped gloved hands as they left the craft. The pilot took a step onto the stair, another and one more to the surface. Twilight held back a moment, just to be a step behind Rainbow for this important moment. To give the woman she loved her dream. “To all those who brought us to this point; We've taken that second step.” Rainbow said as her boot pressed into the dusty Martian soil. Twilight was just a step behind her, but Rainbow Dash had done it. She was the first woman on Mars. The first person on Mars. Author's Note I took names from mythology for the mission names. I also have a few ideas on what books I would send to Mars. How about you? EpilogueAs the rest of the crew disembarked and celebrated in their own ways, choosing the spot they wanted to fly the flags and pointing out nearby things of interest, Rainbow kept hold of Twilight's hand. She switched her radio to Twilight's channel. “Hey Twilight. Can I talk to you a moment?” There was a brief pause, the hand in hers squeezed. “Of course you can Rainbow.” Twilight turned to face her, switching her faceplate to a less reflective finish. Rainbow copied her, they could see each others' faces. “A long long time ago I told you my dream. You supported me, without laughing or taking it anything but seriously.” Rainbow began, taking Twilight's other hand. “You helped without knowing it and you helped me in college too. I would never have gone for a Masters without your belief in me.” “Rainbow...” Twilight closed the gap between them as best she could. “Now it was your know-how and inventions that made it possible for us to be here.” Rainbow smiled. “But I've done that dream now. First Person on Mars, first Woman on Mars. I've got to get a new dream.” She pressed her faceplate to Twilight's. “I can only think of one that is worthy of following up taking humankind's first step on Mars.” “What's that?” Twilight looked puzzled a moment, wondering if Jupiter or Saturn was her next goal. “Will you marry me?” Rainbow said, not quite so confident but still certain. “Getting to Mars wasn't required, but this... This was always going to happen as soon as we set off from Earth. I want to spend forever with you Twilight Sparkle.” “Yes.” Twilight freed her hands so she could embrace Rainbow, spacesuits be damned. “Yes I will marry you.”
OneUnimpeded night sky rolled ahead, trillions upon trillions of stars were up there. The longer she looked, the more Twilight could spot. Far from the city lights she could see into the universe. Adjusting her glasses and reaching for her binoculars, (the telescope had been vetoed for camp, her Mom said it was too expensive to take) Twilight wondered how clearly she could see the moons of Jupiter with them out here. “Maybe I was wrong to try and get out of this.” Twilight made a mental note to tell her parents that at least the stargazing made the experience worth it. She had argued, petitioned, prepared an essay and attempted to give a presentation as to why a fortnight at a summer camp was a bad idea. It hadn't worked and she had been packed off onto a bus with Moondancer to a collection of cabins by a lake called “Camp Friendship.” It was a non-specific camp, there were the usual activities one could expect; crafts, outdoor pursuits, nature trails and too many others her age. Twilight was not a people person. Moondancer was one person she could call a friend, but they both seemed to agree that intellectual colleague was a better fit. Not that it counted for much. It was their first day and at lunch Moondancer had bumped into a guy who was reading the same book as her. Now her one familiar face was sitting off with this Sunburst as they discussed a book series Twilight had not been taken with. Still looking up at the sky, Twilight pulled a sour face. “My mom says if you scowl and the wind changes, it'll stick that way.” A girl's voice interrupted her isolation. “And that'd be a shame. From what I can see, you're pretty.” 'What?!' Twilight sputtered mentally. She could not have heard that right. She set aside her binoculars to look at the intruder. The girl who had joined her was pale under the moonlight, her hair was striped and looked to be very colourful. “Excuse me?” Twilight tried not to sound too outraged, Cadey had begged she try and make friends. “You don't want to get your face stuck in a scowl.” The girl grinned. She was sat cross-legged across from Twilight. The shirt she wore had a big number six on the front. 'A jock, great.' Was Twilight's immediate thought. She braced herself mentally for teasing at the least. “What do you want?” Twilight asked, it sounded harsh but she was defensive around jocks. The girl seemed undeterred. “Can you see the surface of the moon with those things?” She pointed to the binoculars with interest. Twilight was surprised, most interactions she had with the athletically inclined were negative memories. Even a few mental scars. “Yes actually.” Twilight sat up to talk to the girl. “When conditions are right I can see the Galilean Satellites.” She paused a beat. “Some of the moons around Jupiter.” “That's awesome!” The girl grinned again and Twilight couldn't help but smile back. The girl stuck out a hand. “Rainbow Dash. Nice to meet you.” Twilight took the hand and shook. “Twilight Sparkle.” “So is it just planets you look at or do you aim for the stars?” Rainbow shifted to sit next to Twilight. “My grandpop taught me about navigating using the stars.” “Really?” Twilight didn't object to Rainbow sitting by her. It looked like the girl would be worth talking to. -*- A day at camp was only enjoyable if you had interest in the activities. Twilight sulked, today had been worse than yesterday. The camp counsellors had placed her group on a cooking activity. She had chosen the wrong bowls twice, melting the plastic with the chocolate. When she had finally got that right, she had still gone wrong and ruined a batch of crispy cereal treats. The camp helpers had been nice, but the rest of the kids had been very mean. She could run all kinds of chemistry experiments, but never ever cooked anything successfully. She was lucky to get a sandwich right. Dumping herself on the hilltop, Twilight looked up at the sky. It was a clear night again. She opened up the binocular case and sought out a spot in the sky to look at. Behind her she could hear someone climbing the hill. Hoping it was someone friendly, the scratchy voiced “Hey Twilight.” was welcome. “Hello Rainbow Dash.” Twilight's voice still held her doleful mood. Rainbow sat down beside her. “You okay egghead?” She sounded concerned, but still used the nickname she'd given Twilight the night before. “Not really.” Twilight sighed. Inquisitive rose eyes looked at her and Twilight related her disastrous day to a hopefully sympathetic ear. Part-way through her telling, Rainbow shifted closer. “And they had put me in a group of people I didn't know. Moondancer got in with her new friends.” Twilight tried not to sound bitter about that. “That sucks.” Rainbow leaned against Twilight, their arms pressed together. “Tomorrow do you want to ask if you can come on in my group? Thunderlane went home with 'flu today.” The contact from the other girl was warm against her. Twilight blushed. “Um, yes. That sounds good.” Even being friends with one person in the group would be a help. “So, what are we gonna look at tonight?” Rainbow kept close to Twilight as the navy haired girl started to point out the stars. -*- “Are you sure it is okay to keep sneaking out?” Moondancer watched as Twilight picked up her binocular case again. Every night for the whole trip her friend had slipped from the cabin, returning up to two hours later. “I don't go to the boy's section, the creek or the lake.” Twilight shrugged. Those were the major ground rules, she was only breaking curfew. “Okay.” Moondancer left it at that. In truth she was feeling a bit guilty; Sunburst and his friend Starlight had occupied her time at camp. She'd spent little of their trip with Twilight. “I'll see you later. If they catch me, I'll say you never knew.” Twilight slipped out the back window of the cabin and made her way the short distance to the hilltop. Knowing that Rainbow would join her soon. She didn't sit in anticipation, more like expectation. Rainbow had become her friend and knew a decent amount about astronomy. Twilight had enjoyed being in her group for camp activities; she helped on the nature trail “quest” and the team won the event. Rainbow had stopped her falling in the lake as they canoed and when they both fell in later on, just laughed joyously. “Twi!” Rainbow jogged up the hill, she dropped down to the grass next to Twilight and gave her a quick one-armed hug, like she gave her teammates and friends. “Only one more night at camp.” She said it with a slight hint of emotion, one Twilight had not heard from the athletic girl. “I know.” Twilight had been trying not to think about it. She had started to look forward to their nightly stargazing. She would certainly miss it when they went back to their homes. “Can we try for Mars today?” Rainbow moved to pick up the binoculars. Twilight held onto them though. “I have a question first.” The scholarly girl needed to ask this, or risk tainting her memories for these moments with wrong conclusions. “A pop quiz? I thought we got out of those in the summer!” Rainbow tried to joke, but Twilight looked serious. “Why did you come up here on the first night?” Twilight had mulled the thought over in her mind. Some times she decided that Rainbow had meant to tease her or do something mean. Getting to know the girl had dissuaded that thought, but then she worried theirs was only a 'pity friendship', what one of the meaner campers had claimed when they had been apart one day. Rainbow looked confused, her face scrunched up in a quizzical expression. “When I can't sleep I go for a run. Then I saw you were looking at the sky. I love looking at the stars and planets.” Rainbow looked about her as if checking anyone was spying on them. “I've never told anyone this, except my grandpops.” She paused and looked Twilight in the eye. “I want to be the first woman on Mars.” Twilight was taken aback by Rainbow's conviction and felt admiration grow inside her. It was an amazing goal to have. Grinning to her friend, she pulled out the binoculars and handed them over. “Lets find it then.” -*- Tonight was the last night of camp. Earlier in the day, the both girls had scrawled contact details on paper to take home with them. Rainbow lived in Cloudsdale, Twilight was in Canterlot. Now was their final chance to stargaze together for who knew how long. Twilight was fourteen now, she wasn't a kid, she knew that they might not see each other ever again. But it was nice to have a friend like Rainbow, if only for a short while. Slipping out again, Moondancer was not there to worry, she had elected to stay at the last night cookout with her friends until the curfew got actually enforced, Twilight walked to the hill. Rainbow was already at their spot. “Beat me to it.” Twilight said, sitting down by Rainbow, the athlete uncharacteristically quiet. “What're we going to look for?” She didn't want to mention this was the last time. She wanted to pretend they had a tomorrow night and another. Even another. “You asked me a question last night. Can I ask one tonight?”Rainbow looked at Twilight, a sort of desperate earnest look for her friend. “That's fair.” Twilight blinked, wondering what it could be. “Why did you let me stick around that first night? And the next.” Rainbow looked genuinely worried. “All the really smart kids at school? They think I'm just a dumb jock. That's why I never told anyone I want to be an astronaut. They would all just laugh me off.” Rainbow was looking at her hands, not Twilight. Twilight could only blink once more. Rainbow had been super cool and completely confident for the whole time at camp. That she had similar worries to Twilight was a real surprise. “You told me that your grandpa taught you about Celestial Navigation. Most times someone who... who is a bit of a jock type, they only talk to me for homework assignments to copy or notes for exams. Or to just steal them...” Twilight hugged herself a moment. “You were actually interested in spending time with me.” Bright rose eyes looked at her and a hand grabbed hers. “Thanks for giving me a chance Twi'. I have learned a lot about stars and astronomy from you.” Rainbow smiled, seemingly cheerful again. Still holding hands, Rainbow picked up the binocular case from the grass. “Can we look at the moon tonight? It was the biggest step we made so far.” They passed their hour looking at the moon, sometimes unaided, other glances with the binoculars to get a little more detail. They held hands the entire time and Twilight felt so comfortable. Down in the camp, the flashlight beams of the helpers and counsellors looking for any curfew breakers stopped their sky-gazing. They both slid down the hillside as quietly as possible, reaching the back of the cabins without being spotted. “I kinda have one more question.” Rainbow whispered. Looking Twilight in the eye. “Yes?” Twilight replied, feeling the girl take her other hand. Quickly like her namesake, Rainbow darted in and pressed a kiss to Twilight's lips. “Don't forget me?” Dumbfounded, Twilight was only capable of nodding as Rainbow flashed a smile and ran off to her cabin. It took Moondancer tugging at her collar for Twilight to climb into her cabin before she could be caught. Author's Note TwiDash from me once more. I think that finally finishing Ponyville Days took away the pressure for me, so I feel free to write this pair again. Hope you enjoy it. This one is pretty much written, so I'l publish on a fair schedule. Writers Block breaking for my Sunset story for sure, I got this one down and I had a creative burst on the next chapter. So never fear if you like my Best Human story too.
TwoCampus was buzzing with new students and returning learners. It made for a mixed crowd of those who knew where to go and what to do and the newbies trying to work things out. Twilight was a little half and half. She had attended once every two months as part of a remote learning course she'd taken while at high school. Her dad had asked her to graduate normally, not wanting his little girl to pack off to university too soon. The remote course was a compromise they both agreed to. So, she knew her way around the place, enough to have some idea where to go. But this was still a new experience for her. Crystal U was famous in the country for having great STEM courses and Twilight had been practically headhunted to attend, scholarships and bursaries loaded on to attract “the brightest mind of a generation” as one course head had put it. As exceptional as Crystal U was though, it was still a university campus. There were a lot of shenanigans and activities going on around her. “Watch out!” Someone yelled. In the brief moment before a soccer ball collided with the back of her head, Twilight could have sworn she knew the voice. But face-planting on the lawn was something of a distraction. Lying flat on the grass Twilight's head was ringing from the hit. But the shout, and the next, were from someone she knew. “Oh my god, I so did not mean to hit you, I was punting it to Soarin.” Someone started to lift Twilight. “I am so sorry... Twilight Sparkle!” The woman hauled her up and suddenly Twilight was face to face with: “Rainbow Dash!” Standing, but still held up by Rainbow, Twilight was immediately grabbed into and embrace. “I haven't seen you in years!” Rainbow held tight. Twilight blushed brightly, in the intervening years Rainbow had grown up. She had grown up. Their bodies had matured from gangly teens. They were equal in height. They were pressing together in a way Twilight found both mortifying and wonderful. Sometime while she considered their physical changes, Twilight had put her arms around Rainbow and neither of them had let go yet. Parting finally, both women just looked at each other, tallying their memory with the present. Rainbow was wearing a shirt with an Air Force logo and a Crystal U Letter jacket. A nice similarity to the past. Twilight knew her own style hadn't changed too much either. “No glasses?” Rainbow smiled, Twilight was a pretty cute shade of pink right now. “Sometimes.” Twilight slipped her hand down to catch Rainbow's. “Contacts most of the time, glasses for evenings and all-nighters.” “Good to know. You look cute in glasses.” Rainbow flashed a grin and Twilight got flustered. “It's been years.” Twilight changed the subject quickly. She and Rainbow had emailed a few times a year, but neither of them had mentioned the parting kiss. Or the fact they were both going to Crystal University. “I didn't know you were going here.” Rainbow hadn't pulled her hand free and Twilight was happy to keep on holding hands. “I'm going to get a BSc in physics.” Rainbow looked proud of herself. “What about you? I bet you're doing everything going.” “Something like that.” Twilight mumbled, it was nearly true. She had already technically completed some courses first semester requirements and had been jumped ahead to the second. Wanting to talk longer, she was disappointed to hear someone call. “Hey Rainbow! We got to get over to meet the gym for the Induction!” A man with navy hair shouted over. “Sorry Egghead, going to have to do that if I want to keep up on my PT.” Rainbow gave Twilight's hand a squeeze, the old nickname comfortable to say. “Meet me at the coffee place right? Coffee Cherry, it's on campus.” With that, Rainbow raced after her friend. The soccer ball was still there on the grass by Twilight. She picked up the ball and carried on towards her dorm. Making a note of the campus cafe, she didn't mind visiting often to try and meet Rainbow. “Why on earth do you have a soccer ball?” Moondancer stood in her dorm doorway, she and Twilight didn't room together but they were on the same floor. “I just bumped in to an old friend.” Twilight smiled. She had remained close to Moondancer, actually being friends instead of their childish assertion of “Intellectual Colleague”. The other girl had kept better contact with Sunburst and Starlight, but the pair had lived in a nearby town and been easier to meet up with. Now they were all at University together. But so was Rainbow Dash. “That's cool.” Moondancer moved to go back into her room. “My dorm mate hasn't got in yet, but I'll let you know if we make plans. You can bring your roomie too.” “Sure 'Dancer, I'll let you know when I see her.” Twilight was still smiling as she got to her own dorm, she placed the ball by her bed. Taking a mental note to remember to return it to Rainbow. -*- Twilight met her room-mate at the end of the day. She knew they existed from the personal items on their side of the room, the girl who arrived was quiet but also unassuming to the point of invisibility. Wallflower Blush was friendly but shy, she was taking Biology and hoped to focus on as many plant and green growth based projects as possible in the future. Amazingly, to Twilight, she had a girlfriend already in her third year of college, majoring in Electrical Engineering. “So, if you want the dorm to yourself, don't feel bad. I can go and crash with Red.” The green haired girl said. She seemed nice enough, so Twilight was happy to share with the girl. It was also good to know that the dorm could be free. Twilight coloured a little at that thought. -*- It didn't take long before Twilight bumped into Rainbow again. The soccer ball was in her dorm room still, she was only going for morning coffee. The Coffee Cherry was a nice looking place for a campus coffee shop. Ordering her favourite, hoping the Coffee Cherry made it well. Twilight took a seat and turned to the page she was on in her book, settling down to read until her first appointment today. The bell over the door rang as a customer entered. Twilight didn't look away from her book. A few moments later someone sat in the chair at her table. This time Twilight looked up. Striped hair and rose eyes looked over the top of the book. “Hey” Rainbow greeted, coffee in hand. “Hello Rainbow.” Twilight lowered her book. Today Rainbow was wearing PT uniform. “Air Force?” She remembered yesterday's shirt and now the training gear. “Yeah.” Rainbow grinned again. “On my eighteenth birthday, I went right to the Air force office and told the recruiter I was going to be an Astronaut.” She scrubbed at her hair with her free hand. “But I had backed it up. I, um, realised I had to get serious after meeting you and learning about space from our chats. So I hit the books hard, did extra courses in science and Russian in the community college through high school. Logged flight hours, I've been flying solo since I was sixteen, so they knew I was firing for space.” Twilight blushed again. To think it was her influence that had really motivated Rainbow all those years ago. “I'm glad you've gotten this far.” She smiled to the girl. “More than that Twi', your science website? That was awesome to use when I was studying.” Rainbow took a sip of her coffee. “It was mostly to test my AIs.” Twilight shrugged, keeping humble. “Smarty and Owl were projects I developed in High School. They aggregate and catalogue science articles for me. Then my sister-in-law suggested I run a website for people to use the resources too.” She found Artificial Intelligence fascinating, adaptive AI was her speciality. “You're a genius then.” Rainbow chuckled at Twilight's blush. “So what are you studying? I didn't really ask properly.” “You made a good guess.” Twilight recalled Rainbow's comment the day before. “It is kind of a custom created course-load.” The scholar detailed her learning plan to the pilot who listened with interest. By the end she looked impressed. “It sounds like you are going to get me to Mars then.” Rainbow laughed. She had finished her coffee and was playing with the wooden stirrer. “Maybe I will.” Twilight smiled, she found it easy to be confident and certain around Rainbow. Her phone buzzed, her planning app was reminding her about a mentoring session. “That's me. I'll see you again Rainbow.” Twilight stood up and smiled. “We share classes.” Twilight nearly skipped out. It had been great to catch up with her friend. -*- “Wallflower, I have nothing to wear to a party.” Twilight lay on her bed in a slight panic. After three months of college, she had finally capitulated to a party invitation. It helped immensely that Rainbow had asked her. “You're asking me. Wallflower. For party advice.” The green haired girl sat cross-legged on her bed. Shaking her head and laughing when Twilight sighed exaggeratedly. “You have a girlfriend, I hoped you had some social nous.” Twilight glared at her ceiling. “Nope. I am adorably shy and therefore irresistible to her personality type.” Wallflower joked. “I got lucky Twilight. She was the girl next door in the crummy apartment block we grew up in. I crushed on her for years, missed her like crazy when she got herself to college and ended up awkwardly kissing her when she came home for the summer.” Wallflower smiled softly in recognition. “Cute.” Twilight wondered if she could ever gather up the courage to ask Rainbow about their summer camp kiss. “Okay, I texted Red, she'll be over to help you make an outfit.” Wallflower walked over and looked down at her roomie. “Rainbow invited you, so she wants you there.” “I know, but I have never been to a real party. She'll think I'm a loser.” Twilight flung her arms over her eyes. “Rainbow likes you Twilight.” Wallflower shrugged. “She'll just be happy to see you.” There was a knock at the door and Twilight was treated to one of Wallflower's rare smiles. “It's open Red.” “Hey Green.” A voice said and Twilight looked over. The woman at the door was a familiar face, but not with the name Red. “Wait, Red is Sunset?” Twilight sat up and looked on in surprise as a classmate from her robotics course stepped beside Wallflower. “We are working together on a project and you never mentioned you were dating my room-mate?” “It didn't come up.” Sunset shrugged. The redhead had also been placed on the special course by the college robotics department. Matching skilled electrical/mechanical engineers with the advanced AI programmers was creating amazing leaps in technology. “So, you're going to a party with Rainbow hmm?” Sunset thinned her lips a moment. “Show me what we have to work with.” She watched Twilight go to her closet and open it up, Wallflower had returned to her bed to sit and enjoy the show. “I really haven't got anything you could wear to a party.” Twilight grumbled, waving an arm at the assortment of skirts, sweaters and blouses. Everything in her preferred shades of magenta, purple and blue. There were a few different patterns and printed designs to work with, but nothing Twilight knew what to do with. Sunset inspected the closet as Twilight looked on, envious of the older girl's effortless cool in leather jacket and jeans. “Ok, I have some ideas.” Sunset took out some clothes and dropped them in Twilight's arms. “Put those on. I'm going to find shoes.” “Okay. I'll go use the bathroom.” Twilight retreated. “I only brought three pairs. But my Mom put together a box of “essentials” that might help.” She said before shutting the door to the tiny bathroom. “It's the carton at the bottom of the closet.” “Alright.” Sunset looked at the sensible Mary Janes, the brogues and one pair of slightly stylish boots. All nice enough for lectures and lab, but nothing that said party. The box at the bottom yielded better results. “Ah ha, chucks.” Sunset lifted the purple shoes out. “Do you have any socks that will match the blouse? Knee highs with that skirt I picked out.” Sunset said. “Yeah, I think nearly all of Twilight's socks are knee highs.” Wallflower giggled from her seat. “I happen to like them.” Twilight countered from the bathroom. After a few beats of silence she emerged from the bathroom dressed in the outfit Sunset had picked out. A purple plaid pleated skirt, pale blue blouse and a plain purple sweater vest. “So?” “Just a second.” Sunset stepped forward and undid the top two buttons on the blouse. “You're going to a party, you don't need your collar buttoned.” Sunset smirked. “Right.” Twilight noted that, it had not occurred to her. “Knee-high socks.” She took a pair from her drawer and looked at the shoes Sunset had found. “I don't remember ever having shoes like that.” “They look brand new.” Wallflower pointed out. “Mom must have decided I might need them here.” Twilight had pulled on the purple chucks and was lacing them up. “They look nice.” She smiled and tapped her toes. “Yup.” Sunset popped the p, “When are you going to the party?” Twilight looked at her watch and jumped. “Any minute now!” She grabbed both the women in a quick hug. “Thanks for the help see you again bye!” Twilight hurried out of the dorm and down the hall. “Good deed for the day done.” Sunset grinned, her arm around Wallflower. “Do you think she'll ask Rainbow out tonight?” Wallflower smirked. The pilot was often a subject of conversation from Twilight, the girl was pretty much smitten and it was obvious to everyone but her. “Maybe. Rainbow has got to be blind if she doesn't want that.” Sunset leered. “Ow!” Wallflower swatted her. “I adore you Green, never fear.” Sunset leaned in and kissed her forehead. “So, your dorm's free for the evening.” She raised her eyebrows and Wallflower, well, blushed. “Okay Red. Sounds good.” The green haired girl flicked the lock on the dorm door. -*- “Hi Twi'.” Rainbow was just walking over when Twilight reached the door of her building. She was acting her usual cool self, but Twilight could see the pilot looking at her outfit. The slightly more casual look the two free buttons and the chucks gave her seemed to be appreciated. “Hello Rainbow.” Twilight smiled and happily held onto the hand that slipped into hers. “Who's party is it tonight?” At the time Rainbow had invited her, Twilight had been too flustered to do more than accept. “Soarin's party. He wanted to get us Air Force brats together for a party and said to bring friends along.” Rainbow had her fingers threaded through Twilight's, they were both enjoying the feeling. “He lives in one of the places opposite the main building.” “Thanks for inviting me.” Twilight knew that Rainbow counted her as a friend, but it always made her feel good to be called such. “Of course I was going to, I'm just surprised you said yes.” Rainbow swung their arms. “You never do parties.” Twilight froze and thought. “I needed to try and change that, and you did ask me.” She leaned her head on Rainbow's shoulder. “I, I like you.” The words slipped out and Twilight realised what she had said, moving from Rainbow, their clasped hands prevented her from going too far. Rainbow halted then. “Like... You mean, the like-like kind of way.” She looked at Twilight, the scholar had her head bowed but she nodded. It left Rainbow struggling for words a moment. “That's Awesome.” Finally worked its way from her head and out of her mouth. Twilight was looking at her again, shocked and happy all at once. “Really? I mean, I... I always remembered my first kiss and then you were here at college and still wanted to talk to me? I wasn't sure if I could push my luck...” “Egghead, I've been trying to figure if you were into girls, or you know, anything, since I realised it was you I took out with the soccer ball.” Rainbow pulled Twilight in close and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Want to be girlfriends?” “Of Course!” Twilight said quickly. More than happy to have her second kiss right there on the quad. Author's Note Chapter two. Jumping in to another point in the lives of two driven and intelligent women. Who really dig each other. Had to have by main girl in there somewhere too, sorry not sorry.
ThreeNerio's engines slowed, as had been planned the “evening” before. The crew wanted to be well rested for their arrival and the descent. So attuned to her spacecraft, the captain woke well before ship “morning”. She had gotten up early to run a few checks and grab a coffee, sharing the flight deck with the night shift crew. When it came time for morning, the chosen 'alarm' for landing day played out. It had been decided almost before the mission date honestly. Voted for by the global public. But Rainbow couldn't argue with the result, the chorus of a Bowie masterpiece was fitting and pretty cool to listen to as the rest of the crew woke up. “Harmony, how close are we?” “We're an hour from reaching orbit. I have cycled the engines down for inertia to carry us to the chosen position.” The AI of the ship spoke out. “Crew are starting their waking routines, but I think Mom might need a reminder.” Harmony's voice had a hint of laughter in it, her creator was their science lead and the rest of the eight strong crew had teased the scientist that the AI was her baby, calling her Mom until it stuck. Not that the Doctor minded, the captain knew, but Rainbow had a pretty unique insight into the woman. “I'll go get her up.” Rainbow smirked and put her litter in the recycling hatch. Everything on the ship was designed to be reused in some form. Vital for their trip. Padding along the hallway, glad of the artificial gravity in the living sections, Rainbow passed some of the sleepy crew on their way to breakfast. She smiled, everyone was used to this part of the morning routine and everyone preferred quiet until after their first coffee. Reaching the door, Rainbow just opened it, not needing permission or to give a warning. “Rise and shine Sparkle, Mars says hello.” Sprawled out on the bed, at least tethered by her safety belt in case of gravity failure, Twilight Sparkle did not look like the lead scientist on the most ambitious human endeavour since sending man to the moon. “Immawake.” Twilight groaned, a book fell from the bed. They shared the bed, it was testament to just how long she and Twilight had been together that Rainbow hadn't noticed the paperback that had joined them as they slept. “I still can't believe that after all the weight considerations and the rest, that you got to bring actual paper books with you.” Rainbow sat down on the edge of the bed and unlatched the safety belt, Twilight always forgot it, even after six months of sleeping in it. “They were chosen by people as the books we should bring.” Twilight defended, sitting up and seeking her glasses. “It was to raise interest in literacy.” Putting on the glasses she focused on Rainbow and smiled. “You like them too I seem to recall.” “Yeah, I do.” Rainbow leaned in and kissed Twilight, forever glad that they were both on this mission. It had caused something of a stir at first, the two being partners and being selected on the mission. But Doctor Twilight Sparkle had essentially created everything that allowed them to reach and remain on Mars. Air Force Captain Rainbow Dash was the best pilot in the astronaut programme, held a Masters in Physics and had been selected on merit. Their relationship had been established long before the mission had even been more than a pipe-dream. There had been a media frenzy, but it was overwhelmingly positive and excited. Even if things were more gossip focused than science and achievement based. Besides which, the four man, four woman team had been selected for their abilities and what was required for this important mission. The first people to Mars. “Mom. Coffee is ready.” Harmony sounded on the room speaker. Twilight shook her head with a smile. “Why did Sunset have to convince Harmony to refer to me like that?” Twilight was used to it, it was making her thoughtful even. Future plans taking shape for time after the mission. “She's a tease, and she had to entertain herself during the night shift somehow.” Rainbow laughed. “Come on, I've already had one coffee and you need something before we get into orbit.” Getting off the bed, they both went to the kitchen for some breakfast. Today was an important day. -*- “Wayfinder has sent the all clear.” Sunset said from her position on the flight deck. “We're OK for joining planetary orbit on the projected path.” “Make it so Number One.” Rainbow winked, Loshad, the co-pilot shook his head at the joke and started the adjustments to thrusters that would take them in. The crew for the Ares Mission had been taken from across the main space agencies. It had just so happened that three of the best were also close friends since college days. Rainbow was Captain, Loshad, a Russian, was second in command on the piloting side. Two other pilot trained crew joined them, off shift for now having been the night crew. Twilight was scientific lead, with a team made up of fellow scientists. “We're all redundancies really.” Sunset had joked once. “Twilight knows everything.” But the team had roles directly related to the needs of the mission. Sunset was the electrical and mechanical engineer, she had directly worked with Twilight on the robotics and artificial gravity system. The patent for the device was in their name. A biologist and geologist filled out the mission needs, the pair were in the lab with Twilight preparing everything for landing or to be left in orbit attended to by servos and Harmony. No one wanted to hurt six months worth of space bound research or break anything before it landed. “We are in the correct orbital path.” Harmony said. “Wayfinder has linked up, hailing Melody.” Melody was the AI already on Mars. The Ares Mission was effectively a wagon train. The Wayfinder probe had been sent out first, to check the journey and flag potential problems. Then Enyo, an entirely AI controlled ship had made it to Mars and landed. Melody directed turning the ship and its cargo into the Mars One base. “She” had been controlling the drones and servos to construct and prepare the Mars One for human habitation. Now they were going to link up and make the landing in Pyroeis, the craft that would take them from The Nerio to Mars and then back to the orbiting ship once their mission was over. “Hello Nerio.” Melody and Harmony had made a link. “Optimal Landing Window is in two hours and counting.” “Thank you Melody, we will be ready.” Rainbow saluted a camera, knowing Harmony would relay it. She knew they were both AI, but Twilight had programmed them from their very first line of code and she respected that. The adaptive AIs were almost like people and she would treat them as such. “OK crew, you heard the timings. We'll relay that to Earth.” With a timescale in place, Rainbow took her seat to await the link to home. Currently there was an eight minute delay between them, and today their families would be watching at the mission control too. There was going to be a live video link before commencing landing. Just a brief snatch of time to wave at their loved ones before going to Mars. Going on this mission had been her goal for nearly all her life. But Rainbow wasn't sure what she might have done had Twilight not been selected to go also. Sunset had to leave Wallflower behind for more than two years. All the others had also left all their loved ones behind. But that just meant Rainbow was going to get this right every step of the way. She had to keep Twilight safe and she was going to get her crew back to their families. Hands slipped to her shoulders. “You look tense.” Twilight said. She smoothed her thumb across the nape of Rainbow's neck. “It will be a textbook landing. You and Loshad are the best of the best.” She carried on smoothing and soothing. “Harmony told us the action plan. I thought you would like a little support before we have to smile for the press.” “Thanks Twi'.” Rainbow leaned back into the touch a moment. “I know we got this.” -*- Helmeted up, strapped in their seats and ready to leave The Nerio, eight astronauts were prepared for the last stage of their journey. Everyone was quiet, listening to and carrying out instructions to the letter for a safe landing. It had been sobering to move on having seen their families on Earth. Even if it had just been a brief chance to smile and wave, blow a few kisses and then say farewell. It had brought everything back to them, the risk involved in the mission. After six months of travel without any true problems, the crew were now reaching the most complex and dangerous part of the mission so far. “Lander is free from main ship. Cargo module is secure.” Loshad relayed to Rainbow. “Engines?” Rainbow was inspecting everything within her remit. She trusted her second to fulfil his role. “Thruster power is at optimum, engines respond as green to go.” The co-pilot said, his accented English gruff but sure. “Okay hotshots and eggheads. We're going to land this bird on the Red Planet.” Rainbow spoke mostly for herself, but she felt better for it. “See you later Harmony.” “Safe travels Pyroeis. I'll keep everything tidy up here Mom.” The AI said. One last tsk from Twilight came over the radios. It made Rainbow smile, here they were, the whole crew's lives in her hands and Twilight was mumbling about a prank their friend had played. “You are cleared for landing Pyroeis.” Melody sent Rainbow the path calculated to be the best. But it was only calculated, no one was absolutely sure it would be fine. The ship Melody had guided to Mars was designed to be able to plummet and still survive, the AI brain well protected to crash land. Eight humans was a new variable. That was why Rainbow Dash was the pilot. To get them landed safely. “You've got this Rainbow.” Twilight said, using the radio in their helmet, set to her channel and her channel alone. “I know that you're the one who can do this.” With those words Rainbow was set. Still smiling, she started to follow the path planned for her, feeling Pyroeis react to her commands. Data was returned to her, anything a pilot could want to know as they entered the Martian atmosphere. Vital information to react to or move with to safely reach the surface. But the ship was flying like a dream. The lander had been designed something like a mixture of the old space shuttles and a fighter jet. A delta winged shape that had finally reached the skies of its mythological namesake. The cargo pod was bulky and would be left behind on the return trip, but for now, Pyroeis was soaring through the Martian sky. “Hey folks, this is your captain speaking. We're a good elevation in the skies of Mars heading for Vallis Marineris and Mars One Base, our home for two years.” Rainbow said to the crew. “Sorry, no in-flight snacks, but landing isn't too far off.” She ripped off a jaunty salute. The chorus of groans over the radio were worth it. -*- Melody had even prepared a runway on the Martian ground. The flattest part of a plateau marked out by bright spots, old storage boxes painted neon blue to stand out on the red-orange soil. “You really did think of everything.” Rainbow muttered to herself. Twilight had been involved with the mission planning from the very early stages, and a practical thing like this just had to have been her idea. “Okay, we are going in for a landing. It looks pretty flat, but things might get a little bumpy.” Rainbow told her crew. It was different, flying in the Martian sky, but she was a pilot through and through. Rainbow knew how to fly. It only took one approach for Rainbow to be happy to make a landing. With the slightest of impacts, the Pyroeis was touched down on Mars. “We did it!” Twilight was the first to shout. Rainbow was concentrating on slowing the craft to a halt and “parking” by Mars Base One, but the scientists were celebrating. The pilots were looking out for problems. Carefully, so carefully, the ship came to a halt. The clearing by the base was near enough to reach the structure safely and easily. Once the cargo pod was removed, the ship could be stowed for the two years that the crew were on Mars. But now, they would be setting foot on the surface. The First Humans on Mars. Even with the adrenaline rush from a successful landing, Rainbow was excited. “We're here.” She didn't jump from her seat. In fact everyone was orderly as they ran their checks and set data recorders going. The radio link was strong, Sunset had already gone through the technical jargon with mission control and now it was time for the public to have the “live” feed. Already suited up, everyone was identifiable only by their moral patch blazed across one shoulder. Rainbow proudly wore a lightning bolt striped for her namesake. She had added a smaller copy of Twilight's purple star to one glove, just as Twilight wore a lightning bolt on her opposite glove. A little romantic nod to each other, each marking the hands that held each other. With everything checked and the link ready. It was time to disembark. The exit was an airlock at the side of the ship. Leaving the flight deck of the Pyroeis into the main hub, the door closed and sealed behind them. Entering the airlock to leave the ship, Rainbow was trying not to bounce on her heels too much. She had to give some dignity to this moment. After all, the whole world was watching. The light lit, stairs had deployed to the surface. The door to Mars was ready to open. Everyone was silent as the door slid open, revealing the red-orange soil to them all. Long before, the crew had all agreed that Rainbow was the one to leave first. Twilight beside her. They gripped gloved hands as they left the craft. The pilot took a step onto the stair, another and one more to the surface. Twilight held back a moment, just to be a step behind Rainbow for this important moment. To give the woman she loved her dream. “To all those who brought us to this point; We've taken that second step.” Rainbow said as her boot pressed into the dusty Martian soil. Twilight was just a step behind her, but Rainbow Dash had done it. She was the first woman on Mars. The first person on Mars. Author's Note I took names from mythology for the mission names. I also have a few ideas on what books I would send to Mars. How about you?
EpilogueAs the rest of the crew disembarked and celebrated in their own ways, choosing the spot they wanted to fly the flags and pointing out nearby things of interest, Rainbow kept hold of Twilight's hand. She switched her radio to Twilight's channel. “Hey Twilight. Can I talk to you a moment?” There was a brief pause, the hand in hers squeezed. “Of course you can Rainbow.” Twilight turned to face her, switching her faceplate to a less reflective finish. Rainbow copied her, they could see each others' faces. “A long long time ago I told you my dream. You supported me, without laughing or taking it anything but seriously.” Rainbow began, taking Twilight's other hand. “You helped without knowing it and you helped me in college too. I would never have gone for a Masters without your belief in me.” “Rainbow...” Twilight closed the gap between them as best she could. “Now it was your know-how and inventions that made it possible for us to be here.” Rainbow smiled. “But I've done that dream now. First Person on Mars, first Woman on Mars. I've got to get a new dream.” She pressed her faceplate to Twilight's. “I can only think of one that is worthy of following up taking humankind's first step on Mars.” “What's that?” Twilight looked puzzled a moment, wondering if Jupiter or Saturn was her next goal. “Will you marry me?” Rainbow said, not quite so confident but still certain. “Getting to Mars wasn't required, but this... This was always going to happen as soon as we set off from Earth. I want to spend forever with you Twilight Sparkle.” “Yes.” Twilight freed her hands so she could embrace Rainbow, spacesuits be damned. “Yes I will marry you.”
