Kepler spent the next two weeks going over every schematic, blueprint, outline and handbook (or rather hoof-book) he could possibly find pertaining to the Equestrian’s new warship. His feverish motivation to learn and to master all that the new ship could provide stemming from a singular desire to correct the mistakes that made its construction necessary. Engine outputs, weapons capabilities, turn and acceleration rates, possible armor weaknesses and everything in between, all devoured by his ravenous mind as the deadline drew ever closer. The day when he would take to the waves once again, to destroy the successor of his greatest pride, and his greatest failure.

Gloria, bless her heart, was with him every step of the way, working side by side to not only learn as much as she could about the new ship, but also to master both gryphon and Equestrian weapons while sparring in close quarters to hone her combat skills. Her devotion to duty and diligent studies garnered a measure of respect from the ponies, as much as some might scoff at the notion of a gryphon being worthy of such praise. Given the circumstances, that was enough for both Kepler and Gloria, knowing that anything more would need to be earned with their actions in combat, not in the library.

Cadence, Shining Armor, Carmine and Dahlia were just as busy during the prevailing days, coordinating troop movements and training the required ponies/changelings to fill out the rest of the new ship’s roster. A name had yet to be decided upon for the vessel, but with the anticipated date quickly approaching, speculation was rampant among the crew as training steadily accelerated in pace.

The docks where the ship was being constructed were located far to the Equestrian south, near the port town of Tampa Neigh, so that any attacks by the gryphons and Chrysalis’ hive were unlikely to stumble upon the ship while it was still being completed. Kepler had yet to see the ship in person and did not expect to until she was ready to sail. The less people knew about the ship’s location, the better. They couldn’t afford to lose her at such a critical time, so absolute secrecy was of utmost importance.

Princess Twilight’s friends came and went every so often, but with the lesson learned from their ill-fated rescue attempt, wisely stayed far away from the wartime proceedings (as well as him) and simply checked in on their fellow Bearer for updates on her condition. They didn’t seem too thrilled about Carmine and her hive’s involvement, although an understanding was reached when Cadence explained why they were acting on Equestria’s behalf in the first place. Since then, Kepler hadn’t seen the Elements in Canterlot at all, although he did keep tabs on their movements in Ponyville, lest another foolhardy stowaway attempt somehow come to fruition.

Time flew past in what seemed to be the blink of an eye, and before he could fully grasp the concept, the day had finally come. Kepler, along with everyone who had trained as crew for the new ship, packed into a train bound for southern Equestria, steaming out of Canterlot in the pre-dawn light. Gloria was at his side, dressed in an alteration of the pony’s naval uniform. Pristine new bars adorned her shoulders in recognition of her devotion and studies, her training having earned the respect of her instructors and a commission issued by Cadence and Shining Armor themselves. First Lieutenant Windcutter had a nice ring to it, in Kepler’s completely unbiased opinion, and his pride in the young hen grew every time he looked at her in said uniform. It was a reminder of what he was fighting for, and what the people of this world could accomplish when given the chance.

Admiral Riptide had wished them well prior to the train’s departure, shaking both Kepler’s hoof before doing the same with Gloria’s talons on the station platform. He lamented his inability to join them, but with the ongoing war effort requiring all available officers to coordinate, he would be unable to leave Canterlot for the foreseeable future.

“Give them Tartarus, Captain.” He had said with a crisp salute, “Make them wish they never dared to attack our shores.”

They had returned the salute in the gryphon fashion, hoof and talon over their chests, “We will do our best, sir. You can count on that.”

Princess Cadence had joined them in the lead compartment, leaving Shining Armor to run things in Canterlot until she returned. She had been surprisingly quiet after leaving the station, which put Kepler a little on edge but wouldn’t explain when asked, only saying it was a surprise and that she would reveal the details once they arrived.

The train ride was silent save for the whispers of the other crew in the cabin, speculation and excitement rolling over the ponies and drones in equal measure. The changelings had chosen to forego disguises as part of the joint arms agreement Queen Carmine had signed with Princess Cadence, the intention to help the common citizen get over some of the prejudice left behind in the wake of Chrysalis’ attacks on Equestria. Judging by the smiles and active conversation between pony and drone at every turn, Kepler felt things were going well in that regard. The sun was just rising over the horizon when the train crested the final hill overlooking the port of Tampa Neigh, the golden rays glittering off the ocean waves and illuminating the small coastal town.

Part of the reason Tampa had been chosen as the construction site was the small naval base located next to the town, giving the crews a dry dock to use for the new vessel, but also because of its lack of tactical significance. Other than the small collection of swoops and other wooden patrol vessels, there were very few reasons for the gryphons or Chrysalis attacking the village or the base, meaning the construction of the new ship could be completed unmolested by the enemy.

The train came to a halt between the town and base, the crew disembarking en masse while Princess Cadence and Kepler walked ahead of the gathered beings. The base commander, a young unicorn mare with ice blue eyes, lime green coat and a bright red mane practically stumbled over herself as they approached, her hooves almost catching against one another as they fought the instinct to bow and salute at the same time.

Cadence, giggling as she draped a wing over the nervous mare’s withers, “Please, don’t stand on ceremony with me. I’m only here as a representative of the crown. It’s these fine mares, stallions and drones who you should be addressing.”

“Y-Yes, Your Highness.” Poor girl must have been fresh out of officer school if the gleaming Lieutenant Commander ranks on her shoulders were any indication. “Welcome to Fort Pensacolta. Am I to assume that the creatures behind you are the crew for our recent project?”

Cadence nodded, “They are.” She indicated Kepler with a wing, “May I introduce you to Captain Kepler Wolff, commander of our new ship and the inspiration behind its construction. Captain, this is Commander Ocean Glade, commanding officer of Fort Pensacolta.”

“L-Lieutenant Commander, Your Highness,” Ocean Glade politely corrected, “I appreciate the confidence, but I haven’t earned a promotion just yet.”

“Apologies, my mistake,” Cadence easily acknowledged, “now then, shall we see what all of the excitement is about?”

Ocean Glade perked up like she had been shocked with static, “Oh! O-Of course, right this way.”

Kepler could already see the upper portion of the ship over the tops of the base’s buildings, the single-story structures doing little to hide the hulking beast of a ship behind them, the metal plating of her hull shining in the morning light as they drew nearer.

The group of sailors gathered before the ship’s berth with awestruck expressions, jaws hanging low on every face as their gazes were drawn further and further up the hull. Kepler smiled as he recalled the same expression being present on his own face during his first posting. There was nothing quite like gazing upon your first battleship in person and knowing that you were chosen to serve upon it as part of the crew.

Ocean Glade indicated a short stage that had been erected near to the ship’s bow with an outstretched hoof, “If Her Highness would like to say a few words?”

Cadence nodded her thanks as she climbed the steps to stand before the gathered crew, “Mares and Gentlestallions, may I have your attention please?”

A hush fell over the crew as all eyes turned to the pink alicorn, “Thank you. I just have a few things to say before we get everything going, so please forgive the delay in boarding your new post.” A few chuckles rolled over the crowd as Cadence continued, “I just wanted to say how proud of you and inspired by you I am, not only for stepping up in Equestria’s time of need, but for putting your lives on the line in defense of your nation. This is not a post to be taken lightly, yet here you are, standing strong, side by side with friends old and new alike, ready to face the dangers that threaten our great land head on. You are an inspiration to us all, a testament to the bonds we hold dear in our hearts, and the finest sailors ever trained to sail the seas.” Her wings spread wide as a bottle of champagne was lifted in her magical grip from behind the stage, her lips curling into a smile as she wound up the bottle to strike the ship’s bow, “It is with great pleasure that I present your new post, the first battleship in Equestria’s navy, and the name ship of its class…”

There was a resounding clash as the traditional bottle being thrown shattered against the side of the ship’s hull, the ship’s bulk sliding down the launch ramps as the release clamps let go of the supports in sync. The fabric that had been obscuring the bow’s insignia ripped free just as the ship impacted with the water of the bay in a thunderous explosion of water, revealing the shining white letters for all to see.

“I give you, the E.R.N. Harmonia!” The cheers and applause of the crew nearly drowned out Cadence’s words, her smile widening as the ship settled into the waters of the bay.

The dock personnel pulled the vessel’s mooring ropes into place against the massive stone blocks that lined the edge of the pier, locking it in position and preventing it from drifting too far from the shore as the ship bobbed gently in the water. Once the ship was secured, another group of ponies pushed several gangplanks into position, their surfaces covered in what looked like rubber strips to prevent slippage as the crew walked up the incline to the deck of the ship. Kepler met Cadence’s gaze and received a nod in return, his wings flaring wide as he flew up and landed next to the bow gangplank, his voice carrying over the crowd as he put every gram of his being into his words.

“ALL HOOVES!” He used the Equestrian terms, much as it grated on his nerves, “POST AND MAKE READY TO SET SAIL!”

Gloria landed next to him as the crew cheered even louder, the rush of bodies and fliers quickly overtaking any semblance of decorum there might have been, although it didn’t really bother him much as Cadence flew up to stand beside them.

“The ship is yours, Captain,” the alicorn’s smile was still present as she dipped her head in his direction, “use her to the best of your ability.”

“It shall be done,” Kepler’s salute was mirrored by Gloria once again, “we won’t rest until the Tyr no longer threatens your shores.”

“Come back safely,” Cadence’s voice held a hint of worry as her smile faltered for a moment, “I know that the dangers you face are great, but you have made friends among our citizens, and I don’t want to see that bond broken after only just beginning to grow.”

“We’ll do our best,” Gloria interjected with a grin, “isn’t that the most anycreature can do?”

A giggle bubbled up from Cadence’s chest, “True enough. I won’t keep you any longer. Sail strong, sail true, and may your battles end in naught but victory.”

“Kraft und Weisheit seien mit Euch, Eure Hoheit.” Kepler replied, a smirk pulling the corner of his lips upwards as Cadence tilted her head in confusion, “Ask Carmine what it means once you get back. She should know the underlying meaning in addition to the words themselves.”

Cadence’s smile returned with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, “A riddle then? Very well, I’ll give you one in return before I depart. I can't be bought, but I can be stolen with a glance. I'm worthless to one, but priceless to two. What am I?”

Kepler opened his mouth to reply, only to be shushed by a hoof against his lips, “Ah, ah, ah, don’t tell me the answer right now. I want you to tell me after you come back.”

Confused, but seeing no real reason to refuse, Kepler nodded, “Very well, I shall tell you once we return. You do know I already figured out the answer, right?”

A single eyebrow rose on the alicorn’s face, “Did you? Well, I guess you must have figured out my secret meaning as well if you’re so smart.”

Now it was Kepler’s turn to tilt his head, “Secret meaning? What do you mean?”

Cadence laughed, “You’ll just have to see. I’m certain it will become clear to you once you figure out my little gift.”

Now Kepler was thoroughly confused, and slightly worried, “What did you do to my ship?”

“Nothing,” Cadence replied with ease, “at least, nothing to the ship itself. The crew, well, that might be a different story.”

Kepler growled, “Tell me now, Cadence. I can’t have uncertainty about the loyalties of my crew when we are about to go into battle, and I do not like surprises.”

“I can assure you it isn’t anything bad.” Cadence deflected, “All I did was help to encourage someone who needed some help finding the best way forward, nothing more. You should have a clue since you already solved my riddle, little cheater.”

Kepler was about to press the issue further, only to be stopped by a familiar claw on his shoulder. A glance to his side revealed Gloria smiling at him, a knowing gleam in her eyes.

“It’ll be fine,” her words helped to calm Kepler’s rising temper, “she told me what was going on and I can verify it isn’t anything bad. Trust me, my love, it won’t affect the ship’s ability to operate in the coming battles.”

A few muttered curses escaped Kepler’s muzzle, “Fine, but if anything bad becomes of your little scheme I will personally kick both of your sorry rears into next week after thoroughly chewing you both out until my voice cracks.”

Both girls laughed, Gloria turning away to enter the ship while Cadence flew back to shore, leaving Kepler standing alone on the bow with nothing but his stewing thoughts to keep him company.

Finally, a snort erupted from his muzzle as he growled under his breath, “Women.” As if that would sum up the entirety of his frustration in a single word.

The stallion turned and walked into the ship’s interior, making his way to the bridge as the clank and groan of the ship coming to life around him echoed through the corridors. The main engines rumbled into being beneath his hooves, and he sighed as the familiar vibrations wound their way up his legs from the decking. The bridge came into view as he climbed the last steps of the staircase, the morning light illuminating the various control stations and displays while ponies and drones alike diligently brought the ship to full operational status.

Kepler took his place at the command station in the center of the bridge, spotting Gloria off to his right at one of the radar stations as the hen familiarized herself with the controls. His gaze travelled out the front windows to look over the ship’s bow, the two three-barreled turrets taking up most of the available space in front of the command tower. He knew that a second set of turrets lay behind the bridge and smokestacks, or rather, steam stacks, given the ship didn’t burn anything to produce its power, totaling twelve primary guns on board. There was a smattering of secondary turrets scattered along the port and starboard sides of the ship with several anti-air emplacements to round out the ship’s armaments. While the Harmonia was based on his world’s technology, the underlying basis for the weapons and other primary systems were heavily reliant on magic, fusing the two in a seamless conglomeration that somehow managed to work against any common sense.

Kepler sighed, still slightly wound up from his conversation with Cadence on the decking, shaking his head a few times to clear it before addressing the crew, “All crew, report status.”

“Weapons are finalizing operation checks now,” a drone spoke up from his left, “just need to verify turret rotation.”

“Radar and communication systems up and running,” Gloria added, “land base and other ships’ comms are coming in crystal clear. We have perfect response from the radar arrays even with the nearby shore.”

Kepler nodded, “Boiler status?”

“All eight boilers are reporting full power operation.” A cherry red mare with a blonde mane in front of Kepler spoke up, spinning around in her chair to lock her pale pink eyes with his, “All systems report ready and fully operational, sir.”

Kepler nodded, his gaze lingering on the red mare for a second before he called out in a loud and crisp tone, “All engines, ahead slow. Take us out and we’ll see what this fine lady can do.”

“Ahead slow, aye sir!” The same red mare from before called out, the rumble of the ship’s engines rising into a roar as the ship began to slowly pull away from the dock.

The crew seemed to hold its collective breath as the ship turned around in the bay, ever so slowly rotating until her bow faced the open ocean. The waves began to roll and rock under the ship as she cut through the water, Kepler’s pride and excitement rising as he gave the next command.

“All engines, ahead full. Let’s go find ourselves a battleship to sink.” The mare in front echoed his command and the ship almost leaped forward as her screws bit into the water, the waves crashing against her bow and spraying mist over the forward decks with each plunging drive.

Kepler smiled to himself as the crew cheered, his focus rising to the horizon as he gazed out upon the glittering waves. Somewhere, beyond the edge of the sea, the Tyr waited for him. He would do everything in his power to save his friends and allies within the crew, but if it came down to it, he would honor their sacrifice by putting them to rest within the ship they served.

One way or another, there would only be one battleship left upon the waves by the end of the coming battle.

Author's Note

Here we go again! I hope you all are excited for what comes next! Things are certainly heating up (and not just in combat) so strap in tight and hold on because things are about to get bumpy!

An enormous thank you to my ever-diligent editor LeadlessSteed for their assistance making my books not read like a foal's babbling. Couldn't do it without you, so a round of applause for LeadlessSteed everypony!

As always, leave a like, follow along for more, and comment below with what you think of this latest installment. Comments are author's inspiration fuel so feed my muse a lot and she will be more inclined to get new updates out sooner for you to enjoy!

See you next time,
Shadow Quill, Messenger of the Moon.