Second chance: Noble

(Two weeks Later)
(The Forge 13:00hr)
(August 31th, 1025)

Racing down the hallway wearing a stained lab jacket a young unicorn mare her red eyes wide with panic and dark bags from the lack of sleep easily visible under them as she rounded a corner knocking over a stallion with a stack of papers under one wing. Giving a quick apology she pushed passed him making her way down the hallway towards her intended room her only thought being 'I'm late, I'm soooo late!' skidding to a stop before a large pair of pristine white double doors she adjusted her coat patted down her fur and slowly pushed the door open hoping that nopony would notice her walking in, the door on the other hand had other ideas as it let out a small creak alerting the entire staff to her presence all of them then turned towards her annoyance prevalent in all their looks. Giving a sheepish smile she was about to apologize when a matter-of-fact voice spoke up in her silk smooth voice "Intern Glimmer how wonderful for you to finally arrive. Perhaps you thought it prudent to be here AS we activated the ship instead of before to prepare the equipment and double check their settings?"

Turning to her right Glimmer looked to see an older blue pegasus mare with a graying mane pulled up into tight bun, her deep gold eyes looked up at her disapprovingly through her reading glasses. Pulling them down from her face she slowly walked over a frown deeply engraved onto her muzzled most likely having been there since the day of her birth the head scientist of team seventeen Dr. Code Breaker was one of Cortana's best scientists working for said mare nearly thirty years. Bowing her head slightly Glimmer mumbled an apology sighing the mare ignored her and pointed to a corner while saying "Intern Glimmer please be prepared to record the readings............I do not plan to miss anything."

As she slowly walked over to her designated station which so happened to be in said corner Glimmer heard her fellow interns snicker at her predicament. Ignoring them Glimmer double checked the machine and its settings after a moment she gave all clear to her boss, nodding her own head Dr. Breaker turned to her own station and walked over to it taking her own position for the test. Across from all the ponies was a massive assembly of windows that gave an unobstructed view of the cavernous hangar that currently housed the alien ship they had removed from Prance only two weeks ago. The testing had been nonstop and slowly escalating they had only just now dared to try to activate the ship and its engines after Dr. Breaker had deemed the ship stable enough to do so, the damages had been repaired to the best of their ability, now said ship had multiple wires and computers hooked onto it allowing the ponies to observe its power output while also giving them limited control on whether it could be powered up and down. Multiple protection spells had been woven into the hangar itself along with the glass and room that the ponies occupied currently. Anything other than a direct MAC blast from orbit could dent said room but still they took every precaution even calling in Shining Armor to weave in his own original shield spells to act as a first and last defense against anything that went wrong. After she finished checking the spells Dr. Breaker turned to her assistant and gave him a sharp nod before placing her glasses back upon her face and looking down at the screen, licking his lips the assistant took a breath and said "Activating UFO 1, starting at 1% power."

Reaching out he flicked three switches up turning their lights from red to green before he reached over to a dial and began to slowly turn it, looking down at her own screens Glimmers station was set to read radiation, thermal, and magical out puts from the ship as it powered up. Seeing nothing Glimmer spoke up as she adjusted some nobs and dials "So far UFO 1 is not active, I see nothing on my readings."

"I agree with Glimmer Dr. Breaker." One of the snickering interns stated watching his own screen only daring to look out of the corner of his peripheral at the Doctor who hadn't even looked up at the ship or them.

"Increase the energy output to 5% slowly. if there is still no change, we will increase output by 1% just as slowly until we see some kind of reaction." Dr. Breaker stated tapping at her computer as she looked over the readings she was getting at that moment, her assistant followed the orders and began to increase the power to 5% slowly turning the dial as if it would leap out and snap his wrist.

Looking down at her screen Glimmer watched out of the corner of her eye as the energy being put into the ship reached 8%, 9%, 10% and 11%. That was it she saw a small heat bloom forming near the engines, tapping at the screen she concentrated on that bloom and spoke up clearly "At 11% output it looks like something is activating near the engines, radiation and magical output are still at zero, thermal is climbing."

"Hold activation at 13% then and we will see how much of the ship activates with this." Dr Breaker said smiling at her screen as her eyes scanned the data flashing across her screen, nodding his head the assistant rotated the dial again till the dial was at 13 he quickly let go and placed his hoof on the desktop as he looked over his shoulder.

Eyeing her screen Glimmer felt a small tingle at the back of her mind and decided to adjust her scans going through different spectrums and adjusting to see if there were any other readings being given off by said ship. After a moment she spotted an anomaly cocking her head she clicked a few keys and adjusted a dial focusing on the reading after a moment data began to come over her screen hearing a click of a tongue Glimmer looked up to see Dr. Breaker eyeing her own screen she asked "Intern Glimmer what exactly are you doing?"

"Uh......I'm sorry doctor I just had a................feeling."

"A feeling?"

"Yes ma'am, I just adjusted some of the equipment to search for any other possible energy readings."

"It looks like you found one," Dr. Breaker stated looking over her shoulder she gave the younger mare wry smile before waving a hoof at her to continue she turned to the assistant and said "Lets continue along these perimeters and increase the power output to 15%, I won't go higher but I'm curious if Intern Glimmers energy will react."

Nodding his head, the assistant began to turn the dial looking at the energies readings Glimmers eyes narrowed as said readings began to rise as this happened Glimmer did her best to see if she could catch it on camera. But had no luck finding it with the current spectrum analyzers but found nothing sighing in defeat she was about to let the doctor know when another intern let out a low whistle while saying "Looks like the ship is activating its headlights at 15% ma'am."

As the words left her mouth all eyes turned to a view screen that was a live feed of the hangar with dozens of angles on the ship the group saw as a green glow began to emit from the engines. Rubbing her chin Dr. Breaker turned to Glimmer and asked, "Glimmer what are you seeing?"

"Only heat on the Infared ma'am, there's no radiation or magical spikes............that mysterious energies power did go up when we increased the output. But nothing else is going on in there, what are you thinking doctor?"

"Get the readings as they are," Dr. Breaker spoke her voice laced with authority as she typed something up, she read for a few more seconds before speaking "I'll suit up with at least five others and we'll attempt to splice into the system."

It took the small team ten minutes to be chosen and to quickly suit up in protective hazmat suits to protect them from whatever energy that thing was given off. Looking around Dr. Breaker checked over the suits personally to make sure that none had any tears or gaps in them that would put its occupant at risk, once she was satisfied, she had one of the others look her over giving her a confirming nod she looked to the airlock guiding the group into the chamber she sealed it behind them. Once decontamination had finished the outer lock popped open with a sharp hiss once it unlocked, she pushed her way in, as the group approached the ship she reached onto her belt and clicked on a mic while saying "Everypony check your recording equipment I do not want anything missed."

"Yes ma'am." a chorus of voices echoed back at her gulping in some air Glimmer fumbled with her own equipment for a moment before managing to turn it on, looking up she saw that the group was getting instructions from Dr. Breaker when her eyes finally gazed into Glimmers.

"Intern Glimmer I'd like you to join me near the pilots chair, I hope your good luck may continue and we can pull some data from the computer."

Nodding her head Glimmer followed the mare to the top of the ship looking at the others she saw some were heading back towards the engine and others spread out to look over the hull. Following her boss to the top they used a small lift to raise themselves to be by the cockpit as they were brought up to eye level Glimmer didn't know what to expect, an alien corpse? intact controls? or an empty chair covered in dust and dirt?

Instead, what she saw was a half shorn off canopy where a pilot would have been the chair had been torn out some kind of intense force leaving nothing but upturned metal and gears. Looking in she found that the controls closest to her had also been torn out from the crash or fighting looking over to Dr. Breaker out of her peripheral she noticed the mare cocking her head to the side before pointing towards the furthest controls. Following the hoof, she noticed a single light blinking underneath the console a slow flash that came and went ever couple seconds, turning to her fully Glimmer asked, "Dr. Breaker what do you think it is?"

"Let's leave that alone till we have somewhat of an understanding on what happened with this ship."

"Yes ma'am," Glimmer whispered as she looked over the console again carefully looking over the controls and screen as she searched for a data port where they could place an adaptor and integrate one of their own computers. It didn't take long for them to find one such port under the right-side console furthest from the two mares but before they could act a voice clicked in their ear "Ma'am I think we've found the Power Source for UFO 1."

Nodding her head Data Breaker backed away from the cock pit and tapped the controls so they would be lowered back to the ground as they started to descend, she clicked her mike "We have found a data port once we decide if the power source is in a stable condition we will begin to integrate further into the system."

"Iron Skin, this is Dr. Breaker I am requesting that you bring me the Oracle System to be brought down to the hangar." Dr. Breaker stated into her mike after she had clicked into a secondary channel. The oracle system built to help with scanning any and all spectrums of energy, magic, and light along with measuring the power output from whatever was being scanned. The best part was that it could also attach itself into almost any system they've come across with the few weapons and vehicles captured from the U.P.R. but now came the real test of the oracle, is if it could attach and scan a derelict ship that had been buried underground for the last thousand years.

Marching up to her staff Dr. Breaker saw three of them setting up the Oracle priming it while the fourth was looking through a port at the possible energy source, once she was beside him Dr. Breaker gently pushed him to the side and looked into the opening the area itself was large enough for two adults to fit in relatively comfortably looking around the area was a smooth sphere. Now sitting before her in said compartment was the energy source of the whole ship it was the size of ponies body it was spherical in shape with a surface so smooth it was like glass and carved into its surface were lines that wrapped around it in a singular line, it had a soft green glow coming from the it floated in the center of the chamber. Surrounding the sphere were multiple obelisk's that seemed to grow towards the sphere, at their apex the had indents that seemed to be designed to have the sphere rest atop them. She counted six obelisks including the one connected to the door upon closer inspection Dr. Breaker noticed that at their bases each of the extensions they were perfectly molded from the walls almost as if they had grown from them instead of being welded into place. Turning she saw that the Oracle was ready to be used reaching over she pulled out two tendril like devices and moved them closer to the room, the first tendril was brought into close proximity to the sphere once it was nearly touching the object, she twisted the mid-section slightly which caused the mechanism to go rigid and become unmoving. Tapping its surface, a gentle gold light twirled around it heading towards the sphere once it had reached the apex a greenlight began to pulse its way down in the opposite direction making its way towards the main body, picking up the second tendril she moved this one towards one of the closest obelisks until the tendril was as close as the first, following the same procedure Dr. Breaker set watched as the gold light followed the same path. But once the light had reached the apex it seemed to take a moment before another light appeared cutting right down the middle of the tendril slicing through the gold was a dark blue light once it reached the apex it began to gently pulse towards the obelisk for a one moment and then would pulse back to the oracle the next moment.

Dr. Breaker leaned in once again to look around the chamber again impressed by the elegance of the ship's engine.......if that's what this was for all she knew it only powered the lights on the damned thing. Backing away the doctor turned to the Oracle walking over she began to look over the readings as they were processed, reaching up she began to type in commands ignoring the students around her as she worked none dared to move or become audible for fear of being booted from the room. It took nearly an hour but once enough data had been collected Dr. Breaker turned away from the console and stared right at the compartment at the sphere she mumbled "This is very interesting."

Slowly walking up to the compartment, she eyed the sphere as she slowly slid the door back shut looking behind her, she said "The Oracle can't make heads or tails of the energy that the ship uses to run. Now though the real question is what is making this energy?"

Looking between each other all the interns realized that they hadn't bothered even thinking about what the engine used to power the ship, some hooves could be heard as they scuffed the floor some of the interns had pursed lips in anger or disbelief at the thought. Gasping Glimmer raced forward and began to tap into the oracles system wide using a back door she may or may have put in place for herself for when she needed more information than what was being shared, furiously typing away she ignored the questions for her fellow interns and Dr. Breaker as she pulled up a rival groups own studies on the weapons found. Ignoring the Covenant weapons she concentrated on the little studies done on the unknown weapons pulling them all up she then compared notes but was soon pulled back by an intern named Glass Cutlet as she snapped "Hey back off your gonna ruin our careers NEPO BABY!!"

"I'M NOT A NEPO BABY!" Glimmer snarled as she turned and shoved the other unicorn back causing her to crash into one of the other interns, turning to Dr. Breaker Glimmer quickly explained "Doctor I'm sorry but i just had a thought and just look!"

Pointing at the oracle Glimmer had managed to pull up the signatures from the weapon and the ship, slowly walking forward Dr. Breaker's jaw went slack for a second as she saw the two energies looked almost identical. Turning back to the group she said "That's enough for today I'll pull the data and go from there your all dismissed for the day."

(Cafeteria)
(The Forge 16:00hr)
(September 5th, 1025)

Sitting alone at her table Glimmer stared down at her food looking up she saw a few of her "associates" eating away from her glaring at her Glass Cutlet raised a hoof in a twisting motion, glaring at her Glimmer grabbed her tray in her magic and stormed off ignoring the snickering as she left feeling a sense of anger coming over her, she bit back the idea of slamming her tray into Glass's head concussing the insufferable mare. As she left, she heard an authoritative voice speaking from her left "Good to see you Glimmer, you ok?"

Immediately recognizing the voice, she whirled around to find Commander Carter standing behind her smiling up at him she said, "Carter it's so good to see you, why are you here?"

"At the moment to get you," Carter stated motioning with his head for her to follow him as he began to walk away quickly following him, he looked down at her and continued to talk "I can't say much but you all will see."

Looking out of the corner her eye she saw that two SPARTAN trainees were getting the rest of her intern team, possible for whatever reason Carter had gotten her. Watching as the team rose from their seat, they all began to head in the same direction the local SPARTAN trainees were those who had almost completed training, the chosen recruits were shipped to an unknown site for their surgeries they then came to the forge for training to get used to said alterations. So, seeing them wasn't out of the norm but having three SPARTANs escorting them only garnered attention from any and all ponies passing bye, soon the group reached a set of double doors taking a position on either side they motioned for the rest to move into the room. As they pushed into the room the group quietly began to mumble to each other as they saw President Cortana, Dr. Breaker, and the leader of the newly minted E.I.A. (Equis Intelligence Agency) Black Ink. Looking up the three ponies motioned for the group to come in, as they slowly walked in each of them took a seat at the table looking around worriedly as they did Black Ink spoke in a raspy voice that carried authority "As you all have probably guessed this meeting will be classified anything said or shown in this meeting will not be discussed outside of this room. If any of you are found to be speaking about this outside you will be arrested and tried in a court of law, where you will be imprisoned for life for crimes against the A.C.E. if you understand please say so now."

It didn't even take them a second before everypony nodded their heads in agreement while also voicing said agreement once Black Ink was satisfied, she sat back and tapped the desk. As soon as her hoof touched the surface an image appeared in the middle of the table floating an inch above its surface Black Ink turned too Dr. Breaker and nodded sighing Dr. Breaker stood up and began to walk towards the front of the table as she did, she began to speak "So I know you all are frustrated since you all have been temporarily locked out of the lab with the ship, for the last few days me and a team of senior scientists have been working on the ship and one of the recovered weapons by the SPARTAN teams. I also have been arguing for you all to be included in those tests and these meetings, with little success until yesterday. Cortana and Black Ink have agreed to give you all access to the ship and the research again."

Looking between each other the interns began to excitedly whisper amongst each other ready to get back into work all of them except Glimmer, who had a concerned look on her face frowning slightly she raised her hoof and asked "Dr. Breaker what's the catch?"

"What a smart young mare." Black Ink spoke up looking Glimmer up and down seemingly studying her smiling nervously Glimmer turned back to Dr. Breaker who had a slight frown on her face she nodded her head "Yes Glimmer there is a catch with this assignment, if you so choose to take it on, you'll be reassigned to a highly classified location that you won't even know its name until you've landed. I can't even tell you how long we'll be there it could be years, so if you have any doubts or uncer-"

"I don't know about the rest," Glass Cutlet cut in pushing her chair back she leaned over the desk and looked around as she continued “I’m in one hundred a percent!”

Looking between each other the group all wore worrying looks as they all waited to see who would be going next, seeing this Dr. Breaker sighed and motioned for Glass to sit back down as she did the doctor cleared her throat and jumped back in with a slightly annoyed tone “Yes well to continue from where I left off, if you have any doubts or uncertainties, we will give you all ninety-six hours to decide so what I will suggest is you all spend time with your families or call them you just can't tell them anything about this project. With the amount of time this will take both your education will be finished on said site considering most of you are in your final year of college, so that's one less thing to worry about while you are working."

"Now when it comes to informing your family about the project Black Ink has personally drafted up a paper that you can use to discuss why you are being reassigned, so those of you worrying about not knowing what to say you'll receive those packets and they will be waiting for you in your cabins when you leave this meeting." Pausing Dr. Breaker took a small breath and turned looking at the floating object in the center of the table she slowly motioned at the hologram and continued "What you all are looking at is an unknown material that we have discovered in the ship and weapons confiscated during the fighting, we've learned that this material can be used as a power source but not a very powerful one comparatively to our MagiTech but the potential that it presents us isn't something we can pass up. This is as far as I can go...............due to both classified material and the fact we've only just started the testing process."

Nodding her head Black Ink decided it was her turn to step up clearing her throat she caught the attention of the interns who all turned to her wide eyed and full of concern taking not of one set of violet eyes that didn't have the same concern she smirked while speaking "This is something that can help all of ponykind and to go further to help with either weeding out the weaklings or encouraging the more courageous, if you so choose to join the project you will find yourself on the first shuttle bound for Reach where you will be transported directly to a black site where you will start researching the element."

"Um A-admiral Black Ink what will happen when the project is completed..........or we want to be reassigned?" a young stallion asked as he sheepishly rubbed his right arm looking around at the others trying to find support, but none dared look in his direction smiling at the young stallion Black Ink said "Let us cross that bridge when we get to it but we will take care of you as long as you remain trustworthy and do not become an enemy to pony kind, really quite simple no?"

At her own little joke Black Ink chuckled which was joined by a couple other small nervous chuckles as they each looked to the other for some kind of support. Seeing that the chuckling was dying down Black Ink looked to Cortana out of the corner of her eye and gave a small flick of her ear taking the sign Cortana spoke up "So after all that we'll let you go back to your cabins to start reading over the pamphlet and start contacting your families, if you wish to go home to visit them we'll allow you to under the protection of an E.I.A. agent who will watch over you all from the shadows. Now If I may express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you even if you decide to pass on the project, you will always find a job within the U.W.M. so please continue forward with your heads held high and ready to push further into the future, you're all dismissed."

With that final word all the interns stood up and slowly filed out of the room each heading to their cabins to start reading over the pamphlet and deciding if they wanted to pursue the project........or simply meld back into society and move away from the U.W.M. looking back Glimmer noticed that a few of the interns were already shaking their heads in disbelief even muttering 'I can't do something like that.' before leaving the area. Pausing in her own movements Glimmer's only thought was 'What will my mother's think?'

(Cabin 654, The Forge)
(The Forge 23:00hr)
(September 5th, 1025)

Staring down at the pamphlet Glimmer had finished reading it for what felt like the thousandth time, having it memorized word for word knowing everything in it by heart, mind, and soul. Putting it down again Glimmer fixed her lab coat and adjusted her hair ready to make the call typing in all the numbers ready to hit the call button, only to delete them canceling the call before even making it she shook her head in disgust finding her own weakness something infuriating it was just a call just to tell her mother's that she's been chosen for a special project and that she would be transferred to Reach for the next few years to work on it. This also explained that she wouldn't be able to visit much due to the intensity of the work she would be participating in Glimmer knew she wanted to go through with it and join the project and help all of those involved.............but how could she just up and abandon her home, her family, her friends.............Apple Gem. Taking a breath she was about to go to be when a small knock came from the door, rolling her neck she thought 'If this is Glass again, I'm gonna break her snout.' as she walked over she swung the door open ready to give Glass the third degree when she saw Black ink instead smiling at her she looked around and asked, "May I come in?"

Simply nodding her head Glimmer watched the mare walk in taking in the room she seemed to be taking it all in while Glimmer looked her over, she wore a simple black dress uniform that had almost no distinguishing features except for the four silver stars on the mares' collar and shoulders. Now that Glimmer was distracted by the talk of projects, classified materials and trial she finally began to look the mare over she was an earth pony with a light-yellow coat her mane and tail were chestnut brown her mane was currently pulled into a tight bun with no strands fall out as if they understood that even it must be uniform. Looking over her shoulder at the younger mare Glimmer saw she had eyes were a teal color almost like the ocean on a clear day with small crow's feet forming at their corners smirking at the younger mare she said "I know you wouldn't expect this but I'm almost fifty-eight years old."

"W-w-why bring that up ma'am?"

"Most ponies don't realize just how old I am," Black Ink stated as she slowly turned raising a hoof, she brushed invisible dust from her shoulder while she continued "For years I took the utmost care of my body, mind and soul so I would be able to live a long life. Until recently I didn't understand my own intentions at this but so far it's served me well, most stallions I've had the pleasure of dealing with have no idea and are caught off guard when I tell them my age."

"I see." Glimmer muttered confused as to why the Admiral was standing before her she had come to her not ordered the younger mare to come to her. Feeling unnerved Glimmer was about to ask just why the Admiral had decided to visit her so late at night when she continued to speak "Now have you come to a decision about the project? or still on the edge not knowing whether or not you would want to jump. After all, right the group has been weeded down to six of you out of the original twenty. So far six have chosen not to pursue the project and four have decided to move forward with it, their off visiting family this very moment, the rest undecided. And I can see the question rolling in your head this very moment 'What brought you to me tonight?' so allow me to answer that for you Ms. Glimmer Dust to say the least you've caught my attention."

"You're the daughter of Twilight Sparkle the princess of magic and one of the country's greatest heroes and also the daughter of Fizzlepop Berrytwist a soldier so skilled and ruthless she managed to defeat three alicorns like they were mere mortals. Yet for some reason when the elements chose you and your friends it was during a time of peace and prosperity for the last few years how many times have the elements been used by you and your friends, a maximum of three times in all and on things that even Twilight Sparkle could handle on her own without them."

At that end Glimmer's ears folded back as she looked down at the floor knowing that what Black Ink was saying was true, the elements had moved on and chosen her and her friends and during their tenure they've had little to no reason to use them. Seeing the younger mares downtrodden look Black Ink walked over placing her hoof on her shoulder she softened her voice while saying "But I'm here to speak to you about your CAREER not the elements, you are the one and only pony I will be visiting trying to recruit for this project. I have this feeling Glimmer you will become one of the greatest minds to help the U.W.M. and the A.C.E. as we grow and move further into the stars colonizing more and more worlds, so I am here to say take the leap, join the project and show us the greatness that is buried within you. So instead of calling your family go to them spend time with them and decide to take the leap...........or stay here and live out your life as it is. All this is your own fate so choose wisely what you want the future to be for you."

As the words sank in Glimmer looked up and held Black Inks eyes as she looked deep into her eyes Glimmer tried her best to find any sign of deception when she didn't she took a nervous gulp of air before saying "I'd like to see my family............before I leave."

"I'm so happy to hear your choice Ms. Glimmer Dust," walking past the mare Black Ink motioned for her to follow quickly grabbing the pamphlet Glimmer fell into step behind the mare as they made their way to the airfield Black Ink continued "Now let's get you home."

(Castle Friendship, Ponyville)
(September 2, 08:00hr)

Standing nervously in the walkway Princess Twilight Sparkle and her wife Fizzlepop Berrytwist waited for their eldest daughter to show up and visit them. It had been almost three months since they had last seen her in pony nervously pacing in spot Twilight was going down her usual rabbit hole of nerves while Fizzlepop tried her best to calm the mental storm that had been brewing since their little girl had called informing them she would be visiting the next couple days. Smirking to herself Fizzlepop set a hoof onto Twilight's shoulder while saying "Sweetheart you have to calm down or else you'll make Glimmers visit tougher than it needs to be."

"But I'm so worried about her we get messages once in a while due to her busy schedule and the secrecy of her internship. Now she wants to visit us out of the blue, she must not be telling us something or maybe she's gotten into some kind of trouble. *GASP* what if she was fired Fizzy what if our little filly's future is going down the drain and now, she won't be able to do what she's wanted to do for her entire life!"

"Twilight, my love my life, listen to me when I say this," Fizzlepop gently guided her wife's eyes to meet her own and as soon as she had her gaze locked the mare continued "Our daughter is the toughest and smartest pony out there she didn't get 'fired and she'd never let something as small as being fired stop her from continuing her career and attempt to help ponies. So, when she walks through those doors, we'll be nothing but smiles and we'll support her no matter what, we got a deal?"

"You always know what to say." Twilight said a smile coming to her face as Fizzlepop rubbed her cheek lovingly as they slowly leaned in to kiss each other, until two small rambunctious foals burst down the stairs yelling "SHE'S HERE SHE'S HERE!" just as the doors opened revealing their daughter wearing her work coat and a simple purple blouse under a black vest with business pants. Rushing down the stairs Star Pop and Ink Spot tackled their sister giggling while the surprised mare let out a small yelp as she was tackled to the ground, but she soon started to participate in the giggling. Rushing down to join the foals Twilight and Fizzlepop waited their turn to hug Glimmer which didn't take long as she pushed herself up, both parents brought her into a tight hug giving their greetings and kisses. Taking a moment to look around Glimmer noticed that Apple Gem wasn't around feeling a small knot form in her gut she looked up at her mother, seeing the look Twilight said "He'll be joining us for dinner along with Applejack they just had some work to finish."

"Ok." Glimmer said forcing a smile onto her muzzle as she looked around the room she decided that they needed to move on, thinking back to the other nights they had spent together as a family Glimmer asked "Could we have a family game night while we wait for Apple Gem and Applejack?"

"Of course, sweetheart." Twilight said jumping at the opportunity to play with games with her family, but Fizzlepop was studying her daughter's body language, and something seemed off about her 'she must be hiding something.' Fizzlepop thought as she followed her family into the living room. But that could wait at the moment she just wanted to spend time with her little filly and enjoy what little family time she still had with them before the flow of time added more complications and events to their lives.

(Several hours later)

Sitting at the table Glimmer rubbed her bloated stomach it had been such a long time since she'd had a home cooked meal form her Momma Fizzlepop, letting out a satisfied groan she leaned back while Apple Gem leaned over and nuzzled her cheek eliciting a small coo from the mare as he did. Watching the two young loves enjoy each other's company Applejack and Twilight started gently moving their otherwise 'normal' conversation over to weddings and proposals in the usual gentle manner they had been doing for the past year now considering the two had been a couple for five years. Trying her best to ignore them Glimmer's mind was racing now was the best time to bring up what she'd been wanting to talk about ever since she'd told them about her visit, closing her eyes she leaned on Apple's shoulder going through her plans but now she needed to tell them or she wouldn't have the courage to follow through taking a breath she cleared her throat catching everyponies attention she said "So there's something I need to talk to you all about, It's extremely important."

"What is it sweety?" Twilight asked he tone full of concern as she leaned forward her eyes full of concern, as Glimmer scanned the rest her sibling looked confused and Fizzlepop had a neutral look. Nodding her head Glimmer pulled away from Apple Gem slightly placing her hooves onto the table she centered herself and said "I've been reassigned to a new project by the program, Dr. Data Breaker has approached me and offered me the position considering its optional and not enforced."

"That's terrific sweety!" Twilight gushed leaning in to give Glimmer her undivided attention.

"Good fer yah Glimmer." Applejack said raising her whiskey glass up in respect.

"That's awesome!" both the twins exclaimed almost leaping out of their seats while they yelled.

"That's great sugah." Apple Gem muttered in her ear as he leaned over to kiss her cheek causing the mare to smile nervously. Seeing the twitch of her ear and the uneasy smile that crossed her muzzle Fizzle decided to interject to get Glimmer to continue "Is there a catch Glim?"

As the words left her lips all eyes were now on the mare as she stared down her daughter, after a pregnant silence all eyes slowly shifted back to Glimmer who had a small glistening of fresh tears building in her eyes. She nodded and began to explain that her new assignment would be taking her to Reach to help and that her new assignment would be concentrating on finishing the newly announced MagiTech Reactors her job was to test the new energy and see how far it could be pushed, Cortana had decided that the first 'official' reactor would be built on Reach to power New Canterlot and its growing infrastructure. As the Glimmer finished telling her family and friends about the assignment her siblings began to sniffle as they realized their sister would be going far away to a planet across a sea of stars, Twilight was in total silence totally taken aback by the fact that her little filly would be moving away to a new planet and within the next few days, Fizzlepop was proud of her daughter and so happy that she was spreading her wings and going off into the great beyond, Applejack had her brows knitted in a confused anger but none the less she was silent, and finally Apple Gem stared down at his longtime fillyfriend in disbelief taking a breath to calm himself he looked towards his ma for help but saw she was still trying to figure out what exactly Glimmer was hiding.

Seeing all the different reactions Glimmer tried her best to remain calm and collected but the lack of reactions was now getting to her, they were all now just staring at her as if waiting for her to tell them all that it was just a joke and that she hadn't meant it. Pulling a glass towards her she took a small sip of the alcoholic liquid trying to calm her rising nerves but soon found her siblings crashing into her lap rubbing their tear-streaked faces on her shirt while begging "Please don't leave, please please please dont leave Glimmer."

Feeling tears welling in her eyes Glimmer felt her resolve waiver slightly as she reached down wrapping her younger siblings in her arms, but she already knew what needed to be done. As she held them close for a moment letting them cry out their emotions, she turned Glimmer saw bother her mother's walking towards them as they approached, she felt her siblings gently taken from her grasp while they whispered gently to the young foals slowly calming them down. As they turned back towards Glimmer the eldest sibling and smiled while saying "This is something I’ve got to do guys, don’t worry I’ll be able to video call……..and visit for holidays, possibly."

Looking around at her parents, Apple Gem and Applejack Glimmer locked eyes with all of them and continued to speak "I'm not doing this out of malice or trying to distance myself from anypony. I have been contemplating this for the last few hours trying my best to figure out to say and how to say it, but now I know what needs to be said.I am doing this out of love, I am doing this out of passion and I am doing this to help everypony from now and into the future.”

Taking a breath Apple Gem pushed himself away from the table and slowly stalked off mumbling to himself under his breath in a way nopony could hear him. Watching him leave Glimmer was about to follow when Fizzlepops hoof rested on her shoulder, looking to her mother the mare shook her head and said “He needs a moment, let him cool off.”

“Ah’ll see to it he comes by tomorrow.” Applejack spoke up as she followed after her son but not before stopping by Glimmer, bringing the mare into a strong hug she softly whispered “Just be safe out there darling.”

“Of course.” Glimmer whispered back as she returned the hug with her own force. After a moment the two let go and went their separate ways, it didn’t take long for the family to break down the table and clean up and once that was done, they all began to get ready for bed.

(Ponyville Center)
(58 hours later)

Walking through the town Glimmer had been spending as much time as she could with her family and friends making as many memories as she could make before she was supposed to leave in the next couple of days. But the time she had been spending with everypony was wonderful........she just wished that Apple Gem would talk to her after that dinner he hadn't returned any of her calls or texts. Which is what brought Glimmer to him today was his day of for watching over the stand and today was the day they talked everything over, but Glimmer knew that this wasn't something that would end well. As she made her way up to the stand, she saw the young stallion working hard picking up empty crates and loading them onto the cart. She had waited for the stand to close up shop for the day before approaching the young apple not wanting to cause a scene when they were working, as she got closer to Apple Gem she cleared his throat catching his attention. Looking over his shoulder Apple Gem seemed slightly startled seeing Glimmer standing there he sighed and looked away while saying "How're you doing Glimmer."

"I'd be better if my long term coltfriend would pick up the phone, text me, be with me or for Tartarus's sake talk to me," Glimmer stated as she walked to his front standing in front of him, her tone serious and slightly angry as she continued "But instead you've been avoiding me."

"Ah've been working Glimmer, hate tah break it tah yah but someponies havtah work tah make a livin."

"Don't YOU dare act like I don't know that!" Glimmer snarled as she held up a warning hoof to keep him from continuing.

"I know how hard you work and all you do Apple Gem, don't you forget that I used to help the farm and your stand. So why are you acting like this all of a sudden? I get this promotion is sudden but it's-"

"Glimmer yah want tah leave the whole PLANET, this isn't just moving from one town to another town. Yer goin to be hopin on ah ship and movin light years away and leavin everything behind. When thah offered yah that job did yah even think about thah rest of us?"

"Of course, I did! I thought of everypony when they offered me that promotion, this wasn't something I did without a second thought. I thought about everything I've been over this so much that the last couple nights even my dreams have been nothing but me going over the pros and cons of taking this job. If you'd even taken the time to TALK to me you would know this and you’d know that all I’ve thought about is our future together BUT instead of coming to me and talking like an adult you buried your head in work and have decided to make me the bad pony of your little narrative."

"Ah haven't done such a thing Glim, ah just don't know what to do about yah. All ah know is that yah took this job and yah'll be leavin' in a day or so and the reason ah've been avoiding yah." Apple Gem took a deep breath breaking eye contact he looked off towards the edge of town, as Glim looked into his eyes, she saw small amounts of tears starting to form before he continued "Glim we've grown apart these last few months and ah think it's high time we moved on. Ah'm breaking up with yah, this'll be goodbye."

Her eyes widening at the words Glimmer didn't know how to react or what to even say looking down at her hooves she shook her head and muttered something as she left Apple Gem in the market square. Her own will breaking down as tears flowed down her cheeks without even realizing it, she had walked back home pushing her way inside she and made her way to her room. Once inside Glimmer looked around her room shaking her head, she took a deep breath and made her way over to her computer pulling it open she made sure everything was secure once she double checked the connection Glimmer connected to the messaging center dubbed Waypoint. Hitting a few keys, she followed the instructions given to her by Black Ink. After a few moments she was taken through a backdoor that allowed access to the agent watching over her in case anything happened, Glimmer knew what she was doing was a spur of the moment, but she couldn't be here any longer. Once everything was in place she typed up her code phrase for hand shake response after a moment the agent reached out to her, looking over the response Glimmer's frown deepened but taking a breath she replied 'I'm ready to depart’

(36 hours later)
(Canterlot Launch Station)
(Boarding dock 5B)

Making her way through the loading ramp Glimmer dared to look back one last time at her family and friends. All of which bore sad smiles and tear filled eyes as they watched her walk towards the transport ship that would be taking her to Reach. Raising a hoof she gave a small wave before she walked through the hatch and made way to her seat, the ticket had her placed in a business class seat making way to it she found herself at a window seat. Taking a seat she got as comfortable as she could and looked out the window staring down at the workers as they check over the ship before take off. Which didn’t take long within ten minutes the pilot was on the intercom “Alright stallions and mares this is your Captain speaking, todays flight plan has us leaving Equis and making way to Reach. At our current departure time we should arrive around noon local time on Reach, the weather is Sunny and temperatures are moderate so when we arrive I might suggest you all go out and enjoy some lunch outside. Please buckle up and enjoy your flight.”

After the click the ship soon found itself coasting down the runway and after a minute Glimmer and fifteen other passengers found themselves pressed back into their seats as the ship pushed through the atmosphere. It took the ship five minutes to exit the atmosphere and break the gravity well, looking out the window Glimmer found herself staring down at Equis holding her breath she knew her home planet was beautiful from the air but seeing it in pony and in space brought its majesty into a whole new perspective. Then it started to move further away and she soon found herself with a new view one from inside Slipspace as the ship punched its way into the dimension. Leaning back into her chair Glimmer enjoyed the show as lights danced around the ship slowly feeling all the events of the last few days catch up to her she allowed her mind to wonder and enter the abyss of sleep, dreaming of what would be discovered with her new assignment.