Seizing the Star (Phase two)

by keithsterling

Rating: everyone
Tags: Science Fiction, Alternate Universe, Anthro, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 22681

With the discovery of the anthropomorphic animals from the Planet of ARK, the Imperator Alicorns from deep space, and the New Federation of Equestria from the Planet of Sol have allied with United Animal Council the ruler body of the Planet of ARK.

With the discovery of the anthropomorphic animals from the Planet of ARK, the Imperator Alicorns from deep space, and the New Federation of Equestria from the Planet of Sol have allied with United Animal Council the ruler body of the Planet of ARK. This alliance was formed in response to the threat of 'the Echoes,' a mysterious alien race. This race uses AI-controlled drone warcraft to fight their space-bound war against their enemies.

After Grand Solar Princess Aurora Silverlight and her Shadow cat bomber fighter flight took out a Cyclope mother ship (the controlling computer), every Buzzers mother ships in Imperator Alicorns space self destruct. But this victory came at a cost several Imperator Alicorn Aerospace Fighters squadrons and their pilots are down for repairs and recovery after the battle. Now an Imperator Alicorn listing post has picked up another set of mysterious chirping from a different region of the space.

The chirping is coming from green and a lush planet with tropical jungles, swamps, insects, and small animals. The environment reminds the morphs of a world from their books about millions years ago called earth went creature called dinosaurs lived there. They name this planet Sauria. It seems the inhabitants of this planet are in a state of unrest, and the science team has no idea why.

Published 2020-05-13 17:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-06-04 20:40:24 UTC

Chapter 11

~Canterlot Grand Royal Palace old Solar Empire~

The morning court session had just ended in the throne room of the palace walking out a side entrance into the grand white marble hallway of this grand residence was gorgeous light blue half alicorn/unicorn stallion with crimson red mane and tail, a single slender fairy tale pink color stripe ran through his mane all the way to his tail.

His muscular 6ft 2in equine figure was attired in the dark blue formal men's dress uniform of an officer in the Solar Empire military. On his light blue socked bare feet were polished dress boots.

On his head behind his horn was a black metal crown with a half-moon symbol carved in the face of the metal. Dangling from his shoulders was a white waist-length finely made cotton cape that covered his robust folded light blue feathered bird wings on his back. This half alicorn/unicorn stallion was Grand Solar Prince Somnus Silverlight.

With his older sister, the designated leader of the Federation of Equestria Grand Solar Princess Aurora Silverlight, his parents, Aunt, and cousin up in space, the job of leading the Federation of Equestria falls to him as the only high ranking planet-bound royalty and with his Military occupation planet-based, his frustration grows daily be unable to assist his father's species, the Imperator Alicorns in space.

"Dammit!" Somnus exclaims, slamming his fist into a marble column, leaving the indention of his knuckles on the surface.

A moment later, a drop-dead gorgeous light blue half alicorn/unicorn mare with crimson red mane and tail, a single slender fairy tale pink color stripe ran through her mane all the way to her tail.

walks up to Somnus and gently extracts his fist from the indention in the column. Her elegant 5ft 8in equine figure was attired in dark blue standard women's uniform of an officer in the Solar Empire military.

Unlike her siblings, she has no feathered bird wings on her back and is every day looking unicorn mare. On her attractive shaped light blue bare feet were polished black high heel pumps. On top, her head behind her horn was a black beret with gold sun pin on the front. This half alicorn/unicorn mare was Solar Princess Blueberry Swirl Silverlight and Somnus younger sister.

"Even though we have mother's unnatural earth pony strength, we can still break our bones went you punch into marble." Blueberry comments with her soothing voice as she unclenched his fist to check his fingers.

"Blueberry?" Somnus said, discouraged as she finishes checking his fingers.

"I am just as frustrated as you are, brother. Even though I am a Medical Tech Specialist and can go into space. I want to do more to help our father's species, the Imperator Alicorns. Went Daybreaker, our mother's evil alter-ego kidnapped our real mother, and was trying to destroy us. We fought together despite our different military occupations. Now our older sister is doing all the fighting for us. I am worried that our parents one day will come to tell us that our sister was killed in combat." Blueberry said distressed as tears streaked her cheeks as Somnus walked up to his younger sister and hugged her.

(Click-clop-click-clop)

Echoes down the tile laid grand white marble hallway of the Grand Royal Palace as a beautiful dark purple half alicorn/siren mare with baby blue colored mane and tail approach Somnus and Blueberry. Her slender 5ft 5in equine figure was attired in dark blue standard women's uniform of an officer in the Solar Empire military. On her gracefully shaped dark purple bare feet was a pair of polished black high heel pumps. On top, her head behind her horn was a black beret with gold sun pin on the front. This half alicorn/Siren mare was Solar Princess Athena Silverlight and Somnus's youngest daughter.

Walking beside her was a handsome dark purple half alicorn/siren stallion with baby blue mane and tail. His muscular 5ft 5in equine figure was attired in the dark blue standard men's uniform of an officer in the Solar Empire military. On his dark purple socked bare feet were polished dress boots. On top, his head behind his horn was a black beret with gold sun pin on the front. This half alicorn/siren stallion was Solar Prince Attis Silverlight and Somnus's only son.

Before Grand Solar Prince Somnus Silverlight could say another word once again, the sound of clicking heel echoes in the tile laid grand white marble hallways of the Grand Royal Palace walking toward the group was enchanting looking light pink pure siren/unicorn mare with light purple mane and tail. Her slender 5ft 12in equine figure was attired in dark blue standard women's uniform of an officer in the Solar Empire military. On her lovely shaped light pink bare feet was a pair of polished black high heel pumps. On top, her head behind her horn was a black beret with gold sun pin on the front. This pure siren/unicorn mare was Solar Princess Wave Runner Silverlight and Grand Solar Prince Somnus Silverlight's own wife.

"Thank you all," Somnus said affectionately as Wave Runner walked up to her husband and kiss him on his lips.

"In ages past, there was only Princess Aurora, Prince Somnus and Princess Blueberry the royal foals of her highness Princess Celestia Silverlight the Princess of the Sun and ruler of Equestria. They fought side by side to defend their mother and her land. Now one of those Royal Foals has a family of his own and a wife. Like his own siblings, his family wants to fight side by side with him." Wave Runner said inspiring as she placed her hand out, and slowly the other ponies rest their hand on top of Wave Runner's hand with that they agree they are all in.

Watching the whole scene unfold from her large and quite spacious private living quarters in the infinity palace through her forever sight ability was Empress Galaxy Cosmos, the supreme ruler of her Imperator Alicorns, a smile forms on her snout. A moment later, the chimes sound at her front door she pitter-patter barefooted over to the door and answer it. Standing outside her door was her Great Grandson Justice Silverlight carrying a thick intelligence report with him from the central communication block. He bows and quickly notices his great grandmother's pristine light blue bare feet in front of him; the nails on her toes had clear polish on them, showing off the natural beauty.

"If you are quite done, my great-grandson. Please enter my living quarters. I want you to see this intelligence report that I had the Central Communication block put together for me." Galaxy said quite flattered as Justice follows her into the living room of her living quarters.

"Please have a seat, great-grandson, and skim through the report. You will understand why I had this intelligence report made." Galaxy comment as she crossed her leg over the other and tapped her bare foot soundlessly in the air as her great-grandson skims through the report.

"Yet another Imperator Alicorn listening post has pick-up more chirping from yet another world (Galaxy shakes her head). From the reports of these communication technicians, the return pings from this world are very chaotic in nature. It consists of loud pops and slow static (Galaxy shakes her head once again). If you think of those frequencies as everyday sounds. The loud popping could be explosions, and the slow static could be something burning on the world." Justice explains as Galaxy had a knowing smile on her snout.

"So great-grandson these reports tell us that this world is most likely in a state of unrest and anarchy. What is your hypothesis of the situation?" Galaxy inquiry as she floats the report to herself.

"The inhabitants are at war! Great grandmother are they fighting the Echoes?" Justice inquiry as his great grandmother flips through the report.

"That is highly unlikely Great-grandson all the sounds are emanating from the planet itself. Most likely, the inhabitants are fighting among themselves. A listening post has also picked up small Echoes' research AI drones heading to the planet. So they are most likely investigating the planet themselves. I have instructed with the blessing of UAC allies the Pillars of Creation Institute to send our own research AI drones to the planet to investigate. In the next few weeks, the Animal Exploratory Council for research safety and Pillars of Creation Institute will send a joint research team aboard the 'IAS anomaly,' a science vessel. Its mission is to post far away from the planet and gather the data from our AI drones and analyze the finding from the planet." Galaxy explains as the next request from his great grandmother causes. Justice's breathe to catches in his throat.

She gently closes the cover of the intelligence report with her gloved hand and turns toward her Great Grandson, the next request throws Justice for a loop. His great grandmother asks him to tickle her on her feet. That why she is barefooted; it all in the name of understanding why so many mares that know her Great-grandson seems to want to be tickled by him. Beads of perspiration form on Justice's forehead with his own Great Grandmother request to him.

In a feeble attempt to not fulfill his great grandmother request for him, he said he has an important meeting to attend and excuse himself. Before he can make it to her front door, Galaxy using an imperial tone of voice orders her Great Grandson to tickle her or face a reprimand for disobeying an imperial order. The ears on top his head droop, and he walks back over to his Great Grandmother. She quickly hushes him before he can log an objection against tickling her and order him to go all out on her feet. A few moments later, Empress Galaxy regrets asking her great-grandson to tickle her as she learns that she unbearably and hopelessly ticklish upon her pristine light blue bare feet.

"I give great-grandson! Please stop tickling me!" Galaxy shouts as Justice stop his assault on his great grandmother's feet.

"But," Justice said as his great grandmother gives him a keep-your-mouth-shut look as she pulls a away her still tingling pristine light blue bare feet and sits down on them.

"Please forgive your Great Grandmother, my dear Great Grandson. My curiosity got the best of me. I never knew such a skill existed that could make someone like me basically give in like that. Is that what you do to all those mares, you know?" Galaxy asked as a wounded look appears in Justice's eyes.

"I would never," Justice said with a hitch in his voice as his Great grandmother picks up on her Great-grandson distress.

"Tell me what happened, Great Grandson? I can sense your distress." Galaxy asked in a soothing voice as she reached out and bushed her gloved hand against Justice's cheek.

"I discovered two separate Solar Guard case files sealed by my oldest daughter seal magic. The first file was called Breaking of Celestia, and the second file was called beyond broken Celestia. Being the founder of the Solar Guard, I was able to break my daughter's seal magic on the files. It detailed a twelve and one half months ordeal my wife endured at the hands of an earth pony separatist group they tickle tortured her fairly large long, wide, thick, and plush white bare feet to the point of breaking her mind to force her to give up the throne of Equestria." Justice said his voice cracking as Galaxy wraps her arms and wings around her great-grandson.

"What about the second files Great Grandson, tell me about it." Galaxy asks sympathetic and gentle, remaining with her wings and arms wrapped around him.

"The second file a different group captured her use the same tickle tortured method they didn't try to break her. They try to kill her." Justice voice breaks as Galaxy gasps with the end result.

"Tell me no more great-grandson, let not speak of this again. As your Great Grandmother, I will not send you out there in this state of distress. So stay with me till you feel better. I have finished all my royal duties for today. So I am free for the remainder of this day. If you ever need to talk Great Grandson, please come and see me." Galaxy said compassionate and sympathetic as she left her wing wrap around her Great Grandson.

~It weeks later~

It a few weeks later as the 'IAS Anomaly' Imperator Alicorn research/science class vessel holds position three hundred yards in space from the newly named planet of Sauria. Walking down the connecting corridor to the ship cafeteria for a bite to eat was familiar beautiful dark purple half alicorn/siren mare with baby blue colored mane and tail. Her slender 5ft 5in equine figure was attired in guardsman red-colored form-fitting space suit with orange, yellow trim. On her, gracefully shaped dark purple bare feet were knee-high boots. This half alicorn/Siren mare was Field Scientist Athena Silverlight, the youngest daughter of Grand Solar Prince Somnus Silverlight.

She and ten Field scientists from the planet of Sol were hand pick by the Imperator Alicorn Pillars of Creation Institute members to be part of this research/scientific expedition to the planet of Sauria. As Athena walks through the cafeteria door, she spots two female morphs sitting at a table, they gesture her to join them. She waves back to them with a smile, before heading to the counter to get her food. After paying for her food, she carries her tray over to the table with female morphs and sits down at the table.

Sitting across from her was gorgeous platinum vixen morph with shoulder-length silver-white hair. Her very athletic 6ft even feline figure was attired in an orange, red form-fitting spacesuit with black trim. On her four-toed pawed bare feet were knee-high boots. Dangling behind her swing slowly back and forth was silver-white with bluish cast long, bushy tail. This platinum vixen morph was Field Scientist Jeanette Bernard, a field scientist from the planet of ARK and a member of the Animal Exploratory council for Research safety research team. She is also Athena Silverlight quarters roommate.

Sitting next to Jeanette was second female morph a very attractive platinum vixen morph with shoulder-length silver-white hair. Her very athletic 6ft even feline figure was attired in an orange, red form-fitting spacesuit with black trim. On her four-toed pawed bare feet were knee-high boots. Dangling behind her swing slowly back and forth was silver-white with bluish cast long, bushy tail. This platinum vixen morph was Field Scientist Violette Bernard, a field scientist from the planet of ARK and a member of the Animal Exploratory council for Research safety research team. She is also Athena Silverlight's second quarter's roommate.

"Greeting, your highness," Jeanette said teasing as Athena sets her tray on the table and stick her tongue out at the first vixen morph.

"I told you to stop calling me your highness, Jeanette. I am Field Scientist Athena Silverlight." Athena said sourly as she begins to eat her food.

"As much as my twin sister is a pain in the tail. You have to admit Athena us coming from a family of brilliant scientists. Who are the founders of the Animal Exploratory Council for Research safety on ARK? I can't compare to being a member of a respected royal family like yours. And yes I did, look into your personnel file it was my job as the head scientist for the gamma research team that you and my sister are part of." Violette explains as she takes a drink from a small cup with ice tea in it.

"That the whole problem Violette, my family is so respected. That everyone feels I must be that way even if I don't feel like being Solar Princess Athena Silverlight 24/7. My older sister Solar Princess Alysia Ara Silverlight can easily switch between her royal persona and her normal persona without trouble. I have tried to do that, but it ends up making things worse. I end up being perceived as an arrogant member of the Royal Family. It pains my own parents and my grandparents; they know I am not that way." Athena said melancholy as she continued to eat as a tear ran down her cheeks splashing on the table.

"What do you say Athena let go back to our quarters and talk. If you don't mind, could you call your older sister Alysia I would like to talk to her." Violette asked as Athena shook her head.

Chapter 12

The planet of Sauria is green and lush planet with tropical jungles, swamps, insects, and small animals. The environment reminds the morphs of a world from their books about millions of years ago called earth went creature called dinosaurs lived there. Slogging through extensive lowlands filled with water on their way to an outpost base was a squad of ten bipedal lizards that look like descends of dinosaurs the most prominent feature of these lizards is the fin on top their head.

They are close in body shape to a human but slightly a bit shorter about five feet tall. The body is cover by a multitude of small half-moon shaped armor scales in various colors. Dragging behind them is tail about half the length of their body. On their three-fingered hand are sharp claws. Covering the trunk of their body is stained covered camouflage tank top and stained covered cargo shorts. Attached to a thick strap tossed over their shoulder was M1 Garand .30 caliber semi-automatic rifle and round their waist was a belt with holster containing M1911 single-action, semi-automatic pistol.

Suddenly the lead fin head notice bubbles on the surface of the water moving quickly from the very edge of swamp toward his squad. He quickly draws two ka-bars from the sheath on his left side and brings it up into a defensive posture. Before long, the rest of his squad draws their own ka-bars from their sheath and enters a defensive posture.

"The green-skinned barbarians are approaching; we are in their house! Defend yourself!" The fin head called as six-foot-tall, dark green-scaled colored reptilian humanoids leap out of the swampy water to attack this group of saurial fin head soldiers.

At the very edge of the swamp from a temperate forest appears a nice look rifle green colored fin head female. Her fit 5ft even saurial figure was attired in a stained, covered camouflage tank top and stained covered cargo shorts. Her three-toed scaly feet were bare with a sharp claw on each toe. Across her chest was brown bandolier with pockets containing .30 caliber box magazines for her M1903A4 Springfield bolt-action rifle with a telescopic sight. She slaps the box magazine into the bottom of the rifle and pulls back the bolt. And begins to take out green-skinned barbarian with precision giving the squad time to break off combat and make a dead run to the edge of the swamp.

As the last of the fin head squad members plant their three-toed scaly feet onto the solid, level ground, they make a dash into the forest as the female was about to leave a lizard man leaps out of the swampy water. The female catches him on the bottom of her three-toed scaly feet.

"I don't like aggressive males like you!" The female fin head said sharply, reaching for a heavy wooden branch. She strikes the side of the lizard man's head, temporarily stunning him. That gives her enough time to scramble to her feet and draw a smith and Wesson Model 10 revolver from a holster on her side.

"Lunchtime!" The female fin head calls pulling the trigger of her revolver, the Lizard man wince, and falls backward into the swamp water with a loud splash.

A second later, the female fin head eye narrow with disgust as the other lizard men within one hundred miles descend on the body of the dead lizard man and devours it, leaving only bloodstain floating on the surface of the water. The female fin head turns on her three-toed feet and walks in the same direction as the squad fled towards. After a half-mile trek from the scene of the lizard man attack, the female fin head arrives at Saurial's outpost base as she across the steel bridge over the river she comes upon second male fin head reprimanded the male fin head squad leader for abandoning the female fin head.

The second fin head male was good looking with hunter green scaly skin. His fit 5ft even saurial figure was attired in a stained, covered camouflage tank top and stained covered cargo shorts. His three-toed scaly feet were bare with a sharp claw on each toe. Around his waist was a belt with holster containing Browning hi-power single-action, semi-automatic pistol. Slung over his shoulder was thick strap with Lee-Enfield jungle carbine rifle, and his left side was metal sheath with an F-S fighting knife.

"Igor! Leave him be! I am fine, nothing I couldn't handle!" The female fin head yells as the second male fin head, walks up to her and hugs her.

"Valkyria, are you all right?" Igor asks his mate as Valkyria looks toward the male fin head squad leader and give him a look that said you owe me big for this, she will collect remember that.

"As I said, it was nothing I couldn't handle. But that confirms what the Blade back advisor is telling the Horn head commander. The dark claws are pushing those lizard men out of the northern end of the swamp toward the eastern end of the swamp toward our settlements. Those Lizard men will devastate our hatcheries by eating our eggs and our hatchlings. Our own eggs are in one of those hatcheries that the lizard men will raid. Our eggs are due to hatch soon, and I will return home to care for our hatchlings." Valkyria said her voice constricted as a single tear runs down her scaly cheek.

"Valkyria, I know what is at stake. Please cheer-up Valkyria; you will soon be a mother to our hatchlings. My dear mate, I am counting on you to do your best to care for our hatchlings." Igor said encouraging as the Horn head commander calls them to his office to speak to them and get their report.

~Its 10 to 30 days later~

Kicking up dust with her bare three-toed scaly feet along the path heading toward a huge volcanic shaped structure at the edge of the capital city of Lost Vale in the Jurassic sector of the land of Pangaea was Valkyria Thunder tail attired in finely made rosewood red embroidered slightly below the knee-length dress. As she continues down the path, she passes several small shaped volcanic structures that serve as the private homes for many saurial mated couples that live in Lost Vale.

As Valkyria reaches the huge volcanic shaped structure, she looks around to see many saurial young males of the races of Blade backs, fin heads, flyers, and horn heads looking through long window slit into the structure. As the female of each of the races is highly aggressive toward males went they are tending their nest with eggs. The aggression dissipates went the hatchlings are born, and the father is allowed to enter the hatchery to care with his mate; they new hatchlings and head home.

As Valkyria reaches the fissure vent, a vast opening with a long tunnel leading to the center of hatchery or more commonly call the nesting grounds. She is met by a seven-foot-tall older female Blade back wearing plain white gold-embroidered robe of a midwife. The most prominent physical feature of this female saurial is the large, sharp scales jut out along her spines that extending from her head to the end of her almost body-length tail.

This Blade back midwife tends to the nests of the other saurial females went the couples must work as the male and the female share equally in all the work. The jobs of these Blade back midwives is to pack the nest with dried grass to keep the eggs warm, and the monitor went the eggs are ready to hatch.

"Greeting Midwife Viveka How is my nest? Any movement from my eggs?" Valkyria inquiries follow in much large three-toed scaly footprints of the female Blade back lead her to her nest.

"We may have to intervene, Lady Valkyria! I have kept your nest at the optimal temperature for hatching. But still, your hatchlings have not broking the inner membrane of their eggs. If we don't intervene soon, you could lose your whole clutch of eggs once again. It will be devastating for your ruling family. As your parents are getting on in age." Viveka said straightforwardly as Valkyria unleashed an aggravated growl at the female Blade backs in front of her.

"Please forgive me High Priestess Lightfoot; I forgot how straightforward your species is," Valkyrie said apologetically as two female saurial stop at the entrance of the nesting grounds.

"It quite all right, Lady Valkyria. It never easy to tell another female saurial that their clutch of eggs will never hatch. Especially difficult went the clutch of eggs belongs to the daughter of Duke Balder, the ruler of Lost Vale." High Priestess Viveka Lightfoot replies.

Lady Valkyrie follows High priestess Viveka over the heavy-duty wooden walkways of the nesting grounds. The other, females in the hatchery bow their heads as Valkyrie and Viveka pass before returning to tending to their own nests with eggs. A moment later, the two female saurian’s arrive at a good-sized nest with three good-sized eggs packed tightly with dried grass to keep the eggs toasty warm. Once at the nests, Viveka bows her head and leaves to tend to the other female saurials who are in the hatchery this day. Slowly Lady Valkyria sits down by the nest stretches her legs to her side as her tail wraps around her clutch of three eggs.

~Back in the infinity star sector~

Once again, in the large and quite spacious private living quarters in the infinity palace Empress Galaxy Cosmos sits on her sofa in her living room reading over the preliminary report from the science teams observing the planet of Sauria. So far, the report from the science teams is hopefulness. As for the first contact, the science teams advise even those the inhabitants have a military that is armed with conventional weapons and equipment.

Most of the planet is livestock and some farming so best to continue to observe the inhabitants. The United Animal Council agrees with that recommendation from the Science teams as ARK is changing from high-tech society to a super science society with the help of Imperator Alicorns of deep space. A moment later, the chimes sound at her front door she walks over to the door wearing her knee-high boots and answers it. Standing outside her door was Galactic Technician officer first class Celestia Silverlight. She messaged her great grandson's wife, asking her to please come to her private living quarters to speak to her.

"Greeting your imperial majesty, you message me to come to see you," Celestia said politely bow her head once before bringing it back up to look at Galaxy.

"Indeed, Mrs. Silverlight, Please do come into my private living quarters. We have something important to speak about concerning my Great grandson Justice." Galaxy said serenely as Celestia's stomach knotted as she followed Galaxy into the living room, and she asked her to sits down on the sofa.

"Concerning Justice? What would that be Great, Grandmother Galaxy?" Celestia asked a bit perplexed as Galaxy float a small glass of soft apple cider to Celestia, who accept the drink.

"Breaking of Celestia and beyond broken Celestia, two solar guard case files." Galaxy comments as Celestia's face are etched in desperation.

"NO-no-no. How did you find out about those files? I had my daughter Aurora seal them so no one would ever find them." Celestia said, her voice quavering as tears started to streak Celestia's snout.

"It was not I. Who discover those solar guard case files? I was just told about them." Galaxy said freely taking a drink from her own glass of soft apple cider

"Justice! Found them!" Celestia's voice explodes out of her as she begins to sob uncontrollably.

"That even worse, I never wanted him to find those two solar guard case files. He loves me too much. So coming across those case files will break his heart." Celestia's voice is as cold as death.

"Celestia, you still have time to fix this. All you have to do is tell him everything. No matter how painful it for you." Galaxy suggested serenely as Celestia flew out of Galaxy's private living quarter to the officer's quarters.

"Justice listen to me, it about time I told you everything that happens to me went you died. But please, beloved; don't let it break your heart. If I am going to get over it, I need that love you always had for me." Celestia said, sitting on top of her husband Justice in the living room of their quarters with her finger on his lips.

"That all I wanted you to do, Celestia. Tell me everything that happened went I died. I went, I was reborn, and I came to find you. In our chamber at the palace, I sense you were holding so much back. I just want you to talk to me and help you overcome everything that happens to you because of my death." Justice said thoughtfully as he reaches up to brush away a tear from Celestia's cheek, and she grabs hold of his hand and rubs it against her cheek.

Chapter 14

~24 miles north of Saurial outpost base 4~

Igor Thunder tail cuts his way through a thick rain forest region that 24 miles long heading toward Dark claw held territory with a machete. Around his waist was a belt with a holster containing his Browning hi-power single-action, semi-automatic pistol. Slung over his shoulder with thick strap was his Lee-Enfield jungle carbine rifle, and his left side was metal sheath with an F-S fighting knife. Covering his prominent fin on his head was camouflage brimmed fabric hat with round, shallow crown called a safari hat. On his back was rain forest camouflage rucksack with all his equipment.

A week earlier, at his permanent post saurial outpost base one, his Horn head commander summons him very late in the evening to his office in the command tower to speak to him. His commander told him he needs him for a deep reconnaissance mission into dark claw held territory just north of saurial outpost base four. After quickly packing his rucksack with all necessary equipment, Igor headed down to the base docks and boards a small unit riverine craft manned by two other fin head soldiers.

His plan was to ride the river all the way to Saurial Outpost base four. Still, that plan changed went the river was unusually packed with Lizard men swimming south from the northern territory. This forced the small unit riverine craft to dock at Saurial Outpost base three as the lizard men would attack the vessel trying to sink it. This makes it unsafe to travel upriver to Saurial Outpost base four.

With this unscheduled stop at Saurial Outpost Base three, Igor was able to refresh his supplies and get the latest Intel as well as an updated map of the northern territory. At noon Igor set out to Saurial Outpost base four on foot after fifteen days trip from Saurial Outpost Base three to Saurial Outpost base four. He arrived and began his deep reconnaissance mission into dark claw held territory.

For several weeks now in the capital city of Lost Vale, Valkyria has regularly returned to the nesting grounds to tend to her nest and eggs, hoping to hear the telltale sound of an eggshell breaking from her nest by her hatchlings breaking out of the eggs. As Valkyria's eyes became haunted by some inner pain, she suddenly hears the sound of breaking eggshells. From a small hole in the egg, a little snout pokes out, slowly breaking the shell with its egg tooth.

"Viveka! My eggs are hatching!" Valkyria yell as the female blade back run to the nest and reach the nest out of breath.

"Lady Valkyria, I am not as young as I use to be when I was, a Guardian of High Priestesses. This old body takes some time to get moving." Viveka said, trying to catch her breath as she used her finger claw to help the hatchling to break free of the eggshell.

Meanwhile, outside the hatchery flying high over the swamp monitoring the water, was a Saurial flyer. Suddenly millions of bubble trails appear on the surface of the water heading towards the hatchery. He's power dive toward the nesting grounds Guardians to warn them that many green-skinned barbarians are coming. Quickly the fin head nesting grounds guardians affix bayonets to end of their rifles. The fin head guardians in the guard towers begin loading ammo belts with 250 rounds into the M1919 Browning machine gun in each tower.

"All female saurials in the nesting grounds and Priestesses quickly gather your eggs or hatchlings abandon this hatchery! The green-skinned barbarians are coming!" A fin head guardians warn as explosions, gunfire, and screaming erupt outside the hatchery as the nesting ground guardian's fight to protect the hatchery.

In the hatchery, a calm panic has descended on the female saurials in the nesting grounds as the normal priestesses. Chief priestesses quickly ushered them out of the hatchery to meet up with their mates outside who grab hold eggs and hatchling to help evacuate their family. A moment later, their terrifying screams from numerous female saurials as the lizard men penetrate the hatchery's inner core.

(Rat-a-tat-tat)

The sound echo in the hollow out center of the hatchery as High Priestess Viveka Lightfoot stands atop a rock armed with M1919 Browning machine gun mowing down the Lizard men who pop their heads up from the rocks strews about the nesting grounds. She is soon joined by other female blades back priestesses armed with M1918 Browning automatic rifle (BAR). They are covering the escape of the remaining saurial females left in the hatchery carrying their eggs or hatchlings.

"Lady Valkyria makes your escape with your hatchlings. My priestesses will hold as long as we can. Till every female saurial has escaped the hatchery!" Viveka calls as she chops open the feed loader of her machine gun and loads another 250 round belt into the weapon and slams the door closed and resume firing allowing the other priestesses to slap in a new 20 round box magazine into their (BAR).

Quickly Lady Valkyria scoops up her hatchlings and makes a run toward the exits; the closer she gets to the openings the lower the machine gun fire gets till she can't hear it anymore. As Lady Valkyria emerges from the hatchery, she trips on a rock tossing her hatchlings to the ground and comes to rest at the three-toed scaly feet of her parents. Quickly Duchess Mista Thunder Roars, her mother picks-up the hatchlings and begins to calm them. As her father, Duke Balder Thunder Roars, draw his dual M1911 colt government a single-action, semi-automatic pistol from his quick-draw holsters. He rushes into the hatchery, followed by his royal guard platoon, all armed with Thompson submachine guns. For the next few hours, the sound of gunfire echoes throughout the hatchery.

Before long, the hatchery gunfire goes silent, and a moment later, Duke Balder Thunder Roars emerges with High Priestess Viveka Lightfoot on his shoulder, using him as a crutch along with her other Priestesses with various injuries from holding off the Lizard men went their ammo was exhausted. A Lizard man charges toward Duchess Mista Thunder Roars, holding her daughter's hatchlings in her arms bent on devouring them. She quickly draws her colt commando double-action revolver from her own quick-draw holster on her side, the hammer is cock, and the trigger is pulled. Next thing that happens, the Lizard man just drops from being shot. Duchess Mista spins her revolver on her finger and holsters it in one quick movement.

Later that same day at the duke's palace in the capital city of Lost Vale, an older magnificent looking dark blue-green fin head female paces back and forth in front of her daughter's door as the royal physician check her daughter. Her fit 5ft even saurial figure was attired in finely made orange embroidered below the knee-length dress. Her three-toed scaly feet were bare with the sharp claw on each toe. This older fin head female is Duchess Mista Thunder Roars Lady Valkyria Thunder tail mother and ruler of the capital city of Lost Vale along with her husband.

Soon Duchess Mista is joining by an older handsome light pine green colored fin head male. His fit 5ft even saurial figure was attired in pacific blue finely made long sleeve shirt and finely made Malibu blue embroidered trousers that hit just over his knees. His three-toed scaly feet were bare with the sharp claw on each toe. This older fin head male is Duke Balder Thunder Roars Lady Valkyria Thunder Tail's father and ruler of the Capital city of Lost Vale.

"Mista, our daughter's hatchlings are safe in the nursery under the care of a blade back Priestess who was not at the hatchery went those lizard men attack the nesting grounds. Any word from the royal physician about our daughter?" Duke Balder asked as Mista sighs, relieved with the news.

"Thank the ancestors for the good news, Balder. No, the royal physician has not come out of our daughter's room to tell me anything. It makes me worry. I hope our daughter didn't sustain any serious injury to keep her for caring for her hatchlings." Duchess Mista comment as the two fin head nobles heard someone running up the staircase to the second floor.

On the second floor, landing appeared Lord Igor Thunder Tail attired in azure blue finely made short-sleeve shirt and finely made paprika red embroidered trousers that hit just over his knees.

"Lord Igor!" both older fin heads said simultaneously as their son-in-law approach them and bow his head before picking it up to look at the older fin heads.

"What happened, your graces? Did Valkyria and our hatchling survive? I was just told went I return to Saurial outpost base one after a short deep reconnaissance mission into dark claw held territory." Igor said, struggling to control quavering in his voice.

"(Placing his two-fingered clawed hand on his shoulder) your hatchlings are safe, Lord Igor. Valkyria was able to save them with the help of High Priestess Viveka Lightfoot and her high Priestesses. We are still waiting for the doctor to tell us the condition of Valkyria." Duke Balder reassuring as Lord Igor calm himself down.

"Thank your grace." Lord Igor said thankfully as one of the duke's aids summoned him to a meeting.

"Excuse me, Lord Igor, But I have a lot to do because of that attack on our largest hatchery in the Capital city of Lost Vale by those Lizard men. I'll have Mista stay with you and wait to hear from the doctor." Duke Balder said his voice edged with tension as he kisses his wife on her cheek before joining his aid.

"Dammit Mista, this is why they sent me on that short deep reconnaissance mission into dark claw held territory. My horn head commander was worry about this very thing happening to one of our hatcheries. But by the time I made it to the Lizard Men breeding ground, it all but abandoned with few then a dozen Lizard Men family in the deeper part of the breeding ground." Igor said indignantly slam his three fingers clawed hands on the balustrade of second-floor landing.

"(Placing her delicate three-fingered clawed hand on his shoulder) don't take this the wrong way, Lord Igor, I am pleased that our horn head commanders foresaw this happening and tried to prevent it. But it was not preventable (reaching into the pocket of her dress and pulling out a paper)." Duchess Mista said handing the paper to Lord Igor, who faces glazes with shock upon reading the paper Mista give him.

"What! The dark claws are testing new types of weapons that fire a beam of light that can destroy fortifications with ease." Lord Igor voice shrill with horror that the Lizard men were just trying to survive.

"Your Grace, how can these Dark Claws be more advanced than us?" Lord Igor asked, turning toward Duchess Mista, who chewed on her lip.

"They are not; the duke and I figure they are getting the weapons from somewhere else. This technology is way too advanced for them. Our own Horn head scientists have form theories about this beam of light power. But our Horn head scientists feel it will take many more generations before it becomes practical." Duchess Mista explains as she taps her three-toed clawed foot on the ground nervously.

"If that case your grace, then who is giving them those beam of light weapons? And why have they not deployed them?" Lord Igor asked Duchess Mista, who rests her chin on the flat of her three-finger clawed hand and sighs.

"We don't know, but every ten years the Dark claws leadership gathers numerous resources from around the planet and takes them with them to some cave. As for why they have not deployed them, maybe the reason is the same one we have trying to obtain a sample of the weapons. Once touch the weapons, short circuits, and it is rendered useless. Maybe the dark claws don't know how to fix them or who is selling them the weapons has not told them that fact." Duchess Mista explains as the doctor appears from Valkyria's room to get them and tell them she awake.

~At the Infinity palace Central Communication Block~

Sitting in her command pod in the central communication block at the Infinity Palace was a sculpted white-bodied Imperator Alicorn mare with blue mane and tail. Her athletic 6ft 1in equine figure was attired in Cornflower blue form-fitting spacesuit with green, blue trim. On her bare white feet were knee-high boots. Her Silver bio-mechanical metal bird wings were folded on her back. This Celestial Alicorn mare was Galactic Technician Officer Cassandra Chasm, an Imperator Alicorn Communication officer at the Infinity Palace.

"Huh!" Cassandra exclaims as a message from an Imperator Alicorn border surveillance post begins to print-out.

As she reads, the print-out Cassandra's eyes transfixed with horror with the contents of the message from the post. She quickly unfolds her wings and flies down the corridor to the Command Center/ Throne Room of the palace. She arrives just as Empress Galaxy Cosmos has finished her royal court session for this space cycle and was on her way back to her large and quite spacious private living quarters in the infinity palace.

"Your Imperial Majesty, a message from an Imperator Alicorn border surveillance post," Cassandra said, urgent handing the print out to Galaxy with her gloved hand. Galaxy's face glazed with shock with the message.

"By the first star! The hobs are back in this Star System!" Galaxy exclaimed as she quickly dismisses Cassandra and sends her back to the central communication block.

As she has something important to do, but at the same time, distasteful. She reenters the Command Center/ Throne Room and walks over to her throne. She brings her arms up and sweeps them across in the air calling up a holographic command center. After a few more fine adjustments, a holographic communication screen appears, and a large multi-colored pulsating energy ball appears.

"What do you want your imperial majesty?!" an angry male voice said comes from the multi-colored pulsating energy ball.

"As pleasant as every your Majesty." Galaxy said sarcastically as the multi-colored energy ball turns an intense red color.

"At one time, we were friends." Galaxy said her voice wooden and distant as the multi-colored energy ball turn a light red color.

"That was long ago, Miss Galaxy. Before you left my people to die." The multi-colored energy ball said, turning from a smooth sphere to a spiky ball.

"There was nothing my people could have done that virus was spreading to fast to stop it. All because your ruler ignored the warnings and refused to act with the plan you had in place. So the only thing I could do was change your people into energy beings." Galaxy said her voice a lifeless monotone as the multi-colored energy ball blink in rainbow hue.

"Enough with the past, why have you contacted me, Miss Galaxy?" the multi-colored energy ball asked as it returns to a smooth ball.

"The hobs are back in the star systems. It has been ten years since the last time they appeared in the Star systems. You know what that means, your Majesty." Galaxy comment anxious as the multi-colored energy ball blinks a bright white color.

"They are going to poach resources from the Star Systems to fuel their endless war on their own planet. At the same time selling low-grade knock-offs of energy weapons that will never work no matter how you handle them. That is the most dangerous thing about the hobs Miss Galaxy. Both our species have seen the aftermath of one of those knock-offs energy weapons going critical. How many planets did you lose?" the multi-colored energy ball inquiry blinking a bright fire-engine red.

"I lost a whole star system because the energy core went critical. What about you?" Galaxy said sharply.

"I lost 60% of my echoes went the energy core went critical." The multi-colored energy ball said hotly.

Chapter 15

Gliding through the space ways on routine patrol was the newly christening 'IAS Hunting'; a patrol class warship in the nose section of the vessel was the four members crew consisting of the ship captain, ship pilot, Communication tech, and Radar Operator. 'IAS Hunting' is the first patrol class warship with a mixed crew drawing from the three allied species of Celestial Alicorn, ponies from the planet of Sol and the morphs from the planet of ARK.

In the piloting position, sitting towards the front of the vessel was glamorous, looking white-boded Celestial Alicorn mare with a Celtic blue mane and tail. On her head was a virtual visor for steering the patrol class vessel in virtual space. Her 6ft 1in athletic equine figure was attired in midnight blue form-fitting spacesuit with orange, red trim. On her bare white feet were knee-high boots. Folded on her back were her silver bio-mechanical metal bird wings. This Celestial Alicorn mare was Galactic Knight Amazonia Singularity, a top-ranked warship pilot from the Andromeda Galaxy Star Sector.

In the communication position, sitting to the left side of Amazonia was enchanting looking light pink pure siren/unicorn mare with light purple mane and tail. Her slender 5ft 12in equine figure was attired in Seashell Peach form-fitting spacesuit with corduroy colored trim. On her lovely shaped delicate pink bare feet were knee-high boots. On top, her head behind her horn was a headset for communicating with the infinity palace dispatch. This pure siren/unicorn mare was Major Wave Runner Silverlight, a top-ranked communications officer from the New Lunar Republic on the planet of Sol.

Sitting to the right side of Amazonia in the Radar position was elegant looking black saddle with tan female German shepherd morph with shoulder-length tan-colored hair. Her athletic 5ft 10in canine figure was attired in a midnight blue form-fitting spacesuit with dodger blue colored trim. On her larger tan color, four-toed bare pawed feet were knee-high boots. Sticking out a hole in the back of the chair was black with a tan bushy tail. Her head behind her pointed ears was a virtual visor that was currently off. Still, during combat operations, the virtual visor activates, allowing her to operate the ship's weapons. This female German shepherd morph was 1st Lieutenant Eva Eisenberg, a top-ranking Tactical officer from the Northern Euro Sector on the planet of ARK.

Sitting to the rear of Amazonia in the Command position was a lovely look lavender-colored half Alicorn/siren mare with sky blue mane and tail. Her athletic 5ft 10in equine figure was attired in a violet-blue form-fitting spacesuit with white-colored trim. On her delightful shaped lavender-colored bare feet were knee-high boots. This half alicorn/siren mare was Royal Shogun Alysia Ara Silverlight, the newest Royal Shogun from the infinity star sector, but born in the Solar Empire on the Planet of Sol.

At her command station, Alysia brings her arms up. She sweeps them across in the air calling up the holographic command center. After a few more fine adjustments, she calls up several star maps of the adjacent star sectors. She taps the current star sector that her ship is in and checks it off. Before marking the next star sector and sends it to the pilot too continues her routine patrol of the system.

"Aye, Captain, Setting a new course heading to the next star sector!" Amazonia said, acknowledging as she raises her arms and hands in virtual space to change the ship course.

"Eva any blips on the radar?" Alysia asked as Eva's brings her arms up and sweeps them across in the air calling up holographic radar screen. After a few more fine adjustments and searching for any kind of contacts.

"No, Captain! The screen is clear!" Eva said, acknowledging as she tests the virtual visor on her head.

"Mother! Please tell me you pick up a strange transmission from somewhere?" Alysia said hopefully as Wave Runner's brings her arms up and sweeps them across in the air calling up a holographic communicate station.

"No, Captain! Incoming transmissions from 'IAS Stellar Eclipse.'" Wave Runner said that as the holographic head of Rear Admiral (upper), Justice Silverlight appeared in front of the four members' crew.

"All patrol class vessels return to the fleet immediately; we are moving on to the next star Sector!" Rear Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight commands as Amazonia cancels the previous course set and reprogram course to meet up with the reconnaissance fleet.

As 'IAS Hunting' the patrol class warship made its way back to the reconnaissance fleet, a sudden blip appears on Eva's radar screen moving at a pretty good pace. Quickly Eva scans the blip; the recognition/identification program identifies the blip as hobs skimmer. The hobs skimmer is the smallest spacecraft in the hobgoblin space fleet about the size of a small Aerospace fighter about 49ft 5in a Falcon class Fighter. The hobs skimmer is used as a small scouting craft and resources identification vehicle. Quickly Alysia orders the ship to head into a pursuit of the hob skimmer at the same time Major Wave Runner sends a message to 'IAS Stellar Eclipse' and Rear Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight.

~Back aboard the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse'~

"Fleet Admiral! The 'IAS Hunting' has encountered a single Hobs skimmer and is heading into a pursuit of it!" Galactic Technician officer Celestia Silverlight report from her position at the communication station aboard the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse.'

"What?! Our granddaughter is in pursuit of single hobs skimmer! Call her back now! A single hob skimmer is part of a larger warship!" Justice exclaims as he slams his fist on the red alert button on his command chair.

"All Aerospace pilots to your fighters! The moment we leave the wormhole, immediate scramble! There most like going to be a hob warship in the vicinity!" Justice orders

The flight deck of the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse' is abuzz with combat preparations with weapon technicians loading up Aerospace fighters with missiles. Before long, all six launching catapults are loaded with combat-ready Aerospace fighters (three on the second level and three on the first level). As the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse' emerges from the wormhole, it comes upon a huge space battle between two frigates from the Horsehead nebula star sector. Single light carrier-class warship from Swan nebula Star sector take on a main hobs battle cruiser.

Upon the other three imperator Alicorns warships seeing the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse' appears from the wormhole, they flash their lights telling them that they are hard-pressed against this main hobs battle cruiser. Please quickly deploy their fighters with a single flash; the hangar doors slide away and, in rapid succession, the prepped aerospace fighter launch and join the space combat.

Quickly Rear Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight has his wife Galactic Technician officer Celestia Silverlight hail one of the frigate and promptly asked the Shogun if they encounter 'IAS hunting' a patrol class warship. She informs the Rear-Admiral that patrol class warship was the first one sunk. Still, they saw the escape pod jettisoned before the vessel exploded. But before they could retrieve it, it was captured by the hobs and taking aboard the battle cruiser.

~In the brig aboard 'HGS Maul' a hobgoblin battle cruiser~

The four-member crew of the 'IAS hunting' the destroyed patrol class warship were chained to the brig's wall with manacles. The imperator Alicorn pilot mare as got the worst of the physical abuse at the hands of the Hobgoblins because the imperator Alicorn space fleets have sunk numerous Resources collecting battle cruiser like this one. Forcing the glorious battles on their planet to stop went the Resources go dangerously low every 10 years and buy at extraordinary prices from the bugbear merchants who have the goods for them to continue their endless wars.

As for the other three crew members, the hobgoblins don't know what to make of the two unicorn mares and one female canine. Other than don't lose sight of lavender colored unicorn mare legs or end up in unimaginable pain went she kick you where it counts. As for the light pink unicorn mare, her singing voice will mesmerize you to the point of losing all your senses. As for the dog, don't get to close to her mouth or lose a finger went she bites you.

"What are you?" A hobgoblins sergeant said, wondering as he examined the lavender-colored unicorn mare after securing her ankles with two other manacles to the wall. He runs his hand down her neck till he reaches her chest.

"Obviously female, A female what is the question?" A Hobgoblin sergeant said, squeezing Alysia's boobs, causing her too suddenly gasp. A single tear runs down Alysia's cheek from embarrassment as no male pony has every showed her this kind of disrespect by intentionally squeezing her chest like that.

"We are unicorn ponies! The first form of an Imperator, Alicorn!" Wave Runner calls as the hobgoblin blink with surprise with the answer, and he looks over the Imperator Alicorn pilot mare a few times.

"Is this true Imperator Alicorn?" the hobgoblin sergeant asks the Imperator Alicorn mare pilot.

"Yes, they have yet to reach the requirements to receive their metal wings," Amazonia said, lying as the hobgoblin sergeant look at the female canine.

"And you?" the hobgoblin sergeant asked as he did a slow, appraising glance of the female canine.

"A failed experiment by the Echoes," Eva said indignantly as she growled with fake anger toward the hobgoblin.

"So we have weak Imperator Alicorns and failed experiment." The hobgoblin said arrogantly as he flashes a superior grin. Before nothing at all as he's drop to his knees dead with a razor-sharp star-shaped disk of metal embedded in his brain stem.

"Grandpa! And Father?" Alysia exclaims as Eva and Wave Runner look at each other, wondering why Alysia says that.

"Sorry, Rear Admiral, you want me to keep your granddaughter safe," Amazonia said apologetically as Eva and Wave Runner still have no idea what is going on.

Suddenly out of nowhere, Rear Admiral Justice Silverlight appears in front of the group, and a moment later from the deep shadows of brig appears Colonel Somnus Silverlight. Quickly the two stallions draw a blue, glowing short, straight sword from their backs and cut the chains holding ship crew to the walls. After doing a medical check of Galactic Knight Amazonia Singularity.

"Now what father, we got in. How do we get out?" Somnus inquiry as he kissed by his wife and hug by his daughter.

"Amazonia, can you still pilot?" Justice inquiry

"Yes, Admiral," Amazonia answered as a smile formed on his snout.

"Back to the landing bay, I saw a long-range shuttle prep for launch the sudden attack by the two imperator Alicorn's Frigates and single light carrier most like stop the launch. If we can get to the shuttle, we can take it and return to my stellar Eclipse." Justice said as the group quickly and quietly makes their way back to the landing bay.

~ Few hours after escaping the 'HGS Maul' flight bay of 'IAS Stellar Eclipse'~

In landing bay two of the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse' sitting in a cordoned-off area of the landing bay was the borrowed long-range shuttlecraft that was prep for launch the attack of the imperator alicorn small space fleet on 'HGS Maul' hobgoblin battle cruiser and sequential sinking of battle cruiser left this shuttlecraft the only survivor of that space battle. After making sure that all four crew members of 'IAS Hunting,' the patrol class warship was sent to the sickbay. Rear Admiral Justice Silverlight and his son Colonel Somnus Silverlight return to the shuttlecraft to figure out why the hobs had this shuttlecraft prep for launch.

"Mmm, father. It looks like the shuttle set course to a green and lush planet with tropical jungles from the reading on this nav computer. Once it reached the planet, it would land on the prepared landing strip in a valley. After that, the computer has no other reading; my guess is that the shuttle is turned off. One hour later, the nav computer is reactivated; the weight sensors read 100 tons of cargo. On the way, the weight sensor reads 120 tons of cargo." Somnus explains, looking at the weight sensors.

"So 20 tons lighter," Justice comments as he taps his finger against the lower half of his jaw.

"Son, what is the weight reading right now?" Justice asked as Somnus call up the weight reading on the nav computer.

"As of right now, the weight reading minus our weight is 120 tons of cargo," Somnus comments as he blinks with surprise.

"So this shuttle was on the way to the planet with the cargo to drop off. Shall we go look into the cargo bay of this shuttle, Somnus?" Justice suggests as the two Alicorn stallion walks down the passage to cargo hatch at the end of the path.

Justice grabs hold of the wheel on the door and turns it. The metal door squeaks open, followed by a heavy metal thud against the steel wall of the passage. The two alicorn stallions walk into the cargo bay. The small heels on their boots metallically click on metal plates of the cargo bay. The two Alicorn stallions change from their normal vision to their special vision to look around the darkened cargo bay. The two Alicorn stallions faces glaze with shock stacked on one side of the cargo bay were several long crates.

Using the unnatural earth pony strength of his alicorn heritage, Somnus tears the top of the crate open, revealing its contents. The two Alicorn stallions gasp in shock inside the cases were a cheap knock-off of laser rifles. As Somnus was about to reach for one of them, his father stop him. He tells Somnus that the hobgoblin's booby traps their cheap knock-off laser rifles to prevent them from being seized. Justice floats the laser rifle out of the crates and flips it over, revealing an access panel.

He uses his magic to open the access panel and reach into the doors tearing the booby trap wires out of the weapon, making it safe to handle it. At the same time, Somnus rips the top off the small crates revealing a cheap knock-off of a laser pistol. His father floats one of the laser pistols out of the cases and makes it safe to handle. When recognizing the quality of weapons, Somnus know that these weapons are so bad that the reliability of these weapons is highly in question.

Chapter 16

~Back on the Planet of Sauria~

On her way over some rubble on her way to a little known small natural cave complex deep in dark claw held territory was an older magnificent looking dark green saurial fin head female. Her very physically fit 5ft even saurial figure was attired in a drab green colored tank top and camouflage cargo shorts. The claws of her three-toed scaly feet click on the stones as she leaps from rock to rock. On top of her head covering her fin was a drab green brimmed fabric hat with a shallow round crown called a safari hat. Around her waist was a belt with holster containing Colt commando double-action revolver. Slung over her shoulder was thick strap with a Car-15 automatic rifle, and on her left side was leather sheath with ka-bar.

This female fin head was Military Specialist Mista Thunder roars, the Duchess of Lost Vale, and a former member of the Saber Claw infiltration unit. A highly and specially trained commando unit created by Duke Balder Thunder Roars' father Ragnar Thunder Roars during the last Saurial war.

~A week earlier~

In the office of Duke Balder Thunder roars, the ruler of Lost Vale at his palace in the Capital city of Lost Vale, his wife Duchess Mista Thunder roar paces back and forth in the office as the claws on her three-toed scaly feet click loudly in the room.

"Mista, do you mine," Balder said his voice pushed to edge of annoyance with the intentional movement of his wife claws on her toes to annoy her mate.

"Let me go, Balder!" Mista said bluntly as she increased the frequency of the movement of her toes makes it more annoying.

"I already told you, Mista, you are more valuable right here in Lost Vale. The other female saurial is looking toward my mate Duchess Mista. That attack on our largest hatchery took away the safety of our ancestral nesting grounds. That was protected." Balder said as Mista's eyes sharpened on her mate.

"Balder! Don't go there!" Mista said hotly as she slams her three-fingered clawed hands on his desk before pointed one of her nails towards Balder.

"Supreme Priestess Mista Guiding light," Balder said, knowing as Mista roared at her mate for bringing up her past as a Priestess of the sacred Light the guardians of ancestral nesting grounds on Sauria.

"Balder, I can't believe you brought up my past as the spiritual leader of Sacred Light order the guardians of the ancestral nesting grounds. Because of that, I can't return home, and my own mother will not talk to me." Mista said brazenly as Balder sighed.

"You know that is not correct, Mista. Our own daughter Valkyria, with the help of High Priestess Viveka Lightfoot, has got numerous letters to your mother Supreme Priestess Freya Guiding light, and she has answered every one of them. In every letter, she expresses sorrow for what she did to her own daughter." Balder explains as he gently taps his nails on top of his desk.

"I wish I could really believe her, Balder," Mista comments as she put her arms behind her back and sighed slowly.

"Here, what I will do, Mista. I will let you go on your mission to try to identify the bringer of the weapons for the dark claws. But you must talk to your mother, she coming to Lost Vale to check on the hatchery, that the lizard men attack in the city and cleanse it of the violence." Balder explains as Mista's eyes are haunted by some inner anxiety about her mother coming to Lost Vale and having to talk to her. Mista reluctantly shook her head as she left the office.

~Back to the present on the Recreation deck of the infinity palace ~

On the patio area of a small café on the recreation deck Celestia, Luna, and Cadence sit at small table drink tea and coffee have a long but overdue visit together since arriving at different times at the Citadel Class Space Station for their tour of duty as part of the Sol Expeditionary Force. Trying to remain inconspicuous on the recreation deck was a familiar, charming light purple alicorn mare with dark sapphire blue, moderate purple, and brilliant rose streak mane and tail. Her toned 5ft 5in equine figure was attired in a blue-violet colored form-fitting spacesuit with titan white trim. On her small purple plush and smooth bare feet were knee-high boots. Folded on her back were her light purple feathered bird wings. This light purple alicorn mare was former Princess of Friendship Twilight Sparkle.

"Huh?" Cadence exclaimed she went she noticed the very conspicuous light purple Alicorn mare moving through the deck due to her own actions at trying to stay inconspicuous. Cadence taps on the arms of the other two Alicorns sitting with her at the table and gestures toward the light purple Alicorn.

"Twilight!" Celestia calls as the blood drains from Twilight's face went she hears her name called.

The small hairs in her mane start to stir thinking that she was just discovered by one of the Anti-Twilight radical movements still mad about her starting the second Crystal war on Sol. Slowly Twilight nervously turns her head toward the voice and sighs with relief that it was not a radical. But dull, empty ache gnaws at her soul went she spotted the other former Equestria royalty sitting together at the table gestures her to join them. She lumbered her way over to the table and took a seat with them. Quickly the three former Equestria royals pick up on the incriminating look on Twilight's face. Slowly Celestia pours herself another cup of tea from the teapot in front of her and takes a drink before speaking.

"It was for the best that I lost my ruling power of Equestria, Twilight. As the weight of the crown was heavy upon my head. I missed so much of my foals' life growing up being the ruler of Equestria and spending time with my own husband. The two reasons that I did what I did." Celestia said with a hitch in her voice as she took a second drink from the teacup in her gloved hand.

"Young Twilight, I spent so much time staring up at my night sky during long lonely nights. I missed the company of other ponies. But went my dear little Somnus was born, that loneliness eased I had someone to share my nighttime with. Now without the weight of my crown, I can be that auntie that Celestia's foals want me to be." Luna said as her face flushed with happiness upon looking at the heart-shaped locket in her dark blue bubble in front of her.

"Because of that crown, I lost my husband and my only daughter to the corrupting effects of dark crystal magic. As the Crystal Empire will survive in the hearts of all the Crystal ponies in the empire. It too painfully for me to head that empire anymore. But if Grand Solar Princess Aurora Sol Silverlight every needs me to help, I will aboard the next shuttle bound for Sol to help her. Isn't that right Aunties as you would too?" Cadence comment as Celestia and Luna shook their head 'yes' at once.

"So, do you forgive me, your highnesses?" Twilight asked hesitantly as the eyebrows of three Alicorn mares shoot up in surprise with Twilight's question.

"We tolerate you, Twilight," Celestia comments as Twilight's eyes blink with the incredulity with her mentor answer as the other two Alicorn shook their heads.

"Well, now I have hoped that someday I will be forgiven for starting the second Crystal War. On that day, I hope my mentor, her sister, and my ex-sister-in-law will be there to forgive me." Twilight said hopefully as the alarms on their MCV go off, reminding them that their rest period is all most over and must return to their duty station to finish their shift.

With that the four Alicorn mares stand-up and walk to the recreation deck turbo lifts as each one must take a different turbo lift to a different deck on the Citadel Class Space Station to return to their duty station. First to leave was Luna as she had to go down eleven decks to reach the Main hangar deck on the Citadel Class Space Station.

Next to leave was Celestia as she had to go up two decks and then take a highly secured turbo lift to the Central Communications deck located on the same deck as the Command Center/ Throne Room of the Citadel Class Space Station. Last to leave was Cadence, as she had to go down two decks to reach the Citadel Class Space Station's medical control deck. That left Twilight again alone as she walks down the connecting corridors of the Citadel Class Space Station to the recreation deck tram station to take her back to her Living module tram station of the Citadel Class Space Station.

As Twilight waited for the Living module tram to arrive, she walks up to the Tram station MP security station. She asks where she can find Lord Justice Silverlight. The security guard looks at Twilight, very puzzled with the name Lord Justice Silverlight. The only Justice Silverlight he knows is Rear Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight. After having Twilight describes who this Lord Justice Silverlight is, he figures it the same one he thinking of.

"Oh, you must mean Rear Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight. He might be in the officer's wings of the living module. May I ask why you want to see him, Miss Sparkle?" The security guard asked.

"On personal business, officer," Twilight said

"May I see your MCV, Miss Sparkle?" The security guard asked as she brought up her arm with her MCV, and the guard scanned it.

"I am sorry, Miss Sparkle. But your security clearance is not high enough to have access to the officer's wings of the living module." The guard explains as Twilight gasps.

"Is there any way that I can see the Fleet Admiral, Officer?" Twilight asked hopefully.

"The only way is by have someone who already has the security clearance to vouch for you, Miss Sparkle. Do you know anyone that can vouch for you?" The guard asked as Twilight thought for a little while.

"Oh, I know, Mrs. Celestia Silverlight. She can vouch for me officer." Twilight said as the guard blink with surprise.

"What! The fleet admiral own wife can vouch for you, Miss Sparkle!" The guard exclaims as he called the Central Communications deck; a moment later, the holographic head of Celestia Silverlight appears at his guard station.

"Yes, officer, what can I do for you?" Celestia inquiry

"Please forgive me, Mrs. Silverlight, but a purple alicorn mare what to talk to your husband, the Fleet Admiral. But her security clearance is not high enough to enter the officer's wings. She said you can vouch for her." The guard explains.

"I can officer is her name Twilight Sparkle?" Celestia asked

"That is correct, Mrs. Silverlight." The Guard answers

"If that so officer, my access code is MCS1. She has my permission to enter the officer's wings." Celestia said as the guard enters Celestia access code, and it blinks green on the screen in front of him.

"Thank you, Mrs. Celestia Silverlight I'll issue her the Security Clearance for the officer's wing right away. Before I let you go, Mrs. Silverlight, you might have to change your access code as a security precaution." The guard explains as Celestia smiled at the guard.

"It fine officer, that my old access code went I was a communications tech. I use my officer code now as I have higher security clearance with it, and you should know the rules for an officer code." Celestia comments.

"I do Mrs. Silverlight, only the officer who the access code is assigned to can use that code because of the higher security clearance. So after I issue the security clearance for Miss Sparkle, I will delete it for you, Mrs. Silverlight. But next Mrs. Silverlight please comes to see me. So I can scan your new access code into the system." The guard said as he finishes programming the temporary security clearance into Twilight MCV.

"I will officer; anyway, that the tram station I use to get home after my shift ends," Celestia explains. She turns off the holo phone to the tram station. With that, the guard gestures Twilight to the waiting tram that will take her to the officer's wing of the Living module.

~Back to the Planet of Sauria~

The sound of spent shell casings ching against the rocks in the area as Military Specialist Mista Thunder roars located the natural entrance into the small natural cave complex deep in dark claw held territory. But what she didn't expect was the automatic machine guns security system currently taking huge chunks of rock out of the large rock she hiding behind.

"What the carnivorous!" Mista exclaims irately as a bullet strikes by the side of her three-toed clawed scaly foot. Toss up a small piece of rock hitting the side of her ankle, giving her a bruise.

Mista reaches to her side and retrieved two pineapple grenades; she didn't think she would have to use them, so she only brought two of them. But she so glad she did, she leaps on top the rock and leaps from rock to rock trying to staying ahead of the gunfire that strikes at her feet leaving gouges in the rock. She pulls the first pin from the pineapple grenade and releases the spoon before tossing the grenade to the base of the first gun. She repeats the same process leaping from rock to rock an ahead of the gunfire. She pulls the pin from the pineapple grenade and releases the spoon before tossing the second grenade to the base of the second gun.

After the two grenades come to rest at the bases of the guns, she dives into a shallow ravine, just her luck; the ravine is filled with mud. The soft clinging mud cushions her landing in the ravine. She quickly wipes the mud off her face with her three-fingered clawed hands and spits the disgusting-tasting mud in her mouth. As she waits for five minutes' delayed fuse to goes off, she looks herself over and chuckles; she just covered with mud. She knows that a noblewoman of her status should never get this filthy. But as a soldier, it pars the course. A few moments later, two explosions go off Mista looks over the lip of the ravine to see the smoky remains of the automatic machine guns security system.

She climbed over the lip of the ravine back onto solid ground and proceeds up to the natural entrance into the small natural cave complex, passing the destroyed security system on either side. In the tunnel, Mista's three-toed clawed scaly feet click as she carefully inch's her way down the tunnel mindful of other traps that might be in the tunnel. It takes her few hours to emerge on the other side of the natural cave complex, and she finds herself standing in a valley. She comes upon a man-made runway long enough to land some kind of craft. But it looks like it has not been used for some time as weeds have started to grow in the cracks.

She continues along the side of the runway until she comes upon the remains of a wooden warehouse, which is obviously destroyed by an internal explosion of some forces as the logs are tossed about the area haphazardly. The strong smell of charbroiled saurial permeates the place. She looks through the blow-out window into the warehouse to see two charred bodies of dark claw finheads lying on the ground. She figures that explosion came from the burned wooden boxes the finheads were standing beside. With no more clues to be found, Mista heads back to the exit.

Chapter 17

~Officer's wings tram station Infinity Palace~

As the officer's wings tram car pulls to a complete stop at the tram station, the two side doors on the tram car whoosh open allow the passengers to exits out of the car on either side of the tram station. The officer's wings tram station in very nicely decorated with living greenery in choice pots. The lower half of the wall has dark fake wood paneling and sparse video billboards advertising goods and services on the recreation deck. Imbedded in the tram station's roof was the lens of a holographic camera that is currently off. As twilight steps off the tram car, the heels of her boots click metallically on steel plates of the tram dock.

In the tram station, Twilight spots several low and mid-level officers milling around the station mingling and talking among themselves. Several of the officers have a holographic clipboard under their arms that serves the same function as their personal minicomputer vambrace on their forearm. As Twilight Sparkle walks up to MP guard station waiting for her next to the station was a stunning looking dim gray bodied Imperator Alicorn mare with an orange, yellow-colored mane and tail. Her 6ft 2in physically fit equine figure was encased in a blue-colored form-fitting space suit with white trim. On her bare dim gray feet were knee-high boots. A pair of silver bio-mechanical feathery bird wings was folded on her back.

This Imperator Alicorn mare was Galactic Knight Erato Aureola, an Imperator Alicorn Aerospace fighter pilot ace and adjutant to Rear Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight. Their collective startled gasps from the gathered officers in the station went the adjutant to the Rear Admiral said 'the Rear Admiral is expecting her.' Out of the officers that make up high command for the Royal Battle Fleet, Rear Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight is hardest to get a meeting with as he is the direct link to Empress Galaxy Cosmos, the ruler of the Infinity Star Sector and Imperator Alicorn space.

After the MP security guard mare checks Twilight's security clearance level, she asked the Rear Admiral's Adjutant to step into the full-body scanner to finish with the security check. She can go on to take Miss Twilight Sparkle to see the Rear Admiral. Erato complies with the security guard's request and steps into the full-body scanner; she lifts her arms in the air to begin the scan. It takes only a few minutes for the scan to be complete, and Erato pass with no problem, she cleared.

Twilight steps into the full-body scanner and mimics Erato movement by lifting her arms in the air. The quick scan finds nothing unusual in Twilight's body. Still, the slower, more in-depth scan picks up Twilight's prisoner identification chip implanted in her upper arm as a matter of routine. The security guard notes the placement of her prisoner identification chip in her upper arm on her image on the screen in front of her. As the scan reaches her head, the scanner picks up an illegally implanted chip.

This causes all the security alarms to go off, locking down the officer's wings tram station. Sometime later, Galactic Medical Technician Cadence Sparkle arrives at the officer's wings tram station carrying her robotic medical surgery kit with her. Before entering, she sent three of her nurses ahead to find a quiet room so she can extract the illegally implanted chip from Twilight's head as order by Empress Galaxy Cosmos. Everyone knows that ex-princess of friendship Twilight Sparkle has been frozen in suspended animation for five years, so she couldn't implant the chip into her own head. She most like had the illegally embedded chip in her head before she was frozen.

"This is illegal PSI amplification chip. This chip was outlawed about five years ago by me. With this chip, any psychic ability of Imperator Alicorn will be amplified. I outlawed the chip for one good reason; any nefarious Imperator Alicorn can implant false memories into the mind of a subject. To the implanted subject, the false memories feel so real to them, and no amount of convincing will change their mind about it." Galaxy explains angrily hold the small glass bottle with the chip in it between her thumb and fourth finger of her gloved hand.

"Justice! I am so sorry I betrayed you once again! Once as a Princess and now as your wife! Since you told me that Twilight was having those dreams at the palace of attacking the Crystal Empire! I always believe you were lying to protect your people from being prosecuted! But the truth is you never knew of that chip being implant into Twilight's head most likely by Harmonia!" Celestia said, distressed as Justice push her away from him and head to the tram car in tears heading back to the recreation deck station.

Without being told, Celestia gets to her feet and runs to the tram car and board it just as the two sliding doors close on either side of the car, and it begins to move down the tracks. The tramcar is empty, except for her and Justice, who sitting on the cushioned bench toward the front of the car. She knows that if she approaches Justice right now, he will snap at her because he is terribly hurt by her. So she sits down on a bench across from him and reaches over to him, and he slaps away her hand.

"All right, Justice, if that what you want. Would you just listen to me right now, and if you want to answer me, it will be fine." Celestia said softly as he adjusted his position on the bench so he can hear her, but doesn't look right at her.

"I am truly sorry, Justice, for what I did both times to you. It was my own pride that causes me not to believe what you told me about someone I thoughts I knew well. Secondly, I didn't want to be told that I made the wrong choice, or my decision was bias. It was a fine line I was walking between my heart and head." Celestia explains as she plays with the wedding ring on her finger as she looking through the windows of the tram at the stars outside.

"Was marrying me one of those wrong decisions you made, Celestia?" Justice inquiry turning his head toward Celestia.

"Huh? No, of course not, it one of two decisions I fully believe in. The second one was having foals with you and starting our own family. Like a normal pony couple." Celestia answer as Justice wrap his arms around her and hug her.

~Several weeks later observation deck Infinity Palace~

The observation deck is attached to the recreation deck via a single large bridge that extends from the park located on the recreation deck to a large open area with a fountain and benches. The observation deck is enclosed by a tough, transparent bubble. On the floor are numerous small benches encircling a large fountain that changes colors periodically from a single color to rainbow hue. Looking at the sea of stars through the bubble was Rear Admiral (Upper) Justice Silverlight; his companion for today was his every faithful wife, Galactic Technician officer Celestia Silverlight.

Celestia sensed Justice's frustration in their quarters and took hold of his hand; she basically drags him out of the quarters down to the recreation deck. Went they arrived on the deck, she told him that she wants him to take her for a walk in the park and enjoy her company. Justice unleashes a long slow and deliberate relaxing sigh. He sits down on the bench next to his wife; he leaned over and kisses her on her lips to thank her for dragging him out of their quarters for this badly needed break.

"Huh?" Celestia exclaims, surprised. She watched the zipper on her spacesuit slowly unzip, revealing her snow-white pelt with a hint of cherry blossom pink. As the zipper reach beneath her sizable bust, she pops the dark blue bubble with her own magic.

"Now you behave yourself, Justice. I told you, you are banned from tickling my whole body. The last two times, I allowed you to tickle my whole body. I was hoarse for weeks. So that why I gave you full access to my feet." Celestia explains with a gentle scolding as she re-zipped her spacesuit up before return her husband's kiss.

"Now, why were you so flustered, Justice?" Celestia inquiry caring as she caressed the flat of her gloved hand up and down his thigh.

"It was that weapon shipment that Somnus and I captured from the Hobgoblins battle cruiser before it was sunk. I have gone through every known Imperator Alicorn star map trying to match the planet that the shipment was going to and found nothing." Justice explains as he kissed Celestia.

"What was that for Justice?" Celestia asked as she bring her hand to her face, a bit puzzled.

"That was for just listen to me, Celestia." Justice comment brings his wife to her feet and walking her back to their quarters.

"It times to interrogate the female spy," Justice said playfully as Celestia chuckled nervously as they walked back to the tram station.

~in a different area of the universe~

A 1,100 meters long well-designed battleship pursues a fleeing Hobgoblins battle cruiser after its latest plundering mission of virgin planet within this ship home system. The Hobgoblins battle cruiser has sustained very little battle damage, but the damage it has sustained has been precise. From those precise strikes of the gunner aboard the battleship has knocked out the battle cruiser warp engines and maneuvering jets. Forcing the battle cruiser to flee at half speeds to try to get away from the battleship chasing them.

On the bridge of the battleship, every position is filled by a male or female beautiful cream skin humanoid with blond hair and blue eyes. The most prominent feature of these humanoids were the pointed ears and well make light pastel spacesuits they are wearing. The command position on the bridge was older angelic-looking she-wolf morph with sandy brown shoulder-length hair. Her athletic 5ft 7in canine figure was attired in pastel pink form-fitting spacesuit with pale blue trim. On her bare four-toed pawed feet were knee-high boots. Sticking out the back of the chair was sandy brown long, torpedo-shaped tail. This she-wolf morph was Lady Victoria Talbain kidnapped she-wolf by 'the Echoes' from the Planet of ARK.

~ In the past~

Many years back, Lady Victoria Talbain was playing with her daughter Jennifer Talbain in the forest area of the ARK. She was taken by an Echoes retriever not wanting her puppy to be taking she tosses her to her mate and told him to raise their puppy. No matter what, she will try to return to ARK to reunite with her puppy again. During the trip to echoes space, the retriever flew into an asteroid shower; the guidance system was damage throwing the disk off course. It flew into deep space with Victoria still in suspended animation. It finally crashed on the Planet of Coppice, a heavily forested planet in a different star system.

The inhabitants of the Planet of Coppice investigated the wreckage of the retriever. They found the body of Victoria Talbain in the cargo hold unconscious. Due to her beastly appearance, the inhabitants decided to leave the monster to die. It was not till an elder from one of the other family groups took Victoria back to her tree town and nursed her back to health. She learned just how intelligent this so-called beast was, the she-wolf was highly knowledgeable and very quick wit. The elder and Victoria talked endless hours about various subjects. The one topic that causes Victoria to begin to whimper was her puppy she left on her home planet.

~back to the present~

"Captain! The hobgoblins are going to surrender the stolen resources to us." A high elf male said as Victoria rest her chin on top the back of her gloved hands.

"Frey keeps the cannons trained on the battle cruiser. This not likes the hobgoblins we know. They will not willingly surrender any of their stolen resources to us. They need those resources for their endless war on their planet. So approach at half speed the battle cruiser." Victoria comments as she gestures to the pilot to proceed toward the battle cruiser.

Aboard the Hobgoblins battle cruiser, an impatient gunner tries his best to wait for the battleship to come into range of the guns to blast the ship with the cannons. It all too much for the gunner as the ship was moving slowly toward it. He fires the cannons too early, and 'HES Asgard' fires her cannons sinking the battle cruiser losing all the stolen resources aboard the vessel. After the sinking of Hobgoblins battle cruiser, Victoria turns the bridge over to her first officer. She heads to her Captain's quarters aboard the ship.

In her Captain's quarters, Victoria kneels on the floor in her bare pawed feet in front of a small wooden statue of a tree known as the tree of life to the elves on the planet of Coppice. She recites a few prayers in the elves native language asking the tree to forgive her for losing the stolen resources.

The statue gives off ethereal glow Victoria knows the tree forgave her for the loss. As she gets to her feet, the chimes on her door rings and door swoosh open from the hallway enter a high female elf named Hilda Woodroam Victoria's first officer and the daughter of the elder that took care of her.

"Greeting, Hilda, what can I do for you?" Victoria asked as she smiled.

"We just received a message from the Council of Elders on Coppice," Hilda said, standing in front of Victoria.

"So, what did those old fossils want to tell me?" Victoria asked sarcastically as Hilda chuckles under her breath.

"You know Victoria, My mother is part of those old fossils you call the Council of Elders." Hilda comments as Victoria chuckles to herself.

"Elder Nada Woodroam is the only member of the Council of Elders that I have the most respect for. Those other elders would have left me to die because of my looks went that retriever crashed on your planet. Your mother took me back to her tree town and nursed me back to health." Victoria comments as her bare pawed feet pitter-patter over to the food replicator to get herself a drink.

"Your mother, after I was healed, did not throw me out of her tree town; instead, she got to know me. She learns just like her; I valued family and friendship above all else. But before I get any madder. The council of Elders message, Hilda." Victoria asked, taking a drink from the glass in her hand and walking over to her desk.

"Oh, yes, Victoria! The council of Elders hereby releases you from any obligations from the Planet of Coppice. The high elves aboard 'HES Asgard' are your clan now. May tree of life protects you on your journey to find your home world and your puppy." Hilda said as Victoria gives sidelong glances at the stars zooming by.

"All right, Hilda set course to the next star sector, to begin our search for my home world and my puppy." Victoria order as Hilda bowed and left the Captain's quarters.

As the door closes Victoria reaches into her spacesuit and retrievers a small round locket from inside, she flips it open with her thumb. Inside the locket was a small picture of her daughter Jennifer Talbain.

"My beautiful puppy, I hope you grew into a wonderful she-wolf and started your own pack. You would be a wonderful matriarch to your own pack. I sense your drive to be the Alpha even went you were small. I couldn't be any prouder if you were an alpha. An alpha of the most powerful pack on ARK." Victoria said with a hitch in her voice as she pulled her boots back on her bare pawed feet and return to the bridge of the ship.

Chapter 18

~Infinity Palace: Specially designed Living module for the morphs contingent~

The specially designed living module for the morphs living at the Infinity palace is a layout in the same design as the living modules inhabited by the Imperator Alicorn of deep space and the ponies of Sol a dormitory-style apartment with a living room, dinette with a full menu food replicator, two sitting rooms, a study, and four bedrooms. Their numerous quarters of various sizes spread about ten levels of the living module depending upon the number of morphs living in any giving quarters.

The priority is giving to married couples and their families. They allowed to share one of the bigger quarters on any level of the living modules. Except for top-level or penthouse level reserved for high ranking officers and their family or single higher-ranking officer. The officer's wing of the living module has a spacious living area divided into two bedrooms, a large living room, and a large study with connecting holographic crystal date cube library. A Dining room and dinette complete with full menu food replicator, private bathroom with a sonic shower, and recreation room.

The one difference between the full menu food replicator from the equine inhabitants of the Infinity Palace to the morphs inhabitants of the infinity palace is that all the morphs are omnivores and eat meat and vegetables

In the large study of her quarters in the Infinity palace in the morphs' living module sitting behind a desk going over several acquisition forms for the United Animal Space Expeditionary force was Fleet Admiral Jennifer Sterling was attired in an orange-colored form-fitting spacesuit with madras colored trim. On her bare four-toed pawed feet were knee-high boots. Since arriving at the Infinity Palace a few months ago (as far as she can tell, as their no accurate way to determine actual time), Jennifer has been coordinating fleet responsibilities with Rear Admiral (Upper) Justice Silverlight the chosen representative for Empress Galaxy Cosmos.

'I hate to admit this, but Justice Silverlight reminds me of my own late husband, Donovan Sterling. That mare of his is very lucky to have found the love of her long life, just like me. What little interaction I had with their foals or 'Royal Foals' I have found them much like my own puppies. Went needed, they form a strong united front as siblings.' Jennifer thought as the chimes on her door rings, she calls from the study 'come in.'

The door whoosh open and walking through the living room toward the study was Rear Admiral (Upper) Justice Silverlight attired in a form-fitting white spacesuit with tangerine-colored trim. On his dark blue bare feet were knee-high boots. Under his arm was the latest intelligence report from an Imperator Alicorn border surveillance post.

"Well, greeting Rear Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight, what brings you to see me?" Jennifer asked as it a kind of relief for her as she was tired of going over acquisition forms.

"Greeting Mrs. Sterling the Empress thought, you should see this latest intelligence report from our Border surveillance post in the Ring Nebula star sector. It concerns your planet of ARK." Justice explains as he hands the intelligence report to her before he takes a seat on a sofa in her study to allow her to read it over.

~ A Few moments later~

"Huh? I see why the Empress' wants me to look at this latest intelligence report. The truth of the matter is Justice the Animal Exploratory Council for Research safety on ARK. Has never sent any deep space probes to that region of space. We were plan to one day. But the first contact with your species shelved that project for now." Jennifer explains as the she-wolf and stallion board a tramcar heading to the recreation deck on Citadel Class Space Station. She has yet to visit the recreation deck.

As the recreation deck tram car pulls to a complete stop at the tram station, the two side doors on the tram car whoosh open, allowing the passengers to exits out of the car on either side of the tram station. The recreation deck tram station is a hectic location with every type of station personnel milling around and talking among themselves. The lower half of the wall is painted in a shade of lilac, why the upper half of the wall was painted in vibrant red color to convey excitement. Spread about the walls were numerous video billboards advertising goods and services on the recreation deck and safety information.

Imbedded in the tram station's roof was the lens of a holographic camera that was displaying an AI mare's talking head, giving the latest Imperator Alicorn space news and advertising new products that can be found at the huge space station PX-store on the recreation deck. As Justice and Jennifer step off the tram car, the heels of their boots click metallically on steel plates of the tram dock. As the she-wolf and stallion walk pass the most significant MP guard post located in the tram station, they pass a group of four mixed (morphs, pony and Celestial Alicorn) security unit walking back to the post with a very disagreeable earth pony stallion who looks like he got the worst of a fight on the deck.

As the she-wolf and the stallion pass the security unit, the Military Police officers salute them. They return the salute as they continue onto the recreation deck. The recreation deck covers all of floor three on the Citadel Class Space Station. One half of the deck is dominated by a huge park with grass, trees, flowers, and park benches. A small manmade lake is at the center of this park with an observation deck that attaches to the recreation deck via a single bridge that extends from the park located on the recreation deck to a large open area with a fountain and more benches.

The other side of the deck has wide streets with several freestanding compartments with various entertainment options from restaurants, beauty salons, bars, holo theaters, live theaters, and small night clubs. The largest compartment on this side of the deck is the three stories PX-store affectionately called the mall. Due to various goods that can be bought from that facility by the space station personnel. As Justice continues the tour of the recreation deck with Jennifer, her body slouched. Walking down the sidewalk toward them was another she-wolf holding the hand of her five-year-old female puppy. As the mother and child passed Justice and Jennifer, they turned and walked into a small ice cream parlor down the block.

"What is wrong, Jennifer? You suddenly slouch went that mother and child passed us?" Justice inquiry as he stops in front of a small green area between two compartments.

"Huh? What, Justice?" Jennifer asked as the question snapped her out of her train of thought about her kidnap own mother from ARK.

"You suddenly slouch went that mother and child passed," Justice said, flipping the palm of his gloved hand into the air.

"Oh, that, I was about that age went the echoes retriever took my mother away from me. I was raised by my father. Every time I see a she-wolf with a young puppy like that, it brings up that memory." Jennifer explains as a tear ran down her cheek.

"My great grandmother mentioned that about you and said that one reason you jump at the alliance with the Imperator Alicorns." Justice comments as Jennifer blink with surprise.

"Your great grandmother is a very wise ruler. But this recreation deck, which means fun. Let's go have some fun, Justice." Jennifer said as her face flushed with happiness went she spotted a small night club just opening. UAS Fleet Admiral Jennifer Sterling might be the mature matriarch of Alpha Sterling clan. However, she still enjoys having fun and drags Justice into the night club to have some fun with her.

The night club's interior is a single large room with a raised VIP section with four round sofas with a single table in front of them. On the other wall were four tall tables with two tall chairs, each sitting next to them. A round bar sat toward the back of the night club and in the center of the club was the dance floor. All matter of colored light flashed and rotated on the dance floor, why toward the front of the dance floor was the occupied DJ booth.

Behind the DJ booth was superb looking yellowish-white unicorn mare with moderate cobalt blue and brilliant cyan striped mane and tail. Her slender 5ft 5in equine figure was attired in a form-fitting silver spacesuit with green trim. A pair of glasses was on her snout. On her yellow, white bare feet were knee-high boots. This unicorn mare was DJ Pon-3 (vinyl Scratch), a well-known DJ from the Planet of Sol.

~Several hours later~

Its several hours later Justice exits the night club carrying in his arms a very plastered and unconscious UAS Fleet Admiral Jennifer Sterling, he never figured that a she-wolf with her constitution could drink that much hard apple cider before passing out. But he should have known that she had too much to drink went she challenged DJ Pon-3 to a scratch-off. The night club was jumping, went this unicorn mare, and she-wolf went at it trying to outdo each other. It surprises Justice just how good Jennifer was at scratching. That went the contest ended in a stalemate went the she-wolf pass out at the second DJ booth. As Justice was leaving DJ Pon-3 told him if the she-wolf every wanted to play again with her. She will be more than happy to.

"Mama, what did you go? Where are you, mama? Please come home. I miss you mama."Jennifer said sadly as she dissolves into tears.

'As tough as a she-wolf, you are Mrs. Sterling. The taking of your mother went you were a puppy left you with some deep scars. I am not going to try to figure out how much pain you are feeling.' Justice thought as he carried the She-wolf to the tram station and took her back to the Imperator Alicorn officer's wing.

~In the Imperator Alicorn Officer's wing~

In the living room of Justice and Celestia officer's quarters UAS Fleet Admiral Jennifer Sterling sits on the sofa with a cold compress on her forehead trying to relieve the bad headache she has from drinking too much hard apple cider at the night club. At this time of night, the two family members that share the officer's quarters with Justice and Celestia are present. The cold compress was given to Jennifer by Galactic Medical Technician Cadence Sparkle, their adoptive niece, and resident medical tech. In the dinette of the quarters working on making Jennifer a hot cup of black coffee was Royal shogun Alysia Silverlight, their oldest granddaughter.

"Thank you, Miss Silverlight," Jennifer said politely as she takes a drink of the black coffee and watches Alysia walk over to sit down next to her cousin, who is wearing the upper half of her spacesuit her light pink bare feet exposed.

"You know, Justice, you could have taken me back to the Morphs officer's wing and left me on my sofa to recover from this hangover. You didn't have to bring me to your quarters." Jennifer comments as she takes another drink of black coffee.

"It quite all right, Mrs. Sterling. Today was the first time all of us had the same day off. So all of us were home went. Justice brought you in less than ideal condition." Celestia said in her well-spoken royal voice as she kisses her husband on his cheek.

"I thank you all once again. I think I feel good enough to make it back to the Morph officer's wing. So once again, thank you all." Jennifer said appreciatively as she walked out of Celestia and Justice's family quarters and head back to the tram station to head back to morphs officer's wing.

~near the border of Imperator Alicorn controlled space~

Skirting the border of Imperator Alicorn controlled space was the 'HES Asgard' on its way to an unexplored region of space searching for Lady Victoria Talbain home world. After fully recovering, Lady Victoria Talbain returned to the retriever's wreckage that brought her to the planet of Coppice.

She went through the retriever's wreckage with a fine tooth comb, looking for the retriever's navigation computer, and found it intact. Using her training as a UAC Peacekeeper full-maintenance engineer, she was able to get it to work. Once it was operational, she was able to trace back the retriever course backward from the Planet of Coppice up to the point that the retriever encountered the asteroid shower and was thrown off course by the damaged Nav computer. The data before that was so severely corrupted she couldn't recover it; the only thing she was able to glean from the fragments was that her home planet was indifferent star system.

'Another dead end' Victoria thoughts exhausted as she checks off the fourth-star system from the retriever nav computer.

"Victoria, please turns in for the night. You're no help that tired." Hilda suggested as Victoria stood up and head to her captain's quarters to sleep.

'My beautiful and dear puppy. Just wait for a little longer; your mama will keep her promise to reunite with you.' Victoria thoughts as she's changed into her nightgown and went to bed.

Simultaneously, several cloaked Imperator Alicorn Border surveillance posts along the border of Imperator Alicorn controlled space has kept track of the unknown alien battleship close to their borders. Along with the surveillance posts, a mini-patrol of three cloaked patrol class warships has been shadowing the alien vessel since it near the borders.

The mini-patrol is awaiting the arrival of heavy Reconnaissance patrol made up of one command class warship, three heavy mecha units, and six patrol class warships to take over the shadowing duties of the alien battleship. In the Infinity star sector, the heavy reconnaissance patrol quickly assembles leading the heavy reconnaissance patrol. It was 'IAS Northern lights' the command class warship from the Seven sister star sector.

On the bridge of the 'IAS Northern lights,' the command class warship watching the holographic image of the heavy mecha units and patrol class warships quickly form up was a magnificent looking pale pink imperator Alicorn mare with old gold-colored mane and tail. Her athletic 6ft 4in equine figure was attired in a form-fitting green spacesuit with light blue trim. On her bare light, pink feet were knee-high boots. Her gold bio-mechanical metal bird wings were folded on her back, and sitting on top, her head behind her horn was a simple gold crown. This imperator, Alicorn mare, was Queen Aphrodite Heavens, the ruler of the Seven Sister star sector and aunt to Fleet Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight.

"Seven Sister star sector heavy reconnaissance patrol fleets move out." Queen Aphrodite said commanding as she quickly isolates the holographic image of Fleet Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight so she may speak to him on a single line.

"Greetings nephew, could we speak until the heavy reconnaissance patrols fleets get into position for the massive wormhole jump to the star sector were the alien battleship is?" Queen Aphrodite asked as her ship begins to charge up the wormhole generator to jump.

"It must be quick auntie." Justice comments

"It will be nephew; I just want to ask you to come and visits me at infinity palace went we get back from this assignment. I'll be at the Palace for the next few weeks conducting business with my sister Galaxy for my Seven Sister Star sector." Queen Aphrodite asked

"All right, Auntie, I'll stop by to visit you at your quarters," Justice said as the Fleet made it wormhole jump.

Chapter 19

~Ring Nebula Star Sector~

It has been about half an hour since Seven Sister Star Sector Heavy Reconnaissance Patrol Fleet arrived in Ring Nebula Star Sector after worm hole from Infinity Star Sector led by 'IAS Northern Lights' the command class warship from the Seven Sister Star Sector. During that time, the heavy mecha units have stayed a safe distance allowing the smaller quicker units to continue to shadow the alien battleship, why the bulk of the Heavy Reconnaissance patrol fleet hangs back.

On the bridge of the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse' Rear Admiral (Upper), Justice Silverlight leans against a control panel next to the communication station talking to his wife Galactic Technician officer Celestia Silverlight who was taking a breather after finishing coordinating the defense pattern of Aerospace fighter squadrons aboard the super carrier.

"What your feelings about this alien battleship we are following, hon?" Justice asked as Celestia removed her headset from on top of her head and rest it on her neck.

"I don't know hon. So far, this alien battleship seems to be searching for something. It has not made a move to penetrate Imperator Alicorn space. But?" Celestia said hesitantly as she begins to chew on her lip.

"But what, hon?" Justice asked.

"I saw the intelligence report say that the alien battleship was sending out signals that match the chirping from the Planet of ARK. What does that mean, Justice?" Celestia asked as Justice caressed her mane with his gloved hand before bending down and kiss her on her lips.

"I wish I knew my beloved Princess of the Sun, but I'll make sure nothing happens to you," Justice said, loving as single tears run down Celestia's cheek, and she puts her headset back on.

~At that same time in Pilot's Quarters aboard the stellar Eclipse~

Sitting on top of her bed in the room was gorgeous light blue half alicorn/unicorn mare with crimson red mane and tail. Her shapely 6ft 6in equine figure was attired in Catskill white form-fitting spacesuit with red trim. On her, beautifully shaped light blue bare feet were knee-high boots. Folded on her back were her light blue feathered bird wings. This half alicorn/unicorn mare was Lieutenant Colonel Aurora Silverlight.

Leaning against the wall in the room was gorgeous light blue half alicorn/unicorn stallion with crimson red mane and tail. His athletic 6ft 2in equine figure was attired gray form-fitting space suit with white trim. On his light blue bare feet were knee-high boots. Folded on his back were his light blue feathered bird wings. This half alicorn/unicorn stallion was Colonel Somnus Silverlight.

Sitting on a chair with her legs crossed was drop-dead gorgeous light blue half alicorn/unicorn mare with crimson red mane and tail. Her athletic 5ft 8in equine figure was attired in a red form-fitting spacesuit with blue trim. Unlike her siblings, she has no feathered bird wings on her back and is every day looking very powerful unicorn. On her, beautiful shaped light blue bare feet were knee-high boots. This half alicorn/unicorn mare was Lieutenant Colonel Blueberry Swirl Silverlight.

"Did either of you see the intelligence report about this alien battleship that the heavy reconnaissance patrol fleet is shadowing?" Blueberry asked as she tapping her booted foot soundless in the air.

"The only thing I was told Blueberry was that all Aerospace fighter pilots are on standby. If a red alert is initiated, immediate scramble. The weapon technicians on the flight deck are busy with combat preparations for the aerospace fighters. I was assigned FF 4C combat falcon fighter I am to cover the shadow cat bombers as they make their bombing raids on the battleship." Aurora explains as she flops down on the bed in a tense manner waiting for a hot scramble to snap to her feet.

"What about you, Somnus?" Blueberry asked

"The same as our sister, my boarding team is on standby. If the opportunity presents itself, we are to take it. Board the ship and make our way to bridge, quickly secure it, and capture the Captain or who every in charge." Somnus explains as his wings involuntary unfurl on his back.

~Shadowing the Alien battleship~

Mimicking every single course change of the alien battleship was the cloaked 'IAS Resolute'; a newly designed patrol class warship in its heavily armored nose was the five-member crew under the command of Royal Shogun Alysia Ara Silverlight.

Sitting towards the front of the vessel in the piloting position was heavenly looking dark blue Terran Alicorn mare with a midnight blue mane and tail. On her head was virtual visor for steering the patrol class vessel in virtual space. Her 6ft 3in elegant equine figure was attired in a black form-fitting spacesuit with green trim. On her dark blue bare feet were knee-high boots. Folded on her back were her dark blue feathered bird wings. This terran, Alicorn mare, was Brigadier General Luna Silverlight.

After Galactic Knight Amazonia Singularity recovered from the hobgoblin incident, she resigned her commission. She went back to her home star sector of the Andromeda Galaxy. No one really knows why she quit her commission after recovering from the incident. Speculation says that being physically assaulted why unable to defend herself took its toll on her mental endurance. A part of the incident report filed by Royal Shogun Alysia Ara Silverlight back up by the other crew members says the hobgoblin took Amazonia away from the group for an hour to a different part of the brig. Went she was returned to the group, she was in a daze for a long time.

Sitting to the left side of Luna back in the communication position was an enchanting look light pink pure siren/unicorn mare with light purple mane and tail. Her slender 5ft 12in equine figure was attired in Seashell Peach form-fitting spacesuit with corduroy colored trim. On her lovely shaped light pink bare feet were knee-high boots. On top of her head behind her horn was a headset for communicating with the command vessel. This pure siren/unicorn mare was Major Wave Runner Silverlight.

Sitting to the right side of Luna back in the Radar position was elegant looking black saddle with tan female German shepherd morph with shoulder-length tan-colored hair. Her athletic 5ft 10in canine figure was attired in a midnight blue form-fitting spacesuit with dodger blue colored trim. On her larger tan color, four-toed bare pawed feet were knee-high boots. Sticking out a hole in the back of the chair was black with a tan bushy tail. This female German shepherd morph was 1st Lieutenant Eva Eisenberg.

The new position aboard the patrol class warship sitting directly in front of the command position was the Weapon tech position in that position. Was a russet-brown model-gorgeous she-wolf morph with shoulder-length russet brown hair. Her 6ft even very athletic canine figure was attired in a pine glade form-fitting spacesuit with mint julep colored trim. On her russet brown bare four-toed pawed feet were knee-high boots. Her russet brown torpedo-shaped tail stuck out the back of the chair.

On her head behind her pointed ears was a virtual visor that was currently off. Still, during combat operations, the virtual visor activates, allowing her to operate the ship's weapons. This she-wolf morph was Archangel Lady Morgan Sterling, an Archangel Space force Specialist (New occupation) from the North American Sector and top-ranked weapons technician.

As the 'IAS Resolute' continues its shadowing duties of the alien battleship, Major Wave Runner Silverlight continues to broadcast the electronic countermeasures blocking the alien battleship communication lines just in case that this vessel is scout ship for a larger space fleet to come. Aboard 'HES Asgard,' the communication technician has become increasingly frustrated with the communication lines not working right.

"Captain! These lines are not working right! All I hear is static!" the high elf female said hotly as Victoria chuckles into the back of her gloved hand.

"The reason for it tech is that you are being jammed by the small ships shadowing the Asgard since we neared this area of space. It looks like they are keeping an eye on us. So this area of space is occupied." Victoria explains as the tech gasps.

"So their life out here, Victoria!" Hilda comments, shocked as Victoria shook her head.

"Very much so Hilda, It seems that the inhabitants of this area of space are not as aggressive as the Hobgoblins are. So let not provoke a response for them. The small ships that are following us are most likely scout ships. So that means they're a much larger force following the scout units. As we don't know what in that force, let not provoke." Victoria explains marking off another star sector from the retriever nav computer.

~Back to heavy Reconnaissance patrol pursuit fleet~

Holding at a two hundred feet distance moving at medium pace from the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse' was 'UAS Sigma' a morphs designed destroyer class warship under the command of Fleet Admiral Jennifer Sterling and entirely crewed with all manner of morphs drawing from every sector of the Planet of ARK.

Sitting in the command chair aboard the ship studying the alien battleship movement was an exceptional looking sandy brown pelted she-wolf morph with sandy brown shoulder-length hair. Her very physically fit 6ft even canine figure was attired in a midnight blue form-fitting spacesuit with storm gray colored trim. On her bare sandy brown four-toed pawed feet were knee-high boots. Her sandy brown long, torpedo-shaped tail stuck out the back of the chair. This she-wolf morph was UAS Fleet, Admiral Jennifer Sterling.

At her command station, Jennifer brings her arms up. She sweeps them across in the air calling up a holographic communication center. After a few more fine adjustments, she hails the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse' a moment later. The holographic head of Rear Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight appears.

"Yes, Jennifer, why did you hail me?" Justice inquiry.

"I feel that the alien battleship knows it being shadowed by our patrol ships," Jennifer comments as Justice gives a startled gasp.

"What gives you that idea, Jennifer?" Justice asked.

"You probably haven't noticed because you are not a natural hunter like me. The alien battleship has made slight course change went the Patrol ships might be revealed. It knows it is being followed." Jennifer explains as Justice blink with surprise.

"If that true, Jennifer. How can we test it?" Justice asked as Jennifer thought for a little while before speaking.

"Do you have a large recon plane on your carrier, Justice?" Jennifer inquiries.

"I have single Shadow cat recon craft aboard the carrier, Jennifer. Why?" Justice asked as smile form on Jennifer's muzzle.

"We are going to set out a lure," Jennifer said.

"A lure!" Justice repeats, puzzled.

"Or bait, You are going to launch the shadow cat recon craft toward the alien battleship. So far, the battleship has not provoked us. So it should be safe for the recon craft to fly over it and take reading of it. But you have to put your best pilot and communication tech aboard the craft to pull this off, Justice." Jennifer explains as she's noticed the changes in Justice's demeanor to worry.

"I am getting the sense that your best pilot and communication tech are very special to you, Justice," Jennifer said, knowing as a single tear ran down his cheek.

"My best pilot is my oldest daughter, Lieutenant Colonel Aurora Silverlight and best communication tech is my own wife Galactic Technician officer Celestia Silverlight," Justice said his voice breaking.

"Justice please knows I do understand not wanting to put the ones you love into danger. If I didn't think this plan would work, I wouldn't suggest it." Jennifer said, reassuring.

"But I am not going to force you to make the decision. If you want to do it or not, you decide." Jennifer said.

Chapter 20

~Aboard the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse'~

Justice blinks excessively as a wave of acid wells up from his belly debating his final and faithful decision does he go along with UAS Fleet Admiral Jennifer Sterling plan to launch the Shadow cat recon plane to learn the intent of the alien battleship or not put his wife and oldest foal in danger. At her communication station Celestia's face pale as her stomach contracted to a tight ball being bond to Justice like she is, she can feel the internal conflict raging inside her husband about the plan that Jennifer proposed.

She brings up her arm with her Minicomputer vambrace and begins to swipes her hand over the device until a holo-phone appears. She begins to dial a phone number well known to herself. It rings twice slowly the holographic head of gorgeous alicorn mare with crimson red mane spring to life in front of her.

"Hello mother, why did you call me on the holo-phone?" the alicorn mare asked politely. She quickly saw her mother's eyes are haunted by some inner anxiety.

"Is it father? Is that why you called me on the holo-phone, mother?" The alicorn mare said, knowing.

"You are very astute, my dear foal, please Aurora, get ready for a sortie with me as your communication technician," Celestia explains as Aurora shook her head.

"All right, mother, I'll head down to the flight deck and pre-check the Shadow cat recon plane and ready it for launch. Like, father, I'll make sure nothing happens to you, mother." Aurora said confidently.

"Thank you my dear foal, I'll be joining you very soon in the flight bay to aboard the Shadow cat recon plane," Celestia explains as she hangs up the holo-phone.

~On the upper flight deck of the 'IAS Stellar Eclipse~

The upper flight deck is located on the exterior of the carrier-class warship. It is fully exposed to the darkness of space; the upper flight deck is used to retrieve launched Aerospace fighters from the six lower launching tubes. In the center of the flight deck, two combat elevators with special shielding to maintain the pressure of the flight bay below can accommodate one full Aerospace fighting group or single small craft. It takes about five seconds to cycle up at 2.5 seconds to cycle down (Only went empty). At this rate, a landed Aerospace fighter can be quickly prepped with fresh munitions in the flight deck and reloaded into the launching tubes and sent back into battle.

The flight crew that works the upper flight deck is a hardy bunch of earth pony from sol, Imperator Alicorn from deep space, and Morphs from ARK. They wear a specially designed spacesuit that encases their tails. Every flight crew member wears a full space helmet with a computer-controlled independent oxygen supply and purge system that automatically engages in low oxygen; it lasts for five hours before recharging the oxygen supply.

Sitting on the flight deck was 65 ft long dual-engine aerospace recon plane with swept-back wings. A large, slow-moving rotating disc occupies the area a few feet behind the communication technician cockpit. Inside the vessel was Galactic Technician officer Celestia Silverlight; she was going over all the sensory equipment aboard. At that same time finishing up her pre-flight checklist in the lower cockpit was Lieutenant Colonel Aurora Silverlight, the pilot for the vessel.

~Sometime earlier on the bridge of 'IAS Stellar Eclipse'~

Slowly Celestia reached up and removed her headset from her head before hanging the device on a small hook underneath her communication station. She slowly rises to her feet and smoothes out the wrinkles from her form-fitting spacesuit with her hands. She moseys her way over to the command position along the way; she slowly pulls the glove off her left hand, revealing her snow-white hand with a hint of pink. On the fourth finger of that hand was her gold wedding ring. Once at the position, she places her hand on Justice's shoulder, he gives a startled gasp and notices the gold wedding ring on her finger.

"You don't have to choose, my love. I will take the mission." Celestia said confidently as she felt a tear splash on the back of her hand.

"B-b-b-But?" Justice said, hesitant.

"Since you were my personal guard back in Canterlot, I always believed in you, that you would put your life on the line to protect me. Quite honestly, I didn't make it easy on you. I had my own thoughts and feelings that I was following. It went against everything you put in place to ensure that I would come back alive. I was more willing to die for a cause that I believed in. So we constantly but heads." Celestia explains

"It was not until I married you that I fully understood why we but heads so often. You never wanted to stop it; you just wanted to bring me back alive. So I could rethink my approach and try again with that approach. Once I learn that it broke my heart that I fought with you over my safety. A royal guard who indeed cared about my safety. He was not doing it just because it was his job or for the money. He believed in what a Princess stood for and wants to protect that Princess. So that who my Justice Silverlight is and my husband."Celestia said emotionally as she plants a kiss on his lips.

~ back on the flight deck~

As Galactic Technician Officer Celestia Silverlight finishes checking the last of her sensor equipment aboard the Shadow cat recon plane, she looks toward the left side of the craft and presses the palm of her hand, against the left side of the canopy toward a small, observation room at the base of flight control tower on the deck. Standing in the observation room was Rear Admiral (upper) Justice Silverlight. His palm was pressed against the tough, transparent bubble of the room toward his wife. With him in the observation room leaning against the wall was Colonel Somnus Silverlight (their own son) in his hand was an open holographic pendant he was looking at a hologram of his mother.

'Good luck, mother, come back alive. I know Aurora will ensure that.' Somnus thought as he closed the holographic pendant deactivating the hologram of his mother.

In the same room keeping her brain active by going over several medical reports on her MCV was Lieutenant Colonel Blueberry Swirl Silverlight (their youngest daughter). She does this so she willn't think about the consequences if this mission fails. She could possibly lose her mother and her older sister on this one mission. Quickly the catapult officer hooks the Shadow cat recon plane to the launching catapult went it secure, the catapult officer gets out of the way and gives the Imperator Alicorn shooter mare the thumbs up.

She looks toward Lieutenant Colonel Aurora Silverlight the pilot, a moment later she gives her the thumbs up. In the next instance, the Imperator Alicorn shooter mare ducks and signals to launch the craft. The pilot and communication technician are thrown back in their seat as Shadow cat recon plane is accelerated down the deck till it reaches the end of the deck. The hooks release launching the craft into the darkness of space.

"Shadow cat recon plane, clear of the carrier. All reading optimal. Engaging the pilot control system. The pilot has control. Inputting mission coordinates for mission areas and objectives. Course set ETA about an hour." Aurora reports to flight control as she locks in the course and set the autopilot.

"Hey, mother, how are you holding up?" Aurora inquiry as she reaches up and behind her head, tapping her armored glove on the toes of her mother's relatively large booted foot.

"That was absolutely terrifying, Aurora. You and Luna do that daily went you hot scramble your aerospace fighters into combat." Celestia said her voice edged with tension as her pulse roars in her ears.

"Went you do a hot scramble as many times as I do. You get used to it. If you are not scared of your first launch, you will not live long as fighter pilots. It makes you appreciate all those people that are counting on you to complete your mission." Aurora explains sending a warmed freeze-dried meal to her mother, who catches it and begins to suck the contents out of the package with the attached straw.

"I always wondered who got Justice's personality. I always thought it was your brother Somnus. But the truth is you got it, Aurora. Just like your father, you have an overwhelming drive to protect." Celestia comments as Aurora sends a small package of purified water up to her mother to drink with the attached straw.

"Isn't it the job of a princess of the old Equestria to protect her ponies? That what you always taught us, mother." Aurora comment as her mother help picks up the floating empty package around the cockpit.

"Indeed, Aurora, let me clarify. I meant went your father died, I always thought he was gone. But I was wrong; he was at my side all those times in the shape of Alicorn mare that I called my daughter." Celestia comments as she stares adoringly as her oldest daughter.

~On the bridge of 'HES Asgard'~

On the bridge of 'HES Asgard,' Lady Victoria Talbain continues marking off star sectors on the retriever Nav computer while getting constant status updates from her communication technicians and radar operators. Suddenly a small blip appears on the radar screen coming from the west heading east over the nose of the battleship.

"Captain a small blip has appeared on the radar screen coming from the west!" the male high elf radar operator calls as Victoria pulls up an exterior video camera.

She watches as a small plane with a huge rotating disc come flying in and passes over the battleship's nose. Victoria chuckles as the recon plane flies over and take several photos of 'HES Asgard' heading to the east. Suddenly two large asteroids collide, breaking off a small chunk from a larger asteroid.

"Captain two asteroids just collided and broke off a small fragment that small craft is heading right into the path of the fragment!" The second high elf female called.

Before Lady Victoria Talbain could issue an order, the Shadow Cat recon plane makes a hard left bank but not fast enough as the asteroids fragment collided with the craft crippling the ship and set it adrift. Quickly Victoria orders the crew to use the tractor beam to bring the crippled craft aboard the ship. Once the tractor beam locks onto the shadow cat recon plane and slowly bring it aboard the 'HES Asgard.' Six bright white flares shot out of the alien battleship a signal that the ship will surrender to the Imperator Alicorn battle fleet.

In the cargo bay of 'HES Asgard' with damaged Shadow cat recon plane, the ship crew stands around unsure what to do with the alien beings trapped in the damaged craft. A moment later Victoria arrives at the cargo bay she pulls a fire ax off the wall of the bay and climbs onto the craft. She raises the ax above her head and shatters the canopy; she can check the pulse of the first being.

"This one is still alive! Take it to the sickbay!" Victoria orders as the ship crew snap to it and extract Galactic Technician officer Celestia Silverlight from the craft.

"This one is alive too! Take it to the sickbay as well! Keep these two alien beings together! I feel that it would be the best!" Victoria order as they extract Lieutenant Colonel Aurora Silverlight from the same craft.

In the sickbay of 'HES Asgard,' the two alien equines still haven't come to. A single boot removed from each of their bare feet, has revealed their painted toenails. Additionally, the left-handed glove has been removed from large white alien equine. One of the high elf nurses felt something on her finger and discovers her gold wedding ring.

"What are they, Victoria?" Hilda inquiry as Victoria rubbed her chin with her hand.

"They look like equines, a very unusual breed of equines, Hilda." Victoria comments

"Hilda, do you remember the stories of winged unicorns from your people's legends?" Victoria asked as Hilda blink with surprise.

"What!? Are you saying that these equines are Alicorns?" Hilda exclaimed

"Exactly! They match the description of your people's story. They have feather bird wings and a horn." Victoria explains as she runs her gloved finger up and down the white alicorn mare exposed smooth sole out of curiosity.

The teasing of her ticklish sole cause Celestia to come to and regard with cold speculation who might have tickled her foot. She gasps went she saw an older she-wolf and a light-skinned humanoid at the foot of the bed. Before she could say a word, she looks to her right to see her foal lying next to her, not moving.

"Aurora! No!" Celestia exclaim as her eyes mist over.

"Miss Alicorn. She still alive just she has not come to yet." The wolf said as Celestia turns toward the she-wolf.

"She-wolf, who are you?" Celestia inquiry stands beside Aurora's bed, one boot short as a cold chill shoots up her leg from her exposed bare foot.

"Who me? My name is Lady Victoria Talbain." Victoria answers as she bows to Celestia.

"Lady Victoria Talbain! The missing matriarch of the Talbain wolf clan on ARK!" Celestia exclaimed as Victoria gasps.

"How do you know that, Miss Alicorn?" Victoria asked, shocked as Aurora's eyes open and she sits up. Before Aurora could say a word, Celestia, wrap her arms and wings around her to reassure her it fine.

"I had the pleasure of meeting a second she-wolf from ARK. Her name was Lady Jennifer Sterling, and she told me you are her missing mother, Lady Victoria Talbain. That was taking by echoes retriever went she was a puppy." Celestia explains as tears run down Victoria's cheeks as she found her missing puppy.

Aboard the 'IAS Northern Lights,' Lady Victoria Talbain reunites with her puppy Lady Jennifer Sterling after so many years away. In the sickbay of the command class warship, Somnus and Blueberry give their older sister Aurora a whole lot of grief for making them worry went she collided with asteroid fragment. Meanwhile, in a quiet lounge somewhere aboard the 'IAS Northern Lights,' a pair of women's size, fifteen knee-high boots lay tossed haphazardly on the ground.

Sitting with her legs across her husband's lap was Galactic Technician officer Celestia Silverlight. Two small dark blue magically created feathers stroke the soles of her bare feet. She hardly takes notices of tickling sensation upon her fairly large sensitive white Alicorn feet. As she enjoys the long drawn out kiss upon her husband's soft lips. After almost being crushed by an asteroid fragment on that Recon mission. Celestia decided to spend as much time with her husband as she can, allowing him to tickle her feet as much as he wants is a small price to pay to spend time with him.