Chapters Chapter 1: Planning for the Future
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. The loss of so many family members was hard to recover from... but her favorite children had survived. They had all been summoned to the Cutie Map... and were shocked to learn the tree had chosen to save them... Changelings were despised, hunted, and outright massacred by the other races.
They appeared to others as terrifying beast. The fact they weren't bipedal, in their natural state, didn't help that. They were one of a few races that walked on 4 legs, and had no arms or hands... they looked like beast and so were mistaken for monsters.
That is why they had chosen to live in secret... even now.
They had begun to build a new hive, this one underground, in one of the unsettled pocket dimensions... There were 42 large cargo bays on this deck... most of them not claimed by any race... including their's. Chrysalis didn't actually have any legal claim to land. She just had changelings wander around in Giant monstrous forms, to make the dimension look too dangerous to try to settle... which resulted in the ponies thinking the tree chose this dimension to be a sanctuary for the more dangerous magical beast. Moving them in here, from the castle, while keeping the more docile ones inside the primary dimension...
This actually proved to work out for the best. As now ponies came into the lands frequently, tending to the dangerous animals. Giving them love and affection, along with three square meals a day. The food might be meaningless to changelings, but the love that came with it was greatly appreciated by the infiltrators.
They used it to make their "Love Honey", a pink jelly like substance, which changelings excrete from their mouths. It went to feeding the entire hive.
"My Queen." A Warrior changeling bowed before her. Though he had a similar build to drones, his magic made him much more powerful (both physically and magically). Not as strong as herself... but powerful in his own right. The only true way you could tell he was a Warrior, was the fact he was more colorful then a drone, though in darker colors then a pony.
"Yes, Snuggle Bug?" Chrysalis raised an eyebrow.
The changeling groaned at the least intimidating name ever given to a warrior, but Chrysalis stood by her decision. He was just the cutest thing as a grub, always snuggling up to his brood mates.
Snuggle Bug shook his head, "Thorax was seen trying to sneak out of the dimension again."
Chrysalis sighed, her most rebellious child, despite his meek nature.
"He wasn't even transformed this time."
Chrysalis jerked back, as if struck. Then she immediately jumped out of her throne. "WHAT!?!" She raged, "sneaking out is one thing, but was He trying to expose our whole society!!! That foolish grub! The ponies would have killed him on sight and raided the entire dimension for more of us!!!"
Snuggle Bug shrunk back, "The news gets worse... Pharynx was attempting to cover for him."
Chrysalis groaned, "He always had a soft spot for his runt of a broodmate... but this..."
"I don't believe he knew what his brother planned. He was just covering for him, when he realized Thorax wasn't with the other drones, doing their duty in building more tunnels and chambers." as the drones had been doing for months.
Chrysalis sighed, somewhat relieved that there wasn't a conspiracy with the Captain of her patrol. He was just trying to keep his brother from a reprimand, due to perceived laziness... though she had to wonder how often he did that...
"Bring me the grub." Chrysalis ordered.
Snuggle Bug blushed, "Errr, which one?" Chrysalis tended to refer to everyling as "Grub", no matter how old they got.
Chrysalis rolled her eyes, "Bring me Thorax. I can deal with my wayward Captain afterwards."
Thorax was brought into the throne room, looking every bit the runt of a brood. He was so very small, and staring at the holes in his legs as they nervously fidgeted. The 12 year old looked exactly like a larva that had stolen extra love honey. As if he didn't understand this crime was far more serious.
Changelings started working as soon as they left the Larva phase. They couldn't afford not to, as the Hive was always in danger of discovery. So they needed everling to do their part...
Thorax was always hard to keep to a specific task, as he wanted to help the think tank... and didn't like the role of "Tunnel Digger" he had been assigned at birth. His runt status honestly made him good at either job, but Chrysalis wasn't going to reward bad behavior by reassigning the grub.
Meanwhile, Thorax's brother, "Pharynx", was a model ling. Accelerating quickly in his clutch. He was even promoted to "Captain". While far from the highest rank, he was in charge of directing his platoon. As well as helping the other Captains, of the Patrol Clutch, make plans and organize themselves...
Pharynx... would be crushed when he heard what Chrysalis planned to do to Thorax.
Chrysalis didn't say anything for several long minutes, just staring at the grub as she attempted to remain calm.
"Queen Mama?..." Thorax tried.
"Don't!" Chrysalis snapped, "Don't you dare think of sweet talking your way out of this. Disagreeing with me is one thing, but actively endangering the hive!"
"I don't believe I was endangering it." Thorax tried to explain.
"That's not for you to decide!" Chrysalis banged her hoof against her throne. "If you will not respect my word as Queen, then the least you could do is listen to me as your mother!!! The other races are DANGEROUS!!! They have been slaughtering us for centuries. Do you think I drove us into hiding for FUN!!!"
"But that was so long ago," Thorax was still arguing!!!! "And things have changed. There is a level of cooperation between the species that has never-"
"Do you know why they slaughtered my first brood?" Chrysalis interrupted.
Thorax flinched, "Cus we look scary..." he admitted.
"Cuz we look SCARY!!! We never raised a hoof against them! We were never a threat to them. They merely saw us, screamed 'Monster' and killed us on sight!"
"Things are different now Mama!" Thorax tried to stress.
"You want to live amongst them so badly!" Chrysalis raged, "I will grant your request."
"Really?" Thorax blinked.
Chrysalis glared, "For the crime of endangering the hive, you are hereby banished."
Thorax mouth dropped, "That's not what I want!"
The guards around them tensed.
Chrysalis glared, "Throw him out into the Refugee deck, and erase his memory of our location."
The guards gulped. "M-my Queen?" as if begging her not to have him do it.
Chrysalis sighed at them, "We must protect the safety of the hive. We can risk no ling to endanger it. Now, get him out of here."
The Guards started dragging the grub away... all the while he gave screams of "Please!!!" and "I'm sorry"... and one of "Queen Mama!!!"
It broke her heart to watch them drag the grub away. Yet she forced herself not to turn away. This was her decision. Not as a mother, but as Queen of a nation... to protect all under her rule... she would have to live with this pain. So she refused to look away at her son's tear stained face.
Once the boy was gone, Chrysalis turned to a nearby hoof maiden ."Tell Pharynx," Chrysalis told the drone. "That he may leave with his brother. He may come and go as he wishes... but Thorax is not to return to the Hive."
Spike was walking down the hall when he caught sight of some kind of small animal stumbling through the hall. The beast must have wandered out of one of the animal sanctuaries. It took Spike a moment to register that that was a Changeling. About as big as himself... which wasn't very big at all...
Spike should have ran, should have screamed... but the critter looked so... sad... with massive streams of tears dripping down his face... dripping onto the floor...
"You... you okay?" Spike didn't know why he asked, it wasn't like Changelings could talk.
The little guy jumped, with strangely Sapient sounding, "Gah!" Before looking at Spike.
The changeling looked at him a moment then, sniffled "no... I'm not..."
Spike's eyes grew wide, as he registered the monster... wasn't actually a monster... then... he registered what the creature said.
Spike walked over to the other boy, at least he assumed it was a child based on how small he was, and hugged him. The critter tensed.... but after a moment... he hugged him back... this simple hug, proving everything Thorax ever said. They could live in peace. They didn't have to hide... why couldn't Queen Mama see it...
He cried harder as he thought of her.
Pharynx immediately stormed out of the hive, the moment he was told what happened to Thorax. He shifted into a bug bear, and flew as fast as he could. Once he was on the Voyager ship, he turned into a fly, and tried to sneak about, looking for his foalish brother.
The least Chrysalis could have done was have Pharynx escort Thorax out, himself. His most treasured broodmate might very well be dead already. Especially if he went through with his plan to expose their real form to the other races.
When Pharynx finally spotted Thorax... The young Captain immediately shifted back into a bugbear, and let out a ferocious roar. Thorax was already under attack! Neither seemed to notice Pharynx had changed, luckily.
Pharynx immediately swiped his claw at the dragon... only for Thorax to push it out of the way and stand over it. His horn glowing... but was pointed at Pharynx... or what Thorax might not know was Pharynx... guess it wasn't so lucky Thorax didn't see...
Queen Mama must have went all out with the banishment, and fully severed Thorax's link to the hive... so Thorax not only couldn't hear his thoughts... but couldn't sense him... that would explain why it took so long to find the runt.
Before this could get out of hand... Pharynx changed back.
Thorax's horn immediately stopped glowing, "Pharynx!" the grub immediately jumped at the tall Warrior bug. Obviously hoping to get a hug. Instead, the elder broodmate whacked the runt upside his head.
"Banished Thorax!" Pharynx raged, "With all the stupid things you've done, it looks like you finally pushed the hive too far."
Thorax lowered his head.
Pharynx scoffed at the 'Kicked puppy' look his brother was sporting, "Come along, we need to find a place to hide, but first-" his horn started glowing, as he walked towards the dragon.
Thorax immediately jumped in front of him, "What are you doing!?"
"I'm just going to erase it's memory."
"You can't!"
Pharynx glared, "He's seen you! Seen both of us!!!"
"He was helping me!!!" Thorax insisted. "Besides, I'll need contacts, out here, if I'm to adjust!!!"
"CONTACTS!!!" Pharynx yelped, "You can't trust these things Thorax!!! They will squish you like a defenseless grub!!!"
"You guys are scared of us?" Spike blinked.
Pharynx glared. "You SLAUGHTER US BY THE THOUSANDS!!!"
Spike flinched. Then stood tall, "We didn't even know you were real until you attacked us! Even afterwards. We didn't know changelings weren't anything more then mindless monsters, controlled by Chrysalis. You've never tried talking to us before!"
Pharynx bared his teeth and hissed.
Spike took a step back, but then forced himself to be brave, "I promise I'm not going to hurt you. Not unless you try to hurt me."
Thorax gently laid a hoof on his older brother's shoulder, "Please Pharynx..."
The older changeling (by a few seconds but that did make a huge difference to grubs) sighed. He suddenly burst into green light, and reappeared as a purple and red dragon. Thorax followed his led and transformed as well... not really willing to push Pharynx any further, by trying to present himself to all the creatures as a ling... they might not react as well as Spike... and one friend was enough... for now...
"Errr, it might be better if you guys hide as Ponies."
Dragon Pharynx sneered, but did as was suggested. turning into a purple unicorn with a red mane. Thorax turned into a light blue foal, a black mane with blue highlights.
"Cool..." Spike shifted uncomfortably. "errr now... let me find you a place to live. There are a few thousand ponies, so no one will notice if a few new ones appear. Everypony has been busy all week, picking their houses, so no creature will suspect a thing.
Thorax smiled, while Pharynx raised an eyebrow... the little dragon was actually directing them with the best way to hide.
● With Twilight.
"You want to teach all children the Shadow Clone Jutsu?" Sarutobi blinked at the 'Friendship Ambassador'. As she asked for some instructors, in that Jutsu, for the school.
Twilight pranced in place. She was filled with a surprising eagerness to get started, "I have been talking to some of your creatures about what that spell does. And While a physical clone, controlled by your own subconscious, is extremely useful, it's ability for all knowledge it gathers to be absorbed by the original!!! That is just too perfect!!! The clones are even more focused, and retain information better then the original. They even have greater comprehension!!! This makes it an Excellent teaching aid.
"Even if the kids only have enough power to make a single clone, at first, that's still double their current rate of learning. We could greatly accelerate the time taught teaching. As they get older, they will naturally get better at the spell, just by using it every day. So they can make more and more clones!!! Which means faster and faster learning!!!" She bounced. "This will revolutionize schooling!!!"
Sarutobi thought on that... the reason the Shadow Clone Jutsu wasn't already used for such a reason... was more politics... that no longer existed. Back when the Shinobi were made up of seperate villages, The Jutsu was considered a restricted technique, to Konoha. As a result, civilians couldn't be taught it. Then, despite how easy it was, the academy students couldn't be taught it either, as a result of them not being considered trustworthy enough to handle a village Jutsu until they were at least Genin...
Reducing the Jutsu to a teaching aid, for everyone, would greatly limit it's usefulness in a fight... but the Shinobi couldn't rely solely on their combat prowess... this might also give them a chance to endear themselves to the other races.
"Very well," The Hokage nodded.
Twilight whinnied excitedly, then quickly covered her mouth. She now had a mortified expression on her face. "Pardon my language," She begged. "This is just, so thrilling!"
There was a sudden knock at the door. Then a little scaly head poked into the room. "Mom?" Spike asked then blushed, seeing the Hokage, "S-sorry to interrupt, but can I borrow the List of houses still available?"
Twilight smirked, "Bit young to be moving out."
"N-no, not for me." Spike blushed, "I ran into a couple orphans and they told me they don't have a place to live yet. I was going to show them a few places. They also need Data chips and a food allowance."
Twilight sighed. "We do just keep finding more and more orphans, scattered about the dimensions..." the reminder of that putting a damper on her good mood. "I recently set up more permanent orphanages, for each of the dimensions. So all underage creatures can be cared for. Just let me finish up here and I'll walk your new friends over."
Spike looked behind the door, out into the hall. There was some hushed talking, before Spike nodded, "They're cool with that. Will the Orphanage help them set up their Data Chips?"
Twilight smiled, "Of course, now go play in your room. I'll come get you lot soon."
● a few hours later.
Thorax looked at the plastic card, his Data Chip... holding all fake knowledge about his life that Pharynx provided. Pharynx had taken the form of a teenager, just a few years older then Thorax... and the matrons even let them have an apartment all to themselves...
The orphanage was more like a huge apartment complex, then what their used to be in pony culture... probably because the sheer amount of orphans being found. The adults would just wander the compound, and occasionally check on the kids... Thorax could taste the love around this place. The love adults have for children they care for.
This was the reason Pharynx allowed them to be moved here. Such areas were easy to survive in.
None of the apartments had locks on the doors... nor did they have kitchens. The kids were expected to eat together in a large, free, diner on the property. Not that changelings needed to eat, but it couldn't hurt either.
"So..." Spike shifted uncomfortably. "Will you guys be okay?"
Pharynx still eyed the dragon warily. The boy had helped them find the perfect way to hide... but that doesn't mean he couldn't turn on them later... regardless, the dragon child had earned a little trust.
"The matron helped me sign up for an Apprenticeship, learning how to operate the ship. If I gain enough Intel, I might be able to buy forgiveness for Thorax to rejoin the hive..." Pharynx hesitated to say the next bit. "This went much better then I thought our first day out here would go. Even my best case scenario, wasn't nearly as well off as this... thank you." it hurt to say that last bit, but Spike was too valuable a contact to lose.
Thorax smiled, giving Spike another hug, "See you at school."
Spike smiled, "You bet, I pulled some strings, so we get to be in the same class."
Thorax smiled even wider.
Chapter 3: The Future of Foals
Author's Note
Altered as of January 2021.
Made it so, 11 and 12 year olds, will be learning a trade under a Sensei, while they are in school.
Chapter 3: The Future of Foals
"You're having a school reform already?" Janeway stared at the young, purple, princess. Though she hoped this would somehow lead to a better reason why Twilight had requested an emergency meeting with the Captain. "Didn't your government just agree to the academics, a week ago?"
Twilight blushed, "That was before the discovery of a spell the Shinobi have access to. It allows for the children to create duplicate bodies of themselves, made purely out of physical energy, and capable of transferring all knowledge they acquire, when reabsorbed."
Then Twilight got into explaining everything in great detail... and not aware the Captain wasn't in the mood for such ramblings. She had a ship to run, after all, but regardless, she listened to the girl talk about the mechanics. As it had been herself, that requested the girl be more thorough, during the last formal meeting they had.
"Like most constructs, they are controlled by the subconscious, and so technically just an extension of the caster. However, in this case, these specific constructs not only transfere all information they gather, back to the original, but allow the original to retain and even comprehend it, more efficiently then if the original learned it, directly. Normally, the caster maintains no knowledge of what their construct got up to.
The young Anthro let out a sigh, "I didn't realize how effective it would be as a teaching aid. And it is a remarkably easy spell to use. Children as young as 6 are capable of manifesting at least 1 duplicate. Without any prior training.
"Meanwhile, any studen with a stabilized core (typically that happens at 11), can manifest at least 10! Due to this, the older children have been playing hookie, while all their clones go to school. AND THEY ARE STILL TOPPING THE CHARTS!!! Even our Slowest learners have managed to complete months of lessons, in a single week. The teachers are actually having a hard time keeping up with their advancement! By our projections, they will have gained the knowledge of several doctorates, IN A YEAR!!!"
The girl took a breath, "The current education system is too flawed, with the introduction of this spell. So it was decided, all secondary level students, and above, will have their clones study for a year.
"While their originals learn from a Sensei. Who is not legally allowed to have more then 3 apprentices, at a time. They will continue to work under this mare, until they are legally adults (at 30). That's long after they graduated school, which is predicted to be 12. Though their parents, and even their Sensei, will always have rights over them.
"The Younger kids will keep their current schooling level, and we will wait to teach them the spell until their core is stabilized. Followed by a single year of secondary school, then learning from a Sensei, then introduction into the working world. This is intended to become our norm.
"We even had to rewrite when the foals will start gaining legal privileges, to reflect their education level."
"In a way, this is a good thing, as the children will be able to help us rebuild our society, much sooner then we expected... unfortunately... this means we will be having children, in the working world, far sooner then any parent wants. For rebuilding our society, it's very helpful, but what happens after we stabilize? Are we supposed to just get used to the idea that we run thanks to child labor? Is bad enough we are training 2 thirds of the older children as guards! Even if they aren't allowed in combat, we shouldn't be training CHILDREN to kill so easily!"
So that's why the girl asked to speak with her. Twilight was having a moral crisis about how her society was developing.
"My deepest apologies, Twily," Janeway sighed. The girl's nickname slipping out. "But, while I share your disgust, there is nothing I can do. The Federation has strict laws against trying to change other cultures, to fit our norms."
"But that's what your already DOING!!!" Twilight screamed, before covering her hands over her muzzle.
"I beg your pardon." Janeway raised her famous 'come again' eyebrow.
Twilight sighed, "The very reason the council decided to go through with this plan, is because you were in favor of us adding children to guard positions."
"I never said that!" Janeway narrowed her eyes. "I agreed you should train them on how to operate the ship."
"That's the same thing." Twilight buried her head into her hands, "The Guard was split up into multiple divisions, and put in charge of maintaining the ship. With the Federation's okay to train children for such positions, the council decided, 'in for a bit in for a bar'...
"As the Shinobi clans already having a system for child labor, and even child soldiers, we have been relying heavily on them, to help us set up new laws and regulations, more in line with humanoid thinking."
Janeway paled, "Humanoid thinking? You believe that Starfleet is in favor of this... and are seeking to emulate us?"
"I know you have children on many of your boats."
"BUT NOT AS SOLDIERS!!!" Janeway couldn't help but raise her voice. Then, as Twilight gaped at her, the Captain managed to take a calming breath. "I believe we have experienced another incident of Miscommunication... one of a truly grave nature."
"Even if you disagree..." Twilight sighed, "It doesn't matter. Your own Federation President signed off on our idea of School Reform... they said, since most of our population is made up of orphaned children, that we are going to have to rely heavily on them... to rebuild our society... while fully ignoring the consequences to our society, in the long term... I realize most foals start working at 15, and 12 isn't THAT much of a difference... but I worry where this will lead... our children shouldn't be consumed by a life of duty, over their own foalhood. The Shinobi insist they have ways to instill both... but they are also a largely military oriented society. Their very style of magic, is vastly focused on combat... is that what will become of us all?"
"Captain on the bridge!" called out Harry Kim.
The crew spared her a glance, but remained doing what they were doing, as they were trained to.
"ETA on that nebula." Janeway asked. It had taken them a few days to find something to suit their needs. Then a few more days to get to it. This Nebula wouldn't interfere with taking the main engine offline, while still protecting them from Borg scanners.
"3 hours Captain." Harry informed.
Janeway nodded... She had a lot to think about, and not nearly enough time.
Sasuke smiled as he lay on the blanket, looking up at the night sky of New Equestria. Applebloom was busy getting the picnic stuff ready for their friends... until she wasn't.
"OW!!!" Sasuke yelped, as AB wacked his leg.
"Don't think you can just laze about well Ah do all da work," AB glared.
Sasuke blinked, not really used to the idea of girls not willing to do everything for him. He was, after all, a very pretty, and smart, boy. Girls were always trying to impress him... but not Applebloom. She treated him like a person... it... it was annoying as hell.
Sasuke grumbled about bossy girlfriends, as he got to work laying out the food and plates... it was surprising it all fit into her picnic basket. Though given where they were currently seated, it really shouldn't be. Shinobi were capable of sealing things into scrolls, but they didn't have near the understanding of interdimensional physics as ponies.
"I told my family about you." Sasuke hesitantly glanced at her, as he worked.
AB stiffened, "Ah ain't realize we were that close yet." Wow, she was tactless.
Sasuke smiled at her, kinda liking the fact she was as blunt as a hammer. "My mom noticed how much we have been hanging out, and gave her blessing. So did my brother... Do... do you think your family-"
Applebloom sighed, "Sasuke, it's complicated. My family has a long line of Earth Ponies. There's been nothing in my family, but Earth Ponies, since before Equestria, the original Equestria, had been founded. That was a civilization stretching back, over, 6 thousand years... Grannie up and had a right fit, when my big sis told her she was in love with Rainbow Dash... and RD is at least another Pony... My family wouldn't understand..."
Sasuke hung his head, "Oh..." he really wasn't used to this either. The Uchiha clan was the pride of his civilization. All other clans longed to join them, especially through marriage... he wasn't used to being the lesser house... Applebloom dating him really would be worse then an Uchiha leaving the clan to marry into a civilian family... it would be a huge scandal.
"Let's just wait for Braeburn to tell Grannie he's gay, and THEN we can tell her 'bout ya."
Sasuke blinked, "You're actually planning to tell your family about me? You're just waiting for something more scandalous to happen?"
"I know that sounds bad-" AB tried to defend.
Sasuke found himself kissing her... it was a weird sensation. Given she had a muzzle, however short. He could feel her fur tickling his face. However odd it felt, it also made him tingle all over.
Applebloom seemed to melt at the sensation of his smooth skin against her fur.
"Get a room!"
The two instantly broke apart, as Scootaloo made gagging sounds at them. They hadn't even noticed her scooter pull up. She was dragging behind her, a large red Wagon, with a few other children in it.
"Well I think it's romantic," Sweetie Belle grinned, from her place in the wagon. "Two star eyed lovers, of different species, meeting in secret. It's something out of a fairy tale."
Applebloom blinked, looking at Sasuke... then back at Sweetie.
Spike crawled out of the wagon, with a new boy accompanying him. "Like that old story about the dragon and Princess, and the evil knight that wants to keep them apart."
The fillies blinked at him. "You realize the dragon is the bad guy and that, and the knight is trying to save the kidnapped princess."
The baby dragon gaped, "WHAT!? No he's not! Twilight told me that story, every night, since I hatched!"
Scoot giggled, "Best not tell Applejack. She would have a right fit if she knew Twilight's been lying to her son for years."
"She didn't lie!!!" Spike glared. "That's how the story goes!!!"
Applebloom opened her mouth to say something, before the new boy spoke up.
"Actually, both are accurate." he explained. "The Princess and the Dragon is an ancient story. Been around since before Equestria was founded. But after trade began with the dragons, they took offense at all the species-ist literature ponies had. And wrote their own adaptations of the classics... though they never really got all that popular outside dragon culture.
"Real shame to, cuz their adaptation of 'The Princess and the Dragon' had a new moral about inter species cooperation, and how dangerous bigotry was. By The All-Mother, that story was credited for why Dragon Lord Torch had such an 'anti violence' policy against ponies. Cuz he grew up with it as a child. And dreamed of a day Dragons really would be that open to ponies. Which was realized when his Daughter, Princess Ember, ascended to dragon Lord, and opened diplomatic talks with the ponies. Arguably, that simple fairytale is the very reason Dragons didn't go to war with ponies, a long time ago."
The boy finished his rant, and the other kids just proceeded to stare at him. After a moment, the colt blushed.
"I like History," especially history involving interspecies cooperation.
Spike smiled, putting an arm around the colt, "Guys, say hey to Thorax. He likes history."
Thorax just blushed, and was very thankful the other children decided to slide past that, and start their picnic.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Iruka smiled, as the school bell rang, and all the children vanished in puffs of smoke. He could feel his own clones, also, dispell themselves. He, and the other instructors, where also using Shadow Clones. That way they could teach their subjects to different groups of students.
The students' clones would spend the entire school day, each with a different instructors' clone, learning a different subject. No need to Switch between subjects. As There were more then enough clones to learn everything.
Math, Physics, Biology, Astronomy, Literature, Household "Spells", combat "Jutsus", the Different Cultures of the united "magical" races, a separate class to go over the races and cultures in the Federation's database, and 1 elective.
While the clones were at school, the real children were out learning a trade, from a real person.
The younger children, that couldn't make many Shadow clones, focused on learning basic things. Reading and writing, colors, how to tell time. After they mastered those, they moved on to their racial magics. For the Shinobi, they learned their clan's various techniques.
The pony building techniques had really come in handy. Allowing for each species to have a thriving Village, in their own Pocket Dimension. Each complete. With everything from houses, shops, bars, parks (both "theme" to "play"), even farms.
Although the center of trade remained the Harmony Tree Dimension, the villages were finally independent. They had, at last, reached a point of stability, in their new governments. Complete with their own bill of rights, and basic laws.
Along with the laws of the "Voyager Council". As the council of species had agreed to name themselves, after the ship they now called home.
However, when all the joint civilizations were to be lumped together, they were to be referred to as either "Magicals" or "Voyagers". Which they then requested of the Terran crew. They weren't particularly fond of calling themselves "Equusians", nor excluding themselves from the Shinobi. While the Terrans didn't like calling Sapient lifeforms "Creatures", as that was actually an insult by some alien lifeforms.
Things were finally stable... it made sense someone would throw a wrench in the gears.
•
"This is... unexpected," Orochimaru smiled, with Kabuto's mouth. He was thoroughly enjoying how much easier it was, thanks to his new seal.
The leaders of most of the "Realms", as was the new official name for the pocket dimensions attached to Voyager, sat before the god of the sound village, or at the very least his host. It was rather easy to switch between the souls, that inhabited this body.
Thankfully, Kabuto had no issue doing this with some regularity. Though they tried to keep that hidden from the Hokage... unsuccessfully if these creatures presence was any indication.
They had gone to the Sound Clan, in the dead of night, and requested this meeting. All hidden in thick robes, with hoods over their faces. Not removing them until they were in the estate.
Dragon Lord Ember growled, "These humans want to use our hatchlings as canon fodder, against not only the Borg, but all their enemies."
Orochimaru, working Kabuto's body like a puppet, gave a shrug, "We Shinobi see no problem with this." He was seated with them on the pillows, around a low table, eying the strange aliens before him. All the while, casually sipping tea. "We built our homes on the backs of child soldiers."
Prince Rutherford snapped, "Well Yaks have problem! Yaks no stand for such! Children precious to Yaks!!!"
Grubber, the newest leader of the Albino Apes, since the Storm King was left to die on Equus, "We've been pushing the Federation, seeing just how far they are willing to go... we are not pleased with the results."
Capper nodded, trying to use his charms, and hoping that could pass for diplomacy. Frankly he didn't know why he, a con artist, was chosen to be saved... besides the obvious. The tree may not have had a lot of options for his species. Most of them were an ocean away, and probably beyond the trees limits.
Regardless, that didn't stop his fellow felines from voting HIM into office. He was a respected member of the underworld, at least to the cats... but this wasn't the same thing as stealing food and selling it, for cheap, to orphaned kittens. He was just trying to survive in the Tartarus hole he grew up in.
Regardless, he could sweet talk any creature, "We know you have been sowing descent amongst our creatures. And well normally that would be frowned on, the greater problem is you have a point... The Federation isn't what Janeway promised us. They only want to use us.
"Celestia wants us to show Janeway the newest transcripts, in an attempt to disillusion her... but she is a soldier. She has orders. She will be honor bound to follow them... it is regrettable but we can't trust her to act for our best interest."
Orochimaru's grin only grew. Maybe they would have the resources, needed to take the ship, after all. "What do you propose?"
Tobi smiled, showing off the Terrans' new home. "The council agreed to build this, for your crew. It's the least we can do, for basicly stealing your cargo bay."
Janeway awed. There was a small town, built inside one of the pocket dimensions. The buildings looked like something straight off a Federation Planet. Complete with Replicators, a Holosuite tower, and an amazing power plant.
The Ponies had managed to make a perfect human town. They really had learned so much, in such a short time.
The Voyager Council had insisted that the entire Terran crew come to this storage unit, for a "Surprise". The Captain had tried to send people, in groups... but strangely that didn't seem necessary. After all, the ship had more then enough competent crew, through the various Magicals, to operate the ship while the humans enjoyed a party.
The Uchiha ensured the Captain thought that... and slowly, she realized the thoughts weren't her's.
Walking over to Tuvok, as the Vulcan was overseeing the housing assignments... with the magicals having already brought all their belongings, and were carrying them for the Terran crew.
"Tuvok?" Janeway tried to be discreet. "Somethings wrong." Unfortunately, the man standing next to him... was an Uchiha, in a Starfleet uniform... Who's eyes instantly locked on her's.
Once everything was said and done, with all the Terrans in their own homes, Tobi Uchiha put a sleeping Genjutsu, over the small village. Having all the humans rest within their new beds. The rogue fraction of magicals, were trying to handle this as benevolently as possible.
They dare not bring any harm to their host, as these Terrans had shown them nothing but kindness. However, and despite the unfortunateness, they could no longer allow the Federation to dictate the lives of their children.
Once all the magicals were out of the Terran Dimension, Orochimaru painted a complex assortment of seals all over the door. Then The leaders of the Griffins, Dragons, Cat Anthros, Albino Apes, Kirin, and Yaks, stepped forward. They each cut their palms, or foot, and smeered their blood over the appropriate spots the Shinobi pointed out.
Finally, the Dragon Lord allowed Orochimaru the use of her scepter. So that he could channel the power of the dragon god, Bahamut, himself, into the runes.
Orochimaru smiled.
"There, now the doors will only open if you lot, or your descendants, agree to it." Orochimaru smiled, as he handed the scepter back
Ember sighed, clearly having second thoughts, despite already having gone through with everything.
Tobi assured, "Don't worry, your Dragon-ness. They have everything they need, both for entertainment and survival. They'll be fine. Now, we just got to tell the council, that we turned what was supposed to be a gift, into a prison."
Everyone stared at him, but Tobi could only blink.
"What?" Tobi asked.
They chose to ignore him.
Author's Note
I'm not cutting the Voyager crew out of the fic. I'm doing a Time Skip. The Voyager crew will be released in 10 years, in story. Although in reality it will be the next chapter. I'm also going to say that magical races age slower then humans, think reverse dog years. So 10 years means all the kids are effectively just 4 years older, and some change.
I will also be adding Characters from a few other franchises. As Voyager has picked up a few other magical refugees, over the decade. They will mostly be kept in minor roles, as reoccurring or outright background characters. It's actually their Magic based spells, and artifacts, that interest me.
I already have in mind: Harry Potter, Elder Scrolls, Dragon Ball Z, and YuYu Hakusho. Mostly for their power / spells, technology, and magical artifacts. Are there any other magics you'd like to see? Or a character from those franchises you'd like to be more then the occasional Cameo?
Chapter 7: Living Experiments
Janeway groaned, rubbing her head. Looking around, her barely conscious mind registered she was in some kind of hospital room. She recognized the Sick bay equipment. However, she appeared to have her own private room.
This place looked more like a proper hospital... from the 1700s, but with more advanced equipment scattered about.
"You're awake!" a familiar voice eagerly declared.
That's when Janeway remembered the explosion.
Sitting up, Janeway quickly found the face of Twilight Sparkle.
"What happened?" Janeway demanded. Speaking with the authority of a former Captain, and current Lord Mayor.
Twilight blushed, "Well..." the girl clearly didn't know how to answer that.
Janeway looked down at her own hand, trying to shake the tingling sensation out of her fingers. Then realized that it was all over her body. "I take it there were complications." She acknowledged, when the tingling refused to leave.
"Orochimaru sorta... experimented on you and your crew..." Twilight gulped.
Janeway took a deep breath. Forcing herself to remain calm. "To what end?" She asked.
Twilight took another gulp. "You see, Orochimaru apparently created a 'backdoor' in his spell, to allow him to break the seals, himself. Which he never told anyone about... and somehow resisted using for 4 years."
"4? it's been 13." Janeway glared.
Twilight scratched her cheek, "According to your computers. Ponies measure years differently then you. Since our sun used to orbit our planet, we measure years based on how often the star cluster orbited the center of the galaxy... Our astronomy data was fairly advanced, from early in our civilization. Which was probably Luna's influence."
"I don't need a lecture," Janeway glared. "You've had us imprisoned for over a decades worth of our lifespans." the former captain didn't raise her voice, just glared at the young Alicorn.
Twilight hung her head, "I hadn't realized how quickly humans age. It seems one of our years, equals 3.25 of yours... at minimum. While most magicals age at this rate, there are a few exceptions. Dragons age a single year for every 20 of your own. Although Wizards mature at a human rate, and THEN their aging slows.
"You're still rambling," Janeway glared. "I realize it may be difficult to discuss what Orochimaru did, but I need to know."
Twilight sighed, then stood straighter. Resolving herself to say it.
"He's been experimenting on you all. From what we can tell. He found a way to graph magic into you... as well as other related bloodline traits. He subjected your crew to these experiments for a year and a half. That is, one of your year's and a half. We just now discovered it, and removed the memories of your crew's torture. We can return them, if you want... but you weren't exactly sane when we found you."
Janeway took in another calming breath, trying to hold herself with dignity....and not panic. "How many of my crew survived?"
"That's the tricky thing. Your entire crew survived, despite 42% having died. They were resurrected as somekind of Sapient undead. Necromancy on this level has never been achieved, and thought impossible. They are completely independent entities. With all their faculties intact."
•
"I'm going to eat your Brains!!!" Tom Paris did his best Zombie shuffle, over to his best friend.
"That's not funny, Tom," Harry Kim sneered. "YOU'RE DEAD!!!"
"I know right!!!" Tom grinned. "How cool is that!" He didn't ask. "Feel my wrist," he held out his hand, "I don't even have a pulse. I'm like some sexy vampire. Without the need to drink blood."
It was true. The magical doctors said his body wouldn't even decay.
He didn't even have to worry about getting fat!!! Or ever going to the bathroom again!!! As his body atomized all food, and used it to fuel the magic that sustained him. His body was basically nuclear powered!!! With his gut constantly splitting atoms.
He could eat literally anything, and still be able to survive, as it was the energy of the atoms he needed, not the nutrition. Unfortunately, he did need to eat a lot more, especially after using his new found "Magic Powers".
He really did look like a sexy vampire... save for a few cracks in his skin. Which just added to his coolness factor, in his opinion.
Sure he couldn't have kids, but he could still have sex no problem. And he already had children with his wife, Torres. So it's not like he was missing out there.
"Can't you take ANYTHING seriously!!!" Harry glared.
"This is too awesome to take seriously!!!" Tom insisted.
Suddenly the door wooshed open... and Tom's eldest daughter ran in... her face scarred with similar cracks... suddenly this wasn't so awesome.
"Isn't this great Dad!!!" The little girl cheered, "I'm a zombie!!!" She raised her hands and started doing her best Zombie shuffle.
Harry smiled, but Tom could tell it was forced, "Definitely your daughter."
Torres stepped into the room, a baby on her hip... thankfully neither of them had the scars... although their new born now looked a year older... they hadn't gotten to celebrate his first birthday, nor his first Christmas... not even his first Halloween... no adorable baby costumes... and not nearly enough pictures of the child's first year of life.
"Just finished talking with the Doctors." Spoke Paris' half Klingon wife. "Apparently, Everyone who wasn't turned into some kind of Lich, got our genes scrambled. We're all technically the same species now." Then leaned into his ear, "With some bizarre kind of longevity. So you don't have to worry about out living us."
Tom released the breath he was holding. Harry might not realize it, but just because Tom joked around, didn't mean he didn't feel. He more used humor as a coping mechanism.
"But our daughter is like you," Torres sighed, still whispering, as Harry played "Zombie" with the little girl. Distracting her from her parents conversation... he really was a great godfather.
Tom, for the sake of his daughter, kept up his smile. As best he could.
Torres sighed, "She's never going to grow up. Never going to get married or have children... it will only take a few years before she begins to realize that."
"There are a few other 'immortal children'," Tom assured. "Her friend Tuvix was one of them... She won't suffer alone... however horrible it is part of me is relieved for that."
Tom pulled his wife in, and gently kissed her... and tried his best to not show how much he wanted to cry at her flinch.
"Your cold," Torres whispered, pulling slightly away on reflex, "And your lips feel like you don't even know what water is." She leaned back in, and forced herself to kiss him. "I just need to get used to it."
With her free hand, she gently ran down her husband's bare arm... only to realize it was hard, and his joints were stiff... and even felt like his whole body was made of chapped lips. She'd have to make an effort to get used to his half dead body.
Chapter 8: Discussing Change
Orochimaru sat in his cell. Not particularly caring he had been caught. For he had done it. He had found the secrets of eternal life. He didn't even need Kabuto anymore.
He sat, here in his cell, in a body that could never die. It didn't matter if he had to sit here for a hundred years, a thousand. The "Magicals" would have use of him, eventually. And what was a million years to an immortal?
He could wait. What were they going to do? Kill him?
The god of serpents cracked a smile, and gave a dangerous chuckle. Disturbing the guard on the other side of the force field.
•
Janeway walked through the hospital, Twilight beside her. Her crew gathered together, dressed in hospital gowns. They were in some kind of lecture hall, though still in sickbay. As this really was the Ship's sickbay, but expanded with "Extension Charms". Using ancient architecture, the magicals felt more comfortable with.
"From Orochimaru's notes," Twilight began. "It appears, he added a third chromosome chain into your DNA. Much as Magicals have. This contains a number of abilities, you'll need to learn how to control, before you can return to your dimension."
Neelix suddenly spoke up, "You're just going to lock us up again!?"
Twilight looked horrified at the thought, "NO!!! We'll take every precaution to insure your dimension is never used as a prison again. There are wards and seals, all over the ship, to insure just that. The only reason we couldn't get you out, sooner, was because your own seals were already set. But we took steps to insure that would never happen again, and those will protect you.
"You're home is a home again," Twilight assured. "However, if you want, we can give you a shuttle to start your journey back to Earth.
"Our shuttles have a good deal of enchantments and extension charms. They are far faster, more durable, with greater fire power, then any Federation Starship."
Looking at the hesitant faces, Janeway assured, "We'll be speaking about potentially leaving, in great detail, later. However, for now, we have other concerns." Then looked back at Twilight.
"Voyager has taken up many more refugees, and even dedicated itself to the protection of current magical worlds," The Alicorn explained. "One of the races we saved had perfected Extension Charms. Which allowed us to make each crew quarters the size of 10 Star Systems, of solid land. Along with 'floo' networks to instantly travel across them. We will be teaching you how to use everything, as well as your own abilities."
•
16 year old Naruto, by the magical calendar at least, threw a fist at the defiant Pegasus. Which the girl easily blocked, then countered. Catching the orange leg, Naruto pulled her in. He rotated his body, and attempted to slam her into the ground. Only for her to buzz her, far too small, wings.
She might not be able to fly, but she caused enough resistance to jerk out of his grip, before kicking his back.
"Don't you two do anything but spar!" Sakura yelled, as she entered the grove.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, his head in the lap of his own girlfriend. Allowing her to pet his raven locks. "Not like the dope would even know what a girlfriend is for."
Applebloom suddenly pinched the boy's ear, "And what ARE we for, exactly?"
"Ow Ow Ow!!!" Sasuke whined, but allowed her to discipline him.
They might not be married yet. But the Marriage contract, their families negotiated, clearly said Applebloom would be the head of his family.
Mother frequently reminded the boy, that he needed to get used to the idea of her being in charge. Ponies did have a matriarchal society, after all. And it had been hard enough to get Granny Smith to sign off on Applebloom joining the Uchiha Clan, instead of Sasuke having to quit the guard and live on her Apple Farm.
By Tartarus, it been hard enough to convince the Apple Matriarch, to allow the betrothal to a non Earth Pony. But with the potions the wizards had, in order to let males get pregnant... Well Granny was allowing it, given Big Mac had already had a foal with the Earth Pony, Caramel.
Not what the old mare wanted for her family line, but she was willing to compromise. As what she wanted most of all, was for her grandchildren to be happy.
Scootaloo walked back over to their little picnic blanket. She was breathing hard, and dripping with sweat. Grabbing a water bottle, she smiled at her friends.
Winking at Sakura, Scootaloo explained, "It's our foreplay."
Naruto instantly blushed, as he trailed behind her. Sitting down, his muscles were all sore. Thudding and burning all over. He couldn't imagine what Scootaloo thought he could do, after such a thorough work out.
•
"GUYS!!!" Spike screamed, clearly panicked. Out of all of them, he had grown up the least. Freaking dragon genes made him mature at a much slower rate. "HELP!!!"
The teenagers sat up straight.
"Thorax is pregnant!!!" Spike wailed.
The teenagers just stared at the older boy, that still hadn't entered puberty.
Naruto groaned, "For the last time, pumpkin seeds don't impregnate people!"
Spike blushed, "No, Pharynx told me. Changeling Queens are... asexual, I think he called it. It means they can lay lots of eggs, without need of a dad." Though what the dad was for, every creature refused to tell him. It was a big conspiracy, to keep him "innocent".
His friends all looked at each other. It kinda made sense. Changelings didn't technically have a gender, from what Thorax told them... still...
"Thorax is a Queen?" all the teenagers asked, as one.
Spike just screamed, "Apparently!!!! And Pharynx says Chrysalis is trying to regain control of him!!! She wants him to go back into hiding, and live as one of the Princesses of the Hive!!!"
Sasuke sat up, "She can't honestly expect them to go for that."
Thorax had revealed himself, years ago, and had been accepted by basically every creature. And Chrysalis was just going to force him back into hiding?
Creatures knew about Chrysalis, now, but they didn't know where she was, and weren't looking for her. As far as they were concerned, if the tree of Harmony saved the Changelings, they were worth saving. But she didn't have to join the rest of magical society, if she didn't want to.
"Pharynx says, if they don't go back, Chrysalis will kill Thorax, to prevent a rival hive from developing."
The teens stiffened.
"The Council wouldn't allow that," Scoot glared.
Spike gulped. "They aren't... they're trying to convince Pharynx to tell them where Chrysalis is. So they can negotiate with her, but..."
Sasuke realized, "They are preparing for war..."
"You're quitting the Guard!!!" Applebloom demanded.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Like Tartarus I am. They'll need me more then ever!" He glared at her.
Naruto suddenly stood, the ache in his muscles forgotten. "I can do it," the blonde spoke with conviction.
"DO WHAT!?" Spike was too panicked to think.
"I can talk to Chrysalis," Naruto insisted. "It wouldn't be the first time I prevented a war between the Kingdoms."
Sakura snorted, "You're just an apprentice Ambassador, what the hell do you think you can do."
Naruto looked determined, "Chrysalis is only considering war, because she is scared. How many changelings have abandoned her hive to live in the open? A dozen? That might not seem like many, but they're her family. She feels abandoned. And let's face it, Thorax, out of every ling, ascending into a queen... it must make her nervous more of her children will abandon her. She needs to realize..."
Sakura looked at the blonde, a look of uncomprehending desperation. "Realize what?" she near begged for an answer.
Naruto got a sneaky suspicion, as he subtly studied the woman... and realized, her eyes were a shade too dark. "That her children haven't abandoned her. They don't want to leave her. They want her to lead them into a new age. They want to believe they can be apart of the peace we have formed. And Thorax definitely doesn't want to be the one to lead them to it. He just wants his mom to admit he was right... am I right, Chrysalis?"
Scootaloo's eyes widened, as Sakura burst into green flames, revealing the love bug Queen, herself.
His other friends gaped at her, before the Queen gave a significant look at Spike. Who, moments later, also burst into flames... revealing Pharynx... strange how he was better at disguising himself, then their queen.
"Hello Chrysalis," Naruto smiled, standing just a little taller.
Where Pharynx was about as tall as himself, Chrysalis towered over the blonde, by nearly 3 feet.
Chrysalis, formerly disguised as Sakura, stepped over to him. "So you're as good as my grub believes." implying her flaw had actually been a test. Which Naruto had passed.
"Where is Spike!!!" Scootaloo demanded, her wings buzzing.
Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "He is currently playing 'Dungeons and Dragons' with my wayward Grub. Who doesn't yet know he is pregnant. Some of my other grubs are currently watching Thorax. Ready to drag him back to the hive at my command. There is no threat of war, the Voyagers will never have a chance to act, if I choose to take Thorax."
The teenagers didn't know if they should sigh with relief, or pale in fear for their friend.
The queen spoke with a regal demeanor. "I will not dare approach the pony nation. But my children speak highly of you, hatchling." She looked at Naruto. "So... Convince me. Convince me, Why I shouldn't just drag my wayward spawn back to the hive."
"... No," Naruto smiled.
Chrysalis growled, "No?"
Naruto stated the obvious, "You want me to tell you the ponies have changed. That it's okay to rejoin them. But your scared history will repeat itself... and I can't tell you it won't. Change is a terrifying thing, and it's never easy to accept.
"But, you're still connected to Pharynx. You have seen how every creature treats him. How we accept him... and you know we love him. He wouldn't have survived this long, if we didn't.
"You're looking for someone to confirm everything you already know," Naruto looked confidently at her.
Chrysalis glared for a moment, before sighing.
"Arrange a meeting with your Ambassadors."
Chapter 9: You Were Right, Thorax
Author's Note
A really short chapter, but it's just such a good play to end it
Chapter 9: You Were Right, Thorax
"I'm a Queen!!!" Thorax yelped.
Looking down at himself. Sure, He was a bit taller then his brother, and was becoming more colorful, but... an actual queen.
"Sometimes," Chrysalis explained, "Severe overdosing on love, can cause drones to ascend into queens... when it doesn't kill us. With no one to send the love you gathered, like how Pharynx had sent his collected love back to the hive-"
"I overdosed," Thorax realized. Looking down at himself.
He still had holes, but his body was leaner then most Changelings. He was a head shorter then his mother, but still taller then a drone... and he was only 16, he still had growing to do.
Whenever he looked in the mirror, he remembered his eyes were starting to become more pony like... and he was growing spiderweb like hair, on the top of his head...
He really should have made the connection he was becoming a Queen... but the changes were so gradual, he barely noticed them until someone else pointed them out. For example, his hair was more fuzz right now. So barely any at all, that it could potentially go unnoticed.
Chrysalis looked down at her wayward grub, a remorseful look on her face. She gently placed her hoof on the teenager's withers. "The most important thing is... you were right," She let that sink in. "The ponies acceptance of you, proves you were right... we CAN live in peace... I should have listened to you."
Thorax eyes began to tear up, "Am I dreaming?"
Chrysalis proceeded to whack the boy, upside his head. "Does that feel like a dream."
"Owie!" Thorax cried out, rubbing his stinging exoskeleton. "You could have just said 'no'!" He complained.
"That would have proven nothing." Chrysalis was adamant.
After an awkward moment, Thorax asked. "Do... do I have to come back to the hive?"
"Have to" those words startled Chrysalis. She looked critically at the grub. "We will need an Ambassador to ponykind... I can think of no one better. Of course, that will mean you will have to interact with them, near daily.
Thorax hung his head, "I... I've made friends... in the orphanage..."
"You can visit them whenever you like," That source of love would be a good vein of nourishment, for the hive.
"I..." Thorax hung his head, "a couple years ago, I would have loved to be welcome back to-to the hive. But since the other magicals learned what I am... accepting me, with barely a question... I... I don't know if I want to give up my life here."
Chrysalis sighed, "Thorax... you are a Queen, your place is in the hive... and I'm willing to drag you back by force."
Thorax's head snapped up, before he scoffed, "I guess getting kicked out of the hive wasn't my choice, why should returning to it be any different."
Chrysalis flinched, "Thorax..."
The boy sighed, looking back down. "I know, as queen, you can't risk a rival hive developing."
"And as a mother," Chrysalis gently brought her hoof to the boy's chin, raising his head. "I would like to get to know my grandchildren.
"I'm sorry Thorax, but as you will unfortunately come to understand, being both mother and queen, means making decisions for thousands of lings... sometimes, that demands being a very bad mother, to protect all the hive...
"I love you Thorax, sending you away was one of the hardest things I ever did... but it was a decision I had to make, as Queen.... and one day... you will know that pain as well..."
"If I wasn't a Queen..." Thorax asked. "Would you be forcing me back?"
Chrysalis sighed, "No, the choice would be yours... Though don't doubt I would want you back. You were right Thorax, and well a good Queen knows when to make hard decisions... a good mother knows when to apologize...
"I'm sorry Thorax, I should have listened to your plans, put you in with the think tank, like you wanted and deserved. I should have taken your concerns seriously. I should have listened to your evidence, that the ponies had changed... I never should have cast you out, for seeing the truth of the world we entered... and I am sorry, I can't let you stay in that world now.
"But it won't be so bad," Chrysalis insisted. "The hive will live openly. We will embrace the other magical races, because you have shown us their value... their compassion... and their worthiness of our trust. You. Were. Right."
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Author's Note
I have seen other Star Trek stories open up with a series of Logs. Just wanted to try my hand at the style for the Prologue. Don't worry. Most of the story won't be written like this. It will have a more traditional, 3rd person, format.
Chapter 0: Captain's Log
● Captain's Log:
We have encountered a starship, housing a collection of nomadic races that lost their world to the Borg. It is strange to hear so many intelligent races could have evolved on one planet... but their DNA confirms they all originated on the same world. It's even more bizarre that they seem to be anthropomorphic versions of creatures from Earth's mythology. I realize many planets follow down a similar evolutionary chain... but Unicorns? Pegasi? Griffins? DRAGONS? and DOZENS of others. I suppose it is true. Anything that can happen in the universe, is bound to happen somewhere.
They seem a peaceful race, unprepared for warfare much less dealings with the Borg... When asked why they didn't have any weapons on their ship, they seemed genuinely shocked they would need them. All they have is a primitive kind of deflector shield and an artificial environment bubble. They are using a sail to catch solar winds and have no warp capability... or even Awareness of the theory...
I feel... uneasy by that, but I'm sure the Prime Directive never meant to include lifeforms lost in space without warp.
We are helping them repair their deflector shield. As apparently they are having trouble maintaining it.
End Log.
● Captain's Log, Supplementary:
Their deflector shield, as it turns out, is a form of 'runes' powered by a Dilithium crystal... I have no idea how it is actually working. The grooves seem to direct the energy in complex patterns which generates the desired effect... and one of the grooves was accidentally scratched. Which is causing their "Enchantment" to fall apart... These aliens are so primitive in their philosophies and terminology... yet they can hand carve such complex and exact patterns they can simulate the effects of a deflector dish...
End Log.
● Captain's Log, Supplementary:
I can't repair their 'runes'. I just don't have enough understanding of their technology... if it can even be called that... We have been able to pick up signs that their environmental bubble is also failing... so many people walking down the halls... many of them children... The 'runes' just weren't meant for such strain.
End Log.
● Captain's Log, Supplementary:
A Castle... a bloody CASTLE. An entire Castle made of Dilithium Crystals. Apparently, whatever threaten their planet, caused their matriarch to funnel the residents she could into the local castle. Then, in an act of sheer desperation, she carved several runes into it which miraculously survived the planet being Atomized!!! A bloody castle!!!
These lifeforms didn't even have basic light speed until they developed it after a month of drifting in space.
I need to process this.
End Log.
● Captain's Log, Supplementary:
I can't leave them out here...
End Log.
● Captain's Log, Supplementary:
End Log.
● Captain's Log, Supplementary:
We discovered the reason Equus was destroyed instead of assimilated. The Borg genuinely do fear these lifeforms.
The Various Equusians came from planets with such a high percentage of Dilithium, they evolved with an organ of Organic Dilithium connected to a secondary circulatory system which pumps massive amount of concentrated energy through their bodies.
This gives them a number of abilities, some reality shattering in the case of the unicorns... but the biggest benefit in my eyes?... I can hardly believe it but... they are immune to Borg Nanobots... they cannot be assimilated... so the Borg chose to destroy them instead...
End Log.
● Captain's Log, Supplementary:
I found out what happened to the Castle the Equusians had... apparently they moved it into an empty cargo bay... by "altering the bay's spacial parameters to make the inside bigger then the outside"... Apparently, these "enchanters" can create pocket dimensions and anchor them to a physical point in our universe... so long as the dimension does not exceed a ratio of every square foot containing 10 square feet of space... apparently, most of my crew has asked the enchanters to link such a pocket dimension to their quarters... I have asked them to utilize this technique to various other areas, such as labs and other cargo bays....
Apparently, they have a small farm in their castle and have given many of the seeds to Kes, as well as extended the botanist lab into a proper farm... which the 'Earth Ponies' are tending... as Earth pony "magic" gives them the ability to accelerate the growth of plants and stimulate soil, to make it more nourishing...
The ponies even set up an area to grow Dilithium crystals... Bringing these creatures onboard may very well be the best decision I made since we became lost in the Delta Quadrant.
End Log
● Captain's Log, Supplementary:
The "Dragons" have found a way to establish contact with the Alpha Quadrant... by sending the Federation President hand written letters...
Apparently, I know I am saying that word a lot but I am just so mystified by all the things these lifeforms can do... Regardless, Dragons are capable of converting matter to energy (within their "inner flame") and can extend this ability to send this energy through subspace... where it snaps back into matter once it gets to the person it was intended for... The Dragons just needed a picture of the Federation President, and then they could visualize the letter going to them...
They have never tried it at such a distance, and for a few days we thought it failed... but that seems to be because Starfleet was analyzing the letter and running various test on it before opening it... apparently a burst of flames in the Federation President's office was originally thought to be an assassination attempt...
Since then The Federation president and I have been exchanging letters.
The dragons sent them a larger on the inside box, filled with a special kind of parchment. APPARENTLY!!! When linked with a specific dragon, this parchment can be sent back to them when burned. I have some of the parchment being studied at the moment. It is made from a type of magical spider silk... coated in the Dragon's Venom from their fangs...
Apart from how unhygienic that is, the letters are proving invaluable. The Crystal Castle is filled with these spiders (and other animals). Who, despite not being able to speak in the traditional sense, are Sapient... bloody brilliant actually. And they have agreed to make as much silk as they can for the letters. The intelligent animals in the castle have developed a symbiotic relationship with the creatures of their world... it helps that most of the Sapient lifeforms are herbivores, and those that aren't survive on a diet of large insects and fish (which show no signs of heightened awareness on their planet, nor in the tanks they are bred in within the castle).
Regardless of how fascinating even the base animals of their world are, this means the dragons can create a steady supply of the letters and send them over to The Alpha Quadrant, with virtually no delay. Anything wrapped in the parchment will be safely sent through the fire, to the dragon in question.
So letters from the crews family have been sent in mass, without overwhelming the dragons.
.... I am actually starting to worry that given all these lifeforms specific powers... I may not be placing them purely into areas FOR the use of their powers, while neglecting their desires. The various leaders, of the races, have assured me their very culture had similar issues.
It is hard to justify allowing the races to express themselves, through their profession, when they have abilities tuned to very specific roles in society... the ponies are more flexible, as their magic adapts to their 'special talent' and makes them Masters of their crafts...
... still I don't want to just assign all of a specific race to a specific role, just because their "magic" makes them better at it... but this is an issue their society has been trying to balance for thousands of years.
End Log
● Captain's Log, Supplementary:
The "Cutie Mark Crusaders" are a menace... they almost make it not worth bringing the aliens onboard.
End Log.
● Captain's Log, Supplementary:
We stumbled on another race with a Dilithium organ. Those, unlike the Equusians, these lifeforms' abilities have evolved purely for combat.
These ones call themselves "Shinobi"... apparently managed to board the Borg Cube and kill every last borg... but not in time to save their planet from orbital bombardment.
These Shinobi remind me a lot of Klingon culture. Though they are humanoid, they have an aggressive nature and revel in fighting...
They even go so far as to indoctrinate willing children into their army... though I don't agree, it seems to be more of an apprenticeship. With only the more qualified and well trained children even being allowed in combat situation outside sparring. With safe guards taken to ensure the kids' safety.
Thanks to the Unicorns "Expansion Charms"... the surviving Shinobi where given quarters and added to our crew...
This isn't just a matter of getting home in a timely fashion anymore. Getting these lifeforms back to the Federation may very well turn the tides of our war with the Borg.
The Borg feared these creatures for their potential... and now... they have a reason to want to see the genocide of every last Borg... Heaven forgive me... I will see they get the opportunity.
● Captain's Log...
If I really can call myself a Captain anymore.
Today marks the 13th anniversary of our imprisonment... and I feel a need to give an overview of our progress, throughout our captivity.
I... no longer have hope of the Magicals ever releasing us. It's amazing what the milestone of a decade, will do to one's mindset.
As far as prisons go, I suppose this could be worse. A reality where it was always spring? And filled with every luxury one could imagine? This is even more lush then the prisons of the Federation.
Although, if I'm honest with myself. Most of the crew have stopped thinking of this as our "Prison". It's become home, to them at least.
The crew has built lives, here. Had children... children that are, now, nearly teenagers... we even have a school house for them. Which the magicals had the forethought to provide. Even if the crew did get back into the real world... I must accept they no longer wish to return to the Earth... this is our home now.
The magicals really did think of everything. There was a communal building, with hundreds of domestic Replicators. As well as a few Industrial Sized Replicators. Which we have been using to build shuttles, large construction equipment, and materials for more buildings.
The Crew has come to call this facility, "The Market". And it is where everyone enjoys our meals together. As well as where we got other necessities. Even trade Replicator rations, for luxury items.
Not that we really NEED Replicator rations. Not with the small Dilithium Farm, the magicals left us. We can grow their own crystals, and use those for power. Still, it is best to prevent over stimulation of the Replicators. For future generations.
Although, thankfully, we aren't completely cut off from the outside universe. The "Voyager Council" had decided to frequently send us, by way of dragon fire shipments, a similar parchment to what they use. This allows my crew to maintain contact with both the Voyager ship, and the Federation.
I was assured, it was a Rogue faction, that had trapped my crew, in what was intended to be a gift of appreciation. That the "magics" involved are tied to the leaders, of this group. Whom the rest of the council could not Persuade to release us.
We also have another set of parchment. Especially designed to go straight to the last Federation President. Ironically the one responsible for our predicament. Given they are the only one, Earth side, the magicals directly know about.
I'm told, it took a good deal of work, and help from the unicorn enchanters, to make these letters. Although the magicals can't figure out anyone else to send them to. It was nice to know, most of the Magicals haven't betrayed us. They just can't convinced those, whose trust we lost, to free us.
After we were imprisoned, the President had the decency to except responsibility. As apparently the magicals had tested them. A test they epicly failed. They had been so obsessed of gaining aid from lifeforms, that were immune to Borg Nanites, they lost sight of Federation Values... and, in turn, alienated the magicals.
The mutiny had been a result of the government's exploitation, and greed, towards the magicals. We should be grateful this just resulted in them cutting ties, and denying us access to the ship. Many of the Magicals, that still support my crew, frequently write to us... particularly Princess Twilight, whom still sends me letters.
Obviously, This President isn't in office anymore. Though for unrelated reasons. They had simply lost the next election. Of course, it was speculated that how they handled the magicals, may have played a part. However, it was not the only, or even the most pressing factor.
This same president, was responsible for a number of war crimes, during the conflict with an enemy called "The Dominion". They may have won the war, but the people didn't like how they won. As they had abandoned so many of the Federation's principles. Then, the President tried to do it all over again, against the Borg, through the magicals.
The President hadn't received any backlash, except for being voted out of office. Didn't even get impeached. However, they had been given a quiet desk job, as liaison between my crew, and our families.
Regardless, the ones that actually imprisoned us, are still distrustful of us... as they believe the Federation would gladly march their children to their deaths.
Inspite of this, they ensured we would not only have everything we need, but could ever want.
The Magicals even transfered the Emergency Medical Hologram, to this dimension. After all, they had their own Doctors, so wasn't like they needed a holographic one. They had gone so far as to set up Hologram projectors, all over the entire continent. Allowing the Doctor to appear anywhere, within the city's borders. From outside, to in people's houses.
Then the Engineers... got bored. After all, without the constant repair of the engines. With nothing else to do, the engineers expanded Holodeck technology.
They created more Holo characters, and, Shamefully, the crew used them for manual labor... that is, until it was discovered that the Doctor was not a fluke.
Any program, left running for too long, began to have it's Perception filter break down. They began questioning... everything. Particularly the big questions "Why am I here?" "What is my purpose?" even "Do I have a soul?"
... Starfleet had accidentally created a Sapient species... One which they routinely slaughter, for their own amusement. Forcing them to die, over and over again. Even permanently killing them, by way of deleting the program, when the crew got bored...
Janeway ordered an overhaul, of the Holosuits, as well as the programs trapped inside them.
Most of the Programs were still just Virtual Intelligence, with no true self awareness. So those were redesigned to be operated by a single AI. Essentially, the Holosuits became a game of "Dungeons and Dragons". Where the AI acted as Dungeon Master, controlling the characters like puppets, instead of each one having it's own Holo Matrix.
The AIs that did this, were volunteers, out of the Holograms that had achieved Sapients.
All Sapient Holograms were uploaded with a "Morality Program", similar to the legendary Commander Data.
That was actually a suggestion of a "Commander Data" holo character. Who had achieved self Awareness... as some of the crew, before the situation with holo characters was discovered, thought it be fun to have a few, continuously running, holo novels. One of which, was the USS Enterprise-D, as well as the original, from Kirk's era.
These "Photonic Lifeforms" as the crew has come to call the Sapient Holograms, were wandering around the entire continent. Helping us map it out, and explore.
However, they weren't the only ones with new jobs. Most of the crew, no longer having to worry about the ship, focused their attention on completing Holodeck courses. To qualify for other positions that could be useful. They might have started with no idea what they were doing, but after over ten years, they got the hang of it.
Such as our local zoologist team. We had a problem with large lizards roaming into our village. Though they realized this was actually a good thing.
This dimension had a large assortment of bugs, and reptiles, but no other types of animals. The dominant species was a race Tom Paris named "Mini-zillas", on account of their appearance and size.
They grew to about 4 feet tall, and did actually share a remarkable resemblance to Godzilla.
I will admit, I was worried when we first encountered them. But they are very friendly creatures, with a diet that only revolves around small bugs and berries. They are completely harmless, and in fact, helpful to our colony, as they keep the insect population down.
They come in a variety of colors, with unique patterns. So it's easy to tell them apart.
They enjoy playing fetch, and belly rubs. With many of the crew having taken a shine to particular ones. Though they are still wild animals, and not wise to let into a house.
The Zoologist have discovered they are pack animals. Which, is rather strange for reptiles. It seems our colony was built on their territory... with the ponies deliberately building our homes to not disturb their dens.
This place, felt like home, or at least, it did to most of the crew. They still looked to me, but they recently changed my title to "Lord Mayor", based on a position in 20th century England...
It is becoming more and more obvious... they no longer wished to go back to the Alpha Quadrant. That was a crushed dream, they were no longer willing to entertain.
End Log...
● Later that Day.
"Captain?" Tuvok lifted his vulcan eyebrow at her. That couldn't be anything good.
"Please tell me Tuvix is just playing hookie?" She flippantly asked. "I have enough things going wrong with the festival."
Tuvok retained his Vulcan face. Pity the individual that dares play poker with him.
Tuvix was a clone, spliced together from his two parents, Tuvok and Neelix. It was a rather popular fad, in the beginning of their exile. Couples, that weren't capable of reproducing together. Either from non compatible genetics, or having same sex parents.
The Federation had long since approved such, provided the cloning didn't expand into altering the genes anymore then was needed to have a healthy baby. Although it was done sparingly
The crew... former crew, had done it in mass. As a means of increasing their population, but mostly because their was such a wide variety of lifeforms on the ship. It was inevitable they would couple. Which would usually result in a desire for children.
"Negative Captain," Tuvok shook his head. "It would appear there is some kind of activity at the dimensional Gateway."
Janeway felt her heart skip. Though she tried to remain skeptical. For all she knew, the magicals could be permanently severing the portal... regardless, there was that subtle hint of hope. A truly terrible thing.
It wasn't long after, Janeway and her entire senior staff, was standing in front of the Gateway. It looked mundane, a random archway, placed in the center of town, attached to nothing. Right next to the various government, and community, buildings.
For over a decade, the gateway had been locked shut, with no way of opening it. Yet now, it flickered with light.
The entire village felt their hearts stop, as the doors began to open.
