We, humans, have had a rocky past, but most of our problems and flaws became obsolete before the middle of the twenty-first century. Strong AI, but no machine rebellion. Genetic mastery, but no super virus. Excellent nanotechnology, but no gray goo apocalypse.

That isn't to say it was a totally peaceful time, but climate change, scarcity, death, and taxes were all defeated. With incredible speed, our diaspora began. These tools help us spread across the solar system at a ludicrous speed, even to the nearest stars.

Out ahead of our growth was a wave of AIs and post-humans exploring the stars, building interstellar and interplanetary infrastructure, and terraforming the odd barren planet or moon. I was one of those post-humans.

Then, out of the blue, while I was working in the Hyades cluster, first contact happened. A pony appeared in a magic bubble and fell to the ground. She came to beg for the help of humanity to repel an invasion.

I agreed. I couldn’t do otherwise. It was a chance to atone for my mistakes. I wasn’t sure if I would do a good job. There is a very fine line between saving a world of cultures and destroying them.

Then, for the first time in centuries, I have discovered fear.

My name is Valerie, the First Custodian. This is how the interstellar dice land.

EqG is not cannon.
Sex tag is for discussion and reference to sex. There are no plans to depict it in this story.
Mature tag is for occasional detailed depictions of biology, gore, and violence.