Its 2468, overpopulation on earth is rampant and the need for resources is higher than it has ever been. In an attempt to escape the oppressive rule of Earth, Mars declares its independence, and what follows is a brutal war where Mars is crushed, despite its technological advances and superior shipyards, by Earth's superior numbers.

Despite political attempts by earth to bar Martians from the trip, 30,000 souls step into their hibernation pods and set off for their 80-year journey into the unknown.

Across the void on a temperate planet, the Kingdom of Equestria has fallen and its Royal Family killed in a dastardly act of betrayal. What was once united is now split in two, the Equestrian Republic and the Canterlot Magocracy now rule what remains of the kingdom.

In the Republic Capital city of Vanhoover, a lone unicorn walks down the sidewalk, pausing to listen to a group of ponies gathered around a radio.

Something had been spotted in the sky the night before, and it was getting closer.