Tenacious Tabbris: Space Adventures—commentries by Rainbow Dashby SixRollerChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1As always, the large doors of the warehouse closed with a thundering abruptness. Before, the noise would sound a beginning of new day, coaxing a fresh adventure from the unknowing abyss of the future. As much as the ending of one tale would sting Daring, before recently she would know that pursuing her adventures would only put herself on the line, but this was not the case any more, she knew and accepted it; welcomed it even. Just like her recovered artefacts, her past belongs in a museum... fostering the hopes and dreams of young foals; exciting and enticing them with her adventures. Now the true adventure begins: the life of a parent... Rainbow stared at the ceiling for a long moment, letting out a content sigh. It was done, she had finished the series... despite her grievances and issues with Daring's pregnancy, it was still fantastic. Even a couple of months ago, the very notion of her actually finishing a book; let alone reading one, would have elicited laughter from both her friends, and herself. Now she needs more! The fact that she desires more is a success in Rainbow's eyes, at that point she begins wishing (only for a moment!) that she were Twilight, so that she could read freely without the potential for ridicule; even though she's confident that reading wouldn't impact her image to the extent that she previously did, the only way that she could even comfortably consider replacing Daring, is with a similar, and suitably awesome counter-part. As if on cue, the severity of her need for new reading material only truly hits home with the force of a trick-done-wrong as she gazes about her room, a room entirely covered in Daring Do posters, memorabilia, books, magazines, and her own fan-fictions (which only succeeded to temporarily stem her lust for more Daring during the recess between an old, and new book). She decides that she defiantly needs something new to keep her occupied, that's if the structural integrity of the cloud home can take the strain of a new obsession... which it will if she has anything to say about it! "Yo Twi, watch out beeloooowwwwww!" Crash! There goes the new balcony wall... "UGH! Again?! Really Rainbow, I swear you just do this to get my flank flustered." "Yeah well, you're cute when--" "--I'm flustered, I know, you've told me before..." Twilight shot a deadpan look that literally couldn't get any more disgruntled; it's not that she doesn't like Rainbow's upfront behaviour, quite the opposite. But anything that damages her precious library, especially when she's reading on the balcony, gets the evil eye. "You know, you're not as nearly as suave as you think you are, missy. Obviously you want something, so get it out of the way before you break something else..." "Aww Twi, don't be like that. Y'know I didn't mean it..." said Rainbow, whilst simultaneously putting on her most apologetic pout. Something that only seemed to succeed in making Twilight smug. "Yep, and I goaded you into giving me that look, so fess up." "Dammit... okay fine. I just finished the last Daring Do book and I--" "--Need something new to keep you occupied?" inquired Twilight, giving a gleeful look at the opportunity to ply her secondary trade as a librarian, below professional bookworm of course. "Yeah... can you stop finishing my--" "--Sentences? No, but I can help you find that book. Now come on!" Barely any time was given before finishing her sentence, and Twilight grabbing Rainbow in her telekinesis to drag her off to somewhere in the library. Which unbeknownst to Rainbow Dash, was now the more mature selection of fiction, opposed to the 'foals to adolescent' category of Daring Do... Twilight felt that Rainbow was now actually capable of comfortably reading them without her pestering her day and night to translate something into 'Rainbow Dash', a miracle considering that Twilight was the first pony that Rainbow insisted read her Daring Do fan-fic, which was something that she quickly and quite literally: banished to Tartarus. Where is was no doubt read, and then worshipped for the un-holy abomination that it was. "Well, here we are. The fiction section. Feel free to take any that you like Rainbow; shout if you need me, I'll be reading what I was, before you 'entered' the library so abruptly." Rainbow glared intently at each individual book, as if to judge it of it's coolness; barely managing to conjurer the response "Yeah, cool, thanks Twi." "No problem, enjoy." Twilight took the opportunity of Rainbow being occupied to once again find her book, and then promptly hide herself. Now that she was alone, Rainbow dropped her façade of knowing what she was doing. In reality she didn't even know she was flying over to Twilight's, until she crashed of course. The woes of an impulsive mind, I suppose... wait where did that come from?! Probably from those grammar and language lectures Twilight has been giving me after my fic 'mysteriously disappeared' that one time; not that I'm complaining, she so easy to listen to--oh, that one looks cool! No, wait... ewwww, romance. Don't think so! It had now been several agonising minutes since Rainbow had the thought to find a new hobby. Far too long for her to even maintain a train of thought; this endeavour is tiring, fast. It didn't help that she only just decided not to judge the 'coolness' of the book by it's colour and cover-art, reading the contents is so much easier to determine what it's actually about... although she was still admittedly partial to the ones that displayed a 'whimsical and brave heroin' on the front. It took a little more searching to find a couple that she might be interested in Medieval Mare: Feudal Fury, Tenacious Tabbris: Space Adventures, and Stallion Steel: Conquering Empire. The latter was quickly dismissed on the grounds that the protagonist was a stallion, and Rainbow was certainty not a stallion; therefore it was irreverent in her mind. The former was dismissed on the grounds that the protagonist in that book was an earth pony. Now, Rainbow was not a racist; that was unquestionably not cool whatsoever, but in her mind, how could she possibly associate to a pony who was earth-bound? Pinkie and AJ were amazingly cool friends to have; even if they had their falling-outs. But flying was such a major part of her life, how could she not associate with a pegasus the most? That and the idea of going at the speed of light through space sounded amazing, and it might even get her in Twilights sciencey 'good books', it's a win win! Finding a secluded spot in one of the many reading spots, Rainbow laid down, curling herself upon her side as to be able to change the page with her wing whilst having the book just under her nose; allowing her eyes to drift across the pages with minimal effort. This was a technique that Rainbow had perfected, and a true admission to the place reading now has in her life. Having chosen Tenacious Tabbris: Space Adventures to read (not that with the others excluded she had much choice) she steeled herself for the inevitable excitement, or disappointment that the book would provide... Tenacious Tabbris: Space Adventures All was silent in the vacuum of space; the craft rocked furiously without a sound, an onslaught of fire never seeming to cease. The sheer desolation of the humbling void never ceases to amaze. She knew taking a job from someone named only Anonymous would be an absolutely terrible idea, and lo and behold, it was so... Not only that, but she voided the only rule: always settle a deal on a hoof-shake! It was an archaic ideal in the eyes of many of her peers, but it's a virtue that was well set into her mind; one that was a sacred bond of trust that implied a duty that she and her employers knew that she would not fail, lest she die trying. This is why she doesn't have a crew, they always betray, or slow her down; this is why Tabbris always flies solo... *** "Yep, this is for me." Okay, let me know what you think of the progress so far; I promise I don't bite. The adventure will be continued in the future (should anyone care for this to continue), and Rainbows part with diminish as the story progresses, but not to a point where her role will be non-existent. Hopefully you enjoyed this, and if so, please show that you did by giving me feedback. It helps to no end. Chapter 2"Damn it! The external shield dampeners are fading fast! Ugh, escape shuttles... how I loath them. Of course I don't normally find myself in these situations, being reliable and all... What do they even want with me?!" That was the question that has been plaguing her mind since the true intentions of the job were revealed. Why her? In all honesty, the question is not that much of an enigma... when one peruses an 'independent trade' like hers, enemies are made as a mandatory requirement. Still, there's a 'dodgy atmosphere' to this one... Normally pirates just want to board your ship, kill you; then take all your possessions, or worse. But these were certainty not pirates, I mean, the way they carry themselves is, well...fluent. When pirates attack they just barge in out of warp, charge toward you with no thought of their own safety, then try to take you out guns ablazin'. But these guys, well, they just play a whole different game; not only do they actually have a warp vamp--something that doesn't even exist above the shady dealers for the 'conventional' black black market dealers--but they still knew that the drop-off point was, and they were waiting, with a cloak! Which means that they have friends in high places... even worse. "Who are these people? Ugh!, no time to contemplate now, times running out!" "Or is it?" That's when it hit her, at no point during the skirmish did they actually try to actively harm her. Try to disable the craft, yes, but they never attacked anything that was truly vital to her survival. Normally the first target on the agenda is the ability to survive in the aftermath, namely: escape crafts.Clearly this was not the case, and they were far too well trained not to miss such a thing. The only reasonable deduction is that they don't want to kill her, but want to disable her escape. "So lets give it to them." Tabbris had all of her shuttles built with a 'kill switch', which basically turns off all the systems, both essential and not. At which point, the interior filter for her air supply kicks in, and because it's not connected to the ship, it doesn't emit a strong enough signature to rouse suspicion, genius! Or at least, that's the idea... The entire plan relies on her being right on the hunch that 'they just want to disable her ship', because if not... oh to Tartarus with it! *SYSTEMS SHUTTING DOWN* *BLACK-OUT MODE ENGAGED* *HAVE A GOOD DAAYYYYY....* "Well, that's it, no going back now. Only time will tell if Luna is on my side this time..." A sudden book being closed very quickly (and loudly) roused Rainbow from her 'reading' trance, "Rainbow Dash! Wow, you really get into things once get you get started reading, huh?" "Wha? Oh yeah. Before I just used to read out-loud, but recently I've been trying to just follow the words in my head, so I can imagine it better. Despite what you might think Twi, I don't always love the sound of my own voice..." "Ha! Nice one. But yeah, I know; we all know that you don't really. It's one of the best things about you y'know: your 'soft side'." "Aww, thanks Twi." Twilight raised her eyebrow in a quizzical expression, "what, were you expecting me to say 'I'm not soft!'? I know you don't mean harm, and you girls mean a lot to me." Rainbow gave Twilight a soft smile to accompany her own one, which soon sprouted during Rainbow's little admission. Giving her friend a nuzzle on the cheek, Twilight joined her friend on one of the many comfortably sized 'reading area cushions'; peeing over her shoulder, "I see you found one that's to your liking, how is it so far? I haven't read that one yet--as much as it might surprise you, so don't spoil it please..." "Heh, I wouldn't dream of it Twi; I know how much you love to discover things for yourself." Pressing her body closer against Rainbows, Twilight let out a long breath. Who knew Rainbow could be such a great mare to read with? She truly is full of surprises... "Thanks. How does she compare to Daring? I know she's a lot to live up to, that and she has you to compete with for 'coolest mare in all of Equestira'." "Damn straight! Although she doesn't technically live in Equestira. So she can't really compete with me..." Rainbow rather smugly pointed out. "Ha ha ha, yes I know. Although it seems your haven't gotten very far; do you mind reading to me a little, I'm sure it wont be detrimental to my reading experience, and you have a such passionate reading voice. Once you get into it of course..." Rainbow couldn't help but raise her brow at this remark, "Do I now? Well then, guess I'll just have to prove you right!" "Who's amazing? I am!" Tabbris was doing a jig in the shuttle craft; she had lost the perusers. Or at least, she couldn't see them. After all, she had no use of the sensors or any other electronic equipment linked to the ship, but hey, what's the life of a space pioneer without a little excitement?! "Time to test my theory I think..." *ARE YOU SURE YOU WAN--* "Yes, yes. I'm sure!" *BLACK-OUT MODE DISABLED." "Aaaaaanddd, they've gone! Or have they? Yes, yes they have; that's a rock." Self-assured at her once again brilliant plan, Tabbris set her course for the nearest neutral space-port, post-haste; not wanting to get into more trouble than she already is. Not too surprisingly, she's cautiously suspicious to the enemy ship suddenly disappearing. It's almost too easy convenient in her eyes... "The Griffon Syndicate know not to poke their beaks into 'interdependent proceedings' at least; unlike The Provincial Democratic Sisterhood. Perhaps I can meet up with some contacts there, I do need a new ship after all! He owes me a favour, and it's time to collect I think." Tabbris--now with a plan in her minds-eye--punches in the final co-ordinates of the the free space-port of Iian. "This old jalopy better not fall apart mid-warp... Well, only one way to find out! YEEEHAWW!" letting out a cry reminiscent of a legend of the past, she was off into the last; truly vast unknown. Chapter 3To say the stars 'danced' across the viewing window would be an overestimate in their finesse at this point. It would be more accurate to say that they flew past as the speed of a falling acrobat, failing as he hit the ground face-first; that is to say, not very poetic... Anyway, the stars were flailing past at this point. Going as such speeds tends to lend how one sees space visually; big thanks to special relativity for that. "Woah, didn't even know that these piles of crap could even go this fast. Brings up the question on if they can even stop. Hope so..." *** "Oh look, she has the same problem as you Dash!" "Shut up Twi." *** "Hmm, I'll find out soon enough I suppose, Iiam is only a few AUs away." Tabbris mused, the congestion tends to spring up around Iiam randomly; therefore there's a speed limit enforced, and the officials clamp down hard on those violate the few laws of the system. Free ports like this tend to attract retirees from all walks of life as private security, especially from more unsavoury professions; perhaps in the hopes of once again living the glory days. In short, Iiam's security is legendary, and brutal. The gravity 'sling-shot' of the planets aided the ship through the solar system with minimal effort from the engines, as per suggestion of the officials who claim the trail of the engines interferes with certain technologies, that and the ships power was getting a mite low... Travelling at close to the speed of light is extreamly humbling, but when one sees the planets and moons fly past in mere seconds, it truly gives a good point of reference of our minor presence in the universe. Tabbris, now sitting back and allowing the not-quite-auto-pilot-but-more-like-'cruise-control' to do all work. With the all-too brief encounters with the planets of the solar system passing by, both terrestrial and not, and the vast interludes in between which shortly follower. Finally, she was allowed time to think about her situation. She let out a melancholic sigh, this was a companioning situation... with little other worth than her reputation tied to her name, how would she proceed and survive without the means to enforce it? "Damn I've been an idiot, again... I kept telling myself that my run of luck would eventually run out! UGH! Such a fool... I swear, I wont let my pride get ahead of me again. Even if I don't have anyone to not return home to, I still owe it to myself, and my family...", a small tear ran down her eye; the pains of the past never heal; they itch and frustrate below the surface, niggling. *Transmission channel opened.* "Object T9-301, identify yourself and state your intention." "Woah! Caught me off gourd there... uhhh...--" "Object T9-301, identify yourself and state your intention." "Yes yes, I know. Frigate Type-3 escape shuttle; my intention is to dock to seek personal ends." "Wait a moment please, miss..." "Yeah, okay." Miss! What, does he think I'm some sort of distressing damsel?! "Is either your person or your ship damaged?" "No." "Then proceed to docking bay 21-A, have a good day ma'am." *Transmission channel closed.* "Ma'am... why that little--" Tabbris haltered herself and took a deep couple of breathes, "no need to get my rump rustled... I did say I wouldn't let my pride get ahead of me, so I should probably let this go. It's not like him giving me courtesy is going to instantly make me a sissy!" *** "Once again, sounds like someone I--" "Shut it." *** The planet of Iiam drew ever closer by the second; the space-port was clear to the naked eye as she flew deep into the planet's atmosphere; it being visible even from a distance such as this, shows its sizeable mass and viability attested to its aesthetic. It glitters sliver into its black surroundings, as to give a vivid halo that some even came to call the 'Circle of Opportunity'. An apt name for a planet so intertwined with the past--and inevitably the future--of ponykind... and despite being coined 'free' is was rather granted by the homeworld Equus as a whole when the planet was one of the first to be targeted and found through space travel. While this was more of a mutual agreement, it is one that all legitimate standing organisations have come to respect: the sanctity of choice; that it is most prominent here... Needless to say this agreement has acted as a catalyst for both criminals, and exceptional deeds of charity. But that is how it is designed to be. However, this is not to say that Iiam is a lawless state, no, it is ruthless to those who manipulate others to their means through 'foul play'--which is basically everything that isn't agreed to prior an agreement. If the contract says that you agreed to it; then you did. Simple. As she closed her distance, the destination was just coming view, "Ah, there it is. Docking bay 21-A, of sector R-D..." *** "Twi! Did you--" "Yes Rainbow, I did see it. I'm sure it's just a coincidence..." "Yeah well... a cool coincidence!" "Yes Rainbow, it's a cool coincidence..." "Damn straight!" *** Despite the slower speed, the terminal--despite it in comparison being so small to the port-planet--stood out amongst the enormously tall building surrounding it; it's largely flat and shallow build contrasting so clearly with its surroundings on this particularly clear day. Because of her situation, this design choice was a blessing; driving through the layers of traffic occupying the skies of Iiam was a trying task at the best of times. It would be much worse if the destination wasn't such a landmark... Tabbris prepared herself for the decent, "Primary engines disengaged, switching to elevating thrusters; now to pivot around and--OI WATCH OUT YOU RADISH MUNCHER!--hopefully avoid the inevitable idiot pilot..." She shook her head in frustration, the planet of Iiam was infamous for its terrible pilots; since the regulations for a licence here are so lax, the quality reflects that. "Seriously, it's my right of way, you might think they some people you actually utilise their brains, but nooo..." Easing herself down to through the lines of traffic cluttering the high-rises of the city-planet was still an easy task for such a skilled pilot, if not mundane. "This would be so much easier with an autopilot..." and while the streams of traffic have been organised into various layers and speeds due to the massive amounts of accidents of the past: some pilots still choose to ignore the accepted system. "Ah there it is, and good, it looks like they've actually lowered the hanger-door shields this time. Although that's implying they were working in the first place..." Lining her craft up for the no doubt less-than-stellar landing of the surprisingly still working shuttle, she engaged full power to the pivoting and positioning thrusters to allow for maximum manoeuvrability; edging herself closer to the target. "Just a little more power to engines..." *CLUNK* The ship suddenly slammed right into the hanger floor... "Oops, it ran out of juice... well, I'm here at least!"
Chapter 1As always, the large doors of the warehouse closed with a thundering abruptness. Before, the noise would sound a beginning of new day, coaxing a fresh adventure from the unknowing abyss of the future. As much as the ending of one tale would sting Daring, before recently she would know that pursuing her adventures would only put herself on the line, but this was not the case any more, she knew and accepted it; welcomed it even. Just like her recovered artefacts, her past belongs in a museum... fostering the hopes and dreams of young foals; exciting and enticing them with her adventures. Now the true adventure begins: the life of a parent... Rainbow stared at the ceiling for a long moment, letting out a content sigh. It was done, she had finished the series... despite her grievances and issues with Daring's pregnancy, it was still fantastic. Even a couple of months ago, the very notion of her actually finishing a book; let alone reading one, would have elicited laughter from both her friends, and herself. Now she needs more! The fact that she desires more is a success in Rainbow's eyes, at that point she begins wishing (only for a moment!) that she were Twilight, so that she could read freely without the potential for ridicule; even though she's confident that reading wouldn't impact her image to the extent that she previously did, the only way that she could even comfortably consider replacing Daring, is with a similar, and suitably awesome counter-part. As if on cue, the severity of her need for new reading material only truly hits home with the force of a trick-done-wrong as she gazes about her room, a room entirely covered in Daring Do posters, memorabilia, books, magazines, and her own fan-fictions (which only succeeded to temporarily stem her lust for more Daring during the recess between an old, and new book). She decides that she defiantly needs something new to keep her occupied, that's if the structural integrity of the cloud home can take the strain of a new obsession... which it will if she has anything to say about it! "Yo Twi, watch out beeloooowwwwww!" Crash! There goes the new balcony wall... "UGH! Again?! Really Rainbow, I swear you just do this to get my flank flustered." "Yeah well, you're cute when--" "--I'm flustered, I know, you've told me before..." Twilight shot a deadpan look that literally couldn't get any more disgruntled; it's not that she doesn't like Rainbow's upfront behaviour, quite the opposite. But anything that damages her precious library, especially when she's reading on the balcony, gets the evil eye. "You know, you're not as nearly as suave as you think you are, missy. Obviously you want something, so get it out of the way before you break something else..." "Aww Twi, don't be like that. Y'know I didn't mean it..." said Rainbow, whilst simultaneously putting on her most apologetic pout. Something that only seemed to succeed in making Twilight smug. "Yep, and I goaded you into giving me that look, so fess up." "Dammit... okay fine. I just finished the last Daring Do book and I--" "--Need something new to keep you occupied?" inquired Twilight, giving a gleeful look at the opportunity to ply her secondary trade as a librarian, below professional bookworm of course. "Yeah... can you stop finishing my--" "--Sentences? No, but I can help you find that book. Now come on!" Barely any time was given before finishing her sentence, and Twilight grabbing Rainbow in her telekinesis to drag her off to somewhere in the library. Which unbeknownst to Rainbow Dash, was now the more mature selection of fiction, opposed to the 'foals to adolescent' category of Daring Do... Twilight felt that Rainbow was now actually capable of comfortably reading them without her pestering her day and night to translate something into 'Rainbow Dash', a miracle considering that Twilight was the first pony that Rainbow insisted read her Daring Do fan-fic, which was something that she quickly and quite literally: banished to Tartarus. Where is was no doubt read, and then worshipped for the un-holy abomination that it was. "Well, here we are. The fiction section. Feel free to take any that you like Rainbow; shout if you need me, I'll be reading what I was, before you 'entered' the library so abruptly." Rainbow glared intently at each individual book, as if to judge it of it's coolness; barely managing to conjurer the response "Yeah, cool, thanks Twi." "No problem, enjoy." Twilight took the opportunity of Rainbow being occupied to once again find her book, and then promptly hide herself. Now that she was alone, Rainbow dropped her façade of knowing what she was doing. In reality she didn't even know she was flying over to Twilight's, until she crashed of course. The woes of an impulsive mind, I suppose... wait where did that come from?! Probably from those grammar and language lectures Twilight has been giving me after my fic 'mysteriously disappeared' that one time; not that I'm complaining, she so easy to listen to--oh, that one looks cool! No, wait... ewwww, romance. Don't think so! It had now been several agonising minutes since Rainbow had the thought to find a new hobby. Far too long for her to even maintain a train of thought; this endeavour is tiring, fast. It didn't help that she only just decided not to judge the 'coolness' of the book by it's colour and cover-art, reading the contents is so much easier to determine what it's actually about... although she was still admittedly partial to the ones that displayed a 'whimsical and brave heroin' on the front. It took a little more searching to find a couple that she might be interested in Medieval Mare: Feudal Fury, Tenacious Tabbris: Space Adventures, and Stallion Steel: Conquering Empire. The latter was quickly dismissed on the grounds that the protagonist was a stallion, and Rainbow was certainty not a stallion; therefore it was irreverent in her mind. The former was dismissed on the grounds that the protagonist in that book was an earth pony. Now, Rainbow was not a racist; that was unquestionably not cool whatsoever, but in her mind, how could she possibly associate to a pony who was earth-bound? Pinkie and AJ were amazingly cool friends to have; even if they had their falling-outs. But flying was such a major part of her life, how could she not associate with a pegasus the most? That and the idea of going at the speed of light through space sounded amazing, and it might even get her in Twilights sciencey 'good books', it's a win win! Finding a secluded spot in one of the many reading spots, Rainbow laid down, curling herself upon her side as to be able to change the page with her wing whilst having the book just under her nose; allowing her eyes to drift across the pages with minimal effort. This was a technique that Rainbow had perfected, and a true admission to the place reading now has in her life. Having chosen Tenacious Tabbris: Space Adventures to read (not that with the others excluded she had much choice) she steeled herself for the inevitable excitement, or disappointment that the book would provide... Tenacious Tabbris: Space Adventures All was silent in the vacuum of space; the craft rocked furiously without a sound, an onslaught of fire never seeming to cease. The sheer desolation of the humbling void never ceases to amaze. She knew taking a job from someone named only Anonymous would be an absolutely terrible idea, and lo and behold, it was so... Not only that, but she voided the only rule: always settle a deal on a hoof-shake! It was an archaic ideal in the eyes of many of her peers, but it's a virtue that was well set into her mind; one that was a sacred bond of trust that implied a duty that she and her employers knew that she would not fail, lest she die trying. This is why she doesn't have a crew, they always betray, or slow her down; this is why Tabbris always flies solo... *** "Yep, this is for me." Okay, let me know what you think of the progress so far; I promise I don't bite. The adventure will be continued in the future (should anyone care for this to continue), and Rainbows part with diminish as the story progresses, but not to a point where her role will be non-existent. Hopefully you enjoyed this, and if so, please show that you did by giving me feedback. It helps to no end.
Chapter 2"Damn it! The external shield dampeners are fading fast! Ugh, escape shuttles... how I loath them. Of course I don't normally find myself in these situations, being reliable and all... What do they even want with me?!" That was the question that has been plaguing her mind since the true intentions of the job were revealed. Why her? In all honesty, the question is not that much of an enigma... when one peruses an 'independent trade' like hers, enemies are made as a mandatory requirement. Still, there's a 'dodgy atmosphere' to this one... Normally pirates just want to board your ship, kill you; then take all your possessions, or worse. But these were certainty not pirates, I mean, the way they carry themselves is, well...fluent. When pirates attack they just barge in out of warp, charge toward you with no thought of their own safety, then try to take you out guns ablazin'. But these guys, well, they just play a whole different game; not only do they actually have a warp vamp--something that doesn't even exist above the shady dealers for the 'conventional' black black market dealers--but they still knew that the drop-off point was, and they were waiting, with a cloak! Which means that they have friends in high places... even worse. "Who are these people? Ugh!, no time to contemplate now, times running out!" "Or is it?" That's when it hit her, at no point during the skirmish did they actually try to actively harm her. Try to disable the craft, yes, but they never attacked anything that was truly vital to her survival. Normally the first target on the agenda is the ability to survive in the aftermath, namely: escape crafts.Clearly this was not the case, and they were far too well trained not to miss such a thing. The only reasonable deduction is that they don't want to kill her, but want to disable her escape. "So lets give it to them." Tabbris had all of her shuttles built with a 'kill switch', which basically turns off all the systems, both essential and not. At which point, the interior filter for her air supply kicks in, and because it's not connected to the ship, it doesn't emit a strong enough signature to rouse suspicion, genius! Or at least, that's the idea... The entire plan relies on her being right on the hunch that 'they just want to disable her ship', because if not... oh to Tartarus with it! *SYSTEMS SHUTTING DOWN* *BLACK-OUT MODE ENGAGED* *HAVE A GOOD DAAYYYYY....* "Well, that's it, no going back now. Only time will tell if Luna is on my side this time..." A sudden book being closed very quickly (and loudly) roused Rainbow from her 'reading' trance, "Rainbow Dash! Wow, you really get into things once get you get started reading, huh?" "Wha? Oh yeah. Before I just used to read out-loud, but recently I've been trying to just follow the words in my head, so I can imagine it better. Despite what you might think Twi, I don't always love the sound of my own voice..." "Ha! Nice one. But yeah, I know; we all know that you don't really. It's one of the best things about you y'know: your 'soft side'." "Aww, thanks Twi." Twilight raised her eyebrow in a quizzical expression, "what, were you expecting me to say 'I'm not soft!'? I know you don't mean harm, and you girls mean a lot to me." Rainbow gave Twilight a soft smile to accompany her own one, which soon sprouted during Rainbow's little admission. Giving her friend a nuzzle on the cheek, Twilight joined her friend on one of the many comfortably sized 'reading area cushions'; peeing over her shoulder, "I see you found one that's to your liking, how is it so far? I haven't read that one yet--as much as it might surprise you, so don't spoil it please..." "Heh, I wouldn't dream of it Twi; I know how much you love to discover things for yourself." Pressing her body closer against Rainbows, Twilight let out a long breath. Who knew Rainbow could be such a great mare to read with? She truly is full of surprises... "Thanks. How does she compare to Daring? I know she's a lot to live up to, that and she has you to compete with for 'coolest mare in all of Equestira'." "Damn straight! Although she doesn't technically live in Equestira. So she can't really compete with me..." Rainbow rather smugly pointed out. "Ha ha ha, yes I know. Although it seems your haven't gotten very far; do you mind reading to me a little, I'm sure it wont be detrimental to my reading experience, and you have a such passionate reading voice. Once you get into it of course..." Rainbow couldn't help but raise her brow at this remark, "Do I now? Well then, guess I'll just have to prove you right!" "Who's amazing? I am!" Tabbris was doing a jig in the shuttle craft; she had lost the perusers. Or at least, she couldn't see them. After all, she had no use of the sensors or any other electronic equipment linked to the ship, but hey, what's the life of a space pioneer without a little excitement?! "Time to test my theory I think..." *ARE YOU SURE YOU WAN--* "Yes, yes. I'm sure!" *BLACK-OUT MODE DISABLED." "Aaaaaanddd, they've gone! Or have they? Yes, yes they have; that's a rock." Self-assured at her once again brilliant plan, Tabbris set her course for the nearest neutral space-port, post-haste; not wanting to get into more trouble than she already is. Not too surprisingly, she's cautiously suspicious to the enemy ship suddenly disappearing. It's almost too easy convenient in her eyes... "The Griffon Syndicate know not to poke their beaks into 'interdependent proceedings' at least; unlike The Provincial Democratic Sisterhood. Perhaps I can meet up with some contacts there, I do need a new ship after all! He owes me a favour, and it's time to collect I think." Tabbris--now with a plan in her minds-eye--punches in the final co-ordinates of the the free space-port of Iian. "This old jalopy better not fall apart mid-warp... Well, only one way to find out! YEEEHAWW!" letting out a cry reminiscent of a legend of the past, she was off into the last; truly vast unknown.
Chapter 3To say the stars 'danced' across the viewing window would be an overestimate in their finesse at this point. It would be more accurate to say that they flew past as the speed of a falling acrobat, failing as he hit the ground face-first; that is to say, not very poetic... Anyway, the stars were flailing past at this point. Going as such speeds tends to lend how one sees space visually; big thanks to special relativity for that. "Woah, didn't even know that these piles of crap could even go this fast. Brings up the question on if they can even stop. Hope so..." *** "Oh look, she has the same problem as you Dash!" "Shut up Twi." *** "Hmm, I'll find out soon enough I suppose, Iiam is only a few AUs away." Tabbris mused, the congestion tends to spring up around Iiam randomly; therefore there's a speed limit enforced, and the officials clamp down hard on those violate the few laws of the system. Free ports like this tend to attract retirees from all walks of life as private security, especially from more unsavoury professions; perhaps in the hopes of once again living the glory days. In short, Iiam's security is legendary, and brutal. The gravity 'sling-shot' of the planets aided the ship through the solar system with minimal effort from the engines, as per suggestion of the officials who claim the trail of the engines interferes with certain technologies, that and the ships power was getting a mite low... Travelling at close to the speed of light is extreamly humbling, but when one sees the planets and moons fly past in mere seconds, it truly gives a good point of reference of our minor presence in the universe. Tabbris, now sitting back and allowing the not-quite-auto-pilot-but-more-like-'cruise-control' to do all work. With the all-too brief encounters with the planets of the solar system passing by, both terrestrial and not, and the vast interludes in between which shortly follower. Finally, she was allowed time to think about her situation. She let out a melancholic sigh, this was a companioning situation... with little other worth than her reputation tied to her name, how would she proceed and survive without the means to enforce it? "Damn I've been an idiot, again... I kept telling myself that my run of luck would eventually run out! UGH! Such a fool... I swear, I wont let my pride get ahead of me again. Even if I don't have anyone to not return home to, I still owe it to myself, and my family...", a small tear ran down her eye; the pains of the past never heal; they itch and frustrate below the surface, niggling. *Transmission channel opened.* "Object T9-301, identify yourself and state your intention." "Woah! Caught me off gourd there... uhhh...--" "Object T9-301, identify yourself and state your intention." "Yes yes, I know. Frigate Type-3 escape shuttle; my intention is to dock to seek personal ends." "Wait a moment please, miss..." "Yeah, okay." Miss! What, does he think I'm some sort of distressing damsel?! "Is either your person or your ship damaged?" "No." "Then proceed to docking bay 21-A, have a good day ma'am." *Transmission channel closed.* "Ma'am... why that little--" Tabbris haltered herself and took a deep couple of breathes, "no need to get my rump rustled... I did say I wouldn't let my pride get ahead of me, so I should probably let this go. It's not like him giving me courtesy is going to instantly make me a sissy!" *** "Once again, sounds like someone I--" "Shut it." *** The planet of Iiam drew ever closer by the second; the space-port was clear to the naked eye as she flew deep into the planet's atmosphere; it being visible even from a distance such as this, shows its sizeable mass and viability attested to its aesthetic. It glitters sliver into its black surroundings, as to give a vivid halo that some even came to call the 'Circle of Opportunity'. An apt name for a planet so intertwined with the past--and inevitably the future--of ponykind... and despite being coined 'free' is was rather granted by the homeworld Equus as a whole when the planet was one of the first to be targeted and found through space travel. While this was more of a mutual agreement, it is one that all legitimate standing organisations have come to respect: the sanctity of choice; that it is most prominent here... Needless to say this agreement has acted as a catalyst for both criminals, and exceptional deeds of charity. But that is how it is designed to be. However, this is not to say that Iiam is a lawless state, no, it is ruthless to those who manipulate others to their means through 'foul play'--which is basically everything that isn't agreed to prior an agreement. If the contract says that you agreed to it; then you did. Simple. As she closed her distance, the destination was just coming view, "Ah, there it is. Docking bay 21-A, of sector R-D..." *** "Twi! Did you--" "Yes Rainbow, I did see it. I'm sure it's just a coincidence..." "Yeah well... a cool coincidence!" "Yes Rainbow, it's a cool coincidence..." "Damn straight!" *** Despite the slower speed, the terminal--despite it in comparison being so small to the port-planet--stood out amongst the enormously tall building surrounding it; it's largely flat and shallow build contrasting so clearly with its surroundings on this particularly clear day. Because of her situation, this design choice was a blessing; driving through the layers of traffic occupying the skies of Iiam was a trying task at the best of times. It would be much worse if the destination wasn't such a landmark... Tabbris prepared herself for the decent, "Primary engines disengaged, switching to elevating thrusters; now to pivot around and--OI WATCH OUT YOU RADISH MUNCHER!--hopefully avoid the inevitable idiot pilot..." She shook her head in frustration, the planet of Iiam was infamous for its terrible pilots; since the regulations for a licence here are so lax, the quality reflects that. "Seriously, it's my right of way, you might think they some people you actually utilise their brains, but nooo..." Easing herself down to through the lines of traffic cluttering the high-rises of the city-planet was still an easy task for such a skilled pilot, if not mundane. "This would be so much easier with an autopilot..." and while the streams of traffic have been organised into various layers and speeds due to the massive amounts of accidents of the past: some pilots still choose to ignore the accepted system. "Ah there it is, and good, it looks like they've actually lowered the hanger-door shields this time. Although that's implying they were working in the first place..." Lining her craft up for the no doubt less-than-stellar landing of the surprisingly still working shuttle, she engaged full power to the pivoting and positioning thrusters to allow for maximum manoeuvrability; edging herself closer to the target. "Just a little more power to engines..." *CLUNK* The ship suddenly slammed right into the hanger floor... "Oops, it ran out of juice... well, I'm here at least!"
