Author's Note

It's not just the power scale I'll be breaking in these what if chapters. Twilight's personality in particular will be more focused and optimistic compared to her canon counterpart. I plan to turn her into an omniversal level superhero - something we only dreamed of as children, but with the knowledge and maturity that comes with adulthood. We're taking action to the next level.

Phase (What If...?)

On the way down, Twilight noticed the folder under Shining's arm.

"Next mission lined up already?"

"We can handle this one. While you were gone, we received word four people were trapped in a hospital in Nova Star City. They're only a few hours away. We can head out and be back by dark."

"Why don't you let us handle it? I've still got enough energy for one more round. If it's small fry, there's nothin' to worry about."

"You sure? You're not at a hundred percent. Odds of an accident increase significantly under pressure. You should rest."

"Well, we can't both leave. Wouldn't it be wiser to conserve the units we have? It's safer if more people are protecting the base."

"If you rest now, you can protect it better than the privates. Trust me: we've got this under control."

"How 'bout this, then? Grant me clearance to Provisions and Engineering and you can head out while we re-arm."

"Provisions and Engineering? Why?"

"Before we left, Spike told me we should focus on our training. Figured a good place to start would be mastering weapon types. From there, we can sharpen our other skills and techniques."

"How many credits ya got?"

"Enough."

"Sure. What the hell. I'll register your ID."

"You're the best."

On the first layer, Twilight requested the shotgun from Spike.

"I'm gonna ask Flim and Flam for a custom model. Mixing spread with molecular deconstruction tech will work wonders driving back the lain."

"Smart," Spike praised, "I'm heading back to the room. My next driving class should be coming up soon. I'll check the calendar to be sure."

"I shouldn't be long. We'll grab some grub after we clean up."

"Sounds like a plan."

Twilight. Shining, and Spike introduced the Apples to their neighbors, heading further down while the others showed them around. They were assigned the fourth room on layer two, right next to Sunburst, Starlight, and Trixie. Spike followed his sister to the end of layer four. Provisions and Engineering lay just past their quarters.

"Try not to take too long. I'm starvin' here."

"I'll be ten, fifteen minutes tops."

"I'm holdin' you to that."

Spike returned to the side, vanishing into their living space. Twilight continued on, sliding her card between the scanner. The door opened to a modest area stocked with food, medical supplies, and weapons. Flim and Flam stood at the ready, alerted to the warrior's approach.

"Well, Ms. Sparkle," Flim greeted in a mischievous tone, "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"I need some new gear: one custom, two stock."

"Branchin' out, I see. Must be heatin' up out there. What can we do ya for?"

"I need a sawed-off shotgun similar to this model. It's an M-114 10-gauge variant. I also need a sniper rifle and an automatic machine pistol."

Flam whistled.

"That's a nice piece right there. How'd you get ahold of a beauty like this?"

"That's classified."

"Aw, come on now! Can't you be a little nicer? We're doin' ya a solid, after all."

"I got it on my last assignment. New neighbors are upstairs. You can ask them. Now, can you boys handle it or what?"

"For the right price."

Twilight pulled out her phone, opening her government account. She transferred the funds for both brothers to see.

"I believe we're in business now, correct?"

"Well Ms. Sparkle, I do believe so. Come back in a few days. Everything'll be ready."

"See? Now that wasn't so hard, was it? Partnerships can be quite lucrative when they're on the level."

"All right, all right. We get your point. No need to keep bringin' it up. We'll play ball."

"Well then, gentlemen. I'm off. Since you've been such hospitable hosts, I'll buy a snack as an extra bonus."

"Pleasure doin' business with ya. Come back any time."