The Royal 3: Orion’s passage

February 5 2012 A.D
Valhalla.
9:00 PM

Somewhere in the vast expanse of the universe, is the heavenly city of Valhalla. A beautiful place that is the closest thing to a utopia.

Located within the city limits is the Valhalla train depot. A place where space trains are stored when they’re not in service.

Walking through the large facility is a cream unicorn stallion with a blonde mane and tail wearing a blue conductor uniform.

A few minutes of walking later, the train conductor entered the area where all the trains were. Some of them were getting routine maintenance while others were not.

It didn't take him long before he found the locomotive he was looking for. A black C-62.

After getting on board the conductor put in a six-digit password which opened up a hidden door where the fire box and the control panel would be located on a normal steam engine. But this was no ordinary, steam locomotive.

He walked into the cylinder shape compartment that took up 1/3 of the boiler. And as expected it was dark.

“G.E, wake up.”

The conductor didn’t have to wait long before all of the lights in the room turned on.

“Good evening, Conductor Enoch. How are you doing?” The locomotive asks in a male sounding voice.

“I’m doing fine, buddy. Remember when central control told you to return to Valhalla after we finish our passenger run in Heaven city?”

“Affirmative.”

“Well, I found out the reason why.” Enoch smiled. “G.E, you’re going to be the first train to go to Earth.”

“…. Is this what you young angels call a joke? Because I don’t like it.” G.E sound unamused.

“No this is not a joke. Mother creation and Queen Gallaxia have requested us to go to Earth to pick up triplets and their loved ones and take them to Equestria. They want to reward them for doing a good job protecting the innocence people of Earth.”

“I can’t believe this.”

This made Enoch chuckle little. He knew the engine would react like this. G.E was way too humble for its own good.

“Come on G.E, you are the famous Galaxy Express, the train of destiny! With a reputation like ours, it’s no wonder that Mother Creation and her daughter would request our services.”

“You are right. When you see Lady Lauren, please tell her that I feel honored.

“I will, good night.” Enoch said before leaving.

After the doors closed, the engine turned itself off for the night.

===•••===
The very next day.
Valhalla Central Station.
10:40 AM

Enoch was standing outside of passenger car number three waiting for the special guests to arrive.

Before he and the Express arrived at the station, he made sure that everything on the train was perfect. Down to the tiniest detail.

The locomotive and the 13 passenger cars were given a good wash to make sure that not a single spec a space dust was on its surface. The interior was also given a thorough cleaning as well.

The train was so spotless, it went beyond the normal 999 standard. Perfect for the journey ahead.

After almost 10 minutes of waiting Lauren Faust finally arrived.

“Lady Faust, good morning.” Enoch greeted.

Good morning.” Lauren replied.

“Do you have your train pass?”

“I sure do.”

After seeing her train pass, the conductor smiled and said. “Welcome aboard the Galaxy Express.”

“Thank you.” Lauren smiled back at him.

“Do you need me to help you with your bags?”
He asked.

“No thank you, but thanks for offering.”
She answered as she put her suitcase and her purse under her seat.”

“All right, if you need anything, the service button is above your head.”

Enoch was about to go to the second car, but then he remember something important. “Your excellency, the engine, the staff and I feel honored that you chose us for this historical journey.”

“I’m glad you feel that way conductor and thank you for accepting my request.” She replied.

Enoch bowed before leaving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi9_j94e2xE&pp=ygUaZ2FsYXh5IGV4cHJlc3MgOTk5IHdoaXN0bGU%3D

A few moments later the train blew its mighty whistle before leaving the station. The long passenger train race down the elevated tracks, reaching its top speed before it took off, flying into the sea of stars.

===•••===
February 6, 2012 A.D.
Manhattan, New York.
3:25 PM (Eastern Standard Time.)

It was a cold, sunny day in New York and right now the triplets, their family and friends were being dropped off at Penn Station.

While their friends and some of their relatives came to the station by taxis, Lydia was the one driving the truck. She and her sister are also going to be heading back to Equestria after she drop off her passengers.

"Does everyone have their bags?" Apollo asks.

“I triple checked; we have our suitcases.” Auntie Deborah spoke up.

“We and your grandparents have everything.” Andrew said.

“All right.” Apollo said before closing the truck’s rear doors. He walked towards the front and said.
“Hey Lydia, we everything. Have a nice trip back to Equestria.”

“You too, Apollo. See you back in Canterlot.” She honked the horn before driving away.

After Luna arrived and the triplets met up with their relatives and friends, the entire group entered the sparsely populated station.

“So, what does Neo look like?” Tyrone asks Artemis.

“Well, it is ten car long train with a large black steam engine in the front. It used to have only eight, but two were added when it was renovated a few weeks ago. And the inside of the train is amazing.”

“I can’t believe we’re actually going to be on a private train.” Claire said as she caught up to Apollo, Tyrone and Artemis. “We’re going to be riding in style! It must be great being a royal.”

“There’s great responsibilities of being a royal as well.” Luna chimed in. “It’s not all glitz and glamour, being the head of state is hard work.”

“I know your majesty.”

It was at this moment when a letter appeared in a cloud of smoke in front of Luna.

“What is that?” Tyrone asks not believing in what he just saw.

“A letter from my grandmother.” Luna said nonchalantly after she opened the scroll. “The train had just arrived; they are at platform number one.”

“The escalator for platform one is right there.” Andrew pointed out after noticing it.

“Oh, so that’s what an escalator is.” Luna said with curiosity.

“We were that close to it? At least we don’t have to walk too far.” Apollo said before everyone rode the escalator down to platform one.

When the triplets saw the train, they stopped in their tracks.

“Artemis, are you seeing what I’m seeing?” Atlas asks in shock.

“The long brown train in front of us? Yes, yes I do.”

“Guys, it looks like we’re going on the Galaxy Express.” Apollo realized before looking at his siblings.

“Heck yeah! We’re going on 999.” Atlas cheered as he and his siblings hi five each other.

“Whoever organized this I want hug them.” Apollo said gleefully.

“Luckily for you she’s on the train right now.” Luna said as she walked over to the siblings.

“Lauren did all of this?” Atlas asks.

“Most of it. She wanted to reward the three of you for what you have done. Mom and I helped out as well.”

Apollo said nothing as he hugged his fiancé.

“I’m glad you like your surprise.” Luna hugged him back.

After they separated the triplets, Stephanie walked over to them and said. “I’m guessing they like their surprise?”

“You knew?!” Artemis ask.

“Well not in the beginning.” She began, as she took her train pass out of her pocket to show her sons. “I asked Luna about the train pass I found in my invitation, and she told me about her little plan. She told all the adults in the family, and we all promised to tell no one else. The only ones that don’t know is your friends, the little cousins and you three.”

“Luna, you’re one sneaky mare.” Said Atlas.

“I have my moments.” The moon empress smiled.

“So how are we going to get on the train if we don’t have passes?” Apollo asks.

“Don’t worry I have them right here.” Luna took three passes out of her purse and handed them out. “Now let’s get on the train before every pony else leaves us behind.”

After they showed the conductor their passes, they were allowed to get on board.

“Finally they are here. What took you so long?”
Stefan ask.

“Sorry, we were having a little conversation that’s all.” Apollo answered as he said down next to him.

“Grandma, it is good to see you again.” Luna greeted as she hugged the older Alicorn.

“It’s good to see you, Luna. Good to see you too, triplets.” She smiled.

“So, you’re Mother Creation, I’m Stephanie Yukon, but I’m guessing you already know that.”

“Indeed, but still, it’s nice to officially meet you. Me and my family has heard a lot about your family and friends. And please just call me, Lauren.”

“Lauren, thank you for arranging this for us.” Said Atlas.

“You don’t need to thank me. After everything all of you went through, it was the least I can do. After all, what’s a better train to travel on then on the Galaxy Express 999?”

“Galaxy Express? I thought we were on board Neo?” Annie spoke up.

“Nope, Neo is back in Equestria. I didn’t tell you otherwise because I didn’t want any of you to spoil the surprise.” Luna answered.

“Oh, that’s why the number 999 is on our passes.” Tyrone said as he examined his pass.

“So, we’re on a normal passenger train?” Claire said.

“A really luxurious one. But that’s not the best part, this train can go into outer space.” Apollo said excitedly.

“Space?! This train going to outer space?!” Tasha said in shock.

“Yep, that’s why this train is so well known in Equestria.”

“I would be lying if that was the most shocking thing I have heard all week.” Nicholas interjected. “But this is a good opportunity to know what it is like to be a cosmonaut.”

“This train flies into space? This is the best day ever!” Patrick cheered.

“Man, if this is the first day of the trip, I can’t imagine what else we are going to encounter.”
Tyrone mumbled.

A few moments later, the intercom system turned on.

“Ladies and gentlemen, mares and gentlecolts, this is the locomotive speaking. Welcome aboard the Galaxy Express 999. Our journey will begin in New York City, USA to Canterlot, Equestria. Before the train takes off, everyone must remain in their seats. I hope you enjoy this special and historical journey.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLYFTxgw948

After the announcements ended, all exterior doors closed, and the train blew its whistle before leaving the station.

After exiting the East River Tunnel, the Express increased its speed as it went down the track while everyone on board enjoyed the view of Union City.

A few minutes later the steam engine blew its whistle as it took off. The whistle could be heard from Miles as the train flew higher into the air.
Catching the attention of people down below.

“My God, we’re actually flying.” Barlow said as he looked out the window. “This is insane.”

“New York looks so tiny.” BJ pointed out.

“The takeoff is less rough than I expected.” The conductor overheard Douglas’ comment and decided to walk over to him.

“That’s because the express runs on tracks made out of ethereal magic. Only space trains like the 999 could run of them.”

“There’s more trains like this?” Deborah ask.

Conductor Enoch nodded.

“I’m never going to get used to this.” Douglas said.

“You can say that again.” Amelia stated.

A little while later, train left the Earth's atmosphere.

What its passengers saw took their breath away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa3c9aVGIaU&pp=ygUhZ3VzdGF2IGhvbHN0IHNhdHVybiBzaG9ydCB2ZXJzaW9u

Outside of their windows was the curvature of the Earth, with its moon coming into view.

“Wow, I can’t believe what I’m seeing.” Stephanie said, amazed.

“It’s beautiful.” Barlow mumbled. “Andrew is this what you saw every time you went up into space?”

“Yeah. The view never gets old. Which is one of the reasons why I loved my job so much.”

“Man, no one is going to believe us when we come back home.” Nicholas said.

“They will believe us when they see our pictures.”
Tyrone said as he took out his phone and started taking pictures with Atlas doing the same.

“I never thought I would see the planet like this again.” Apollo commented. “It is way more beautiful in real life than it was in my dream.”

“I had a hunch that you would say something like that.” Lauren walked right next to Apollo before continuing. “Your guardian angels told me how blown away you and your siblings saw planet Earth in all of its glory.”

“I still remember every second of that dream.” He said. “Tell me, Lauren. How do they feel about our best efforts to protect Earth?”

“Words cannot describe how proud they are.” She said sincerely.

Hearing this made Apollo smile. “What happens now?”

“I think that’s a question your guardian angels should answer. Don’t worry, you’ll see them real soon.”

“All right.”

A few minutes later, the entrance to passage opened up and the train entered the tunnel at high speeds. Confusing most of its passengers.

“What happened?” Grandpa Edward asked. “We were just looking at Earth.”

“Where are we?” Said Maya.

“This is Orion‘s passage.” Luna answered.

“This is Orion?!” Tyrone said in shock. “This place is amazing.”

“So this is the intergalactic shortcut.” Andrew commented. “Hm, I know NASA is going to spend all of its time studying this place.”

“Forget NASA, militaries from around the world are going to be interested in this place. Especially with this new war on our hands.” Barlow looked out the window as he crossed his arms. “It’s sad that a place like this might become a battlefield soon.”

“I assure you, Barlow, a major battle is going not going to happen in here. Unless they are going or leaving from the same place, it’s rare to encounter other travelers. And even if two enemy convoy encounter each other, the fighting will be pretty short lived. The passage is made to help creatures get from one planet to another, not become one big war zone.” Lauren explained.

“So no matter what it will be safe for people to travel through here.” Barlow inquired.

“Precisely.” She retorted.

“Well, that’s a relief.” Maya commented.

“Hey Artemis, remember when you told us that humans and other creatures walked and sailed through the tunnel?” Tasha ask.

“Yes, why?”

“I’m just checking if it will be safe to open a window to get a better look at the passage.”

“I don’t think that would be a good idea. We don’t know if the train will be going back to space.” Artemis replied. “But the conductor will know. Speaking of which, where is the conductor?”

“He’s in the fourth train car.” Apollo said from the back.

“Thanks. I will be right back.” Artemis said to Tasha before he walks away.

He entered the fourth train car, which was a really nice bar. Behind the counter was the conductor pouring himself a drink.

“Conductor?” Artemis said, getting the unicorns attention.

“Oh, hello your majesty, I didn’t see you there.” Then he realized the little predicament he might be in. He put the bottle down before saying. “This fruit punch has no alcohol, if you’re wondering.”

“Ok? Conductor I want to ask you if it’s safe to open up the windows? I don’t want to open them up only for the train to end up in outer space again.”

“We are not going back out into outer space; the train is going to come out the passage near Canterlot’s airspace. It will be a bit windy but will be safe. Otherwise, the windows would’ve been locked.”

“All right, thanks.” Artemis said before teleporting away. “Good news, it’s safe for us to open them.” He announced as he sat down.

“Great.” Tasha opens up her window and immediately felt a nice cool breeze. “Guys, the air out here is wonderful.”

Curious, Atlas opened his window. “Wow, you’re right.” He leaned on the windowsill, enjoying the view and sound of the locomotive. Then he noticed that the train was running on silver tracks. ‘Huh, now that’s interesting.’ Atlas thought.

“This place is unbelievable.” Nicholas commented, getting Atlas’ attention.

“Yeah, it is.” He agreed.

“Atlas, after everyone is settled in can you show us around your castle?”

“Of course, it’s the least I can do. If I don’t, you or the others will get lost, and I would have to send in a search party to find you.” Atlas amuse.

“Whatever you say, your majesty.” Nicholas rolled his eyes. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.” They gave each other fist bump.

It was at this moment when a portal opened up and the locomotive blew its whistle before going through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFajLM_QV4Q&pp=ygUTZ29yZ2VvdXMgYW5kIGd1aWx0eQ%3D%3D

Nicholas shields his eyes from the blinding daylight. After his eyes adjusted, he looked at the ground below which was full of mountains, forests, and plains. Covered in white, fluffy snow.

“Is this Equestria?” He asks.

“It is, welcome to my home.”

The express train flew through air and going through low lying clouds while giving its passengers spectacular views of the landscape. But thanks to the weather outside they had to close the windows to keep all the cold air out.

After passing by Cloudsdale, the train descend and landed safely on the rails. Continuing its journey to Canterlot on the ground. Encountering a few commuter trains and bullet trains along the way.

After going up the mountain through tunnels and going over bridges the Galaxy Express arrived in the kingdom’s capital. A loud screeching noise could be heard as the train stopped at the station.

The exterior doors opened soon after, allowing the triplets’ family and friends to disembark. But they thank the conductor for his services before doing so.

“Thank you for the wonderful trip, conductor.”
Lauren said, giving him a small pouch full of platinum coins.

Enoch smiled and said. “Thank you very much your excellency. I hope you enjoy your vacation.”

“I will. Have a safe trip through the stars.” She said before rejoining her group and leaving the platform.

“This is so weird. I could see every color in the rainbow in here.” Annie said, seeing all the different color ponies in the station.

“Well we are in fairytale land.” Douglas responded. “I mean, have you seen some of the trains in the station? They look like they came from a children’s coloring book.”

“Why don’t you like the trains? I think they’re nice.” B.J said as he enjoyed lollipop he got from the train.

“I’m not saying I don’t like them. It’s just it’s going to take some time getting used to seeing whimsical things like that.”

“If there’s one thing, I’m not going to get used to is people staring at us.” Stephanie mentioned, after noticing a good number of ponies staring at them.
“Like, come on, we’re not some spectacle in a zoo.”

“Stephanie, they’re just curious. It likely that they have never seen humans before, let alone entire family.” Luna reassured.

“I get that, but they could be more discreet about it. New York gets tourists from all over the globe, and you don’t see me staring at them.” Stephanie responded.

“Don’t worry mom, we won’t encounter anything weirder than this.” Atlas said.

“Oh yes, we will.” Apollo chuckled. “Every day is going to be one big culture shock for all of you.”

“You don’t have to tell me and Barlow that.” Maya chimed in as they exit the building.

“So, when are we going to get picked up?” Andrew asks.

“They should be here any minute now.” Apollo said as he checked his watch.

A little while later, the half-track and its almost identical twin arrived.

“You really do have two trucks. How come one of them have tracks?” Douglas ask Atlas.

“So it can handle all sorts of terrains. It was my idea.”

“Good afternoon, every pony.” Otto greeted as he approached the family with Cyclone following behind.

“Cyclone, Otto, it’s so good to see you both again.”
Artemis smiled as he pulled them both into a hug.

“It’s good to see you too, Artemis. Welcome home.” Cyclone said before ending it.

“Family, this is Specialist Otto Von Strike and this is Lieutenant Cyclone Winds, we knew them more almost 3 years at this point. Guys, this is my family and friends from Earth.”

“It’s nice to meet you both.” Stephanie smiled.

“Likewise. It’s nice to meet somepony that we only seen in photos.” Otto said.

“Did you all have a nice trip to Equestria?” Cyclone ask.

“We did.” Luna answered.

“It was mind blowing.” Tyrone said.

“Artemis, should we go straight to the castle or go more scenic route?” Otto ask.

“Let’s show them around before we go home.”

All of a sudden, they heard a loud whistle echo across the area. They looked up to their the left and saw the Galaxy Express flying into the sky.

“I was wondering when that train was going to leave.” Lauren commented.

“So that’s the Galaxy Express?” Cyclone ask.

“The one and only.” Apollo answered.

“Honestly, I never thought I would see the famous 999 in person.” Said Otto, as the space train disappeared through the clouds. “Anyway, leave your suitcases and other bags with us and get inside the trucks. Will handle the heavy lifting.”

“Oh, thank you very much.” Andrew said.

“How kind of them.” Sarah said to Edward.

After everyone was seated, and all the luggage was put away, the two trucks finally left the station.

===•••===
3:55 PM (Canterlot standard time.)
Canterlot Castle.

After spending an hour driving around the ancient capital, the two vehicles arrived at their final destination.

After the castle staff collected their guest's luggage, Cyclone and Otto lead them into the Castle. Most of them were looking around with wonder.

“Ooooh. This place is fancy!” Grandma Amelia exclaimed. “I don’t know what I was expecting, but this place has to be much nicer than the White House.” She turned to her eldest grandsons and said. “Babies, you three really hit the jackpot.”

“Yeah, we’re really lucky.” Atlas stated, a little amuse by his grandma‘s antics.

“Grandma, we’re not gold diggers.” Artemis said.

“I know because I would’ve never allowed that to happen. All I’m saying is that you’re extremely lucky to end up here. If James was still around, he would’ve tried to move.” She chuckled a little.

“That sounds like dad all right.” Deborah spoke.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he never leaves the premises.”

“When can we have some fun? I want to explore this place.” Stefan said.

“After we meet our new family members, then we can explore a castle.” Deborah said to her nephew.

A few minutes later, the group finally arrived at the Castle’s throne room.

One the large double doors open the triplets saw that the main six, Spike the Royal sisters, Nebula, and Galaxia were there waiting for them.

“Hey, every pony, we’re back!” Apollo yelled.

“Welcome back, partners.” Applejack greeted.

“Glad to have you all back.” Spike gave Apollo high five.

Suddenly, Artemis was surrounded by Twilight’s magic, and she dragged into her arms.

“I was so worried; I am so glad you’re back.” She said quietly.

“I missed you too, Twi.” Artemis said, giving her kissing her on forehead.

“Awwww, look at the little colts.” Pinky bounces over to the little cousins and picked up B.J “I have a feeling we’re going to be great friends.”

“Your hair is like cotton candy.” BJ laughed.

“Little sister, how was your time in America?”
Celestia ask.

“It was good. The locals were cautious at first, but after a while they were pretty friendly. Which is understandable, after what they went through. But I have to tell you that New York is a really interesting place. You should visit after everything goes back to normal over there.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“How is it going here?” Luna ask.

“Let’s just say that it was one stressful week for every pony. Despite that we were somewhat distracted, thanks to your upcoming wedding.”

“Speaking of my wedding.” Luna began, taking a glance at her sister’s bloated belly. “Have you been a little busy trying some of the dishes?”

“Only a few starters. What are you trying to say, Lulu?” Celestia pretended to be offended.

“Save some of the desserts for the guest, please.”

“I am. You should be thanking me for handling some of the preparations for your big day while you were gone.” She answered.

“Whatever you say, sis.”

Moment later, Stephanie walked over to them.
“Hello Celestia, my name is Stephanie, it’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise, Miss Yukon.” Celestia greeted her warmly.

“Please, just call me Stephanie. After all, you’re already married to one of my sons.”

“Sorry, I was just trying to be polite.”

“It’s all right, I appreciate it though. But I should be taking this time to thank the both of you.”

“For what?” Luna asked curiously.

“For everything you have done for the triplets. These past three years were the most difficult times me and my family has ever went through. It was hard doing our daily routine was a massive hole in our hearts, but somehow me and Andrew managed. But when our sons came back to us, we were overjoyed, I never thought I would be so happy again. When they told us that you two were the reasons why they still here, we almost couldn’t believe it.”

This is when she was starting to get emotional.

“Celestia, Luna, you could’ve taken advantage of them or left them on the streets to fend for themselves, but instead you took them in, gave them fulfilling careers and made them the happiest young men in the world.” She said before a few tears down her cheeks. “Thank you, ladies. Thank you for everything you have done for them.”

“It was no problem, Stephanie.” Celestia said before pulling her mother-in-law into a hug to comfort her.

“I know we just met, but you don’t know how happy I am that two generous people are joining the family.”

Hearing this almost made Celestia get emotional herself.

After Stephanie ended the hug and dried her eyes, she finally noticed that Artemis standing near her. With his wife accompanying him.

“Mom, there’s someone that wanted to meet you for a while now.”

“Hello, Miss Yukon. It’s nice to meet you.” She said nervously.

Without saying a word, Stephanie pulled twilight into a hug, catching the princess of friendship off guard.

“Just call me, Stephanie.”

Hearing those words made Twilight smile.

After everyone got acquainted with each other, they accidentally stayed in the throne room longer than they attended since they were having a nice time together.

When Pinky looked up at the clock and saw that 20 minutes had passed, she got out of the small crown and yelled. “Every pony, I know we’re having a fun time together. But it’s time for a surprise I have prepared for our new friends. You are all invited to the ‘welcome to Equestria party’!"

She went to the hallway and came back with her party cannon.

“Oh crap.” Apollo said before Pinky fired her canon, spraying confetti and streamers everywhere.

“Follow me, every pony.” She said before bouncing out of the throne room.

“Where in the hell did she get a cannon from?” Tasha said in shock.

“Who knows, that’s just Pinky, being Pinky. She has her moments, but she really means well. Now come on, darling. We have a party to get to.”
The fashionista explained before she walked away.

“Oh, what the heck.” Tasha said before following unicorn.

===•••===
A few hours later.
9:06 PM

In the solar wing of the castle, Deborah was in her son‘s bedroom, making sure that he was comfortable in his bed.

“Mom, why do I have to go to bed now? I’m not tired.” The little six-year-old complained.

“You don’t know it yet, but you’re going to be really soon. We had a really busy day today. We rode on a train that flew through the stars, had a great time at Pinkie Pie's party and we explored the castle.”

“But I don’t want the fun to end yet.”

“I know, but luckily for you we’re going be here for the next five days. Giving you plenty of time to have fun in this new world.”

“You promise?” He asked.

“I promise. Now it’s time for you to get some sleep, young man.”

“Wait, where’s Mickey?” Patrick wonder as he looked around his bed.

“Oh right, I know where he is.” Deborah got up and walked over to her son‘s suitcase. She retrieved a small Mickey plushy and handed it to her son.

“Comfy?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Good.” She kissed him on the cheek before getting up.

“Good night, my little butterball.”

“Good night.”

After that, his mom turns off the lights and close the door. The only thing illuminating the room was a small night light.

Moments later, Patrick fell asleep, drifting off to dreamland.