Project Gaia : The Arrival of Humanity

by NicieLunar

Chapter 20 : Research

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"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds love and compassion would have built the defenses of peace."

- Maha Thray Sithu


Gallopinghost Island, Peurto Cabelloat. June 26th 2038.

Princess Celestia strode through the opulent corridors of the Convocation of Creatures castle, her golden horseshoes echoing softly on the polished marble floor. The hallway was a testament to millennia of history, with walls adorned by intricate carvings and vibrant mosaics that told the story of the world’s many species. From their humble beginnings as hunter-gatherers to the rise of grand civilizations, every scene depicted a tale of perseverance and triumph. Griffons soaring above mountains, Ponies tilling fertile plains, and Kirin crafting the first magical forges—it was a visual chronicle of the diverse cultures that had shaped this world.

The towering ceilings were adorned with chandeliers made of glimmering gemstones, each glowing with soft magical light. Massive stained-glass windows filtered sunlight into brilliant hues of green, blue, and gold, casting ever-shifting patterns across the red-carpeted floor. This castle was the heart of diplomacy in Equseru—the Convocation of Creatures, a gathering place for leaders to discuss peace, unity, and crises. It was this world’s equivalent to the United Nations.

Celestia entered the grand hall, her eyes scanning the enormous round table surrounded by representatives of the world’s species. Griffonian banners depicting talons clutching laurels hung beside the proud crest of the Kirin Dynasty. Flags of Yakyakistan, with their intricate yak embroidery, fluttered alongside the regal sigils of Hippogriffia. The room was alive with hushed whispers as leaders exchanged speculations about the urgent meeting called by the Solar Princess. When Celestia finally sit in her seat, the chatter ceased, and all eyes turned to her.

Seated around the table were an array of figures: Emperor Magnus Ironclaw of the Griffonian Empire, his piercing golden eyes a reflection of centuries of imperial ambition; Empress Rain Shine of the Kirin Dynasty, her horn crowned with delicate crystals that shimmered with latent magic; King Khufu of Abyssinia, his feline form exuding a mix of elegance and wariness; and Sultan Rashid Al-Majeed of Saddle Arabia, whose gilded armor was a testament to his kingdom’s wealth and martial prowess. Among them were representatives of Yakyakistan, Olenia, Diamonica, and many others.

Queen Novo of Hippogriffia was the first to break the silence. Her voice carried an elegant authority. "Princess Celestia, what is the meaning of this emergency summons? What danger has arisen so suddenly?"

Celestia took a deep breath before speaking, her tone calm yet heavy with concern. "My fellow leaders, a grave matter has come to my attention. Several weeks ago, my sister, Princess Luna, detected the presence of a new species while patrolling the dream realm. This species is... unlike any we have encountered before."

The room erupted into murmurs. Some leaders leaned closer, intrigued, while others folded their arms, skeptical.

"They stand upright on two legs, much like the Minotaurs of the western chiefdoms,” Celestia began, her voice carrying across the hall. “Their torsos are relatively slim, and they lack tails, though their posture is remarkably balanced. Their arms are long and resemble those of a Centaur, ending in dexterous hands with five distinct fingers. They appear to be mammalian in origin, as their skin is smooth and without scales, though some have patches of hair on their heads, faces, and occasionally on other parts of their bodies.” Celestia explained.

Celestia continued, “These creatures have built strange settlements in Southwestern Equestria, and their actions have polluted the land. When the Royal Guard approached, a confrontation ensued, resulting in tragic fatalities. Additionally, these creatures possess technologies unlike anything we have seen—metal constructs that fly without wings and carts that move without steeds. Their language is alien, and their motives remain unknown."

The hall erupted into murmurs of confusion and intrigue. Emperor Magnus spoke first, his voice sharp. “We have encountered them as well. In the eastern mountains of Griffonia, they have claimed fertile lands. My... raider units dealt with them decisively.” His smirk was met with disapproving glances, as the term “raider units” was a thin veil for sanctioned banditry.

The leader of Yakyakistan, Chief Thunderhoof, slammed his massive hoof on the table, his voice booming across the hall. "Yaks also see these creatures! Northeastern forests cut down recklessly. Clan warriors drive them out! Yaks protect Yakland!"

Others expressed more measured responses. Empress Rain Shine of the Kirin Dynasty and King Khufu of Abyssinia both reported sightings in their territories.
"We’ve seen them as well," said Empress Rain Shine, her calm voice a contrast to the rising tension. "However, we chose patience. Our scouts reported no immediate hostility, and we believe peaceful contact might still be an option."

King Khufu nodded. "The same applies in Abyssinia. Their language is strange, but if we take the time to decipher it, there may be an opportunity for diplomacy."

Sultan Rashid of Saddle Arabia scoffed.
"Diplomacy? My son led an expedition to investigate them. These barbarians attacked without provocation, injuring my heir! No, Princess Celestia, these creatures are savages and must be dealt with accordingly."

Chieftain Zuberi of Zebrica stood in quiet defiance of Kadir’s accusations.
"Not all of us share your experience, Sultan. A Zebrican tribe in the Southeastern desert made peaceful contact. Though communication is difficult, it is not impossible. We should consider this."

The room erupted into a heated debate, with voices rising in tension. Celestia raised a hoof, her magic amplifying her voice to restore order. "My friends, I called this meeting not to stoke divisions but to urge unity. These creatures, wherever they hail from, are appearing in all our lands. We must understand them—their origins, their intentions, and their purpose. Violence must not be our first response."

King Thistle of Olenia, however, stood firm in opposition. "Princess, I respect your wisdom, but my kingdom’s safety comes first. If these creatures appear in Olenian lands, they will be expelled immediately."

The room grew more divided as leaders voiced their stances. The Griffonian Emperor and leaders like Yeti Chief Zarok Icebreaker and Centaur Emperor Asmodius voiced similar sentiments, advocating for immediate retaliation and assuming them as a threat to their nation sovereignty. Others, like the Minotaurian Chief and Diamonica’s Dog Representative, urged caution as saw potential in the mysterious species’ technology.

Queen Novo then proposed a compromise. "I suggest a joint operation. Those of us willing to pursue diplomacy can combine resources—linguists, scholars, and envoys—to establish peaceful contact. Those who choose otherwise may defend their lands as they see fit, but we must not escalate this unnecessarily."

Celestia nodded in agreement. “This is a prudent path forward. Understanding must precede judgment. Let us ensure no more lives are lost needlessly.”

Her suggestion garnered mixed reactions, but most agreed it was a sensible path forward.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the meeting adjourned. Leaders who chose peace began organizing their efforts, pooling resources to decode the language of the new species and prevent further conflict. Others returned to their homelands, resolved to fortify their borders and prepare for potential war.

Celestia watched the departing airships and teleportation spells with a heavy heart. Despite her hope for unity, the fissures among the world’s nations were glaring. Yet, as she looked toward the future, she knew that those who sought peace would hold the key to survival in the face of this new species’ relentless advance.

Unbeknownst to them all, humanity’s march was unstoppable, their motives rooted in desperation and survival. For the creatures of this world, the seeds of their fates were already sown—some in harmony, others in chaos.


Gaia, "New Pangaea" Ground-Zero. June 27th 2038.

The sterile hallways of the FOB military hospital echoed with the occasional groans and the heavy, irregular breathing of the injured soldiers. Doctor Trenov Minovsky’s boots clicked against the polished floor as he walked past rows of hospital beds, where dozens of UN peacekeepers lay in various states of agony. Their bodies, burned and scarred, bore wounds resembling third-degree burns. Skin was peeling off in grotesque patches, revealing raw, tender tissue beneath, almost as if a blowtorch had been pressed directly against their flesh. The source of these wounds was not from conventional weapons, but from something far more alien. The soldiers had been caught in an unexpected attack by the 'hostile wildlife' (Now known as native Gaians), and the burns were the result of concentrated plasma that burned hot enough to sear the flesh, leaving it charred and broken in ways that conventional fire could not replicate.

As he continued walking, Minovsky’s gaze flicked over several body bags lined up along the hallway. The unmistakable bulge of bodies inside, their identities hidden but known all too well, made his stomach turn. Among the deceased were peacekeepers, some of whom had been the victims of a helicopter crash. He ignored the body bags and pressed on, knowing that their deaths, while tragic, were a byproduct of humanity’s desperate attempt to survive in a world so hostile to their existence.

Minovsky’s destination was the research lab—a place where science, both ethical and not, was being conducted at breakneck speed. Upon entering the sterile environment of the lab, he quickly stripped off his military fatigues and donned a biohazard suit. The air here was thick with the scent of antiseptic, and the hum of machinery added a cold undertone to the proceedings. As he suited up, he mentally prepared himself for the task ahead—studying the remains of the Gaia's species that had been brought back by the recovery team.

After entering the sterilization room, he was greeted by the familiar faces of his colleagues. Tony Wells, a pragmatic and seasoned researcher, nodded in acknowledgment, while Dr. Sako Bunzo, a Japanese doctor with a sharp analytical mind, greeted him with a formal bow.

“We’ve made some progress,” Tony began, his voice low as he gestured toward the workbench where a dissection of one of the alien bodies was laid out. “The X-ray scans of the natives bones have revealed some fascinating results. These creatures share a striking resemblance to Earth’s equines—Equus caballus, to be exact. But there's more—look at this.” He tapped a screen displaying the skeletal structure.

Minovsky peered at the scan, noting the fine, intricate details. "So, what makes them different from Earth horses?"

"Well, for one, their bones are structurally reinforced in certain places, possibly to handle the unique stresses they endure. We've also found that they’re divided into three distinct subspecies, each with its own specialized traits," Dr. Bunzo explained, pointing to a detailed diagram on the screen.

Tony nodded. “The first subspecies is Equus Unicornis, the unicorns. They have a horn—no surprise there—but it's not just for show. Their horn is capable of generating a highly concentrated plasma beam. We suspect it’s a form of energy manipulation—something similar to how our technology works, but biologically driven. Their bodies are equipped with unique neurological structures that channel this energy.”

Minovsky was impressed, but his interest peaked even further when they moved to the next subspecies: the Pegasi, or Equus Aeronautica.

“Pegasi,” Tony continued, “are winged and capable of flight. Their bones are hollow, an adaptation for lighter weight, which we confirmed with the X-ray scans. Their wings are quite sensitive, though—much more so than anything we’ve seen in terrestrial species. It’s possible that these creatures experience some form of heightened sensitivity in these areas.”

“And the last?” Minovsky asked, raising an eyebrow.

“They're the simplest of the three, but still remarkable. Equus Terra ponies have greater muscle mass and significantly denser bone structures in their forelimbs and hindquarters. They're built for strength, not speed or energy manipulation like the others.”

As the team continued to examine the body of the unicorn, Minovsky took a moment to absorb all the information. He marveled at the idea that these species, with their varied abilities—plasma generation, flight, enhanced strength—could be a missing link in understanding the evolution of life in the universe. This could change everything they knew about biology.

They then moved to the next phase of their work: Living Autopsy

The unicorn was strapped down on the dissection table, the subject was still "alive" but is slowly dying from its wounds, and its body, once covered in golden armor, was now riddled with gunshot wounds, dark blood slowly pooling beneath it despite the medical team's best efforts to stabilize it. A subtle tremor of fear evident in its eyes, though it could no longer move. It had not yet realized the gravity of the situation, though Minovsky knew far too well: this being was still alive, for now.

The creature had been immobilized by a cocktail of paralytic drugs to prevent further struggle. Its body twitches involuntarily because the pain receptors are still active, though it could not resist. Minovsky’s hands moved methodically as he began the incision, cutting through the tough hide with a precision borne from years of experience.

The creature's scream in agony as he is exposed the creature's chest cavity, a flood of blood poured out, staining the pristine white of the lab's interior. Coagulants were quickly applied to stop the bleeding, but the damage had already been done. The musculature inside the chest was surprisingly similar to Earth’s carbon-based life forms, but what was most interesting was the way the lungs were nestled within a reinforced rib cage. The heart, centrally located, beat erratically from the pain the creature was experiencing, though it was protected by the ribcage’s sturdy structure. But it was the creature’s horn that intrigued Minovsky the most. It was directly connected to the frontal lobe, and when touched, it caused the creature immense pain—striking it led to instant unconsciousness, and amputating it led to death.

“Interesting,” Minovsky muttered, making notes. “The horn channels some form of energy, perhaps through a specialized neural pathway.”

They moved on to the next subject: the Pegasus. Its body was much like the unicorn, but with significant deviations. Minovsky carefully dissected the wings, noting their hollow bones and the extended nervous system that reached into them. These wings were not only capable of flight but were highly sensitive, perhaps even erogenous, as Tony had pointed out. The creature’s bones were more fragile in some areas but reinforced in others to support flight.

Finally, the Earth Pony was laid out before them. Its body was strikingly similar to the unicorn’s, but the bones in its limbs were notably thicker, built for greater strength. Musculature in the hindquarters was well developed, making it an incredibly powerful creature.

Once the autopsies were complete, the remains were frozen in liquid nitrogen and sealed in airtight containers for further study back on Earth. The team worked silently, their minds still absorbing the gravity of what they had uncovered. Minovsky could feel the weight of their discoveries pressing down on him.

That night, as he returned to his room, the night sky was hidden behind thick clouds, and the stars and moon were barely visible. The air outside was thick, oppressive—just like the thoughts weighing on his mind. He knew that what they had done would be considered unethical by some, even by the UN Security Council, but Minovsky had long since ceased caring about the moral implications of his work. In the name of science, they would continue to push the boundaries of discovery, regardless of the cost.

As he finally fell asleep, the images of the dissection table, the alien bodies, and the tremendous potential of their discoveries danced in his mind, leaving him restless, driven by a singular purpose: to understand and conquer the unknown.


Earth, New York City, United Nations Headquarters. June 27th 2038.

The moon bathed the city in pale silver light, piercing through scattered clouds. Stars twinkled faintly above, overshadowed by the dim glow of the metropolis. The lights of New York were unusually subdued tonight as if reflecting the gravity of the meeting held at the iconic UN Headquarters. Inside the grand assembly hall, the air was thick with tension as representatives from the world's most powerful nations gathered to discuss humanity's precarious foothold on Gaia.

UN Secretary-General Ryan Fürst, a man whose piercing blue eyes betrayed his weariness, took his place at the podium. His deep voice resonated across the chamber, its somber tone commanding immediate silence.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “we convene tonight to address urgent developments regarding our expansion to Gaia. I am pleased to report that infrastructure development for colonization is progressing smoothly. The second wave of colonists is on schedule to depart by the end of this month. However, we face a significant and unexpected challenge: The native Gaians.”

The room remained silent, but the atmosphere grew heavier. Fürst continued, detailing humanity’s encounters with Gaia’s native inhabitants. “Since the attack on the Indian cement factory in New Hin’d, contact with native species has escalated. While some encounters have ended peacefully, others have resulted in tragic violence.”

The Turkish representative, Süleyman Erten, stood, his expression grim. He gestured toward the massive screen at the head of the room, which flickered to life with haunting images of destruction from the farming community near New Çatalhöyük. Charred remains of homes and lifeless bodies lay amidst the debris.

“Approximately eighty civilians were killed during an attack last week,” Erten reported. “The attackers left behind these.” The screen displayed close-ups of large, mottled feathers, strikingly similar to those of eagles but larger, each barb glinting as if made of steel. “We believe these feathers belong to creatures resembling Earth Avians.

As Erten sat, the Swedish representative, Freja Lindström, rose. She looked pale under the overhead lights, her voice trembling as she spoke. “We, too, have suffered tragedy. In the Tyresta forest near New Scandinavia, 184 Nordic workers were massacred by creatures resembling yaks.”

The screen displayed shaky footage: horned beasts, their fur thick and matted, stormed through the forest. With immense size and strength, they gored and trampled the workers, their bellows echoing like war cries. Lindström’s voice cracked. “These beings fight with an almost tribal ferocity. Their strength is unimaginable, their intent clear—eliminate intruders.”

Sipho Mabena, South Africa’s representative, broke the somber tone with a more hopeful account. “Not all encounters have been violent,” he said, showing footage of striped creatures resembling zebras cautiously approaching workers near New Johannesburg. The strange creatures that are similar to zebras communicate with gestures and vocalizations that, while incomprehensible, seemed peaceful. Their bright, intelligent eyes and vibrant stripes were unlike anything seen on Earth.

“This is proof,” Mabena argued, “that not all native species are hostile. It is our duty to explore peaceful coexistence wherever possible.”

Questions arose swiftly. Indonesia’s representative, Dian Kusuma, leaned forward, her brow furrowed. “Why do these species differ so greatly? Tiny zebras, Giant Garuda, and Hairy bull... How can one world support such biological diversity?”

Jonathan Reynolds, the U.S. representative, adjusted his tie and replied, “Scientists speculate that Gaia is home to multiple intelligent species, each evolved to dominate different biomes. It’s an extraordinary discovery, but it complicates our mission. We don’t know how many such species exist, and each encounter carries risks.”

India’s representative, Rajesh Patel, interjected, “And how do we proceed? Establishing peaceful dialogue is already difficult. With every new species, our task becomes nearly impossible.”

China’s Zhu Liwei shared Patel’s concerns. “In New Zhongguo, workers stumbled upon what appears to be an ancient road deep within the forest. If these species have infrastructure—roads, possibly cities—then we are no longer dealing with scattered tribes but civilizations. Keeping this secret is becoming untenable.”

The chamber erupted into hushed debates. The representatives voiced fears about how humanity’s colonists could endure such threats. Others warned of escalating violence should humanity respond with force. The Japanese representative, Kei Tanaka, brought the room to silence.

“Colleagues, secrecy is no longer an option. We must inform the public of these discoveries. If we control the narrative, we can mitigate panic and prepare our people for the truth.”

Heads nodded in agreement, but dissent remained. Faisal al-Rahman, Saudi Arabia’s representative, shook his head. “I fear my nation is not ready for such revelations. The panic it might cause could destabilize us.”

Brazil’s Lorenzo Lópes echoed this sentiment, arguing, “Some nations require more time to prepare. A rushed announcement could lead to chaos.”

Reynolds countered, “Time is a luxury we don’t have. If we delay, rumors will spread, eroding public trust. It’s better to face the truth now.”

Russia’s Menshikov Andrei cut through the discussions with a stark proposal: “We must deploy military forces to protect our colonists. The massacres in New Çatalhöyük and New Scandinavia are proof enough. Civilians cannot defend themselves against these creatures.”

Rémi Marais of France stood, his voice sharp. “Deploying armies will destroy any chance of peaceful negotiation. You cannot claim to seek peace while pointing a gun at your neighbor.”

Andrei scoffed. “Would you rather your civilians die, Monsieur Marais?”

The argument escalated, voices clashing in a cacophony of fear and defiance. Fürst raised his hand. “Enough!” The room fell silent. “We will vote.”

One by one, the nations cast their votes:

With a clear majority, the motion passed. Fürst delivered the decision with finality: “UN member states will deploy national military forces to Gaia to safeguard our colonies. In addition, joint research initiatives will be launched to identify urban centers and strategic positions. If the worst happens, we must be prepared.”

As the representatives dispersed, Fürst remained by the grand window overlooking the darkened city. He gazed out at the lights of New York, imagining the asteroid that would soon obliterate it. The stars above seemed brighter than ever, as if offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

He whispered, “May humanity make the right choice tonight.”


Author's Note

Guys, should I be held accountable for the war crimes I committed in this fic? 😭😭😭

I don't want to go to jail bro 💀



(Map of countries in 'Equseru'.)

list countries
• Equestria Diarchy
• Crystal Empire
• Kingdom of Yakyakistan
• Diamonica Commonwealth
• Buffalo Chieftaincy
• Thestral Enclave
• Changeling Hives
• Klugetown City State
• Peurto Cabelloat
• Griffonian Empire
• Kingdom of Olenia
• Kingdom of Saddle Arabia
• Kingdom of Hippogriffia
• Kingdom of Abyssinia
• United Clan of Zebrica
• United Clan of Pengland
• Kirian Dynasty
• Maregypt
• Senturyan Empire
• Minotaur Chieftaincy
• Yeti Chieftaincy
• Eastern Tribe
• Dragon Hierarchy
• Polar Bear collective

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