The Eclipse Civil War

Vox Populi

Fenrir and Arceus were moving on a rapid, yet calm pace. They were about to meet with their advisors in a private meeting room to discuss the situation of the supposed pirate ships. Ever since the president learned that equestrians inhabited the planet, he knew it would have been an exception. Because the scout plane sent had the mission to discover a planet, preferably not inhabited. so that it could be conquered by them. Letting alone the fact that that scout must have had some pretty dumb luck finding the planet, his union was growing fast, really fast. He had to find more land, otherwise not only there would be consequences, but he may risk his master plan not taking place.

The way the two wolves walked was a contrast of serenity, yet urgency. Because if they, particularly Fenrir, walked in an alert pace, there would be suspicions. Suspicions that they do not have full control of the situation. The president was in no need of such suspicions. He needed total control, or else who knows what could happen. However, the fact that a group of elite pirates,  equipped with advanced optical camouflage and really good combat hardware and also special training, showed up in ‘lost’ territory, made Fenrir uncomfortable, not to mention a 15 minute presence around the planet. Thank goodness for no survivors. The question was: who gave them the coordinates?

“Fenrir, what are you going to say at the meeting? What would you suggest?” The familiar voice of his friend snapped Fenrir out of trail of thought.

“We will see, but right now, I am afraid that we have done the stupidest mistake of overestimating our reliability of very own crew. We should move faster, Arceus. fitting that we should plan and revise from now. I want this meeting to use the whole time.” Fenrir replied, raising the pace.

“True. I have made a throughout analysis and a brief report regarding the three ships. Currently there is not activity in the sector.” Arceus replied, sharing his friends feelings of urgency.

“I see. Do we have a clear confirmation that they are rogue pirates?” Fenrir asked back.

“Unfortunately, they could not have entered the sector unless they used they warped in.” Arceus responded.

“Why is that?” The President asked with an expression of pure confusion.

“There is a cloud of self-concentrated energetic photons that does not allow ships to fly pass it. Its location is well beyond the current imposed sector limits. Everything trying to pass will have the hull disintegrated, if the speed is too slow. It cannot be seen by the naked eye, and neither with the visor unless linked with the ships main computer system.” Arceus supported his statement.

“Give me that report.” Fenrir snapped.

As Arceus gave the report, Fenrir had a lingering thought of stopping into his tracks and make the meeting in the hallway, listened to his friend with great interest. This was telling in his face that there was a leakage of information, specifically the coordinates of this planet. The fear of an insider agent on the Selsius was increasing more and more. They had to do something about it. Not only that Fenrir hated spies more than treachery, but this ship contains some of the most classified information his union ever had, especially regarding the Equestria. The last thing he wants is a leakage to the press or worse, his enemies.

As they continued talking they have finally arrived at the meeting room. The meeting room was a decent sized, round room, with only a round table, with supports made out of metal and the rest was made out of finely made, slightly green, crystal glass. The table was surrounded by chairs that looked like some business chairs, rather than simple chairs. They were made out of a rare type of black leather that could barely be found anywhere outside their galaxy. The chairs could rotate and move, as they had wheels under. The room was lighted fully, revealing the contrast of dark blue and pitch black the walls had, however the only light that should be open was the light above the center of the table. Other decorations were holographic projectors that could be seen around the roof, but most were near the central lighting.

Fenrir and Arceus took they seats. The presidents’ seat was similar to the chair on the bridge: more comfortable, and more decorated than the others. Same with the one Arceus was sitting on, it was the second most decorated of all. The rest looked the same. As Fenrir waited for the advisors to come, he swiped the table with the side of his hand and revealed the documents the table was hiding. This was more than a table, it was an entire computer. A highlighted border came in visual, marking the space the President was allowed to use, visible. Even though the space given could be used, the space outside could not be used by no one due to fingerprint security. Only the president could, if he wanted full control of the table.  The table had all the information stored in its memory. Because there was a cloud network inside the ship, he had all the information on his table. They also had external universal internet, because of the infinite numbers of satellites spread throughout the universe and because of the future-generation antennae. But this access could be blocked, either at a small scale, like one computer, or on a wide scale, like the entire ship. Arceus and those beyond him only had access to this.

“Where are they?” Fenrir asked, impatient seeing this as an opportunity to organize his documents better.

“I think they are still preparing.” Arceus responded as he did the same.

“What? They should be here by now.” Fenrir replied, more impatient.

“No. Just look there, at the clock.” Arceus said smiling and pointing at a clock on the wall. They came earlier than they should.

Noticing this, Fenrir smiled and then it grew up to a short laughter. And his friend joined him in the laughter. However, a monstrous growl came from the room, and the laughter stopped dead.

“What was that?” Arceus asked, with his hand on his revolver. He always carries a personal defense weapon, as every Saurian VIP.

“I think that I should go eat something.” Fenrir said embarrassed.

“Go, there is enough time. I will wait here.” With this said, Fenrir jumped to the canteen. He didn't need any of the exotic food now. He wanted to see how the food everyone else was eating nowadays. After all, he was once one of them.

***

As Fenrir returned from the canteen, after savoring a simple sandwich, he saw that the seats were full, except his chair.

“Sir.” One of the advisors said as he got up his chair and bowed. The rest did the same.

‘These wolves multiply in my absence.’ Fenrir thought as he drifted to his chair.

“Welcome advisors. I have gathered you here today, to discuss the events of yesterday and also the future actions this ship will take, in an attempt to end this local civil war as fast as possible. Without making a large act of violence. You will find all the information necessary inside the tables’ memory. Furthermore, I would like some clear and solid advice on what to do with regarding the recent sightings of the unidentified ships. Let us begin.” Fenrir stated, as all the lights turned off, except the only light source above the table.

All that it was to be seen was the table, and what was around it. The advisors remained silent for a few minutes or so, so that they could analyze the information gathered and recovered. Fenrir waited patiently on his chair. Thoughts about what he said started to linger through his mind. There was also a message from the Universal Council as well. It was very simple:

‘The Universal Council seeks that you, President of the Saurian Democratic Union, Supreme Coordinator and Marshall of the Universal Councils’ military activities, Fenrir Goldengod the Fourth, eliminate this chaotic activity that these species is plagued with while maintaining a complete, absolute and total silence regarding any information of the planet. You are to eliminate the civil war in total discretion by any means necessary.’

This meant that the situation was far more than just a simple civil war. The Council sends messages to him and gives him orders,  but never ever before happened that he was asked to finish something by ‘any means necessary’. This meant that he could easily destroy one side completely, and get away with it, or even being rewarded for doing it. He could destroy the NLR and conserve the government currently in power, but risking the supposed freedom of the ponies who live on the planet. Or he could destroy the Solar Union, and let a new government take the power. Fenrir was not sure if this was the wisest choice. He did not hear the NLR part of the story yet. And while the rebel forces were fighting for freedom, there was no evidence to suggest that there is no democracy inside the SE either, which made things worse.

“Sir? We are ready to give you our advice.” One of the 10 wolves spoke.

“I’m listening.”

“Sir, I have consulted my colleagues regarding the situation the Selsius is in. We came up with 3 options: The first option is to enforce the sector security level, by deploying the necessary equipment for maintaining a secure sector that will forbid any unauthorized warp-ins, however this will lock the ship into the sector as it has to offer the necessary supplies for the ships. The second option is to consult ourselves with the Councils’ members regarding the situation, through the usage of a video meeting by means of the universal satellite array. And the third option is to leave the planet in the state that it is and enroll our own research campaign. Furthermore, the resources our planet has will greatly help us understand the situation of the planet, as well as offering some background information.” The advisor ended.

“I see. I want you to give me further detail on why and how you ended to these suggestions.” Fenrir asked.

“Sir, the first suggestion, the one in which we should enforce the security of the sector, was a suggestion based on the fact that the Selsius hangar capacity can host ships up to the size of capital destroyer class. Though the ship is not supplied with them yet, the current level of fleet hosting the ship has in its hangar bay is enough to ensure that no possible warp-ins will remain present more than ten minutes. We strongly believe that the Equestrians are unaware of the actions we are taking in this sector, as our location was not compromised and intelligence shows us that the planet is correctly equipped with the necessary astronomical equipment either.

“The second suggestion, regarding the consultation with the members of the Universal Councils’ members, was made based on the principle that the members may have more experience decisions in this situation. And the third suggestion, our leaving, was taken based as a ‘last resort’ plan. We believe that if none of the suggestion will give the desired outcome, our homeland may be capable of offering additional information and guidance in this situation. However, leaving the planet can result a lack of information in the events that can happen while we are gone, including another warp-in. Yet, if we are to return to Sauria, we will also receive fresh supplies and equipment to further help us in our quest of resolving the situation.” The advisor finished responding.

Fenrir remained silent for a period of time, deep in his thoughts.

“President Fenrir. We await your wise decision.” One of the advisors spoke after a silence that lasted longer than anticipated.

[You know that whatever you choose, there will always be a solution to overcome the problems that are to be faced. But remember Fenrir, the decision you will take can affect the outcome of the entire civil war in the long run, so… no pressure.] Arceus said telepathically.

But Fenrir did not react positively. He remained silent. Arceus was right. Whatever he decides, there would be a solution to the possible side-problem, but the solution may never come on time. He had to take a decision now. Either he enforces, use more resources and return home faster. Or consult the members, and then receive a wiser choice at the exchange of risking a political mess, with his name on it. But then he would know how the Universal council knew about this planet. Or leave for Sauria, making a more suitable preparation of the ship, consult with his own council, and then return to Equestria. But because of how little they know overall, both about the war and those pirates, the evolution of the situation can change in his favor or not. He may even lose important events, such as a public interpretation. Or a raid or even worse: capital ships.

Either way, he had to take a decision in this moment. After a fifth wave of thought, he finally managed to take a decision. Looking at his advisors, he spoke. He chose to take the biggest risk of all.

***

Nightmare moon was in her private chambers, gazing at the eternal sky that will soon engulf the ponies with their sun-loving faces. As she gazed at the stars and at her planet, she saw something that resembled a shooting star. It looked like a shooting star, yet it burst form not moving to an incredible speed in a blink of an eye, and then disappearing completely.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

“Come in.” Nightmare moon commanded.

The door opened and revealed the familiar figure of a scaled reptilian came from through the door.

“Have you seen it?” Salzar asked blankly.

“See what?” Nightmare moon asked, bitter-sweet her tone was.

“Don’t act foolish. The… ‘shooting star’” Salzar replied, aware of the queens’ tone.

“How did yo-“

“Because I saw it in on my way here. That was the Saurian Capital Ship ‘Selsius’. The place where the Saurians keep their command center in the area.”

“I see.” Nightmare moon responded nonchalantly.

“They left most probably to resupply. If they left so early, it means that either the attack was severe. I cannot know how severe, but you have to move fast and takeover the government of equestria, before-“

“Before what?” Nightmare Moons’ tone raised like fire. The situation was a more dire by the minute. Not only that this lizard was putting a heckload of pressure on the queen, but he was beginning to annoy her as well. There was one thing that could stop such an apocalyptic event. The Elements of Harmony. And Salzar knew that.

“I think you know what I will say…” Salzar ended as he turned around and disappeared into the shadows, leaving nightmare moon alone staring at the planet with the dark thoughts of the past.

***

Twilight and her friends finished their training at their normal schedule and were allowed to roam free inside the city of Canterlot. Even though they had that escape. Good thing they were left undiscovered. They could also leave the capital if they wished, but it would be harder to return since the civil conflict affected the transportation and they would have to go through all the security checks. As normal as this was, it was as time consuming as possible, even though the officers do not intend that. Right now, she and her friends had no intention in leaving Canterlot because they still have to finish the training they are supposed to have.

She was on her way to meet with the girls at a café, and discuss their usual days as well as more serious subjects. The Civil war and the aliens who might be floating around their heads right now, for example. She walked at a casual pace, knowing that the café was close from where she was. Although she didn't like it, it was almost inevitable not to talk about those two subjects. Or about her other friends. Even now she still asks herself the same question, ever since the incident happened.

‘If they were our friends, why did they leave us?’

This was just another question that was haunting Twilights’ mind. But as she walked, trying to find an answer to this question, she arrived at she destination. And there was Rainbow Dash, no PinkiePie. The unicorn saw Rainbow Dash waving and signaling to come closer, and so she did. She approached the table where her friend stood and sat down.

“Hello, Rainbow Dash. Where is PinkiePie?” Twilight asked turning her head from side to side in the search of the pink pony.

“I don’t know, she said she will- GAH!” Rainbow dash backed away in surprise as she saw the pink pony jumping out of nowhere.

“Pinkie! Stop doing that!” Rainbow dash responded in frustration.

“Oh, Dashie, You said you like this type of thing!” Pinkie said, cheerful as ever.

“Yeah, but not on me!” Rainbow dash responded, still recovering from the shock.

“Really? I don’t remember that. Anyway, what’s up? Except the sky, of course. And the clouds. And the sun.”

“Nothing much.” Twilight sighed.

“Yeah, unfortunately there is so much going on in the city, that we don’t know what is up and down.” Rainbow dash said, laughing at what she just said.

The two ponies remained silent. Ever since they were betrayed, Pinkie entered in a deep depression, blaming herself for what happened. They did their best in helping her get out of this state. But every time her friends were mentioned, it would make it only worse. It appeared that she ultimately got over it, and that they could talk about the war and related stuff to it, but not to mention her friends because it would return her to her depressed state. Twilight realized that Pinkies’ depression was characterized by long, flat hair and a negative, hostile, closed in behavior.

“So? What is todays’ problem?” Pinkie asked, eagerly waiting for the opportunity to bring smiles.

“Don’t you think Princess Celestia is doing nothing against those rebels? I mean except the waves of guards, and the obvious belief that ‘Celestia is right, Nightmare Moon is wrong’ thing, I haven’t seen her doing anything else more special.” Rainbow dash started, followed by a silent repetition of her name from Twilight.

Pinkie Pie was silent for a minute. Normally, she would have a hoof under her chin. But this time was different, she was staring at the table, her face was hidden under her, curiously, still curly hair. When suddenly:

“Yeah! I think we should make something to tell her that we want war! That we want our Princess to stay!” Pinkie said, cooling her friends with her determination.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “And what should it be?”

“I don’t know, something loud! Loud enough that even Ponyville would hear us! No. Something so loud that all of Equestria would hear us!”

“Maybe not something that loud but, maybe something loud enough so that the princesses would hear us but, silent enough not to blow everyponies ear.” Twilight said, while thinking of a solution to the risen problem.

“Yeah, but what? I can’t think of anything.” Rainbow said while sipping from her cider.

“Oh! I know! A concert!” Pinkie responded.

“A concert?” Twilight said, followed by Rainbows’ confused stare.

“Yeah! It’s not too loud, but it’s loud enough to be heard by the princess!” Pinkie argued smiling as usual.

After her friends gave it a thought, they agreed. And before they knew it, they already planned what each will do. Where the concert would be and when it will be.