Gateway to Harmony

A sharp throbbing pain stung my abdomen as to I came to consciousness. My vision blurred and hearing suppressed made me blind to the rest of the world. I began to regain feeling in my body as I noticed I had been tied down to a mattress. Leather straps and buckles bound me, and except for some movement in my hands I was completely immobile. After more closely analyzing my situation I began to think. Where am I, how did I get here, and why am I tied down. As I ponder this I begin to hear muffled voices approaching the door. Instinctively I fall back and pretend to be asleep. As I hear the door open a pool of sweat begins to form on my forehead. I try and control my fear so they may not notice my being awake. I closely listen to the now clear conversation between the two people.  One of them sounded like a man and rather young at that, the other was female and had a very gentle tone. I listen. “I am deeply sorry I did not contact you earlier princess, I just had no idea what to do.”

“It is ok doctor you did the right thing bringing him here.”

“What in Equestria is it, I mean in my years as a medical doctor I have never seen or even heard of such a creature.”

“I am sorry to disappoint you doctor, but I am as curious of this being as you.”

After hearing this a whole new array of inquiries flood my brain. What do they mean what am I, who is this princess, and where is Equestria? The temptations overwhelm me as a try and sneak a look at the mysterious figures. I slowly squint my left eye to give me a basic image of the surrounding room. After more closely scanning the environment I find that I am is some kind of hospital. After looking around a bit I try and focus on the people talking in the room. I slightly adjust my line of sight so I have a clearer picture of them. I see two figures but they are still too blurred to make out. I open my eyelids ever so slightly more. Although what I see causes my eyes to bolt open in shock. Because standing in front of me are not any types of people. No, standing in front of me where two horses. One grey with a black mane and wearing a lab coat, the other one slightly larger was white with a flowing rainbow mane. Still having my eyes wide open in awe they quickly become knowledgeable of my consciousness. The colt instantly yells. “Quick nurse get me a sedative!” It is not long after I feel a small pinch in my right arm. I begin to doze off into sleep.

1 Week Earlier

“All systems online” An electronic voice echoed through the vessel Ithaca. “Primary objective located, proceeding. Primary objective, re-animation of officer designation Robert (codename: RJ) Bellitto from cryo-stasis for mission briefing. Administering heating panels and releasing cooling vents now.” A blast of cold air burst from the base of casket. A small radiant light began to form inside the chamber. The condensation which covered the exterior of the capsule began to melt away, giving visual of the metallic figure inside. “Activating Nano-suit 1-0-0’s basic operating and biological systems” a small blue light formed in the crevices of the suit. The light started at the base and slowly moved to the temple. “Opening casket number 3.” The glass panel flung open followed by a small spray of condensation and a burst of heat. The figure inside remained stolid for a moment them came to life. It slowly moved forward out of the casket followed by a series of gags and coughing fits.

“You mustn’t take things so quickly captain, you have been in stasis for almost three years." I look up to see the small spherical AI module staring at me. My insides feel as though I had been kicked in the chest by a bull or trampled by a stampede of cattle. I eventually manage to exit the cryo-pod and make my way to the nearest chair. “I presume sir you are aware of the reason for your awakening.”

“Not really, I thought I wasn’t supposed to be woken up until we had reached Jupiter.”

“I am aware, but a sudden turn of events has caused a boost in our schedule. Due to this you must be briefed on your mission before re-entering cryo-sleep.”

“Alright then, let’s get started.”

“I presume you are aware of the Ithaca’s unique qualities.”

“U.S Air Force deep space vessel Ithaca is equipped with a state of the art propulsion system called the gravity drive, which is able to literally bend the fabric of space and time in order to achieve light speed. There is only one other ship in existence equipped with this technology but its location is unknown except to a select few.”

“Good to see you were paying attention. Now here is your briefing. This voyage is the first official field test of the gravity drive. Your mission, simple enough, is to travel a minimum safe distance from any civilized inter-planetary colony in the system, and when prepared fire the gravity drive. The calculations if correct should have the gravity drive take us directly to outpost 17B which is orbiting one of the moons of Saturn. Any questions”

“Yea um… what do you mean if the calculations are correct?”

“There is always the possibility in a mission like this for error. I simply took that probability however slim and included that variable in the equation.”

“Look robot, I did not sign up for any suicide mission. I was promised a ride home.”

“There is no need to worry, I assure you. The percentage rate of the mission being a failure is less than 5%.”

“So it is possible we will fail and be sucked into an inter-dimensional pit of darkness.” I say rather nervously.

“Like I said it is highly unlikely.”

“But possible.” The AI hesitated.

“Yes.” I pondered for several moments before responding.

“Well I guess it is too late to be having second thoughts now. Is that all on the briefing?”

“Yes sir. I do believe that you are now fully informed on your duty aboard this vessel. You may now re-enter cryo-sleep.”

I shake my head in agreement as I gradually walk back toward to capsule. I step inside locking the boots of my Nano-suit in the braces on the base of the pod. I lay back as the tubular glass panel slowly lowers down until it is parallel to my face. I take a deep breath and let the cold air fill my lungs as I lose consciousness. This would be my last memory aboard the Ithaca.