Prologue
"Thou art an eagle, thou doest belong to the sky and not to the earth, stretch forth thy wings and fly."
— Paul H Dunn
We know that pegasi were built for flight, high speed and maneuverability. And that they will often take their wings for granted. Not knowing what they have over other the ponies.
Earth and Unicorn ponies have dreamt of flying beside their winged brethren. The first recorded instance is a short poem written by a Unicorn whom rode on the back of a Pegasus. This made the Pegasus incapable of any fast speeds or quick maneuvers, but was the start of earth bound ponies’ quest for flight.
That Unicorn then went on to study in great detail how Pegasi were capable of flight, and made many ground breaking discoveries that without them, any heavier than air flight today would be impossible, though all of it is gliders. The discovery of thrust, drag, lift and weight, and the study of aerodynamics. This Unicorn went on to create many gliders, and learned how to manipulate the winds with magic to greatly extend air time for the glider. The Unicorn also witnessed the first Pegasus to break the sound barrier. After discovering the fundamentals of flight with the Unicorn, the Pegasus was then able to train and experiment to increase thrust, speed, and aerodynamics, by bringing in the legs and wearing a suit that reduced drag of hair and mane. Though mere seconds after surpassing the speed of sound the Pegasus lost control recovered and slowed to a stop. Unwilling to try again, in fear of the loss of life, the Pegasus decided that traveling faster than the speed of sound for long periods of time would be impossible without a fixed wing and thrust system.
Yet this event is what made the Unicorn think that it would be possible to attain faster than sound, air travel. Though impossible with magic and the current technology. Maybe in the future. But at the present time, the Unicorn created the first powered flying machine. A fixed wing glider, which had a propeller attached, to increase thrust. Though this created the first plane to not be completely reliant on the wind, it did cause great stress to the one whom was using magic to turn the propeller, which was crude at best. The little thrust it did provide was not enough to keep the plane from stalling, without any wind the plane still could not fly. The design also did not allow for any aerobatic stunts, as light stress would break it apart. The Unicorn learning this from experience, had the Pegasus not been there as always, the Unicorn surely would have lost its life, and our story would not have happened at all.
The Unicorn continued researching and revising the design of the first plane, with the assistance of the Pegasus, but never attended powered flight for more than 30 minutes. Even providing magic to spin a propeller for only that long, the Unicorn had to rest at least a week before being able to try a new design. The plane could never come close to what a Pegasus could do in terms of maneuverability. Being only able to pitch less than 20 degrees without major stress to the structure, or a roll of 10 degrees. The design also had no way to yaw like a pegasus can, as the vertical stabilizer was fixed and the Unicorn saw no way to efficiently control an adjustable one during flight.
The Unicorn and Pegasus continued working on improving their plane to the day they died, from old age and exhaustion. Before dieing the Unicorn requested that all their work be published, in hopes that one day somepony might be able to build a flying machine capable to rival the speed and abilities of a pegasus.
After they passed away all of their work, schematics, calculations, models and prototypes were stored away in the Canterlot Archives, and forgotten for the next 50 years. During this time the only advancements in the field of flight were the refinement of lighter than air balloons or airships. And it seemed that any memory of the aeroplane, or even glider, had been forgotten.
Chapter One: Unexpected Interest
Chapter One: Unexpected Interest
"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return." - Leonardo Da Vinci
Scops never really understood why there were always guards standing outside of the palace. Anypony could simply trot into the palace grounds and do almost anything they pleased. Many ponies would stroll through the gardens, looking at the wonders that are created by the few grounds keepers that are rarely seen.
Though, most ponies go to the palace to go to the Princesses' court, where ponies from all over Equestria travel to share their grievances, requests and complaints that they would like addressed and changed. And there is always the odd tour group or field trip, which would get a guided tour of almost all of the palace grounds. Except for a few rooms that they would not enter; they would merely pass by and be told what the room contained.
But the young stallion was not one of the ponies that came to see the sites. He knew where he wanted to go; he just had to find it.
As he trotted up to the main gate, there were two guards standing on either side of the entrance. They wore spectacular, golden ceremonial armor that glistened in the sun. They only glanced at him for a second before turning back to their motionless stance. Scops had often wondered what drove the guards to be able to remain motionless for hours on end. He could never do something like that, preferring to keep his hooves busy.
Scops had seen pictures of the palace before, but he had never really seen it in real life. As he walked through the gates he was amazed by the buildings that surrounded him, thinking to himself that it must have taken a century to construct them. But no pony really knew how or when the palace was built, or who originally built it.
He proceeded toward the main entrance to the palace itself. Upon entering, he was overtaken by the beauty and craftsmanship of the designs covering most surfaces and architecture of the building he was now in. Being a craftsman himself, he stopped for a moment to study the elegant carvings and engravings that were on the pillars lining the room and the moulding covering the ceiling.
But this was not the purpose of his visit; he reminded himself what he was here for. He walked up to one of the guards, who stood against one side of the room. As he approached, the guard turned to look at him but did not speak.
"Could you please direct me to the Archives?"
The guard replied cheerfully yet calm, "It's down the hall, your second right. The Archival wing should be the doors at the end of that hallway."
This surprised Scops, as this was opposite the way most ponies thought the guards acted and spoke. The stereotype being that they were mean and assertive. Not being polite and welcoming like this one.
"Thank you," he said, as he turned away from the guard and started to walk down the long hallway. Following the directions given to him, Scops found the Archives easily. The entrance to the Archives was a large wooden door covered in carvings of ponies. There was a carving of a scroll hanging on the wall above it and another guard stand to the side. As he walked up to the door, the guard moved to intercept him, and bar his way into the Archives.
"No pony is allowed to enter the Canterlot Archives without written permission from one of the Princesses."
The guard spoke with firmly and aggressively, which startled Scops. This guard was nothing like the first one he had spoken to, but he probably did not get very many ponies back here, and never needed to be nice. Scops was surprised that no pony was allowed to enter.
The Royal Archives contained at least one copy of every work of literature, book, novel, scroll, blueprint, patent, or any other official or legal document ever printed in Equestria for the last millennia. Most of these writings were in libraries all over Equestria, but this is the only collection to contain at least one copy of everything. Its size and content only rivalled by the library of the Crystal Empire, few of which even knew existed, or had returned.
“And how might I receive permission from one of the Princesses?” Scops asked.
The guard sneered at Scops, “You can go to their court and ask them yourself.”
“Thank you, I will.” Scops said with a cheerfully, as turned.
“Ha! Good luck getting it,” the guard laugh. Only a select few ever get to even see the inside of the Royal Canterlot Achieves, even fewer are allowed to study the vast collection within it.
Scops returned to the main entrance and followed the many ponies that were moving toward a large double door. Behind the doors was the Grand room, in which the Princesses’ court was conducted. It was at least two stories tall, with cathedral ceilings. A large carpet led from the door to a podium at the far side, where there were two large thrones sat. The one on the left had a white alicorn seated in it, which he instantly recognized as Princess Celestia. The other throne, on the right, was empty. Scops assumed that it was Princess Luna’s, though there was no way to know where she might be. There were several guards in the room, one on either side of the main entrance, and two standing in front of the thrones. There was also one standing next to the front of a long line of ponies, at least 30 ponies were waiting for their turn for an audience with the Princess. The guard standing next to the line was giving directions to the ponies. How to introduce yourself, and when you could go forward to do so.
He joined the line of and patiently waited as ponies received their turn to address the Princess. They came from all over Equestria. To ask if small things could be fixed with their own lives, the odd pony asked for something that would improve somepony else’s life. The Princess’s response, for the most part, said that she would look into it, or consider changing that. Though most ponies were happy with this, there were a few that seemed disappointed with the response and believed that the Princess did not care what they felt.
When there were about five ponies left to speak with the Princess, Scops realised that the guards had cut off the line after him. As the last few ponies finished, Scops grew nervous, but remained calm. When he got to the front of the line, the guard spoke to him.
“When I tell you that you make proceed, walk up to the base of the stairs, bow, then speak your name, place of current residence, and your business. The Princess will then speak, and when given permission, make your case.”
Encouragement flowed through the guard’s soothing voice. After years at this position, she knew that many ponies were nervous when they came to see the Princesses, and knew how to ease any pony’s nerves.
Scops nodded in acknowledgment as he stood, and looked up at the Princess sitting on her throne with her techni-coloured mane flowing behind her. She was speaking with the pony that was in front of him. When she had finished, the pony backed away, thanked the Princess, and turned to leave the way everypony else had gone. He stared blanking at the Princess before the guard standing next to him whispered in his ear that it was his turn, and that he could step forward. Remembering what she had said, Scops stepped forward, bowed and then spoke.
“I am Scops Wright, currently residing in Ponyville, and I am here to ask permission to receive access to the Canterlot Royal Archives.”
The princess smiled as she stood up and stepped down from her raised position.
“I know who you are Scops Wright, and why you have come here. I have been watching your progress and was wondering when you would finally come to see me.”
Scops was unsure how to react or think. Should he be happy that Princess Celestia had taken an interest in him, or if he should be afraid, since she had been watching what he has been doing.
“I know you have been looking for information on flight, and I also have noticed that within all the libraries in Equestria, only one has what you are looking for.
She paused a moment to let him process this.
“I will grant you full access to the Canterlot Archives, and you may stay in the guest suite. Any and all of your accommodations and requirements for your research will be provided. You may also write a letter inviting your two collaborators here for the duration of your stay. You may also stay as long as you need, and may return at any time.”
The only thing Scops could mutter was a dull “Thank you.” Too surprised to think straight or even fully comprehend what he had just received.
“I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labour and will be following your progress closely. If there is anything at all you need, do not hesitate to ask any one of my staff, or me directly.”
Scops stood speechless, overwhelmed by what just happened. He had become a personal interest of Princess Celestia, an honour few received and something he definitely did not expect. Yet all he had wanted was to be able to study some of the books in The Archives.
“I will have an official letter delivered to room by the end of the day, stating the extent of your privileges, and that you may stay as long as you like and return at any time.”
Celestia was trying to hold back a smile and remain professional, but could not. Scops reaction made her happy, he did not know what to think. He merely stood there, staring at her, stunned; he was unable to comprehend what had just happened.
“Now, if you will excuse me, I have some other work to do. When you are ready one of the guards will escort you to your room.”
She spoke as she walked to the door at the opposite side of the room, still smiling. Her love for seeing happy ponies has not declined in the thousand years she has been alive.
“I will come by after dinner to give you your letter, and answer any questions you may have.”
She then spoke to the guard by the door, “Let him think through what has happened, let him be. When he is ready to go, then you shall take him to the guest suite. But do not go up to him and tell him he must go. Wait for him to approach you first.” Still filled with mirth, Princess Celestia left the room as the guard nodded in acknowledgment.
