Beyond Equestria

by SgtStuka

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe
Length: 6664

6 Brave ponies venture out of the Kingdom of Equestria to fill in the blanks of the map and reunite thier Kingdom with old allies.

Long ago after the banishment of Luna, Celestia could no longer keep many relations with the far flung kingdoms and civilizations of their world. The Kingdom of Equestria soon feel into isolation, only to have faint and rare talks with the other Nations. With the return of Luna and a bold new Pegasus named Captain Colts. Celestia approved the mission to reconnect with the old world and long forgotten places of E.E. (Equine Earth).

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-03-16 05:00:01 UTC

ACT 1 - Chapter I: Getting off the Ground

Chapter 1

Getting of the ground.

A warm mid-summer's day surrounds Canterlot Castle. The ponies dressed in the latest fashions and discussing the newest ideas and trends scamper about in the streets below. They do not notice a ruff and ragged pony saunter off the train and into the streets among them. With his dirty cloths and messy mane he trotted down the streets as if to be  a normal Canterlot pony on every day busyness. Many ponies he pass began to take a second look at this strange scruffy pegasus with disgust, curiosity, and confusion in their eyes.

While at a cool tavern sheltered in the lower streets from the summer's heat. Ponies laugh and share stories as they drink. The atmosphere of the tavern then disappeared when the ragged pony appeared in the door way. With his hoof he brushed away his long uncut scruffy mane from his eyes and walked up to the inn keeper as most of the occupants watch him trot through. He cleared his throat and spoke

"I need a room, and to be also point in the direction of a Barber and tailor, oh and I would love some Sweet Apple Acre's Ciders of course." The Colt said nonchalantly and with a smile.

"Well, shave my mane and hang me by me tail" The old innkeeper said "Colts, is that you finally showing your face back here?" he sputtered

"The one and only, and that's Captain Colts now Rusty." he winked

"Captain eh? Get a job in da navy or somethin'? And were have ya be hidden after all these years?" Rusty the innkeeper cracked a smile upon his old and withered face.

Captain Colts replied " On Royal duty, for her Majesty. And no navy Rusty, something, more my pace. But I can only say to Her majesty." Colts winks again.

Rusty chuckles. " Well, arn't you a fancy Pegasus now? Working for the Princess all secret like, And room is free for ya, 2nd on the left after the stairs. After all, you were nice on those tips when you were a younger stallion trying to impress them fillies."

Colts let out a chuckles as the tavern returned to it's normal chatter.  After a couple ciders Colts trotted off to the barber then the tailor. He got his mane trimmed neat and tidy to something more military, and picked up some clean new cloths. When he finished his little errands it was late. Colts looked up at the moon and stars and noticed they look different, more organized, brighter, and bolder. It seemed in his travels the closer he came to Canterlot the more enchanted everything looked. He return to the tavern, now a dull quite place, where time seemed to stop after the other ponies headed home.

As he passes Rusty cleaning off the bar he causally said "The night looks different now, guess after 1000years Celestia is finally getting it right." He chuckles and Rusty laughs louder, "That's because she ain't doin' the night nomore. Didn't ya hear? Luna has returned to her night time throne." Colts stops dead in his tracks and pauses. "You're not pulling a fast on me are you?" the reply was made from a stationary Colts. A simple "nope" is all he got in return. He continues up to the rooms and entered the one rusty gave him. Venturing over to the window he gazed at the moon and spoke. "Good to have you back Princess, maybe your sister will finally hear me."

***

The next day Captain Colts put on his newly tailored cloths. A Simple white shirt with a green stripped vest. In one pocket with care he places a silver pocket watch. He bushes his newly cut mane and trots to the tavern below. There he sees Rusty passed out on top a barrel snoring away, a chuckle from colts, his snoring could wake an Ursa Major. He Smiles and heads out the door. A new bright and beautiful summer's day greets him as he trots up the streets heading towards the Castle. Now with his new cloths and cleaner looks he passes unnoticed to most of the Canterlot ponies who hurry around on they daily errands.

"This place never seems to change." He pauses as he thinks to himself "I think I would go mad if I had to live here!"

Colts was born in Vanhoover, and as a young colt, he was quite adventurous. His parents owned a home just outside the city, which they regretted after Colts was old enough to walk and fly. From a young age he wandered the woods close by, studying the trails and paths and with each new year going farther into the woods. His mind would soon dream up grand kingdoms just at the end of each path as he walked them.

Then, Came flight school. Colts may have been a Pegasus, but he hardly flew. For Colts, adventure was the thrill of the journey and not the destination. So when he was old enough his parents sent him to flight school in Cloudsdale in hopes it would make him a little more normal.

His parents should have been happy with him wanting to walk. Because after flight school, now he just flew as far as he could, sometimes disappearing for a few days. Colts now thought of how he could use his wings to explore, that was all he wanted, finding new places was just a small bonus to venturing into the unknown wonders and horrors. But this constant exploring gave him great endurance and even his cutie mark. A golden sextant. For Colts learned after a few days and nights out, that the hardest part about exploring, is not getting lost.

"HALT!" A guard shouted as Colts neared the gates to the castle and pulling him back into reality from his daydream. He complied and replied  "I have royal business with Her Majesty Princess Celestia, I'm Captain Colts and I've returned to give my report to her Majesty." The guard gestured to the other and he entered the guard hut. A few minutes later the gates opened and the guard returned. "You may proceed, Her Majesty Princess Celestia, and Her Majesty Princess Luna are waiting." Colt's raised an eye when he hear Luna's name. Then ventured into the castle to the main hall. There upon her throne sat Celestia, and beside her quietly sat her sister Luna. She looked a lot younger and smaller then her sister Celestia and he mane did not flow with magic as Celestia's did. But she seemed more intrigued by this Pegasus now entering their presence.

"I am both disappointed with you and glad to see you Captain Colts!" Celestia announced. Before Colts could reply she spoke again. "How dare you leave your team behind and disappear without word! You always seemed to risk your life and abandon those whom you are left in charge of."

"My apologies your majesty, But if I may explain." "Go on" she interrupted with clear irritation.

"The reason I left my team behind was that they were not up to the task. They did not have the endurance or will to push the journey so I sent them back out of concern and explored the Northern Mountains myself."

"Still, your actions were wrong, but more importantly did you find it?"

"No...BUT, I did find something else as equally important. In my third solo week I came across a town know as Winterhoof. And within their library was a map over 1200 years old, it had it's location."

"Did the location differ from our own map of where it should be?" Celestia conveyed with great curiosity

"No. I manage to get to the location but only a tundra wasteland lay before me. May I speak freely?"

"You may." But Celestia seemed very disappointed by the news.

"I feel it would be easier to explore the North with a team..." "You had one, You left them, and now you wish to have another?" Celestia answered with annoyance.

"I meant more of a crew, and a Ship." Colts replied with a bit of Annoyance himself

"Remember your place Captain Colts. And what good would a ship do if you want to explore the frozen north?" Celestia replied with a mix curiosity and annoyance towards Colts

"Sorry your Majesty, and not a tradition ship, but a Airship, one that could hold a crew of specialist, and travel over the mountains, and oceans below with ease. It would need to be large enough to be on it's own for months at a time and with an Airship, all 3 races could be on the crew and travel faster then a pegasi scout team." Colts seemed to get more enthusiastic about the idea as he discussed it.

A smile appeared on Celestia's face. "Captain Colts, you have sparked my interest. As long as you promise never to leave your crew and truly lead them then you have my attention. What do you have in mind for this Airship?"

***

Colts had discussed his idea for the Airship for days now. And even made a point it could be used to reconnect the Kingdom of Equestria with it's old allies. Celestia and Luna would point out a minor problems and Colts on the spot countered them with a solution. Colts had obviously planned this out for a long time from the amount of confidence he displayed. Celestia seemed to be more swayed by Colts passion on the idea then the idea itself but granted Colts permission and royal funds for the Airship.

The weeks went on and on. And so far colts had nothing, though admittedly he had thought of this long ago, he did not possess the skill needed to design it and non of the draftponies thought it possible. Except one, well, not really. She believed it was a silly idea as well, but thought Colts would have more luck with the ship yards of Manehatten or some other industrial harbour city. So with that being his only option, he caught a train to Manehatten. Colts was starting to think his dream of an airship and adventure would never get off the ground.

***

Cool salty air wafted passed Colts' nostrils as he departed the train from Canterlot. The young captain had been many places, and seen many cities but this was his first trip to Manehatten. before his eyes lay a large and tall city bustling with more ponies then ants in an ant hill. This was nothing like Canterlot. Manehatten was the largest city and it showed. In the hectic confusing he managed to hail a cab and head down to the dockyards. From the window of the cab his eyes viewed towers of steal and massive brick chimneys billowing with smoke. Iron frames surrounded large ships under construction. Ships big enough to travel the seas and oceans, but only went to the southern ocean and it's island paradises with there many riches. For the Age of steam was fairly new to the ponies of Equestria and thus they did not risk adventure with these expensive ships.

"This be it sir, the largest ship company in Manehatten, Hoofington Yards. That'll be 16bits sir." the Cabbie held out his hoof for the coin of his labour.

"Thank you, here you go." Colts dug into his pockets and gave him the coin. Then proceeded to trot up to the doors of the shipyard office.

"Whadda be yer business with us?" The doorpony gestured to Colts as he trotted up. "I have been sent from Canterlot on royal business and have an appointment with your boss, Madam Allora Winds." The doorpony stumble as he fixed his posture and opened the door with a nervous smile. "Oh, sor...sorry sir, Get a lot of trouble makers around this area. She be waitin' for ya." Colts smiled and entered the reception room, from the old decaying brick façade outside, Colts did not expect to see a marvellous office space ahead. The walls were adorn with dark spruce wood with ornate carvings with forest green wallpaper. A rug of the same forest green stretch from the door to the front desk and lay upon black and white checker tiles.

A young mare unicorn sat behind the desk and peered over her glasses to Colts admiring the room's details. She raised an eyebrow "You must be Colts? Princess Celestia's representative?" "Captain Colts. And yes." with a gesture of her head she pointed to the door behind her. "She's in her office, and waiting." Colts smiled and trotted by her. He hated to admit it, but he liked being that important pony that everyone seems to want to be or meet even though he was the one who set up this appointment."

The office of Madam Allora Winds was just as ornate as the reception area. A large imposing desk lay in the center, it's massive size and ornate wood carvings where not enough to hide the imposing larger than life Allora Winds. The pale golden unicorn sat behind papers piled high. With small reading glasses on her face and her dark brown hair tied back in a bun. She sat with an aura that seemed to demand as much respect as Celestia herself.

She eyed the stallion entering her office with curiosity as to why he was here. "Captain Colts I presume? What was so important for Celestia that I had to give up and entire day to wait for you?"

"Madam Allora Winds, I have a task that most say is impossible, but you have a reputation for building the impossible."

While a light laugh and smile she replied. "And what may I ask is this impossible task? Building the Royal yacht for our beloved monarch?"

Colts was thrown off by this reply, it was harsh and brash, he expected to receive a more professional question. "Not exactly, but if your not up to it, I understand. I guess your rivals would have been a better start. And the task required was more of a ship like no other for a task like none before. Also I take it you do not approve of her majesty?"

"Not when she insist I free a day just for this meeting instead of asking for a day that would work from me, I have deadlines to meet and clients I now have to reschedule. And I am no fool, I can see when some pony is trying to play me. Those tricks don't work with me. You don't own the best ship company by being an gullible. Now that we have our pleasantries out of the way, on to work so this meeting can be over with. What is this vessel you wish to contract to my company."

"An Airship, larger than one of your ocean going trade vessels. But able to soar above the clouds and travel to the edges of the known map. For we wish to re-establish Equestria with the rest of the world. And if you agree not only would you profit from the building of the vessels, but be the first to send your new steamships around the world to ports unknown."

Allora sits in her chair and pounders the idea, the office fell silent as she thought  and Colts waited, only the ticking of the clock echoed within the room. "It wouldn't be easy... but.... with steam....magic....and....science....it might work. This offer is not what I expected and we have little dealings with airships, so I might have to outsource. However I like the sound of it. Tell me the details and we'll see what we can come up with. You have a deal Captain Colts." A large grin appears on Colts' face, "Thank you!" he says as he shakes hooves. His dream was finally taking flight.

Chapter II: Assembling a Team is Step 2

Chapter II

Assembling a Team is Step 2

Colts spent longer than he thought with Allora, but after a few days they had deck plans and ideas for a grand airship the likes the world had never seen. The real problem was that Allora would have to not only build the vessel, but build the means for the construction of the vessel. For now, Colts left his dream to the capable hooves of Allora Winds, Colts could finally focus on the important part. Getting a crew together, and first off he would need a first officer, with that in mind he knew the perfect mare.

***

"Dust... and so damn hot, how can anypony stand it here... and no work for me anymore with that peace treaty." sighed the fiery red hair mare in an old aviators coat. She sat under the wooden awning of a store in the cool shade to escape the sweltering heat of the desert. But her parched mouth was a reminder she could not escape the dry climate. With orange eyes she gazed the ponies of Appaloosa with interest, looking for anypony that would pay for a little help with troubles. She was a mercenary for hire, some muscle for the right coin. But since the peace treaty with the buffalo, there was simply no work anymore in this place, and the rest of Equestria was the same way for a mare of her talents.

Her eyes darted to the train station with the sound of the whilst and hiss of steam as the train screeched to a halt. Staring at the train she hoped to see somepony with a worried face or lost look, that usually meant money. Out of the few ponies arriving in Appaloosa one did catch her eye, but not for the aspect of earning some coin. A friend from long ago, when days use to be simpler. Her mind mumbled, "Colts? what in Tartarus is that crazy stallion doin' in this part of Equestria?" and with a shrug of the thought she trotted over to the old friend.

***

The hiss of the train and the clouds of steam greeted Colts as we walked off the train station's platform and into Appaloosa. He was following a lead, one to reunite him with an old friend and perhaps get the first crewmember. As he gazed around the city from the station his ears picked up a familiar voice.

"I don't know how, why, or what your doin' here. But it's both creepy, awesome and a little concerning to see you Colts." he turned and in view was a yellow Pegasus with the fiery red hair and almost glowing orange eyes.  And upon seeing her he laughed.

"That was waaay easier than I ever thought it was going to be... and kinda no fun at all. It only took me a day to track you down Firefly."

A curious expression fell on Firefly's face and with her raspy tough voice she replied. "Track me down, Colts why were you looking for me? That can't be good... What is it you want?"

"Straight to business, as always... again, your no fun." The grin on his face was hard to hide.

"Well, I want to hire you, as my first officer on my new crew."

She stood there and pondered the idea, "what ever Colts' wants probably isn't good... but I haven't had a job in over a month. I need the money, but part of a crew? I need to know more."

"Well?" Colts ask while raising an eyebrow. "What crew, and what for?" she responded.

They talked it over and Colts describe to her about his vessel and what he had planned. The conversation carried onto train and before there was any sort of agreement made with words, the two knew this was the start of a journey together.

***

Arriving in Canterlot wasn't a planned part of Colts' trip. A royal letter however had him deviate from his planned. Princess Celestia wished to discuss with Colts about his crew, She had a recommendation, rather, two.

Firefly spoke "We are really just going to take Celestia's recommendations? I thought this was all your idea and plan."

"I'll take all the help I can get right now, and Celestia is funding this project of mine, the least I can do is accept any ideas she has... To a point." he grinned.

Firefly stopped and gazed up to the peaks of the Canterlot towers. Against the sky the seemed to glisten with magic. Canterlot Castle was an Impressing place for even ponies who lived in it's shadow every day. With Firefly however, she had never been to the capital, she preferred to stay out of the main cities. In the outskirts or wild, those were the places Firefly preferred,  where life wasn't lived out of a silver trough.

"You ok Firefly?" ask Colts, breaking her from her gaze. With a shake of her head she replied. "Umm, yeah, I mean. I'm fine, forget about it. Come on we got to see the princess after all."

The two enter the main hall, Celestia again sat on her throne and Luna beside her. This time however Luna was atop her own throne. One decorated with the stars and phases of the moon in purple and blue. Luna herself had seemed to grow almost to the same stature as her order sister even with a magical aura infused into her mane. At the base of the stairs to the thrones stood two unicorns. The fist stood with pride and confidence. A young blue unicorn with neat and kept two-tone purple mane with what appeared to be a phoenix quill tucked behind one ear. Beside her was another unicorn, this one however stood in a quite and closed fashion with a short mane and a light pastel green coat, behind her lay a caged hawk.

"Captain Colts, welcome back, I am pleased to see you came as fast as you could to my summons." Celestia announced.

"Of course your majesty." Colts replied with a bow and Firefly quickly scrambled to bow as well.

"And who is your friend?"

"Firefly Blazemane your majesty, She will be my first officer in this endeavour." as Colts looked over to her he could she that for the first time since he met Firefly she was nervous. She whispered "Yo, Colts, what in Equestria am I suppose to say, I ain't got manners enough to talk to the Princesses."

"Just keep you head bowed and say 'A pleasure to met you, your majesty.' I'll do most of the talking." he whispered back.

She did as Colts suggested  and Celestia smiled "Firefly Blazemane, an interesting choice for first officer of your crew Colts. She isn't the type to follow authority, But neither are you."

Colts looked back at Celestia with interest, to him she appeared more mellow. Perhaps with Luna back in control of the night she was able to free some stress of leadership.

Luna piped in "WE ARE CURIOUS TO KNOW IF THE ONE KNOW AS CAPTAIN COLTS HASTH PICKED ANY OTHER MEMBERS OF HIS CREWTH YET?" Celestia glanced back at her younger sister. "My dear sister, times have change, I've told you can use a softer voice." with that, embarrassment seemed to fall upon Luna's face and she fell quiet.

Colts seemed to jump at the chance to reply to Luna, "Why your majesty Luna, I have only picked Firefly so far. If you have anyone in mind I would be happy to listen." The blue unicorn seemed to roll her eyes as Colts spoke to Luna.

Celestia replied as if the question was for her "Before you are two of my finest students. They are the best in their areas of study. For your trip will need the best if it is to succeed. May I introduce Starlight. She is in charge of mapping Equestria's lands and skies." The blue unicorn steps forward and replied with a single nod. "She will help you in your navigation and in the mapping of any new areas you come across."

When Colts heard navigation as one of her jobs he wavered a bit. "And this is Rosemary. She alone has done more in helping to understand the Everfree Forest than any other pony before her. She is the best naturalist we have, and I think it would be wise to have her aboard. With her help we could learn much." The unicorn step forward to be beside the other and nodded her head as well. Both seemed well mannered, educated, and loyal. Colts accept Celestia's recommendations to his crew and with that he ask to be dismissed to check on the progress of the vessel and find the last of the crew.

***

"Well I hope this Colts' fellow lets me chart as I please." Said Starlight as her and Rosemary trotted down one of the Caste's hallways. "I'm sure he will, If Celestia trust him, then I do." Rosemary replied. "I don't know, I sense some tension between her majesty and him, or it could have just been pegasus pride always getting in the way." The two stopped in front of a large window in the hall. Sunlight poured in and with the other windows flooded the hallway in daylight.

"Starlight, I think you should just trust him. After all, you two seemed to have one thing in common." She gestured to Starlight's cutie mark. "You both have a cutie mark related to navigation. I'm sure you noticed his cutie mark was a sextant, and I'm sure he noticed you have an astrolabe for your mark. So maybe you two can get along on common ground."

Starlight sighed. "That might be one reason we don't get along and mine is more for science then navigation. We will be fighting for control of maps and charts I can feel it. I also noticed his face when Princess Celestia told him I was in charge of navigation, he didn't seem to happy about it."

Rosemary looked out the window, "Well, however you look at it, this is a once in a lifetime experience. You will probably be the first pony from Equestria to chart parts of the unknown world."

"I guess you have a point after all. This is a marvellous occasion and you have something to look forward to as well. Think of the new plants and animals you would find dear." the two smiled and continued down the large hall.

***

"I don't like 'em. Do we have to take 'em along?" Firefly moaned as they trotted down the steps of the castle entrance. Colts smiled "I don't like it either. But I didn't have anypony lined up for those spots yet, and the faster the crew is together and the ship is built then the faster we can begin the mission."

Firefly stopped in her tracks. "Wait, what mission? You holdin' something back on me Colts?" she glared.

"Well, we have a mission first off, but after that we will be able to make our own calls." replied Colts as he looked back and firefly replied with a shrug "Alright". The spring sun shined down on the two pegasus as the continued down the road into the crowds of Canterlot locals.

Firefly followed close behind Colts as he navigated the streets with ease. She felt uncomfortable amongst the Canterlot crowds. Cities were perhaps the one thing that would phase this iron pony. Firefly could fight timber wolves without batting an eye and rocket high above the clouds with ease. She was tough, bold, and did what she wanted. She took no as a challenge and with her small town roots was at home in wilderness.

Suddenly a grey mare dived down into the street in front of Colts and landing with grace. "Mr. Colts?" she asked, Firefly and Colts stopped as most of the Canterlot crowed did as well while they looked at the mare in confused and appalled looks from the crazy aerobatic display. "Captain Colts, and yes?" He looked at her crossed eyes and wondered how she managed a landing like that with those eyes. "Oh sorry sir, it just say 'Mr. Colts' on the envelope and 'Urgent'. From a miss Allora Winds in Manehatten."

"Allora Winds? May I have it then? It must be about my project with her." He replied to the mare and she handed the letter and smiled "Have a good day Captain." And darted straight up into the sky with speed. Still confused the crowed just looked on, then one by one returned to their activities. Colts paned over the letters contents and with a snap turn to face Firefly said "Looks like our next stop is Manehatten."

Chapter III: Sucess and Bliss

Chapter III

Success and Bliss

The familiar feeling of déjà vu rang out in Colts' mind as the two pegasus stepped off a Canterlot train in Manehatten. Though last time Firefly was not with him, the whole scene felt very repetitive. Soon though, he hoped the ship would be finished and the crew assembled for the journeys ahead could be endless.

The large brick buildings of Hoofington Yards seemed worse for wear under the gloomy overcast. But the chimneys still puffed their black smoke high into the sky with the sounds of construction echoing around them. The place was busier than ever and Colts was please to hear what he hoped was progress on his ship.

Within the reception area of the building the two pegasus waited. This time Colts did not want to upset Madam Allora Winds with booking an entire day. But he chuckled looking back at what he had done last time.

"What are you snickering about Colts?" Firefly interrupted his thoughts.

"Oh... nothing, just last time I kind of used my Canterlot position to get the whole office for a day." he grinned.

"You're crazy." with that reply came the sound of Allora's office doors opening. She walked up to the pegasus with two earth ponies in close tow.

A smile upon her face "Nice to see you have learned how to plan a proper business meting now Captain Colts. Follow me now I wish to show you what we have accomplished in only a few months."

They continued into the streets that lead to the many yards and building owned by Hoofington Yards. Allora lead up front with a rather quick business pace to her hoof steps. Behind followed Colts and Firefly, and bringing up the rear, the two earth ponies. Both had the same colour of orange coats and brown manes. They would look like a perfect pair of twins if it wasn't for the fact one was a mare, and the other a stallion. Covered in dirt and spots of oil with goggles adorned on their heads and blue shirts they look like that of the site foremen.

"Here we are, the site of a new era." Madam Allora spoke as if selling the idea to future business partners. The brick building was huge and the front face had been cut open with large metal doors now hiding the hole of what was clearly a makeshift hanger. But a small metal pony door on the side would be the way they entered.

Within the make shift hanger lay the imposing metal frame of the airship. Pegasus flew with ease high above with tools and rigging. Below a team of unicorns and earth ponies assembled the gondola with care. Unicorns worked in teams to lift large pieces with their magic in place while the earth ponies secured them tight as could be. A beautiful ballet of ponies worked without a beat missed as the small group continued to walk though to a tiny site office on the other side of the hanger.

Within the office the deafening sounds of the construction were almost all but muted. Allora moved to introduce the two earth ponies to Colts.

"May I introduce my help, in fact if it wasn't for these two, your Airship would be just a massive paper weight. Gears and Cog Forge, Airship specialist."

"Airship specialist?" Colts questioned and the mare stepped forward and replied with a Maritime accent. "Aye, my brother and I build and design airships for the Equestrian elite. But when Madam Allora came to us for help on this here design even we were a bit apprehensive at such a massive project. Nothin' like this has been done before and we're the closest thing Equestria's got specialist on this little matter." she continued with a smile and nudge her brother. "He's the propulsion genius and I'm the light than air specialist." Gears loved to boast about her profession. Her brother on the other hoof was silent, not a single word nor nod was ever given.

With a deep breath and quick sit Colts replied to the two "So how is it coming along?"

"Well to be honest, if it wasn't for miss Allora here bringing all the right ponies into things, we'd still be arguing over the plans. There was some major flaws in the original plans but we as you can see have solved them and started work about a week ago."

Firefly sighed "I can see this is going to talk a while, I'm going for a fly about." with that she left and Colts continued asking questions.

"So what were the flaws?"

"The Gondola." Allora replied rather quickly.

Gears fixed her goggles to rest better upon her head and continued on Allora's words. "Right, it's was to big, and still is. The size of it presents to much weight for even a Hydrogen bag to lift."

"Magic solved that." Allora chimed in. "This is were the bill is going to get high... We had to mix crystal dust into the aluminum so it would hold a magic charge. The trick was balancing the mix so the aluminum would not become brittle. Now however with a simple featherweight spell infused into the aluminum we shaved off 78% of the weight. Allowing the vessel to be light than air when filled with helium or.... hydrogen."

Colts was amazed at the solutions Allora, and Gears were coming up with to make this dream a reality. Not even the occasional loud bangs of construction could phase him. The room was heating up with discussion and Colts was enjoying hearing how it was all coming together.

"There's a problem still... and a bad one." whispered Allora while Gears sighed. "The vessel would require three times the amount of helium we can produce in 5years within Equestria... So the only other alternative is Hydrogen. Even though it is fairly easy to produce, and can lift more providing a longer range, It is dangerously unsafe."

Captain Colts stood up and answered. "I am aware of the flaws of hydrogen over helium, but for this vessel to be more self sufficient it needs hydrogen and My reasons why should be made clear. But I do have a Idea of how to solve the problems of hydrogen gas. A simple containment spell would work, but that would require constant recharge from powerful unicorns. I know crystals may also hold magic and spells, could we possible use them around the vessel?"

Gears pondered, "That could work, if it was set to lay dormant until a say, fire or explosion, so that way the spell would not lose it charge but be deploy for emergencies."

All within the office seem to agree and continued talking.

***

That boring mumble jumble was not meant for Firefly, it was not her style. She weave and bobbed in-between the workers while heading to the door. "WATCH OUT" scream a Unicorn as a metal beam gazed Firefly's mane while she ducked. "Whoa, that was a little close, time to get out of here." With that she galloped to the door and she heard the unicorn yelling behind her.

The metal door slammed behind her and with that she was free of the chaos within the building. A sigh of joy left her muzzle as she looked up into the sky still overcast. It had been a while since she tested herself for fun. "I'm gonna break my recorded today." peeking at her arm she look at what most would mistake for an old wristwatch. This was more than a that however, it was a pegasus altimeter for Firefly prided herself in flying higher than any other pegasus. Under the stained and weather glass lay two hands like that of a watch. One in white lay at the zero mark, the other in red was sitting about three quarters of the way around the dial and a number in the middle read "eleven thousand seven hundred and fifty meters". It was her old record, she never reset the device nor did she show it to anypony. She wanted to first break the pegasus official record of fourteen thousand three hundred meters.

A crack of her neck that lead down her back and into her wings as she stretched out for flight would make anypony cringe. With quick thrust she rocketed into the sky and broke the overcast with ease. She climb but slowed to a steady pace and with front hooves stretch forward she could read the altimeter. The arm moved slowly around the face and the numbers counted, five thousand, seven thousand, nine thousand, ten, the higher she climb the thinner the air became. Her body struggle as she pushed herself higher, the steady flap of her wings and the pacing of her breath was the only sound within the ever reaching blue skies.

The dial continued to climb in a steady manner, 10200,10300,10400,10500,10750,11000,11100... Her muscles began to cry for oxygen as she gained on her old record. She focused on the dial with dagger eyes. Determined to push to that recorded she dreamed of, 15000meters. The extreme height of these climbs would be foolish to anypony who was not only trained for the dangers but any pegasus who could get it in there head it was easy. Her eyes became heavy with fatigue, the altitude was catching up to her under her struggling wing beats and heavy breath.

"Just a little more and that will be it" She thought. The mare was no fool though, she stopped herself  after that "little more" mark and puff for oxygen. With a satisfied grin she gazed at the altimeter with heavy breathing and optimism, the numbers now read within the lower box "twelve thousand seven hundred and forty meters."

The pegasus slowly descended so to enjoyed the view from the extreme height. The view up here calmed the brazen and tough pony. If she could, she would stay but before long the altitude would bring her back to terra firma in a not so pleasant way. For now she enjoyed what she could of the solitude and beauty of it all within the endless skies of cerulean blue and sea of endless clouds below. Even the City of Manehatten could not touch her within the sky as the towering buildings only seemed like saplings growing from the underbrush jutting from the clouds. With a close of her eyes, wings and legs, she fell strait as an arrow toward the ground.

***

Colts stepped out of the hanger and noticed Firefly gently landing in the street in front. He smiled as he notice the bliss and happiness on the harden face. He knew only one thing made her smile like that.

"Did you break your recorded this time?" He spoke.

A soft sigh, "Yup, twelve thousand six hundred and thirty meters." She beamed with confidence.

"Twelve thousand what?" Gears ask in shock. The reply was a snap to hide the altimeter and she growled. "None of your business." The pegasus quickly adopted a rough and tough posture. Colt's laughed, "Well ponies, we still have a lot to do."