New Albion Eastern Border
"Damian, ya lazy boy wake up! It's one in the afternoon!" I heard my mother call from downstairs, Ma was a very kind women and I love her very much but it's a weekend for god's sake, anyways my name for those who care is Damian McCrary. "Coming Ma!" I called back before sitting up in my bed. I tumbled over the side and landed face first on the floor. "You okay brother." I looked up, Nina my nine year old sister stood in front of me in her favorite blue and green dress, smiling I pat her blond head. "Yeah I'm fine sis." I walked over to my closet and grabbed my cloths. My clothing as usual was a baggy white hemp shirt and black vest, brown gauge work pants, and finally my favorite pair of welding goggles. I checked myself in the mirror, my hair was short, black, and messy as usual.
Walking into hall Nina began to talk about random things as she always does, I love the girl to death but if you get her talking it's hard to make her stop without hurtin' her feelings. I found Ma making lunch in the kitchen, she turned to us and smiled warmly. "'bout time you dragged yer butt outta bed. Now come sit down and eat ya fish bone." Ma always teased me about being skinny, I had never been able to build much muscle or body fat so I built machines to do things like lifting for me. I looked out the window into the calm streets, the east side of Albion was mainly an agricultural district with a market in the center, so it was rarely ever too crowded. "Oh, Damian ol' Doctor Richardson said he needed yer help with some machine he's buildin'." Ma said, offhandedly. Dr. Richard is one of Albion's greatest minds, albeit he's a little eccentric. I help him at his workshop designing knew machines, tools, even weapons much to mother's disdain.
"Alright, did he say what it was?" I asked, normally if the Dr. needed my help it was for something important or too big to handle alone he would ask me for a hand with the lesser things. "No, he just said he needed your help with some project." She said, taking out plates to wash.
"Alright I'll head out there then, bye Ma bye Nina." I said, before leaving. Stepping outside I was greeted by the smell of various foods, perfumes, and steam. The ever present water vapor from the steam hung lightly in the air, simply being water vapor crops seemed to grow better. I walked through the streets too the workshop, the market district of my neighborhood was relativity calm as far as things in Albion go.
"Oi, Damian!" I looked around before spotting the voice. Rocco Marino, he has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. Our parents had known each other before we were born so we had always been close friends. "Afternoon Rocco how has your day been?" I asked bumping his fist. "Ah, you know dad's having me help him with the stall." Rocco worked not with machines like I use, but the machine all humans use... their heads. Rocco is one of the best sweet talkers, liars, and all around silver tongue I have ever meet. His dad usually had him help with sales on the jewelry his mother crafted.
"You headed to see the Doc?" He asked, whenever I leave the house it's usually to bring my sister to her friends house, shopping, or to the Dr. "Yeah. ya wanna come along?" I ask hopefully, while Rocco may not be good with machine's he still likes to see the more advance ones work their wonders. "Sure, business is slow today as it is." After a quick farewell to Mr Marino me and Rocco headed down the road.
If you ever came to Albion one building in the east side that would stick out above all others is the Doctor's. The building was five stories tall and very wide, the outside was covered in solar panels, pipes, and turbines. Me and Rocco walked up to the door which seemed to be the only normal thing about the home. I knocked on the door waiting for a response, the door quickly flickered and winked from reality. Seemed to be normal. Upon entering the abode I saw a very large machine taking up most of the already crowded work space. The base of the machine looked to be made of steel and uncommon metal now days, the top rose up in layers and three large bulbs shown brightly.
"Ah Damian there you are." We both looked up to see the the Dr hanging from what looked like a zip line. He slid down the rope landing in front of us. "Nice ta see ya again Doctor, Ma said you needed my help with something?" I said, he grinned a face splitting grin. "Damian my boy, have you heard of matter displacement?" The Dr. asked, I had only heard theories about the subject. "Yes doctor, but I have yet to hear of anything conclusive as to it's functionality." I said, he beckoned me and Rocco to the machine.
"This my boy, is a fully functioning MD tower. I have proof that it works." He said, I looked over the machine. It radiated a blue energy and lightning flowed through tubes and bulbs. "Eh doc," Rocco spoke up. "What exactly does MD do?" He asked.
"Well Rocco, MD is the use of electricity to temporarily scramble the atoms of your body into a sort of wave like state of being, allowing you to travel infinite distances in the blink of an eye." He said, I looked the machine over before noticing something. "Dr. when using MD you body is sent through a passage of sort to a receiving end I.E another tower. You only have one." I looked around the shop and it was indeed the only one. "Ah yes, well I ran out of funds to build a second one. But from the test I ran on things like apes, frog, and plants they all vanished after the test. The machine also indicates they are being received on another end." He said, he walked over to a filling cabinet and pulled out a document. "From my data I am positive that something is picking up the organisms I send through. I just don't know where they are going." He said, furiously looking over the documents as if the answers would appear.
"So where do we come into the equation doc." Rocco asked , growing bored. "Well I understand if you decline, but I need two people I trust two travel through the MDT and find what is on the other side. Now, I only ask you two now because I trust both of you. But you are free to decline and I can as a group of peacekeepers if they will help." He said, me and Rocco looked at each other silently debating the pros and cons. "We'll do it." We said grinning like idiots. The doctor smiled throwing his document over his shoulder. "Wonderful! Now follow me, if you two are to be going through the void who knows where you will pop up. So you will need to be ready." He walked to a wall and smacked it.
"Holy Maria!" Rocco said, the wall slid apart revealing an armory, I grinned seeing most the things in the armory were things we had built. "Now both of you should prepare for you journey." Doc said before leaving us to it.
~~10 minutes later~~
"I think we're ready doc." Rocco said, the doctor turned from his machine and his jaw dropped. Both me and Rocco looked as if we were about to take on every peacekeeper in Albion. "Yes well I don't think anything will even think of attacking you two." He said, he tapped a few buttons and the glass door on the MDT slid open. "Now take your places." He said, me and Rocco stood on the pad. As soon as we did the pad sprung to life, electricity flowed underneath us sparking to our feet. The machine began to hum loudly and lightning began to charge around the outer shell. "Prepare yourselves boys. I do not know what you will feel when you are sent into the void!" The Dr called to us. Rocco and me looked at each other and nodded. "HOLD ON!" The Dr threw a switch and we were gone from Albion.
~~???~~
"And so it begins." A voice sounded through the void.
~~???~~
"Ugh, I fell like I'm gonna puke." Rocco said falling to his knees. The ride had been rough, and I could feel the nothing of simply being molecules somehow. The only thing I saw was distorted images of something, colors and lights. Now I didn't know where we were, I to was on the ground my mind and stomach not settled yet. "You gonna be okay Roc?" I asked, he threw up and didn't speak. We sat there for a while before our legs found us again. Once we could stand I examined our surroundings, tall and thick trees surrounded us, shadows ever present, the mud beneath our feet sucked at our heels. "A jungle?" Rocco questioned, Rocco always though far away places would look more alien than Albion but in truth most of our world where people lived was mainly steam cities. I looked to the sky, like our homeland the sky was blue, had a single sun, and puffy clouds. "Any idea where we could be?" I asked, he gave me a deadpan look. "No, now come on equipment check." We both collected our gear that was strewn around us.
Damian McCrary
Weapon(s): Bionic Gauntlet, Gauss Rifle, Steam Cannon
Armor: Scout Mask, Stealth Suit MK2, Leaper Boots
Other: MREs, Lantern, Flying Drone+PDA
Rocco Marino
Weapons(s): E-Riot Baton, Pre-War STG-44, Combat Shield
Armor: Tact Vest, S-Boots, Riot Helmet
Other: MREs, Lockpicking Set, Tac-Mask
"That everything?" Rocco asked, checking his ammo. "Yeah, I think those." We both began to move north hoping to find something or someone who could give us an indication as to where we were. The forest had an overbearing feel, as if something was right behind me. We pressed one, looking around I could tell no human had been here in quite sometime but from gashes on trees indicated we would be coming across something... something big. "Hey Damian, how are we going to get back home?" Rocco asked, that;s a good question the Dr. never told us how he would get us back to Albion. "I'm not sure man, but the Dr. hasn't let us down before he'll either know or find a way." I reassured him. "I hope you're right, this place is creepy as fuck." He said, while Rocco may be use to the occasional fight we usually had some form of back up but we didn't here.
~~???~~
"Sister did you feel that?" The being said to the other. "Yes, we did. We have never felt a surge such as that before." The other said. "Gather the guards."
~~Damian POV~~
The sun was beginning to set and the moon rose. "Rocco help me break of few of these branches we need to make camp." Me and began breaking the bigger limbs from the trees and took a few large leaves from a few plants. In a few minutes we had a small three sided hut built. Rocco began to start a fire and I began making the beds (Big ass pile of leave) and food. After everything was said an done we were pleased with the results. "What do you think we're gonna find here?" Rocco asked, either he's bored or actually want's to know, or both. "Not sure, but from the look of the trees, plants, and temperature I'd say we're gonna run into some animals, and bugs lots and lots of bugs." I took a drink form my canteen. "Do you think any people live close to here?" He asked, he's defiantly bored. "No way, listen you can't hear gears, steam, propellers, the like. No, no 'people' live anywhere close." We sat in silence for a while listing to the sound of insects and the sound of howling.
*SNAP*
Faster they you could blink me and Rocco had our guns aimed at the noise. We saw nothing but the now dark forest, I using my HUD I switched my mask to night vision. "Son of a bitch." As I said that Rocco put his shield up. Along the entire side of our camp was a hoard of wolves... wooden wolves. The entire jungle was silent waiting for either us or them to make a move. "Run!" Me and Rocco took off our boots letting us run faster. I punched everything out of our way leaving a trail of chaos in our wake. Rocco fired over his shoulder knocking two wolves down. It was useless to fight them head on, they just kept coming. We turned and turned trying to loos them in the thick brush, it held little results. "River!" Rocco called over the firing of his gun. Looking to the right I saw the dark blue of rushing water, taking a sharp right we sprinted to the water.
As we neared the bank I saw how wide it was, and how strong the current was. I could barely hear the gun fire over the roar of crashing water. I could easily use my boots and jump half way but I would be swept away to quickly, Rocco wouldn't even have a chance. We stopped at the bank the creatures quick to surround us. Rocco put his gun away shield ready, I felt my gauntlet working my muscles. The wooden canines closed in on us taunting us. We didn't need to say or do anything we knew what to do. Both me and Rocco jumped back into the frigid water.
To say the current was strong would be an understatement. I felt myself get pulled under water filled my lungs and Rocco was nowhere to be seen. "Roc!" I cried out hoping my friend would answer. I felt the current pull my down stream and under the surface. I was slammed into rocks, fallen trees, and I could barely breath. My lungs burned and my body began to shut down.
Then among the confusion I felt something, an energy. I felt my whole body become covered in the electric feeling, and like in the lab I was thrown back into the void. I felt my body get disintegrated as I was pulled back though where ever I was.
~~Dr Richardson's Workshop~~
After a few seconds I felt my body come together. With a thud I landed on a hard glass surface. "My god! Damian!" I felt a someone pick me up my head spinning, I blinked a couple times to see the Dr. smiling back at me tears in his eyes. "Hey doc, I knew ya wouldn't let me an Roc down." I said, he chuckled and helped me to my feet. I looked around to see we were in the MDT machine back safely in New Albion. I saw Rocco sitting in a chair still a little damp form the river, he smiled at me.
"Damian next time we go through that thing let's make sure a few peacekeepers go with us, eh?" He said lightheartedly, I gave him a confused look.
"Wait a sec, after being chased, almost drowning, and the weirdness you still want to go back?" I asked, I wasn't saying Rocco wasn't brave but after all that happened I wouldn't want to go back unless I had a whole platoon of peacekeepers. all Rocco did was smile and nod, I sighed. "Alright but only if we bring more people." I said, he pumped his fist and sat back.
"I believe you boys have quite a story to tell, but that will have to wait. You should head home for now and rest up, I will see about the peacekeepers assistance but you're parents are going to worry about you if you stay out too late." Doc said, me and Rocco looked out the window to see the sun was getting lower. "Aw hell, ma's gonna be pissed at me if I miss dinner." I said, I hurriedly took off my gear and changed back to my regular cloths. "Later doc!" I called and ran out of the shop.
The streets of Albion were generally quite in the evening so I had little trouble running through the streets. All the while I ran I kept thinking back to the world I had left. Wooden wolves, odd plant life, strange celestial movements what kinda place was that. Should we risk seeing what else lies in that place. But then again what treasures and resources could that place have? I continued to ponder these thoughts until I arrived at my house. I took a moment to catch my breath before pushing the door open. I saw mother in the kitchen just finishing dinner, Nina was sitting at the table reading a book, I saw pa coming down the stairs he spotted me as I came in. He smiled before nodding his head to the kitchen and mouthed. Come on. I smiled and followed him in trying to be quite.
"If ya think that ol' trick's gonna scare me you two better think again." Ma said as we came up behind her. "How'd ya know?" Pa asked giving her a kiss. "The two of you wear enough metal you may as well be made of it." She said happily. The four of us sat down talking about simple things, no one asked about the MDT which was most likely a good thing if I was to continue to help the doc. I excused myself form the table.
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror looking at the scratches and bruises I had, I kept looking at them knowing what had happened was real. Throwing my cloths off I stepped into the shower. Alright, so specimen #1 Wooden Canine: A solid wooden body with leaf like hair. Carnivorous and very hostile. I must study one of these things. I think, the warm water felt good after the long day. I need to ask the Dr. if he has a telescope, the way the sun and moon moved was strange to say the least. I also should see if there are any familiar constellations. I stepped from the shower towel around my waist.
After getting a pair of shorts on I climbed into bed my eyes closed as soon as my head hit the pillow. What a weird day.
~~???~~
I sat in the center of Albion Square a bustling area where stores of all kinds displayed their wares. I sat on a bench in the center area where a large stone fountain gave a wonderful show. I looked around, all was as it should be yet something felt out of place. I passed it off and took a sip of ice tea, yep another brilliant day. Nina playing with her friends around the fountain, Ma an Pa looking at all the different trinkets, strange blue horse staring at me from across the fountain, all was...wait...da fuck? I looked across the fountain to see a tall blue horse staring right back at me. It had wings and a horn, it's mane flowed in an mysterious wind and looked like the night sky. We both stared wide eyed at each other, after a few seconds I scooted to one side of the bench. The horse walked over and sat next to me.
We both ended up staring at the fountain before she finally spoke up. "Who art thou?" She asked, I screamed inside my mind but forced my self to look calm. "Damian, Damian McCrary and you are?" I asked, looking her over. "We are the Ruler of the Night and Warden of Dreams, Princess Luna." She said striking a formal pose, I looked at the city around us. "Let me guess this is all a dream?" I asked, she nodded. "Yes." I let out a sigh. "Okay say I'm not crazy, why is a horse Princess coming into my dreams?" I asked, she looked offended. "We are most certainly not a horse, we are a pony." She said as if it were common knowledge. "Okay but that doesn't answer my question." I said, she looked back towards the fountain.
"Tell us young Damian, where was thou a few hours ago, In your waking life?" Luna asked, thinking back I remembered the MDT and the strange world I visited. "I-I was in your world wasn't I?!" I asked, she nodded. "If we are correct then you were the cause of a grand flux of magic in our land?" She said, her horn began to glow in a blue aura. I watched as the city began to dissolve and fade only to be replaced by a forest. After a second I realized it was the same area where me and Rocco had appeared. "It is in this area we had felt a disturbance in magical energy. We assume you are the cause." She said, I looked to see what appeared to be scorch marks on the ground where we had landed. "Yes that was me, as well as my friends. We were testing a machine and ended up here." I said, Luna perked up interest filled her eyes.
"A machine you say. What king of machine can cause power of this level?" She said giddy like a school girl being asked to a dance. "Tell me Luna have you ever heard of Matter Displacement?" I asked, she shook her head eager to hear the rest. For the next few hours I told Luna about the MDT device and my short visit to what she called Equestria, I also learned about her sister Celestia and their roles in moving the sun and moon. That explains one thing. We talked for a few more hours before the forest around us began to shimmer. "Well Damian, our time is short now, but if you are able to travel to our world again please find us and we may talk in person, farewell." Luna said, she walked off into the forest and turned back to wave, I waved back and soon the dream was gone.
Luna, what a nice name.
Workshop
After I had said goodbye to Ma, Pa, and Nina I headed back to the Dr. picking Rocco up along the way. Upon entering the building we were greeted by a squad (8) of peacekeepers. For those who don't know a peacekeeper is not a figure of authority they do not enforce any laws or rules, they only stop fights, settle arguments, that sort of thing. They were more of a local militia made up of the people. They do have a leader but he is only ever brought up when a very big problem like riots occur. I recognized a couple of the peacekeepers but a few must have been from another part of Albion.
"Damian Rocco just in time." The doc said from behind the MDT. Me and Rocco saw our gear mounted for us. "Dr. I had a question about the MDT, does it always put us in the same spot after our teleport?" I asked, I remembered the area where we landed and where me and Rocco had gotten to before we were attacked. "Yes it does, unless we changed the coordinates." He said. "Now both of you get up and we can re-calibrate the machine before you leave." He said, the peacekeepers seemed to be too busy staring at the machine to take part in the conversation. As me and Rocco got suited up I walked to the control panel of the MDT.
To say I was confused would be an understatement, the panel had many switched, nobs, dials, lights, etc. "Uh... Dr. how do we calibrate it?" I asked slightly frustrated I couldn't figure it out. "Well if you understand what each dial means the rest is easy to figure out. First check the power supply," The power was fully charged. "next check the current selected location," I didn't understand the mix of numbers and letters but nodded. "now the rest you can leave to me. All you need to do I set in where you want to go." He said, I looked at the controls again... nothing.
"You may want to put it in, me and Roc went about two clicks north from our original location." I said, he nodded and went to work adjusting the machine. One of the peacekeepers came up and tapped my shoulder, I faced him. He was about 6"2 dark skin and brown eyed, his hair was short and grey, but his old complexion did nothing to the fact he was very fit.
"Hey, ain't you McCrary's kid." He asked in a deep yet calm voice. I remembered him, he was usually on watch around the refinery were Pa worked. "Ya, name's Damian." I said shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you boy, I'm Joshua Curtis. I take it your parents don't know what you're doin eh?" He asked smiling, I grinned back. "No, I want to tell them but they wouldn't let me go if they knew where I was going." I said checking my bionics functionality. "Well you're gonna have to tell them sooner or later kid. But right now we outta get going." He said.
Me, Rocco, and the peacekeepers crammed into the MDT the electric floor crackling under our feet. "Now I have set the location to your preferences Damian, so be ready. Also you and Rocco are the only ones who know anything about this new place so make sure you stick together." The Dr. flipped a few switches and the MDT sealed itself, he looked at us one more time. "Good luck and stay safe." He threw the switch and we were gone.
"Good luck boy."
~~Luna~~
Luna sat in her chambers in reading over a few files brought up in her court, simple things such as building plans and politics. Once more bored with her work she mindlessly stamped and signed the work, she had remembered the creature she had meet with after studying the rift in the Everfree Forest. Damian she remembered, he had said or implied he would visit her world again, she was glad that she would be able to meet this new race face to face. She awaited the flux of energy indicating his arrival. But every time she thought about it she remembered Damian had not specified a time or location as to when he would arrive.
She also wondered about the location she had first seen Damian in, the grand city made of metal, stone, and wood the numerous machines and technology. His race obviously had more resources and intellect, she had to find out more about him and his home. To bring those machines into reality in Equestria would put ponykind at the top when it came to technology, and if magic was added who knew of the feats they could achieve. But alas it would requires time, money, and resources to create these wonders. Too hope Damian could help her with these problems was too much to hope for, but if he could set them on the right path would be all she would need.
After about an hour she walked to her balcony seeing the sun begin to descend bellow the Canterlot horizon. She brought her magic forth and as her horn began to shimmer in the familiar presence of magic the moon began it's journey across the sky. Luna gazed at the star filled night, it was her own personal art canvas. After a moment she began to get an idea, she thought back to one of the machines she had seen in Damian's dream.
Bringing her magic forth once more she began to move the stars, this would be the first new constellation to be added to her night in a 1000 years. Everypony in Canterlot at that moment gazed in wonder at the new stellar art piece came to be. It was unlike anything any Equestrian citizen had ever seen before, for those with imagination it looked like a carriage but it had no pony pulling it, instead a stream of star dust appeared to be steam rising from it as a for of motion. The constellation would come to be know The Carriage.
Proud with her work Luna walked back into her chambers a smile on her face. But then before any other thought she felt it, the flux.
~~Everfree Forest~~
Upon landing the PKs began throwing up like we did upon our first arrival, this time though neither me or Rocco seemed to be as effected. After helping the PKs up we looked at our surroundings. Sure enough we were at the river me and Rocco and been at. I shuddered remembering that near death experience, I motioned the peacekeepers to follow us. It seemed strange to be giving orders to these people but they obeyed. After about half and hour following the river having changed our heading, Joshua walked up to my side.
"I don't want the others to hear this but uh... do you know where we you're going?" He asked, I thought about it and it seemed my thoughts were possible. "Well most civilizations back before the Brass Age usually put their cities close to bodies of water. So if we follow this river sooner or later, preferably sooner, we will find some manner of populace." I stated, he nodded and fell back to his squad. I brought up a HUD the Dr. had given me before our departure, currently we were heading east along the river. Since there wasn't an orbital satellite I could only see where we have been, using a pulse scan I could find any source of raw power within a 2 mile radius.
On the grid map I saw a single source of power due north, it was coming closer. "Everyone be alert we have something heading our way!" I called back, they didn't respond but from the sound of guns begin primed and loaded I knew they were ready. I checked the skies, nothing noticeable was present, checking my map I saw the beacon was closing in, about half a mile away. "Everyone get to cover, but hold fire!" I ordered, everyone dove into bushes or behind trees. We held like that for a few minutes, the beacon was right above us.
Out of the sounds I had heard in this jungle one was new, wings, I looked up. Flying three stories above us was a evil looking chariot flown by two ~~horses~~ no ponies with bat wings and wicked looking armor. The chariot slowly landed in the small area we had been, and out stepped the one being I knew in this world, Princess Luna. She looked around the area, until she faced me.
"Please come forth Damian, we know you are there. We mean you no harm." She spoke, her voice was angelic almost like that of a mother or close friend. Knowing she was telling the truth I stepped from behind my tree and smiled, the others followed guns ready but not aimed. "It's good to know not everything in this place isn't bad." I said, she smiled back. "It's a pleasure to see thee face to face. Thou has also brought others." She looked around at the group. "I hope you don't mind but me and my friend," I pointed to Rocco who looked at Luna dumbfounded. "had a rather bad encounter with the local inhabitants of this place." I said, she flinched at that. "Yes, we are aware of the creatures that stalk this forest. If you wish we can escort you and your friends out." She said, everyone took on a relieved look. "Yes, that would be great."
Luna ordered her guards to fly above and alert us if anything was dangerous was heading our way. As she did I looked at the metal the guards armor was made of, it wasn't iron, steel, brass, copper, or anything I had worked with. The guards took to the air with ease, my boots gave my legs the strength to jump clear over any normal building but to fly was my dream. I watched in envy as they soared above.
Luna cleared her throat. "Shall we?" She asked smiling. The Everfree Forest as Luna had told me was a very unique place, it had little connection to their part of the world and was totally independent, and it also held some of the most evil forces known to pony and mankind, allegedly. Little was said as we walked I simply was pondering what things I could create using magic, the others looked around in fear and wonder.
After about a half hour we finally escaped the forest, the sight was a pleasant one. A small town, much smaller than Albion sat on the edge of the forest. In the distance I could see ponies going about their day, three buildings stood out to me. The first being the center most building which I assumed was the town hall. The second being the school house, I looked like a pre-war country schoolhouse, last but not least was a very odd building built like a carousel. Luna continued on the guards landing close by.
Once we entered the town we were meet with mixed results, no one should have been surprised. The ponies either froze, ran, although some looked at us with interest. Luna payed them no mind so we just followed her, I could see the peacekeepers take on their emotionless look like they had in Albion. Rocco was lost in his own little world looking here and there at everything. I couldn't help but be curious as to what kind of tech these ponies could have, obviously nothing to advance from the look of the small town.
After contemplating a few ideas I decided to talk to Luna. "Luna I was wondering where are we going?" No, I am not one to usually start up small talk never was. But I had been curious as to the location we were going.
"We shall go to meet our sister Celestia, like us she commands the sun and day. It is imperative thee see her so as not to be seen as an enemy." Luna said, so their system of government was ruled by two ponies. If what she says of her powers over the night are true these to must be either very strong or simply specialize in moving the two celestial bodies.
"If thou doth not mind, we wish to ask thee a question. Where do you come from?" That was going to be a weird question to answer.
"If I said that was a tedious question would you understand what I meant?" I asked but continued none the less. "The best I could say is we are not from this planet, as for the realm or maybe time I couldn't say. We came to this world via a Matter Displacement Tower, I have no clue how it fully works but it may be possible me and my friends are from an entirely different plane of reality. This is just a theory but if I had the one who built the MDT Dr Richardson he may be able to explain more." Luna was taking in every bit of information, curiosity apparent on her face. As she was about to ask another question her attention was drawn to the building we had come to. It was a monorail station but it wasn't as big as those in Albion.
"We apologize but here is where we must part. We shall travel ahead and inform our sister of thou, thee shall be able to use the train to travel to Canterlot, but you will need this." She beckoned a guard forward, he held a piece of paper in his magical grasp. "This is our seal, present it to anypony and they will know thou mean them no harm and you purpose." I took the paper and saw it had the image of two ponies on dark like Luna the other a brighter color. "Thank you, how long shall it take for us to arrive at Canterlot from here." I could see the city Canterlot in the distance and from the suns placement we may not be there before dark.
"The ride will take three hours at most, steam engines work much better than what we used before." She said.
So they do have steam technology, but to what extent? I thought.
After Luna had departed with her guards, the others walked up and looked at the seal. Joshua was the first to speak. "Before we get on this thing, do any ah y'all know know how long we are going to be here?" It was at this moment I remembered that the Dr. had never given us a time limit. Nobody answered, Joshua sighed but ushered his squad to move on.
Damn, I really should have thought this through more. I mentally kicked myself.
The inside of the train station was empty, all but a brown mare at the ticket window she looked at us in shock. Joshua took the paper and walked up to her. "Pardon us Ms but we need seven ticket to Canterlot." He said politely showing her the seal, immanently seeing the it she calmed down. "I apologize good sir I didn't know you knew the princesses. Here are your tickets." The mare pulled seven slips the tickets to him and he smile. "Thank ya kindly." He tipped his helmet and walked back to us. He gave us each a ticket they all said Cant.
The train wasn't as advanced as those back home but they were much more comfortable. We where all seated in a small train car no other ponies with us. While they checked their equipment me and Rocco moved to the back of the car.
"Damian please tell me you know how we can get home?!" Rocco whispered, I had no idea how we could get back to Albion. The Dr. had given me nothing and said nothing.
"I wish I could tell you Roc, but I don't know. Maybe we will just get sent back after a certain time. Remember we haven't been here for as long as our last trip, once we reach that time we may just get pulled back." I had no idea if what I was saying was true but it was all I had, the peacekeepers looked at one another but said nothing. Nobody said a word as the train lurched forward.
"Damian are you there?"
Everyone perked up, it was the Dr. We all looked around searching for the voice, I noticed a light on my PDA was blinking.
"Damian can you hear me?" The Dr's voice came through, everyone crowded around me.
"Yeah Dr. it's me, can't tell you what a relief it is to hear ya." I chuckled, I heard him messing with controls on the other end.
"You as well my boy, I'm glad I can reach you. Listen I understand you have questions but I need you to listen first. Some higher ups in the Capital got wind of my project and I don't know how, this could end badly if they deiced they want the MDT." I could understand the Dr's panic, while their are only morals being enforced in Albion nothing was stopping anyone from changing said morals to get what they want. Those in the capital had been doing it for years, now they must want the MDT for their own use.
"What about us Dr. are we stuck here unable to help or... what? You are the only on who knows how we can get back." I said, if those in the Capital take or destroy the MDT me, Rocco, and the peacekeepers are stuck here forever.
"Don't worry everyone of you will get back safely, but I am the only one who can pull you back. No one else but me knows how the MDT works, if anyone tried to pull you back it could end badly for both ends." Everyone looked uneasy.
Joshua took the PDA. "Listen doc, I ain't got any idea what's going on at your end but ya need to get us out of here fast if those pigs at the capital know of this machine I can guarantee you they ain't gonna help us." He said, I heard the doc sigh on the other end.
"That's the problem the MDT is new and has flaws, right now it's cooling down. From the looks of things it's going to take much longer than when Damian and Rocco crossed over the first time." He said, again I heard random sounds. "It seems as though after every use the machine loses more and more power, so if I understand my readings right the MDT can only send and receive about 3 more times before it burns itself out and if those in the capital use it before I can pull you back your stuck there...forever."
Nobody said a word, we had at best 3 chances to return to our home or we would be stuck in this pony land for the rest of our days.
I took the PDA back. "Dr the MDT uses element 116 Livermorium correct?" I asked
"That correct, but what does that have to do with getting you back, the MDT cannot be refueled due to the shear rarity of the element. I have only enough for the three teleports." He said, I thought for a moment.
"Is it possible for you to take at least 2 charges worth of 116 from the machine and put it into a sort of portable teleporter?" I could see a few flaws the theory of such a thing but it may work.
"It's possible but the problem with a carry around MDT is that it has no anchor or and guide as to where to send you, it may return you safely to Albion or into another galaxy." He said, I put the PDA down and ruffled my hair thinking, the train car shaking and rumbling didn't help. "Wait a sec, Dr if you made one portable MDT and sent it to us then you could tell the capital guys that the MDT is only good for a single use, they will most likely take it but I doubt they would use it so soon. So after we finish up here we can use the PMDT (Portable Matter Displacement Tower) To return to Albion." The others look to the PDA waiting for the Dr to respond.
The PDA was silent for a few moments before the Dr responded. "This plan has many things that most likely will go wrong but it also may work. Very well making a single smaller MDT will be easy enough. But why not just bring you home when the MDT is ready and give the remaining 2 jumps to the capital?" The other nodded in agreement.
"Well a number of reasons, first being the worst is that think of what a those capital dogs would do with two mass jumps? Second that last jump took a lot out of us, remember when you brought me and Rocco back? the jump felt much worse when used rapidly. Third we already are so far into this world to leave so soon wouldn't leave the locals the best impression of us." No one spoke simply weighing the pros and cons. So many things so little time. I thought, those in the capital outta be knocked down a peg for the shit they pull. Well if the plan goes accordingly me and the others just might be able to have a little payback.
Joshua spoke up next. "Well Doc if it's all the same to ya, I quite like the idea of gettin' a chance to pull one over on the capital." He said a smirk growing on his face. Rocco had the idea to leave a few "gifts" for the higher ups the others had much the same idea.
A crackle was heard from the device.
"Damn the signals are fading, I have to go now. Joshua I am counting on you to keep everyone safe, and Damian I need you to be ready for when the time comes to use the PMDT." The Dr. said, the crackling growing louder.
"Alright Doctor, by the way tell me and Rocco's parents we won;t be back for a while." I said, I didn't know if he heard me as the PDA displayed the No signal pop up.
Rocco let out a sigh of relief, the Peacekeepers did the same. I put the PDA back in my bag, checking the time I saw it had begun to grow late. The city of Canterlot was close now, the sun setting in the distance. The sun itself seemed to set abnormally fast, the moon also rose at a faster pace. Is this what Luna and her sister do everyday? I thought looking at the marvel of nature/magic. The sight was lost on Rocco, he simply to to eating some of the food he had brought. Joshua and the Peacekeepers seemed to take to idle chatter feeling more reassured they would be able to get back to Albion. Of course problems would most likely occur, there was the capital, the limited teleports, and meeting the goddess of the sun face to face. So many things could go either horribly wrong or amazingly right.
As I was about to look away I saw a sight I would never forget. The night sky went from a moon on a dotted black surface to a wonderful canvas of stars swirling and taking their place in the sky. The stars moved and left trails of stardust in their wake, the display of color and lights drew the others attention. The lights of stars and particles of the galaxy were all visible, an to everyone's awe an Aurora Borealis streaked across the sky. All of our jaws were grounded, Rocco's mouth hung open the food he was eating forgotten, Joshua seemed to be holding a medallion of some kind, the other keepers tried to collect themselves.
Soon enough everyone got their heads straight and went of with what they were doing. I simply stared our the window, if Luna could do this every night she was much more powerful than my HUD could read or was she suppressing her energy when we were in the forest? I have to remember to ask her when we meet in Canterlot.
After a quick dinner I let my head fall onto the bench and my eyes shut.
--Canterlot ???--
Discord lord of chaos and mischief, bringer of disharmony and sorrow sat in his personal quarters... writing. Ever since his reform into the civilized life of Canterlot the mad god had taken the hobby of writing in his free time. Before and during his rule Discord had never read a book, he merely ate the pages. But know he saw them as a way to get hi chaos out by writing it down on the form of short stories. It also left hi mind clear and able to think in a more organized and still chaotic manner.
Discord currently finished another fable and placed it on his shelf next to quite a few others. Content with his work he left the oddly decorated room and began to wander around the halls of Canterlot Castle looking for away to relieve him f his boredom. It wasn't long until he saw Luna in the gardens, while this was not uncommon it was uncommon to see her so cheery being the quite antisocial pony she was. As he floated next to the night goddess he saw that her eyes were closed and her horn was glowing a bright blue, it was then he saw the night sky she was creating.
Discord's jaw literally fell to the ground, after picking it up and reattaching it he saw Luna had finished her master piece still oblivious to his presence, a small grin made it's way onto his face. "So what's the occasion?" He asked, Luna jumped like a frightened cat. She tried to speak but couldn't, Luna and Discord had never been on good terms since his release and reformation. "We just are in a good mood...or was." Luna said whispering at the end, Discord floated to her looking at the sky all the while. "Well why such the good mood. Nopony is happy or sad without reason, so what is it hmm. Ponies finally warming up to you, a stallion maybe." Discord grinned, Luna glared at him but it had little effect. "Can thou take anything seriously or doth thou find everything not but a game." She said looking over the garden.
A patch of blue flowers glow a bright blue color, also known as the infamous poison joke. Discord over the flowers unaffected by the poison. "Ah, don't be like that Lully tell me what's got you in such a happy mood." He said, Luna simply turned her head not wanting to tell Discord about Damian and his companions. "Leave us be Discord." Luna said her tone showing her patience was growing thin.
"Fine." With a huff the draconequus flew off into the castle. Luna let out a sigh, knowing that Damion would arrive early in the morning she decided to rest so she and her sister could greet the newcomers. As Luna entered her chambers her mind wondered once more to the machines the Humans had in their world and what had enabled the to create such incredible machines. With a quick spell Luna wrote a list of things she would ask Damian when he arrived.
--Damian--
As the light of day shown through the trains open window I opened my eyes. With a moan I rolled off the bench, I looked around to see the others also waking up.
"Mornin'." Joshua said, rubbing his eyes.
"What time is it?" Rocco yawned, I took out my PDA.
"About 10 AM." I looked out the window to see Canterlot was only minutes away.
A crackle came over the trains speakers. "Attention everypony we will be arriving at Canterlot Station in 10 minutes..." The stallion said more but I was too busy focusing on formation of something in the distance. They looked liked birds but they seemed to be too big.
"Hey Damian did the Princess tell ya anything about what to expect in Canterlot?" I turned to see Rocco putting on his boots. He also raised a good question, Luna did tell me to go to the castle which I could easily see. But, she had neglected to tell us anything about the city, it's people, and it's laws.
"No she didn't, just be on your best behavior, and don't do anything that may offend or hurt any of the ponies and we should be fine." I said, I heard a few clicks from the PK's. I didn't see the but I assumed they were switching to non-lethal rounds.
I checked my suit, boots, and weapons wit a quick once over and everything seemed to be in place and active. A few minutes later the train whistle sounded through out the train as it slowed to a halt.
The doors opened, as we set foot into the city I looked at the brilliance of the architect. Building spiraled upwards flags and banners hung from lamp posts. Ponies, mostly unicorns, walked the streets in fancy detailed clothing. It was like the Capital, but lacking in metal... and corruption. With a chuckle we ventured forth. As soon as we were in plain sight ponies stopped. We didn't stop we just kept walking through heading to the overlooking watching castle. Ponies parted from our path whispering and staring, as we approached the castle gates a the same pair of dark pegasi we had seen pulling Luna's chariot.
"Damian McCrary?" The first asked.
"Yes that's me." I said, he motioned us to follow him.
"The princess has asked that you all remain in one of the recreational rooms so she and Princess Celestia may both be present for you welcoming." He said, we followed him silently into the castle.
The halls of the castle were unlike anything we had ever seen outside. Expensive blinds, rugs, table, and just about everything a castle needed seemed to be placed and made with the utmost time and attention to detail. At first glance I thought the guard ponies at the doors were statues as well until they blinked.
Rocco seemed to be more interested in the painting than anything else, even though most seemed to depict an image of history that we didn't know of he found them entrancing. Joshua was eyeing every guards we passed either thinking they would attack or commending the fact they were far more disciplined than any peacekeeper. Soon we came to what looked like a capital houses living room, it had lush furniture and enough prestigious vibes to make anyone's ego grow, this being the last thing Rocco needed.
"We will return to bring you to the princesses when they are ready, and we hope you enjoy your stay." The guard said, before he turned and left.
"Ah man again with the waiting!" Rocco whined, he wasn't a very patient person.
"Ah have to agree with Roc, this hole thing is draining our time and that is something we can spare." Joshua said, I don't know if it was just me but it seemed like none of the other peacekeepers said anything, what made me even more uneasy about them was the fact that I had never meet any of them in East Albion.
"I know, I'm sick of it too but we can't exactly ask a nations rulers to drop everything." I said, Rocco scoffed.
"Sure we can, just walk in and use as much ass kissing and sarcasm as possible." He said, earning a smack in the head from Joshua.
"Oh yeah doing both at the same time to two goddesses is gonna end so well, ya half wit." He said.
For the next few minutes Joshua and Rocco went back and forth with either ideas or insults. I really hoped they would at least be civil when the meeting came around. For the time being I decided to do a little research on the peacekeepers, my PDA while not connected to Albions frequency anymore still held data it had collected while it was. I found a file the Dr. had sent me telling me about who we were traveling with.
1st
Name: Jackson Hayes
Residence: Central Albion (Capital)
Occupation: Peacekeeper for central business district
The hell. Why had a Peacekeeper from the business district in the Albion Capital be sent to help a scientist in the Eastern Border with a small project. I kept a straight face but looked towards Jackson. He was talking to his partner, he looked familiar, I looked him up next.
2nd
Name: Michael Ruiz
Residence: Eastern Albion
Occupation: Peacekeeper for Albion border
I did know him, I had seen him and Rocco's dad having drinks at the bar on some nights. At least him I could trust seeing as he must know Rocco. I checked the others and sure enough all but Joshua and Michael where from the Capital and from the business district no less. Were they with the people who were taking the MDT's or were only a few in on it, call me paranoid but I know a red flag when I see it.
As I was about to call Rocco over the door opened up, revealing the two guards. "The princesses will see you now."
The halls were empty and silent, none of the ponies from before were there. The guards lead us to a large pair of double doors, from on the other side of the door my HUD was already reading an incredible amount of power from on the other side, I didn't even need my HUD I could feel the overbearing presence. The two guards pushed the doors open, I felt my gut tighten and my head ache. Looking inside I saw Luna in all her grace seated next to another slightly large alicorn.
Princess Celestia, her coat was a pure white snow color, her multicolored-ethereal mane flowed in an nonexistent wind. The closer I got the great the pressure became, I could tell the others felt it as well. I-is this her magic? I thought by now my HUD just displayed Err on the radar an scanner. Celestia looked upon us a motherly smile on her face, knowing not what else to do everyone bowed from both the pressure and out of respect.
"Please rise." She said, at the sound of her voice Rocco nearly passed out, Joshua held onto his medallion, the other Peacekeepers also had looks of pure awe. "You must be Damian and Rocco, correct?" She asked, Rocco was barely on his feet just barely being able to stop himself from shaking.
"Yes Princess Celestia, I am Damian McCrary Steam Tech assistant of Doctor Richardson." I said my voice slightly shaking.
"I'm glad you made it here safely, from what Luna has told me of your encounter in the Everfree it seems you all have made quite the trip." She said.
for the first time the peacekeeper Jackson stepped up. "Not that I don't enjoy pleasantries Princess but me and my companions are on a bit of a tight scheduled." He said, his voice was strange it had a strange almost echo like sound.
Celestia looked at him. "I understand, so down to our main issue may I ask why all of you are here?" To be honest I didn't know what to say, we only really thought to find the Princess but not really anything to say from there. This is the reason why Rocco is here.
"Well Princess, we came to greet the two famed alicorns who watched over this place and initiate peace between our two races." Rocco had managed to actually form a sentence, I was surprised considering his state.
"Well, I'm happy you sought to do such. It's not everyday a new species is discovered much less ones with intelligence." She said, she looked at me and Rocco next. "I am curious though why has your race sent two of such young age to discuss matter of an ambassador?" She asked.
Before we could answer Jackson spoke ahead. "They are here as a show of alliance, they both know of either machines and economics. If you ask they can tell you about how to create these things or expand what already exists." He said, Rocco shot him a glare. I didn't want to talk back, how could I without offending Celestia and Luna.
Celestia nodded her head. "We thank you, most other races are either at our state or higher when it comes to technology. Assistance would be greatly appreciated."
As Jackson and Celestia conversed out of the corner of my eye I saw Rocco put his hand into his pocket. Tricky son of gun. With a quick eye motion my mask's HUD changed settings. Uh oh. In Rocco's hand was his baton, I really hoped he would hold his temper, for now. Switching my setting back to default I began to listen to the conversation again.
"Well it is good to see a new ally makes itself know to us so soon, tensions with the Changeling Hives have made our borders and guards more alert than they have ever been." She said looking down.
"We would help if we could but for now we limited time." Jackson said, Celestia nodded and turned to Luna.
"Sister could you please escort young Damian to the castle research department." She asked, Luna smiled and nodded.
"Of course sister, come along Damian." She said, I smiled and followed her.
As soon as we left the throne room I whispered to Luna. "Listen I don't have time to explain, take us somewhere privet quickly." Luna looked confused but nodded.
We went into the nearest room, it appeared to be a vacant guest room.
"Tis the matter Damian?" Luna asked worried.
I knelt down in front of her. "Luna what ever you do, do not listen to Jackson. He isn't who you or we thought he was." I said, she just looked even more confused.
"We do not understand." She said.
I sighed. "Listen ta me, Rocco, and those men came through the MDT device to discover a new world. We found yours and knew nothin about it, all was fine then. But, people in the Capital of my city heard about the MDT and decided they want it for their own. Now I don't know for sure but I think Jackson and a few of the other men are in league with them. We never came here with the first intention as to ally ourselves. Jackson just pulled most of what he said out of his ass, don't get me wrong we are allies but he is lying to ya."
By now Luna had no clue as to what was going on.
"Thou art saying that the stallions that plot to bring chaos to our land is a spy." She said rubbing the side of her head.
"Yes." I responded.
"And thou left them alone, with our sister." She said...oops.
We both ran from the room, Luna galloped beside me. We charged down halls guards and maids jumping out of the way. As we came to the throne room doors I readied my Gauss Rifle, Luna charged her horn and put a body shield over herself. I pushed the door open.
*CRACK*
"ARGH!" I jumped behind the throne room door. Looking down I saw where a bleeding hole in my hip. `Thank those above that hit my side!' I looked to the other side of the door where Luna had taken cover, she fire a bolt into the room it hit glass.
"Come out come out Damian!" Jackson called from inside, lasers and bullets flew from the door.
Luna fire a few more bolts, I could hear someone scream followed by the sound of liquid hitting the floor (4). I took out my drone and PDA. Tapping a few icon the machine powered to life. The drone was the size of my torso and covered in a special titanium and uranium alloy. I threw it into the throne room, were it began to wreak havoc. The drone flew to one of the peacekeepers and fired, the PK's head flew apart along with his chest (3).
"Go go go!" I shouted, Luna charged into the room using her telekinesis she slammed a PK into the wall crushing him to bits. I fired a gauss round at Jackson, he saw it coming and dived out of the way firing back. Running along the wall o the room I flipped a small table over and ducked as a few rounds barely missed my head.
"Took you long enough!" I looked to the left and saw Rocco hiding behind one of the pillars, his arm was bleeding and his STG in his hands. He fire a few rounds blindly forcing the PKs to take cover.
"Where the hell is Joshua!?" I called firing, I hit one in the arm taking it off. The drone flew above as it wasn't accurate but it sure kept them down giving us the upper hand.
"Over there!" Rocco pointed to the other side of the room, Joshua and Micheal were pinned by two PKs. I put my rifle away and mounted my Cannon on my arm
"FIRE IN THE HOLE!" I shouted, pulling the trigger a loud boom sounded through out the hall. When the smoke cleared the two PKs were gone only a hole in the floor remained. Joshua and Micheal peaked from around the pillar. As the two stepped out we all looked at the carnage, almost every window was gone, the furniture mostly reduced to chunks.
(End Song)
"Sister!" Luna ran to the throne, it was gone. Me and Rocco began digging through the debris, I looked around the room guards were dead some wounded. I tore through the wreckage but found no sign of the solar deity.
"Luna."
I looked around but saw nothing, I checked my radar. It was smaller but still their, I dashed to a pile behind the throne. Celestia's crown lay next to it.
"Luna over here!" I called, she teleported to me. We both began throwing the pile away, finally we found her but it wasn't good. Celestia had scratches everywhere, a bullet had pierced her right shoulder, but what was worst was her wings and horn. Her wings were visibly broken, and her horn was scratched.
"S-Sister!" Luna cried, laying next to her sister she cried, tears streamed down her face.
"Please Luna don't cry, I hate to see you sad." Celestia's voice was weak, I ripped through my bag I took out my Medical Kit. I worked quickly, sterilizing her wounds and bandaging the as best I could.
"Celestia I-I'm so sorry," I cried. "this is all my fault." I tried to stop the bleeding, if it weren't for her magic she would have died long before.
"No...it's not... I was to blind by offers to see what that man truly was." Celestia said, her smile was weak but still held some comfort. Luna was crying into her sisters not wounded shoulder, unable to due anything but try and use her magic to help. The wound while small went deep, I ran my HUD scanner for a physical report.
The readings were not good.
10 bruised ribs, internal bleeding, broken shoulder blade, 2 broken wings, and a fractured horn.
Soon but not soon enough a much larger platoon of guards stormed the halls helping the wounded and collecting the dead. One stallion stood out among the rest, his coat was white with a blue mane, he was also a unicorn. His eyes landed on me, Luna, and Celestia.
"I need a medic now!" He shouted rushing to us, he pointed his spear at my neck. "Back away from the princess ape!" Not wasting anytime I took his spear with my gauntlet and crushed the tip and threw it.
"You wanna do something useful help me stop the bleeding!" I barked, dropping the spear the unicorn helps me and Luna.
I saw Celestia whisper something to Luna but I was too busy to hear anything. Pretty soon we had Celestia's condition stabilize, but she already fallen unconscious. Luna had stopped crying but remained silent, I looked around and on the ground in the center or the room was the remains of what had once been Jackson Hayes. Taking a closer look at the body I noticed he wasn't all human, bits of wire and metal were fused in. A cyborg, they were all suppose to have been wiped out. I walked to Rocco next, a group of medic ponies were stitching him up.
"How ya feelin'?" I asked, he grunts as the needle pierces his skin.
"I'll live, how's the princess?" I look over to see she's being taken to the hospital.
"I did all I could Luna and that guard helped me out. I think she'll live, as long as she doesn't take anymore damage anytime soon. To top it off it's all my fault." I sighed.
*Wham!*
I fell to my ass holing the side of my face, Rocco glared at me. "You dumbass, no one could have seen this coming. Not the Doc not you or anyone. Sure you may have fucked the timing up but at the end of the day you, me, the princesses, and in the long run these ponies are still alive." He closed his eyes and leveled his breathing. "Now get your shit together and help Joshua and the other PK." He said before dosing off.
Joshua and Micheal were take with the guards to the hospital as well, I looked around and saw that one guard walking towards me. I turned to face him. "Thanks for the help." I said putting my hand out, he snorted and hoofed me in the face.
"Ugh u-up yours." I cursed him and slipped unconscious
