Across the Stars

by Grave_Mind

First published April 1st, 2013 13:50

50 years before Princess Twilight's coronation, Equestria and its planet of Equus discovered it was not alone in the universe. The world was in the middle of a much bigger conflict against the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. In the years since joining the Republic, Equus has seen rapid expansion to the stars despite the time of war.

As the ponies attempt to find their new place in the universe, they look to the newly crowned Princess Twilight Sparkle for guidance. However, when an attempt is made on her life by a supposed bloody coup, the Republic sends two Jedi to try and quell the rising situation. But little do they know just how volatile Equestria really is...

This fanfiction is part of the "Nobleverse."

Chapters

Prologue: Starside

Prologue: Starside
View Online

Across the Stars

Prologue: Starside

Prologue:

Starside

Twilight let out a sigh of relief as she felt the ship land safely onto the landing pad. It was good to be back home.

Her coronation into Equestria’s royal family was certainly not an easy one to fll. While she had her doubts about whether or not she was truly ready for this, she quickly adapted and fit into the role perfectly. She owed her thanks to Celestia and the rest of her friends, whom she still had ties to and even gave them positions in her council. She made sure to bring them along for political trips like these to make sure she wasn’t losing her head.

Her coronation was not without controversy, however. Rumors quickly spread of subjects reportedly against Twilight’s rather rapid ascension into royalty. According to these rumors, these groups had plans ranging from simply removing her status as princess to even taking her own life. This only further complicated things when just 50 years prior, their planet of Equus was discovered to the known galaxy. Shortly after, the planet declared they were joining the Galactic Republic to aid in its brutal war with the Sith Empire. With developments of this coup already on her plate, more eyes were placed on Twilight than ever before. Suddenly, Equestria looked to the Princess of the Stars for finding its place on the galactic stage in this time of war.

This began a series of repeated trips into Republic Space, mostly to the city-world capital of Courscant, but also to nearby neighboring planets such as Dantooine and Telos, which were the first two planets the Equestrians began their planetary expansion.

Her most recent trip was to a different planet entirely, however. Following the wishes of Princess Celestia, Twilight sought the Jedi Council on the planet of Tython. She came to them personally for help and possibly even protection from this supposed bloody coup that had been plaguing her rule since her coronation. The esteemed masters of the Jedi Order told her that while they were spread enough as it was thanks to this war against the Sith Empire, they will proceed to meditate on the matter. While this was not the answer she was expecting, she was relieved to hear them promise to investigate this development when they had the chance.

Of all the allies Equus had made in the 50 or so years since joining the Republic, Twilight discovered that their most valuable was the Jedi Order. After all, their first contact involved a pair of Jedi diplomats trying to escape their Sith pursuers. While there, the diplomats discovered that Equestrians were strong in this thing they called “The Force” and urged the planet to join the Republic as soon as possible. She remembered reading how rare it was to see the Order so eager and supportive over such boring political matters. However, the Republic was on the losing side of a long, drawn out war with the Sith. The Republic would need all the help it could get.

Twilight walked down the loading ramp, glancing at her friends on either side of her. She gave a warm and relieved smile as she was greeted with the familiar sight of Canterlot Castle. She let out a breath she did not know she held, her Alicorn wings giving an excited flutter as her feet touched the landing pad.

She heard Rainbow Dash, the leader of her starfighter escort, give an audible snicker as she clambered out of her fighter. “Little excited to be back home, are we?” She joked, removing her helmet and flapping her own wings.

Twilight couldn’t help but respond in a soft giggle back, her lavender wings folding back behind her. “Rainbow,” she replied. “I’m just glad to have my feet on the ground! Besides! You know I’m not exactly into space travel like you are!”

The cyan pegasus gave a playful scoff as she tossed her rainbow mane back. “Well, at least you have the best starpilot this side of the Tingel Arm as your escort to get you home!” She gloated triumphantly as she leaned against the hull of her fighter, a sly smirk on her face.

Twilight smiled at her gloating. Ever since she appointed Rainbow Dash leader of her personal fighter escort, she has never heard the end of how great it was. Following her coronation, Twilight appointed her friends to various parts of her council. Rarity and Pinkie Pie shared the title of Head of Event Affairs and had their own personal group of handmaidens. Fluttershy was in charge of peaceful and diplomatic negotiations. As for Applejack, she went to join the Republic army for a time before returning from her time on the frontlines. In time, Applejack was appointed head of security and given her own personal guard troops. They were handpicked by her and even included members of a squad she lead into battle on Geonosis.

Twilight turned to the castle to see Applejack greet Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy. She turned her attention back to Rainbow Dash and gave her a soft smile. “We should get inside,” she told her. “We don’t wanna keep the rest waiting--”

Twilight never finished her sentence, however. She let out a sharp cry as something hot forced her forward and onto the ground. A loud bang filled her ears as she was left in a crumpled heap to try and drown out the feeling.

The ship behind her had just exploded, erupting into a slag of molten durasteel and burning scrap.

Twilight’s vision went blurry as her friends rushed to her aid. Rainbow immediately went and scooped her up into her arms while Applejack began barking orders into her comlink. Pinkie held Rarity and Fluttershy close, trying her best to comfort the two panicking mares and shield them from the immense heat of the explosion.

Twilight let out a soft moan as her vision began to fade. She could hear Rainbow’s muffled voice over the constant ringing of her ears. She said something about... getting her help as she was rushed to the castle infirmary. She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. She could only give a soft squeak that sounded remotely like, “Jedi.” She muttered it over and over again. “Jedi... Jedi... Jedi...”

Across the Stars

By Grave Mind

Author's Note

Hey guys! Long time no see, eh? If you read this far, you've read what should be part of my next big project, the "Nobleverse!" More details are in my blog, but to sum it all up, any fic you see that says it's part of the Nobleverse is going to feature my newest OC Noble Wing. These fics can range from crossovers like this one to just simple one-shots. I'd really like your feedback on this, so feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think!