Chapters The Last Crite's Intentions
Self-Preservation and Propagation
“Charlie! Charlie! Hey, snap out of it! We’re home!” Ethan shook Charlie’s shoulder with much enthusiasm as their ship approached Earth. Charlie, however, kept looking out the window towards space. Not necessarily to the abandoned Terracorp station they had barely managed to escape but space itself. His mind was completely absorbed in thought. What was to become of his life now that everyone he ever knew was gone? Even his best friend, Ug, had turned into a different person. Charlie remembered the end of their reunion’s first and last conversation. It replayed in his mind much like a broken record of the old days.
“Guess you got a promotion, huh?” Charlie had said to Ug…no, Councelor Tetra.
“Things change, Charlie. Things change.” Why did he, Charlie, have to pull a gun on his best friend? What caused so much distance between them that a simple conversational reunion was out of the question? And yet, the choice was simple: kill or be killed…by your own best friend.
Something changed in Charlie seeing the figure before him that was once his best friend – a kindling ember burning deep inside. Charlie didn’t want to watch Ug kill those around him of course. However, he also felt betrayal. Betrayal in that Ug must have thought Charlie a simple fool. Everyone thought Charlie was a simple fool. It was the reason he wanted to be a bounty hunter; he wanted to be something more than a simple fool. On that abandoned station, Ug denied him that hope. All that bounty hunting summed up to ‘Charlie you’re a simple fool for even trying.’ Crites…Crites were more important to Ug than Charlie. The thought made Charlie grit his teeth out of anger against the little things – out his best friend’s misguided ambitions. Crites…those little fucking things took everything away from him. Charlie could feel his face get red hot from rising anger.
After inevitability took its course, Charlie couldn’t help but mutter, “Things change…so do people.” It was such a bitter reply that Charlie could only wonder if there was nothing else he could have said. He couldn’t even muster up the courage to hug what was once his friend for it would be the last chance. His friend, Ug, had always been there for him while travelling as a bounty hunter. Why couldn’t he return the favor in the end?
“Charlie! Look! Earth! It’s so beautiful! We’re finally back!” Ethan maintained his enthusiasm oblivious to Charlie’s distant expression. Charlie snapped out of it and looked towards Earth which radiated such a brilliant blue that he could only imagine the ocean replaced by sapphires. Back home , he thought. Not his that’s for sure. Everyone he ever knew was gone.
A voice came over the transmission radio and guided them safely to a docking port. The landing was smooth to which Fran and Ethan hugged when landfall was made. They both rushed to the ship’s doors to greet the planet’s atmosphere. It wasn’t the cleanest air, but it was a change of pace from a ship’s recycled oxygen supply.
“Charlie, are you coming?” Ethan waved Charlie toward the ship’s exit. Charlie declined with a simple wave of his hand. Ethan stood there for a moment puzzled. “Charlie…about that guy on the station. I’m sorry but it had to be done. It was either them or us.”
“I know but still…”
“Don’t let it weigh you down so much. We take things as they come and go. Not much else a person can do but live and survive. If we’re not surviving, then we’re dying.”
“I know…thanks. Go on ahead without me. I’ll catch up.” Ethan stood in the doorway for a few more moments until he heard Fran shouting for him then took his exit. Charlie continued to look outside at the other ports watching ships come and go. He missed his friend and what had happened was no easy passing. In complete silence, Charlie noticed a faint sound from the ship’s hull. It sounded like a recording and foreign language (almost gibberish). Getting up from his chair, he headed through the door to the hull. Amidst multiple containers, he noticed four white containers each emitting this faint sound that seemed like some kind of recording. It didn’t take him long to realize the ‘gibberish’ he was hearing. Crites! Those fucking things! That bastardization of a fucking language!
He ripped the top open from the first white container with much anger boiling in his blood. Why was he so absorbed in thought that he didn’t check the storage for hidden Crites! Crites are always trying to hide their young among food sources. Looking in the container, he noticed two eggs and what seemed like a recorder replaying some indecipherable message. In complete rage, Charlie put his foot inside the container and began stomping the eggs into oblivion. No way did I kill my best friend just to have these fucking things survive! He fumed. Throwing the first container across the hull, he reached for the second one. Again, he found eggs and stomped them into oblivion. The same was done to the third to which he thought he heard screams coming from one of the eggs. Just my imagination. These things have no feelings , he reassured himself. Pulling the last white container’s lid off, his rage subsided as he stared into the eyes of a small Crite staring back.
The little black fur ball with fluorescent-like red eyes looked back at him. He noticed a similar black fur ball unfurl itself in the left corner of the container which looked at him too. Charlie then noticed that blood was dripping from the first one’s mouth. He remembered that the other containers had debris in each corner which must had been a source of food. The little Crite looked up at Charlie with wonder in its eyes. Forming a smile, it began to turn its head back towards the recorder while maintaining eye contact with Charlie. It almost seemed like the little thing was contemplating something.
“Ccc..hha…rrrll..iieee…” It rasped to which Charlie’s eyes widened. These things never spoke in human language! Charlie slowly reached for the closest thing he could grab being a stick-like broom. The crite saw this and made a dash for his container’s companion who noticed the reaction. The second tried to shoot a needle at Charlie to which he nearly dodged taking it in the neck. Both Crites jumped from the container and headed toward the ship’s door still open.
“No you don’t! You’re not getting back to Earth you little demons!” Charlie looked around the room quickly looking for a better weapon than some broom thing he had in his hand. Underneath shuffled clothes he saw what looked like some sort of pistol. He grabbed it and took after the two Crites now racing – rolling – across the dock’s port. Dodging other people, Charlie lost sight a few times of the little things. Aimless in a crowd of people, Charlie looked in all directions for any sign of the Crites to which he heard an audible scream. He headed in that direction to find a man was being attacked by one of the Crites. The other Crite jumped on the ship next to this man while the first was biting into his neck. The man flailed wildly not giving Charlie a clear shot. Charlie took aim, and when the time felt right, took as safe a shot as he could. It blew a hole in the side of the first Crite who screamed and fell to the floor writhing in agony. The other Crite appeared in the ship’s doorway and yelled gibberish at the first one. The first one made a wild dash to the doorway with Charlie close behind.
He was too late for Charlie could see the ship’s door close, its engine roar, and the ship begin its lift off. Charlie could only stand there and watch as these two last Crites took off into the sky. The ship took off leaving Charlie alone with a man bleeding on the ground, a trail of Crite blood, and a gathering crowd of curious onlookers. He took off running in full sprint to the ship he, Ethan, and Fran had arrived in. Ethan was the only one present to greet him curious as to the commotion coming from the neighboring docking port. In a short explanation, he told Ethan that the Crites had stored some of their offspring in storage containers and he needed to go after them as it was his job – still unfinished apparently. Ethan gave a two-minute crash course on how to use the ship’s autopilot take off/landing procedures as Charlie never flew ships before. He quickly headed to the ship’s door in no hesitation.
“Charlie?! Am I ever going to see you again?” Ethan asked.
Charlie stopped in his tracks but did not face Ethan. “Maybe, I don’t know. This kind of thing seems to be the story of my life.”
With that he jumped on board, made a clumsy lift off, and took off into the sky leaving a bewildered young boy watching his new found friend leave possibly never to return.
The Last Crite's Intentions
Twilight paced restlessly back and forth in her library contemplating the situation she was now in. An Alicorn Princess! She thought. It was so wonderful, so unexpected, and so…stressful. She didn’t know so many responsibilities towards Equestria’s future would rest in her hooves. So many ponies came to her for advice and help that she found it overwhelming at times. Princess Celestia had complete faith in her when she, herself, had nothing but doubt. Even her friends reassured her that she was fit for the job. Job, she thought. That is what it started to feel like. It had only been three months but initial excitement had already seceded replaced by a deep feeling of anxiety for her future.
She stopped in her tracks, raised her hoof, and breathed out hoping it would calm her down a bit. It worked. What had worked for Cadence to relieve a situation’s stress seemed to be working for her. She decided to read a book for old time’s sake to take her mind off of things. As the book she chose levitated towards her from one of the top shelves, Spike burst through the front doors making her gasp and drop it.
“Spike!? What is it!? Don’t startle me like that!”
“I know Twilight but the princess…umm, Celestia not you…” He chuckled slightly in embarrassment but returned to his message with a stern look from Twilight, “…sent an important letter for you.” He raised his right claw to which one of Celestia’s parchments was clearly visible.
“A letter? Let me see.” She took the letter from him, unraveled it, and spoke its written words out loud. “Princess Twilight, I know being a princess is a lot of work and responsibility. I chose you for your exhibited level of abilities and accomplishments. These three months you have proven to exceed expectations in settling Seaddle’s inner-city disputes, the Hydra migration problem, and reached a reasonable compromise with the griffons. There is nopony else I know that has my full trust as you do. Keeping this in mind, I want you to understand that we princesses face many challenges and obstacles not spoken of to the general public. The truth is everyday Equestria is in a vulnerable state and we must be ready for the uncertainty of the future. What I’m trying to say is don’t rely too much on book knowledge but situational instinct. Improvising is a major key in solving those situations with no clear outcome. – Princess Celestia”
Twilight looked up at Spike for some meaning to the letter. “What’s this about? Did I do something wrong and Princess Celestia doesn’t trust me?”
“Umm, Twilight, I think she’s just trying to make you aware of situations we haven’t faced before.”
“Hmm, I suppose. I just wish she would stop sending me vague advice. It was fine the first few weeks but it’s simply not helping right now. It only seems to confuse me more and more.”
“Twilight, get some sleep. You look a little worse for wear.”
“You’re right. Even a princess needs sleep.” With this said she trotted off to bed. Spike looked after her leaving presence letting out a sigh of his own. It’s sad that she can’t see how ready she is to be a princess almost like she can’t adjust to it , Spike thought to himself as he closed the front door for the night.
*****
Bang! Bang! Bang! Twilight fell out of bed in a startled state of mind. “I’m up,” she grumbled just waking up. Bang! Bang! Bang! The resounding noise of pounding on the front door emanated through the rest of the tree house. “Spike get the door!” Bang! Bang! Bang! “Spike! Oh, nevermind. I’m coming!” she yelled as she approached the door when stepping off of the stairs and onto the landing. She opened the door and saw her brother in a state of panic.
“Twily, something bad is going down in a neighboring village to Ponyville, Hoover’s Bend.” He said this sentence much quicker than she could properly greet him.
“What do you mean?”
“Something…I mean some ‘things’ came out of the sky and started to devour the villagers. I was first on site when this ship-like object landed in the center of town. I’ve never seen anything like it before, Twily. I thought maybe the Pegasus scientists in Cloudesdale were conducting another one of their experiments. I approached it as many villagers did and watched as its door opened slowly and then…” Breathing heavily, Shining Armor ran out of breath before he could finish the sentence.
Twilight tried to calm him down a bit so he could clear his mind. “Shining relax. You’re okay now. Let me get the rest of my friends here and see if they know anything about it. Come inside and relax a little bit.”
Shining Armor continued to breathe heavy but nodded in agreement finally closing his eyes and letting out a breath of exhaustion. “Okay, Twi.”
Spike coming back from an errand of gathering things saw the two in the doorway. Twilight ushered Shining Armor inside, had Spike get him some tea to calm the nerves, and mentally summoned her friends in urgency. Rainbow Dash was most expectedly the first to arrive then, in order, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity. The mane six, Shining Armor, and Spike sat in a circle ready to hear the rest of Shining’s tale.
“As I told Twi, a ship-like object crashed into Ponyville’s neighboring village, Hoover’s Bend. I thought nothing of it as the Pegasus were known to be conducting experiments in Cloudesdale.”
Rainbow Dash chimed in, “Nothing like a ship-like object in anything I’ve seen.”
“Yeah, well, at the time I didn’t know better. I approached the object much less cautious than I should have been. Other ponies took interest in the object the same as me and together we watched the door to it slowly open. It was…dark. But I could clearly make out what looked like multiple red eyes in that darkness. Then, one of those ‘things’ made the first move by leaping out of the ship and biting into the neck of one of the ponies. Some tried to pry it off but were assaulted by the rest on the ship. It was like a flurry of little needles flew past me. Anypony hit with one was immediately paralyzed. I watched as the first pony attacked had its throat ripped out. Two of those ‘things’ immediately jumped out of the ship to join the meal. Four more came out to attack some of the paralyzed ponies. At this point, panic became widespread. Most ran as fast and far as they could. Some barricaded themselves in the nearest houses. Some tried to carry away the paralyzed but were set upon by those ‘things.’ There was nothing I could do! I immediately set up a reverse barrier to try and contain the situation. It worked for the first few minutes but, out of fear, I couldn’t maintain my focus. Twily, I’m sorry as I failed those that needed me most.”
Twilight replied, “Don’t be sorry. We do what we can do in a situation like that. It must have been quite the ordeal.”
“It was and still is because as we speak their numbers are growing and that village’s population is diminishing. After the barrier failed, I saw that these ‘things’ were looking around like they were wondering what the barrier was. They talked among themselves in this sort of garbled mish mash of words. I couldn’t understand what they were saying but knew their score when they all simultaneously looked at me and sneered. The garbled language was heard from inside the object and it was very loud almost sounding like a command. I still couldn’t understand its meaning but these ‘things’ obviously did as they first looked at the ship-like object then at me. Four hurled themselves in my direction but I barely outran the approach. I lost them in the nearby forest and ran all the way here to tell you.”
“Excuse me, sugar cube,” interrupted Applejack. “But what exactly do these ‘things’ look like?”
“Well,” Shining stared at the floor before recounting the memory. “They were like little hedgehog or porcupine things with glowing red eyes much like a snakes or cats. They had multiple rows of teeth – maybe three or four rows of them. Their four hooves had three claws attached.”
“That sounds awful,” Applejack said. “Timberwolves are ‘bout the worst ay’ve seen down on the farm.”
Sweat was clearly visible now on Shining’s forehead showing the stress of the given situation.
Twilight looked at her friends then back at Shining. “All right girls! We need to head out at once!”
Most looked scared but all nodded in agreement.
The ponies stepped outside of the tree house filled with anxiety with what they would encounter on this adventure. “All right, girls. I’m going to teleport ourselves directly to the village to save the most time,” Twilight said.
Rarity spoke up, “I beg to differ, darling, but I don’t want to be the center of attention in that calamity.” Rarity was right. They needed a safe distance to approach the village with maybe some time in between to come up with plans.
“All right, I’ll teleport us onto the outskirts of the village.”
Rainbow Dash put her two cents in next. “Hold up! Is ‘faster’ travel the only reason we’re teleporting? Ever since you got those wings, Twilight, I’ve never seen you so much as fly to the local store to pick up inkwells and quills. What’s up with that?”
“Rainbow Dash, this is not the time for that! I do too use these wings but only in reasonable times.”
Rainbow Dash lightly grabbed one of Twilight’s wings, lifted it, and let it drop like a falling leaf. “’Reasonable’ times, huh? Sounds like excuses to me and a waste of some great wing action.”
“Rainbow Dash, for the last time, can we just drop the whole wing debates.”
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes and then muttered under her breath, “this is why eggheads shouldn’t have wings.”
“Anyways, I’m going to teleport us to the outskirts of the town. Is every girl ready?” They all nodded in agreement to which Twilight began the spell of teleportation. She normally did this these days instead of galloping to destinations with her friends as a faster means of travel. Long distance teleportation magic was quite the benefit to being an alicorn princess. At first, they were all sick and throwing up the first few times. Well, expect Pinkie Pie who demanded to do it again and again. It got easier with time and less spewed sickness. This time was no different. They each felt the magic lift them off their hooves and they swiftly reached their destination. What was not the same was the crimson and ash black sky that greeted them.
Being in the forest, they took a few moments to get their bearings when they saw an object hurtling out of the sky in their direction. It was almost close enough to hit them but they were well enough safe. The crash landing resounded through the forest louder than any explosion they ever heard before. Heading in its direction, they discovered what seemed to be the remnants of another space-like object. The main part of it still seemed intact but the rest was completely gone. Stumbling out the back exited a two-legged creature holding its head.
“I should have learned to fly a ship. I almost killed myself doing that. The computer lady said I was coming in too fast but I swear all those buttons, gadgets, and do-hickeys did nothing but make it go faster.” Wincing with one eye open, he spotted the six ponies staring at him. He didn’t hesitate to pull out the makeshift weapon he was carrying. “Who or what are you? Are you aliens?”
“Well, mister you’re the only alien here,” Twilight said. “Please lower the weapon or we’ll be forced to attack.” The girls readied themselves for a charge.
“No, I’m just looking for the Crites. Where are they? I’m a bounty hunter and my mission is kill the varmints.”
“Crites? Those black fur ball creatures from the ship-like object?”
“Yeah, little creepy things. You ever seen a piranha?” The six girls shook their heads. “Well, they’re not piranhas but eat like them.” He dropped his makeshift weapon to his side letting it hang from the strap to demonstrate the roundish shape and snapping jaws of a piranha.
The girls lowered their defenses at this with Twilight responding to the charade, “We get it. We’re in the process of heading towards the local village called Hoover’s Bend to save it from their attack.”
“Huh? Hoover’s Bend. Why’s that so similar to Grover’s Bend? I’ll tell ya, the fates of stupid irony have it out for me!”
“Hey! Listen! Are you going to help us?”
“Well, I’ll sure do better than you little pony creatures! ‘Cause I’m going to go kill every last one of those Crites with my handcrafted fine piece of machinery.” He raised his makeshift weapon as if expecting praise.
“With that?” Twilight said raising an eyebrow. “It looks like a child made it and will fall apart on first shot.”
“Hey now! I didn’t insult your little horn and wings, did I? This baby will not only hold together but astound you all with her raw ability. Found all the pieces on that Terracorp ship. There’s nothing a little duct tape can’t fix.” Finishing this sentence, a piece off the back end fell off and he promptly searched the ground to find it.
“I…suppose that could work. So, what is your name?” Twilight asked.
“Charlie.” He said standing upright again. “Charlie McFadden, the Bounty Hunter.”
The Last Crite's Intentions
The six ponies trudged through the forest with Charlie following behind clumsily calibrating his weapon while tripping over the surrounding foliage. Twilight, more than once, pondered the decision in allowing his company. He seemed more of a danger to himself and others than any ‘bounty’ he was after. Suppressing this thought, she asked her friends, “So, girls? Any ideas on how to contain the situation?” Rainbow Dash wanted to make a wind tunnel and throw them out of town. Pinkie Pie wanted to show them desserts were more appetizing than ponies. Rarity didn’t want to have anything to do with nasty biting creatures. Applejack wanted to round them up, toss them back in their ship, and get them out of town. Fluttershy wanted to talk with them. If they were not in the middle of walking, Twilight would have facehooved right then.
“Girls? I have a better idea. I just need…” She looked around the path they were on until she spotted what she needed in a nearby bush. “…One of these little guys.” The ponies stopped in their tracks to see what Twilight was grabbing from the bush with Charlie almost tripping over them. Twilight reached into the bush and pulled out a light-blue Parasprite. “The way I figure it is that we had our own infestation problem that, with some adjustments and modifications, I can make that same infestation these Crite’s problem.”
Rainbow Dash busted out laughing, “This again!? Don’t you remember the disaster this caused before?”
“Yes, I do. However, with my alicorn abilities and magical prowess I am assured a more fitting means to an end.” She raised her horn at the little Parasprite which seemed unaware of the transpiring event. Her horn glowed a slight red as she touched it. Nothing happened which led to Rainbow Dash busting out in another fit of laughter.
Rainbow Dash stopped laughing long enough to remark, “That’s some ‘assurance!’”
“Oh, but it is. What I lacked before in Ponyville was a matching template of something that could be considered appetizing. So, all I need is one of these ‘Crites’ for that other template and this Parasprite will find only ‘Crites’ appetizing than any other available food source.” Rainbow Dash stopped laughing and now had a questioning look on her face. “You see, Rainbow Dash, I just need to match the predator to the prey and soon the predator (this Parasprite) will chase its new prey.”
Charlie chimed in, “But that’s only one little harmless-looking thing. The Crites are sure to be in the hundreds by now.”
“Yes, it is only this one Parasprite right now. However, this magic is transferable to the same template (species) so any Parasprite this little one comes into contact or produces will inherit the ability until I cancel it.”
“That’s pretty neat but I prefer my gun.”
Twilight let the Parasprite go in order to transfer the magic to other Parasprites. She smiled to herself for thinking of such a brilliant plan. It was much better than sharing desserts with carnivorous aliens!
The six ponies continued their journey to the village when the last of the foliage gave way to enough clearing now allowing the ability to see the village’s state of affairs. Needless to say it was in shambles. Many ponies littered the streets being eaten away. But what caught everyone’s attention was the seven foot Crite sitting atop a pile of debris in the center of town. The glowing red eyes could be seen for miles. In combination with the black and red sky above, the sight was ominous in every way imaginable. This large Crite was pointing in varying directions much like it was giving orders. Twelve mid-sized Crites seemed to be responding to this large Crite by ordering groups of smaller Crites which one could only guess as being certain tasks or objectives.
Charlie was the first to speak, “Without me being here right now, your planet would be lost…”
“What!?” Twilight exclaimed.
“The Crites have chosen a leader who will dictate all movements of the species. Crites are much smarter than they appear to be in that they can not only fly ships but also work with any available resources such as technology, natural resources, or provided materials. Their logical thinking is beyond measure. Without a leader, an individual Crite’s logical thinking is not focused, but with a dedicated leader inevitable destruction is given intelligent direction. Before I became a bounty hunter, the only way the Crites were stopped was when two shape-shifting bounty hunters infiltrated their ranks and killed the leader. It is this leader Crite with his own ‘brain trust’ that literally had his species devour the inhabitants of several dozen planets in that solar system and a few neighboring ones causing great universal concern to Terracorp that couldn’t be ignored. This is why they were wiped out to only a dozen or so before another leader could be raised through the ranks and cause similar destruction.”
“I find that hard to believe, Charlie. But the organization and objectivity of its command from this point of view seems to support your claim. Maybe not on the scale as decimating several dozen planets but very coordinated.” Twilight stopped herself short when she saw five groups of twenty Crites in military formation wearing unicorn horns on their heads. “Am I really seeing those Crites with unicorn horns attached to their heads?” She raised her hoof in the direction of the odd looking bunch.
The six ponies murmured to each other what purpose that would serve. It mostly seemed like a sick joke unless…Twilight gasped, “They’re trying to use magic!” She then recognized that some of the little Crites speaking to these groups were holding books and reading the contents of each page rather rapidly to each unicorn-horn-wearing group.
Twilight couldn’t justify seeing this. “I simply can’t believe my eyes. It just seems so far-fetched and ridiculous.” One of these groups began to glow brightly red and shot a beam into the sky making the sky somewhat redder. “Well, we now know why the sky looks the way it does. Girls? I’ll be back in a second. I see one of these Crites sleeping right there and will use him as the other template for the Parasprite(s).” Having said this she teleported behind this one Crite sleeping in a ball. She lightly touched it with her horn glowing red then teleported back to the group. “Now, we just wait.”
They sat down and monitored the situation waiting for whatever Twilight was expecting to happen. After an hour or so, Rainbow Dash said, “Well, whatever you wanted to happen, Twilight, didn’t happen. I think we need to come up with a sounder solution than some carnivorous Parasprites.”
Twilight responded, “I suppose you’re right…hey, where’s Fluttershy?” The group looked around in search of their friend. They spotted her twenty or so feet away hunched over. “Fluttershy? What’re you doing over there?” Twilight called out to her. “Fluttershy? Fluttershy? Answer me!”
The Pegasus, looking ashamed, turned around slowly to reveal a small Crite right in front of her. The rest of the group jumped to their feet in shock. Fluttershy had a quizzical expression come across her face as the small Crite seemed to be speaking some sort of garbled language to her. “Oh, yes, these are my friends.”
“You can talk to it!?” Twilight was shocked as was everyone else. None were willing to approach the little thing though.
“Umm, yes. Isn’t he just the cutest little thing? I know they’re vicious monsters but…what’s that?” She lowered her ear to hear what it was saying. “Oh, I’m sorry for calling you a vicious monster. Okay, I’ll tell them. This little guy is apparently a scout and came to survey our presence in being here.”
“…Tell it we’re trying to learn their purpose in being here.”
“He can hear you just fine, Twilight. It is just that you don’t hear him.” The group looked around to make sure no other Crites were sneaking up on them when they noticed the leader Crite staring at them with bright red eyes from atop his heap of debris. Simultaneously, they thought, We’re dead. We’re so dead .
They looked back at Fluttershy who seemed to be intently focused on the little Crite. “Hmm, okay I think I got it. Twilight, he says their purpose is to propagate enough so as to find a planet to call their own. They have faced extinction so many times before that all they want right now is a little salvation and peace of mind. They are, by nature, carnivorous but this is their only means of survival. They’re very sorry for destroying our village and devouring our kind. However, it is needed for the journey ahead…and…what’s that? A fight? With who? Something called Terracorp? They’re coming as we speak? But you’re ready for the fight?”
Terracorp , as soon as those words were spoken, the ponies all looked at Charlie. Even the little Crite caught sight of him in this draw of attention but his little eyes widened and he spoke louder than before.
“Hmm, what? Why are you so loud now little guy? Bounty Hunter, Charlie? The one most feared by Crites? A demon among your kind?” After this was said, the little Crite said a few ‘words’ and left back to the village.
“Yes, but we know their purpose in being here now.”
“I don’t believe it for one second,” Charlie said with much anger in his voice to the surprise of the whole group. “These little fucking things took everything from me. Now, they think they’re simply going to roll or fly away! I don’t think so! My whole fucking life! Everybody I ever knew is gone with my life revolving around destroying these little fucking monstrosities. You all want to hear a little story of how my friend – my best friend whom I was forced to murder – thought it most important to capture these fucking things and study them!?” Charlie turned away from the group and faced the leader Crite who was still staring in their general direction. “Ya hear what I’m saying you fucking piece of shit! I’m going to murder each and every one of you! For all of my ‘friends’ I will never see again! You hear me!? Dead!!!” Charlie rushed towards the town; gun in hand, with nothing but bloodshed on his mind.
The next few moments happened quickly. Maybe it happened too quickly for the group to comprehend the full meaning of the situation. First, the little Crite appeared next to one of the mid-sized Crites and relayed a message which in turn relayed that message to the leader. The leader Crite’s eyes widened as he watched the approaching human. Next, the clouds above shook and parted as a full sized war ship appeared in the sky left of the ponies’ position. The leader Crite saw this and immediately started giving orders out to each of his mid-sized guards. To the ponies’ right, the forest trees shook violently as hundreds of Parasprites flew towards the town possibly with ravenous hunger.
The ponies stood there witnessing the beginning of a small-scale war unable to make a sound.
The Last Crite's Intentions
A Choice Between Compromise and Xenocide
Silence filled the air. The six ponies on the outskirt of the village couldn’t muster a single word to the rising tension in the air. If he were closer, Charlie’s running footsteps could possibly be the only sounds on the field. The first to make a sound was a single Parasprite flying ahead of the rest at which point those behind it halted their advance. It made what sounded like high-pitch squeaks in the Crites’ direction. The second sound was a loud voice from the war ship demanding surrender and cooperation of all below it and that it would not ask twice. All at once, the Crites responded to this in laughter.
“Fluttershy, what did that Parasprite say?” Twilight asked.
“It’s a bit hard to hear from here, but I think it said something like ‘Prey, surrender yourselves to our legion for I am a God among my kind and demand your submission and defeat! ’” Fluttershy said calmly.
The Crite that stopped laughing first was the leader who beckoned for a smaller Crite to approach it. Upon its approach, the little Crite was picked up and hurled at the individual Parasprite obviously not expecting this. The aim was spot on as the Parasprite was hit with a resounding and audible thud even the ponies could hear. It squealed at the attack and fell behind a few of the remaining houses supposedly to be eaten alive.
The war ship immediately open fired and, in response, three groups of unicorn-horn-wearing Crites moved closer to their leader providing a barrier for protection. Two of the mid-sized Crites rolled towards the center of town with five smaller Crites in tow.
The Parasprites made a squeak-like war cry and attacked the Crites on the right side of town. It soon became hard to tell who was gaining the upper hand in that fight as dismembered body parts and flowing blood continually came out of the mix of bodies.
Charlie continued his advance now on the outskirts of the village blasting any nearby Crites causing many to cry out in pain. He even produced some makeshift knife hidden in his boot used to disembowel a few of the critters. Twilight soon realized that his bumbling movements were actually an advantage. His movements were random, wild, and agile allowing the ability to dodge needles and continue his offense. It was quite remarkable in a strange dance-like way.
Twilight snapped out of it as they needed to make a plan. “Ok, girls? What do we do about this?”
“Ay don’t think we oughtta join in on that mess,” Applejack quickly replied.
“I think we should bring the Elements of Harmony with us more often on these fun little field trips,” Rainbow Dash sarcastically said.
“Well I, for one, think we should make a compromise between these savages as it seems like the Crites might be killed before the night is over,” Rarity said.
“Rarity I don…Rarity! That’s actually a brilliant idea!” Twilight said with unexpected excitement.
“It is? How so, darling?”
“Charlie and the Crites had both said everything was taken from them, right? How about for once something is given back?”
Pinkie interrupted the thought, “We know what the Crites want, but what about Charlie? There is nothing we can offer him.”
Twilight thought about it for a moment without an exact answer. “I don’t exactly know, Pinkie. But Princess Celestia sent me a letter before this advising situational improvising. This is that moment. We need to talk to the Crite leader.”
“Ay’d rather not,” Applejack flatly said.
“We have to or a disaster is sure to happen from this.”
The other five ponies sighed at this but nodded in agreement. Twilight casted her magic of teleportation and the six ponies appeared before the Crite leader.
At first the huge Crite didn’t notice them as he sent two more mid-sized Crites towards the Parasprite battle. Looking down, he gave a startled expression followed by those closest to him glaring at the six ponies. Four of the eight remaining mid-sized Crites bared their teeth at the intrusion. However, the Crite leader raised its left claw to which they calmed down.
Despite the constant drum of turret gun fire on the barrier above, the Crite leader smiled a wide toothy grin. “Six brave little ponies dare approach an intergalactic murderer and carnivore? You all are surely brave or quite foolish. Which shall it be? Talk or death?” The Crite leader said this with a deep voice and a subtle but plainly heard noise behind it such like a knife being dragged across metal.
“Talk. We’re here to talk of peace,” Twilight said.
“Peace? What a quaint idea for simple minds and simple lives. How so?”
“Well, with three attacking forces surely you need help. We’ve come to offer that help. Rarity explain.”
Rarity was shocked and couldn’t form words at the moment being immediately thrown in the spotlight. “Well…I…um…I mean…we think you deserve a chance at peace – every living being does. Your scout told us that your kind faced extinction many times before and that you’re seeking escape.”
“Yes, we are. What about it?”
Rarity regained her composure and elegantly continued the talk. “We can offer that, darling. We just need a promise that you will stop killing our kind.”
“You have your own plan?” A questioning look came across the Crite leader’s face.
“Yes, we do.” Twilight interjected. “I control the Parasprites and can call them off. Rainbow Dash here can distract the turret gun fire while you do what needs to be done.”
“What about the demon among my kind, Charlie the Bounty Hunter?”
“Applejack and Pinkie Pie can talk him out of his advance or restrain him.” Twilight decided to ask a question that had been on her mind since the talk with the Crite scout. “I don’t get it. What makes Charlie such a ‘demon among your kind’?”
“Come a little closer and I’ll show you.”
Twilight hesitated but carefully approached the large Crite within inches of it.
Its smile only increased the closer she got. “You really are foolishly brave. Let me explain something to you.” He raised his left claw to emphasize the point he was about to make. “We Crites fear nothing. We are never scared, afraid, or any such thing. We are wary, though, of threats. Charlie is a lifelong threat of the Crites. Possibly not the only one. He doesn’t look like much though, so, here’s a good example.”
The large Crite pointed towards the Parasprites. “Notice the bodycount of Crites and Parasprites from the first attack to the present time. At first, Crites and Parasprites were being killed in even pace. However, we are quick learners and, as such, learned the enemy’s movements on the fly. For if you look closely right now you’ll notice no Crites dying now. They are simply toying with their newfound food source.” Twilight saw the truth in the large Crite’s words as Parasprites were being ripped apart at the Crites’ leisure. Any missteps were corrected by the two mid-sized Crites sent just moments ago.
The large Crite continued pointing its claw to its right and towards the sky. “Notice the war ship with its multiple turrets. This barrier protects us. As of right now, I’ve ordered one of my magical troops to engage and disarm their weaponry. Second,” he pointed toward the center of town. “Two of my closest ones with some little ones are entering the ship we came in as we speak. Watch what is about to happen.” Twilight watched as the Crites boarded their own ship and one of the magical Crite groups fired upon the war ship destroying a few turrets in the process. The ship in the center of the village took off and flew above the war ship and landed on it presumably attempting to board it.
“As you can see, these small things are of no importance to us but mere distractions. The real problem,” the large Crite pointed towards Charlie, “is him. No doubt you’ve noticed the agility. However, look closely at the weapon. It is a grade 4 Terracorp military pulse rifle capable of disintegrating organics, metals, and any matter in general with explosive rounds highly modified with an attached fail-safe nuclear weapon triggered upon death of holder or tampering. Simply put, he’s on a suicide run that could very well decimate this entire planet…wiping out my race either way…and yours as well.”
Twilight could only muster up a few words. “It can’t be.”
“It is. We Crites may be considered monsters to other species. However, we can be taken at face value for who we inherently are. We are Crites but not ‘hypo-crites.’ You’ve been travelling with a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask, how are you able to speak our language?”
“I’ve been biologically enhanced by my mother. I’ll tell you more once all is said and done, but we agree to stop killing your kind if you help us in our time of need.”
“Agreed.” Twilight immediately changed the Parasprites back to their normal state. The Crites then had a chance at refocusing their attention on soldiers dropping from lines on the war ship onto the planet below. Twilight sent Rainbow Dash to distract the ship’s turret fire which was not a problem for the fastest flier in Equestria. Then, she sent Pinkie Pie and Applejack to subdue the raging bounty hunter. The remaining magical Crite group moved in on Charlie long before this containing him in a reverse barrier. However, he emitted some sort of shocking electrical pulse seemingly strong enough to disrupt the magic. Then, he brutally murdered the group. Twilight looked up and saw the Crite leader watching this with what looked like great sadness.
The smaller Crites made quick work of the war ship’s ground troops while the last turret was also destroyed. “It is only a matter of time before our boarding crew has control of the ship,” The Crite leader remarked before returning his attention to the bounty hunter. “Now, all we can do is hope for fate to provide salvation.”
Charlie continued his rampage murdering every Crite in his path towards the Crite leader. Applejack and Pinkie Pie headed him off.
Continuing his run he yelled, “Get outta of the way! I have a job to do!”
“I reckon that can wait pardner!” Applejack was the first to tackle Charlie and grab hold after Pinkie made a miss on the first attempt. On the ground, Charlie shook her off and started his run again. Charlie was nearing the Crite leader with rapid speed. Applejack luckily found some rope nearby next to a wagon, made a lasso, and caught Charlie’s legs in it. Pinkie Pie caught up to Charlie giving him a hug (hold) so strong he had no hope of freeing himself. Being within forty yards or so of the Crite leader, Charlie stared at it with hate burning in his eyes. With the little free movement offered him, Charlie pulled a switch out of his pocket intending to flip it.
“I’ll see you in the afterlife, you fucking monstrosity!!”
“Charlie!!!” The thunderous roar immediately caught the attention of all listening ears within the village. Charlie hesitated in his action long enough to look up and notice the Crite leader calling out to him.
“I’ll do you in abomination! You fucking monster!”
“Blood for blood, huh!?” The surrounding Crites burst into laughing. The Crite lifted his left claw to silence them. “Young drunk Charlie from Grover’s Bend! All grown up, ready to save the universe from monsters blacker than a midnight sky burning embers for their eyes! Yet, life and experience has corrupted young Charlie! For he, forced to kill a friend, must now make a decision to release his inner demon or complete his mission in ultimate sacrifice!” The Crite leader turned to Twilight and asked that she release the bounty hunter. Twilight felt this could be a bad mistake but, deep down, something told her to comply so she called out for Pinkie Pie and Applejack to release their hold. They reluctantly did so but maintained a close distance as Charlie rearmed himself and entered the Crite leader’s barrier.
“Worst mistake you’re going to make this day, monster! I’ll blow your fucking head off! I should have killed you back in that white container and yet I hesitated. Not out of fear, understand!?”
The Crite leader calmly spoke in its deep grinding voice, “Yes, Charlie, we Crites already understand this. You have already tried killing our entire species four times before this. We know not to make the same mistake again.”
“The other one! Where’s the other one that was on that fucking ship with you!?”
For the first time, the Crite leader stopped smiling, closed its mouth, and looked like it had genuine sadness in its eyes.
“I won’t ask again! Where is the other fucking Crite!? Two of you escaped and the other should be about your size!”
“…Dead, Charlie. You killed her…”
“You lie! You fucking Crites and your fucking little games! You’ve been playing your fucking games with me my whole fucking life! Now, where is the other Crite!!?”
“…Dead, Charlie. She bled to death…giving birth to the twelve Crites seen closest to me.” Twilight remembered the twelve mid-sized Crites surrounding this one though only eight were in his presence right now eyeing Charlie not with intimidating glares but what seemed like apprehension. “…I watched her die…I watched her die…slowly…painfully. You lost a best friend, Charlie. I lost family. Your friend died quickly. She died slowly whimpering the whole time…blood everywhere from the shot wound.”
Charlie took a moment in his agitation to look at the eight Crites by the Crite leader’s side but said nothing trying to maintain his anger.
“I’ve had a long time to think on the way here, Charlie. With the dangerously low oxygen levels in that ship obviously needing repair, I couldn’t hatch the eggs for company. For a moment, I was surely the last Crite surviving in a ship lacking oxygen to sustain anything living besides myself. After refrigerating her eggs, I knew my time could be up at any moment. Silence, Charlie, has a way of flooding the mind with memories. My mother’s words returned in my mind…of you…killing my kind over and over and over. Charlie, you may not know but we Crites have collective memory passed from generation to generation. I remember Grover’s Bend…and the slaughter…both human and Crite. It’s in our nature, Charlie, to be cold-hearted…murderous…but extinction is not something we ever knew before you.”
“Expecting me to weep and cry, you monster? Everyone I knew is dead and it’s your specie’s fault. I’m returning the favor.” Charlie started to reach for the switch in his pocket again but Twilight ran forward and calmly touched his arm.
“Charlie, please don’t destroy our world. Just hear him out.”
Charlie returned his arm to his gun but kept it aimed at the Crite leader.
The Crite leader spoke again, “Do you want to know what was on my mother’s recording, Charlie? It was her and father’s death on that abandoned station. She wanted to make sure I understood how dangerous you are and those you influence – that you are the demon among my kind. Half of the recording was my father being shot and electrocuted and my mother kicked to frozen pieces. The other half was a message. She kept repeating to change the way we Crites behave unless we want to continue a road that leads only to extinction. While you were returning to the comfort of Earth, I was listening to my father and mother’s agonizing deaths and my mother’s words over and over again until I could recite every syllable.”
“So, what you want from me? To just let you go? I know exactly what you Crites do – how you lie - and I will never allow it.”
“Charlie, we know...I know. As said before, I had a lot of time to think on that ship alone…completely alone. Being the last Crite, with mother’s words in my head, my desires for preserving my species became unbearable. Charlie we will not fight you if you desire to kill us at this very spot, so here is the deal: Death or Life. You can kill us all right now and be done with it but forever carry the stain of blood on your hands and broken bodies – tearful and deprived – in your heart. We were contained for many generations so it would be a release. Or, you can allow us to find a planet of our own to which we guarantee not to over-extend the deal beyond that planet for we dare not betray your trust. Understand, Charlie, we know full well the consequences of crossing you.”
“The first choice looks plenty appealing to me. I have nothing to go back to. Why should you?” Charlie began to take aim at the Crite leader whose eyes only grew sadder.
Twilight then had a brilliant idea from the unfurling situation. Something in what was said in the conversation caught her attention and she was willing to make a gamble on it. “Wait, Charlie. I have to ask the Crite leader something.” Charlie didn’t return to his original stance but stopped his movements. The large Crite turned his eyes gleaming softly in the light at Twilight. “You said Crites had a collective memory, right? Are there any memories from a previous generation of Crites that would be useful to Charlie?”
The large Crite was quiet for a while pondering the question but still looking awfully sad. “Maybe…maybe…” Then, its eyes lit up as it realized something. “Charlie, that abandoned station my mother was in had research labs, remember?” Charlie nodded. “That station was meant to biologically enhance organisms as weapons of war. Crites were one of the suggested species to conduct experiments on and, thus, there were files on Grover’s Bend. Charlie, Brad Brown had children. I can give you their names if you like. Maybe you wouldn’t feel so alone.”
“Brad…Grover’s Bend. I’m not alone…even Ethan.” Tears began to form in Charlie’s eyes. “How could I have been so blind? Ethan watched me leave hoping for me to come back.”
Twilight spoke up. “I know it’s hard, Charlie, but can’t you find it in your heart to live and let live?”
“I…don’t know. It’s been so long. So much has happened.”
“Even more reason to let it go, Charlie. If the Crites step outside the deal, we ponies will take up arms with you.”
The Crite leader chimed in reassuring that they wouldn’t.
For what seemed like an eternity, silence hung in the air until Charlie hesitantly lowered his weapon. “It’s a deal, but I will be back in your worst nightmares if any of you step out of line.”
“Deal,” the large Crite began to smile again.
*****
The Crite’s helped fix the ship they came in so Charlie could go back to Earth. Charlie wanted to step on board the ship but realized Crites are not the cleanest creatures and had the ponies clean the grime from it. The Crite leader gave Twilight the list of names back on Earrth who were relatives of Brad Brown. She then gave the list to Charlie as he didn’t want to go near the Crite leader. The Crites took the Terracorp War ship and made preparations to make leave including taking some Parasprites along as a form of cattle for future sustenance given their ability to propagate. However, they did not leave without saying goodbye to Charlie and the ponies. Charlie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity refused to touch any of them opting only to wave goodbye. Fluttershy rubbed a few of the small ones’ bellies. Pinkie Pie fed cupcakes to a few reluctant Crites who, after hearing her whisper something in their ears, seemed to find the cupcakes more appealing. Twilight shook the claw of the Crite leader and waved goodbye.
The Crites took off into the sky with hopes of salvation leaving behind those hoping they stay true to their word. Charlie soon got onto his own ship and said goodbye to his new friends though he was still bitter about the whole deal with the Crites. However, he seemed much lighter in appearance and personality. It must have been because he was given a chance to reunite with the offspring of a friend long ago and a friend he had almost forgotten. Twilight hoped that he could find inner peace and a return to innocence lost.
*****
Twilight was in her library ready to write a letter to Celestia which felt odd given how long it has been since the last one. It didn’t take her long to form the words on the parchment.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Today I learned that every situation is different - yet the same – as all included parties of interest seek a means to their own end. However, the benefit given to both should outweigh the loss in either one. It is this compromise that builds upon any social relationship though the means of obtaining it could be tricky and involves much needed improvised thinking. Instead of thinking of how to save one life or another, one needs to think on how to save both. Who knows as it could be just another way of finding friends in the most unlikely place.
Signed, Princess Twilight
Twilight lowered the quill and walked to the nearest window to stare out into the night sky. She watched the stars come out and wished the best of luck to her two new friends.
