Sparkle's No. 1 Assistant
Loyalty Mission 5: Derpy's Quest Pt. 6
By Wanderer D
"To clarify, you are ultimately responsible for the safety and well-being of not only your whole species, but also that of every sapient being in Equestria."
Twilight nodded, smiling at EDI. "I only answer to the princesses themselves, who have no higher authority."
"In effect, you are the pony equivalent of a Specter," EDI responded. "Able to perform operations outside of the law for the greater good."
"Ehehehe," Wrex punched Twilight's shoulder. "She's the real deal, EDI. There are no council races here outside of us, so I decided that she's the first Pony Specter." He grinned. "We call them Algol, after the demon-stars back home and Twilight here was the first graduate. There were two other members of the team before Princess Celestia put it on hiatus, one of them is not up to par… the other…" Wrex chuckled. "We'll get her back soon. Princess Luna here decided it was time to bring it back."
EDI nodded. "It is somewhat reassuring that we will be working on similar levels of authority as we had before. Still, given that our current location is in another galaxy altogether, the validity of the title is, at best, questionable."
"Just wait until I have something to shoot at," Twilight said.
"I see that Wrex has had ample influence in your upbringing."
"It was the least I could do," Wrex said. "After all, it's not every day that a small unicorn filly can transform a full-grown krogan into a potato."
"What you're suggesting is impossible to do without killing you."
Wrex grinned. "Magic."
EDI leveled a look at him. "Regardless, it is interesting to note that despite the surplus of energy due to the Crucible's influence, my last logs indicate us still within the confines of the Milky Way before we crashed into this planet." She turned to look at Luna. "Unless this whole planet is a spaceship able to reach FTL speeds even above that of the Reapers, it would be impossible for us to be in an entirely different Galaxy. How is it then that we are in Andromeda?"
"Magic." Luna stated, meeting EDI's eyes with her own. "Our world, nay, our system is removed from the rest of the universe in which you reside. Millennia ago we used the light of four stars from different galaxies to open a gateway into a pocket dimension. These stars served as a locking mechanism for our system… when your 'Crucible' overrode the light of one of the stars which is presumably located in what you call the Milky Way galaxy, it created a wormhole through which your ship came through. We exist in a different time and space."
"Ultimately, this is something we can work on when we get back," Twilight spoke up, drawing the attention of all. "I've uploaded the information my omni-tool obtained earlier…"
"And I have already triangulated a possible location, based on that, Commander," EDI said. "We're ready to depart when you're ready."
"Eeeeeee!" Twilight's body shook as she held herself in place despite the rather extreme urge to prance in place. They started walking towards the cockpit. "Ahem, yes. That is good. And I am ready. Rainbow Dash is already at the pilot's seat, trying to figure it out… if you could give her some basic education I would appreciate it. The others are ready to go as well."
"From my records, spaceship pilots generally have initial issues thinking three-dimensionally," EDI commented, taking a seat at the cockpit, head tilting at Rainbow Dash's excited look. "But the pilots we know of so far have been unable to fly by their own means. Rainbow Dash will have a definite advantage on that front."
"Hay yeah!" Rainbow Dash grinned. "I'm the best flyer there ever was! I'm sure I can pilot this baby like there's no tomorrow."
"Good," Twilight said. "EDI will give you pointers as we go."
The group fell silent as the ship hummed with power and then shuddered as the thrusters slowly lifted it off the ground.
"Engines ready. Mass effect field functioning at optimal capacity. Long-range scanners activated, extrapolating data and triangulating position from mass effect distortions… Commander, we have our bearing."
"You can stop smiling now, Sparkle," Wrex said with a grin.
"Shut up, Wrex," Twilight grumbled, still smiling. "EDI? Take us there please."
"As you wish, Commander."
"Eeeeeee!"
EDI looked at Wrex, raising a metallic eyebrow.
"Eh. She'll get over it."
Derpy walked up and down the hangar, nervously looking at the equipment around. She had felt the ship humm and there was a sense of movement. Her instincts told her that they were already on their way, despite the lack of pressure or a feeling of displacement.
She glanced at the place she had retreated to in order to be alone. There was another, smaller vehicle in there, square and solid, much like the thing that had taken her Dinky away. In a way, it made her feel better to know they were on the right track… it was familiar technology, at least for Twilight, Wrex and EDI.
But on the other hoof, it just really brought down the reality that there were dangers out there that only ponies like Twilight, Octavia, Rarity, Vinyl, Rainbow Dash and… staggeringly… herself, would be able to face. Up until then, despite the good that they had achieved so far, Derpy herself felt that Twilight was just focusing on a power-trip.
Certainly, her attitude was nothing less than, well… suffice it to say that ponies had been fired for less. And arrested for less. And exiled to the moon for less. Okay, maybe that was a bit unfair, since Nightmare Moon was a bit of a special case, but still!
She sighed, walking up to sit next to a large control panel of some sort.
"Are you okay, Derpy?"
Derpy jumped in fright, staring at the semi-transparent white sphere that had appeared on top of the console. "E-EDI?" She asked, quickly making the connection. "But, aren't you upstairs with—"
"I am the ship," EDI explained. "And being an AI, I can process and perform several tasks concurrently."
Derpy smiled. "Really? That's impressive. What else are you doing?"
"Besides a conversation with you at the same time I pilot the ship," EDI said, "I am currently teaching piloting basics to Miss Dash; advicing Miss Scratch about the equipment in the lab; discuss weapon modifications with Miss Philharmonica, overseeing the Mass Effect… and Magical... fields with Princess Luna, and discussing possible scenarios with Commander Sparkle and Wrex."
"Oh." Derpy shuffled a bit.
"Is there a reason you chose to be in the shuttle bay?"
"I um… wanted to be alone for a bit. To think." Derpy leaned against the console.
The sphere seemed to consider her. "If you wish I can leave you alone, but my biometric scans indicate you are currently agitated. Considering the circumstances, perhaps I can help clarify any questions you might have."
Derpy sighed again. "I'm just coming to terms with my situation… I never intended to be a guard, or a soldier of any sort," she said, shifting in place. "Now look at me. I'm inside a Spaceship. Something that is so advanced technology wise it surpasses a lot of magic. I'm wearing armor and carrying weapons. I'm going to space to fight foalnappers… I…"
Derpy stood up turning slowly around, looking at the whole room and motioning at the whole thing with her wing.
"This is almost too much. I thought Twilight was just eccentric. I thought Wrex was just some unknown breed of dragon. I thought the technology was magical—Twilight is a very accomplished magician, student to Princess Celestia herself! I just never thought… I never thought you...all of this! I never thought it was real."
She snorted. "Or rather… I never wanted to believe it was real, despite the evidence." She looked up at the orb, which had stayed quiet through it all. "I'm just a mailmare. I deliver letters. Take my daughter to flute lessons. Volunteer to help in Ponyville… and now I'm here and I can't deny that I'm not just that anymore." She bit her lip. "I can't go back now."
"Unexpected turns of fate are a normal occurrence in the life of organic creatures in my experience," EDI said. "It occurs to me that your story mirrors in a way what happened to at least two of my crewmates."
"Oh?" Derpy asked, ears perking.
"Indeed. Two of the most brilliant crewmembers: Tali'Zorah vas Normandy and Liara T'Soni were both civilians before joining Commander Shepard's team. Neither of them expected to lead a violent, if rewarding life, and yet, not only did they both rise to the occasion, they became leaders of their people."
"I don't think anypony would see a leader in me," Derpy said, chuckling. "So they started as what?"
"Dr. T'soni was a young archaeologist, studying Prothean ruins, and Tali'Zorah was on her Quarian Pilgrimage, she was also young, but still an extremely gifted engineer. Without either of them, Commander Shepard wouldn't have been able to achieve so much."
Derpy nodded. "Do you think… you could tell me more about them?"
"Of course."
Princess Luna's eyes remained on the star chart hologram on the bridge. She could feel the magic fields shift levels of subtlety as they left the magic-rich Equestria and emerged into space… deep space, where waves of magic—intangible to most and almost completely impossible to detect by technological means—fluctuated with incredible power.
The speed of the ship was baffling as it was—she was keenly in synchronization with Equestria and its pocket dimensional home—and now they were so far away already from it that it existed in her soul almost as a mere memory. Although that was more than enough for somepony like her.
"We do not have many charts for the Andromeda Galaxy," EDI's voice said, emanating from the console to her left. "As such, we are flying mostly blind. I am scanning for signals and following the Mass Effect emanations from the Kodiak that took Dinky."
"Fear not, noble EDI, for I am sure we shall find the miscreants and teach them the true meaning of suffering."
EDI seemed to contemplate Luna's words. "If you say so, Princess. It will please you to know then that we are approaching the ship that took Dinky."
Luna's eyes were wide. "So quickly?! Verily, thy speed is most impressive." She coughed. "Sorry. I tend to regain my antiquated mode of speech when surprised. It took me a long time to even get it right back when language such as that became formal rather than informal."
"I take no offense, your highness." EDI replied. There was a pause. "There seems to be a problem, however. The ship we tracked was destroyed before our arrival," she added from her physical platform as she, Twilight, Wrex and Rainbow Dash approached the bridge.
Behind her, the side doors opened and Octavia trotted out, frowning with worry, while Vinyl Scratch emerged from the lab area, wearing a similar expression. Finally, the elevator opened and Derpy flew out, a horrified look in her face. "How could it be destroyed?! She stammered. "Why?!"
"We don't know," Twilight said, eyes roaming the hologram of the debris of a large ship that EDI projected for them. "But we will find out."
"Commander," EDI spoke up. "I have detected a life signal," she motioned at the hologram, which shifted and turned, focusing on a small pod-like ship of some sort. "Whoever or whatever is in there hasn't activated the emergency signal, but my scanners had detected a single living being in there…"
Twilight took a deep breath. "Bring it in."
Tali Sora? You mean Tali'Zorah?
8678152
Good catch! Thanks! I didn't even realize it had been auto"corrected"
OH! WELL DONE!
a debris field with only one survivor? something stinks...
I don't care how good Rainbow gets, she'll never beat Joker, not if she had the lifespan of an Asari.
Checking in and eagerly awaiting the next chapter! :)
Update?
Basically us.
So equestrians will meet the people from Andromeda, for the Pathfinder rescued Dinky and they shall take her back. I wonder how they'll react to pastel taking ponies.
yay update yay
Still love the big Krogan! No matter how much I play the games or read about him, he is just too lovable to get old!
This is good!
So, Twilight, Wrex and their team venture in the Andromeda galaxy. I think it won't be long before the peoples here will notice them.
8678306
I... I loved Joker, too, but we have to face reality here. Rainbow's going to be 20% better.
concurrently
D, I love you. But I really wish this updated faster. It's one of my personal favorites.
still reading
8678759
You should try "Quantum Castaways" (one of my top favourites), with updates every few years.
But real life comes first and fanfic authors write for free.
8678422
well we already know how the "pathfinder" in this story will react since she already met dinky, though Luna is the real question still about that
This story is just so... so....
I cant express it any better than that. Also, I not only cant wait for Twilight and Sunset to meet. But also Wrex adn Drack. thats gonna be all kinds of fun
Still here and loving every chapter!
Keep up the great work!
Yeah, the reality of the situation hitting with all the gravity of a habitable world is going to take some time to process. Still, I have no doubt that Best Pony will rise to the occasion.
In any case, the Normandy's following Sunset's trail of destruction. I do look forward to seeing that reunion.
Huh. Wonder who the third Algol is. Something tells me it is not Sunset; the timeline just doesn't seem to add up there.
On the contrary, EDI. The Princesses are among highest recognized powers in this universe, which means that they essentially have the same authority as the Council does. Which means that since Luna reinstated Algol, Twilight has every bit the same pull and authority a Spectre does. And if they ever manage to get to the Milky Way (however unlikely) as long as Twilight can prove herself I imagine the Council races would recognize Algol as well. Can't really speak for Andromeda's Pathfinders though; I've never actually managed to complete the game yet despite owning it since day one. Video games are simply something I don't have much time for at the moment.
8679205
I'll save you the trouble, Pathfinders are basically Specters with a focus on exploration instead of law enforcement.
8679308 Fair enough. I've still not managed to make it past maybe like the second planet on my play through. Real life kind of got in the way.
Kind of looking forward to getting a chance to play it again though, if only because of all the mods that are out for it now.
So, does this Derpy get laser eyes when pissed?
I think I 'm still here and reading.
Still reading! 👍
8678908
Very true.
Eeeeeeeee!
Prediction for next chapter:
Huhn a new chapter, nice!
[vague reading noises]
Aaaaaargh!
Suffering from the cliffhanger aside, thanks for this
Good chapter! Nice to see a bit of sanity from at least one of Twilight's team.
Updated at last! Nice to see it going. Let's see what the big Galaxy holds for Commander Sparkle... at least she has her friends! And guns. And Krogan.
Wow, i actually really felt for Derpy here, this story really has evolved from Twi dealing with every problem with maximum firepower.
Let the brutal interrogation of the pirate begin...
I just refound this and forgot to track it. Now I am can't wait for what comes next
9055826
it was an ancient China and have you ever heard of the art of war by sun tzu?
9055826
another good example of good whould be the winter war finland practicly had no Standing army and the men it had were rushed through Training if they got any at all yet they utterly butchered the soviets the most important part of an army no matter which era we look at are the officers
9055872
I've read it, numerous times. I am also well aware of the fact that not everything in it is applicable to the modern era. The Art of War was designed to give a sovereign and untrained nobles some advice on how to conduct a war if all else fails and avoiding one is not possible. Keep in mind, that the work highlights just why war is an undesirable outcome.
Also, remember that I asked if it happened in recent history. Ancient China is far from recent and Sun Tzu's book was written in the Spring and Autumn period. What was acceptable in one era isn't necessarily acceptable in others.
9055878
But the Finns had something to work with. We look at the officers, the generals to be specific, because they are few and easily remembered. Their decisions tend to have wider impacts, and that includes when they fuck it all up sideways by the numbers. The funny thing about the history of warfare is that wars are rarely won by the decisions of generals. They are won by the heads of states. Battles are won by actions of the soldiers (enlisted and officers) who are on the battlefield and know better than some guy in the rear what is going on right in front of them. A general's job is to put those who are hopefully the right people into what is hopefully the right place at what is hopefully the right time.
History records how often the guys on the winning side fucked up and that the situation was salvaged by the guys on the ground far less often than they summarize and glorify how brilliant they are at tactics. Leadership is important, but a leader needs something to work with in order to do his or her job. Also, most battles were won by the guys on the ground, meaning the actual soldiers, adapting to the situation when things went tits up.
Your point fails to address that a great leader with shit soldiers is going to fail in the long run when faced with an opponent who is merely competent but has good soldiers, as those soldiers are the ones who can, and often will, snatch victory from the jaws of defeat on their own initiative.
We remember and study the leaders because it simplifies the narrative. It's far easier to remember a few dozen, or hundred, leaders than the countless soldiers who are the actual reason why the victory happened.
9056109 have you ever heard of the battle of szigedvar (probably spelled it wrong) but a single reired soldier with his guerillia force of a mere 3000 men lead guerillia Campaign against the Ottoman empire and in this one last battle simply through his sheer skills and morale as high as it can humanly be he was able to make the Ottoman force retreat back into thier Homeland suffering a dead Sultan plus 50k troops dead even tho that guy didnt even have any arty
9056109
we are probably reading different versions as i have a german Translation
9056222
The thing about history is that we can both draw from it and prove our points without being wrong in our logic. It's a complicated mess that, when looked at in its entirety, doesn't really lend itself to simple narratives, not matter how much historians try to.
9056229
I've read a dozen different translations in English, all of which have differences that depend on when the particular version of the Art of War it is based off of was written, not to mention the quality of the translator. Yes, versions. We don't have the original text to analyze due to not only its age, but the fact that you can find several versions which are contemporaneous to each other, with differences depending on region and what the political climate was at the time.
Worse, there is indication that The Art if War wasn't just one text initially written in the Sixth Century BC and faithfully copied since, but was a continually evolving work that didn't fully become what it was until centuries later, like many ancient texts which survived into relevance to the modern day. The oldest version dates from the Second Century B.C. and was found in 1972. That was the last translation I've read.
Their world, and space, just got a lot bigger. This could be a huge help in getting supplies and the like. Also I wonder if other species can learn magic? That could be a fun twist. I'm looking forward to more.
Well, this story is quite amazing. Twilight and Wrex andall the others are a treat to read about. I’m wondering if Sunset stuck Dinky in a pod/crate to dump or if it’s one of the Pirates. I’m hoping Sunset and co stole the Kodiak, Dinkys Space Adventures could be fun, but I think they’d want to get her back to Equestria. Although, I could see Sunset not wanting to face Celestia and bailing out.
Holy Shit... The first and best Mass Effect Saga combine the Andromeda joke of a game with MLP!
My mind - is blown - in awwweee!!!
Derpy and Twilight. Pinkie and the Brain.
One if brilliant and one is insane...
So mutch to gain...
Salvage should be very lucrative when ever a ship is blowing up... Especially when ressources and technology are hard to find.
Twilight dream come true, become Shepard 3.0 as Wrex see the character.