2-9 Recap · 8:29pm Oct 4th, 2014
Let's see if the update actually works this time! Anyway, recap time!
Previously on IAIMAY
“Are there any other bases nearby? Preferably with nicer weather?” Applejack asked.
Church typed more information, and in a few seconds the image of a lush green canyon with a tall metal structure in front of a waterfall appeared onscreen.
“Okay, the closest Blue Base is Outpost 17-B: ‘Valhalla.’ Looks about a day’s drive south from here.”
“Alright! Let’s get in one of them mobile-auto things downstairs and git outta this icebox!” Applejack said.
The group stood before the large ship in the centre of Ponyville. Even though they’d made their peace, Twilight still felt a little guilty about leaving Spike out of another adventure. An idea quickly reached her as she looked over at Grif and Simmons.
“If you two are going to stay here, you’re free to use Golden Oaks,” Twilight said before turning to whisper to Spike. “I’m sure I can count on my number one assistant to keep them in line.”
Spike’s answer was a nod and a salute.
“So... what exactly is your operation here?” Rainbow Dash asked in regard to the desert excavation.
Rarity had to admit, she was rather curious about that as well, but based on the behavior of these soldiers it was top secret stuff. In fact, it kind of reminded her of the air surrounding the crashed ship in Dodge City. Just the same, Eberle seemed reluctant to go into detail about it.
“Look, all I can say about the artifact in these ruins is that Project Freelancer has placed great importance on finding it before anyone else does, and anyone who tries to interfere is to be dealt with immediately.” Captain Eberle turned to leave. “Trust me, it’s in your best interest to stay the hell out of our way.”
With a grunt, Abraham turned and walked towards the temple, the two Elites with him following. With that, Eberle gave another chuckle. It was like all of the stress and tension in her voice was being released.
“Looks like things are finally going our way!”
A slow series of claps suddenly prevailed over the silence. The troops moving equipment into the temple stopped and everyone’s gaze was drawn to the sound. Rainbow Dash looked to her right along with the others to find CT looking down at them from up on a hill of sand. The man in brown armor was slowly clapping.
“Well, well… you actually opened it!” he said smugly. “Nice work, Captain. That should make my job much easier!” CT then placed a finger on the side of his helmet. “Smith! Now!”
Another noise soon overtook the ruins: an unusual low hum that quickly grew louder. All of a sudden, a large ship descended, floating in place just behind CT.
“Quick! Everyone in the temple!” Tucker ordered.
Tucker approached the ancient alien console projecting the holographic door controls and slashed it in half with his energy sword. The tall metal orange door shifted in the stone and began to lower.
“Wait, what about Rarity?! We can’t just leave her out there!” Rainbow exclaimed as the door descended.
“We have no choice! We can’t let them into the temple!” Tucker countered.
Taking one last look from CT’s charging forces and the almost-shut door, Rainbow Dash grunted in pain from her wing as she entered the temple. Tucker was the last one in, stopping briefly to use his sword on an Elite that tried to rush into the temple before it shut. A hollow boom echoed through the ruins as the temple door shut completely, locking Rainbow and the others in. The sounds of battle outside were reduced to muffled gunshots and explosions. One final explosion made its boom... and everything outside was silent again.
Princess Celestia walked across the clean white room to where “the patient” lay on a large clean bed. The human in gray armor with yellow detail had arrived in Canterlot this morning. He was connected to tubes and wires in various places, and the steady beeping of a heart monitor indicated his good status. The bed was a good fit for him.
Of course, the Royal Infirmary was made for Celestia and her sister on the rare occasion either of them was sick or injured. It was the ideal place to keep a recovering alien, as Equestria’s best doctors were on call around the clock and the beds were large enough to accommodate an alicorn. An armored human was no problem.
Washington, if I recall. The man’s helmet was off and Celestia looked upon his face. He looked much older than he had twenty years ago. Celestia wasn’t sure if humans aged faster than ponies, or if the years were especially hard on the man. His blond hair was fading, gray in some places and hard lines had formed on his face. His eyes seemed dark and swollen; Celestia couldn’t help but wonder if this was the most sleep he’d gotten in a long time.
Celestia looked over at the doctor. “Notify me the instant he wakes up. There are things I’d like to discuss with him...”
