Epilogue: Only the Beginning
Spoiler Warning: Video in this chapter may contain spoilers for those who have not played Mass Effect 2 to the end.
Three Days Later
Twilight Sparkle stood on a grand balcony of the Citadel Presidium, looking out into the glow of the massive ward arms that stretched far into the distance towards the glimmering light of the Serpent Nebula. This particular suite had been provided by the Council for the "visiting" dignitaries of the newly-discovered Equestrian race, while the rest of her people had been granted lodgings in a human habitat in the upper Wards until it could be determined what was to be done with them.
Almost as soon as they had arrived, the Equestrians had become instant celebrities. A new race; intelligent, adorable, and the center of what would soon be the biggest story since the Battle of the Citadel. The media had fallen in love with them almost immediately, and as Pinkie Pie quickly showed when she was interviewed by a human reporter, Emily Wong, (who had been put in touch with them through their mutual friend on the Normandy), they were intelligent enough to be taken seriously.
By the second day after their arrival, the Council, who had originally stated that a "mere" three hundred and forty-two individuals, assistant mechs included, did not merit the status of a Citadel Race, were suddenly pressured into meeting with "Madam President Twilight Sparkle," only to learn that they were not going to like what she had to say.
And after the past two days of meeting with dignitaries, posing for photo ops of the "monumental" occasion of her species' first meeting with the full Council, and her heated discussions with the Councilors themselves alongside her "assisting mech," she had come to a single conclusion.
She hated politics.
The Council had been patronizing at first, believing her to be a simple sort of creature that stood before their established superiority, and attempted to impress her with decorum and a thorough interrogation as to her species’ origins.
But when she had taken the floor, they quickly learned that the "Madam President" of the Equestrians was not just some animal, but that she could voice her own concerns, which were not of a trivial sort.
With the exception of Councilor Anderson, whom she had been relieved to learn was Shepard’s friend and mentor, (a fact that immediately endeared her to the gruff, but fair, human), the Council had dismissed both her claims of what Equestria really was, and her assertions of the impending attack by the galactic boogeymen known as Reapers.
"No proof," they had said.
"Simply impossible," they had said.
They did not deny that their rescue had been traumatic. But they used that as a reason that she, like the others of her species, may have felt a need to repay their savior by offering support of his "wild and baseless" theories of a mythical threat.
"Like pounding your head against a wall," as Anderson described it, was certainly accurate. And on more than one occasion, Twilight had found herself considering how big of a warp field she could produce and if she could hit all three Councilors at once while leaving Anderson unscathed.
In hindsight, it was obvious to her why they chose to keep her only true ally between herself and them.
“Madam President. The Board of Directors is here to see you,” Forty-Two chirped in a robotic, emotionless tone, lacking any inflection as he continued to work passing as a mere virtual intelligence.
“You can drop the formality when it’s just us, Forty-Two. And they’re not the Board of Directors when we’re alone. They’re my friends.”
“Sure thing, Twilight.” The mech nodded, his voice changing accordingly as he moved to unlock the door, five familiar ponies moving in.
“Well, what did they say?” Rainbow asked, darting in first as usual.
“The Council has decided in a three to one vote that there is not sufficient evidence to support our claims. As such, it has been ‘requested’ that we do not disclose our interpretation of events before boarding the rescue transport as it could cause panic among the more "susceptible" of galactic citizens. Also, it has been asked that we do not mention Commander Shepard's involvement, as his status as a Spectre indicates the situation is classified.”
“In other words, they want us to stay quiet about Equestria and the Reapers.” Rarity grimaced. “And by more susceptible, I assume they mean ‘any life-form with a functioning brain.’”
“Ugh, you know what? I vote we immigrate to Earth... Humans are waaaay better than these Council stiffs.” Pinkie stuck her tongue out and rolled her eyes.
“Not so fast, Pinkie. In exchange for our ‘cooperation,’ both the Asari and Salarian Councilors have agreed to vote along with Anderson to grant us asylum on the Citadel,” Twilight explained.
“That’s extortion!” Applejack scowled, reaching up to draw her brand new, genuine Texan stetson down on her head. “If’n those dunderheads won’t listen ta reason, Ah say we go public! Rant loud enough and somepony’s gonna come over ta see what all the fuss is about.”
“But then we waste our time butting heads with species that have been in power for centuries here, while they proceed to make us look like foals whining in the woods,” Fluttershy spoke up with an acute observation. “We’ll all waste resources arguing, and eventually everypony loses.”
“Unless the Reapers show up first. Then we get to be proven right about five seconds before we all die,” Pinkie pointed out with a distinct lack of subtlety.
Twilight remained in place looking out towards the purple glow of the nebula surrounding the Citadel, her friends falling silent as they moved to her side.
“So what’s our first step?” Rarity asked. “The Reapers are still coming and they won’t listen.”
“Then we don’t speak out. We just play our part and avoid stepping on anypony’s tail.” Twilight shook her head. “We need the Council right now if we hope to survive as a species. And we need the time.”
“Time for what?” Fluttershy questioned curiously.
“To prepare...” Twilight’s eyes hardened, her gaze never leaving the distant glow of space as she felt a slight smile form on her muzzle. “It’s time we fall back on the old equine standby... Bide and gather our strength. We know they’re coming. That is enough. Now we do everything we can to get ready. And when the time comes... when it can’t be denied any longer... the Herd will step up.”
The six ponies and one changeling mech stood at the edge of the balcony, their direction set as they watched the spectacular glow in the distance.
“What about Shepard?” Rainbow asked, standing at Twilight’s right.
“When he needs us, we’ll be there. Just like he was there for us,” Twilight assured her winged friend, feeling a new confidence rise, even if she was still growing into her new position. “But until then... there’s one thing I know for certain.”
Twilight tilted her head up, now able to make out a few stars past the purple glow of the nebula.
“Right now, wherever he is... he’s fighting for all of us.”
And as she stared into the stars beyond their new-found safe haven, Twilight Sparkle could not help but think that somehow, their Shepard was looking out at the same stars... and like Twilight... felt something staring back.
——————————At That Very Moment——————————
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Ohhh noooo.
I sense a sequel in the future. I kind of wished that Shepard had been on the Citadel when the Reapers attacked, I would've loved to have seen the look on their faces.
Oh Loyal2Luna, top quality as always. You got me to play mass effect 2 by writing this (when i first played it, i didn't like it. But now i imagine that i rescue ponies in the end so it's all good) Hope for a sequel and cant wait for the next doctor whooves.
450633 HO-LY SHIT
That is an ESSAY of a comment. You are truly skilled.
452268 So is this!
452268 Also, WHY CAN"T THIS BE A REAL DLC!?!?
Excellent story can't wait to see how you do Mass Effect 3
Awesome, as always! Great work Loyal2Luna!
Although, it would be bad if they were housed on the Citadel, considering the events of Mass Effect 3...
'Distinct lack of subtlety' is an understatement. That was about as blunt as a wreaking ball.
Anyway. This was a good story.
The previous chapter was really, really nice. That scene with Silver Spoon and the Crusaders... and Rarity's scene... oh man, that went straight to my heart! I had little tears forming up right there.
Let me use this in the Sweetie Chronicles.
Greatness, I hope this continues with a sequel, but even if it does not, it has truly been a great fic. Thanks for sharing it with us.
i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/052/082/1240393095655.jpg
Just... just perfect. I loved this story from the begining to the end.
If you continue with this, as in going into ME3.... I will love you forever.
Sweet Celestia and Luna... that was an epic ending to a magnificent story. If you have any intention to make a ME3 DLC-type story, or if you are feeling adventurous, inspired or downright masochistic, a full AU version of ME3, I would fund you with all of my money!
... If I had any.
You captured the feeling of both series' characters perfectly. It was a seamless meshing of both worlds. If you said you were a professional author, or one of the people who made the story for ME2, I'd believe you. The characterizations were so perfect, I could hear the characters themselves speaking the lines. It's so hard to find a story that lets me do that so effortlessly. All out-of-character moments were believable and quite justified by the history laid out, and the ME-universe equestrian history you built was fleshed out and extremely well-developed. The premise was intriguing and story captivating. I believe you did this justice. I'd put this work up with the best of the stories made by this fandom. I'd pay real money to have a physical copy of this.
There were moments near the end that were so touching, that if I were more outwardly emotional, I would have cried manly tears of joy. The moment with the CMC and Silver Spoon was heartwarming, and the reveal about Fourty-two of Fifty came out of nowhere and I was blindsided by a torrent of feels. I have a feeling that if Shepard had the Herd at his back in ME3, the Reapers would not have stood a chance.
Twilight is best disgruntled politician.
Mass Effect 3, the masses demand it.
450633
I'm sorry but you've missed out on a grand tale. I've never played the Mass Effect games, I had no idea what a Protean is or was, nothing about Reapers except 'vague galaxy threat' or anything. I watched a few clips provided by the author and that's my extent of Mass Effect knowledge.
And I could follow this flawlessly. There was not a single time I was confused about who or what was going on, period. Some of the names were a bit confusing (Garus? Mido...something?) but that's part and parcel for any sci-fi story to be honest. I didn't find any of it so steeped in ME lore that it was obtuse. Everything that might be confusing ended up being explained in the story. Maybe not when it was mentioned but eventually and with great detail.
To the author and anyone reading this: THIS. THIS is how to do a pony-human fic, regardless of the backstory. Too often I see 'HUMANITY FUCK YEAH NUKE THEM ALL' or 'ponies are superior to the weak and pathetic human scum.' This allows both species the ability to show their worth, it doesn't disregard humanity for the cartoon physics of a child's show (that's like saying Bugs Bunny is a superior creature because of an anvil scene in one of his cartoons) nor does it put undue value on happening to have fingers. This is a good story.
I have nothing else I can think to say right now. I could perhaps expand on why this is a great story between humanity and ponies but I'm at work and they need me to do things. They pay me after all.
Sequel! Sequel! Sequel!
*continues to chant until passing out from lack of oxygen*
We need a sequel!
I'm throwing money at the screen but nothing's happening!
Excellent my friend. Top quality as always
So awesome!
L2L, I know you've got a lot on your plate, but mentions were made of a possibility of a sequel of sorts to this and, well, I can't possibly give such a thing enough of my support!
t.qkme.me/3plmnz.jpg
A sequel though would be even more amazing :P
Wow, i really love your histories, all of them are always really well written and always with an excelent content, thanks for do this and give us many adventures
If you do ME, which I hope, have Shepard and the ponies call out the Council for letting the reapers attack. I would have askedthem to step down, since time and time again this 3 have shown to be incompetent. There is enough proof around the galaxy and yet they deny it. Cerberus and the STG knew they were coming, saw the proof and got ready.
Surprised that they didn't ask to become a protectorate race of Humanity. That gives them clearance to go 'The council is a bunch of idiots on Reapers!', and they can earn their way by helping earth with R&D. Their only real chance of survival would be t get off the citadel and modify a cruiser with normandy stealth tech while upgrading it with as muh of their tech as they can. They can't stay on the citadel, or go to earth/ any of it's colonies without getting screwed over
Plus, they could make geth/quarian peace early.
This demands a sequel.
It's too epic NOT to be.
(I'm just glad I got to read through the WHOLE thing without interruption!)
Spectre. Disregard spellcheck, acquire
poniesBioware's spelling. It's a proper noun, it does what it wants.This comment has nothing to add beyond my exultation last chapter. It can be deleted when you fix the spelling.
Mass Effect 3 DLC next time?
This. Needs. A. Sequal. PERIOD.
An amazing ending to a journey of epic proportions, if this progressed into a full AU rendition of Mass Effect 3, I would be ecstatic, as no doubt others would. Thank you for such a high quality fic!
A truly wonderful and enjoyable read. I am looking forward to a sequel.
YOU, MY FRIEND, YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY MAKE A SEQUEL.
YOU ARE SO FUCKING TALENTED, THERE'S NO WORD TO SAY IT. INSTEAD, HAVE SOME MOUSTACHES.
FREAKING COUNCIL!!!!! &!~)$%&Y!
A sequel would be nice.
If it isn't too much trouble, that is.
Just one word, FANTASTIC!
Wait... The story is over? Dangit!
I can't wait for the sequel. You've got my praise for this story, and I'll gladly say that you take the place as the top Crossover Fanfic Author in the community. After all, your stories surpass Fallout: Equestria and Binkie Pie, some of my other favourites. You're perfectly in character, your explanations for everything Just Work, and you make me hold on to your every word.
Fantastic! That's all I can say.
Well, here's my vote for ME3. I want to see how ponies deal with indoctrination this go round (though with just 300 hundred it should be easier... maybe) and how they help Shepard.
1567550
"Your name's Catalyst? So you change things, right?"
"Yes."
"Like, say, you take a great story and change it into a smoking pile of..."
"Exactly! I mean... No! I mean.. Look, that's not the point, okay?"
[youtube=www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hw1b5b2pJ0]
I'll say it again, ME3 + PONIES PLZ!!!
This fic was magnificent. The drama, the comedy, the action, all of it felt in line with both Mass Effect and Friendship is magic. I dare say, the Cuban Pete part made me fall over laughing. Loyal2Luna, you managed to blend two very different universes into a single storyline without any of it seeming forced or shoehorned.
In hindsight, I now feel sad that I've finished reading it. It was a very fun ride, but now it's over.
'
I REALLY want to see a sequel to this, it's just got so much potential. So for now, you get the Roadpony Seal of AWESOME.
And as the Battle for Earth rages, a new fleet appears and begins tearing the Reapers a new one. The hastily, but expertly built Equestrian Navy. Harmony cannons operational.
This may be in my top 5 pony fics, it's just that awesome. Thank you for such a fantastic story, I am so glad that I saw it go by in the featured box.
I would pay real money for a sequel to this.
The title of this chapter is "Only the Beginning"
If that isn't sequel set up, I don't know what is.
All I know that such a sequel would be very well received.
YES. Please, I'm begging you, do this! I can honestly see Twilight effectively saying 'Screw politics', have the M6 encounter the Normandy crew again and either become war assets or crew members. Honestly though, I just want to see how they'd fight (In the three year time-gap I'm guessing engineers'd figure out how to make hoof-mounted versions of guns) and who specalises in what) and am eagre to see what scenario ya some up with. You do some damn fine work mate.
I'm still waiting for the pony-Reaper to weigh in.
I also wonder how Javik will react to a 36-million year-old race alive that his cycle never discovered.
(That was my way of telling you to write a fantasmic sequel!)
Beautiful ending. For a little while there I was wondering what you did with Scootaloo; as Sweetie and Applebloom had both been mentioned multiple times, but never once until that one scene was she pointed out and I was almost concerned that you had made her to be one of the programs, which would have saddened me slightly.
But I digress. The title of the Epilogue suggests a possible sequel. I'll have to go out and get Mass Effect 3 and play through it so I can allow myself to read the sequel if and when it comes out. I look forward to it if a sequel is planned.
Oh god, this fic was so damn awesome. I hope to see more from you!
Very well done.
Loved it
-Shadow Flare
Simply amazing. Thank you.
I think a sequel is more-or-less required, as you're yet to explain how & why everypony leaves the Citadel before the last few hours of ME3!
Please let them not stay there...
luna best pony.
i await an answer to my gibberish
please
I sincerely wish I could favorite again this or give it another thumbs up.
because this was simply an amazing story and you did an ABSOLUTELY fantastic job with it! 
I hope to see a sequel in the future! 