Chapter XIV
So, in case you didn't read my blog post, because the character belonged to someone else, and I am not a thieving jerkwad, I changed Captain Steel Song's name to Dark Seeker. Everything about the character is the same, the only thing that is different is that his name has changed. That isn't going to matter much for this chapter, because he doesn't appear here. However, it will matter in the books to come, so heads up.
If you want more details on the change, go ahead and check out my blogpost Um... Oops...
Chapter XIV
Princess Luna gently closed the door, well aware of the loud snoring that was coming from the other side. As she did so, Nurse Life Line approached the princess nervously. “How is it?” she asked.
“He is fine, the poor thing simply wanted to talk,” Princess Luna said as she took a quick glance back at the door. “Our conversation tired him out far more than I thought it would, and he actually fell asleep mid-sentence.”
“Did it-he tell you what he was?” Line asked curiously.
“I cannot say, I must meet with my sister and discuss what I have gleaned from the patient before I will discuss it with the medical team,” she said as she swept passed the mare.
“Is it... is he dangerous?” Line asked nervously.
Princess Luna stopped at this, then turned and faced the mare. “Is he dangerous? Yes. Very much so. So is a pony, or a griffon, or a minotaur, or any of the sapient species that inhabit our world. Should you fear him? No. In fact, he is far more scared of us than we are of him, especially in his now weakened state.”
“I- I didn't...”
“Keep an eye on him Nurse Life Line, he is not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination. Keep me apprised of his condition, I will be consulting with my sister if I am needed,” the princess said as she turned and left.
“Yes, Your Highness...” Life Line said with a bow.
* * *
Celestia rubbed her head in irritation. She had the possibility of an invasion looming over her head, the political nightmare that that had forced upon her, and the day to day rigors that ruling a nation brought upon her.
And yet, as stressful as all that was, it wasn't nearly as irritating as listening to Blueblood ramble on about tax exceptions.
“Clearly it was just a mistake auntie. You couldn't possibly think to impose such a tax upon me and my business, it is just too horrible to imagine!” he said pompously.
“Blueblood, we go over this every year, and for the last time, your company must pay its taxes regardless of who is currently running it, as do you,” Celestia said dismissively. “You may be a prince, but you do not rule this nation, nor have any right in declaring who is and isn't exempt from its taxes.”
“This is an injustice! Our tax code shouldn't apply to a prince of the realm!” Blueblood said indignantly. “If the tax code allows such injustices to occur, than I think it is high time for a reform.”
Celestia's lips curled up in a smile at this. “If you really think that the Equestrian Tax Code needs a reform, than you will need to talk to the person who wrote it,” she said as she raised a single eyebrow. “She should be holding court in about four hours, so if you would like to stick around until then, I would be happy to accommodate you.”
Blueblood glanced about nervously at that statement. “I was sort of hoping that we could settle this matter without involving Ni- Princess Luna,” he said, barely catching himself before he let something slip.
Celestia's eyes narrowed at this. “I am afraid that unless you talk with my sister, there is nothing that I can do for you. Especially not after a near slip like that.”
“Ah, yes, of course. Then by your leave, auntie,” Blueblood said as he turned and left with almost indecent haste.
Celestia sighed as he left, her head throbbing unpleasantly as she watched him go. “Why do I tolerate you, Blueblood?” she said to herself.
“Probably because he is the last, living descendant of the ancient unicorn royal family? Or had you forgotten that?” Celestia heard her sister say as she entered the throne room from one of the side entrances.
Celestia's face lit up upon seeing Luna. “Please tell me that you have something more interesting for me than tax exemptions.” Celestia said desperately.
“I do. Our friend awoke a little over an hour ago, but has since fallen asleep again,” Luna said cheerfully.
“He did? How is he?”
“He is recovering, though poorly if last night's accident is anything to go by,” Luna said sadly. “His new eyes still do not work properly, and I have since ordered the lights in his room dimmed by a significant amount. I explained what we have done to him as well as I could, but I fear that something may have been lost in translation...”
“How so?” Celestia asked as she leaned in a little.
“He was... thankful, that we have consigned him to what may be one of the most agonizing deaths I can think of if he does not survive, and one of the most agonizing existences if he does,” Luna said as she shook her head sadly.
“Ah, I see... well, I think we need to see this from his perspective,” Celestia said as she leaned back into her throne. “He has lost everything, has been imprisoned in an alien form and let loose on an alien planet. His very reflection was a reminder of everything he has lost. As far as I can discern from the information that has been given to me, he probably felt that he was a dead stallion already. His reflection has changed, now, giving him new hope for the future. In fact, I'm pretty sure he craves companionship far more than his own personal safety or comfort.”
Princess Luna nodded thoughtfully at this. "I believe you may be right."
“Now, as sobering as all of that was, it was somewhat off topic. I believe you said that our new friend was awake? What did he say?” Celestia asked excitedly
“Well, he is apparently something called a ~human~, which roughly translates to 'he who knows' in our language,” Luna said ruefully. “His actual name is ~Alex~.”
“~Alex~ huh?” Celestia asked as she rubbed her chin with a hoof.
“Yes, I was going to ask him about his capture, but I decided not to tear open old wounds. At least, not yet,” Luna said sadly.
“A wise decision, though we are still going to have to ask him about that sooner or later,” Celestia said pointedly.
“I know, but I would prefer to postpone that conversation if I can,” Luna said with a shake of her head. “At any rate, I asked him about his homeworld, and he tried to tell me, though he fell asleep mid-sentence. I am a bit fuzzy on some of the things he has told me, though personally I blame the translation spell for that one.”
“What sort of things did he say?”
“He spoke of a world devoid of magic, which instead relied upon machinery and industry. His race knows of magic only as a fairy tale,” Luna explained.
Celestia looked at her sister in shock. “How do they control their sun, if not by magic? And what about the weather, or the tilling of the earth?” She asked, confused at this statement.
“From what he has told me, his world operates in a similar manner to how the Everfree Forest does, wild and uncontrolled. From this information, I would extrapolate that his planet has a very weak magical field, though how his planet does not simply fall into the sun from the gravity exerted is beyond my understanding,” Luna said slowly.
“I suppose he could explain that matter in detail after he has learned our language, though the fact that he has no prior experience with magic would explain quite a lot about his behavior,” Celestia said thoughtfully.
“That it does, Tia, that it does...”
* * *
Captain Hazalk winced as he eased into his seat, his aching back a clear reminder that he shouldn't be returning to active duty yet. “Status report on our recovery teams, lieutenant,” he ordered.
“Team Zen's locator's show that their bodies have been moved to site beta, while Qu and Gel have returned to The Caliban and are en-route to rendezvous with the ship as per your orders, sir,” Talian said as she saluted smartly.
“That only confirms our suspicions that site beta is where the natives are taking the items that they remove from the wreckage. What about Subject-38?” he asked thoughtfully.
“Subject-38's locater was moved to the castle on top of the mountain. It is still transmitting, so I would assume that Subject-38 survived the wounds that Zen inflicted upon it,” she said carefully. “Sir, what do you intend to do to it?”
“In the long term? I have no clue. I would like to return it to its home planet, but after what our scientists have done to it, I'm not sure that is even possible at this point. For now, we wait, we observe, and we prepare. I've already sent a priority one message to The Hiarch explaining our situation, and the ramifications that it may present should a Quzin ship arrive and discover what has happened here,” he said as he started rummaging around for his pain pills.
“Sir, it may take months for The Hiarch to respond. What will we do if a Quzin ship does appear?” Talian asked quietly.
Hazalk didn't answer at first. Instead, he opened the bottle in his hands, then popped two of the small, white pills into his mouth. “We tell them the truth. We explain that traitors have broken the treaty, and we are simply here to clean up the mess they left behind.”
“But sir, wouldn't that start a war?”
“Lieutenant, let me ask you something. Do you want a war?” Hazalk asked her as he swiveled his chair towards her.
“No sir.”
“Neither do they. They might be able to wipe us out without much of a hassle, but it would still be costly to them. They would lose valuable lives and ships exterminating our race from the galaxy, not to mention that their soldiers may begin to question their orders once they reach the last vestiges of our people. No, they do not want a war with us any more than we do with them,” the captain said as he turned his chair back towards the view screen.
Lieutenant Talian looked puzzled at this. “Then what do you think will happen?” she asked.
“I don't know. But I do know that they will be more likely to accept our apology if we punish the traitors responsible for this whole debacle. Especially if they are allowed to take part in that punishment,” he said vindictively.
"Yes sir," Talian said as she turned back to her console.
Hazalk continued to stare at the spinning blue globe on the view screen, completely lost in thought as he felt the pain pills kick in. Poor sod. You have no idea what crap you've found yourself in... he thought to himself.
* * *
Ilisk patiently twiddled his thumbs, well aware of the cameras and guards that were watching his cell. If he cared, however, he did not show it, preferring instead to give a thousand mile stare to the wall opposite from his bunk. Every hour his eyes would twitch to one corner of the room, than to the other, almost like the pendulum of a really slow clock.
Finally, after about seven hours of this, his eyes dilated and his antenna twitched, almost as if he were listening to something. His mandibles clicked in excitement at the sounds only he could perceive, and just barely, he tilted his head upwards to look at the ceiling. He then gave an almost imperceptible nod, as if acknowledging someone that wasn't there.
All according to plan... he thought to himself.
Just a short, wrap up chapter here. After a lot of thought, I decided that this arc was pretty much finished, and that I would just end the story arc here, then move on to the next one. Hope you guys all enjoyed reading my story, and that you guys will stay tuned for the sequel: "What I've Done"!
Also, just so you know, my prereaders haven't had a chance to look at this before I posted it. I sort of wanted it out of the way so that I could get started on the sequel immediately. I hope it didn't suck too badly!
Anyway, thank you all so much for all the advice, suggestions, praise and criticism that you have given me through this ride. It really helped me grow as an author, and I really hope that I'm able to not disappoint you wonderful readers as I continue writing. You all are beautiful people for helping me write this piece of fiction.
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"According to plan"?
Oh crap, that ending was really ominous
I hope nothing bad happens to Alex though, he seems really epic and nice !
I eagerly await your next story! Meanwhile, have some moustaches
good to know there is more to come almost thought you gave up on it can't wait to see what happens in the next book. P.s. and you get a follow.
I nearly jumped out my chair when this updated. :)
I don't like the sound of this...
Can't wait for the sequel. Awesome chapter and nice scene with Blueblood^^
I had a idea as I read about the ponies medical analysis:
They don't now what his original DNA was and that gives them trouble to "rebuild" his body properly. So, could they maybe use Pony DNA instead to turn him into a Pony?
5315519 not exactly. im just guessing, but those "body blueprints" they are talking about? i believe that authorman is referring to stem cells.
I really hate that All according to plan cliche. Every time I see it used its like the story is looking back at everything thats happened and goes oh no he totally planned all that out, never mind variables and free will or anything silly like that, no he's just that smart and predicted everything perfectly.
Even if thats the expectation you want and eventually deliver on it successfully, that particular line always bothers me. Especially when the same dramatic effect could be achieved by a devious or confident smirk followed by a fade to black and avoiding making that promise that its all totally planned out without flaw.
5315570 There were flaws to his plans, but the key points that he wanted to have happen, happened. Notice how I described his eyes flickering back and forth and how he seemed to hear something that no one else could hear.
There is a lot more to this than a simple 'I planned out everything perfectly' cliché.
Also, I couldn't use the smirk, simply because he doesn't have the same expressions as a human. His smile is a slight twitch of his antennae, followed closely by a click of the mandibles.
5315484 <--- what he said.O_O
Bring on the next one.
Good ending to the arc, but I was shocked to see it marked as completed. I see you're starting another story instead of just separating arcs in this one. Kind of surprising since the story isn't even 40,000 words. I'd recommend having an epilogue that transitions into the sequel so people know when it's released. Literally every story I've seen that does this loses likes and favorites the more sequels get added on simply because people don't know it's being continued.
5315608 That was what I was intending to do. Thanks for the advice, though!
AND YOU'RE A BEAUTIFUL AUTHOR!!
Please excuse lil' miss fag fan girl. You're currently his favorite author at the moment. And for now, he will gone as he explodes with closure.
Since when have gone philosophical, Rage?
YEAH!! Only i have those moments!
Fuck off, i guess his semantics are rubbing off on me, i hate it.
I can't wait for the next part
5315578 I admit I forgot about the different biology aspect for a minute, I've just seen that line used so many times only to have whoever said it almost immediately fail or be revealed to be incompetent that it gets to me automatically.
Kudos for the insightful response and great story, can't wait for the continuation.
5315563 I don't think stem cells are "body blueprints". They are "blank" and just turn to what is the nearest cell to them. (I'm not entirely sure if this is right what I wrote)
Would appreciate if you put in an epilogue here with a link to the Sequel once it's prepared.
5315563 The "body blueprints" that I was talking about was his genetic code, not stem cells. He had two sets: one set was the code that the aliens modified to suit their purposes, while the other was his remembered genetic code locked into his soul.
A genetic code is the blueprints upon which your entire body is built. In theory, you could extrapolate an entire body from a single cell.
5315674 That was what I was planning on doing.
I was kinda scared when I saw that the story was finished... but now that I know there's going to be a sequel my heart's calmed down. This story was awesome and I can't wait to read more of it! I'll be waiting patiently.
CREEEEEED!!!
Good to see this concluded. I would assume a sequel is in the works, given the ending?
5315764 eyup.
5315497
I'm sure we all were happy for the update, readers usually are, yes?
The story was pretty much done for once he was changed back, closing this chapter and opening a new one seems a solid move, well done
Words fail to descibe how eager I am for the sequel!
It's completed?
That was too short. So many loose ends! 
Wait...a sequel? Uh, yes please. You got yourself a follower, my good friend. 
5315816 Thank you!
5315620 HEY GUYS LOOK!!! ANOTHER ONE!!!
OOO! I wonder if one of them is feline!
Don't get your hopes up, from the looks of things it seems like they're more ruled my emotions rather than merely influenced like us... fortunately for them it seems like they're not completely controlled by emotions otherwise I'd have to crack a few skulls...
Really Flame? Always with the aggression...
This is amazing thus far, though some more be nice, this chapter was a bit slow XP
wait for sequel.
5315889 FINALLY, SOMEONE LIKE US!!
And although we are driven by emotions, that is also not entirely true. Nice name Flame, I'm rage. Also you don't want to see me Mad.
I'm joy!! And i've been told i'm like pinkie! And DON'T make Rage mad. you WILL regret it.
Yeah, last time he got mad he banished the poor soul to the void. I'm Relaxation by the way.
5315964 no, he's still alien modified, his face just reverted as did many of his organs. He still has many of the implants, not to mention that his arms and legs are replacements.
5315964 Also, this arc of the story is kinda at an end. The sequel will continue his adventures in equestria, but that is for later.
5315995 So...does that mean this is at this chapter at an end and the next will tell us the new story has begun,or are there only like 1-2 chapters where he is not doing that much and we learn some plot,like the imprisoned escaping,starting a war etc.
5316010 I'm not telling.
5315950 I'm StarChaser, I'm a Pegasus and the link to this site.
I'm Flame, I'm a dragon and I'm more influenced by anger and such
I'm Ember, I'm a humanoid dragon and I HATE small enclosed spaces... I need to be FREE!!!
You had enough enclosed spaces while you in tha-
WEAGREEDNOTTODISCUSSTHIS!!!
I'm StarRunner, I'm a Chakat and I'm more influenced by-
hormones
Ḭ̭̖̖͍'͎͚͔̬͖ͅͅm̟̘̰̺̮̪ ̠̙͚͕ͅȘ̗̘h̫͍̥̳̭͇̟a̖d̠̺̝͈o̻͓̼̩̙w͙̠̮̳̣̬̖͢,̼̹ ̳͖͈̩̲a̬͓̦̰͔̪͈ ̨̞̲̼͕̜͉͎w҉̱͕̰o̫͖̥ͅl̩̪̯͈f͚͚̯,̞̺̖̹͎͉͉ ̴͈͕͔͈t̶̘̲͕̭ḩ̩e̗̪͘ ̛͍m̢͓̼̱̮o̻̲r̻̺̦̰̲̜͜e̱̲͕̹̖ ̩͓i̸̠ņ͉ͅs̩̗̗̥͓̬ͅṯ͍̖͈̣̖͓i̧̞n̢c͓ţ̲̞u͚̝̭̳̪̼a̘̙͍l̖̼̦̰ s͎̱͉̮̝͜i̙̯̙̪̜͉͝d̤̗̰͎e̪̝.̼͢ ̼͝H͚̟̱͟a̴̦r̴̤͔̪d ̣̹̟̬̙̱̕t҉̗o̖͍ ͍̯̝͟t͏̮̗̞a͎͈l̯͕k̜̥͉̳̕ w̨̟̟i͕̺̩̞̮t̮̦̺h̙̣̖͈ ̪͇̭͙ͅt̖͎̰̮͓ẖ̤͈͞įs̩̥̦̥͘ ̡̺̯̺̘͓̬̮f̹̬a̩̠͇c͎e͏͙̱ͅ.̡.̵̫̥̝.
I'm Paladin, as my name suggests I'm more of their moral compass...
Oh god, not an all acording to plan villain x.x, I hate those. It really takes all the wind out of your sails. Sir, we have crushed their army with no casualties! Then whoops, all according to plan, the army was mind controlled and now their family seeks revenge. Or something like that, it just sucks.
Well Luna, in the simplest terms possible, our plant is falling towards the sun and is forever missing it.
Around and around we go in almost perfect balance for the past 4.54 billion years.
5316045 I hope this didn't turn you off towards the story...
5315827
2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCnvT1Ma24g/UXEeaT7O9AI/AAAAAAAAMT4/pFUP8QvIKZg/s640/e.jpg
here ya go
5316013 Na,.since I can read now that it's complete at the summary of chapters,you know with the state,I already have my answer
5316061
5316061 no I still enjoy the story. i just think according to plan villains undermine the hard work characters put into thier actions. however i dont mind if the guy had contingencies he dIdnt want to be caught but If he dId he can get out. so maybe instead he just smirks.
5316061
5316061 no I still enjoy the story. i just think according to plan villains undermine the hard work characters put into thier actions. however i dont mind if the guy had contingencies he dIdnt want to be caught but If he dId he can get out. so maybe instead he just smirks.
Now that right there is some top-notch Tzeentchian heresy! Good on you, sir, for making that traitor a follower of the God of Change. Now I will feel even less pity when he is purged with extreme prejudice.
Despite me liking this story, I don't understand who these aliens are. Little explanation at that.
Don't worry about your prereaders not getting a crack at it. Except for "locater's" (locator's), it seemed fine to me. Then again, you should still submit it to your mates, as I wasn't trying to be thorough.
5315678
What do you mean, "in theory?" That's how they made me.
Man... Helluva place to end the story... But, judging from the other comments, I'd assume there's a sequel somewhere in that mind of yours waiting to come out?
5315950
5316027
Heh.....heh......
MPD seems rampant here......
Oh well.
You two need to learn to work together.....
I can help you fuse....
Forcibly....
Excruciatingly...
Oh, how rude of me.....
I did not introduce myself....
Let's keep it that way.
Know this.
I am the second cruelest.
Most analytical.
And insane person.
You are likely to meet...
Don't disappoint me....
If you do.....
Run.
Hee...hee....
Ah forget about him! He's no fun, always being the overly analytical, grammar nazi like pain in the ass! He doesn't usually get away with his threats!
Usually.....ahem...any ways, I'd introduce myself if I had a name, but The Author dint give me or him one, but I'm fine with that! I'm the more open minded side, theories, feelings, and the like are my thing!
Although, I'm crazier than he is!
It's better to be insane anyways! You see so much more, especially with that rift in our room!
But.....
One thing....
I may be more positive.....
But I get angry.....
And you won't like me when I'm angry.
Why do you think he said second cruelest?
Running won't save you against me.....
i.ytimg.com/vi/p1xWYMSc1oM/maxresdefault.jpg
Oooooh, it's a big get together!
I'll make cupcakes!
I'll need to get Pinkamena to help though!
Hope you don't mind meat in your pastries!
Or sedatives!
5316027
5315950 ....hehe
there are more people like this human?
hehe its another rage......how's it going rage?
*smiles and waves whiles hideing behind Drackson*
You'll have to excuse sapphire darling she hasn't really talked much since *shudders* ...the Zero incident.
ah piss off all has!