//------------------------------//
// Request 
// Story: Homeworld Conflict 
// by Lily Lain 
//------------------------------//

Aboard the Augury, Celestia was at ease. Even though the screen went blank, even though she had just seen Fluttershy get shot. Discord was twiddling his paws, ready to click the whole Fleet into nonexistence.
 
“It’s all right, Discord. We’ve won,” Celestia said.
 
He looked at her, fury in his eyes boiling. “We’re all right!? How can you say we’re all—“
 
“The Elements have been used,” she cut him off. “Can’t you feel it?”
 
“Oh, uh, yes. I do have a sense of a slight tingling that desperately wants to tear me apart for whatever reason.”
 
Celestia didn’t say anything. Her horn glowed suddenly as she picked up a psychic message.
 
“I’ve no idea what you did, sis,” Luna said. “But they’re retreating back to their accursed ship. Shall we chase them?”
 
“Don’t,” answered Celestia. “The Elements have been used, they should be harmless by now.”
 
“But Twilight and her friends are still with them as far as I’m aware. We must take them back!”
 
Celestia sighed. “Yes, we should, but not with cannon fire. I’ll negotiate with them, but they know they’re on the losing position. Twilight and her friends will return here safely.”
 
“I hope so,” said Luna quietly and cut the connection.
 
Discord didn’t ask about the call and Celestia wasn’t eager to talk either. They both waited silently for when the chamber they were in would regain contact with the Kushan Mothership. Celestia could tell, with a simple spell, that they weren’t the only ones present on the ship. There were bipedal figures hurrying back and forth, avoiding the chamber she was in.
 
There was a stir among the Kushan on Augury. Once again, their coat of arms was displayed on the screen – the two circles encased by wings – and a voice sounded through the speakers. No, not a voice. The voice.
 
“Certain unforeseen events have taken place. Our forces are currently retreating and we’re thankful for you not chasing us. We wish to sign a peace treaty if possible. A Corvette will be send to escort you to the Mother—”
 
“We shall speak here,” Celestia cut in. As the silence she forced persisted, she turned to Discord. “Thank you, but I think I’ll handle this matter myself.”
 
Discord, although for the slightest moment he looked as if he wanted to object, nodded solemnly and teleported away, leaving Fleet Command and Celestia to themselves.
 
“I believe it would be in the best interest of our both to maintain a physical contact while—”
 
“No.” Celestia tampered herself before the upper hoof led her too far. “There is no point in arguing over it. We both know that you still have the Elements. You wish to have me aboard your ship too. I cannot adhere to that.”
 
“The Elements are unhurt and are being sent back to Equestria as we speak. All forces are being pulled back, both ground units, and starships.”
 
Celestia looked at the screen puzzled. “Why? What happened that made you back away even after the sacrifices you’ve made?”
 
“This is not Hiigara. This planet has no importance to us, no more than any other habitable planet would. It doesn’t belong to us. It never has, and we don’t wish it to. We will leave it as soon as proper reparations have been paid for our transgressions.”
 
Celestia stood in place, completely petrified for a moment. “Why do you wish to talk to me on your ship then?”
 
“I wish you to see, and I will need you to understand.”
 
Celestia turned her gaze downward, considering. Even if Fleet Command was lying, what was there to lose? “I will be there as soon as the Elements are reported back. I will arrive on the ship you send with them.”
 
“Thank you.” Fleet Command cut the call.