//------------------------------// // Epilogue: The Party // Story: Star Wars: The Snuggle Protocol // by Barrobroadcaster //------------------------------// The next day, the Empire had their party, just as they said they would. And the Rebels weren't invited. The Empire had live music, games, rides, it was a massive carnival. There were holograms, smoke machines, free food and drinks, a concert featuring bands from around the galaxy, it was great. The entire town of Ponyville partied and the stormtroopers and Imperials danced with ponies. And the Rebels danced with them. Twilight and the Mane Six stuck close to Bold Squadron, checking out everything the Empire had to offer. They just hadn't gone as Rebels that night. "PINKIE!" Grex yelled. "GREX!" "THEY HAVE FIFTY-THREE DIFFERENT KINDS OF CAKE!" "I KNOW!" The pink pony exclaimed, just as excited. "I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WERE THAT MANY KINDS OF CAKE!" Pinkie nodded. "I have much to teach you, my young padawan." They both ran down the street, trying out various treats from the stormtrooper party troopers. Owlowiscious and Spike followed them, carrying ice cream. Avin, Sonders, Brullen, Javen and Timmy's Dad participated in a dunk contest against Grand Moff Dinkleberg, Jimmy Kimmel and Princess Celestia, Luna and Cadence. They dunked Commander Reknaw, the recently exposed Rebel spy in a tub of Mountain Dew Code Red. He was not exactly pleased, but had to admit things had worked out well for him, all things considered. "So... I guess the Empire's going to be here a little longer," Twilight said, walking side-by-side with Reena. "Eeyup," Reena said. She looked up at the Star Destroyer in orbit, their prize they returned to the Empire. The sight of it didn't anger her any more, because she knew there was something inside that mighty oppressive ship. And that might not have been all bad. "I was wrong about them. They're not all bad... not the ones here, at least. Elsewhere," she looked beyond the Destroyer, to the stars beyond. "Elsewhere, I'm not so sure." Twilight nodded. "We'll be ready. You've helped us a lot." "You've helped us," Reena said. "Just by being our friends." She hugged the purple pony. "And it is with great pleasure that the Empire announces it is lifting the curfew on Ponyville- permanently!" Dinkleberg announced from the loudspeaker. "And after much consideration, Cloudsdale has been approved to regulate air traffic throughout Equestria once again!" There were cheers from everyone- pony, Rebel and Imperial alike. The party continued. After a while, Grex finally caught up with Reena after sampling every flavor of Imperice cream available. "Hey Reena." "Hey Grex. Enjoying yourself?" she asked. "Oh, you know it." "Hahaha," she giggled. "So you think peace with this part of the Empire might actually work? That you can be around these guys and not try to blow something up?" Grex shrugged coyly. "Maybe. We'll have to see. But, about that last part..." "You didn't." He looked away bashfully. "I had to." "Grex..." "Hehehe," he giggled. "What can I say? It is my job, after all. In fact, you should be able to see the results soon. In three... two... one..." The ground shook. For a moment, they were all surprised. The vibrations reverberated through them all. And then, they saw it: fireworks launching from Sigma Base, just over the horizon. "Awww, so that's what you meant. That's very sweet, Grex." "Yeah, me and Javen and Bandwidth set it up. Another mission accomplished for Bold Squadron," he said, putting his arm around her. A large firework erupted in the shape of the Rebel Alliance symbol. And very quickly, another series of fireworks shot up to form the words: THE REBEL ALLIANCE LOVES PUPPIES. AND KITTENS. AND FREEDOM. "You just had to make that clear, didn't you?" "Yeah, I did," he nodded. "And it represents us, when you think about it." "How's that?" she asked skeptically. "Well, we're Bold Squadron now, right?" He pointed at the fireworks. "That looks pretty bold to me." She nodded. "Indeed, it does." They joined their pony friends and Rebel squad mates in a group hug, the boldest statement of them all. The message they shared was love and friendship. And it always would be.