After traveling through the crew quarters just above the cargo hold, Twilight, Spike and Captain Malott arrived at a door. The sign next to it read: “Captain’s office and quarters.”
“Here we are,” Malott declared as he touched a glass panel on the wall. In an instant, the panel filled with green text. “Crew bioelectric signature match,” it read, “Access granted.” The doors slid open with a hiss, and the captain led Twilight and Spike inside.
There was a desk in the middle of the room with devices (of which Twilight couldn’t even begin to guess their purpose) on top of it. A chair was placed so as to have access to the devices on either side of it, as well as providing a good view across the desk. The room had some potted plants in the corners, and a stack of chairs lay off to one side of the office. Finally, there was a door to the right with a sign that read: “Captain’s personal quarters. Authorized entry only.”
“Please, pull up a chair,” Malott said warmly, gesturing to the stack in the corner as he sat down at the desk. “It’ll be easier to talk sitting down.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Twilight replied as she used her magic to lift two of the chairs, separated them, then set them on the floor on the opposite side of the desk from the captain. She and Spike sat down, and waited for the captain of The Kestrel to speak.
“Now, I guess we should get this underway,” Malott began, opening a drawer and pulling out two shiny rectangular objects with black glass screens in the middle. Turning to address Spike, he asked, “Can you send other things besides letters, uh…” Malott’s words died, and he snapped his fingers, as if struggling to remember something.
He sighed and asked, “What was your name again?”
“It’s Spike,” the young dragon huffed. “And I sure can!” Spike’s mood brightened as he proudly puffed out his chest slightly. “What do you want to send?”
“One of these communicators,” the captain replied, gesturing to the rectangular objects. “They can be used for much more than just communication, but for now, that’s all they’ll be needed for.” He gave a small smirk. “At least, when it comes to speaking with your leaders.”
Malott turned right to face a tall and thin object held up by a stand. “I’ll just type up a message on this computer really quick, and then we can send both.”
A device on Malott’s left then started to produce whirring sounds as a sheet of pure white paper covered in text started to slide out of it.
Once the device finished producing the sheet of paper, the captain picked up the sheet and pulled out a stick-shaped object with a metal tip.
“Now that the printer is done, I just have to sign it,” Malott announced, scratching the paper with the metal point. A second later, as he finished signing it, Malott offered the letter to Twilight and asked, “Will this be suitable?”
Twilight took the letter in her magic and looked it over.
Dear Princess Celestia,
My name is Chris Malott, Captain of the Galactic Federation cruiser named The Kestrel. My crew and I recently met with some of your citizens, and one of them has offered us assistance with our mission to safeguard the galaxy.
My crew and I are on the run from a supremacist group that has overthrown the majority of my people’s government. Unfortunately, the Rebels will likely find your planet during their pursuit, and will most likely try to turn your planet into another base of operations for their rebellion. They will probably either try to exterminate you and your citizens outright, or attempt to enslave you. They are highly advanced, and without our instruction, you will likely fall to them.
The device accompanying this letter is a multipurpose device that my people use for long distance communication. I believe speaking to each other instead of using further letters would be ideal.
To use the communications feature of the device being sent with this letter, first push the button with a broken circle and a straight line depicted on it. The screen will light up, and a display of options will be projected into the air in front of you. Simply tap the “call” option to pull up the list of contacts in the device. There will only be one at the current time, so simply tap it to select it. The device will then communicate with the one I have with me. If I ever try to contact you, it will alert you and give you the option to answer my call. Simply tap the option to answer to allow me to contact you.
Sincerely,
Chris Malott
Commanding Officer of The Kestrel and Captain in service of the Galactic Federation Fleet
“It looks fine,” Twilight affirmed with a nod. “Let’s get this to Celestia.”
Malott nodded and handed over one of the rectangular devices. Spike took both the device and the paper in his grip before breathing his signature green fire on both, sending them to Princess Celestia.
“Wait, so, he breathes fire on things to transport them?” Malott exclaimed. “Incredible!”
“I know, right?” Spike said proudly, soaking up the praise.
Before Twilight could cut in to stop the captain from stoking the young dragon’s ego further, the remaining rectangular device beeped, lit up, and projected a floating image over it containing the words: Incoming call. Sender: Celestia. Answer?
Malott tapped the word “yes” with his finger, and the projected image changed to a depiction of the Solar diarch herself, a very shocked expression on her face.
“Are you Captain Malott?” Celestia asked, sizing up the human with curious eyes.
“I am, Your Highness,” Chris replied, inclining his head. “Captain Chris Malott of The Kestrel, at your service.”
The shimmering image of Celestia nodded cautiously, still taking in the marvel of the communicator. “By what your device is showing me, I can see that Twilight and Spike are there as well,” Celestia noted. “Twilight? Is everything fine up there?”
“Well, Spike and I are doing fine, at least,” Twilight replied, walking into view. “Captain Malott wants to talk to you about the incoming threat. I think Luna should be involved in this conversation as well.”
“I am already here, Twilight,” the Lunar diarch’s voice said as Luna stepped into the projected image. “I thought I’d let Celly do the talking.”
“Well, the coming invaders will likely keep up their assault both day and night, so it may be best for you to actually take part in this discussion directly,” Twilight replied.
“Understood,” Luna acknowledged with a nod. “Go ahead, Captain. Please tell us about the enemy chasing you.”
“Well, first, I’d like to apologize for putting you in danger by coming here,” Malott said sadly. “The Rebels would likely have ignored you had we not stopped here on our way out of this sector of the galaxy.”
“Even if you hadn’t come here, that doesn’t guarantee they would have ignored us,” Luna shot back. She offered a consoling smile. “Don’t apologize, Captain. Your coming here actually gives us a chance to learn about the enemy before they arrive.”
“In that case, let’s get right to the point,” Malott replied, smiling in gratitude. “The Rebels are human supremacists—they are trying to establish humanity as the rulers of the galaxy, with every other race either being hunted to extinction or forced into servitude under their iron-fisted rule. It is unlikely that you’ll be able to defeat their starships once they enter your area, and negotiation is out of the question.
Following the gloomy explanation, Malott offered an encouraging smile. “However, they will have to land troops to make it possible to subdue your planet. I have an idea that may help to repel their infantry indefinitely, at the very least.”
“What is it?” Celestia asked, leaning forward to catch every word. Luna did the same, and Twilight and Spike also gave their full attention to the captain.
“Princess Twilight has shown me that you have magic,” the human began. “A power believed to be fictional by the rest of the galaxy. The Rebels won’t expect you to have such a force on your side. They still have no idea that magic even exists, after all.” After pausing for a moment to think, his eyes lit up. “Can you enchant things to, say, repel light?”
“We can,” Celestia replied with a nod. “Does this have anything to do with the light-based weapons Twilight informed me about in the letter she sent right before she left to help you?”
Malott gave a sideways glance at Twilight, who smiled sheepishly in return. “I had no prior knowledge of this previous letter,” he said with something of a grumble, “but that is most likely correct.”
Malott pulled out the same tube with a handle he and his crew had used aboard the Engi ship to open the doors. “This is called a ‘blaster,’” he explained. “Pulling the trigger fires a light-based projectile. Almost all races rely on them for combat between troops, and the same goes for the Rebels. If you could enchant your military uniforms to repel light, the only option the Rebels would have left would be close-quarters combat. And that means they’ll be limited to their fists. I’m certain that you’d have the upper hand.” The captain paused for a moment, glancing downwards before adding, “Or hoof, in this case.”
“I see,” Celestia said thoughtfully while Luna nodded. “If we enchant the armor of the Royal Guard to repel light-based attacks, the enemy would be forced to engage our troops close up, at which point their spears should prove superior to simple fists.”
“Spears?” Malott repeated before shrugging. “Yes, I suppose spears are a good choice,” he said, nodding in approval. “Fists won’t do much against armor, while even bronze spears would easily penetrate the Rebels’ fabric uniforms.”
The man pouted pensively. “Of course,” he continued, “the heat from the blasts would slowly melt holes in the armor, even when repelled, but I believe that ten of your soldiers could hold off thousands of Rebel troops,” he pointed out. “The Rebels will attack in large waves, but I believe they’d have to outnumber your troops at least two hundred to one to actually make progress. If there are other nations on your planet, you’d do well to warn them of the approaching Rebels.”
“Understood, Captain Malott,” Luna acknowledged while Celestia nodded in agreement. “Is there anything else you wish to speak with us about at this time?”
“I’m thinking of inducting Princess Twilight into my crew,” Malott replied, stealing a glance at Twilight. “With your approval, of course,” he added quickly. “As a princess, she must be an important figure in your society, correct?”
The majestical alicorn before him narrowed her eyes, but nodded slowly.
“If she accepts, whatever rank or standing she has on your world will mean nothing,” Malott explained, earning a deteriorating scowl on Luna’s visage. “She’d start as an Ensign, and she’d have to work her way up the ranks, just like everyone else here.”
Even though the Princess before him was but a mere projection, her glare felt as if it could penetrate into his very being and incinerate him where he sat.
Finally, with a sigh and a headshake, Celestia said, “That decision isn’t ours to make.” She looked to the side, eliciting a reluctant nod from her sister. “Twilight will have to make that decision.” Turning to face Twilight, Celestia asked, “Would you be willing to join these aliens? Their mission sounds more perilous than anything than you have faced until now.”
“I am,” Twilight declared without a moment of hesitation. Turning to face her new Captain, she saluted and said, “I am at your command, Captain.”
“What about me?” Spike huffed.
“You’re too young,” Twilight replied immediately with a shake of her head. “You’re not ready for such a responsibility yet, even if you aren’t a baby anymore.”
“She’s got a point, Spike,” Malott said, folding his arms and nodding in agreement. “If your size is any indicator, I don’t think you’re even old enough by Federation Fleet regulations to even be part of the crew. Someone your age might be able to pass as a first-year Cadet at the Space Academy, but you’re too young to even be an Enlisted.”
Spike became crestfallen, but the Captain was still gauging him with careful eyes, humming in thought.
“However,” he began, “you could still serve an important role. I can talk to the Princesses through the communicator, yes, but we are unable to perform teleports over incredible distances. You could allow supplies to be sent back and forth between The Kestrel and Equestria.” With a renewed smile, he asked, “What do you say?”
“Sure,” Spike said with a shrug. “But since I’m not part of the crew, how am I supposed to use the doors? The door said you had to be part of the crew to use it.”
“I can just register you as a guest,” Malott replied simply before tapping the buttons in front of his computer. “Done—the two of you have been scanned, and Twilight is now registered as a member of the crew, while Spike has been registered as a guest. That should grant both of you full access, except during combat,” the man added, giving Spike a lopsided frown. “Guests are locked out of the system deck and the bridge during combat.”
Celestia straightened up. “Now that Twilight is a member of your crew, I believe this conversation is finished,” Celestia declared, giving Malott a questioning look to see if there was anything else.
“You are correct, Your Majesty,” Malott said with a nod. “I appreciate your patience. Talking to you was a pleasant experience.”
“Agreed, Captain,” Luna replied. “May our next discussion be just as pleasant, even if we are under siege by that time,” she said with a chuckle. With that, the connection was cut, and the image vanished.
The Captain sat for a moment, nodding slightly to himself before finally turning to Twilight. “Ensign Sparkle, you are to report to the main deck; we still need someone to man the Sensors subsystem,” Malott requested firmly.
“Mister Spike, you and Twilight will be sharing the same room. Follow the signs to the crew quarters and enter room number five.” He straightened in his chair. “If there is anything that you want to know, there is a device in every room where you can push a button to speak to it and make requests. If this ship is capable of supplying it, it will.”
Both Twilight and Spike saluted before leaving for the locations Malott had requested, the Captain following Twilight to the lift.
“Ensign Sparkle,” Malott greeted as they entered the lift to the main deck. Once the lift got going, he said, “The Sensors subsystem doesn’t necessarily require an operator, but it can only function at its best with a manual operator. I will show you the controls there before I take the lift to the bridge.”
“Understood, Captain,” Twilight replied with a nod as the doors opened to the main deck. “Lead the way.”
“Follow me,” Malott ordered. Twilight complied and followed him through door after door until reaching a room with a screen and a large console.
“Now, the screen here is the sensors monitor,” Malott said as he began his explanation. “The more effective the Sensors become, the more it will display. Right now, it can only display a map of the main deck and the positions of every crewmember.”
The Captain pushed a button, and the display changed. “This is a map of the quarters deck,” he explained. “You generally won’t be needing this map, but just so you know, the button can be used to cycle between decks. Keep it on the main deck most of the time, as the map shown here can be transmitted to every console on the ship.”
Pointing to a button labelled “scan”, the Captain continued his instructions. “Pressing this button will allow us to see into enemy ships during combat, as well as to scan for other things. The sensors aren’t powerful enough to do much more than identifying the ship as of right now, and you have to keep track of the controls while we’re in combat. We may be able to upgrade the Sensors later, but for now, all they can do is see into our ship, and enemy ships if manned.
“Asides scanning for lifesigns and a few other things, of course,” Malott added with a small wave of his hand. “If this room gets damaged by enemy fire, you’ll need to be able to repair it.”
He squatted down and pointed to beneath the console, indicating a sealed book. “There’s a manual beneath the desk with instructions on repairing the Sensors. As of now, you are one of two security officers, the other being Commander Xin Xin, who will be manning Doors for the time being at the very least.
“If you have any questions, feel free to ask,” the Captain finished with a smile as he offered Twilight a red shirt that was a little too large for her. It had an insignia on the collar that most likely marked her as an Ensign, as well as a badge shaped like a two-armed barred spiral surrounded by a laurel of peace.
“Sorry about the shirt,” he mumbled with a weak smile and a hollow chuckle. “That’s the smallest size they come in. Up until now, Slugs were the smallest people to serve in the Federation Fleet. We’ll see about getting you a better uniform later on.” He came down to Twilight’s level and pointed to the badge on her shirt. “I think you’ll like this though,” he said. “Touch the badge to communicate with any other member of the crew. Just say the name, and it’ll open up a communication channel directly with them.
Twilight pressed the badge and said, “Captain Malott.” Both her badge and that of the man both began to emit static.
He smiled and replied, “Yes, Ensign Sparkle?” Much to Twilight’s wonder, her badge repeated Malott’s words. They were a near perfect replication of the his voice, although there was an odd tinny quality to it.
“Amazing,” she said, her tone full of childlike wonder, as she excitedly tip-toed on her hooves. That got Malott to laugh. Once Twilight sobered up, she cast an academic glance at the badge and hummed in thought.
“What is that symbol supposed to be?” she asked, pointing. “It almost looks like…”
“This?” Malott grabbed at his badge. “This is the symbol of the Galactic Federation. The spiral in the middle is actually a depiction of the whole Milky Way Galaxy.”
Twilight’s eyes lit up in recognition. “That’s what you call it?” At the man’s nod she asked, “The whole galaxy?” Another nod. Twilight rubbed her chin thoughtfully, saying, “I’ve always seen parts of it. I never thought that it had so many arms!”
The captain beamed, but as he rose, he let out a reluctant sigh. “I wish I had more time to chat,” he said, “but I’ve got to take my place at the bridge so we can get moving. Welcome to The Kestrel, Ensign.”
With that, the man left the room. Twilight looked over the console before her and grinned, rubbing her hooves together. This ship was far more advanced than anything she’d seen before. Some of the switches and buttons did look a bit weathered, but they were all still eons ahead of whatever Equestria could put out. After putting the shirt on, glumly noting that she’d have to just deal with the bagginess of it, Twilight took her place in front of the screen and waited for further instruction.
“Attention all hands,” Malott announced after settling down in his chair on the bridge, “prepare for an FTL jump. Lieutenant Commander Noemi, set us on a course to the FTL beacon at these coordinates.” He keyed in a set of numbers on a small pad on the left armrest of his chair.
“Acknowledged, Captain,” the pilot replied. “We’re heading out!”