//------------------------------// // Episode 16: Part 1: Rough Engagements // Story: My Brave Pony Starfleet Magic: Season VI // by DakariKingMykan //------------------------------// EPISODE SIXTEEN Princess Avyanna of the planet Kallan-- a world beyond the Starfleet jurisdictional regions of dimensional space: very beautiful on the outside, yet devious and cunning on the inside. Months ago she had teamed up with Starfleet’s deadly enemy, Lord Titan, in attempt to take over United Equestria. That plan was foiled by Starfleet with the help of Mykan Stevens, whom she had grown quite a sense of affection for, despite her defeat and humiliation, her diplomatic immunity protected her from prosecution for her crimes. Now, with her new ship, the Kallanium II, and her new crew, she was making a return trip to United Equestria, much to the chagrin of her right-hand man, Mayne. He walked down the halls of the huge ship until he reached the royal bedroom. The guards let him pass and he knocked at the door. “Enter!” Avyanna called. Mayne entered as ordered, and there he saw the princess relaxing in her favorite chair admiring her reflection in a small mirror. “Begging your pardon, your highness, but we are approaching our destination.” “Good.” said Avyanna “Once we are within perfect range you know what to do.” Mayne understood, “I still do not understand your intentions. The United Equestrian Council has labeled you under suspicion for your past crimes.” Avyanna’s features hardened and she nearly slammed down her mirror, almost breaking it, “My past crimes? Your tongue is slipping again, Mayne. I ought to remove it the next I hear such words.” Mayne cleared his throat, “I apologize, Princess.” Avyanna scoffed “Also, need I remind you that it was YOU who botched our plans. You do remember that, don’t you?” Mayne hated being reminded of how he ordered the invasion attack against Avyanna’s instructions, which gave Starfleet the chance to fight back due to Mykan Stevens sabotaging the fleet. “That’s what I thought…” said Avyanna “Now for the last time: You know what to do once we are in range of the planet.” “Yes, I understand.” After he left, Avyanna continued to gaze at her reflection, but she was thinking of something else entirely which involved someone else! *Mykan’s POV* School had finished for another and all the children were leaving. “Remember, you Earth landscape dioramas are due on Monday.” I called to the children “I have great expectations form all of you.” The children filed out and rushed on for their homes, but the crusaders seemed the happiest now that DD was back in school. “It was pretty grim around here without ya.” said Applebloom. “I know what you mean…” said DD “I just couldn’t stand being in bed any longer. I was going to go crazy!” “Well, you’re back now,” said Swetie Belle “That means we can all work on our project together.” “We’ll have the best in the class.” added Scootaloo, and the four of them did their club cheer, “THE CUTIEMARK CRUSADERS…!!” Cheerilee and I watched as the girls walked off. It really did our hearts good to see them so happy being all together again, but even more so that DD was back and feeling well again. “Well, that’s another week well-done.” Cheerilee said. I nodded and shared a hug with her, “See you on Monday.” Cheerilee smiled at me and she headed off for home herself as she lived in New Ponyville, and I activated my teleporter, and warped to New Canterlot. *POV Ends* Meanwhile, Cadance and Shining Armor were visiting the laboratory at New Canterlot Palace once again, during their visit with their aunt and uncle. They were checking in on the status of their artificial baby, still in her tube. Both of them still eager for the day when she could come out and they could take her home and really start their new lives as a family. “How much longer will it be, Professor?” Cadance asked. “It is rather difficult to say at this point.” said Brain “But I would estimate no longer than a week. Unless of course…er… something disastrous was to occur, but we shan’t let that happen.” “I sure hope not.” said Shining Armor, but he said it to himself. He and his wife were still driving themselves crazy with worry if their baby would be alright. Still, that didn’t mean they didn’t have time to prepare for their upcoming parenthood by helping their aunt and uncle take care of Castor and Leilani, especially during these times when their mother and father were very busy with reports and conferences and other things to concern the whereabouts of the remaining prisoners. Their majesties soon came back along with Lightning and Starla whom attended the meetings with them. “Mama… Papa!” they both cried for joy. “Oh, there you are.” Celestia cooed and she scooped up her little son. “Come here you…” Grand Ruler said as he held their daughter. Lightning and Starla thought it was so adorable to see the kids and their parents, it almost gave them the idea to maybe start a family of their own, but they both agreed that were more than not yet ready, what with their duties, they’re busy schedules. “You should’ve seen them; they were practically wrestling one another.” Shining Armor said. “Thank you both for watching them.” said Celestia. “It’s our pleasure.” said Cadance. She gazed at her two little cousins, so young at two and a half years. Now she really couldn’t wait for her baby to be ready, but everyone could see she had that hint of worry she was trying to hide. “Don’t worry, Cadance…” Lightning said, and before he could say another word-- “I know, I know… you won’t let anything happen.” Then she smiled at him, at everyone actually. Suddenly, the alarms sounded, frightening the children. “What’s going on now?” Grand Ruler asked. Starla raced to the window, and she could see for herself. “It’s Mykan! He’s fighting against four monsters.” “What? Alone...?” Lightning cried as he raced to the window and he could see for himself; poor Mykan was faced against four monsters. Even with his weapons on hand, he wouldn’t have a chance against them all on his own as he was a human, and not as strong as they all were. “Let’s go!” Lightning said. “We’re coming too.” Said Shining Armor, and he and his wife followed the others out the window. *Myakn’s POV* I had just teleported near my house when these four monsters surrounded me and forced me to flee for help. One creature was a huge eagle creature, another was a big and burly troll, one was that like a huge lion, and the final was a centaur type creature. All four of them were glaring at me, snarling…! I had already sounded the alarms, but I was still on my own, with my shield and sword ready, I didn’t think I’d be able to handle all four of these hulking creeps myself. The eagle creature opened his huge beak and fired a huge beam at me, which I blocked with my shield, absorbing the blast and firing it back at the creatures. There was a small explosion and some sparks, but those brutes only seemed angrier now. “Oh, boy…! Not good!” I murmured. The centaur and the troll both leapt up high, and pounded the ground, shaking everything, and I fell off my feet, dropping my sword to the ground. I tried to reach for it, but the lion kicked it away, and the then tried to pounce on me, but I rolled out of the way, and called to my sword…! “Sword of Pure Soul…!” Responding to my voice and our bond, the sword flew back into my grip, only for me to realize I was surrounded by all four monsters with no place to run. Of course, being smarter than they were altogether, I didn’t have to run… All I had to do was jump up right at the last second as they all lunged at me. With my cape I soared up high, leaving them to smash into one another. “Whoa! That was way too close.” As the monsters looked up at me and prepared to shoot at me from below, Lightning and the others came along-- Lightning and Starla in their super suits, Cadance as the Silent Ninja, and Shining Armor as Saber. “Get ‘em!” shouted Lightning, and the four fighters rushed into battle and made quick work of the brutes, knocking them all into a huge pile and ready to imprison them in spheres. “Okay, ready… take aim!” shouted Lightning. The others all charged up and prepared to fire, but before Lightning could even give the command, the monsters were suddenly hit by a huge beam of light from the skies. “Huh?” cried Lightning. “What is that?” asked Starla. The monsters suddenly vanished and the light soared back up, up, up into the sky. “Okay, what’s going on here?” Saber asked. Cadance shook her head and held out her hands in the “I don’t know” gesture. Putting that aside, Starla rushed over to me, “Are you alright?” “Great timing, but I could’ve handled them myself you know.” I teased. The others put their arms to their hips giving me a playful glare. “Look, maybe you should come to palace and tell us all what happened.” said Lightning. I agreed, and before long I was explaining to their majesties everything that had happened. “If these guys hadn’t shown up I don’t know what would’ve happened, but I can’t tell you much more about that beam of light we saw.” “Nor can we…” said Grand Ruler “We saw it as well, but our scans can’t seem to decipher what it is, but judging from what you have told us, it appears to be some sort of tractor beam; a type of which we have never seen before with tremendous amounts of power.” Celestia agreed, “But we still don’t know where it came from, and who sent it.” Suddenly, there was a knock at the door to the meeting room. “Enter…” Grand Ruler called. It was Princess Luna and Goldwin. “Begging your pardon everyone, but we, Goldwin and I, believe we have found the source of that beam.” Everyone seemed anxious, and Goldwin explained, “I was looking at the clouds through my telescope when I saw the beam of light come down from the sky. I quickly told Princess Luna, and she notified the royal observatory.” He handed their majesties a picture of a shot from space. No doubt, what they saw in that picture made their bloods churn, “That’s a Kallanium starship.” said Grand Ruler. Everyone felt their spines have shivers at the mention of that word, Kallinum. “It can’t be…” said Cadance. “Not her again?” added Shining Armor. “Yes, it is true.” said a familiar voice, and that’s when a holographic image of the princess appeared before their majesties. “Greetings, Grand Ruler Celesto… Greetings, Queen Celestia.” “Princess Avyanna.” said Grand Ruler. “How unexpected to see you again.” added Celestia. Avyanna ignored the hint of cynicism in their voices and got straight to the point. “How did you like the demonstration of my latest weapon? It took us many months to manufacture and perfect. I trust you are no doubt astounded by its efficiency.” “Naturally…” Grand Ruler answered “However, this recent action of yours raises several other questions, which we would like straight and simple answers to.” The princess looked smug, “And I intend to give you those answers… in person. You shall arrange a reception for me after sundown, and you will be sure to invite not only your best officers… but Mykan Stevens as well.” A soft silence followed, and hearing her wishes I walked over to their majesties, near the hologram. “I’m honored, Princess.” I said acting sly. Avyanna gazed deeply at me. “Why hello, Mr. Stevens.” She said in a soothing tone “It’s been quite a while, and you still look handsome.” “You haven’t changed either.” I replied. “I would advise you to be present tonight. Much depends upon it… more than you realize.” With that, the image vanished. *POV ends* Up on her ship, Avyanna felt very content with what she had just done while Mayne still seemed skeptical. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked rather sharply “By going directly to the enemies and threatening them you will raise much suspicion of our plot!” Avyanna’s features hardened “You worry too much, Mayne. There won’t be much that they can do, especially seeing as there is another plot in our making. You do remember our deal with our partner, don’t you…?” “Yes… I do remember.” *Mykan’s POV* Everyone in the meeting room did not like this one bit; all of us sensed Avyanna was up to something sneaky. “She’s going to try and extort us.” Grand Ruler said. “If only we could scan her mind and find out what she is truly up to.” “Darling, we can’t.” said Celestia “You know as well as I do that she’s discovered ways to block out our detections, and besides, under the terms of her diplomatic immunity we cannot effectively prosecute her.” “As much as it pains me to say…” said Lightning “Though we’ve tangled with her before, and we may not be able to trust her, we’re just going to have to let her down her.” Grand Ruler agreed reluctantly and assigned Lightning and Starla to round up the rest of their team, “We’ll have everything ready by the time you return.” He said to them, and then he turned to me, “And Mykan…” “…I’ll be there, your majesty.” I said. “If you’ll all excuse me, I better go home and get ready.” Then I activated my teleporter and I vanished. *POV Ends* The others all exchanged looks of deep concern regarding the banquet that evening. Meanwhile, in New White Tail Village, Mayor Windy Bag had received a strange looking letter which she read in private. It came complete with a small set of instructions, and she grinned wickedly. “This is it…” she snickered “Tomorrow night the truth will come out and Justice will be served.” “Um, mother…” Lippy asked as he came into her office “What are you talking about?” His mother sneered at him, “I thought I told you never to come in here when I want privacy!” “I’m sorry, but I had to bring you this permission slip to go on a class field trip to sign. I asked Dad and he told me to scram. Um… will you sign it please?” His mother growled down at him, but she signed the paper anyway and then demanded he get out! Poor Lippy ran from the room quickly before she would throw something at him. “What is up with her?” Lippy thought “I’ve seen her angry and cunning before but never like this. I’ll bet it’s got something to do with that letter she’s got.” He hadn’t felt the same ever since he saw her go out with that poisoned food, and he read in the news how it was Colonel Buddy Rose’s little cousin that got poisoned, but still his mother could not be identified as the guilty one… not without him coming forth and squealing on her. Still, his overly-developed fear of what his mother and father would do to him if he so much as tried plagued him. He spent many sleepless nights wondering how bad it could be. -Locked up in his room and have the key thrown away -Yelling and screaming and deprived of meals. -The worst of all: a beating to end all beatings. …and he had his share of threats and beating before in his abusive family. He was suddenly snapped out of his trance when his bullying brother Biffy Box came by and elbowed him in the chest, “Move it, runt!” Poor Lippy, he really didn’t know how much more abuse he could take, and all over something as ridiculous as he and others being supportive of Starfleet. Meanwhile, Buddy Rose and Applejack were preparing for the banquet that evening at the palace. Normally they’d be all up for it, but the fact that a potential threat was in store worried them, however, they also had to worry about Applebloom and DD. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were coming over too, for a permitted sleepover, but Big Mac and Granny Smith were already miles out of town on an old-fashioned pie-delivery. Though it would’ve been faster to use the instant transports, Granny Smith couldn’t object to the old time ways. This meant they had to get a foal-sitter, and since all the officers were attending the gathering that left only one whom they both could trust at such short notice to keep an eye on the girls…! “Ya really think Tree Hugger can handle the girls?” Applejack asked Buddy Rose, but Buddy seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. “Bud…? Hey!” He snapped out of his trance, “Oh, sure… the uh, Trees need, um… sidewalk… picking… applesauce.” Applejack raised an eyebrow, “That wasn’t even a sentence. You got somethin’ on your mind… or rather someone…?” “Yeah… Ms. Tree Hugger.” DD teased. “What?” snapped Buddy “No, no… I… I wasn’t thing about her. I’m just… worried about tonight, that’s all.” The girls were not convinced, “Ah, shucks, let it go.” said Applebloom “He’s professional officer, he hasn’t got time to think of some amazin’ pony with beautiful blue eyes.” “Applebloom, her eyes are purple.” said Buddy, “Uh… I mean… A’rgh!” The girls and Applejack all laughed at him, and Buddy sighed, “Okay, I admit it… I was creeped out by her at first, what with her clingy obsessions and all that but… oh…” he paused as he went into a heavenly gaze “…She’s just so amazing, in all that I’ve seen from her so far. She’s great with kids, she’s peaceful, gentle and caring, and she’s very helpful to those who need it.” He sighed heavenly again, and the girls thought it was so sweet. “Dang it, boy, why don’t ya just take up on her marriage offer then?” said Applejack, and the girls nodded with extreme enthusiasm. “I just don’t know if I should…” said Buddy “I mean, my life in Starfleet is a pretty dangerous one, and even then would it even work out? I mean just jumping straight into marriage is still pretty scary to me.” The girls felt pity for him and before either Applebloom or DD could say a thing, “Don’t do it, girls.” Buddy said “I know that look in your eyes, but please… for once, just stay out of this. This is something I have to decide for myself.” “He’s right, girls.” said Applejack “Don’t you be sayin’ anythin’ to Tree Hugger now.” The girls promised not to, but this was going to be hard on them and their friends; helping others was what the crusaders did. There was a knock at the door; it was Tree Hugger along with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. The girls didn’t their usually greeting by showing off their cutiemarks on their clothes, while DD’s was just a picture. But naturally, Tree Hugger gazed at Buddy Rose and how handsome he seemed in his formal dress uniform. Her gazing at him made him blush softly and he rubbed the back of his head nervously, making her giggle softly. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo thought it cute and wanted to make a witty tease, but Applejack gave them the signs not to say a thing. “Um… thanks for looking after the girls for us.” Buddy said to Tree Hugger. “Hey, like no probs. We’ll have a radical time, huh kids?” The girls looked excited, all of them knowing how cool and fun she was in her own way. “Well, we better get on goin’.” said Applecjack. She and Buddy headed out the door, but Buddy took another moment to look back at Tree Hugger until he was outside and out of view. “Come on, boy… get your head in the game.” said Applejack. Buddy snapped to his senses and cleared his throat, “Major… may I remind you how to speak to your superior!” Applejack rolled her eyes, “Sorry… sir…” The two of them then flapped their wings and took off into the sky, “Prepare for speed-boost.” said Buddy. “YEE-HAW!! New Canterlot, here we come.” cried Applejack. Then in a huge flash, they zoomed across the skies like speeding comets. “Okay, like let’s get down to some serious buis here…” said Tree Hugger, and she held up a couple of tubs of ice-cream she had brought, “Which flavor do you girls like?” The girls could see this was going to be a really fun night. *Mykan’s POV* I attended the gathering that night as was requested, and dressed in my formal wear. All the ponies and others requested to be there had attended as well, including Lightning and all his friends. All the ladies had come in formal gowns, but still wore their officer insignias. Many leaders from the regions around United Equestria had also attended as requested, including Cadance and Shining Armor. As much as everyone would have been more delighted to attend, it was easy to see that they all felt the same way as I did, suspicious of the Princess and wondering what she was up to. Unfortunately, scanning her mind was impossible with any known spell or device they possessed as she and her honor guard were all mysteriously impervious to the probing, plus it wouldn’t be good manners to treat their… guest. Still, the evening went fine, there was a sit-down dinner, and some entertainment-- Goldwin and the royal palace dancers where performing a sort of Space Disco Ballet which they had all spent weeks choreographing and coming up with all the amazing tricks and moves. Apart from it all, the princess seemed to be enjoying herself; however she seemed to take many moments to glance way over at me down the long row of tables. I couldn’t help but stare back at her. The others were growing rather suspicious of the way she was looking at me, and exchanging concern. “Do you see her?” “She keeps looking at him.” “What is she up to?” “You don’t think that she’s…?” Seeing that look in the princess’ eyes, Rarity could see for herself, “That is definitely an unmistakable expression of a lust for love.” The dance show had ended, and everyone applauded to the dancers. Then, it was time for the guest of honor to make her speech.  Avyanna stood and everyone else quieted down as she spoke. “For the food and the entertainment, we are truly grateful, but now to business.” The room fell totally silent as all attention was fixated on her. “We possess a new form of technology that may very well even surpass anything you of Starfleet have ever developed yet, and we have been putting it to good use.” She motioned for her guards to activate the holo-imagers, which showed a very large gathering of many monsters detained on the Kallinum II, which many realized were all escapees from the prison, and such a large number of hundreds of creatures, had to have added to about twenty percent of the lot. “We have heard of your little… problem involving your escaped prisoners… but as you can see, a great many of them now lie detained on my ship. I now have an assembled army which I can use to my advantage against those who oppose me, and our new tractor beam allows me to send them wherever I please whenever I wish.” Many stomachs in the room began to turn, even my own. The sight of all those creatures, and such a vast amount! “Our tractor-beam is also capable of beaming anyone aboard with or without warning. You have no known resistance to it, you have no idea how it works. Consequently speaking; with this technology, I have the power to capture and imprison whole countries within seconds before anything can be done about it. However, the reason I have not made any attempt to do so is because I have a proposal for you. A very small and simple request…” A moment silence followed, and many were starting to feel nervous wondering what she was about to demand. “As ruler of the planet Kallan, I desire and feel it would be most productive and symbolic to have a co-ruler by my side… as my husband, and according to the laws of our world, I will only wed the most… desirable and genetically sound man available.” I felt my heart skip a beat as I could finally see where this was possibly heading. Deep down, my insides were hoping, praying that this was all just some nightmare, but it was all as real as it got, and it was about to get even worse. “I have found such a man here on your planet. If you turn him over to me willingly, perhaps I will consider a fair trade and transfer all the prisoners I have capture to you prison. If however you decline… and I will forced to take swift action and send my army to destroy your world sector-by-sector, planet-by-planet.” She then turned to gaze at me again. “That man of course… is Mykan Stevens!” There was a long moment of the guests exchanging looks and silent remarks of deep concern, but all I could do was gaze at the princess smiling weakly at her, while my insides were somewhat flattered, but more outraged. “You have until noon tomorrow to decide. That shall be all. Good night.” And with that, she signaled for her ship to beam herself and her guards aboard, but not before glancing over at me one last time. Then they were gone, leaving everyone disturbed, and some were panicking over what was to be done or what could even be done. *POV Ends* Meanwhile, it was getting late, and Windy Bag was holding a small conference in her office, with many store manager and officials of New White Tail Village, even Lippy’s grouchy teacher, and her husband, Chump, was there. “You all know why I have gathered you here. Tomorrow evening will dawn a day of revolution, a day when the truth finally comes out, and those Starfleet pigs will finally be shown for the freaks they are!” There was a great exchange of comments and admiration at such a thought among the attendants, and each one voiced their own opinions. “The way those space ponies act like they’re so much better than Equestrians. It sickens me!” “And the way they inflict all these martial laws into our lives and telling us what to do, that’s just overkill.” “Not nearly as overkill as what they do to all those monsters they capture. Just lock them up and throw away the key, or even just up and murder them without giving them a chance of redemption or even a fair trial…!” “What really peeves me is how so many Equestrians actually act okay with this. Even Princess Twilight Sparkle, may she rest in peace, was drawn into their brainwashing idiocy! Now she’s gone, and yet her friends still choose to be like those racist overlords!” Windy Bag slammed on her desk and declared, “Well… that’s all about to change! Make sur eyou gather up all those loyal to our cause in this village. Tomorrow night… things will finally get back to normal around here!” All the attendants cheered and hollered… …What they didn’t realize was that the meeting was so loud; the sounds of their voices had been traveling through the air-vents in the building, all which lead straight up to Lippy’s bedroom, and he heard everything that was said as he lay in bed, quivering in fear. “She’s planning a… revolution!” he cried softly to himself. Although he still had no idea of how it was going to be done, he was already too wound up to sleep well. Suddenly he could hear someone yelling, “It’s Mykan Stevens! He’s out there!” “Get him!” shouted Windy Bag, and from the sounds of things, she and her entire group of attendees left the office carelessly, not even turning off the lights or locking the door. Lippy knew how reckless and careless his mother was at times, and seeing this as possibly the only chance he’d ever get he got out of bed and planned to sneak down into the Mayor’s Office through the house. He managed to make it out of his room, but whom should he run into than his brother Biff. “He squirt… where’re you going?” he asked gruffly. “Um… t-t-to the b-b-bathroom.” Lippy lied nervously. His brother fell for the bluff and went back to his own room and to bed, leaving Lippy to continue on his spying. He made it downstairs, and went found the door to the Mayor’s Office unlocked, and as he expected, the whole place was deserted and the lights were on. Not a single security guard was there… very careless indeed. What was even more careless was his mother leaving the letter she had received and blue prints of what she was up to. “Oh no…This… this can’t be!” To Be Continued…! (Promo) In our next episode: Starfleet must make the choice to either surrender Mykan to the Kallanians or face the wrath of Avyanna. Meanwhile, Windy Bag’s planned mutiny continues as she finally comes to face-to-face with Mykan Stevens and prepares to unleash her treachery upon United Equestria, when her son attempt to intervene. One way or the other, is United Equestria doomed to certain disaster? Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!” (Next Episode: “Part 2: For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll”)