//------------------------------//
// Chapter 40: Incredible Tests, That Winter, and At a Crossroads 
// Story: Bermuda Beginnings 
// by ScarFox9700 
//------------------------------//

The next few weeks were very busy for everypony. Taylor and the Airplane 8 decided to wait until Winter had set in the begin work on the plane, as well as putting together their new engineering company, "Fledgling Aeronautics." In the meantime though, while the Airplane 8 were busy with getting the workshop ready to handle the new workload, Taylor was busy up in Manehattan. 

With help from James, who really did know a thing or two about ship engines and boilers, final preparations began to get the Cyclops ready to put to sea again. When the rumors of the ship's return to sea floating in the air, many ponies came around to the docks, asking if the rumors were true. 

"Oh yes", they were told, "The rumors are absolutely true! Someday soon, most likely just before Winter sets in, the Cyclops will have made her first voyage." 

Donations were asked for to help fund the ship's repairs, and slowly but surely, funds began to trickle in. Another challenge to tackle was finding a crew for the Cyclops. Because of the ship's mysterious disappearance from Earth, and it's being found with no crew on board, most pony sailors of the merchant fleet said that the ship was cursed. 

"That ship'll disappear again, and take us all with it!" 

"Or it could break up like the Proteus, or even burn and sink like the Nereus! It's not safe!" 

"You couldn't pay me enough to sail on the Cyclops!" 

Eventually however, management of the ship was handed over to the Equestrian Navy, who were able to crew the ship. The ship's name was changed from "USS Cyclops", to "ENS Cyclops." The Navy promised that if the ship performed to expectations, and was able to haul freight, then she would be handed back to the Manehattan Maritime Merchant Fleet, (MMMF) who had been caring for her for the past 30 years at Dock 5. 

On January 11th, 1946, the day that everypony had been waiting for had arrived. On that day, the Cyclops was to take her first voyage. She was scheduled to leave Manehattan for Trottingham, in the Griffish Isles, carrying a cargo of coal. Crewing her were some of the best sailors in the Equestrian Navy, 236 of them in total, just like the original Cyclops's crew. 

A large crowd began to gather at the docks to see the Cyclops on her way. Taylor was also present, as was Celestia, Redheart, James, and Freckles. In fact, Taylor had even bravely announced that he was going to be going with the Cyclops, 

"Just to make sure that it reaches Trottingham, and that it returns to Manehattan safely." 

With great reluctance, Taylor was allowed to go, but he first had to file Life Insurance. Basically, if he died, James got the plane and everything related to it, and Redheart got whatever spare funds he had, (if applicable), as well as anything else from his estate that James didn't want. 

"But nothing will go wrong this time." Taylor reassured everypony. "Today is a clear day, it's still warm, and hardly any clouds in the sky, with absolutely no chances of storms to speak of. What better day than a day like this to take the Cyclops out on her maiden voyage, post-refitting?" 

Redheart tried to smile. "Yes, but still, I worry for you Taylor. You may no longer have your cast, and you have your eyesight, but I still need you to come back to me. I mean, you're a very dear friend to me, and I want you back safely!" 

Taylor hugged her. "I know Redheart. And I will come back safe." 

"You better!" 

Taylor laughed. "I already told you that I will, so therefore, I will!" 

Work then began on getting the Cyclops all fired up again.



 

Once the fires in the boilers had been lit up again, the stokers then began to build up the fires to provide enough power to move the Cyclops again. Other crew scurried about in the engine room, making ready to start up the turbine engines. All of them were rather nervous. They had been briefed on their mission, but yet, at the same time, none of them had ever seen technology like this before. It was very complicated, but they were professionals, so it hopefully wouldn't be a problem. 

Eventually, everything was ready. 

"Bridge, this is the Boiler Rooms. We have sufficient steam pressure built up, ready to go sir!" 

On the bridge, Commander Cecil, the stallion in charge of the Cyclops, radioed back. "Excellent Boiler Rooms." He flipped a switch. "Engine Rooms, this is the Bridge. The Boiler Rooms are all ready for departure. Are you all ready down there?" 

"Roger that Bridge. We're all ready down here. Steam is now flowing into the engines. We're awaiting your orders." 

Commander Cecil turned to the helms-pony. "Take her to sea Quartermaster Cloud, let's put Manehattan behind us, and show those skeptics that they were wrong about the Cyclops!" 

"Aye aye sir!" 

"Mr. Taylor?" 

"Huh? Yes sir?" 

"All ahead slow." 

"All engines ahead slow sir, aye aye!" Taylor then maneuvered the lever on the engine-order telegraph to "Slow Ahead." 

Sure enough, with some creaking groans from parts that had not been used in almost 30 years, the Cyclops began to move forwards again. With a crowd on the dock cheering them on their way, the Cyclops left the safety of Manehattan Harbor, and began to make her way out to sea. 

Once they were out into open water, Cecil once again turned to Taylor. "Mr. Taylor?" 

"Yes sir?" 

"All ahead full! I want to see just how fast this old tub can really go." 

"All engines ahead Full sir, aye, aye!" Taylor then maneuvered the telegraph lever to "Full Ahead." 

Down below in the boiler rooms, the ponies hard at work down there suddenly saw an indicator light flash. 

"Ok boys, this is it, we need to stoke these fires up, they're going Full Ahead!" 

The stokers kept building up the fires to keep the steam pressure running high.





From down in the engine room, it was the same thing. 

"All engines ahead Full! We're going full ahead!" 

Valves were opened to allow more steam to run through the turbines, levers were thrown, and before long, the engines were running at full capacity. 

"Bridge, this is the Engine Room, we register Full Ahead down here!" 

"Roger that engine room." 

From the bridge, Cecil, was shocked at how fast the ship was beginning to move. From his personal guesses, he believed that the ship was capable of maybe 8 knots. According to the indicators, they were going 19 knots! Faster than any ship in Equestrian history. 

"19 knots! How is this even possible?! No ship has ever gone this fast before!" 

Taylor looked at him. "19 knots is nothing. During the war, some of our warships were capable of 33 knots. Even before this, some of our passenger ships were capable of 24 knots." 

Commander Cecil was taken back by what Taylor had said. "33 knots? Even 24 knots? That's insane. Fastest ship I've ever seen was 8 knots. Now I'm in command of a ship going 19 knots! I'm starting to think that Princess Celestia was right. Maybe steam-powered ships are the future." 

"I'd say that she is. Now, with ships like the Cyclops, Equestria can export more goods, in much less time than before. For now, it's just the Cyclops. But later on, if and when the Proteus and Nereus are brought back into service? Just think of the possibilities!"  

Cecil nodded. "I am Mr. Taylor. And it's too bad that we're going to have to hand the Cyclops back to the MMMF. But, she's a freighter not a warship. And even though she is a naval freighter........." Cecil stopped. Suddenly, he had an idea. "Here's a thought. What if when the Nereus is brought back into service, she gets bought by the Navy, and becomes their fast supply ship! Just think about it. Now our warships will be able to stay out at sea longer, keeping our coastlines safe. Does that soud like an idea?" 

Taylor thought about that. "You know something Commander Cecil, I think that you may be on to something. That's actually not a bad idea! I guess when we get back you could talk to your superiors about that." 

"Yeah, I guess that I'll have to do that, won't I?" 



 

The next day, to everypony's great relief, the Cyclops returned to Manehattan. In the holds, instead of coal, they had returned from Trottingham with crates of tea leaves. Trottingham ponies said that they were looking forwards to being able to see the Cyclops again on another voyage. While the crew were busy with unloading the cargo, Celestia addressed the crowd at the dock. 

"This ship has successfully made the journey from Trottingham all by itself, in less than a fraction of the time of a sail ship. I hope that it has demonstrated to all of you today the benefits of steam power over sail. With two more ships like it awaiting funding for full restorations to operating condition, I fully see the Cyclops as being the catalyst to propel Equestria into a new age, one of technology, prosperity, and harmony!" 

Many ponies cheered at Celestia's speech, and fully pledged their support for the Cyclops, as well as the restoration of her two sister ships. It was also eventually decided that the Proteus would also be joining the Cyclops in the merchant fleet, but the Nereus would become a Navy ship. Commander Cecil had managed to convince his superiors that they needed a fast resupply ship, and that the Nereus seemed to fit the bill. The road to naval modernization, was certainly off to a great start. 



 

From that first voyage to Trottinham, until the ice of Winter set in, the Cyclops had successfully completed 23 trips all along the Equestrian coasts, for a grand total of 7,121 miles. By the time she was retired for the season, the Cyclops was once again the property of the Manehattan Maritime Merchant Fleet, and was moved to her new dock, Merchant Dock 2, located along the merchant pier in Manehattan Harbor. Profits for the company were rising thanks to the Cyclops, and preliminary evaluations for the Proteus and Nereus were performed. 

Both ships were deemed salvageable, and thanks to blueprints that were taken from engineering studies of the Cyclops, and because they were her sister ships, both ships were going to be rebuilt, refitted, and pressed back into service; Proteus with the MMMF, and Nereus with the Equestrian Navy. 

Also during the Winter Season, Cyclops was at times opened to the public. Thanks to her growing popularity, many tourists came to see the ship, and for an admission price of just one bit for anypony over the age of 10, could get a full tour of the ship, with all profits going towards refitting the Proteus and Nereus.



 

After the snow had set in, Taylor and the Airplane 8 could now focus full-time on their efforts to not only get "Fledgling Aeronautics " up and running, but also repair Blue 1's engine as well. 

As the weather got colder, the 9 of them, plus 6 other machinists hired for the season, they all turned up the heat, and got to work. After creating the very first prototype of a new gasoline-fueled engine for an airship, they pitched their idea at a convention in Canterlot, and not too long after, their first order for engines came in. 

"This is it everypony!" Metalwork told them, "Thy Cyclops revolutionized the merchant fleet, now's our chance to prove that we can be the best in aviation engine production! Steam engines for airships are things of the past. I mean, why have a dirty, old, steam engine that uses coal, when you can have a sleek new engine that burns cleaner, can operate longer, and only requires lightweight fuel, instead of fuel and water?" 

"Nopony! We hope anyway!" 

"That's right! So now, we build the engines, manufacture the fuel, and keep the costs low. Remember, we're the only ones in this business right now. We have the market all to ourselves. However, this market is so new that any mistakes that we make, could kill off the entire industry. So let's get it right!"

"You got it Metalwork!" 

And they all got back to work.



 

As time went on, more and more orders for new engines came in. In rapid succession, all of the companies in Equestria that operated airships and zeppelins, once they saw the FA engines in action, wanted them for their own fleets as well. In fact, by Winter's end, Fledgling Aeronautics had not only their headquarters in Ponyville, but also workshops in Canterlot, Manehattan, Baltimare, and Las Pegasus. 

They even went so far as to build their first airfield. In the same field outside of Ponyville where Taylor flew his plane from the first time, FA purchased the land from Stinkin' Rich, and built first a runway, and then a hangar to hold airships in. At the time, it was known as "Drywood Airbase", after their original workshop. Business was booming for them, and they even began to expand their catalog. 

In addition to engines, fuel, oil, and tools, FA also began to experiment with early designs for actual airplanes! It was just baby steps with designs not too different from the Wright Flyer, but they were advancements nonetheless. Eventually, they even went so far as to debut their first airplane made for the military. It was a small biplane that resembled a Sopwith Camel, but the military didn't want it. 

"That thing's too dangerous." An officer warned. "Aviation technology is still too new. It needs more time to be tested, and have everything worked out first." 

Slightly dismayed, they postponed airplane production for the time being, and instead focused on keeping their new aviation empire running smoothly. 





Through it all though, Taylor labored tirelessly on his airplane. 

"It has to be ready by Spring, it just has to be!" 

James began to worry for him, as did Redheart. 

"He never seems to leave that workshop anymore." Redheart told James at the hospital one day, "I hardly even see him at all. He was supposed to come and live with me and Starlight, but after he moved in, he just went back to live in that workshop." 

James agreed with Redheart. "Something seems off about him. Ever since he began to work on his plane again, he's just become so....just so....distant. It's like the Taylor that I knew was gone, replaced by a crazy workaholic." 

"Any idea what it could be James?" 

James looked at her. "If I had to guess Miss Redheart, I'd have to say that it's an extreme case of homesickness. He wants to go home so badly, and it seems like he's willing to go to any lengths to make that happen." 

Redheart was really taken aback when James said that. "What? Homesickness? Are you sure James?" 

"As sure as I can be. From what he's said during the few times that I've talked with him, he keeps saying that he wants to return to Earth." 

"And what about you James? Do you want to go home?" 

James shrugged, but then he sighed. "To be perfectly honest Miss Redheart, I do, but I don't. Basically, my parents both died while I was away for the war, and the only other person in my family I was really close to was my cousin Gwen. I do miss home, but yet, I see now that I have a new life here. Thanks to that malfunctioning portal, I came here, helped Miss Flutters with the pet cemetery, provided insight on the inner workings of the Cyclops, helped Taylor when he needs it, among other things. The way I see it, Equestria is my home now." 

Redheart sighed. "You make a very good point James. I just wish that Taylor thought the same way that you did." 

James was maybe about to answer, but he was interrupted. 

"Oh James?" 

"Yeah hun?" 

"Could you help me move these supplies upstairs?" 

"Sure thing Freckles!" 

James left to go help his marefriend. 

Redheart stared at the two of them sadly. "All this time, I thought that Taylor and I had something. Now all he has time for, is his plane. Why? Why did he abandon me?" Redheart continued to think about what could have gone so wrong.



 

Eventually, James couldn't take seeing Redheart so upset anymore, so he decided to go confront Taylor. He went to the workshop, and asked for Taylor.

Fly pointed to the back of the workshop. 

"He's back there. Some of the machinists are helping him get the plane's engine mounted back inside the plane." 

"Oh, ok, thanks." 

"No problem." 

James went over to the back of the workshop. "Taylor? Taylor!" 

Taylor turned around. "Huh? Oh, hey James. What brings you here?" 

"We need to talk."  

"Can it wait a little bit longer? We're kinda in the middle of putting the engine back inside the plane again." 

James refused to budge. "No Taylor, this conversation cannot wait any longer. We need to talk, now!" 

Taylor sighed. "Ok, I'm coming." He got down from his ladder, and followed James. One of the other machinists covered for him. 

Once they were outside the workshop, Taylor turned to James. "Ok, so what was so important that you needed to tell me?" 

James stared at him. "Taylor, when was the last time you were with Redheart?" 

"Oh, well, it was....um..." Taylor struggled to think.

"See? You can't even remember, can you? It's been too long Taylor. Redheart's heart is broken, she needs you! Plus, if you're really leaving to go back to Earth in the Spring, shouldn't you be spending more time with her?" 

Taylor sighed. He opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but then he stopped, and thought for a few more moments. Finally, he said, "That's what I don't think that you understand James. I've tried to distance myself from Redheart, BECAUSE I'm leaving in the Spring. I want her to begin to get used to life without me. I haven't been neglecting her, at least, that wasn't my original intent. I know that this is kind of hard for you to understand James, but that's why I've been here for so long. I'm not trying to hurt Redheart, I'm doing this to make it easier for her to move on without me." 

With that, Taylor then left for the workshop again, leaving James dumbfounded.



 

"HE SAID WHAT?!?!?!" Redheart was shocked. 

"That's what he told me. He said that he was doing this so as to make your transition to life without him that much easier." 

"So I guess that this means that he really is leaving." 

James sighed. "Yeah, I guess so. I wasn't sure that he was, but now, after hearing it from his own mouth, I guess that he really is." 

Redheart was very sad. Eventually though, she looked back up at James. "Well, I can certainly say that, well, thank you for telling me this James. Now I know what I have to do to get Taylor back." She then took out paper and a pen, and began to write.

"Um, if I may ask Miss Redheart, what are you planning on doing?" 

"Oh, you'll see. When the time comes, I'll give the letter that I'm writing to Taylor. If my hunch is correct, and Taylor's wanting to leave is only half-hearted at best, he'll come flying back to me faster than Fledgling Aeronautics's customers during one of their merchandise sales!" 

James sighed. Well, whatever you're doing Miss Redheart, I just hope that it works." 

She looked up at him. "I hope so too James, I hope so too." 



 

Eventually, by the time that Winter Wrap Up was over, Springtime had once again come to Equestria. It was now the year 1946, and everypony was happy for Spring. Once the terrors of the annual "Mating Season" were over, (Humans are exempt from this!) spring was underway in full swing. Flowers were blooming, the birds were chirping, the sun was out, and in Manehattan, shakedowns were occurring on board the ENS Cyclops, preparing her for her first run of the season. Work was also beginning on the hulls of the Proteus and Nereus. 

Back at the Ponyville workshop, all work was finally complete on Taylor's plane. It had a brand new engine, brand new exterior shells around the engine, a new engine cowling, and of course, new paint. The fuel had also been replaced with proper AvGas, and once again, it was deemed airworthy. 

As Taylor stared at his plane, he suddenly felt sad. "Do, do I really want to do this?" He thought. "I mean, I have a whole new life in Equestria now. I even have a marefriend, (assuming of course that Redheart even IS my marefriend anymore!) and it would be so hard to leave all of this behind and start over back on Earth. However, before I left her for the last time, I did promise my mother that I would come home to her safe. She's got to be worried absolutely sick about me. It's been almost 4 months since I last saw her, I wonder if she even thinks that I could have survived Flight 19?" 

As he continued to think about this, Taylor had another thought. "But yet, if my mother could see my situation, I could almost see her fully understanding my predicament. Maybe she would understand that I started a new life for myself here, and didn't want to go back." 

Taylor continued to think about this, but he couldn't decide what to do. Should he go back, or should he stay in Equestria?