From the Frozen North to the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres, Chrysalis has never felt more awkward than she did at the table across from Thrawn and Princess Twilight. Her eyes shifted, taking in the town around her. The changeling has never seen Ponyville, and the peace and quiet pleased her. The pace of ponies buzzing about their business reminded her of the hive she once ruled, and her mind began to drift. The conversation happening across the table brought Chrysalis back to reality.
“You surprise me, Ezra...” Twilight cracked a smile as she eyed the boy. “I’ve never had so much fun hearing about outsiders like you. Your world, your galaxy... it sounds incredible. Thrawn only told me so much before things became ‘classified’.”
The blue alien folded his arms across his chest, but he didn’t appear offended. “Even outside of the Empire’s boundaries, Imperial protocol remains ever relevant, princess. There are wonders among the stars, yes, but there are also things beyond the edges of space that would frighten you immensely.”
The purple pony took a deep breath, ruffleing her wings as she let the air out. “Everyone is afraid of what they don’t understand...”
Chrysalis watched the responses bounce back like a ball game. She quickly began to feel left out. Her gaze shifted to Ezra, who sat to her left. He didn’t look back at her, but he instead kept his eyes on Thrawn. “Sure, princess... The Empire just destroys anything they don’t understand. They create their elitist bubble and kick out anything and anyone that doesn’t fit in.”
Thrawn glared at him. “Your narrow vision is keeping you from understanding the broader picture, Ezra Bridger. The Empire provides peace and maintains order, and people like you disrupt that order.”
Ezra extended his arms his sides, gesturing to Ponyville around him. “Look around, Thrawn! This world has been free from Imperial rule forever, and it’s doing just fine. The Empire has no place here or anywhere else in the galaxy.”
Princess Twilight butted in, clearing her throat loudly to get Thrawn’s and Ezra’s attention. Both took their glares off of each other and looked at the pony. “It’s clear that you both have reasons to fight, and neither of you are guilt free. For what it’s worth, I like you both, so why can’t we come to some sort of understanding?”
Though Twilight wasn’t even looking at her, Chrysalis felt as though the question was aimed in her direction. Once again, her gaze began drift and her mind wandered. Looking up, she watched the gargantuan ship soaring overhead, casting its long shadow over the town of Ponyville.
Something about the ship made her feel uneasy. Perhaps it was the way it was positioned, but the wedged shape reminded her of a knife pointed at the center of town, like it was prepared to strike down at any moment. The changeling shrugged the thought away. She figured Thrawn would not dare ruin the peace talks by lashing out uncesearily at Ponyville.
Ezra, on the other hoof, wasn’t as convinced. If Chrysalis looked nervous, he looked absolutely unhinged, like he was about to spring up out of his seat at any moment and attack the Imperial admiral.
Twilight was still waiting for a response of any kind to her question. “Well?”
Thrawn made the first move, turning to face Ezra fully, a move that surprised the young man. “Seeing as we are in unfamiliar and uncharted space, you are right by saying that the Empire holds no jurisdiction here. I, for one, and most eager to return to the civilized galaxy, and in order to do that, we must work together to escape this world.”
Ezra shook his head. “No deal, Thrawn. I can’t risk you leaving and telling the rest of your Imperial buddies about this place. I’d rather die than see Equestria invaded by the Empire.” This point sparked interest in Twilight, and she eyed the officer carefully. “As long as we’re both stuck here, I know you can’t call for help, and my friends have a chance at defeating the Empire.”
Thrawn let out a sigh. “You continue to surprise and disappoint me, Bridger. Do not mistake my intentions. While this world does fascinate me, I do not wish to see it conquered by anyone, by my own faction or anyone else’s.”
Chrysalis had been looking down at the table when she noticed the sky darken. The shadow cast by the star destroyer overhead had reached them. Even Thrawn looked surprised.
Twilight stood up from her seat and stared up at the ship. “Mister Thrawn, what is it doing?”
For once, the grand admiral looked speechless. “Someone is moving my ship out of position... I did not authorize any such-“
That’s when the first barrage fell.
High above Ponyville, the star destroyer’s massive cannons unleashed their firepower onto the town. The blasts didn’t hit any ponies or buildings, but the ground quaked tremendously. The diner began to crumble, and everyone stumbled as the ship continued to fire on the town.
“Ezra!” Chrysalis dived towards him, knocking him onto the floor and spreading her wings to shield him from falling debris.
Twilight had used her horn to create a magical barrier around herself and Thrawn, just as the eatery collapsed. When the dust settled and the smoke cleared, much of the immediate area was in ruins. Ponies walked about, both dazed and confused as to what has just happened to them.
As Chrysalis opened her eyes, she found Ezra looking back at her. The moment between the was brief, and they looked up to the realization that they were surrounded by stormtroopers.
Thrawn coughed as he shakily rose to his feet. “Sergeant, explain this! I did not give the order to attack!”
One of the troopers stepped forward and raised a small device in his hand. “Captain Cavi wishes to speak with you, sir.”
To Chrysalis’ amazement, the device illuminated, and a tiny projection of a person appeared. Thrawn bared his teeth, clearly fuming with anger. “Captain, explain yourself... I’ll have you imprisoned and excecuted for this...”
The projection chuckled and shook his head. <You’re in no position to make threats, sir. The Chimera is mine, now, and I aim to use it to its full potential.>
The stormtroopers raised their weapons, pointing them at Twilight, Thrawn, Ezra, and Chrysalis.
<Every decision you have made up until now has made our situation worse. I’m in command, now, and once we have enough power to repair the transmitters, we will call for reinforments to rescue us from this forsaken planet.>
***Up Next: Lancer***