Of War and Friendship

by DocDelray


Meet the neighbors

The city of Canterlot was all a-buzz this day, all thanks to visitors from the sky calling themselves the Mandalorian Neo Protectors. At the center of the city sat their shuttle craft with a pair of armed guards standing at attention on either side of the gangway. Directly across from them a pair of royal guards stood watch keeping a close eye on these “visitors”. Behind their visors the pair of Death Watch troopers sized up these so-called “guards” as they hoped and prayed to receive a kill order from Teth.

“I’m really getting sick of the look those two are giving us, man.” One of the troopers muttered into his comlink. One of the advantages of a full helmet design was the ability speak via a private com without alerting those around you.

“I know what you mean, that one on the left is just asking for a blaster bolt to the face.” His comrade grumbled back.

“I hate how Teth wants to play politics with these… things.” He muttered in disgust.

“Maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll just shoot their princesses so we can start taking this world like real warriors.” His comrade complained.

“If that happens I’m tearing my knife through the one on the right’s throat.” He snarled over the com.

Within the palace itself Teth examined the rather impressive stained glass windows of the main hall. It occurred to him that it was a rather amazing feat that these creatures with their limitations could build such a regal city. He assumed these windows told the history of these aliens, Teth found it rather odd how he saw nothing pertaining to any kind of major battles.

His gaze came to a rest on the depiction six of these pony things apparently facing down a strangely mismatched mutant of some kind. This was the second time he’d seen these six saving the day.

A pair of large double doors with elaborate gold trim design opened at the end of the hall. A pair of royal guards trotted in flanking a tall quadruped. Unlike the others he’d seen she was far taller, even more so than himself. Her fur was solid white with a long flowing mane and tail of multiple colors. The other important factor about her was the fact she seemed to have traits of all three breeds he’d seen: long horn and wings. The crown, air of importance about her and the way she carried herself told Teth plainly she was the one he’d been waiting for.

“Greetings. I am Princess Celestia, one of the rulers of Equestria.” She stated bowing her head to him.

“Your highness,” Teth addressed her bowing low, “I am Davian Teth, Commander of the frigate currently in orbit over your world and member of the Mandalorian Neo Protectors. I am sorry for our abrupt entry into your city, Princess Celestia, but the criminals we’re chasing are armed and extremely dangerous.”

Her stare became a bit more critical, “And what exactly makes them so dangerous, Commander Teth? Forgive me if I seem to withhold assistance to you, but showing up in my city with armed soldiers does little to help your case.”

The delicate dance of politics had always been the battlefield he excelled at. He kept himself a blank slate, “These men we are chasing have committed acts of piracy, terrorism and murder. For several months now they have been cutting a swath of violence through the outer rim systems, including the deaths of five of my men. We managed to wound their ship and unfortunately it was forced down on your world. Make no mistake, your highness; these men are no mere pirates and bandits.” He continued, “They are as well armed as they are skilled.”

He could see her wheels turning behind her eyes. Teth had to admit she was no fool and he would need to use all of his cunning to convince her, “You have my word your majesty, upon capture my forces will leave your world immediately if that is what you wish.”

“And what is it you wish from me Commander?” She questioned, “I cannot, and will not, allow you to march armed soldiers through the streets of towns and villages on a witch hunt.”

Just what he was waiting for, “Of course not - in your position I wouldn’t allow it either. I do however have a request that may suit us both.”

Her brow arched in curiosity, “I’m listening.”

“The ship we’re hunting crash landed in the wilderness south of here near one of your settlements.” He paused a moment when he detected a slight shift in her otherwise stoic demeanor, “I propose a joint operation to investigate the town and surrounding wilds using a small detachment of both your guards and my troopers, each lead by our best men. I think your citizens will be more at ease and be more willing to help if they see us working alongside their known protectors.”

Teth held back the edges of a smile as he saw the temptation in her eyes to submit to this idea. He was curious about that settlement though, something there was causing her some concern. If he could find out what it was then maybe he could use it to his advantage. The game of cloak and dagger had begun, and Teth would be damned if he let an alien four-legger, no matter how smart, beat him at his own game.


The trip out of the forest went without incident for the real Neo Protectors and their pony charges. As the trees gave way, the members of Epsilon were treated to the sight of a small home that at a distance could easily be mistaken for a hill. It looked like something ripped from the pages of a child’s story. From the looks of things the place was practically a tiny zoo as many different types of native fauna scurried about.

Kell watched a couple of the small long-eared ones scamper by and muttered over his com, “Wonder what those’d taste like in the pot.”

“These ones look domesticated vod,” Kad was quick to shoot back, “Stick to huntin’ the ones in the forest; I don’t want you freakin’ these folks out.”

Arkanna observed the shift in the general attitudes of the four ponies they had been escorting as their town came into view. He couldn’t help but smile at hearing their happy tones, it gave the young private a swelling of pride in his chest, “So, what now Captain?”

Kad looked between the town and the ponies they’d already met, “Well Private I’d say we go introduce ourselves to the neighbors.”

Like a shot Pinkie was practically at eye level with him smiling from ear to ear excitedly, “Oh, that’s a great idea, everyone in Ponyville will wanna meet you all! Especially after they hear how you saved us from those meanies. OH OH OH! We have to have a welcome party!”

Kad had never seen anything move that fast before. Even tapping into the force as much as he physically could he doubted he could have moved that quickly. He wondered what kind of damage she could do with a knife and a bit of training, “Uh, wow, hey, yeah, a party huh. That sounds real nice an all Ms. Pie, but no need to go all out for us Mando boys or nothin’.”

Kell threw his arm around his brother’s neck and pulled him into a headlock, “Vod, I can’t believe you, it’s rude to refuse hospitality. ‘Sides, when was the last time someone threw us a party for showing up?”

Kad gave a sigh of defeat as he pulled himself free of his brother’s grip, “Fine, we’ll go to the party!” Much to Kad’s annoyance both Pinkie and Kell began chanting party in unison as she bounced around happily. One of these days he was going to have to learn to tell his brother no, “When he gets drunk I ain’t corallin’ him!”

The three members of Epsilon squad kept close behind their new friends, a considerably much easier trek than the one through the thick woods and underbrush. As they entered the town all activity came to a grinding halt as every eye was on the aliens traveling alongside their townsfolk.

“Wow, real friendly place isn’t it?” Kell muttered sarcastically.

Kad looked over the uneasy eyes that were watching them, “Buckets off boys, show’em those beautiful smiles.”

Some of the onlookers seemed to be a bit more at ease as they saw the metallic plate weren’t part of their actual bodies. The members of Epsilon tried their best to look less like trained killers. The trademark armor and weapons made it a little hard.

Kell ventured a wave at a pair of mares that were eyeing him, “Ladies, lovely weather today.” He gave a chuckle as they quickly turned away to murmur to one another, “Hah, I think it’s working bro, they’re starting to warm up to us.”

Twilight shrugged, making her way ahead of the group. “You should have seen the way they reacted to Zecora before they warmed up to her. Everypony locked their doors and windows, closed shop for the day…”

Pinkie Pie bounced along behind the violet pony, her tone cheerful as she spoke. “I even wrote a song about her!” The other ponies cringed as she belted out her tune, “She’s an evil enchantress and she does evil dances, and if you look deep in her eyes she will put you in trances! And what will she do? She’ll mix up an evil brew, then she’ll gobble you up in a big tasty stew! Soooo, watch out!”

The boys of Epsilon stared at the pink pony, flat expressions on their faces. Arkanna raised a brow, clipping his helmet to his belt. “Catchy.”

Kad was starting to see what set off that Death Watch trooper, “That was uh, interestin’ Ms. Pie.” His attention shifted to his men, “Kell, Arkanna, I’m gonna go check on the doc. I can trust you two to gather us some supplies and not cause any trouble right?”

“Vod,” Kell exclaimed in a hurt tone, “I can’t believe you’d expect such crass behavior from your own brother! And here I thought you had more faith in me.”

“Do I need to remind you of the time you got us all arrested on Corellia?” Kad asked casually.

“How was I supposed to know she was a Mof’s daughter?” Kell complained.


At Canterlot castle, Teth made his way to a private room far from the prying eyes of the princesses or their staff. A pair of troopers kept him flanked on either side their weapons at the ready, “Wait outside and make sure no one comes into this room.”

With a quick nod the pair took up positions outside of the room. Their already rather frightening appearance was more than enough to deter any of the curious members of the castle staff from coming within arm’s reach of the door.

Taking a holo-projector from his belt Teth held the disc in his palm. The form of his Lieutenant, Shariad Feltan came to life and quickly saluted him, “Commander.”

“Lieutenant, have you made contact with the fleet, will they be sending the reinforcements I’ve requested?” Teth was rather anxious despite his voice keeping any hint of this from showing.

“All attempts to reach the fleet… have failed sir…” Feltan replied with a strong hint of unease in him.

Teth raised an eyebrow while his upper lip became stiff, “Explain yourself; Lieutenant.”

“Sir, all attempts to reach outside of the system have failed, it’s taking quite a deal of power to maintain the comlink between us as it is.” He pointed out to his commanding officer.

“Have you traced the source of the jamming?” Teth was clearly beginning to lose patients.

“I am afraid not Commander. Whatever or whomever is doing this they’ve hidden themselves well. This may be the reason this star system has gone unnoticed for so long.” Feltan reassured him, “I’ve ordered the men to continue scanning the planet and surrounding star system for any sign of the cause.”

Teth began weighing his options, “Very well, keep me posted on the situation. In the meantime Lieutenant, I want you to select five men from among the crew and have them report to me planet side. Remind them they’ll be deploying under the guise of the Neo Protectors and to keep their trigger fingers under control.”


Arkanna made his way through the streets of Ponyville alone, Kell having disappeared just as expected shortly after they parted ways with the Captain. He honestly preferred it this way. With his weapon still slung over his shoulder, he quietly examined the small shops and homes. “Mighty fine place,” He mumbled to himself.

Every now and then the Mandalorian spotted a pony or two eyeing him with curiosity and fear, muttering to themselves about the strange creature wandering their streets. For the most part he was given a very wide birth, most of the locals wanting to avoid getting too close to him. Every now and again a few of the children would run up and touch his boot or leg plating and scurry back to their friends to prove how brave they were. A small smirk came to his face as he watched this play out - it reminded him of when his friends back on Dxun would do something similar to Old Man Shellizar’s pet Kath Hound. How they used to take turns running through the fence to touch the angry beast’s horns or hide and then run back. How many times did that monster take a bite out of them, or its master took a shot at the little cretins?

A rumble drew his attention to something he’d ignored for a long time. He was hungry. Wandering into what looked to be some sort of trade district, surely there was something here to fill his boots. One of the advantages to being raised Mandalorian was being trained to have a stomach made of bes’kar, but something that actually looked tasty was always a plus too.

His gaze settled on a wooden cart stacked high with delicious looking red fruits of some kind being tended by a large red pony with a bright orange mane. He seemed to be the one of the few that didn’t shy away when the Mandalorian approached, a welcomed change.

“Merchant, how many credits for six of these whatever -you-call’ems?” Arkanna asked as he dropped a few small gold and silver bars onto the cart.

The merchant pony examined the credit bars for a moment before looking back to the Mandalorian, “Ah’m sorry sir, but Ah ain’t sure Ah can take these, well, whatever they are.”

“Excuse me?” Arkanna exclaimed, “These are galactic credits, everything from Coruscant to Hoth is bought with these. They’re even made with gold, for crying out loud!”

“That may be sir,” The large pony stated, “But we only accept Equestrian bits ‘round here.”

Before Arkanna could respond a familiar soft voice spoke up above his head, “Uhm, pardon me.” Hovering above them was the pink-maned pegasus, “I can pay for him, if that’s alright, that is.”

Arkanna relented to Fluttershy’s kindness allowing her to pay for his lunch. He was finding it increasingly hard to tell the girl no - something about those eyes, he thought to himself. After a short travel they came to a relatively deserted spot away from the increasingly annoying stares the Private was forced to put up with.

He was just happy to have a shaded spot to catch some rest, taking one of the shiny red fruits from the bag he gave it a quick examination before biting into it. The rush of flavor and sweetness filled his mouth, “Oh man, these things are definitely better tasting then protein bars!” Arkanna happily declared before taking another juicy bite. Glancing up from his meal he caught sight of Fluttershy watching him closely, upon being caught she quickly looked off to the side, blushing brightly.

Arkanna found himself having to push the conversation once again with her, “So, your friend, the doc taking good care of her?”

As he’d hoped, she seemed to crawl out of her shell a bit. “Oh yes, Doctor Zex said Rainbow Dash would be just fine after a few days of rest.” She beamed up at him with a happy smile.

Kandosii mesh’la, that’s wonderful news.” Part of him had actually been quite worried that the injuries she’d sustained would be far worse.

“Uhm, Arkanna…” She began to fidget a bit while wrestling to spit up her words, “I was wondering, I mean if it’s not too much trouble that is, if you could answer my question from before, about Mandalorians.” She quickly hid her face from him behind a wall of pink locks staring at a patch of ground for comfort, “I’m sorry, I’m probably being a pest, I’ll just-“ Her words were cut off with a surprised squeal as Arkanna’s hand rested gently atop her head.

“We got time and we aren’t being shot at. I think I can try to explain it to you.” Arkanna spoke softly to her, “But it’s gonna be a long story, you sure you really wanna hear it?”

He was surprised at how brightly the crimson color shone through her golden coat as she stared up into his eyes slowly nodding a yes, “Alright then.” Arkanna conceded as he placed a piece of fruit before her, “The first couple of things to know about us, is we’re nomads at the core with no true home beyond our families, blood or otherwise. We have no race, species or bloodline, anyone that wishes can look to join our ranks. But it’s not all that great, we’ve got centuries of wars, conflict and fighting under our belts. But all of that eventually led to what we’ve become today, Mandalorian Protectors.” The next few hours Arkanna set about regaling her with stories of his people and their culture. He couldn’t help but wonder if someone from a world as sheltered and peaceful as this one could even start to understand them.