Chapter 3:
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
The old saying crossed my mind as I leaned around the door, spraying a short burst down the narrow hallway. Behind me, the griffin, Orion as I had come to learn, fired his rifle with pinpoint accuracy, taking down enemies almost as quickly as they showed up. I still didn’t know if I could trust him, but at the moment, he was killing the people trying to kill me, so he was a friend.
“We’d better move, before more show up.”
I nodded, “Let’s go.”
The four of us quickly dashed down the hallway, through the bar, and into the open streets of Canterdel. Far off in the distance, sirens wailed as somepony had undoubtedly reported it to C-sec. A few blocks from the bar we skidded around a corner and dashed down a dark alley, one that was thankfully not full of filth. Turning to Orion, I stomped my hoof in front of him, blocking any escape.
“Spill, now.”
Orion held up his talons in defense. “Okay, okay, relax Commander. My name’s Orion Steelclaw. I’m with Canterdel Security.”
I frowned, “What?”
“I was the griffin assigned to the Apache investigation. Not that they gave me much time to investigate before the hearing.”
“What are you doing dressed as one of Hoof’s soldiers?”
“I’m undercover. During my investigation I learned that Apache had taken control of Hoof and his information network. I thought if I could infiltrate his organization I could either find some incriminating evidence, or figure out what Apache is up to.”
“So why did you shoot Gurgle?”
He frowned, “Gurgle? Oh the dragon you were speaking to. I didn’t want to, but he was about to blow my cover in a room full of Hoof’s men.”
“Wait wait,” Breeze interrupted, “Who’s Gurgle?”
“A dragon,” I said dismissively, “How can you be so cavalier about killing him?”
“A dragon!?” Breeze exclaimed, “How the buck was there a dragon on Canterdel?”
Orion frowned, “What? There are dragons all over the place.”
“She’s never been to Canterdel before,” I said, “Gunny, these aren’t dragons in the mythical sense. They aren’t 100 hooves long or anything like that. They’re about 4 hooves tall fully grown, and primarily work as information brokers.”
She stared at me open-mouthed.
“I’ll introduce you to one sometime,” Cloud said, giving her a playful nudge.
“Okay, so, we’ll ignore the death of Gurgle for the moment. Did you find anything?”
Orion shook his head, “No, I did overhear about a trade that was going to occur today between some zebra and Hoof, supposedly she had some information that Apache would want destroyed.”
“Well, if it’s something Apache wants destroyed, it’s something I want. Let’s go.” I turned to Breeze and Cloud and jerked my head, getting ready to gallop out of the alley.
“Wait,” Orion put a talon on my shoulder. “Let me go with you.”
I frowned, “Why?”
Orion gave what amounted to a griffin shrug. “My cover’s blown, no thanks to you, so if I’m going to save myself from being busted down to a desk jockey, I had better come back with something good. So let’s go. We don’t have much time.”
We arrived in a dimly lit corridor near Chora’s Den, the only illumination came from a bank of red emergency lights near the ceiling, which cast eerie shadows across everything. Just ahead, we could hear a set of voices.
“Did you bring the data?”
“Where’s the Shadow Broker?” This had the unmistakable sound of a small mechanical speaker. Zebra had hereditarily weak immune systems, and were forced to live in sealed suits to protect them from bacteria. Rifles drawn, we slowly crept forward, coming around a bend to find the Zebra flanked by a pair of armored drones, with a griffin standing uncomfortably close to her.
“He’s here. Do you have it?”
A short pause. “No. The deal’s off.” As soon as these words left her helmet, the two drones activated and started walking towards her, guns drawn. I was about to cry out, but she seemed to sense the danger, and lobbed a grenade at the pair, blasting them to pieces.
As soon as the explosion cleared, Hoof’s men started pouring out from every shadow, weapons drawn and aimed at the zebra.
“That’s our cue,” I said, charging forward and centering my sights on the nearest pony.
*** *** ***
“Speaking of,” I said, turning to the zebra, who had so far sat very still in the ambassador’s office. “What’s your name?”
“Zenorra van Nistra. But… most people just call me Zen.”
“There aren’t many zebra here on Canterdel. What made you leave the flotilla?”
“I’m on my Pilgrimage, the Zebra rite of passage.”
“Hoof’s men attacked you because you had evidence against Apache. How did you get it?”
“During my travels, I heard news that the geth were moving. Since they drove my people into exile, they’ve never done anything. I was curious. I tracked a patrol to an uncharted world and waited until one was alone, deactivated it, and removed its memory core.”
“What did you find?” Ambassador Rein interrupted, already at his computer and delicately jabbing at the holo-keys with his hooves.
“Most of it was wiped. The geth have a self-defense mechanism that usually causes them to overload their circuits, wiping everything and effectively destroying them. But I was able to get this from its audio banks.” Zen reached up and tapped a couple of commands on her omni-tool with her snout. Holding her leg out so we could all hear, it began playing a recording:
“New Appleloosa was a major victory. The Alicorn beacon has brought us closer to finding the Conduit.”
“That’s Apache!” Runner cried, “This proves he was involved in the attack!”
“Wait, there’s more. He wasn’t alone.”
”-finding the Conduit."
“And one step closer to the return of Chaos.”
“I don’t recognize that other voice. The one talking about Chaos.”
I frowned. “Why does that sound familiar?” Again, I was plagued by that feeling of knowing I should know something, but being totally unable to recall it.
“Well, there were a few entries of Chaos in the memory core. Most of it was deleted, but I was able to glean that whatever it is, it was around almost 50,000 years ago.”
“Isn’t that around the same time that the Alicorns disappeared?”
Zen nodded, “Yes. This could be linked, but there’s no real evidence.”
“Regardless, we need to present this evidence to the Council; I’ll call for another hearing.”
*** *** ***
“New Appleloosa was a major victory. The Alicorn beacon has brought us closer to finding the Conduit.”
“And one step closer to the return of Chaos.”
“This is irrefutable evidence that Apache was involved in the attack, Commander, Ambassador, we will revoke Apache’s Spectre status immediately. We will make any and every effort available to track him down and bring him to justice.”
“What has me concerned,” the donkey councilor stated, adjusting the hood around his head, “is the second voices talk of the return of Chaos. What is it?”
“We don’t know,” I admitted, “All we were able to get from the geth data core was that chaos was something that occurred 50,000 years ago.”
“I recognize that second voice,” the buffalo councilor interrupted, “she’s a matriarch of my people, Seranine. She is a buffalo who has entered the last part of her lifespan, and was dedicated to passing on her knowledge to the youth. Obviously, she has strayed from her path.”
“Regardless,” Ambassador Rein stated, “We need to stop Apache at all costs. I demand you send your fleet after him!”
“One fleet can hardly track down one man. Besides, Apache is somewhere in the Terminus systems. Flying a council fleet in there could spark another intergalactic war.”
Ambassador Rein and I bristled at the griffin councilor’s words, but before we could retort, he continued.
“However, a single mare would have no trouble tracking down a rogue Spectre.” I blinked, did he just say mare?
“Commander Streak, step forward please.”
With my heart thudding in my breast, and a fair amount of nervousness welling up in my chest, I took a few steps forward, to the edge of the dais.
“It is the decision of this council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of Canterdel.”
The donkey councilor raised a hoof onto the railing, “Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle, whose actions elevate them above the rank and file.”
“Spectres are an ideal, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments to our will.”
“Spectres bear a great burden, Commander,” the griffin councilor finished, “They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold.”
“This is a great moment for your species Commander, you are the first pony Spectre, do not take it lightly.”
“I won’t councilor,” I said, dipping my head in thanks.
“We’re going to send you after Apache. As he is a fugitive from justice, you may use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him.”
“This meeting of the Council is adjourned.”
With that, the councilors turned and left, leaving Captain Runner, Ambassador Rein, and myself standing on the dais.
“You’re going to need a ship, a crew, supplies… We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us. I’m going to need your help setting this up Captain, come with me.”
“Congratulations Commander, we’re counting on you.” The captain briefly put a hoof on my shoulder before turning and following after the ambassador.
“Is the ambassador ever not pissed off at you Commander?” Sweet Breeze asked, walking up the steps to stand next to me.
“He’s a politician,” I explained, “I’m not sure he knows what the word ‘happy’ means. Now c’mon, I want to visit the Spectre armory and see if I can’t get some new gear.”
*** *** ***
“WHAT!?”
“Sorry ma’am, that’s the standard price, even with the Spectre discount.”
I slumped to my haunches, “two… two hundred and fifty… THOUSAND bits for a rifle!? Does the bullet make 90 degree turns or something!?”
“No ma’am, but it’s a top of the line rifle.”
I stared longingly at the rifle in the display case. ‘Custom molded bit for every user! Recoil dampers that cool so fast the barrel will melt before they do!’
Grumbling, I stood back up and turned to the other wares the Spectre requisitions office held. “with the discount, how much is this extended barrel?”
“About 1,500 bits.”
Still inwardly I cringed. That was two weeks pay!
“Fine fine,” I muttered, running my hoof over the scanner. “If the added recoil knocks a tooth out, maybe the navy will give me enough to where I can afford that other rifle.”
“Uh… try swiping your hoof again.”
Continuing to grumble, I ran my hoof over the scanner, trying desperately to remember where the chip that was tied to my bank account had been implanted.
“There we go, want me to install the upgrade for you?”
I shook my head, “No, I’ll do it myself.” Grabbing the barrel, I placed it in my saddlebag and headed back towards the elevator.
“Lieutenant, Gunny, I suppose now is when we get to move. I give you an hour and a half to pack your gear and meet me here. Got it?”
They both nodded, and I pressed the button to take us to where the Normanedy was docked.
“In other news, ExoGeni is still denying reports that one of their scientist teams is missing out in the Hades Gamma cluster.”
“Huh,” White Cloud said, “Weren’t they researching some huge project on Feros? Something to do with enhancing unicorn abilities?”
“Something like that,” I said, “Weird how they all went missing.”
The conversation was cut off as the elevator pinged and the door slid open, revealing Captain Runner and Ambassador Rein standing next to the entryway of the Normanedy.
“Gentlecolts,” I said, throwing a quick salute to Runner, “Come to see me off?”
“Actually, we’ve got some big news Commander.”
“Sir?” I asked, a small feeling of dread forming in the pit of my stomach. In my experience, big news from the navy is never good.
“Captain Runner has decided to step down as Captain. The ship is yours Commander.”
I blinked. “M.. Mine?”
Captain Runner smiled. “Absolutely Commander. Can’t have the first pony Spectre flying around the galaxy in some old Equestrian clunker. No. The Normanedy was built for this. It’s the pinnacle of pony and griffin engineering. Besides, you know the crew, and it’s designed for exactly what you need it to do.”
I smiled, “Thank you Captain. I really don’t know what to say.”
“Just make us proud Commander. And put a bullet in Apache’s head for me.”
I nodded. “Aye sir.”
Ambassador Rein cleared his throat and pulled a datapad out of his saddlebags and handed it to me. “Apache is gone Commander. I wouldn’t bother looking for him. What we do know is that he’s searching for something called the Conduit. On the datapad is a list of places where the geth have been sighted, as well as the location of Matriarch Benezia. Or her last known location.”
I nodded. “Thank you sir, I’ll put it to good use.”
I slipped the pad into my own saddlebag, and saluted Captain Runner one more time. “Sir, it’s been an honor serving under you.”
Runner chuckled, “The honor was mine Commander. Good luck.” With that, he and Rein turned and left.
“Well, I guess we get settled in instead. Lieutenant, do me a favor and tell Joker to get the ship prepped. I want to be space-born in 30.”
Cloud nodded, then trotted into the ship with Sweet Breeze on his tail.
“Commander! Wait!” I turned back towards the elevator to see Orion running towards me.
“Orion?”
“Streak- er, Commander. With your permission, I’d like to go with you.”
I cocked an eyebrow, “Why? What about C-sec?”
Orion nervously scratched the back of his neck, “Well… it turns out my superiors weren’t a fan of me shooting my way out of
Chora’s Den.”
“Ah, so they fired you.”
Orion gave what could only be described as a griffin blush. “Yeah..”
“So what makes you want to go with me? This could very well be a suicide mission.”
“I joined C-sec because I wanted to do something useful with my life. Stop criminals, save a few lives. But with everything that Apache has planned, I feel like I can do more with you than I could trying to navigate C-sec’s red tape.”
I chuckled, “Alright. Go head inside a pick a bunk.”
Walking aboard, I was met with a plethora of smiles and congratulations from my crew. Inwardly, I was as giddy as a school filly to know that the people that worked under me were so welcome to accept me as their captain, despite our short time together. Directing Orion to the set of stairs that would take him down to the crew quarters, I stepped into the elevator and rode it to the top floor, which was dominated by the Captain’s Cabin.
I allowed myself a small gasp as the doors slid open and revealed my new living quarters. Instead of just being a room to sleep in, this had nearly all of the fixings required for a full apartment! Nearly all of one wall was dominated by a gigantic fishtank, which sat opposite an office that was as big as my old quarters. Past the workspace was the bedroom, which housed a large, double-pony bed, (odd, considering the navy had very strict regulations on sharing beds.) a full couch and coffee table, with room to spare!
Shrugging my saddlebags onto the couch, I shucked my armor off and neatly stacked it before placing it in a drawer. Sitting on the couch, I pulled the datapad out and started scrolling through the files.
“Hmm, Neighvaria. Notable visitors… Matriarch Seranine? Isn’t that the Matriarch that the buffalo councilor recognized?” I activated my Omni-tool, punching in a few commands and putting me in communication with the cockpit. “Joker, get us on the fastest route to Neighvaria.”
“Aye Commander,” was the only reply I received before the ship gave a small rumble as the docking clamps disengaged and the small pull as the engines pushed us out of Canterdel’s gravity well.
“ETA 18 hours Commander.”
“Roger that. Alert me if anything comes up.” With that, I cut communications and slumped back onto the couch. After a full day of combat and politics, I was ready for a nice 18 hour nap before hi-
Thump thump thump.
-tting whoever was pounding on my door in the face with a well-aimed hoof. Grumbling, I got off of my bed and walked toward the door.
“What?” I said, trying not to snap despite my irritation. At the door was the new Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Thunder. He had served with Captain Runner for several years, before they both transferred aboard the Normanedy for its maiden voyage.
“Commander, my apologies, but.. are you aware that there is a griffin aboard the Normanedy?”
I blinked, “Yes? I authorized him to come with us.”
Thunder scratched the back of his neck with a hoof, “Commander, I don’t mean to question your orders, but are you so sure it’s a good idea to bring a griffin aboard an Equestrian ship?”
“I trust him Thunder. He helped me out on Canterdel, and I thought he could be of use to us. Is that a problem?”
“No ma’am. I just wasn’t aware. I’ll notify the crew.”
I grimaced, in my excitement over the promotion, had I forgotten my duties as CO already? Telling my crew that I was letting an alien live on the ship should’ve been the top priority.
“Thunder, wait.” I sighed, “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you and the crew about Orion joining us. I guess I got a little carried away with the promotion.”
Thunder smiled, “No worries Commander. I’ll tell the crew it was my fault.”
I blinked. What?
“What?”
“Commander, your job as CO, especially now that you’re the first pony Spectre, is to be a hero to the crew. You make all the decisions, and I get to be the pony they hate. It’s how it works.” With that, he turned into the elevator and closed the doors, leaving me to ponder his words as I walked back towards my bed.
“If that’s the case,” I said quietly, “Then I’m never going to make a decision that would put him in that position.”