//------------------------------//
// Darkness Impending 
// Story: Flight of the Harmony 
// by SteamPoweredStallion 
//------------------------------//

Even as the sun dives behind the mountains, Canterlot is never dark. Gas lanterns brighten the dark streets of the inner city where the Equestrian Aristocracy walks at languid paces displaying their most beautiful outfits for all to see. However, the spectacle offered by their garish clothes in the flickering lights did not distract a determined unicorn running through the road leading to the center of the fortress.

As Twilight sped past the fancy cafès of boulervard Montmare, she briefly turned around to see if Spike could keep up the pace. The purple dragon was struggling not to fall behind as he dribbled between the legions of the canterlot èlite, collecting many displeased gazes as he stepped on several skirts.

The castle was enveloped in flickering lights which painted the building a melancholy shade of orange.

Twilight panted as she crossed the bridge, her heart thumping in unison with the sound of her hooves on the metallic floor. The guards, two heavy-set pegasi in brass-coloured power armor, let her in without a second glance; she was more than renown enough to be allowed in without question. She dashed across the castle's halls until the doors of the throne room. She stopped for a moment to catch her breath; Spike arrived right behind her, waddled a few steps towards the doors, then fell face-first to the floor, exhausted.

Twilight telekinetically heaved his unconcious body and rested him against the wall; Immediately afterwards, the Throne Room's metal doors opened, rolling sideways on massive gears and chains.

Queen Celestia was sitting on her throne, her majestic gown flowing down on the marble steps. An expression of calm determination was on her face as she nodded to Twilight, inviting her in.

"Your majesty..."

"Come in, Twilight. I am anxious to hear your latest progress."

Twilight nodded, as she opened her saddlebags and extracted a large blueprint and the model of an airship. She opened the blueprint, letting it float before the Queen's eyes. Celestia observed the pjoject briefly, quickly glanced at the model, then waved her hoof signaling Twilight to put them away.

"When do you expect the ship to be ready?"

"We're still working on the automation system... as it is, the ship still requires a crew to fly."

"And if you complete it...?"

"As we envisioned it, a single pony could govern the ship... oh her own... and..."

"Are you sure that's necessary, Twilight?"

Celestia had a strange way of asking questions; it was hard to tell when she was asking and when stating something: one of the inconveniences of talking to an omniscent being.

"Well..." Twilight looked around uncomfortably "With the ship as it is, we could do with six, or maybe five ponies..."

"That sounds perfect, Twilight. I hope you have a crew lined up?"

"I... well, we don't really..." Twilight looked around uncomfortably, trying to find a good way to admit she was completely unprepared without disappointing the Queen.

"It's all right, Twilight." Celestia looked down on her with a caring expression. "I'll send someone from the Royal fleet to help you with this. But it is of the utmost importance that by tomorrow, the ship is ready to leave. I'll send you instructions on your assignment."

Twilight nodded, slowly walking away. Rarity would have not been happy with the changes in the plan, especially if it meant flying the ship before it was fully perfected. But the Quenn's orders took precedence over their project, one way or another, the Harmony was going to fly.

Soon after Twilight had exited the throne room, Celestia walked over to the coloyred glasses of her windows and opened it, letting the nightly breeze roll in. She looked up at the Moon. A dark shade covered half of it, grim omen of the impending disaster.