//------------------------------// // Firefall // Story: Starshot: Bats of the High Wilderness // by Tums Festival //------------------------------// It was pretty easy to see where Firefall Station got its name. It orbited a molten, hellish planet around a young, bright star. One with massive volcanoes covering its surface; shooting the flaming guts of their parent world high into its atmosphere. It was therefore very surprising to Luna when she found out this world was actually in the star’s habitable zone. The reason for its condition was simply because it was very young, its surface still in flux; battered and bruised by meteorite impacts from the developing solar system. “So. Pretty,” Derpy said, her eyes twinkling at the sight.  “And a scientific marvel!” Doctor Whooves said, practically drooling. “This system couldn’t have exited the primary proto-planetary disk phase more than… three million years ago? Tops. Behold: a newborn solar system joins the cosmos!” “Don’t mean ta’ be that gal, but we think it was only a million years ago,” Crescent said, joining Doctor Whooves at his station.  Rather than being offended, he seemed somewhat surprised at her remark. Crescent looked rather irked in return. “What? Just cus we’re fightin’ a war doesn’t mean we don’t do science.”   “In that case, I just must have a look at your discoveries!” Doctor Whooves bounced. Luna chuckled to herself. She honestly hadn’t seen him this excited since they started scanning Kumquat. “Ehe,” Crescent said. “I… could see about giving ya’ access to the civil database. First though, we better hail Firefall before they blast us out of the void.” She wasn’t kidding. The cylindrical station seemed to be going on high alert. Massive, dual-barrelled turrets positioned about it were turning in their direction, and the rectangle, sliding door that was its launch bay was beginning to open. In the meantime, two neighboring ships bearing NLR markings were also turning towards them. One looked just like the Tyrant’s End, but the other was of a much more bulky design resembling an up-scaled version of Crescent’s dropship. “Actually, they’re already hailing us,” Derpy said.  “On screen,” Luna nodded.  Upon it popped an annoyed looking, light blue minotaur, sitting at a station in what seemed to be a busy communications center of some sort.  “Unidentified ship,” she said in a surprisingly bored tone. “I’m Commander Strong Voice of Firefall Station. Please state what you’re doing here. Otherwise we’re gonna blow you up, m’kay?” “Uhhhhh…” Spike gulped. “We… come in peace?” The minotaur raised an eyebrow. “What? Is this some kind of dumb joke? Cus I’m not laughing.”  “Ever the charmer, aren’t ya’, Strong Voice,” Crescent groaned, stepping before the viewscreen. “Captain Crescent Moon,” she sighed. “An unexpected… ‘pleasure’. What exactly are you doing on that ship?” “Long story,” Crescent said, glancing away from her. “Though I’m not exactly… captain anymore. I'm Acting Liaison now.” Strong Voice still seemed to only be paying half attention. “Sucks to be you, I guess.” “You don’t say?” Crescent growled, before muttering under her breath: “Ya hackin’ howlin numpty.” That did seem to turn her head. She gave Crescent a quick glare. “What was that?”  “Nothing,” Crescent groaned, glancing away from her. “Look, will ya’ just give us permission to dock? We gotta contact Midna Shakuras and the War Council - let em’ know our bloomin’ ship just got blown up. Not to mention, I promised a meetin’ with Big Blue. And unfortunately, you happen to be the only long-range relay and refit station nearby.” “Gonna need more details than that,” Strong sighed, glancing at a monitor nearby. “I need to know the identity of that ship and the creatures you’re with. We don’t have a ship of that type on record. You know the drill: it’s standard protocol.” “Night damnit, fine then,” Crescent moaned. “But listen closely, cus I’m only gonna say this once…” After a few moments, a still agitated Crescent had the communications officer up to speed for the most part. By the time she had, a few other creatures had gathered around Strong, eavesdropping on the conversation.  “Alright, as wild of a story as that is, you’re clear to dock,” Strong grunted. “But if your new friends are coming onboard, you need to stick to them like glue, kapeesh?” “That will be no issue, commander,” Luna stated.  “Wasn’t talking to you, ‘princess’,” Strong glared. “I want to be very clear: your status as guests is tenuous. Any funny business and you’ll be on an express trip out of here.” “Friendly, isn’t she?” Spike mumbled.  “Only reason we’re letting you on board is because Crescent made a deal with you,” Strong continued. “Cus personally, your story reeks of bull excrament to me.” “Easy there, commander,” Crescent laughed sardonically. “I hope ya didn’t deal with the UFP reps like this. Not that I’d blame you that much when it comes to them.” “I deal with this station in the manner of which I was elected to,” Strong glared. “Dock at Port Four. Strong out.” The transmission flicked off, replacing Strong with a view of the cylindrical station and the molten world behind it. And much to the bridge’s relief, the former was no longer aiming its turrets at them. “Well, that went better than expected,” Crescent shrugged, giving Luna a sideways glance. “Glad we caught her on a good day. Though next time, let me do all the talkin’, okay?” “Very well,” Luna said, a hint of reluctance in her tone. “But I must ask: who are these ‘UFP’ you mentioned?” Crescent glanced away from her, holding an annoyed look. “United Federated Planets.” Spike raised an eyebrow. “Wait… isn’t that the name of the people from Space Trek?” “That’s right!” Ocellus said. “Well close; they were the United Federation of Planets. But still… how did they… wah?”  “I don’t think it’s that weird,” Derpy shrugged. “I suppose there’s only so many names you could have for a star civilization. Space Trek just took the obvious choice.” “I have no clue what a ‘Space Trek’ is, lass,” Crescent shrugged. “That’s just what they named themselves. Or renamed themselves, I should say. Pretty recently, too. Either way, I can’t stand em’. Should be called UFT: United Federated Tossers.” “Why would you say that?” Luna asked. “Cus they’re a buncha authoritarian, arrogant tech hoarders,” Crescent grumbled. “Rather not get into it more than that, thank you very much. Got too much to do. Need to dig into that timebomb of a computer of yours; see if we can’t get rid of the override programs Song has installed.” She glanced at Pharynx, who was currently eyeing her like a hawk. “Smiles over there probably wants his weapons back.” “Wouldn’t you?” the grumpy changeling asked. “We’re in unknown territory and almost completely at your mercy. And we have no idea regarding anything about you save for what you’ve told us.” Crescent smirked. “You Garden changelings are more cynical than I expected.” “Interesting you’ve brought that up,” Pharynx grunted. “Because I’ve noticed that despite being a composition of every other species from Equis among your ranks, I haven’t seen a single changeling.” “What if they’re, well, changed,” Spike suggested. Pharynx shook his head. “No, we would have sensed it. Changelings know changelings.” “Alright, fine, I’ll bite,” Crescent sighed, unable to meet his gaze. “But it’s a question you may not want answered.” “I am prepared for the truth,” Pharynx said. “S-So am I,” Ocellus squeaked.  Crescent paused for a second, before taking a deep breath. It was obvious she didn’t want to talk much about this. “If you want the details, you’ll need to talk to a historian,” she finally said. “But from what I understand, centuries before the NLR was a thing, the Empire…” She closed her eyes. “Bastards decided changelings were too troublesome to keep around.” Ocellus looked at Crescent in horror. “Wait, you mean they…” “We don’t know exactly what went down,” Crescent continued. “They didn’t kill em’, though, if that’s what yer’ thinking. Exiled em’, most likely. Probably left them on some night-forsaken rock. There’s a bunch of em’ in the UFP, though, so they made out alright. Half that star nation is made of em’. All we know is they don’t want much ta’ do with us. You’ll have ta’ talk to em’ if you’re ever unfortunate enough to run into em’.”  “We shall endeavor to,” Luna said, more to Ocellus and Pharynx than anyone. “But we must focus on the here and now. Ocellus, bring us to Port Four. Nice and easy.” “Aye, captain,” she squeaked, her tone slightly less focused than usual. “Just… um… uncle. Can we have a talk… in private after this?” Pharynx gazed at her, surprised, but curious. “Sure, kid.” Ocellus nodded, and despite being somewhat distracted, she began to expertly align the Starshot with Firefall’s docking port.  Said port consisted of a retractable, rectangular tube. One which, after they grew close enough, slowly extended from the station, connecting with the Starshot’s primary airlock.  “Starshot. You’re locked in. You may now safely board,” an unfamiliar voice announced via the bridge’s communication system.  “Alrighty,” Crescent said, taking a deep breath. “Let’s get over there.” Luna nodded towards Spike, smiling slightly “Are you ready for your first away mission?” “I packed my toothbrush,” Spike grinned. “Still don’t get why you can’t come too, though.” "My presence may cause… unneeded commotion," Luna stated. “Best to keep the party as small as possible in general, anyway, lad,” Crescent said. “The Empire’s gone on the offensive recently a few systems away. Everycreature’s gonna be on edge.” “Perhaps that’s where Song was called off to,” Luna pondered. “Would make sense,” Crescent nodded. “Battle’s at a standstill last we checked. Ole’ Red Eyes probably wasn’t too happy with that.” Luna glanced at her curiously. The Song she knew would never leave a battle unattended. Why would he leave the frontlines just to learn more about one of the ships at his command, as he stated? Unless, of course, he was never there to begin with.  “Just stick close ta’ me, lad, and there won’t be any trouble,” she said, turning to Spike. She then sighed. “And please… please don’t give anycreature too much cheek.” Spike smirked. “Me? Cheek? Never.” -- “Okay, seriously? We need to have a talk about Nightmare Moon.” Spike, Crescent, and Snoopy were the last to board the Firefall. The rest of the Tyrant’s crew, save for Crescent’s sister and the two wounded creatures, had already gone over.  Spike had expected to be astonished by the sights, and he was for the most part. The main promenade was composed of multiple levels, all lined with circular balconies which wrapped around the cylindrical station’s edge. Attached to each of these levels were a number of facilities - all public access, apparently - from manufacturing complexes to mess halls.  And all of it hung under a large mural of an affectionate-looking Nightmare Moon painted on the ceiling.  “Oi, watch it there,” Crescent said. “I don't know what propaganda Celestia has been feedin’ you lot for the last thousand years, but we threstrals know the truth about her. Nightmare Moon was one of the greatest things to happen ta' me people. The greatest, maybe. If she had won the War of the Two Sisters, your world woulda been a utopia by now! Reached the stars hundreds of years ago!" Spike shook his head in dismay at that. He wanted to tell her that he had personally encountered the Nightmare; twice, actually. And both times, there wasn't even a hint that she was anything more than a monster.  However, a look from Snoopy quickly shot that idea down. "Best to chill with that kinda talk, lil' dude," he said. "Threstrals have always dug Nightmare Moon. Even the ones in the Empire do." "For the wrong reasons," Crescent added. "They think she was some kind of Deep One in alicorn form. Idiots. And The Empire, being The Empire, cheerfully co-opted the idea." "As for the rest of us, we just kinda roll with it," Snoopy shrugged. "Not really our hill to die on." Spike let out a sigh. "Okay, then…" Crescent gave him a slight smile in appreciation. "Not askin' ya' to like her, but would it be a bad thing ta' challenge yer' preconceptions of her?" Again, Spike wanted to say that he had more than a 'preconception' of her, but he had to agree with Snoopy: it might not be the best hill to die on. Especially since the station, given what he saw so far, had a large population of threstrals. "I'll uh," Spike coughed. "I'll do my best." Quickly changing the topic, he blurted out: "So, what's the game plan?" "I've got ta' get a team assembled to start workin' on that computer o' yours,” Crescent spoke. "In the meantime, me and you are gonna try to set up a meeting with Big Blue," Snoopy nodded. Spike's eyes widened. He glanced at Crescent, stunned. "Really?" "Don't get all misty eye'd on me," Crescent laughed. "I told ya I'd think about it, and well… yer' right. Luna isn't that bad, from what I've seen. Far cry from Nightmare, but… not bad. Maybe a relationship really could work. Like I said, Big Blue’s got sway. He’s been part o’ the Civil Council longer than any of em’. Get chummy with him and you’ll be in our good graces in no time." "That… that's great!" Spike beamed.  "See?" she winked. "Challenging yer' preconceptions isn't such a bad thing now, is it?" Spike turned to Snoopy. "And you're okay with this?" He chuckled. "Listen, dog, even though my new, bone-headed crew decided they were too good for Crescent doesn't mean she don't got my ear. Far as I'm concerned, if she says you're straight, you're straight." For the first time since Spike had met her, Crescent seemed genuinely touched. She gazed at Snoopy with affection. "Thanks, mo cariad." "Ain't no need to thank me, girl," he shrugged. "R-Right then," Crescent said, making a vein attempt to stow her emotions. "I'll see ya' two later. Good luck, Captain Snoopy." “I’d say ‘don’t have too much fun’,” Snoopy winked. “But I know how you are with that engineering stuff.” “Hehe, guilty as charged.” The two groups went their separate ways; Crescent to a facility on the 'ground' floor and Spike and Snoopy heading to the top of the station. Yet before Spike had gotten too far, he noticed something odd: a pair of threstrals trailing Crescent. One who looked nervous, and the other who Spike had sworn had shot him a quick wink. He continued watching them until both parties were out of sight, all the while wondering if his mind was playing tricks on him. -- Back aboard the Starshot, Luna watched, amused, as Derpy and Doctor Whooves continued to fawn over the data they were taking in about the system itself. Not that she felt above such a thing, of course. She was just as curious. She just found the duo’s enthusiasm too adorable to ignore. “... And take a look at this, my friend!” Doctor Whooves beamed, pointing to a specific spot on his console screen. “The seventh planet out - this gas giant - has a large concentration of lighter elements in orbit around it. A disk! Quite a large one, too. The planet's still accreting material! Have to give Bill Neigh credit: it appears G-type main sequence stars do not shed as much material as many have theorized. The sheer gravitational pull of the outer planets and the matterial itself is compensating for the solar winds!”  Luna glanced at him curiously. “This star is considered ‘main sequence’?” “G-type and main sequence,” Derpy nodded. “That’s the big alien hunting class, right, doc?” “The consensus is they would be the most likely to harbor life,” Doctor Whooves nodded. “Of course, this system is very unlikely to have anything. Well, anything originating from it, that is. It is far, far too young.” ‘I wouldn’t be so sure of that, Doctor,’ Luna thought to herself. ‘Life was here from the beginning, assuming I simply haven't lost my mind. Though it is strange it is the second star that has not yet tried to speak to me--’ “Ooooo! I heard something about talking with stars?! That means-- A Star Speaker! Finally! Hoi there! How ya’ doin’? Jinkies, I have so many questions. But first, the big one: do you think I’m pretty?!” Luna nearly jumped out of her seat. Not only did the voice come out of nowhere, but this was pretty much a final confirmation that indeed, her ability to talk to stars wasn't imagined. She was growing worried after she had failed to make contact with the Red Hypergiant before they left. Even in the dream realm, the only evidence she found of an unusual entity was a single 'dream' orb glowing dimly in the distance.  It did not say anything when she approached it. Nevertheless, it didn't matter now. This star certainly wasn't shy. Like her dwarf friend, it had a positively booming voice. However, unlike the dwarf, it was distinctively young and distinctively female.  ‘I’m um, I’m well,’ Luna thought, gazing out the viewscreen at its burning form in the distance. There was still a decent amount of dust swirling around it, obscuring it to a small degree. However, the beautiful, dancing colors reflected off it only helped punctuate the star’s beauty. ‘And yes, you are very pretty.’ “Zoinks! That’s great! You’re nice, do you know that? I like nice tinies!”  ‘I try to be.’ She furrowed her brow. ‘... Wait, though, ‘tinies’?’  “Oh, sorry! It’s just you’re all kind of… tiny!” the star laughed. “Anyway, what about the others? Do they think I’m pretty, too?!” ‘Are you speaking of the NLR?’ “The ones inside the metal thing orbitting my second child, yeah! I hear them talking, though I can’t talk back!”  ‘Hear them talking?’ “Oh yeah, they talk all the time! When they point their metal rod thing my way I can listen! I don’t think they’re talking to me, though. They’re talking to others like them! Around my kin who’ve adopted them! Hard to hear them - so tiny - but I’ve learned how! Happy face!” Luna thought for a moment. She didn't think stars could hear anyone outside of those with her… ability. How could she--  Oh.  ‘You’re speaking of their communication transmissions.’ Somehow, she-- it must have found a way to ‘translate’ them. “Yeah, I think that’s what they call them! They don’t talk about me too much, though, save for when they’re complaining. ‘Ugh! Luminosity’s increased five percent in two weeks! Have to adjust light dampeners again. Friggin’ variable stars...’ and ‘Heavy solar flare activity today! All ships advised to turn on EMP shielding.’ Pffft! They say that like it’s a bad thing! I’m just putting on a show! Sad face. Guess I can’t blame them for not knowing, though, huh? They don’t have a Star Speaker to tell them!” ‘And what else do they speak of?’ “The war, duh! Always about the war. War war war war WAR! It never changes. I mean, I like these tinies, really. They’re out fighting those creepy Deep Ones. But it gets soooooo boring after a while, ya’ know?” ‘I wish I could agree. Perhaps if war was more boring, fewer would engage in it.’ “Well, it’s boring to me! And it’s horrible for them! Whenever someone talks back to them it’s never good news. It’s always ‘This ship got blowed up!’ ‘Now this ship got blowed up!’ ‘Uh oh, now even more ships got blowed up! Halp!’” ‘Fighting is their only option, unfortunately. The Oblivion Empire isn't giving them a choice.’ “No it’s not! The Deep Ones don’t know about this place! Well, they probably know since I’m really bright and pretty and all but I don’t think they know anyone’s here but me! But yeah, all the cooler tinies should just come here! I’ll protect them and love them and snuggle em’! In turn they can talk about how pretty I am. I am pretty, right?” ‘Yes! You are very pretty!’ ‘YAAAAAAAAAAY!’   Luna chuckled to herself. This was one self-conscious star. Not that Luna could throw too many stones. If there was a constant for all sapient life, it would probably be it wanted to be admired to a certain degree. The star was just more… expressive about it. Much like Luna was when she was very young. Though relatively speaking, this star actually was very young from what she knew. And her words left a burning question on her mind. 'How would you protect them? What if the Empire does find them?' "Oh, that's easy. By FRYING ALL THOSE WHO DARE DEFY THIS SANCTUARY!" Luna recoiled slightly at that. "Also, with hugs. Star hugs!" Luna thought for a moment. 'Are you saying you can direct your energies? Destroy enemy vessels with them?' "Sort of! I'd need a Star Speaker's help to keep any good cute little tinies from getting hurt, though. And hey! You're a Star Speaker. Are you sticking around?" 'I do… not believe so.' "Dawwww… but-- oh wait. Hold that thought. The tinies are doing that thing I like again. I love when they do those! We'll talk later, kay? Byyyyyyyye! Nice meeting you!" 'What the--' "Oh hey, look at this," Derpy said, gazing at a blinking light on her monitor. "Captain, looks like we're picking up some sort of… um… unencrypted transmission from out of system. Audio and visual." “Fancy that!” Doctor Whooves mused. “Some form of public broadcast?” “Only one way to find out," Luna said. "Put it on screen." Derpy nodded, and with a huge improvement from where she began, easily manipulated her console controls. On screen appeared a rather odd site; a sock puppet show of some sorts. Not just any puppets, however. One appeared to look like Grand Admiral Warp Song, and another, an umbral (with an attached miniature smoke machine providing it's puffy appearance). "LIVE! From Midna Shakuras!" a disembodied voice said. "This is Horribly Depressing NLR News Presented in Puppet Form to Make it Bearable to Watch!" A moment later, the puppet resembling the umbral began to wiggle. "Grand Admiral Warp Song," it said in an overly-exagerated ‘evil’ tone. "Yes, Grand Steward?" Puppet Warp Song said. His voice was a bit more subdued, but still a gross bastardization of the real thing. Luna and her bridge crew couldn’t help but giggle at it. "You are hereby ordered to take command of our forces engaging the NLR," the umbral said. "Your first mission is to take the Byson Swarm system known as The Web. Every last one of the ten thousand orbiting habitats must be occupied, its inhabitants brought back into the fold.” "But, Grand Steward," Puppet Song interjected. "This will undeboutedly cost us a great amount of lives, time, and resources. The NLR doesn't want to fight us. Why don't we just leave them alone?" "Because the Deep Ones command we fight them, that's why!" "And why are we following their orders again?" 'Song' asked. "Who or what are the Deep Ones, anyway? Do you even know?" "Silence!" The 'Grand Steward' growled. "The Deep Ones are all knowing. Therefore, they know what’s best for us! It is only strategically sound to follow their commands.” A pause. Puppet Song was of course expressionalist, but Luna was guessing he was unvoncinced. “I see.” The ‘umbral’ cleared its throat.  “Also, they told me to tell you that the NLR is making tacky art!" "Whaaaaaaat!?" Puppet Song cried. "I shall leave immediately! The Web will be ours in several moons. You have my word." "Excellent, excellent. Something something something the Deep Ones will be pleased." The screen froze and the disembodied voice returned. "This has been Horribly Depressing NLR News Presented in Puppet Form to Make it Bearable to Watch! The War Council recommends holding The Web at all costs. Fight onwards, comrades. No gods, no masters!’ The voice coughed, then said in a softer tone: ‘And please stay tuned for Red Moon Media Presents Mr. Pickle’s review of Space Wizards: Episode One, The Ghostly Peril. Bring your pizza rolls!" The transmission cut, leaving the amused but flabbergasted bridge crew gazing at a rotating, three-dimensional symbol of the NLR: a blood-red rose. "Sooooo," Derpy said, giving Luna a cheeky smile. "Any way we can do something like that back in Equestria?"