//------------------------------// // Mending Division // Story: My Little Pony: Exiles of the Empire // by Hikarikurai24587 //------------------------------// Chapter Fifteen: Mending Division The next morning Celestia gathered the ponies together. A lot of them were whispering as they glared at the Princess as she looked upon the crowd. Next to her was Anakin, Spike and Rex. “It has been but mere weeks since we were forced from Equestria, a journey none of us expected to be on. However I have expected all of you to behave accordingly. Instead what do I find? Many of you deciding to break off and cause harm to all of the creatures on the ship. Stealing food, medical supplies, and from what I hear leaving dangerous jobs to one pony that you disagree with.” Celestia’s voice held a tone of disappointment causing all but a few ponies to look away. “To say I am disappointed in you is an understatement. These humans are our allies whether you want them to be or not. They are willing to share their knowledge, experience, and skills with us. I will not order you to get along, but I have expected more from we who claim to be in harmony. Now, I have put Discord in repairing the ship. Those who wish to help can do so. I will also be exploring the area beneath us, see what food and supplies are down there. I will be taking as many ponies and humans who wish to explore with me.” Ponies glanced around whispering among themselves. Rex looked at Celestia and said. "If I may have a word with the crowd ma'am?" “Of course.” Celestia replied standing to the side allowing Rex to walk forward.     “I...can understand how you all must feel. I may not know much about you ponies but me and the boys are willing to learn and fight alongside you. We meant for nothing to happen to your people when we came but do believe that we will do all in our power to help fight for you to regain your home. The people in charge there now...the ones that took away your home. Some of them were my brothers, some were commanders I looked up to and respected. But we were all played for fools by the Emperor, all pawns in his little game. I don’t expect you all to be all for us but at least give thought to what I’m saying. We want to help. Will you have us?” Rex said, moving his head back and forth as I spoke boldly to the crowd. Summer Bloom looked around at the crowd before puffing out her cheeks before climbing next to Rex before shouting. “IF THEY DIDN’T LIKE US THEN THEY WOULDN’T HAVE SAVED ME OR TRIED TO HELP MOMMY!” Summer Bloom hugged Rex’s leg as she looked at him saying. “I accept you.” “Wait… you’re not ponies?” Hallow Glow asked and the ponies surrounding her just gave her a confused look causing her to sigh. “I don’t even know what’s happening anymore. I can ask this, can we afford to lose anyone else due to inexperience and lack of knowledge? Are you really going to say that Princess Celestia and little Summer Bloom here are wrong in their judgement? I bet that most of you haven’t even talked to them. Just give them a chance.” Summer Bloom saw the ponies begin to nod their heads before one of the stallions spoke up. “The one called Crosshair helped us get out of the Promenade. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think we would have gotten out without injuries.” “I fought alongside these humans when the Empire attacked Equestria. If it wasn’t for General Skywalker’s quick thinking I would have lost a few limbs.” a mare spoke up looking around as the guards and other ponies nodded their head. “He kept us safe. You judged them too quickly, you painted them with the same brush.” “We lost our homes because of them!” a pony snapped and the mare rounded on her retorting. “And without them warning the Princesses we wouldn’t be standing here having this discussion! We would either be dead or enslaved, is that what you want?” The pony went silent looking away with a huff, the mare’s hoof hit the ground, her wings spreading. “I for one say that we should give them a chance. The chance Princess Twilight would have given them, the chance that the Princesses are giving them, if you still want to be bitter over something they COULDN’T CONTROL then why didn’t you remain in Equestria? Discord gave us all a chance to stay, why did you want to come? I came to find out who I am in the wider galaxy, to keep everyone safe, to make sure that we have a chance.”     Rex felt a nudge on his arm as he saw Crosshair walk in front of him. He glanced around at the crowd then shot his blaster into the air demanding attention. Celestia cleared her throat giving him a look as the crowd quieted down. Two young ones quickly jumped towards Crosshair to give him a hug.     “Listen up, all of you.” Crosshair said, trying not to pay attention to the two hugging him. “What do you think would have happened had we not been there, huh? Do you really think the Emperor would not have eventually made his way to your world despite us being there? If so, you’re really underestimating what you are up against. You saw someone tear down a barrier once thought near indestructible and lay waste to your world and kill a lot of your loved ones. Where do you all think you would be had we not been there? You all should be grateful.” Huffed Crosshair walking off, the two little ones still holding on tightly to him. Rex stretched out his hand as if to say something to Crosshair, but he couldn’t find the words. As harsh as it sounded...he wasn’t wrong. Celestia approached saying. “He isn’t wrong, I am not saying bury the pain of losing your homes but do not push that blame onto those who do not deserve it. We all lost something or someone that day, I lost my student and fellow princess. One who worked so hard to bring everyone together in harmony that includes them. Take the time you need but if I hear of one more pony badmouthing, berating, or otherwise insulting them for something they didn’t do. I will assign that pony to work under them.” “Princess Celestia?” Summer Bloom asked as she approached her bowing slightly. “Can I come with you?” “It will be dangerous down there.” Celestia told her and Summer Bloom nodded her head saying. “I want to make sure you’re alright. You shouldn’t go down there alone.” “I’m going too.” the pegasus mare said walking forward, as did Hallow Glow with excitement in her eyes. “My name is Star Glider, Princess.” “Will any of these… humans be coming with us?” Hallow Glow asked as she looked at the Clones bouncing forward slightly. Rex walked forward and said. “Allow me to accompany you. I’ve been out of action for awhile due to my injury but I’m feeling well enough now to help out.” “You’re not having all the fun by yourself sister.” Another mare spoke up, unlike her sister’s black coat hers was a dark navy blue. “My name is Nova Explorer, Princess.” “Now hold on, y’all, I’m comin’ with ya.” Applejack spoke up and the stallion that had spoke up before walked forward as well. “Me too, I may be a handypony but I can help Discord when we get back. Name’s Copper Wire.” “Count me in too.” Anakin told the group. “I’m not letting Rex leave my sight and I want to do what I can to help out. Who knows, maybe you’ll need a lightsaber.” “I’m coming too.” Spike said, looking up at Anakin and Nurse Tenderheart walked up saying. “You are going to need a medical pony as well.” “The rest of you, I want to stay in the area and see what can be salvaged or helping Discord.” Celestia instructed before walking towards one of the holes. Her eyes held veiled excitement. Copper Wire was gathering his supplies as Hallow Glow ran forward leaping into the hole only to be stopped by Celestia’s magic. “Oh come on! Just this once, please?” “After me.” Celestia chuckled as she made sure everypony was ready first. She looked at Rex as Luminous Song placed a saddle bag on Hallow Glow’s back. "I'm glad I can help now ma'am. I don't like waiting around, I was bred for action." Rex told Celestia, catching her looking at him. Celestia chuckled saying. “I gathered as much, I was merely wondering you have everything that you need.” She caught a glimpse of Rainbow Dash watching them with a look of frustration on her face. Anakin walked over to Rainbow Dash and knelt down. "You know, if you want to come along I can see about tinkering some more on your cybernetics so you can get moving more. I can sense how much you want to get out again." “Well I can’t go exploring with you guys right now, I can’t even help with anything.” Rainbow Dash looked at the ground moving the dirt with her hoof. “But I do appreciate the gesture, thanks.” Anakin smiled as he stood up and stretched out his hand. Rainbow Dash started to float in the air, she was moving all the way to rest in Anakin's other arm. "Not with that attitude. You're coming along." Rainbow’s face lit up as Celestia dove down into one of the holes followed quickly by Hallow Glow. Star Glider shook her head as she found a place to secure a rope making sure it was tied tightly with the help of Applejack. Nova Explorer looked at Anakin before walking up to him asking. “Are you going to be alright?” "Yeah, I have my own way of getting down." Anakin replied as he hopped down, slowing his descent with the Force. Nova Explorer shrugged before allowing Summer Bloom on her back. She flew down last making sure everyone was down safely first. Hallow Glow had a container out that was glowing. “Bioluminescent fungus. I’m going to try to grow more. We don’t want to attract any attention from Sleens.” “Just be careful Hallow.” Celestia told her as she looked around. “It appears that many people lived here at one point.” The group began to look around and explore, Celestia taking the lead. Her eyes taking in the dimly lit area. It was hard to tell what the area used to be. The sunlight drifted through allowing for more light to reveal mounds of grass and flowers. Large flags hung on the stone walls. Statues worn by time stood around as water fell into large holes in the floor. What looked like stacks from a library lined the wall on the right and something similar on the left. A path leading through a tunnel in front of them. "Doesn't seem too familiar to me." Anakin said as he activated his lightsaber to shed a little bit more light. "And I've been places." “We will need to bring a few of those flags with us. I am sure Rarity will be able to restore them and we can see who lived here.” Celestia told him as she walked over to one of the consoles. “How old do you think these are?” Hallow Glow walked up, examining the console carefully before saying. “I can’t tell, I’m not familiar and the metal is still in good condition.” "Maybe we should have brought Tech with us. He's good at analyzing things." Rex pointed out. "He was needed back with the injured though." Celestia nodded her head as Copper Wire looked at the console saying. “We’ll need to open it up to see the inside but we could get it working again. Same with the other one.” "I could work on it, though I have my hands full." Anakin said as he held onto Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash turned her head saying. “You can always set me down. I’m not that disabled.” "Alright, but don't push yourself." Anakin replied as he set Rainbow Dash down. He walked over to the console and began to tinker with it. Copper Wire peered over Anakin’s shoulder to see what he was doing as Star Glider walked over to one of the natural holes in the ground. "There we go, that should do it." Anakin said, already finished with fixing the console. Aurebesh appeared on the screen that read. Enter Command for Force Knowledge Celestia tilted her head to the side as she studied the screen. Hallow Glow looked around before saying. “This might be a place for meditation, contemplation, and training." "Some ancient Jedi Temple maybe? Of all the places we could have crash landed, it's one that obviously won't stay hidden from the Emperor for long." Anakin said as he backed away from the console. "We aren't safe here on this planet." “Perhaps.” Celestia spoke as Summer Bloom looked down the hallway. “Do not stray far.” “I thought I saw something.” Summer Bloom responded walking back and sitting by Rainbow Dash. Celestia’s head turned before approaching the entrance to the hall. Metal footsteps resounded against the floor. A mechanical humming was heard as Nova Explorer and Star Glider landed in front of the group wings spread. "Perhaps is how you underestimate him with all due respect. He will find us, just as easily as it sounds like whatever is approaching us." Anakin told Celestia, trying to not come off as rude. Celestia looked at Anakin saying. “I do not think that it was just Jedi here, the way this is set up represents two sides.” “Princess Celestia I do believe we should head out.” Star Glider suggested just as a booming voice sang. “FOR THE GLORY OF THE REPUUUUUUUUUUUUBLIIIIIIIIIC!” "Yeah, I agree. Not only does it become less safe here with you pointing out two sides but now this…" Anakin answered as he held his lightsaber out ready to defend himself. Copper Wire tilted his head to the side as a large droid walked into the room. He paused seeing the strangers almost ready to attack when he saw Anakin. “Ah! Master Jedi! Greetings! I am M1-4X, it is good to see a guardian of the Republic in these halls once again! How may I be of service?" "You know this droid?" Rex asked Anakin. "Nope, surprisingly not familiar with that model number either." Anakin said confused. "Who's the current Chancellor, M1?" “According to my last records was Jebevel Madon although it was Leontyne Saresh who controlled the Republic from the shadows. Until the Commander had her imprisoned for staging a coup.” M1 replied looking around. “It has been 3,623 years since I have last been in contract with the Republic.” Anakin stood clueless how to respond. He turned to look at Rex who shrugged his shoulders. M1 looked between them before saying. “Apologies for the state of the complex, we have trouble with the upkeep while exterminating unwelcomed pests.” "And what are these pests usually?" Anakin asked. M1 turned his head as an astromech rolled up. “Sleens, mainly, and shade stalkers. The HK units kept here keep getting in the way of a glorious fight, however they are good at keeping the creatures out.” The droid gave an angry sound and M1 said. “I will get to introducing you. This is T7-O1.” "Looks like an older Astromech model. Makes me miss R2." Anakin responded, his mind wandering to how R2 and 3PO are doing under Senator Organa. T7 moved forward scanning each of them. He made a little chirp understood only by those who knew binary. “T7 happy to see Jedi once again!” Anakin smiled as he knelt down to pet the little Astromech. “It’s good to see a friendly Astromech again too.” “Jedi + Companions= Must be tired.” T7 chirped again earning a groan from Rainbow Dash. “Who here actually understands ummm… T7 other than Anakin?” Rex looked at Rainbow Dash as he said. “The little guy is taking notice that we look tired. It’s speaking in a form of binary, a little different than I’m used to but I can still make it out. Me and the boys had to learn it for military training.” “Okay and he can understand us?” Rainbow Dash asked again as Summer Bloom tapped a hoof against M1’s metal leg causing him to look down. Copper Wire was intrigued by both droids, Nova Explorer and Star Glider were still on edge. Tenderheart and Applejack were checking on Rainbow Dash as Spike hung around Anakin. Celestia nodded her head remarking. “It would be wise of us to learn as well.” “If there’s time, I could get Tech to start a class on it.” Rex replied to Celestia. “It’s a bit difficult at first but there’s a bit of a pattern to it.” “There will not be much to do for many of my people when we are back in space.” Celestia said softly a sad look growing on her face before her ears twitched. “Wait… where is Hallow Glow?”