My Brave Pony: Starfleet Magic Season X

by DakariKingMykan


Episode 2: Rise of the Falling

EPISODE TWO

You can bet it was quite unusual for everyone to accept The Grand Ruler and his Queen were now young pre-teens, but despite the shocking sights, it was not ignored they still retained their experiences and knowledge.

They were even still able to raise the sun and lower it like normal.

Those who trusted and worked with them were still prepared to take them seriously as ever, but it was rather hard to resist the urge to stare at their younger, smaller physiques.

As a result, a royal proclamation was made all over the planet.

Grand Ruler called to everyone, “We realize how unusual this seems. Our appearances, as well as Commander Lightning’s, is the result of a magical accident which occurred during confrontation with the enemy, but we and our magical experts are researching to discover a way to reverse it.”

Celestia then added to the speech, “We assure you, we are still Grand Ruler and Queen, and nothing will change that. As such, we shall continue to press on, especially in these dangerous times with the pending returning of Lord Titan.”

The rest of the speeches carried on, re-instating martial law under times of war, and many of the citizens all over agreed and heeded to the laws for their own protection and safety, and they still showed respect to their rulers with cheer and applause.


“You both handled that very well.” said Princess Luna.

Celestia sighed in relief. “In honest truth, I never felt so nervous. I’m so thankful that everyone still respects us.”

Her husband agreed “But it’s not over yet, there’s still the matter of who else would take us seriously like this-- the children for example.”

“I have already spoken to the children.” said Luna “I have tried to make them understand, but they having difficulty accepting. Perhaps it would help if we all spoke with them about this.”

The parents agreed, but they felt this would be a long and hard thing to live with.


Lightning wasn’t having it any easier himself.

At home, he and Starla were putting Shining Light down for his nap, and Lightning had to flutter up over the edge of the crib due to his reduced height.

It was taking him time to get used to how much bigger everything seemed than it used to.

“You sleep good now, sport.” He cooed, but his little son just gave him a rather strange looking stare as if he didn’t recognize his father, which was to be expected, and Lightning felt a little downhearted because of it.

Starla felt for him too.

Soon, the baby was sleeping, and the couple went downstairs to do their reports, write up commands, and all that stuff.

Still, Lightning couldn’t help but notice his wife constantly staring at him every so-and-so, with strange expressions.

“All right… come out and say it.”

She looked at and tried to cover up, “Say what?”

“Don’t play me for a fool. I know what you’re thinking.”

Starla couldn’t keep it inside her anymore. “Yes. I can’t help it. This is too weird, it’s practically wrong.”

Much as he understood where she was coming from, Lightning wasn’t willing to let it go that simple, and he spoke straight in her face. “General Starla Shine, I am still your husband, and your superior officer!”

“Yes, technically…”

“What do you mean “technically?!”

Starla placed her hand over his mouth, urging him not to raise his voice and wake the baby. “That’s not what I meant.” She chose her next words carefully. “Yes… you are my husband, and my superior, but you’re also ten years old!”

“Eleven and a-half according to the data scans.”

“That’s not the point.” said Starla. “I know I don’t have to say this, but…” she paused and finally let it out “Until we can figure out how to restore you back to normal, you can’t possibly expect me to overlook that you’re a little boy.”

Lightning looked and felt a little crushed, until his wife got down on her knees and held his hands. “I’m not saying our marriage is over, and that I don’t want to be with you, but… what will this do for us-- our image, our reputations, even our family?”

Lightning understood as much as she did. Even though everyone on the planet was made aware of things, and many were seemingly willing to adjust, he knew it would still be strange and most unusual.

“I admit,” he said “It would look and feel strange to be affectionate with each other.”

He walked over to their wedding picture on a tall table, and looked deeply at his faded reflection in the frame glass.

“But what if we can’t find a way to fix this? What if I’m stuck like this, and I’ll have to grow up again naturally? I haven’t even tested my fighting strengths yet. How can I really continue to serve Starfleet like this?”

It broke Starla’s heart to see him beating himself up, and it made her own guilt worsen for starting it all in the first place.

“You are still Lightning Dawn.” she said to him “And remember what your magical force is? “The Power of Believing.”


Hearing that sparked something deep inside the young pony and he reflect back to when he spent his childhood training with Grand Ruler Celesto, and how he taught him to believe in himself and have faith that he could keep going.


A smile crept across his face. “I’ll try.”

His wife bent down and wrapped her arms around him softly. “We both will.”


Elsewhere, there were other things going on.


A good percentage of all of United Equestria was in favor of Starfleet. They had seen them action, they knew Starfleet meant well, and were properly grateful for saving them so many times from all the evil and bad guys that ever showed up.

Yet, there were still those who felt indifferent towards Starfleet and anyone who showed them even the slightest of friendliness, and at that very moment, there was a secret organization about to have their first meeting, in a secret location far under the oceans of the planet.

A male unicorn walked down a long tunnel from the surface which led to the secret lair in an underwater cave.

He had a red-coat with a golden yellow mane, and his cutie-mark, shown on the front of his clothes was that of a beaker and a formula.

He arrived in the main chamber, with all its gadgets and gizmos, and his four teammates, whom he had recruited through strong convincing when he found out how much alike they thought about Starfleet.

Paige: A local newspaper publisher. She was an aqua-green earth unicorn and a grayish white-streaked mane. She wore glasses, and her cutiemark was that of a typewriter.

Grimer: A sewer worker. A big and buff, dark brown earth pony with a black mane. His cutiemark was that of a manhole cover.

Sun Dew: A weather pegasi from New Cloudsdale. Her coat was yellow like the sun, and her mane was orange like the color of sunset, and her cutiemark was a sun behind a cloud.

Dodger: A simple easy going punk-type Earth Pony. He had a burgundy coat, with an afro styled brown mane. He wore shades, a leader jacket and pants, and he also had a cutiemark of a disco-ball.

“Yo…!” he would frequently say.


“Good, you’re all here.” The leader said “I was expecting more, but all things start out small I suppose.”

His teammates didn’t look very amused.

“Can we get on with this already?” asked Paige.

The leader cleared his throat. “My name is Beaker. Former science honor-student, graduate of Canterlot University, and am now your proud leader.

We are all gathered here for the same reason: We loathe Starfleet, and all they stand for!”

The team agreed.

“Their murderous monsters!” growled Paige.

“I’ve seen slime piles that were better than those scum-balls.” grumbled Grimer

Sun Dew’s feather’s ruffled as she sneered angrily, “They came to our world, destroyed, rebuilt it in their image, and look at us… and these bodies!! We used to be so much better, on all fours and everything.”

“No joking it…” agreed Dodger “Many came before us. Ace Ray, Brass Bolt, Windy Bag, and they all got slammed into the big house for daring to speak out for justice and rights. Way uncool. Ow!”

“Yes…” agreed Beaker “But where those morons failed, together we shall succeed. We shall rid this world of the Starfleet filth and return to the good old days when life was simple, and all these rules and regulations never were.”

He leap up high and grabbed a large rope, announcing “Welcome to the Industry Dedicated In Overthrowing and Terminating Starfleet!”

He pulled on the rope which pulled a curtain open revealing a large banner with the acronym of their team name. “I- D- I- O- T- S-”

The others all gawked in disgust and insult.

“Um… you realize that spells “Idiots?” complained Grimer.

Beaker gasped, and smacked his head. “It’s too late to change it! I already had the merchandise made-- T-shirts, baseball caps, coffee--

…WE’RE KEEPING THE NAME!!”

The others gave no further complaints.

Beaker huffed softly and smoothed out his mane. “Anyway... I already have a special plan to help us, hence all this equipment, but I can’t even begin to put it into action until we have a vast majority of the public on our side.

We must convince the people-- make them realize that they’re on the wrong side in cheering for Starfleet.

So, how do we do it? Any ideas…?”

Nobody had a clue and they all kept looking back and forth at one another.

Sun finally stood up. “I could make it rain over people’s heads, and they’ll never see sunshine again unless they join up with us.”

The others were all unimpressed. “Yo’ too simple.” said Dodger “Most cats don’t even read the papers anyway.

Hows about this… We have a big disco meetup, for people to live great lives. Cool, easy meaning, and all they gotta do is bust’a moves and get with the grooves, hey?”

Beaker’s head throbbed. “Perhaps “Idiots” is an appropriate name for the group after all. We’re supposed to be winning people over.”

Paige cleared her throat, “There’s only one real way to change how people think, and that’s to know how they think.”

She began to write down notes in her note book, and the others huddled around and liked what she was making.

“An excellent start.” said Beaker.


The next day, morning, when the daily newspaper had come… Lightning went out to collect it as usual.

The paper-colt called to him, “I still respect you, Commander.”

“Thank you.” Lightning called back. It still felt rather comforting to know he was still getting support.

He brought the paper to the table where Starla was feeding Shining Light his breakfast… and having a little trouble as her stubborn son kept pushing her away.

“Come on, Shining, eat your breakfast.”

The baby just continued to turn away, until Starla finally got the spoon in his mouth.


Lightning couldn’t help but chuckle, much to his wife’s annoyance.

Lightning then spotted a notice for a questionnaire poll at the bottom of the paper, in the fun and puzzle section.

He turned to the page and found a questionnaire of multiple choice questions, entitled “What You See in Starfleet.”

All the questions and their answers seemed rather debatable-- from the greatest of praise to the greatest of arrogance.

Examples included…


“How would you say those on Starfleet do their job?”

A: With pure excellence.

B: Not bad in my opinion.

C: Horrid and Pushy.


“If someone you knew was in favor of Starfleet and you were not, you would…”

A: Respect their decisions.

B: Sit down and talk it over, then decide.

C: Chuck them out “like the garbage they support.”


“Would you want Starfleet to leave United Equestria and restore the old rules?”

A: Yes! Get rid of those warmongers.

B: Not sure-- too many pros and cons.

C: No! I like the way things are.

At the end were instructions telling the reader-- if they did the quiz out of genuine poll—to cut the quiz out, and send it back to the publishing office for the poll to be counted.

Lightning could only sigh. “I wish these gossipers would knock it off. This could cause another outburst of overbearing protesters.”

“That’s all we need.” groaned Starla “Still, it is just public opinion, and that’s not too serious.”

Lightning agreed. “At least we know a vast majority of the people are in favor of us anyway.”


Lightning was right too. Lots of ponies and other creatures from all over every major village and city did the quiz, and cut out the quiz, signing their names, and mailing them instantly back to the paper, where Paige was given the results.

A special sorting machine she had gave her results on the computer, and more than 90% of the planet’s populace was all for Starfleet, much to her disgust.

“Morons!” she grumbled in thought, and then she looked at the meager amount of those who were on her side in loathing Starfleet. “At least some have a brain, and they know how to think.”

She was pleased her plan was working, and she knew Beaker would be pleased too.

She, like her other teammates did their absolute best to conceal the existence of the Idiots and their plans… some of which even she didn’t know, as Beaker hadn’t explained anything yet.


Beaker, as the leader, he was the only one who was to organize and arrange meetings at the secret lab, and notify each member of said meetings.

He did this by sending everyone a letter through magical mail. He used old junk mail to keep the cover well, trying to outwit Starfleet’s persnickety detections.

However, each piece of junk mail was marked with a small capital letter “I” in red ink, in the lower right-hand corners. The “I” was the Idiots’ special signal that a meeting was to take place, and the time was written below.


First chance any group member got, the members would sneak off someplace where they could not be seen or heard.

Each member was given a special teleportation device which Beaker had made for them, in the form of a small square remote with a red button. One little push and each member would be instantly transported to the lab under the ocean.

Dodger was late in coming, and everyone gave him a stern look.

“Chill…” he said as he removed his headphones, “When I play my tunes I lose track of time.”

“Maybe you should get a real job,” huffed Grimer “Then you’ll understand the meaning of “punctuality.”

Everyone noted how stinky he smelled, which was expected since he worked in a sewer all day.

“Just don’t breath on me. That’s all I ask.” groaned Sun Dew.

Grimer growled at her.

“All right, enough.” said Beaker “We’ve made the first move, thanks to Paige’s little poll.”

He punched up on the computer the data he was given by Paige.

“Oh, that’s comforting.” said Dodger “Hardly support at all for us. We’re like a lone little square on a disco-ball that’s outshined by the others. Ow!”

Beaker was aware of this too. “It’s all part of the plan.” he said, and he finally revealed to everyone his part of plan which he called “Project Overthrow.”

Sun couldn’t help but mutter to the others, “He can come up with a name like that, yet he calls us “Idiots.”

The others nodded in agreement.

Beaker showed computer images of a machine, in the form of a large ray, he had been working on ever since Starfleet had arrived and United Equestria was started.

“This device is unlike any other. It runs on emotional energies, preferably hate.

Through great research and years of trial and error, I discovered a way of harnessing these emotional patterns of the mind and subconscious, and converted them into energy.”

He demonstrated with a computer simulation, and revealed that the lab had been fitted with miniature antennas that recording and captured the emotional waves of everyone in the room, and transferred those feelings into energy which would power the machine.

Unfortunately, the five of them and the emotions they felt barely gave the machine any more than five percent-- hardly enough to even run a vacuum cleaner or turn on a light.

“Can’t you just keep absorbing our own energies?” asked Grimer “Eventually we'll have all that we need.”

Beaker shook his head “I’m afraid it doesn’t work that way. To make it work effectively, we must absorb the loathing emotions of Starfleet from many ponies and creatures. Not just the same ones over and over.”

Paige held up the envelopes of all those who mailed in against Starfleet. “Then you’ll need these. So we’ll be able to absorb their energies too.”

Beaker nodded and snickered, “This will help us… a little. Even if we do absorb their energy, we’ll still be nowhere near our ultimate goal.”

He punched in his calculations, “Once the ray has enough power, we’ll be able to get of every last Starfleet thing there is on this planet-- the people, the government, including royalty. They’ll be imprisoned, and we’ll never have to put up with them again!”

Everyone’s eyes lit up in extreme interest.

“Those of us who will be left will be able to rebuild and retake what everything once was.” said Beaker.

“Mmm… sounds mighty wicked.” said Dodger.

“If it means no more Starfleet, I’m in.” added Sun.

Grimer wasn’t so sure. “You sure that’ll work? I mean, Starfleet is pretty slick and strong. They may find a way to stop us.”

Beaker scoffed, “All the more reason for us to keep it low, and gather energy while we can.”

Everyone around agreed, with evil expressions.

Then it was off, back to their respective homes, each given a special miniature antenna they could carry with them in their pockets, and use secretly to tap the emotions of those, they sought with the hateful feelings.

They took down all the address, and as they passed by the pony or creature they knew who sent in their polls, while keeping a low profile of course.

Sun had it easier than her teammates, as she could just fly overhead, or hide within the clouds where no one would see her, and she could get all over the planet better than the others to absorb more of the energy faster from the other countries, especially New Ponyville.

“Oh, yuck,” she groaned at what she saw. “It’s Commander Lightning and General Starla, taking their brat for a stroll.”

It sickened even more-- Lightning was kid now, and in spite of that, he still maintained his order, his respect, and command.

“Just when I thought Starfleet couldn’t be any crazier.”


Lightning and Starla were walking along, and while the other citizens were tempted to stop and stare at Lightning’s unusual appearance, out of respect they just went on with their normal daily routines.

Then again, some did stop to pay their respects to the family, and give their respect to Lightning.

“Hope you’re feeling alright, Commander.”

“I still respect you, sir.”

“Glad you’re still with us, Lightning.”

Lightning felt very flattered, but the endless amounts of comments, while flattering, only further hammered the fact he was child, making him feel that bit of discomfort.

Starla reminded him, “Well, at least the people still believe in you.”

Her husband agreed, but he was starting to long for some action and excitement to really prove to himself, and he was about to get it when he saw familiar face coming up the road, that of his apprentice Swift Star, the new cop on the beat doing his patrol rounds.

“Let’s go up and say “Hi.” he suggested.

His wife agreed, but as they walked over there was trouble at a nearby corner shop.

The storekeeper was thundering at a pony who was trying to put up a poster on the store window, where many posters were hung, about ads for other businesses, groups to join, even babysitter contact info…

…But this pony was being denied by the keeper for posting up an “Anti-Starfleet League” he was trying to put together.

“You may not post that on my store-window!” the storekeeper bellowed.

“You said you allow ponies to post things all the time!” protested the other pony.

“You didn’t ask for permission inside, and even if you had, there is no way I’ll let you post filth like this!”

The other pony’s head throbbed. “Oh, so you’re a Starfleet supporter, eh? Well that makes you just as scum and as bile as they are!” and in protest, he slashed his hand at the window, knocking some of the ads off, and cracking the window as well, which prompted the keeper to fight with her broom at the hooligan, but Swift intervened.

“All right, break it up!” he shouted as he stood between the two.

“Get out of the way Star Punk!” growled the rude pony, and he foolishly attempted to rush past him and attack the shopkeeper, promoting swift to slap magical handcuffs on him. “Okay, that’ll be enough out of you! You’re under arrest for attempted assault and violation of public property!”

Naturally, the rude pony didn’t have any hope of struggling free while cuffed, or against Swift’s superior strength, but he did rudely spit in the officer’s face, which wasn’t smart, and he ranted right at him. “You Starfleet… you’re all the same! You have no respect for other people’s opinions and you arrest them at the drop of a hat just to prove how much better you are.”

Swift looked him dead in the eyes and gave him a deep and harsh lecture, “You listen here, tunnel mouth… We respect that folks like you have bad opinions of us, but it’s already more than we can bear, especially when you try to turn the public against us, but when you decide to break the laws by physically attacking those who don’t share your views, then yes, we will arrest you at the drop of a hat!

Maybe the next time you think about pulling such a stunt, you’ll think twice.”


“Swift!” called Lightning as he and Starla came up to him, and they offered to help him bring the punk to the nearest police station, unaware that Sun had seen the whole thing occur, and she did manage to capture the punks hate energy for Beaker’s machine.

Still, it made her sick-- as she complete misinterpreted Starfleet’s actions-- watching them drag, whom she regarded as a well-meaning citizen, off to answer for his doings. “You’ll get yours soon, Starfleet. That’s a promise.”

Then she flew away to look for more energy to gather.


The punk was brought to the nearest station, and he had a choice to pay a one-thousand bit fine or go to jail for six months. The fine was paid, and he was also given an immediate probation. If he committed a crime again within the next month, it would be jail.

“Someday…” the punk threatened “Someday, you crooked cops will get what’s coming to you.” and he left in a huff.


Swift could only scoff, “Punk. I don’t know why we bother putting up with people like them.”

“Take it easy, Swift.” said Lightning. “I’m proud of you. You’re really doing well at this job. I’m especially proud you were able to handle this arrest without having fight. You keep it up, and you’ll finish your probationary period with flying colors.”

Swift had been a cop on the beat for the past seven months, and while he did enjoy getting a good word from his superiors, all he could do was nod with a dismayed expression.

“Is something wrong?” asked Starla.

Swift sighed, “I’ve made so many arrests all this time. You’ve received my reports….?”

“Yes, and they’re all fair and top-notched.” replied Lightning “You’ve done everything straight to the manual, and not once have I seen your name on bad report.”

Swift didn’t seem proud, “That’s all about the thanks I get. Usually it’s always the same story-- the punks yell at me, they insult me, and even then the people that I help are hardly too grateful these days.

They do say “thank you.” once in a while, but I can’t help but feel a bit underappreciated.”

Lightning and Starla felt sympathy for him.

“You knew it was all going to be part of the job when you signed up, right?” asked Starla “We’re not in this business for thanks and praise; it’s about helping people and maintaining order and peace.”

“I know,” said Swift “It’s just a little harder to take all this in than I thought.”

Lightning patted his apprentice on the back, for he couldn’t reach his shoulders, “Just remember, son… I trained you well for this, and someday you’re going to have to choose where and how to take it to the next level…

Will you be on the frontlines, like we are and fight the monsters?

Will you be a sentry and make sure people are secure and protected during times of danger?

Or maybe you’ll be a lookout, to help us keep watch for things out of place?

Either way Swift, people are entitled to their opinions. Sometimes they lack their manners and courtesy, and the best you can hope for is a simple thank you, but the whole point is to keep everyone safe, even the rude people, and you get paid for it just like the rest of us.

The point is, you know that Starfleet, like any job or anything in life, has its perks and its drawbacks. Its ups and its downs, and you have to roll with it.

He paused and motioned to himself, “Just look at me, I’m still getting used to being shorter and cuter, but I still have to do my job because no one else can, and I’m proud to do with regardless of what people think of me.”

Swift smiled proudly, “Well, I still don’t want it to get to me that much and I will continue with what I do best.”

Starla grinned proudly. “Good for you. I wouldn’t be surprised if you made Captain, in a year or two like we did.”

Hearing that made Swift feel even more thankful, and he set off to get back on duty.


Lightning was very proud of how far Swift had come since they had first met, and it only inspired him further to face his own problems head on and not let Starfleet, the planet, the entire universe down.

He just hoped he wasn’t biting off more than he could chew.


(Promo)

In our next episode: While training to keep up with his new body, Lightning discovers his lack of full strength, and it couldn’t come at a worse time when Starlight returns to United Equestria to finish what she began and exact her vengeance Celestia.

Can Lightning prove his worth to the force? What plans does Starlight have?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “It’s about the size of it.”)