//------------------------------// // Crystal Star Ch2: Lost // Story: Crystal Star // by MaxFlames //------------------------------// {April 2st, 2015, United States of America, 6:48pm} The sounds of the hanger were something Dr. Vahlen had to get used to, but she was always the first non-technician at it after a mission. She stood out of the way of the landing, but was close enough to immediately see whatever the soldier’s managed to bring back. This had given various people incorrect impressions about her, but she ignored them except when they brought it up to her face. Today was no different, though now she had someone else with her. “Hello Doctor Vahlen, glad to see you are still making your trips here.” Dr Shen said,trying to have a conversation with Vahlen. “I don’t have many reasons to be glad, seeing as another pair of soldiers have gotten killed in this war. The only saving grace of this mission is that one of the xenos has been captured alive this time, unlike the many times our soldiers used explosives… and yet there is an entire specialization for it now.” Vahlen said, trying to shut down this conversation quickly. “... So, what do you think the new alien is anyway?” “According to a recording of a radio communication from the soldier who found it, it attacked another x-ray, so I’m going to guess it is some sort of attack dog that was poorly trained, at least till I’m able to see it for myself” Vahlen said, looking over her messy note about her first impressions at that information. “Perhaps it is really some sort of mechanical creation that had a glitch in it’s system. If that is the case, then it could perhaps be remade by us as a soldier.” Shen said, his hand holding a camera, hoping to get any information on any alien technology they obtain. “Unfortunately, that is impossible, given machines can’t be shut down with the Arc Thrower, meaning it has to be organic.” “Fine, then what if it is something like one of the units we have seen before, but it attacked another due to infighting” Shen asked, and Vahlen began to ponder about that possibility. “If what you suggest is the truth, what would cause this infighting? The xenos so far have shown no major interactions with each other, other than the Sectoids’ mind merge.” Vahlen asked. Before either got an opportunity to figure out an answer, the skyrangers returned to base. As they do, various personnel began rushing around, from engineers to scientists, all having everything handled. As the backs of the Skyrangers opened, Shen saw a  group of scientists get really happy and a few others passed around some money. He was used to a few soldiers doing that, but why the scientists? “I’m guessing the scientists have a bet on if they would bring any in alive today?” Shen asked, remembering losing a 20 because of his bet. “... No, it is something… different…” Vahlen said, glad she didn’t participate in it. The both of them walk towards the Skyrangers as the soldiers step out. Out of the 2 squads of 4, 5 came back alive. “They are all yours Doc” A soldier named Lawrence said to Vahlen as he passed by the pair. That’s when they saw… it… She almost wanted to think it was a prank, but there it was, a purple, quite small, horse. “That looks like one of Lily’s toys became flesh and blood without any changes at all” Said Dr. Shen. “I hope that doesn’t mean you’re going to get attached to it. After a preliminary examination, it will be immediately Interrogated, as would any other specimen captured alive.” Vahlen said, while looking over the name of it, and was happy to find it was still empty. “Now, this… Pforda-”   “Ah, I think you mean Cerapter” Vahlen was interrupted by Shen, and just stared at him and shook her head.  “Though, I doubt the invaders are trying to create infiltration units for horses, it seems to be a twisted facsimile of a horse. For example, in addition to the easily noticed wings and horn, there seems to be no clear hoof structure on its legs. The “coat” of the creature also is an odd purple color, as well as it’s “mane” sharing the color in different shades, though I can’t currently determine if it is genetic manipulation that causes the color or if it is a dye.”  Both doctors followed alongside the specimen as it was moved towards the lab. Vahlen grabbed one of its wings and lifted it as the specimen let out a dull groan. “It appears that the wings of this creature are either meant for high speeds or passive soaring, though they don’t seem to be powerful enough to lift it. There is a high chance that it uses some other force or ability to fly, in addition to the wings.” “Or it could be like how bumblebees fly,” Shen remarks. Vahlen breathes in deeply, and clenches her fist a few times before returning her focus to the specimen. They arrive at the labs, as Vahlen pulls the transport platform farther in and continues as the other scientists prepare the interrogation chamber. She then moves the lips to examine the teeth. “Interesting. It seems that it is a herbivore, like the horses of earth, which is odd as we are not sure how the aliens obtain their nutrients given the sectiod’s lack of a mouth. There also appears to be a bit of food still stuck in these molars, which I will have tests run on so I can at least determine its origin. Now then, is the Interrogation Chamber ready yet?” One of the scientists nods, as Vahlen steps back as another moves the specimen into the chamber. “I would watch this historic discovery, but I don’t want to have to think about my daughters toy scream bloody murder when I get home.” Shen said as he walked out of the lab, with a faint feeling that something bad was about to happen. --- Twilight groaned, her eyes heavy and her head feeling like it was hit by a brick! She attempted to open her eyes, but they felt too heavy. “Ugh, what happened? The last thing I remember is… I don’t even know right now,” She tried to open her eyes, but she quickly got blinded by a bright white light, “Oww, that’s annoying.” She closed her eyes again, and heard different groups of unintelligible noises. She managed to open her eyes again, and saw a lot of different Human-like creatures in lab coats, though she had to look through glass to see them. She began to stand up, and clear her head. “Ahem, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria. I’m not sure how I got here, but your help in getting home would be greatly appreciated.” Twilight said, not sure of how else to get their help so quickly. They seem to ignore her. “... um, hello? Can you understand me? Hello?” Twilight asked worriedly, as one of the creatures pressed something, as odd metal hoove-like structures came out of the walls. “W-what are you doing? I-I don’t like this!” Twilight cried out, her fear beginning to take over, and her horn beginning to glow brightly. One of the creatures began to press more buttons, as another looked worried. The metal hooves began to buzz loudly as blue energy surrounded them. “G-get those away from me!” She screamed as forced the things back, and the metal bent and tore. Many of the creatures began to back away as the hooves coursed with even more energy, and Twilight began to feel it in her head! She screamed out in pain as her magic poured out of her horn and she suddenly teleported above a desk, falling onto it. The desk broke under Twilight’s weight, causing so many things to go everywhere. Her entire body ached, and her mind felt like it was on fire, which wasn’t helped by sudden alarms blaring. She groaned, and began to try to get up. --- Vahlen watched the creature begin to freak out like the others, but something was horrifyingly wrong.