//------------------------------// // Chapter 11 - Mechanical Mayhem // Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds // by Kamahido //------------------------------// Arc returns to The Equinox with his troops. As they enter the ship he turns to them. “Good work back there. Everyone get some rest now and a bite to eat. We’re going to be plenty busy when we get back to the Crystal Empire.” They salute and hurry away as Arc makes his way to the Bridge. Entering, he walks over to Soarin. “Any changes, captain?” Soarin shakes his head. “Nothing came over the radio from Princess Cadance since you left, sir.” Wrangler grins. “No news is good news, sir.” Arc sighs. “Hopefully that holds true. Wrangler?” “Sir?” “Keep the weapons on standby. Moon Dancer, what is the status of the griffon fleet?” “They’re turning around and flying east, sir.” “Good. Keep monitoring them and make sure they don’t double back. Lord Adalbert gave me his word, naturally. But that doesn’t mean we should just accept that blindly. Thunderlane, set a course for the Crystal Empire at maximum speed.” “Aye, sir.” “We’re not out of the woods yet. Everyone stay sharp. Lemon Hearts, I need a secure line to Princess Cadance. Patch her through to my office when you can.” “Right away, sir.” Arc leaves the Bridge and heads back to his office. Sitting down at the desk, he swivels around in his chair to look out the window. “That’s one less thing to worry about. But I can’t help but wonder just how exactly Celestia and Decimus convinced the griffons to help them.” A few minutes later the phone rings. Arc picks it up. “Hello?” “Arc, this is Cadance. Is everything alright?” “Yes. I was able to convince the griffons to turn around and fly back to the Griffon Kingdom.” Cadance sounds relieved. “That’s good! We don’t need to be forced to fight on two fronts, after all.” “Right. How are things going over there?” “Shining Armor and I have made the announcement to the public regarding the impending attack. They’ve been ordered to take refuge in the Crystal Castle rather than sheltering in place.” “You think this is going to get bad?” “I do. We’ve picked up a very large force heading our way. It’s much bigger than originally thought.” Arc frowns. “More ships? Where from?” “No idea. It could be some kind of interference, I suppose.” “Could it be a malfunction?” “Possible, but unlikely. My technicians tell me that the instruments are working as intended.” “So we have to go with the assumption that Celestia and Decimus have indeed put together a larger force to attack us with.” “It would appear so. Although where they came from is certainly a mystery.” “Well, I’ll be back there in an hour or so. Then we can wait for this new threat together.” “That is indeed a comforting thought. Our soldiers became quite distressed when they heard you had departed, Arc.” “Oh?” “You’re presence gives everypony hope for a positive outcome. After all, you’ve presided over several conflicts now.” “Nothing major though.” “Canterlot when Decimus attacked, the peace summit against the Council of Shadows, and most recently Ponyville.” Arc frowns. “That last one didn’t end well though.” “Did anypony lose their life?” “Not on our side, but…” “Then that’s a victory. Buildings can be rebuilt and inhabitants returned to their homes. But a dead loved one is gone forever.” “I suppose that’s true.” “With you here, our soldiers will be emboldened to fight even harder. Of that I am certain.” “Then I shall try not to disappoint.” “That’s all we can ask of anypony. In any case, I recommend you get some rest while you still can, Arc.” “I’ll try.” “See you soon.” “Bye.” Arc hangs up the phone and leans back in his chair for a few moments. Opening a portal, he returns to his room and lies down. Staring up at the ceiling, he muses to himself. “It doesn’t make any sense. There weren’t that many ships in Canterlot Castle’s Hanger. Where did this force come from?” Groaning, he puts a hand over his face and sighs. “This is just so… wait a minute! Scootaloo!” Reaching out, Arc calls to his thrall telepathically. “Can you hear me, Scootaloo?” “Yes, Big Brother. What’s up?” “Princess Cadance just told me that a large airship force has been detected coming from the direction of Canterlot.” “Oh?” “Yes. Any idea where it came from?” Scootaloo shakes her head. “Not from our hanger, no. That much I’m completely sure of.” “Did Decimus say anything about it?” “Not a word. But word from him has been pretty scarce ever since he retreated to your base in Ponyville.” “Alright. Let me know if something changes.” “Okay. Um… are you okay, Big Brother?” “I suppose. Why do you ask?” “Remember, as your thrall I can sense things from you. You’re worried right now, aren’t you?” “Very.” “Do you want me to do anything?” “Just keep doing what you’ve been doing and let me know if something on your end changes.” “Okay. There is one thing that kinda bothers me though.” “Oh?” “With both Decimus and Celestia gone, the troops have started coming to me for directions on what to do. I’m even being referred to as ‘commander’ by the guards now.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “Did Decimus tell them to do that?” “I already asked them that. Frow what I gather he didn’t say anything to anypony before leaving the castle.” “Is there anyone else there with any significant rank?” “Nopony above a sergeant, no.” “That doesn’t make sense. Decimus is doing absolutely nothing to defend Canterlot or the castle.” “Almost like he expects you to try and take it.” “Yeah. But one thing at a time, I suppose. First we need to make sure the Crystal Empire stays standing.” “Good luck out there, Big Brother.” Arc grins. “You too… commander.” He severs the connection and closes his eyes. “Decimus… what are you up to? None of this makes any sense. Have you just abandoned Canterlot because it isn’t of value to your plans? Or are you putting all your eggs in one basket with this attack?” Sighing, Arc rolls over to lay on his side. “Again very few answers.” Sometime later Arc awakens to the sound of his earring chirping. Groggily, he touches it. “Arc here.” “This is Lemon Hearts, sir. We’ve just entered the Crystal Empire’s airspace.” “Good. Head for the castle and land in front of it. Notify my soldiers to meet me on deck as soon as possible. Keep the ship ready for takeoff though.” “Yes sir.” “With luck we’ll make it through this. Arc out.” He severs the connection and stands. Stretching, Arc groans as he calls forth his armor. “Well… let’s get this thing started.” Heading for the Main Hatch, Arc steps out onto the deck. His forces stand in rows on either side forming a path toward the gangplank. Each Earth Pony and Pegasi soldier has a rifle slung over their shoulders as they await orders. They salute as he makes his way toward the gangplank. Sereb stands at the top awaiting him. Arc walks past his troops silently and mounts him. Pulling the Spear of Righteousness from his ring, Arc points. “Follow me!” Silently descending the gangplank, Arc looks around at the innumerable citizens making their way to the castle. They stop and step to either side of the street as Arc and his forces make their way off the ship. Leading the soldiers down the road, the Crystal Ponies clop their hooves happily as they see Arc leading the procession. Sereb turns to look over his shoulder. “It would appear we’re drawing a crowd.” Arc nods. “That we are.” “You’re giving them hope. Things were rather… dreary while you were gone.” “Was it that bad?” “Worse, actually.” Arc chuckles. “Then let’s give them a reason to smile.” “How, Arc?” “By turning back this invasion.” Continuing on toward the city wall, Sereb carries Arc up to the ramparts where a very nervous looking Lieutenant Trixie is waiting for him. She salutes as he dismounts. “We’re all ready, sir.” “Have all preparations been carried out exactly as I ordered?” Trixie nods. “Yes sir. Trixie has seen to it personally.” “Good. How much longer do we have?” “They’ll be within visual range in fifteen minutes, sir.” “Alright.” He looks around and sees the Crystal Defenders lined up on the walls, their horns primed and ready. Turning back to his troops, he motions with a wave of his spear. “Advance to the wall! Take up positions between the Crystal Defenders!” They obey silently. In moments the troops are in position. Trixie looks again to Arc. “Sir, Trixie believes that the troops could use some encouragement from you before the fighting starts.” Arc nods. “Agreed.” He clears his throat before jumping up onto the wall and speaking. “LISTEN UP, ALL OF YOU! FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THIS NATION’S UNIFICATION WE WILL BE FIGHTING A BONA-FIDE BATTLE ON EQUESTRIAN SOIL! FOR OVER A THOUSAND YEARS THINGS WERE PEACEFUL, AND THE LAND KNEW NOTHING OF THE SWORD AND SHIELD! THAT CHANGES HERE AND NOW! PRINCESS CELESTIA BELIEVES A QUICK VICTORY IS IN ORDER! THAT HER FORCES WILL COME AND DESTROY OUR RESOLVE WITH A SHOW OF AEIAL MIGHT AND MILITARY FORCE! THERE MAY COME A DAY WHEN THIS LAND FALLS! BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY! THE DAY MAY COME WHEN THE HAPPY TIMES ARE ALL BUT FORGOTTEN! BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY! THE DAY MAY COME… WHEN THIS CITY IS TAKEN FROM THE MARES AND STALLIONS WHOM CALL IT HOME! BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY! LET THOSE WHOM WOULD SEEK TO DRIVE US AWAY KNOW THAT WE WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT! THAT WE WILL NOT SURRENDER THIS CITY WITHOUT A FIGHT! THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE AND IT’S INHABITANTS ARE GOING TO LIVE ON! THEY’RE GOING TO SURVIVE! BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY… WE’RE NOT BACKING DOWN! NOT NOW, NOT EVER! SHOULD WE FAIL HERE, THERE IS NOTHING STANDING BETWEEN THE ENEMY AND OUR FAMILIES IN THE CASTLE! IF ANYONE HAS ANY THOUGHTS OF GIVING UP… OF RETREATING… I WANT THEM TO REMEMBER THAT! REMEMBER… THAT IF WE DO NOT HOLD THIS LINE HERE AND NOW… THEN OUR ENEMY WINS! AND FOR THAT VERY REASON THERE WILL BE NO SURRENDER… AND NO RETREAT! The soldiers cheer as Arc hops down from the wall. A short time later he looks out toward the approaching armada and grimaces as he touches his earring. “Lemon Hearts. Open the master secure channel.” “Yes sir.” A few moments later Cadance’s voice rings out. “Cadance here, sir.” Arc grimaces. “Please don’t call me that.” Cadance sighs. “Alright.” “Are you and Shining Armor ready?” Shining Armor calls out. “We are, Arc.” Cadance nods. “The Crystal Heart is in position and ready for our spell.” “Good. Anything I should know before we start?” Shining Armor replies nervously. “Just one thing, Arc. Ember is gone.” “Gone?” Cadance bows her head. “She told me that there was something she had to do and just flew off a short time ago.” Arc puts a gauntlet to his chin. “That’s not like her at all. But I suppose that doesn’t matter at the moment. We’ll continue with the plan as laid out.” Shining Armor nods soberly. “Yes sir.” Arc clears his throat. “You get that, Flash Sentry?” “I did, sir. All communication lines are open and my scouts are in position around the city. They’ll call out any pertinent information to me for analysis so we can adapt our plan if necessary.” “Let me know if we need to make any changes on the fly.” “Yes sir.” “What’s the status of the big guns?” Sunburst calls out over the radio. “Ready to deploy, sir.” Stellar Flare speaks as the sound of a metal access panel slamming shut rings out. “We just put the finishing touches on the second gun. It’s finally ready, and not a moment too soon.” “Very good. Get yourselves and copilots aboard and prepare for battle.” Sunburst and Stellar Flare reply in unison. “Aye, sir!” Arc looks toward his ship as he speaks. “Captain Soarin, get The Equinox in the air and prepare weapons.” “Yes sir. And the O.R.B?” “Divert all non-essential power to the weapons. We need maximum firepower to pull this one off.” Wrangler grins. “Aye, sir. I’m packin’ and itching to get started!” Moon Dancer calls out nervously. “Sir, scans show the enemy fleet to be changing formation.” “Oh?” Thunderlane looks through a pair of binoculars. “They’re lining up. Probably to maximize their firepower. But… those don’t look like any Equestrian ships I’ve ever seen before.” Flash Sentry frowns. “My scouts can’t identify them either.” Cadance grits her teeth. “This changes nothing. We still have no choice but to fight!” Arc nods. “Agreed. But let’s wait for our opponents to make the first move here if possible.” Flash Sentry calls out over the radio. “Sir, I have visual confirmation! A new experimental ship is moving to the front of the pack!” Sunburst groans. “That complicates this.” Shining Armor raises an eyebrow, confused. “Sir?” Stellar Flare sighs. “This prototype has extremely thick armor plating. It’s not likely anything here, other than The Equinox itself, could do any real damage to it.” Wrangler grins. “Then I’ll just have to see to it that’s a priority!” Arc nods. “Agreed. That’s also where the commander of this mission probably is. If we can take them down with any luck the command structure will fall apart.” Moon Dancer sighs. “Please bear in mind that it was most likely built from the most advanced plans, sir. Every major design flaw was ironed out with the building and testing of the Lunar Destiny and The Equinox.” Soarin sighs. “I wish we knew more about it.” Flash Sentry grimaces. “It’s a near perfect design.” Sunburst chuckles. “Not quite. Remember, that ship won’t have the advanced engines, weapons, or an O.R.B. system installed.” Stellar Flare gasps. “Right. Can’t build anything without blueprints.” Arc grins. “Let’s use that to our advantage then.” Cadance frowns. “How?” “Keep an eye on it. When it gets within range we’ll let them have it. For now, deploy the big guns.” Flash Sentry nods. “Aye, sir.” He motions to an aide. They send the message as Arc turns to gaze out over the wall. A few minutes later two very fast armored vehicles speed into view from opposite directions. They stop just in front of the wall after turning to face the incoming enemy forces. As the top hatches of the first vehicle open Hammer and Auriel peek out of one. They look up and wave. Hammer is, naturally, the first one to speak. “Hey there, handsome! I’m told you need some cover fire!” “Probably will, yes.” Auriel nods soberly. “We’ll keep them away from the walls as best we can!” The second vehicle gets into position and parks. It opens to allow Sunburst and Stellar Flare to poke their heads out. Stellar Flare calls out first. “We’re here, commander!” Sunburst pats the tank, clearly impressed. “Indeed! This piece of technology is amazing!” Hammer grins as she turns to him. “That it is. Just be sure to keep my other baby in pristine condition. I don’t want to see her blown up again.” Sunburst appears suddenly nervous. “A-again?!” Stellar Flare gasps. “What happened?!” Hammer points a thumb at Arc. “Some jerk through an aircraft at it.” Arc chuckles. “Sorry about that.” “Nah, my sisters and I kinda deserved it. Now then, you two familiar with the modifications?” Sunburst nods. “We are.” Stellar Flare looks down at the controls below her. “I’ve been practicing for some time now, yes.” Arc looks to them. “And you two are okay doing this?” Sunburst sighs. “We kinda have to.” Stellar Flare groans. “Right. Nopony else qualified to operate this machine is available right now.” Arc nods. “I suppose not. Just remember what’s at stake here.” Sunburst salutes. “Aye, sir.” Arc looks around. “Uh… anyone seen Rose?” Hammer looks around. “She’s finishing up a charging session. Said she’d be here in time for the fight though.” As if on cue, Rose hurries up the stairs to the wall. “Sorry I’m late. My calculations say that we’ll need every bit of energy to defeat the oncoming foes.” Arc chuckles. “It’s fine, Rose. Thanks for coming. But for now … we wait.” Lemon Hearts calls out. “Sir, the enemy fleet is slowing down.” “Range?” “Too far to have any accuracy with projectiles or magic.” Rose nods. “Agreed. Any offensive action now would be useless.” Flash Sentry frowns. “Steady everypony. This has to be a…” A familiar voice rings out over the radio and Arc’s earring. “…trap?” Arc frowns. “What the…?” Hammer gasps. “Colonel Diva?!” “Sunset Shimmer at the moment, traitor.” Arc groans. “Great. Let me guess. You’re commanding this fleet?” “As per my former teacher’s orders, yes.” Sunburst grits his teeth. “Did Princess Celestia put you up to this?!” “Put me up to? Lead Sage, this operation was her idea.” Auriel gasps. “Impossible!” Sunset Shimmer giggles. “And yet here I am.” Rose frowns. “What is it you want?!” “I do believe the terms of surrender were in Celestia’s most recent letter to her niece.” Arc frowns. “None of that is happening! Go back to Celestia and tell her that…!” Sunset Shimmer cuts him off. “You can tell her yourself when I drag you before her in chains, animal!” Auriel calls out. “Wait! Miss, I just want to ask you one thing!” Sunset Shimmer scoffs. “Ah, yes. Doctor Knowles’ little demon bastard. What is it?” “Why are you doing all of this? None of it makes any sense!” “Our ends are well beyond your understanding, peon. Now then, I will give you one final chance to surrender before all of you are steamrolled by our new allies.” Arc raises an eyebrow. “What new allies?!” Hammer clenches a fist. “More androids?!” Sunset Shimmer shakes her head and grins wickedly. “No. These ones are flesh and blood. Well… more or less. And they’re anxious to get started.” Arc sighs. “I’ll bet they are.” Cadance frowns. “Arc… your orders?” “Shining Armor… Cadance… do it.”