//------------------------------// // Episode 4: Theories Go Wild // Story: Star Trek Equestria: Reformatted: Emergence // by Captain_Cosmos //------------------------------// “Captain’s Log Supplemental, Admiral Vance has authorized upgrades to the USS Equestria ahead of its previously scheduled refit due to actually leaving drydock before all of its intended systems were installed and brought online. Good thing we didn’t need that Spore Drive Mk 3. Teletran is assisting in the upgrades given the USS Equestria’s newly acquired sentience. In the meantime, Voyager K has returned from a survey in the Gamma Quadrant, just in time for me to have a bombshell to drop on a pair of special people in my life.” “You’re kidding.” A human female commander ranked science officer said to Proxima. “This has to be a joke.” A human female lieutenant commander engineering officer said. Proxima shook her head. “I’m being serious mom, momma.” She told her two mothers. “My crew and I made first contact with literal transformers. And now the USS Equestria itself is a transformer.” She said. The three were sitting in the mess hall sharing a drink, and Proxima caught her two mothers up on her first mission. “Proxima, the Transformers is an ancient earth franchise.” Proxima’s mom said. “Fiction.” Proxima just tapped her combadge to bring up her tricorder HUD and showed them the footage it recorded during the mission. “Alright then, watch this. And then, I’ll bring you onboard to MEET the ones we rescued.” She told her mothers. Proxima’s two mothers glanced at each other before watching the footage. Proxima could see the shock on their faces forming as the footage progressed. “Holy Scrap.” The Commander said. “This is real footage?” The LT Cmdr asked. “As real as it gets.” Proxima responded. “And just keep watching to see something truly insane.” Her mothers kept watching and saw the Equestria’s transformation into Harmony CyberSpark, and her subsequent handling of the Emerald Rogues. “And who’s this?” The Commander asked. “Harmony CyberSpark.” Proxima responded. “Effectively the first Cybertronian Starfleet Vessel.” “Oh I have got to meet her.” The Commander replied. “I’ll take you aboard, but first…There’s something else that came up out there.” Proxima responded. “What is it Proxi?” The Lt. Cmdr asked. Space: The final frontier. This is the story of the USS Equestria. A ship fresh out of construction, with a crew fresh from the Academy. Together they will embark on a mission of discovery, and evolution. They will explore a strange new frontier, seek out new life and a new civilization, and boldly go farther than anyone has ever gone. Onboard the Equestria, in the Shuttlebay, Blitzwing let out a grumble in annoyance. “We should just take Harmony and go.” He said. “We don’t need these organics to come with us.” “Actually we kinda do.” Cliffjumper responded. “And why’s that?” Blitz asked. “Because it’s THEIR ship we turned into a Titan. And I’m pretty sure Harmony has already sworn loyalty to them.” Cliff responded. “If Teletran is to be believed.” “Well, I still don’t get why we need to wait around.” Blitz said. “Can’t they just load up supplies and be done with it.” “Oh for primus’s sake Blitz.” Cliff responded. “These people don’t have to help us. They are under no obligation to, and yet they are. Just be grateful. Would you rather be stuck in stasis?” Cliff asked. “Better than waiting around.” Blitz responded. Cliff just shook his head. “I’m gonna go ask if I can go down to Earth’s Surface. Need to stretch my wheels.” He said. “Don’t do anything while I’m gone.” He warned Blitz as he walked over to a Starfleet engineer. Blitz just rolled his eyes, before an idea came to him. Admiral Vance placed his hand on a DNA scanner, and after confirmation, a door opened. “We recently did a reorganization of the vault. And moved the pod into the new maximum security section.” He said to Captain Proxima and her mothers. “Maximum security?” The commander asked. “Proxima’s origins are still the biggest mystery currently.” Vance responded as he led the three in. “And we’re still studying it. Suffice to say, it would be catastrophic to lose it.” “Makes sense.” The lieutenant commander replied. The four approached another door, and a computer voice spoke to them. “Authorized personnel only, state name, rank, and intention.” It said. “Fleet Admiral Charles Vance. Here with Captain Proxima Maxima of the USS Equestria, and Commander Hannah Maxima, and Lieutenant Commander Belana Maxima of the Voyager K. We’re here to examine the pod found 22 years ago in the aftermath of the DMA Disaster.” Admiral Vance responded. “Standby for Identity Scan.” The computer responded as it scanned all four officers. “Identities confirmed. Access granted.” It said as the door opened up. The four walked into the section, Hannah spoke up after a moment. “So why did you want us here Admiral?” She asked. “I assume Captain Maxima told you about the new theory regarding her origins? Related to our Cybertronian guests?” Vance asked. “Yeah she told us. She was gonna take us aboard to meet them when you called.” Belana responded. “Glad I got you before that. Because I think you should bring them this.” He said as they turned the corner and spied an oval shaped object, the very pod that Proxima arrived in all those years ago. “Every time I see this thing it gets smaller.” Proxima commented. “Or you just get bigger.” Hannah responded. “With this new theory in play, and with the arrival of our Cybertronian guests, there is an opportunity to maybe at last close the book on this particular mystery.” Vance explained. “Maybe one of them recognizes this pod.” “I mean, that doesn’t necessarily mean this pod came FROM them. An oval is a basic shape and its design is pretty universal.” Belana said. “Maybe. But if nothing else they might be able to point us in the right direction.” Vance responded. “So what I’m hearing is, you want us to bring this pod with us on our mission?” Proxima asked. “Precisely.” Vance responded. “Consider it a bonus objective. While you’re out there, find out who made this pod.” “Aye sir.” Proxima responded. “Load it up as soon as possible.” Vance said as he left. With Vance gone, the three Maximas turned back to look at the pod. “I almost wish we were coming with you. So we can finally solve this mystery together.” Hannah commented. “Starfleet won’t risk any additional officers when they still have duties here.” Proxima responded. “Still would've been nice.” Belana said as she scanned the pod with her tricorder. She shook her head. “Its scan reflecting systems are still active. Damn, even after all these years, it still wants to hide its secrets.” “Let’s see if our Cybertronian friends can tell us what this is.” Proxima said as she touched the pod and tapped her combadge. “Proxima to Equestria, three to beam over.” She said. All three Maximas and the pod vanished in a flash, now onboard the Equestria. “Hey Kasey?” Asked Norman. “Yes Jack?” Kasey asked. “What ship class is the Equestria? Just so we all remember what it started as. “Jack asked. Kasey smiled. She, Boimler, Jack Norman, Yamik, Risa, and Shron were all in a lounge area. With the Equestria in Drydock they didn’t have a lot to do. “USS Equestria, NCC-122723. Hydra Class. A long range Intel Exploration Cruiser and Escort Destroyer. 15 type 200 Phaser Arrays, three fore torpedo launchers, three Aft torpedo launchers, three Dual Heavy Phaser Cannons, and three Dual Phaser Beam Banks. And her systems include a shuttle fabrication replicator, cloaking device, a Mk 3 Spore Drive. And she’s capable of MultiVector Separation, allowing her offensive potential from three vectors.” She said. “And now the USS Equestria is equipped with a transformation ability to transform into the Cybertronian Titan Harmony CyberSpark.” Shron added, earning a chuckle out of everyone. “Are we now crewing the most powerful ship in the fleet?” Risa asked. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we were crewing the most powerful ship in the GALAXY.” Yamik responded. “You saw what Harmony did to those Emerald Rogues.” “Sliced them up like they were nothing.” Jack commented. “Too bad her T-Cog’s busted. Would LOVE to see her do that again.” Yamik said. “Take heart Yamik.” Boimler said. “Once we find Cybertron, she’ll be back to 100%.” “Are you sure there’s NOTHING we can do here Phlox?” Risa asked. “Cybertronian Biology is still completely alien to me, and everyone in Starfleet. Even if I had the tools I’m not sure if I could do it.” Phlox responded. “The only thing we CAN do right now is take out the Cog and introduce a second clog so that the flowing Energon can be used in other places.” Kasey said. “Isn’t a second clog a BAD thing?” Shron asked. “Teletran, Blitzwing, and Cliffjumper couldn’t think of a good reason NOT to. And right now Energon is at a premium. So it makes sense to make the most efficient use of it.” Kasey explained. “Should we stop by the Derelict before heading out?” Yamik asked. “See if they had any energon aboard?” The 6 officers glanced at each other, coming to a realization. “Good point Yamik.” Shron responded. “It wouldn’t hurt to check.” “Anyone know where Sela or Proxima are?” Risa asked. “Let’s com the commander.” Phlox responded. His fellow officers nodded and got up out of their seats, going off to find Proxima. “Sela. This is an…unexpected call.” Said a male vulcan on a viewscreen. “Father.” Sela responded simply, it was not lost on her the disdain in the Vulcan’s voice. A disdain she had come to expect from him. “What is the nature of this call?” Her father asked flatly. “I am calling to inform you that I will be away on mission for a while, outside of the galaxy.” Sela replied. “As such we will likely not be able to communicate as easily or have as many chances.” She explained. “I see.” Her father responded. “For what reason do we need to be informed?” He asked. “Because despite all the signs you have given me over the years pointing to the contrary, I still harbor a belief that you care about your daughter and would wish her well on a dangerous mission.” Sela responded coldly. “Your belief is misplaced.” Her father said. “You are a disappointment and a disgrace to our family and it would be best if we terminated contact permanently.” He told her. Hearing that, Sela’s anger boiled hotter than it already was as she clenched her fists on the desk. “...So be it.” Sela responded after her brain processed what her father just said to her. “Live Long and Prosper, all of you.” She told her father. Rather than repeat the Sentiment, the male Vulcan just cut the connection. Leaving Sela alone in her quarters on the Equestria. “Computer.” Sela said. The familiar beep told her the computer was listening. “Erase all members of the house of T’Pala from my contact list permanently.” She said. “This action cannot be undone. Please confirm that you wish to proceed.” The computer responded. One word, that was all Sela needed to say. She stared at the names of the contacts she was intending to delete. Thinking back to all the pain she had received from her so called family through the vast majority of her life. By all accounts she should have done it years ago, but despite that, she kept a door open for them as it were, a chance for them to change. But it was made clear just now that that would never happen. She opened her mouth to confirm. “...No.” She said after a moment’s hesitation. “Cancel deletion.” “Deletion canceled.” The computer responded. The view screen went dark, and Sela just stared at it, contemplating her decision. She had a neutral expression, but her mind raced with one phrase. They will never come around, why can’t I let go? At that moment, Shron’s voice came from her combadge. “Commander Sela, Are you busy? We had an idea that we would like your opinion on.” He said. After composing herself, Sela tapped her combadge in response. “On my way.” She said as she got up from her chair and insta-transported out of her quarters on the USS Equestria. Teletran scanned the pod with his scanner with Proxima watching, while Hannah and Belana were trying to keep their cool over being in the same room as CYBERTRONIANS. “Amazing.” Hannah said as she and Belana stared up at Blitzwing. “Actual, real life Cybertronians.” Blitzwing just eyed them skeptically. “It’s not that amazing.” He said. “We’re just one of many species in the universe.” “Yes. But this is different, we once thought you to be literal fiction. Nothing more.” Belana explained. “To get to meet living Cybertronians would have been a dream come true in Ancient Earth times.” Hannah said. Blitz just rolled his eyes while Teletran finished his scan. “Well, I can confirm this much at this time, this pod definitely came from outside of this galaxy.” He said. “We figured that much.” Proxima responded. “What else can you tell us?” “For more information I need to do a more in depth scan of this pod.” Teletran responded. “This pod is deflecting all attempts to do an in depth scan. I am confident I can break through that but will need time.” Teletran responded. “If that is OK of course.” “We’ll be bringing this Pod with us so you’ll have plenty of time to analyze this thing.” Proxima responded. “Thank you for agreeing to take a look Teletran.” She said. “It’s the least I can do in return for you giving us a ride back to Cybertron.” Teletran responded. “As soon as I have something I shall inform you.” “Much appreciated Teletran.” Proxima said. “Captain Maxima, please report to Headquarters Embassy. Ambassador Starscout requests your presence.” A computer voice voiced from her combadge. “Acknowledged.” Proxima responded, albeit confused. She knew Ambassador Starscout was Equis’s top ambassador. She had met her several times throughout her life. Although she couldn’t think of a reason the ambassador had to specifically request her presence. Despite the confusion, she knew better than to keep the Ambassador waiting. So she bid farewell to everyone and insta-transported back to HQ In the Embassy, an orange furred Alicorn stood by a window, looking at a PADD when she heard a familiar voice. “Ambassador Starscout.” The mare looked up and saw her friend Proxima approach. “Cadet-er, sorry. Captain Maxima.” Starscout corrected herself. “Congratulations on your promotion.” “Does it count as a promotion if it’s straight out of the academy?” Proxima asked, making both mares chuckle. “I don’t know. But still, congratulations.” Starscout responded. “Thanks.” Proxima responded. “What can I do for you?” She asked. “I heard about what happened recently. Talk about an insane first mission.” Starscout responded. “You’re telling me.” Proxima responded. “I’ve already had to pinch myself several times just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.” “And now you’re off to find a new world. You’ve certainly come a long way.” Starscout responded. “Sometimes I wonder if maybe I should join Starfleet.” She mused.  “You should. You might make first contact on your very first mission.” Proxima responded. “And it might go well given my background in diplomacy.” Starscout responded, both girls chuckled again. “And that brings us nicely to why I wanted to see you. Equis just developed something that I think you could use while out there. The Harmony Core.” Starscout told Proxima. “The Harmony Core?” Proxima asked. “It’s a new energy core that harnesses the power of both the Elements of Harmony and the Unity Crystals.” Starscout explained. Proxima stared at the Ambassador in disbelief, knowing what both of those terms meant. “Sunny, please don’t tell me the most powerful crystals on Equis are integrated into the core.” She said. “Equis needs those does it not?” She asked. “Ever since we joined the Federation, every threat that Equis faces can be handled by the Federation without the Elements of Harmony or Unity Crystals getting involved. So we decided to put them to use.” Sunny responded. “And you believe we need it out there?” Proxima asked. “Extra galactic space is dangerous. We have no idea what’s out there. And I would hate for the lot of you to meet a premature end when it could’ve been prevented.” Proxima continued to stare at her friend for quite a bit, unsure of what to think. Finally, she just sighed. “The Harmony Core is already on its way isn’t it.” She said. Knowing her friend. “It’ll be here tomorrow, and it will be installed as soon as it arrives. I already talked to Admiral Vance.” Sunny responded. “If you want it of course.” Proxima just sighed, sensing that Sunny wouldn’t take no for an answer. “I’ll alert the Drydock crew.” She said. “Thank you Sunny, I promise we’ll guard the core with our lives.” “All we ask.” Sunny responded. On the surface of Earth, a Red Muscle Car with horn on its hood screeched down a stretch of road in the countryside, probably the first set of tires to touch that road in centuries. The car had one thing different though, no driver. Cliffjumper soared down the road at maximum speed. “Woohoo! This is what I’m talking about! Yippee Ki Yay!” He bellowed out into the open. “Teletran to Cliffjumper. Do you copy?” Cliff heard Teletran say through their comlink. “I read you Teletran. What’s up?” Cliff asked. “I need to talk to you. Got a minute?” Teletran asked. “Shoot.” Cliff responded as he turned off the radio. “I was brought a pod the Federation had. And after studying it and learning Captain Proxima’s own history. I believe Captain Maxima to be the Original Protoform, The Lost One.” Teletran Announced. Cliffjumper hit the brakes hard and he skidded to a halt. “What?!” He asked. “Indeed. The pod that the Federation owns? She was discovered in the pod. And the pod is in fact of Cybertronian origin.” Teletran explained. “Are you certain?” Cliffjumper asked. “Preliminary intelligence points in that direction. Yes.” Teletran responded. “But wait, she’s an organic though. How could she come from Cybertron if she’s organic?” Cliff asked, confused. “I theorize that her pod somehow picked up Organic DNA and merged it with her Cybertronian CNA. I am going to attempt to access the pod’s flight data.” Teletran responded. “Have you told the Captain yet?” Cliff asked. “No, and I do not intend to until I have concrete evidence in the form of a flight plan.” Teletran responded. “If you’re accessing its flight plan you HAVE to tell them what you find. Especially if that flight plan has its origin point on Cybertron.” “We shall see what happens.” Teletran responded. “But one thing is clear. Whatever the captain may think, she is probably wrong.” He said. “Any other signs that point to Captain Maxima’s Cybertronian Origins?” Cliff asked. “She can retract her horn and her wings into her body and hide them from plain sight. Something like an Alt mode but not really.” Teletran responded. “Solid sign.” Cliff responded. “I’m on my way back. I want to check out this pod myself.” After that, Cliff cut the connection, put pedal to the metal, and did a stationary U turn to go back. This is going to be an interesting adventure. He thought on the way back. To Be Continued…